City council votes in elevated pool ordinance, hears staff update on Blind Pass
The Sanibel City Council approved an ordinance related to elevated swimming pools at its recent monthly meeting, as well as received an update from city staff on the Blind Pass inlet study.
On May 1, the council voted unanimously 5-0 to pass the pool ordinance. It also held its first reading on a second ordinance that would establish a fee schedule for the purpose of gopher tortoise mitigation and the long-term maintenance and management of habitat at the Bowman’s Beach Park recipient site.
Under the new code, swimming pools “elevated higher than 3 feet, 6 inches above the ground cannot be higher than the lowest floor of the associated structure. A mid-level entry or other area devoted only to building access” will not be considered the lowest floor, even if it is above the base flood elevation.
James Evans, director of the Natural Resources, provided an update on the Blind Pass Inlet Management Study. He reported that staff is waiting to hear back from the city’s coastal engineer before making a recommendation on what it believes is the best option for moving forward.
He noted that the Bayous Preservation Association supports a hybrid of Alternatives No. 2 and 3.
Evans added that staff is tentatively in agreement with the organization’s suggested solution.
The Lee County Division of Natural Resources and consulting team APTIM, along with a technical advisory committee, is in the process of reviewing public input and comments from its third and final meeting on April 27. Next, a tentative plan will be selected and a recommendation made to officials.
The plan requires adoption by Lee County, Sanibel and the Captiva Erosion Prevention District.
Evans added that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection must also approve it.
Also at the meeting, the council approved a resolution for a labor agreement between the city and Fraternal Order of Police and another for an agreement for bond counsel services with the firm Bryant Miller Olive. Both of them passed with a 5-0 vote, along with the following consent agenda items:
– Award Geothermal Pool Heater/Chiller project to Symbiont Services Corporation in the amount of $178,400
– Award 2018 Storm Sewer Maintenance Project to Sewer Viewer in the amount of $46,420
– Approve request from “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge to waive a part of a development permit to exempt from removal approximately 240 square feet of exotic vegetation while requiring the removal of all other exotic vegetation at 1808 Woodring Road
Prior to the votes, City Manager Judie Zimomra pulled for discussion the approval of a two-year agreement with Sanibel FC to include soccer seasons for August to December and January to April.
She explained that it is a new separate league, but did not have insurance as of the meeting.
“They could like to have the agreement approved contingent on the insurance,” Zimomra said.
Staff recommended the action, which the council followed with a 5-0 vote.
In addition, the council also voted unanimously to direct staff to return to the June meeting with a tentative contact drawn up for the city and Farmer’s Market. It will include a five-year term with two one-year options, $5,625 in rent with an annual consumer price index increase, insurance and more.
“I think it’s an excellent addition to the community,” Mayor Kevin Ruane said.
As part of the contract, the market organizers will have to be proactive in prohibiting dogs.
Councilwoman Holly Smith drew attention to making sure the footprint of the event remains the same, while Councilman Mick Denham sought reassurance that the artists and crafters would be of quality.
Evans also provided the council with a water quality update.
“Lake Okeechobee dropped 6.5 feet since last month’s meeting,” he said, adding that it puts the city in a good position as it enters the upcoming wet season.
Water clarity is good in the San Carlos Bay and heading over the Sanibel Causeway.
“We have been seeing some moderate amounts of drift algae washing up on the beaches,” Evans said.
He added that a “patchy” red tide bloom is still present and continues to linger.
“(Sanibel) Public Works picked up about 22 dead fish on Lighthouse Beach Park,” Evans said, noting that most of the fish kills still have been reported in southern Lee County.
In other news
– A Life Saving Award was presented to Sanibel police Officer Chad Malik
– The council honored the 25th anniversary of the Annual Sam Bailey’s Islands Night
– The council proclaimed May 19-25 as National Safe Boating Week
– The council proclaimed May as National Bike Month