Scanlon chairs fire meeting as scheduled
After missing last month’s district meeting, Fort Myers Beach Fire Commission chairman John Scanlon returned to preside over the board Tuesday, Feb. 17 in the Fire Station 31 meeting room at 3043 Estero Blvd., and offered no comment on his scheduled hearing Wednesday over his recent possession charges.
Scanlon, who would have faced a second strike if he did not attend this meeting, could have been removed from the fire commission if he missed three consecutive meetings, according to an opinion by commission attorney Richard Pringle.
He is currently on an administrative leave with Lee County Emergency Medical Services after being arrested New Year’s Eve for possession of cocaine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia, according to Diane Holm, spokesperson for Lee County Public Safety EMS.
“He remains in that state until the outcome of the hearing,” said Holm.
Scanlon, who declined to talk with reporters following the meeting, had a scheduled court hearing Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. He entered a plea of not guilty on Jan. 8, according to court records.
The fire commission meeting’s agenda focused on the its budget during these recessionary times.
After new captain Jeff Adams was sworn in and given promotional recognition, the board addressed old and new businesses including the unanimous approval of seeking a health insurance agent and an ambulance bill write-off; the procurement of a Stryker stair “carry” chair and a third ambulance; and the permission to talk about a medical officer contract with its union.
FMB Fire Chief Mike Becker reflected on the commission’s past objectives and discussed operations during the recession.
“Back in 2005-06 when I became fire chief, our goal was to rebuild the infrastructure of the fire department,” said Becker. “We did that. We built a new facility and replaced the aged and outdated equipment. Now, the goal is to maintain and sustain that effort.”
Becker then expressed concern over expected budget cuts.
“I’m afraid public safety will suffer,” he said about the proposed budget cuts. “Call are up this year and the demand for service is high. We depend on the housing market for our public safety. Service demands are increasing and revenue demands are decreasing. I’m fortunate enough to sit on a 10-year long term plan.”
The next fire commission meeting is scheduled for March 17.