Sanibel fire board OKs policy changes, discusses future vacancy of seat
The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District’s commission approved changes related to the construction of Station 171 and bidding on apparatus at its recent meeting, plus learned a commissioner plans to retire.
On Aug. 12, the commission voted unanimously 2-0 to authorize the fire chief to approve change orders for the reconstruction of the station on Palm Ridge Road, with prior approval from Lee County, provided that the cumulative total of all of the approved change orders does not exceed $250,000.
Prior to the vote, Fire Chief Kevin Barbot reiterated that the project is being funded through the U.S. Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant — Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program. Per the funding terms, the county must approve change orders and everything must be line-itemed and detailed.
He explained that the proposed authorization change would streamline the approval process with the county in regards to change orders for the station and staff would notify the commissioners of updates.
“So we can make sure we keep this project moving and not delayed,” Barbot said.
Also during the meeting, the commission voted 2-0 to waive the district’s formal Invitation to Bid and sealed-bid requirements for the purchase of new apparatus; to authorize administrative staff to obtain and negotiate proposals from at least three qualified manufacturers, authorized dealers or vendors; and to require the final proposals and recommendation be presented to the commissioners for approval.
Before the vote, Barbot explained that the current policy requires the district to go through a competitive bidding process to procure new apparatus, then it must select the lowest bid.
“We cannot negotiate our prices,” he said.
The proposed change would enable staff to gather bids instead — and negotiate the cost and terms.
“We will do all of negotiating, and get whatever is best for the district,” Barbot said.
Also at the meeting, the commissioners voted 2-0 to approve the cancellation of the district’s current MetLife life and AD&D insurance policy effective Sept. 30 and approve replacement coverage through United Badges Insurance Services and Renaissance Benefits Insurance Carrier effective Oct. 1 at an annual premium of about $9,610.
Prior to the vote, Barbot reported that the proposed change would decrease the district’s annual premium by about $2,875, from about $12,484. The new policy would also increase coverage to as much as $225,000 to meet the statutory requirements.
Also during the meeting, Commissioner Richard McCurry reported that he will be resigning and retiring, likely toward the end or at the end of the year, as he will be moving out of the state.
Barbot reported that McCurry was re-elected to his seat in June for another four-year term. He explained that to fill the seat, the commission can undergo a formal interview process and consider applicants or an informal process where the commissioners nominate individuals and then vote.
“We’re not a large department,” Commissioner Bruce Cochrane said, voicing his support for the informal process over the formal. “We don’t have to cull a lot of people for a replacement.”
Commissioner Jerry Muench agreed, adding that the informal route would be easier.
With the commission’s consensus, Barbot reported that he would put the topic on the agenda for the September meeting for their nominees to be considered, with a possible vote on the appointment.
The appointee will serve until 2028, when the seat will be up in the general election.
IN OTHER NEWS
– Barbot reported that the district received a $5,000 TIPS grant from Preferred Governmental Trust (PGIT). In addition, it has applied for the Florida cancer grant and a FEMA grant for firefighters.
“That’s local dollars that don’t have to be spent,” he said.
– Assistant Fire Chief Chris Jackson reported that he collected quotes of $16,000 to $35,000, depending on the options, to refurbish Marine 171 — the large rescue boat that is now over five years old. The repairs would address corrosion issues and sun damage, plus some replacement parts.
He added that he will try to obtain additional quotes for the commission to compare.
– Barbot presented for discussion a proposed Adopt-a-Hydrant Art Program, which would allow members of the community to paint approved artwork on district fire hydrants. The commissioners heard from staff, along with a resident during public comment who voiced opposition to the idea.
After some discussion, the commission directed staff to talk to the district’s attorney about potential legal liabilities and issues with the proposed program, as well as to gather more public input on it.
– Deputy Fire Chief John DiMaria reported that the district responded to 138 calls in July, compared to 128 calls for the same month last year. It has responded to 1,035 calls this year, compared to 1,050 calls for the same time period for 2025.
– Division Chief of Prevention Larry Williams reported that he conducted 12 fire plan reviews and 121 fire inspections in July.
– The following staff were recognized for their years of service: firefighter-paramedic Stephen Bledsoe for four years; and Lt. Brian Howell for 25 years.
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