CCP hires expert to collect extra data related to wastewater strategy
At its recent meeting, the Captiva Community Panel approved hiring a consultant to gather supplemental information to go with the TKW study on wastewater alternatives for the island.
On Feb. 12, the panel voted 8-1 to approve $49,335 for a research project to better understand the current and future level of need to replace septic systems with a central sewer service. Water quality consultant David Tomasko, with Tampa-based Environmental Science Associates, will conduct it.
Panel Member Jay Brown, Wastewater Committee chair, explained that Tomasko was recommended by the city of Sanibel’s Natural Resources Department and Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation.
“He’s done a lot of projects like ours,” he said.
According to the project proposal, Tomasko will: estimate the nutrient and pathogen impact on the island’s ground water and nearby coastal waters from septic systems present day, 20 years out and 30 years out; compare the impacts to the storm water runoff impact and the impact of the four existing, on-island wastewater treatment plants; and estimate improvement that would result 20 years and 30 years out if island septics were replaced by central sewer processing at Sanibel’s upgraded Donax facility.
The estimates will show the improvement with and without replacing the four existing plants.
To make the projections, Tomasko will complete a detailed examination of the permits for 60 island septic tanks; determine the high water elevation of the water table under 30 septic systems through soil samples; and analyze water samples from the McCarthy’s Marina area of the Village and the storm water discharge pipe leading into the Pine Island Sound to determine if human pathogens are present.
“He’s going to project what climate change will do to the underlying water table,” Brown said.
The three-month project will include a final report and public presentation.
“I think it’s going to give us some hard facts,” he said prior to the vote.
Brown acknowledged that the project’s cost would be “a lot of money” and is “a big number.”
“I think we should do it,” he said, noting that the data may help residents make an even more informed decision. “I think it’s a very important contribution that the panel can be making to the community.”
Secretary Mike Mullins pointed out the only $20,000 was originally approved for the project.
“We have a lot of things to do – we have limited resources for them,” he said, raising concerns about the panel’s budget and suggesting that only parts of the proposal be approved in a piecemeal style.
“I think there’s a more efficient way to do it,” Mullins said.
Following some debate among the panel members, they voted on approving the proposal and funds with the caveats that staff would work with Tomasko to attempt to reduce the $17,000 cost for sample analysis by seeking a closer lab and reach out to the county to see if any funding might be available.
However, the project would proceed even if the cost could not be reduced.
Treasurer Tom Rathbone was the dissenter in the 8-1 vote.
Also at the meeting, Administrator Ken Gooderham presented the panel with information he had gathered on MSTUs and MSBUs per its direction. He explained that a MSTU is a taxing unit based on an ongoing operation or service and it involves an annual budget with associated costs, while a MSBU is a benefit unit created for a specific project and once the project is completed the tax goes away.
“It’s a way to tax yourself to get certain services in a community,” he said of both.
Gooderham added that if the panel wanted to create a taxing unit to help fund its operation, projects and such, due to the county no longer funding community planning groups, it would be a MSTU.
He outlined the process, noting that at least 50 percent of the community must support it.
“What it operates on is millage,” Gooderham said.
He explained that the taxable value of Captiva’s properties last year was over $1.4 billion, with 1 mill equaling $1,000 in value. Currently, islanders are taxed on two special districts: the fire district collects just under $2.5 million annually at a rate of 1.7 and the CEPD collects over $400,000 at a 0.2984 rate.
“The down side is these are taxes you would pay on top of the taxes you pay now,” Gooderham said, referring to if the panel decided to proceed with creating a MSTU.
Panel Member Rene Miville expressed interest in seeking more in return from the county based on the taxes collected, and Mullins suggested going after Lee County Tourist Development Council dollars.
After some discussion, the panel directed Gooderham to look at the political and legal impacts if it created an MSTU in terms of changes to Sunshine rules, elections, how the panel functions and such. In addition, he was directed to look at any other possible available county dollars, like from bed taxes.
During the meeting, the panel also had a chance to ask questions of two wildlife control companies about iguanas, Chris Harlow of Wildlife Removal Services and Alfredo Fermin of AAA Wildlife Trapping and Removal Services. Harlow is contracted with Sanibel, and Fermin with Marco Island.
“You’re not going to get rid of them,” Harlow said, explaining that completely eradicating the population is highly unlikely and it is about keeping it in check. “They’re going to stay.”
He noted that one female can produce about 60 to 80 eggs.
“She lays the eggs and that’s it, she’s gone,” Fermin added.
They both agreed that the methods of trapping depend on the natural environment.
Harlow reported that Sanibel budgets about $25,000 annually for his services.
After the men answered the panel and audience’s questions, the panel agreed to have Panel Member Dave Jensen – who has been handling the iguana control issue – work on putting together a trial-run proposal for the service for it to vote on. It will cover the island, including South Seas Island Resort.
IN OTHER NEWS
– Mintz reiterated that Johnson Engineering quoted $43,000 to design the Captiva Drive improvement plan for the S curve, adding that Morris-Depew Associates would not be submitting a quote after all.
“They have no interest,” he said.
After debating whether to proceed with the design, the panel tabled the vote until next month.
– Mintz reported that attorney Ralf Brookes submitted a resume and proposed retainer agreement in response to the panel’s discussion about acquiring an attorney to provide it with general legal services. In the agreement, Brookes proposed a $10,000 annual flat fee paid out over 12 monthly installments.
“It’s a very reasonable retainer. I think this is exactly what the panel was looking for,” Mintz said.
However, he noted that he could not think of legal services the panel presently needs.
“I’m just not sure we need it immediately,” Mintz said.
Following some discussion, the panel decided to make a decision next month.