Excerpt from the Clerk of the Circuit Court

 

 

For the complete minutes of the SBCC on May 14th click here

 

8.    RESOLUTIONS

         Following comments by Environmental Services Executive Director Rob Patten, Environmental Services Coastal Resources Manager Laird Wreford requested authorization to submit a funding application to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) for the South Siesta Key Beach Restoration Project.

 

         Following comments, Commr. Mills moved to adopt Resolution No. 2003-115, approving the submittal of a funding application to FDEP for the South Siesta Key Beach Restoration Project.  The motion, seconded by Commr. Thaxton, carried by a 5-0 vote.

 

         Following comments by Financial Planning Fiscal and Management Resources General Manager Bill Brown on the funding, discussions were held on the following topic/issues:

 

                  - breakdown of the costs/sand search funding/State and local contributions

                  - the Project area

                  - estimated State funding levels for the Project/level of competition for the funds.

 

         Commr. Mills moved to authorize Staff to initiate the South Siesta Key Beach Restoration Project beginning with the necessary sand search and hard bottom exploration utilizing the Tourist Development Tax as the funding source.  Following comments, the motion, seconded by Commr. Patterson, carried by a 5-0 vote.

(3:29:26)

 

 9.     ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

         Financial Planning Chief Financial Officer Janice Larned provided background information and summarized the Coastal Community Survey and revenue considerations of the Beach Management Program.  Following an inquiry, Ms. Larned commented on the future availability and pursuit of Federal funding.

 

         Ms. Larned provided an overview of the financial/funding strategy options for the Beach Management Program as outlined in Staff's report dated May 14, 2003.  Following inquiries, Financial Planning Fiscal and Management Resources General Manager Bill Brown noted adequate TDT (Tourist Development Tax) funds to meet the proposed time frame for the South Siesta Key and the Manasota Key Beach Projects. 

 

         Discussion ensued regarding the possibility to bond both projects for an earlier completion date and the bonding requirements.  Following an inquiry, Environmental Services Coastal Resources Manager Laird Wreford noted the area for the Manasota Key Beach Project.

 

         Ms. Larned continued the presentation and submitted maps (Exhibit I through V-B) in conjunction with Options 3 and 4.  Following discussion regarding consideration of a MSBU (Municipal Services Benefit Unit) and defining beach assets, Chair Staub requested inclusion of wildlife and natural features as a community wide benefit as the Board's/Staff's view and in written materials.

 

         Following comments, Commr. Patterson moved to eliminate Options 2 and 3 from consideration.  The motion was seconded by Commr. Mercier.  Following discussion on the funding strategies (assess property within one-half mile/shoreline program), Commr. Patterson moved a substitute motion to direct Staff to develop an option that incorporates utilizing State and TDT funds, including specific projects, and one-half mile distance from public beach access as criteria.  The motion was seconded by Chair Staub. 

 

         Following comments regarding the boundaries (South Siesta Key Project), the criteria to assess distance, and a request by Environmental Services Executive Director Rob Patten for the flexibility to achieve a viable and defensible program, discussions were held regarding property value increases.  Following clarification of the motion to include a taxing district as a financing option, the motion carried by a 4-1 vote, with Commr. Mercier voting "No."

 

         Ms. Larned noted that Staff will provide the financial impacts from the two project areas.  Commr. Thaxton requested information/implications of a County-wide versus specific projects.

 

         Ms. Larned requested consideration and Chair Staub noted Board consensus to not change the Beach Maintenance Program (beach cleaning) from the TDT to the General Revenue Fund.