Captiva Current

CCP hears of panel nominations, storm recovery

By TIFFANY REPECKI

trepecki@breezenewspapers.com

The Captiva Community Panel was updated on the nominations for two panel seats and the recovery plan for Captiva at its recent meeting, as well as heard posthurricane updates from local officials.

On Nov. 8, Panel Member and Nominating Committee Chair Linda Laird explained that there will be five open seats on the panel in January and that three island groups nominate individuals to serve.

This time, the Captiva Property Owners Association will nominate two people and has made its selections, and the Captiva Civic Association will nominate one person and has made its decision. The CCP will nominate two people, and the Nominating Committee has been accepting applications.

Laird continued that the two seats to be filled by the CCP are presently held by Treasurer Tony Lapi and Panel Member John Jensen, who have both expressed interest in serving another term. Christopher Leedom, Sarah McClure and Robert Wiesemann II also submitted applications and letters of interest.

“The people who volunteered are outstanding, ” she said of the three applicants.

Laird reported that the Nominating Committee met to discuss the applicants and review credentials. It agreed on con-

See CCP, page 7

Fire board hears update on ambulance, talks vacancy

By TIFFANY REPECKI

trepecki@breezenewspapers.com

The Captiva Island Fire Control District's commission received an update on housing a Lee County EMS ambulance at the fire station and discussed a soon-to-be-vacated seat at its recent meeting.

On Nov. 8, Fire Chief Jeff Pawul reported that the district's and county's attorneys have been in ongoing negotiations over the lease terms proposed by the district for setting up the ambulance. He explained the county is not willing to commit to any language that will allow the district to provide transport services if the county pulls the ambulance, saying that it is solely a housing agreement.

“They don't want to be tied to that, ” Pawul said. “They don't want to open that door. ”

He noted that only two districts have been able to receive the county's approval for transport.

“They don't want fire districts transporting because they transport, ” Pawul said, adding that the district never wanted full transport, only limited to move patients from a scene to the helicopter landing site.

“It would only cost us an apparatus to do it, ” he said.

It was those discussions with the county that evolved into putting an ambulance at the station.

Pawul asked the commissioners how they would like him to proceed, such as whether to agree to the county's terms and hope that it does not remove the ambulance or “brown” it out when staffing is shorthanded or whether to continue to push the issue of what the district wants if those do take place. He pointed out that the district also agreed to a lower lease payment, which they could revisit. “How bad do we want them to have a unit here?” Pawul asked. Commissioner John Bates reported that they could proceed now and revisit it later. “I think it's worth getting an ambulance in here as soon as possible, ” he said, adding that he does not want to enter into the agreement, however, if the island ends up not having the agreed to services.

After some discussion, the commission directed Pawul to reach out again to county officials.

Also during the meeting, Pawul reported that Bates' time on the commission was set to expire in 10 days. Bates was appointed in April on the basis that he would serve and assist through the budget.

Pawul voiced appreciation for Bates' dedication and willingness to help the last few months.

Bates recommended that Commissioners Sherrill Sims and Carole Campbell look to fill the seat probably by January,

Fire Chief Jeff Pawul See FIRE BOARD, page 7

CEPD board OKs interlocal contracts and financial audit

By TIFFANY REPECKI

trepecki@breezenewspapers.com

The Captiva Erosion Prevention District's commission approved two annual agreements with Lee County and its annual financial audit agreement at its meeting, plus discussed an upcoming vacancy.

On Nov. 7, Executive Director Daniel Munt presented the commissioners with the 2023 interlocal agreements from the Lee County Tourist Development Council for project grant funding for the Alison Hagerup Beach Park maintenance for $192,160 and CEPD beach vehicle maintenance for $10,299.

See CEPD, page 7

CCA to host Community Social for islanders

The Captiva Civic Association will host a Community Social on Nov. 17 from 5 to 6 p.m.

Free and open to the public, it will take place at the Captiva Civic Center.

“I hope this finds everyone in good health and as well as can be expected at this point in the post-hurricane recovery phase, ” Executive Director Emily Hess Ankerson said in a prepared statement. “I know it has been a lot for people to cope with, and the CCA would like to help by opening its doors for a social hour and a chance to connect with other community members who are on the islands. ”

Beverages and light fare will be provided.

In addition, the CCA continues to offer drop-in WiFi access on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Captiva Civic Center for those who need Internet access.

It also posts regular updates on its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CCAcaptiva.

The Captiva Civic Center is at 11550 Chapin Lane, Captiva.

County library system offering virtual programs

The Lee County Library System, which includes the Captiva Memorial Library, is offering the following free virtual programming:

Adult programs

∫ Nov. 30: Online Book Discussion for Adults at 10 a.m.

Calling all readers! A live virtual book discussion for adults. There is no assigned title. Instead, participants take turns sharing about the latest books that they have read. Advance registration required before Nov. 30 at 10 a.m.

For more information or to register, visit leelibrary.librarymarket.com.

Questions can also be directed to 239-479-INFO (4636).

Download books, stream video and other online content at www.leelibrary.net.

The Captiva Memorial Library is currently closed due to Hurricane Ian.

The Captiva library is at 11560 Chapin Lane, Captiva.

CCP From page 6 tinuing with the current panel and will recommend Lapi and Jensen for reappointment.

“But we are so pleased with the quality of the volunteers, ” she said. “We would just urge them to get more involved with the panel business because they have a lot to offer our community. ”

Also during the meeting, Vice President David Mintz provided an update on the island's plan for recovery. He reported that at the last Lee County Commission meeting, Commissioner Kevin Ruane proposed creating a multi-year task force to draft a plan for all of the county for implementation.

Mintz continued that the recovery plan would overlay what county staff would present, with federal and state monies to serve as possible funding sources. Ruane asked and agreed to serve as chair of the task force and wants all communities involved, meaning that the CCP's plans could be folded into it.

Also at the meeting, the panel received the following post-storm updates from officials: ∫ LCEC Key Account Executive Tricia Dorn explained that properties able to receive power on the island should have electricity. Those still without power should contact LCEC to follow up on it.

Panel Member and South Seas Island Resort Regional Managing Director Bob Walter noted that homeowners associations for those resort properties are handling the turning on of electricity. ∫ Lee County Sheriff's Office Lt. Mike Sawicki reported that the team has been focused on burglary suppression. There has been one residential burglary, which is under investigation, and missing marine electronics. People are advised to ensure their security system works and report anything suspicious. ∫ Captiva Island Fire Control District Fire Chief Jeff Pawul explained that before a commercial property can reopen for business, it is required to undergo a “life safety inspection” that is done by the district.

To schedule a life safety inspection, contact the district at 239-472-9494. ∫ Walter reported that Comcast is expecting to be active island-wide by mid-December. ∫ Mintz explained that the state decided against funding a ferry service to the island because of the Sanibel Causeway's reopening. Captiva Cruises had been involved in the plans to provide the service, with help from the Port Sanibel Marina. He noted that Ruane may try to appeal the state's decision.

Fire board From page 6 which will give people enough time to express their interest in serving.

Pawul said he would reach out to past candidates to see if they are still interested.

He also noted that the district's attorney said they could reappoint Bates if he is open to that.

“Plenty of other boards have done it, ” Pawul said.

After some discussion among the chief and commission, Bates reported that he is comfortable with seeing who might be interested in serving first, which would also give him time to think about it.

Those interested in an appointment to the seat can contact Pawul for more details.

He can be reached at jpawul@captivafire.com or 239472-9494.

In other news

∫ The district responded to 24 calls in October. Pawul explained that the monthly total was lower than normal because crews have not been running their usual amount of calls due to the recent hurricane.

“The calls we are running now are still storm-related calls, ” he said, adding that the calls include contractors falling off of ladders or accidentally starting brush fires, to downed power lines.

The commission voted 3-0 to approve the agreements.

Also during the meeting, Munt presented the commissioners with the auditor examination and engagement letters from Mauldin & Jenkins for the firm to conduct the CEPD's 2022 financial and compliance audit. The firm quoted a fee of $14,500 and $4,500 for each major program tested.

Prior to the vote, the commission asked Treasurer Dick Pyle to provide his opinion.

“They've done a nice job, ” he said. “I think they deserve to be engaged again with the audit. ”

The commissioners voted 3-0 to proceed on the audit.

Also at the meeting, Munt explained that Commissioner Linda Laird would be vacating her seat in January as she was unable to get her paperwork filed in time for re-election due to health issues.

“So now we have to go through an appointment process, ” he said.

Munt reported that it will be the same process as when Laird and Commissioner Bob Walter were appointed and includes placing an advertisement in the newspaper and accepting applications.

He anticipated that the commission will be able to make the appointment in January.

Those interested can submit their application and resume online at https://www.mycepd.com/.

In other news

∫ Mintz reported that the county relayed the proposed ordinance relating to a year-round farmers market will be approved. However, it has language written into the ordinance that states no more than 20 percent of the market's vendors can be selling products or items that are nonagriculture goods.

“Which will keep it as a farmers market as opposed to a flea market, ” he said.

“That was also one of our recommendations, ” Mintz added. ∫ Mintz provided an in-depth informational presentation regarding FEMA's 50% rule, as well as discussed the county's five-year look-back rule and its proposed 15 percent home value adjustment. ∫ Michael Fusco, founder and chief executive officer of Ironclaim, provided an informational presentation about public adjusters, what they do, and when and why you might hire one.

For a video of the meeting, visit https://captivacommunitypanel.com/news-updates/.

CEPD From page 6

In other news

survey crews recently conducted and finished a survey of the beaches in the aftermath of the hurricane.

“We're doing an impact analysis of the beach from Hurricane Ian, ” she said.

Sharp also reported that the vulnerability assessment is being packaged and prepared for release.

“It has been completed, so it is in draft form, ” she said. ∫ Munt reported that property owners should have received their apportionment bills for the recent beach renourishment project. Those who have not can contact him at dmunt@mycepd.com to receive a digital version. Those who have questions about their apportionment can also email him with those.