Sanibel fire board updated on station, more
The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District’s commission received an update on the construction of one fire station and heard about mutual aid training and a grievance filed by the union at its recent meeting.
On Nov. 12, Assistant Fire Chief Chris Jackson reported that it was move-in day at Station 172 on Sanibel-Captiva Road for the crew. The temporary manufactured home that they had been using was scheduled to be moved from the site on Nov. 17. He noted that there was still some work yet to do.
Jackson explained that the landscaping and irrigation system was being installed. Contractors were also still on scene finishing up inside and outside. The swales and parking lot were still being worked on.
Also during the meeting, Deputy Fire Chief John DiMaria provided an update on training.
He reported that all staff recently took part in active shooter training provided by the Sanibel Police Department. The first phase of a two-phase training, it is designed to ensure seamless coordination between agencies. Once the threat is contained or eliminated, one of the roles of law enforcement is protecting the crew as they go in and treat victims.
The second phase will entail a live shooter training scenario at The Sanibel School. It will be held in January and include the Sanibel police, Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Fort Myers Police Department.
Also at the meeting, Fire Chief Kevin Barbot reported on a grievance filed by the union.
He explained that Southwest Florida’s IAFF Local 1826, which includes Sanibel’s District 17, filed it regarding the new rigid inflatable boat (RIB) and additional responsibility pay (ARP) being sought.
ARP is additional money that staffers receive on top of their regular wage. The district currently provides ARP for operating the fire rescue vessel, and the union wants the same for the RIB.
Barbot reported that the RIB is a tool used during near-shore water rescues, and the district’s stance has been that all staff should be trained on using it and they all should be able to operate and utilize it.
“We view the RIB as a standard operating tool, not a speciality,” he said.
However, the union is arguing that staff should receive ARP, like with the regular boat.
Barbot continued that administrative staff presented the union with a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that defined the differences between the two assets, with ARP only for the fire rescue vessel. The union denied agreeing to the MOU, and the district denied the union’s request.
As a result, the union filed for arbitration.
He reported that after the arbitration filing, administrative staff presented the union with a second proposed MOU that said staff uncomfortable using the RIP can talk to an officer and not do so.
The union, again, denied agreeing to that.
“We feel like we’re trying to work through an MOU that works,” Barbot said, noting that water rescue operations are part of their duties. “Unfortunately, everything keeps coming back to compensation.”
Commissioner Bruce Cochrane compared the RIB to using the Can-Am beach vehicle.
“I’m amazed that we’re worried about an ARP for that,” he said of the RIB.
Commissioner Jerry Muench confirmed with Barbot that staff do not have to use the RIB until they are comfortable doing so, and that Estero has the same tool and union and no grievance has been filed.
“I’ve never seen anything like this in all the years I’ve been here,” he said. “We would not expect anyone to use this piece of equipment unless they’re comfortable.”
Commissioner Richard McCurry echoed that.
“We wouldn’t ask you to climb the ladder truck without training,” he said.
The board agreed that the RIB should not come with ARP.
It will now proceed to arbitration as administrative staff continue talks with the union.
Sanibel fire engineer Edward Sarick, who is currently serving as vice president for Sanibel’s District 17, was out sick for the day and unable to attend the meeting to offer input and answer questions.
IN OTHER NEWS
– The commission voted 3-0 on resolution authorizing the purchase and installation of a solar system from Ameresco for Station 172 in an amount not to exceed $110,061.
– Barbot gave an update on the design and development of Station 171 on Palm Ridge Road.
He reported that the design plans are 100% complete. The district is waiting on the estimator’s final report before it can put the project out to bid for construction services and a general contractor.
The commission voted 3-0 to authorize Barbot to put it out to bid once everything is in order.
– DiMaria reported that the district responded to 101 calls in October, compared to 154 calls for the same month last year. It responded to 1,403 calls year-to-date, compared to 1,286 calls for 2024.
– Division Chief of Prevention Larry Williams reported that he conducted 36 fire plan reviews and 171 fire inspections in October.
– The following staff were recognized for their years of service: Sarick for 10 years.