Sanibel City Council addresses COVID rise
At its recent meeting, the Sanibel City Council agreed to limit public access to city buildings in response to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, as well as approved the annual assessment for waste and recyclables collection and disposal and approved three ordinances that amend the city Code.
On Aug. 24, the council voted unanimously 5-0 to reinstate the temporary policy of controlling access to city buildings in an effort to maximize social distancing for residents and employees during the current regional surge in COVID cases. Doors will be posted with a phone number to call for access. When feasible, services will be provided at open air walk-up windows or outdoors in open air settings.
Currently, face coverings are required in all city buildings for age 2 and older.
During its discussion prior to the vote, the council voiced concern for the recent surge in cases.
“Things have changed a lot since we last met,” Councilmember Dr. Scott Crater said, explaining that Florida is the worst state in the nation in terms of hospitalization numbers using a per capita basis.
“We are number 50 out of 50,” he said.
Scott continued that as hospitalizations continue to climb, the number of deaths will also rise. He pointed out the state’s low vaccination rate of about 50 percent, calling it “not good enough.”
Vice Mayor Richard Johnson spoke about the virus’ mutation and possible future variations.
“I’m very concerned about the Delta variant that we’re dealing with today. I’m even more concerned about the one that’s coming next,” he said, also pointing to the low vaccinate rates being reported.
“I don’t think we’re moving near quick enough,” Johnson said.
Mayor Holly Smith reported to the rest of council that she spoke with City Manager Judie Zimomra and City Attorney John Agnew about the city’s current COVID protocols and previous measures.
“Everything we have in place is what we can do,” she said.
However, Smith added, they did have a prior policy limiting public access to city buildings.
“I think that is the only additional step that we could actually do right now,” she said.
Asked by the council, Zimomra recommended that the council reconsider limiting public access.
As part of its discussion, the council debated whether it could and if it should require city employees to undergo weekly testing if they do not provide proof of vaccination or choose not to get vaccinated.
Zimomra explained that the city provides testing for employees if they are symptomatic or have been exposed. She continued that due to HIPPA, she does not know who has or has not been vaccinated, but she believes that the percentage of staff vaccinations match the county’s figures, not the city’s figures.
“So about 58 percent,” Smith responded.
On the legality of mandating testing, Agnew explained that there is precedent and it is happening, citing Miami-Dade County as one example. However, he asked the council for time to research that further.
ANNUAL ASSESSMENT
The city council approved two resolutions regarding the 2021-22 annual special service assessment designed to fund the collection and disposal of solid waste, recyclables and horticultural waste.
It voted 5-0 on a resolution relating to the collection and disposal of solid waste, recyclables and horticultural waste; constituting the city’s annual rate resolution and reimposing the annual special service assessment to fund the collection and disposal against assessed property for Oct. 1 through Sept. 30, 2022; approving the rate of assessment; approving the solid waste assessment roll; and approving the collection of assessments through the uniform method of collection (tax bill).
The council also voted 5-0 on a resolution equalizing and approving a recurring annual special service assessment for the collection and disposal of solid waste, recyclables and horticultural waste for all residential dwelling units — defined as one through four residential dwelling units per parcel; equalizing and approving the recurring annual special service assessments for Oct. 1 through Sept. 30, 2022; providing for the confirmation, adoption and filing of a final assessment roll for the same; and providing for confirmation of the recurring annual special service assessment.
Per the resolutions, an assessment of $328.39 for each dwelling unit applying for or using curbside collection and disposal services was approved for an estimated 4,008 units, along with an assessment of $431.19 for each dwelling unit applying for or using the backdoor services for an estimated 41 units.
ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS
The city council voted 5-0 to approve an ordinance that amends the Sanibel Code relating to gas-powered leaf blowers. The amendment prohibits the use of the equipment after Dec. 31, 2022.
Prior to the vote, The Sanctuary Golf Club General Manager Ken Kouril spoke before the council during public comment. He explained that they regularly use an industrial type of blower to maintain the 80 acres of golf course, and that it will be difficult to complete that task using electric blowers.
“It would be a great burden if we did not have that piece of equipment to utilize,” he said.
“I’m here to just respectively request that carve out,” Kouril added.
During the following discussion, staff reported to the council that the other island golf courses expressed a similar concern. Agnew suggested that the council could approve the ordinance with an amendment for an exception for tow-behind debris blowers for golf courses. It passed as such.
Also at the meeting, the council voted 4-0 to approve an ordinance that amends the Sanibel Code’s Land Development Code for Bailey’s Shopping Center, a Planned Unit Development. The request for an amendment to the LDC and its development standards will allow for a proposed redevelopment.
Due to financial and personal interests, Johnson recused himself from voting.
In addition, the council voted 4-1 to approve an ordinance that amends the Sanibel Code’s Land Development Code to specify the elevation of manufactured homes in flood hazard areas and provide criteria for accessory structures in flood hazard areas. Councilmember John Henshaw voted no.
IN OTHER NEWS
– The council voted 5-0 for staff to proceed with a recommendation to install R1-6 signs at the following crosswalks to enhance safety: Causeway Boulevard mid-block, Periwinkle Way at East Gulf Drive, Periwinkle Way at entrance to Lighthouse Beach Park, Middle Gulf Drive mid-block near Cowry Court, Casa Ybel Road at Algiers Lane, Tarpon Bay Road mid-block near Bailey Tract, Periwinkle Way at Bailey Road, Periwinkle Way mid-block at Dairy Queen, Periwinkle Way mid-block at Roadside Park, Bailey Road north of Periwinkle Way, Bailey Road at Pond Apple Park Trail, Dunlop Road mid-block at City Hall/Sanibel Public Library, Sanibel-Captiva Road at Bowman’s Beach Road, and Sanibel-Captiva Road at Mangrove Lane.
– The council voted 5-0 to proceed with the first reading of a draft ordinance on outdoor dining.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email