CEPD approves sea turtle services for beach project
The Captiva Erosion Prevention District’s (CEPD) commission recently approved an agreement for sea turtle monitoring and nest location for the upcoming beach renourishment, along with one for rental housing for sea turtle interns that will take part.
At the meeting on March 10, CEPD staff presented the board with two proposals from the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) for its services in advance of and during the project.
Per the first proposal, the SCCF will provide four interns and one biologist for monitoring and nest relocation. Monitoring must begin 65 days prior to the project’s start, so it will begin from the first day of nesting season on April 15 through Sept. 30. SCCF staff will cover April, and the interns will be hired to work from May through September.
The commissioners voted unanimously 5-0 to approve the agreement with the SCCF for sea turtle monitoring and nest relocation for the outlined time period for a cost not to exceed $130,000.
Per the second proposal, the SCCF reported that securing and funding housing for the interns will be the responsibility of the CEPD as it will not have housing available again for interims until 2026.
Staff presented the board with a short-term rental agreement for the four interns for May through September for a Captiva property for a cost not to exceed $15,000, which was approved 5-0.
Also during the meeting, the commission discussed the parking lot attendant situation at the Alison Hagerup Beach Park. In addition, it talked about possible signage to show the lot’s open capacity.
A motion to hire another part-time attendant was approved 4-1. Chairman John Wade voted no, explaining that he thinks they have enough staff to rearrange scheduling to have two people.
IN OTHER NEWS
– Economist Dr. William Stronge presented the board with his tentative apportionment report, which had updated storm and recreational benefits analyses and values based on the method used in 2021.
– CEPD municipal advisor Matthew Sansbury reported that the bank loan Request for Proposal (RFP) for the upcoming beach renourishment has been released and a handful of banks have already shown interest.
Any questions from the banks would be due that week, with bid proposals due by March 26.
He reported that the RFP went out to 30-40 banks and they reached out to eight or so in that sector.
“We’re hopeful to get the regular five bids, plus or minus two,” Sansbury said.
“I do think you guys will get some responses — based on the conversations we had,” he added.
– The commissioners voted 5-0 to renew the CEPD’s contract and services with accounting firm Wiltshire, Whitley, Richardson & English. It estimated that its monthly fee would be $3,550.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email