by SC Associate Publisher Chuck Larsen
Sanibel is one step closer to a modernized police department, located at City Hall. City Council on Monday approved the process of securing an architectural firm for the project.
Council members reviewed a report from ADG Architectural, the firm hired to evaluate the needs and feasibility of modernizing the existing space. They projected the renovation would cover approximately 10,000 square feet of space with a preliminary budget of $3.7 million. They recommended relocating the police department to another onsite location during construction.
City Manager Judi Zimomra said the department’s relocation has been discussed, but a decision on where that would be has not been made.
When the Sanibel Police Department was formed in 1974, at the city’s inception, it was just a daytime-only department with a few male officers. There were less than 3,000 residents on the island at that time compared to the 7,351 residents recorded in the most recent census tally.
Throughout the past 46 years, the police department has grown to 30 officers and 30 civilian employees. The current design of the police department does not include facilities for female staff. Temporary trailers have been used for several years for those staff members. And the issue has grown critical as 50% of the current command staff is female.
Police Chief William Dalton says plans are to expand by building out a new space underneath the building in the parking overhang. The expanded space will house new men’s and women’s locker rooms, and a training room facility. Once completed, the ground floor space that is currently used as a squad room would be renovated for much-needed office space.
The city budget states, “the department is being used beyond its original capacity and in order to provide basic public safety services an addition to the facility is imperative.” The city staff has recommended seeking a loan to fund the project. Mayor Kevin Ruane emphasized in Monday’s council meeting that no new taxes would be required for this project.
Support for the modernization had unanimous support from council members. The mayor said Police Chief Dalton “has always come asking for reasonable things.”
Councilman Jason Maugham called the current facility an “unacceptable situation” and “not good enough for the female officers who protect us.” Vice Mayor Mick Denham added, “the police department deserves it.” Councilwoman Holly Smith called the modernization project “vital,” and Councilman Richard Johnson said he supports, as well.
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