City council proceeds on proposed dredging project
The Sanibel City Council took the first step in moving forward with a proposed special assessment and assessment district for a now reduced dredging project for the Wulfert Channel at its recent meeting.
On June 12, the council voted 4-1 on a resolution declaring its intent to establish the Wulfert Channel Area Dredging Assessment District and a special assessment to finance public improvements for maintenance dredging within the channel. Councilmember Richard Johnson cast the dissenting vote.
Prior to the vote, city staff presented the council with two resolutions for consideration: one that covered just the Wulfert Channel, and the second including Sunset Bay and Dinkins Bayou.
City Manager Dana Souza reported that based upon council’s direction at the prior week’s meeting, staff revised the options to delete establishing an annual assessment of $1,200 to create a fund to pay for any future maintenance dredging and to allow the assessments to be paid over up to five years.
He continued that the dredging area for the Wulfert Channel was also reduced to only the city’s jurisdictional boundaries, excluding the county’s area. As a result, the overall project cost dropped.
For just the Wulfert Channel, the proposed cost is estimated at $446,065. As it has done with other dredging assessment districts, the city would pay 33.33% of the cost or $148,673.46. The remaining 66.67% or $2,127,206.36 would be split between 196 involved properties, for $1,517.30 each.
For the Wulfert Channel, Sunset Bay and Dinkins Bayou, the proposed cost was estimated at $2,231,947.50. Like other projects, the city would again pay 33.33% of the cost or $743,908.10. The remaining 66.67% or $1,488,039.40 would be split between 196 properties, for $7,592.04 each.
City Attorney John Agnew reiterated that approving one of the resolutions would only signify the council’s intent to proceed and it would only be the first step in the process. Staff would next have to finalize a preliminary assessment role and present it for approval, following by hearings and more.
In regards to his no vote, Johnson explained that it had to do with community.
“It’s not that I didn’t support it,” he said of the Wulfert Channel only resolution. “I wanted that recognition that I want to keep our community working together.”
To view the updated presentation from staff on the Wulfert Channel project, including the updated dredging plan for the reduced area, click on DREDGING PROJECT PRESENTATION and DREDGING PROJECT PLAN.
IN OTHER NEWS
– The council voted unanimously 5-0 on a resolution amending the special event schedule of fees.
Prior to the vote, staff reported that the proposed changes include: any request for a substantial change in key event components, such as date, time or location, of an approved permit would result in an additional $100 fee; a permit placard mailing fee of $25; a City Hall grounds daily rental fee of $1,000 for residents and $2,000 for non-residents; and a Sanibel Community Park daily rental fee of $475 for residents and $950 for non-residents.
– The council voted 5-0 to approve a five-year memorandum of understanding between the city, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, Sanibel Fire and Rescue District, and U.S. Department of the Interior’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to facilitate the cooperation of the parties to manage conservation lands more efficiently and economically on Sanibel, including the use of prescribed fire and mutual aid response to natural disasters and other emergencies.
– The council held the first reading for an ordinance to amend the Code regarding Shared Path Use violations following a discussion of the draft legislation. The second reading will be held on July 15.
– Prior to the meeting, the council held a budget workshop. Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer Steve Chaipel provided a presentation on the city’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2025-26.
To view the presentation, click on BUDGET PRESENTATION.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email