CEPD reviews updated beach project assessments proposed
The Captiva Erosion Prevention District’s board was presented with updates to the tentative apportionment for the proposed beach renourishment project at its monthly meeting.
On Nov. 14, consultant economists Drs. William Stronge and Gary Jackson returned before the commissioners to review the changes that were requested by the board at its September meeting, which included using $18 million versus $15 million for the project’s cost to offer some wiggle room.
They provided the updated breakdown of the project’s annual benefits for property owners for storm protection and recreation, along with the proposed assessments based on zone and property type.
During the presentation, Vice Chair Mike Mullins voiced surprise at the assessment figures.
“That kind of blows my mind,” he said. “It just feels to me exceptionally high.”
Stronge explained that the average storm and recreational assessments outlined in the presentation are spread out over 10 years, and that a higher project cost of $18 million was used in the calculations.
“We’re hoping we don’t have to assess at the $18 million,” he said.
Similar to the September meeting, Stronge and Jackson asked for direction from the board on some modifications to the methodology that they were suggesting. Following discussions, the board voted in favor of three separate motions tied into the assessment process for the proposed 2020-2021 project.
The board voted 3-0 to treat multi-family residences with fewer than 10 structures like single-family residences on the recreational assessment, reducing the proposed amount from $19,592 to $8,366.
“The board has the opportunity to revisit this when there’s a fuller board,” Mullins noted.
Two commissioners had excused absences from the meeting.
The board voted 3-0 to provide a homestead discount to single-family homesteaded residences. In addition, commissioners voted 3-0 to assess a beachfront parcel in the Upper Gold Coast for the first time ever and charge the owner of record, Gulf Way Improvement Association, letting it sort it out.
“I like the idea of sending them a bill and letting them divvy it up,” Mullins said.
“So do I,” Secretary Harry Kaiser added.
Also during the meeting, the board approved sending out a draft letter, brochure and postcard to registered Captiva voters about the proposed renourishment in order to evaluate how much support exists for the referendum. The results could help the CEPD determine what extra action to take.
“I think the sooner we send it out, I think the sooner we know how much work we have to do before the referendum,” Mullins said.
Following discussion about the quality and type of photographs presented in the sample literature, the commissioners voted 3-0 for the “straw poll” on the basis that better more colorful photos are used.
A discussion about the future of the CEPD’s administrator position, which is currently being served in the interim by Assistant to the Administrator Carolyn Weaver, was tabled until the next meeting.
“I think we need to have the whole board here to make that decision,” Mullins said.
Former Administrator Damon Grant marked his last day on Nov. 8. According to officials, Grant accepted a position with Collier County that he had applied for prior to joining the district.
IN OTHER NEWS
– Weaver reported that quotes are being collected for the restrooms and trash containers at Alison Hagerup Beach Park; quotes for the park’s fence were deferred until the December meeting.
Kaiser noted that the parking lot needs to be graded and the entrance sign cleaned.
Weaver reported that the grading is planned for after the holiday.
– Weaver told the board that quotes are coming in for the rope and bollard replacement.
– Weaver reported that she contacted the Lee County Sheriff’s Office for a recommendation on the CEPD’s new beach monitoring vehicle. It suggested an ATV since it is less likely to get stuck.