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The Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District held its monthly meeting on Feb. 23, providing a number of updates.

Under department reports Deputy Fire Chief Rodolfo Naranjo filled in for Chief Robert DiLallo and reported that the district’s interlocal agreement with Lee County was renewed for two years on Feb. 16, 2020, and gave an construction update on fire station 106.

“Progress on the construction of station 106 is going well. We have a projected target date of March 24, 2021 to move crews into the temporary station on that site. Also, the bank clearing and construction process of Station 102 is moving along quickly.”

Finance Manager Anita Kressel reported that the fire district had just completed its 2020 audit, and addressed the board about a possible reimbursement in the amount of $746,086 from the Lee County Cares Act.

According to Kressel, each special district may receive this money to address the extra costs due to COVID.

“This would be a reimbursement for expenses already incurred by the district from the COVID pandemic, covering things such as protective gear, sanitizers, over time due to employees being quarantined due to COVID and other expenditures,” Kressel said.

The board also discussed allowing Kressel to gather more information on a possible construction loan or bond in the amount of $5 million to aid in construction of station 106.

The board directed Kressel to get more information on the pros and cons of each channel and report back during the next monthly meeting.

Board members also agreed that DiLallo will initiate negotiations with the Local 1826 District 6 and District 19 Bargaining Agreements.

During the evening, Attorney Richard Pringle gave an update on the signing of an agreement with FGUA for the water utilities for Station 102.

Other items mentioned were the approval of education and travel expenses for a yearly conference attended by the board, which was tabled by commissioners since Commissioner Linda Carter was not in attendance.

Pringle suggested holding a commissioners board workshop in the coming months to acquaint new members and refresh current ones with local and state laws and other matters associated with the fire district’s board.

The Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District holds its monthly meeting on last Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held at Station 104, 3102 16th Street, SW, Lehigh Acres.

For more information visit https://www.lehighfd.com/