CCP hears of stormwater, wastewater and more
The Captiva Community Panel received updates on ongoing initiatives at its recent meeting.
On Nov. 12, President Jay Brown reiterated that Lee County has approved about $200,000 for the design of an engineering study to address stormwater management in the Village on the island.
Vice President David Mintz continued that the county has put the project out to bid, received the proposals and held a couple of meetings since. The bidding process has been narrowed down to three finalist firms for the project: Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, RESPEC and Weston & Sampson.
He reported that the county’s next steps will be selecting a firm and entering into a contract.
Also during the meeting, Brown provided an update for the Wastewater Committee.
He reported that the city of Sanibel is still working on the final consulting study for the possible conversation from septic for Captiva to Sanibel’s central wastewaster system. The final study, out of three, aims to determine what the economic impact would be of adding the island to the system.
Brown continued that any consideration of the potential septic-to-sewer project, however, will likely have to be tabled until the situation with South Seas’ rezoning request and the county concludes.
Also at the meeting, the panel heard an update on nominations for the coming year.
Brown reiterated that he has reached the end of his term limits. A nominee of the Captiva Civic Association, the CCA has announced its nomination of Michael Bennett to the soon-vacated seat.
He noted that Bennett will be a good addition to the panel.
Brown continued that Panel Member Ken Gill will not seek another term. A nominee of the Captiva Property Owners Association, the CPOA has announced John Wade as its replacement for the seat.
Additionally, the panel’s Nominating Committee supports Mintz for another term.
“Anyone else wishing to be considered can submit resumes,” Brown added of the CCP seat.
For information, contact captivacommunitypanel@gmail.com.
IN OTHER NEWS
– Panel Member and Captiva Erosion Prevention District Commissioner Linda Laird
provided an update for the CEPD. She reported that it is seeking a grant for a possible upland sand project.
She continued that the planned beach renourishment project is contracted for May and will be completed before the next hurricane season. The design entails building up the sand 10-12 feet high, which is taller than its previous projects, and with a 10:1 slope toward the beach for sea turtles.
“The state has recommendations for us to go higher,” Laird said.
She added that the project will include more vegetation and mature plantings than prior ones.
“A lot more plants, with a lot more variety,” Laird said.
Additionally, she reported that people have been observed breaking up the protective rocks near Jensen’s curve, along with carving out paths, laying pavers, setting up grills and creating patios within the dune area on the beach. Laird pointed out that work within the dune system requires permits.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s your property or not,” she said. “It’s illegal.”
– In his update, Captiva Island Fire Control District Fire Chief Jeff Pawul raised concern with the county’s proposed solution to the Jensen’s curve area following the recent hurricane washouts.
He reported that while he appreciates the county’s effort, the size of the riprap will not work. If the water comes onshore again in a storm, it will push it all back onto the roadway, making it impassable.
“I don’t think that’s the solution,” Pawul said.
– Lee County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Rich Zeltman reported that there is still no beach parking after the recent storms. However, people are parking illegally on the island, particularly around Blind Pass.
“We’re tackling that, but expect it to happen,” he said.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email