City council supports school traffic initiative, hears updates
The Sanibel City Council gave the green light on a proposal to install a speed detection system outside of the island school at its recent meeting, as well as was updated on a new software program for the Recreation Department’s programming and services.
On March 5, Sanibel Police Department Police Chief William Dalton gave a presentation on “Automated School Zone Speed Limit Enforcement.” Last year, House Bill 657 was approved and signed into law, which amended Florida statutes to allow for the use of automated speed detection systems for the enforcement of school zone speed limits. He outlined the following key points:
– Municipalities are authorized to install automated speed detection systems to enforce school zone speed limits.
– A city ordinance must be passed prior to implementation.
– Requires a 30-day public awareness campaign and signage warning motorists that speed detection systems are in place.
– Enforcement runs from 30 minutes prior to school starting until 30 minutes after school ends.
– A $100 fine will be issued to vehicles going 10-plus mph over the speed.
– Violations will not add points to the vehicle owner’s license and cannot be used in setting vehicle insurance rates.
– Provides defenses for the person who receive a notice of violation and procedures for hearings regarding violations.
– There are no upfront costs to the city. Vendor retains a percentage of the fine.
– The fine is distributed between state and local governments as follows: $60 goes to the municipality to administer the speed detection system and other public safety initiatives; $20 goes to the state General Revenue Fund; $12 goes to the county school district; $5 goes to the municipality for a School Crossing Guard program; and $3 goes the FDLE Criminal Justice Standards and Training Trust Fund.
Dalton reported that the SPD investigated the feasibility of installing a system at The Sanibel School in its school zone on Sanibel-Captiva Road. A speed study conducted in November of westbound traffic recorded an average of 520 violations during the school day — 17.5% of vehicles — and a study done in December of eastbound traffic recorded an average of 459 violations over the school day — 11.36%.
He continued that the SPD would place one system at each side of the school zone to capture both eastbound and westbound speeding violations. Vendors have estimated an up to 80% or 90% reduction in violations after the program is implemented, which at 85% would cut the 979 daily total to 147.
Dalton encouraged the council to support the initiative, noting that the purpose is to enforce speed zones in the school zone and improve safety for students, teachers, administrators and parents.
“I have trouble enforcing the speed limit all over the island, and everybody should respect the speed in a school zone. That’s all there is to it,” he said. “This would be a tool in the toolbox that would help.”
The council voted 5-0 to direct staff to prepare a draft ordinance that would allow the use of an automated speed detection system at the school zone and to further investigate the deployment of it.
Also during the meeting, Recreation Director Andrea Miller gave an update on CivicRec. The software’s online portal to the rec center and Sanibel Fit 4 Life programs will go live on March 25.
She explained that the public will be able to create a user account, which can be used to purchase memberships and programs, sign waivers, and for facility rentals. Beach parking permits, dog licenses, merchandise, surveys, volunteers, leagues, court reservations and more will be added in the future.
IN OTHER NEWS
– The council voted 4-0 to approve an ordinance that amends the Land Development Code related to mixed-use development to provide incentives to create housing opportunities for Sanibel workforce and streamline permit processes for such development. Mayor Richard Johnson recused himself.
– The council voted 5-0 to approve a resolution that amends the authorization of outdoor displays of merchandise under conditions provided via a previous resolution. It updates the language regarding the aggregation of businesses to only allow for “a maximum of two qualifying businesses” to aggregate.
– The council voted 5-0 to reappoint the following individuals to the Historical Preservation Committee: Emilie Alfino, Deborah Gleason, Yvonne Hill, Ariel Hoover, Mary Jurgens, Steve Lundin and Patricia Norton. Troy Thompson did not receive a majority vote to earn a reappointment.
– The council voted 5-0 to reappoint or appoint the following individuals to the Vegetation Committee: Barbara Boyce, Ruth Brooks (adjunct member), Claudia Hoffman, Barbara Horvath, Pamela Miller, Mariana Pardo, Vincent Simonelli and Barbara Wyskowski.
– After receiving its water quality report from Natural Resources Department Director Holly Milbrandt, the council directed staff to draft a letter to send to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on its behalf regarding the recent Lake Okeechobee releases.
– The council voted 5-0 to continue to its meeting on April 2 the Phase 4B Sewer Assessment Public Hearing and related resolutions.
– The council held the first reading for an ordinance related to milestone inspections that would update the LDC to create mandatory inspections of aging condominium and cooperative buildings. The second reading is set for April 2.
– The council held the first reading for an ordinance that would amend the LDC related to housing standards and policies of the Below Market Rate Housing (BMRH) program in regards to increased density. During discussion, changes were requested to the language. The council then voted 5-0 to reschedule the first hearing for the revised ordinance for April 2.
– The council recognized Natural Resources Department environmental biologist Joel Caouette as the Employee of the First Quarter.
– The council received an update from Milbrandt on the Beach Nourishment Project. Effective March 2, the crews will also work Saturdays through the project’s end. April 15 is still the completion goal.
– Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation biologist Jack Brzoza presented the council with a summary of research on coyote depredation to sea turtle nests for the 2023 nesting season.
– The council discussed a draft ordinance that would amend the city’s charter to allow the council greater flexibility in determining an interim council member appointment following a vacancy.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email