Sanibel fire board OKs grant funds, more
The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District’s commission approved insurance coverage, an agreement for grant funding and other resolutions at its recent meeting, plus heard updates on the fire stations.
On Dec. 10, the commissioners voted unanimously 3-0 on a resolution authorizing the purchase of flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or an equivalent private flood insurance for Station 172 on Sanibel-Captiva Road, which has an annual premium cost of $11,500.
Prior to the vote, Fire Chief Kevin Barbot reported that the district is required to have the additional NFIP coverage because it received federal and state funding for the reconstruction of the station.
He noted that they received three quotes for the insurance and $11,500 was the lowest.
Also during the meeting, the commission voted 3-0 to engage in the funding agreement with the Florida State Cancer Grant. The district was awarded $32,171.36 for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
Before the vote, Barbot reported that the grant includes a 25% cost share for the district.
The funds will be used to purchase one vehicle exhaust capture system, one personal protective equipment extractor and one case of chemicals.
Additionally, the commissioners voted 3-0 on the following resolutions:
– Authorizing the execution of the district’s annual contract with Medical Director Dr. Benjamin Abo for medical direction services at a cost of $5,000 per quarter.
– Authorizing the sale and disposal of surplus district property, including: three Lazy Boy-style recliners; four 2023 Chevy Tahoe 18-inch wheels and tires with TPMS sensors; four 2022 Ford F250 18-inch wheels and tires with TPMS sensors; four 2024 Chevy Silverado 20-inch black wheels and tires with TPMS sensors; four 2024 Chevy Silverado Crew Cab rubber floor mats; two district wooden logo tables; 12 assorted desk chairs; seven cushioned dining room table chairs; three Whirlpool refrigerators; one Amana dishwasher; one GE gas range; one Body Solid leg press machine; one Body Solid dip rack; one HOIST HF985 Smith machine; one HOIST plate holders set; one lot of various weight plates; one Cummins diesel generator with a 500-gallon fuel tank and transfer switch; and one Cascade system compresssor.
Also at the meeting, updates were provided on Station 172 and Station 171 on Palm Ridge Road.
Assistant Fire Chief Chris Jackson reported that they were still working on the punch out list with the contractor at Station 172. He cited a defective window and the duct work for the bunker gear dryer.
Jackson added that landscaping is ongoing and there are some cracks in the sidewalk to be fixed.
As for Station 171’s reconstruction, Barbot reported that they are awaiting Lee County’s authorization to go out to bid for a general contractor. Also, the building permit was going to the city that week.
Also during the meeting, the commission heard an update on the arbitration case with the union.
Barbot reported that he again spoke with union representatives, who advised that the issue is not about compensation, but being forced to perform a task that they believe is not part of their regular duties.
They were again unable to come to an agreement, so a special meeting has been set for January.
“It’s clear that we have a different interpretation and view on the language,” he said.
Sanibel fire engineer Ed Zarick, district vice president for the island’s District 17 — part of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1826 — and Local 1826 President Henry Garcia were in attendance. They both provided statements related to the case and answered some questions.
IN OTHER NEWS
– Barbot reported that the district responded to 108 calls in November, compared to 113 calls for the same month last year. It responded to 1,472 calls year-to-date, compared to 1,346 calls for 2024.
– Division Chief of Prevention Larry Williams reported that he conducted 38 fire plan reviews and 131 fire inspections in November.
– The following staff were recognized for their years of service: Jackson for 22 years; engineer Arian Moore for nine years; and engineer Todd Walter for 10 years.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email