CCP to form subcommittees for county projects
The Captiva Community Panel decided to create subcommittees focused on potential county projects for the island and the stormwater engineering study for the Village at its recent meeting, as well as received an update on Protect Captiva’s legal actions.
On Feb. 11, President David Mintz explained that the Lee County Department of Transportation has possible projects still in the works regarding infrastructure improvements for the county and Captiva, such as the hardening of Jensen’s curve to make it more permanent and resilient to future storms and also addressing the Santiva area south of the Blind Pass Bridge.
He reported that the department is aware of the potential projects, but is unsure at which level they have been approved or not. There is possible funding available to do the work, which is his concern.
“There’s money out there and they’re picking projects,” Mintz said.
He recommended that the panel set up a subcommittee to work with the department and county administrative staff to figure out what will be done and when and how the projects will be funded.
Mintz suggested that it include Secretary Tony Lapi and Panel Members Mike Bennett and Margarethe Thye-Miville and that the group work with Captiva Island Fire Control District Fire Chief Jeff Pawul.
The panel and three members agreed, and Pawul reported that he would assist.
Also during the meeting, Mintz gave an update for the Stormwater Committee. He reported that Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson was picked by the county to conduct the stormwater study.
Mintz explained that prior to the selection, the panel had spoken with the other two firms that were bidding on the project. However, it was unable to connect with Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson.
He recommended that the panel set up a subcommittee to work with the selected firm.
“So that they have input from the Captiva community regarding our stormwater,” Mintz said.
He suggested that it include Panel Member Linda Laird, plus residents Jay Brown and Jon Rosen.
The panel agreed with forming the subcommittee.
Also at the meeting, Mintz provided an update from Protect Captiva regarding the legal proceedings against the county and South Seas, including the resort’s redevelopment application for rezoning.
He reported that a Circuit Court judge found that a 2003 settlement agreement between the Captiva Civic Association (CCA) and county does constitute a valid and binding agreement and that 912 units is accurate for South Seas. However, the resort plans to appeal it, which could take up to 18 months.
Also, a Florida Division of Administrative Hearings judge found that the CCA failed to prove “beyond fair debate” that the county’s Land Development Code amendments that exempt South Seas from the Captiva density and height limits are inconsistent with the Lee Plan. The CCA will appeal the decision.
Mintz continued that the two rulings do not prevent the resort from continuing down the path of seeking the rezoning from the county, which would allow it develop beyond those 912 units.
He reported that the rezoning hearing before the Lee County Hearing Examiner will start on Feb. 14 and continue on to Feb. 20-21 and possibly to Feb. 26-28. Mintz noted that public comment will likely be taken on Feb. 20-21 and only those who speak at the hearing will be allowed to comment when it goes before the county commission. He added that people can assign a proxy to speak on their behalf.
As for the process, the Hearing Examiner will issue an order on the rezoning. If approved, it moves on to the county commission. The examiner could also deny it or require that the resort stay within 912.
“That could be an outcome … We don’t know what the outcome could be,” Mintz said. “If we can convince the Hearing Examiner 912 is the appropriate number …. then this ends the dispute.”
IN OTHER NEWS
– Administrator Ken Gooderham is drafting a post-storm assessment survey for distribution to the community to gather feedback on what it thinks was learned and what the priorities are or should be.
– Lee County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Christine Zumbrum provided an update for the panel.
She advised that with spring break approaching, the community should ensure that property, like bicycles and kayaks, are secure and that any security cameras on the property are operational. Zumbrum noted that cameras not only assist with their property, but also neighboring properties.
– Pawul provided an update for the panel.
He reported that the crew has training scheduled in the Cone Room at South Seas. The buildings are being demolished. The public will see smoke and lights during the training, so do not be alarmed.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email