CITY OF SANIBEL
The truck routes and beach access for the Sanibel Island Post Hurricane Ian Emergency Berm/Beach Recovery Project.
The Sanibel City Council awarded the contract for the Sanibel Island Post Hurricane Ian Emergency Berm/Beach Recovery Project during its recent meeting, as well as approved a resolution establishing the public hearing for the Phase 4B assessment methodology of the Sanibel Sewer System expansion.
On Dec. 5, the council voted 4-0 to award the beach project to Eastman Aggregate Enterprises in the amount of $14,181,208. The project is funded through a combination of FEMA and state funding.
Prior to the vote, Natural Resources Department Director Holly Milbrandt gave an overview of the project, explaining that it focuses on the beach berm and gullies and replacing the washouts created by Hurricane Ian. The project work is estimated to start on Dec. 13 and end no later than April 13.
She noted that city staff is prepared and ready to work with its contractor and the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation during shorebird nesting season, which will begin in mid-February.
As part of the project, the city has asked Gulf-side property owners to fill out a Temporary Beach Management and Access Easement. Milbrandt explained that it allows the city to put sand on the sandy portion of the beach above the mean high water line, which in most cases is privately owned land.
CITY OF SANIBEL
The Sanibel City Council recognized Councilmember Holly Smith for her leadership as mayor before, during and after Hurricane Ian at its meeting on Dec. 5.
As of the meeting, 245 easements out of a total of 293 (84%) had been returned:
– Reach 1 (Bowman’s Beach Park to 4323 W. Gulf Drive): 60 out of 88 (68%)
– Reach 2 (4315 W. Gulf Drive to Seascape of Sanibel): 71 out of 87 (82%)
– Reach 3 (Wedgewood to Ocean’s Reach): 49 out of 50 (98%)
– Reach 4 (Gulfside City Park to Sanibel Moorings): 38 out of 41 (93%)
CITY OF SANIBEL
The Sanibel City Council recognized Information Technology Department Director Bert Smith for his 25 years of service during its meeting on Dec. 5.
– Reach 5 (Sanibel Arms West to Lighthouse Beach Park): 27 out of 27 (100%)
The council thanked the property owners who had returned their easements.
It also asked for tolerance and patience during the project.
“This is something that needs to happen,” Mayor Richard Johnson said. “We’re going to make this as painless as possible, but it is going to involve some disruption.”
Also at the meeting, the council voted 3-0 on a resolution to fix the time, date and place for the public hearing to determine the propriety and advisability of establishing and implementing the Sanibel Sewer System Phase 4B expansion project, which encompasses certain properties in the areas known as the Sanibel Gardens, Tamarinds and Winterbotham and on Ferry Road and Middle Gulf Drive, as to the cost and funding, manner of payment and amount to be assessed to each property.
CITY OF SANIBEL
The Sanibel City Council recognized Scott Foreman as the Employee of the Year during its meeting on Dec. 5.
The hearing will be held on March 5 at 9:10 a.m. at BIG ARTS on Sanibel.
Councilmember Holly Smith recused herself from voting as a property owner in the project area.
IN OTHER NEWS
– The council voted 4-0 to approve project grant contracts in the amount of $10,000,000 for Sanibel Stormwater Repairs and $9,936,341 for Lift Station Control Panel Replacement from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
– The council voted 4-0 to approve a resolution expressing its support for the Captiva Island Conservation Area draft bill.
– The council recognized Smith for her leadership as mayor before, during and after Ian.
– The council recognized Information Technology Department Director Bert Smith for his 25 years of service.
– The council recognized Scott Foreman as the Employee of the Year.
– The council recognized Lee County Electric Cooperative’s efforts during Ian.
– The council held the first reading for an ordinance that would amend the Land Development Code related to vegetation standards regarding coconut palms. The second reading is set for Jan. 16.
– The council held the first reading for an ordinance that would amend the Land Development Code related to fees and vegetation standards. The second reading is set for Jan. 16.
– The council held the first reading for an ordinance that would amend the Land Development Code to update conditional use permit standards for docks, boat davits, boat lifts and mooring pilings in the Beach Bay zone. The second reading is set for Jan. 16.
