Captiva fire board OKs resolution, hears of land offer
The Captiva Island Fire Control District’s commission approved a change to the disbursement policy during its recent meeting, as well as was updated on a property that it submitted a back-up bid on.
On July 14, the commissioners voted unanimously 3-0 on a resolution to update the internal controls and cash disbursement policy by increasing the spending limit to $20,000 for repairs and expenses and increasing the threshold amount of capital assets to $5,000, per the district auditor’s recommendation.
Also at the meeting, Fire Chief Jeff Pawul and Commissioner Jeff Brown — who are leading the land search for the district — reported on the five-acre Captiva Drive property on the Roosevelt Channel.
Brown confirmed that their $4.5 million offer was submitted to the owner. However, after getting a recent update from the broker, it appeared the first buyer and seller were heading toward closing.
“That’s OK,” he said. “There are other opportunities out there.”
Pawul reported that in the meantime, he has been talking with another property owner off of Captiva Drive who had previously offered a part of his land for use as a helicopter landing zone, if needed.
About five acres, the property consists of two parcels and the owner lives on one.
“We talked about doing an agreement with him,” he said. “So just looking for alternatives.”
Brown noted that the Lee County Sheriff’s Office rental is there.
“The owner is very nice,” he said, explaining that he would want to make sure that the property is available for their use. “I think the only way to do that is to enter into an agreement with him.”
Brown suggested that the district offer some compensation, nothing like the millions to buy.
He noted that they would need to remove a few trees for the medical helicopter to have clear access, which the district could pay to have removed for the owner or relocated elsewhere on his property.
“To allow us to have a big enough area there,” Brown said.
He added that the district would then just keep the parcel open and the grass cut.
“It’s available 24/7 365,” Brown said.
The commission directed Pawul to draft an agreement and bring it back for consideration.
IN OTHER NEWS
– Pawul reported that the district responded to 53 incidents in June.
The calls included a dumpster fire, vehicle fire, boating accident, vehicle accident and golf cart accident, along with a house fire on Sanibel that it assisted with and the normal EMS calls.
“It was a busy June,” he said.
– Pawul reported that the district conducted 14 inspections in June.
– Pawul reported that the crew recently trained on two houses donated by the owners. They had one for about four days and the other for two weeks, with the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District also joining in.
“Any time we get them is awesome,” he said. “We’re very thankful for the opportunity.”
– Pawul reported that firefighter-paramedic Aaron Paul Morris will retire at the end of the month.
“He’s been here for 13 years,” he said, adding that he will be missed.
Morris joined the district in May 2013.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email