Presidents Council Members,
July is coming to a close and as we move into August, we wanted to provide you with an update on the outcomes of the July membership meeting, actions taking place by the County as the Beach project moves forward, and upcoming meeting dates. All PC meetings through the end of the year will be held virtually using the Zoom platform. After some technical difficulties last week, the meeting went off without a hitch on Thursday. All members will continue to be updated via email and the PC website (pcofhi.com).

St Lucie County Federal Beach Project Meeting – July 29th, 2020 at 2:00pm.
The recently mailed package from SLC regarding the Construction Easements for the Federal Beach project is on the PC website (Beach & Dune Committee page). Also included is information about the County hosted meeting on July 29th to further explain and clarify any questions. The access information for the meeting is provided at the end of this email and on the PC website.
Following is the link to the County’s new web pages which include extensive information on the project:
https://www.stlucieco.gov/departments-services/a-z/mosquito-control-coastal-management-services/2020-south-hutchinson-island-renourishment-project 


Presidents Council August 18th Membership Meeting
Guest speaker for this meeting is Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch, Governing Board Member South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). She is an At Large Member representing an area that includes St Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach, Broward and Monroe Counties. For more information on SFWMD see their website: sfwmd.gov. Please forward any discussion topics of interest to pcofhi@gmail.com by the end of this week.


Presidents Council September 15th Membership Meeting
Guest speaker for this meeting is Capt. Langel and Lt. Boyer, St Lucie County Fire Dept. They will provide critical information regarding the BDA (bi-directional amplifier) survey and code requirements. Additional topics of interest will be requested from the membership in August. 


Presidents Council Membership Meeting 7/23/2020 Summary. Guest Speaker: Kate Cotner, Florida Power & Light.
We appreciate Ms. Cotner’s time and effort to join us. She provided us with an extremely timely, informative and lively presentation. The materials and responses to questions asked by individuals at the end of the discussion will all be placed on the PC website shortly. The presentation materials provide many of the details regarding FPL, how the plant works and how FPL ensures the safety and security of the environment and its neighbors in the surrounding areas.
FPL has been preparing for a double crisis, with the hurricane season occurring during the current Covid environment, and continues to make adjustments as needed to respond to both. A customer package (to be placed on the PC website, along with other FPL resource materials) is being sent from SLC and FPL to provide details for customers to prepare adequately….we can never be too prepared. Other resources: FPL.com/storm provides preparation recommendations; FPL Mobile APP (download now) will be updated to keep customers informed during the storm season and it is also a tool to monitor your usage throughout the year; local news and social media will also be used to keep customers informed; if anyone is struggling to pay FPL bills due to Covid and needs help, check FPL.com/help for available programs. FPL recommends that everyone get informed, take hurricane season seriously and ensure that an emergency plan is developed. (FYI. The Sheriff’s reentry process to the Island after evacuation is on the PC website.)
Ms. Cotner also discussed:

• The “breakwater pilot project” underway to prevent beach erosion along their shores. FPL welcomes any outside ideas for innovative techniques to minimize erosion.
• Solar power and the importance to FPL and Florida. FPL plans to be the global leader in solar energy by 2030.
• The remaining life of the SLC plant is about 20 years.

SLC Updated Guidelines for Vacation Rentals
For your information. SLC recently updated the guidelines for vacation rental owners and managers. The link to the new guidelines is on the PC website (Governmental Affairs Committee page).

Hope to see you soon at the membership meeting in August.
Presidents Council Board of Directors

We hope that everyone had a safe and happy 4th of July weekend. A special thanks to SLC Sheriff Mascara and the Sheriff’s office for the well-planned coverage on the island over the holiday weekend. Extra deputies and equipment helped to keep everyone safe and secure.

The following will provide an update on the:

• Upcoming Meetings, including information needed from you to allow the guest speaker to prepare a more targeted presentation,
• Beach & Dune Committee actions taken to support the project’s overall timeline,

Upcoming Meetings
As this Covid-19 environment continues, our goal is to bring critical information to members via these email updates, the website, and scheduled meetings via Zoom, with guest speakers of interest to the membership.

Presidents Council July 21st Membership Meeting
Guest speaker for this meeting is Kate Cotner, Senior External Affairs Advisor Florida Power and Light. Ms. Cotner will explain how FPL is preparing for the hurricane season in this new Covid environment and what customers will need to do differently. This will be timely information for all of us. Also, as time permits, other topics of interest relating to the SLC plant and its impact on us will be discussed.

Presidents Council August 18th Membership Meeting
Guest speaker for this meeting is Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch, Governing Board Member South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). She is an At Large Member representing an area that includes St Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach, Broward and Monroe Counties. For more information on SFWMD see their website: sfwmd.gov.
Reminder: By July 28th, please send to this email all discussion topics or questions of interest to you. The list of topics will be compiled and forwarded to Ms. Thurlow-Lippisch.

Presidents Council September 15th Membership Meeting
Guest speaker for this meeting is Capt. Langel and Lt. Boyer, St Lucie County Fire Dept. They will provide critical information regarding the BDA (bi-directional amplifier) survey and code requirements. Additional topics of interest will be requested from the membership in August.

Beach & Dune Committee Update
Members of the PC Board continue to work cooperatively with the County to get clarity around the funding options for the Federal Beach Project, particularly important prior to the SLC Budget workshops beginning later this month. Also, have been meeting with the new SLC Deputy County Administrator, Alphonso Jefferson, who will be responsible for the project going forward.
As discussed in the past, adding public beach accesses will increase the Federal cost share and thus reduce the local cost to the County and/or property owners. At this time, there has not yet been any commitment in any of the strategically located properties. Therefore, the local cost share calculations are expected to be made using the higher end of the estimated remaining unfunded balance. If this changes later, the total local share will be reduced allowing a reduction of any planned levy.
Another critical milestone is signing of the USACE’s PPA (Project Partnership Agreement) which is on target to be completed in August. Following the signing of the PPA, the information package on the Construction Easements, a required part of implementing the project, will be sent by the County to the Associations/property owners. The package will explain the efforts needed to secure the project Construction Easements. Also planned is a new website page with answers to commonly asked questions, other pertinent information, including a beach nourishment assessment cost estimator.
If you have any questions relating to the beach project, the contact at the County is Joshua Revord (772-462-1269).

Governmental Affairs
Update on the A1A crosswalk at Island Dunes. After some delays, FDOT has advised that the construction of the crosswalk will be completed by the end of November. This is most welcome news for all of those in the Island Dunes area.

Looking forward to seeing you at the meeting on the 21st. Stay safe.
Presidents Council Board of Directors

Presidents Council Members,
Meeting Announcements (all meetings via Zoom)
July 21st – Guest speaker Kate Cotner, FPL External Affairs. See below for more information.
August 18th - Guest speaker Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch, SFWMD Governing Board Member. See below for more information.
September 15th – tentatively scheduled
More information will be distributed on upcoming meetings as arrangements are finalized.

Presidents Council July 21st Membership Meeting
Guest speaker for this meeting is Kate Cotner, Senior External Affairs Advisor Florida Power and Light. Ms Cotner will explain how FPL is preparing for the hurricane season in this new Covid environment and what customers will need to do differently. This will be timely information for all of us. Also, as time permits, other topics of interest relating to the SLC plant and its impact on us will be discussed.

Presidents Council August 18th Membership Meeting
Guest speaker for this meeting is Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch, Governing Board Member South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). She is an At Large Member representing an area that includes St Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach, Broward and Monroe Counties. For more information on SFWMD see their website: sfwmd.gov.

Please send by July 28th, all discussion topics or questions of interest to you. The list of topics will be compiled and forwarded to Ms Thurlow-Lippisch.

Summary of the Membership Meeting June 17th
Senator Gayle Harrell, Florida State Senator District 25, provided a very informative presentation identifying some of the key legislation passed in the last session and other issues currently impacting the state. Highlights of the discussion:

• The opening of the 2020 session in January was filled with optimism and plans to continue the focus on education, clean water and Everglades restoration.
  
• Covid-19 changed that. In February, Senator Harrell, Chair Health Policy Committee, met with committee members to review the budget in anticipation of the impacts of the virus. Additional funds were placed in the current year budget ($58M) and next year’s ($300M). However, the impact has been greater than anticipated at the time.
  
• Current initiatives in the budget: education including funds for safe schools and mental health resources in the schools; record funds focused on environmental issues including Legacy Florida funds for the Everglades to stop releases, Forever Florida funds for land conservation efforts including land buying programs, such as rights of way for public beach access points.
  
• State revenue is reduced dramatically ($878M in April), mostly due to reduction in sales tax receipts.
  
• The Governor will be reviewing the budget, but at this time it is not anticipated that a special session will be called.
  
• Bills passed in last session impacting Condo Associations: SB#476 cannot prohibit law enforcement vehicles parking on property; SB#1084 Emotional support animals must be permitted provided required documents from a physician are presented.
  
• CARES (Corona virus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) has dispersed federal funds to counties with a population over 500,000. However, local counties are less than 500,000 and do not qualify for these federal funds. Local counties may submit separately to gain additional funds.
  
• The State has addressed the virus through many initiatives primarily protecting the most vulnerable individuals: five Covid-19 only nursing homes have been set up throughout the state; established testing criteria for nursing home admittance; ensured adequate hospital beds and equipment; prepared to address “hotspots” when they develop, as demonstrated in Indiantown. The basics are essential: wear masks and wash hands.
  
• Discussed the killing of George Floyd and the response throughout the country. The senator indicated that we must engage in deeper conversation and listen to each other to come up with solutions to increase our cultural awareness. Major conversations in the state will continue.
  

We thank the Senator for her time with us and appreciate her efforts on our behalf in the State government. We gained increased awareness of the issues impacting our area, which were made apparent as Senator Harrell was asked to leave the meeting early to address the Roosevelt bridge closure.

Beach Project Update

As Harvey Alligood, Chair Beach & Dune Committee, indicated at the June membership meeting, the County has changed its position regarding compensation to property owners in the identified “gap” areas, who provide easements for public beach access points. These additional access points will increase the federal cost share for the project.  More information will be forthcoming, however, Harvey encouraged Associations in the gap areas to contact Joshua Revord SLC (772/462-1269) to better understand both the impact and compensation.
Following the June 9th Informal SLC BOCC meeting regarding funding for the Federal Beach Project, there have been separate individual meetings with Commissioners and the County Assistant Administrator as the PC Board works to clarify the funding plans.  The current “plan” continues to be finetuned and updated by the County.  The current draft version will be placed on the website for information and will be updated as subsequent versions are received.  
It is recognized the impact of additional beach access points on the project funding is significant.  The PC Board has taken additional steps to help coordinate communication between the County and the property owners to help ensure clarity, so that decisions can be finalized before the deadline.

Stay safe and stay well!

This update will provide the latest information on upcoming meetings, storm preparedness and actions taken since the last meeting in May. All updates and pertinent information will also be posted on the website (pcofhi.com).

Upcoming Meeting Plans – Mark your calendars

June 17th Wednesday 2:00pm via zoom is the next scheduled meeting. (Pls note that this meeting will be held on Wednesday to meet the Senator’s summer schedule.). Guest Speaker: Senator Gayle Harrell, Florida State Senator District 25. The Senator will discuss the critical legislation passed during the last session, anticipated for the next session when the Congress returns and other topics of interest to PC Members.

TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED - Please, bear with us as we continue to work to schedule guest speakers for virtual meetings during the summer/fall. Hold the following dates, yet to be confirmed and subject to change.
July 21
August 18
September 15

Storm Preparation
As in prior years, you may stay informed of storm activity on both the St Lucie (SLC) and Martin County websites and National Hurricane Center.
Both Sheriff Mascara (SLC) and Snyder (Martin County) have advised that the 2019 procedures for returning to the island following evacuation orders are unchanged. The advisory and the critical website links will also be posted to the PC website.

So St Lucie Federal Beach Project Update
Since the May 5th meeting with USACE and SLC regarding the beach project, PC has been engaged with the County as the project timeline was updated (currently posted on the website) and to better understand the funding of the local unfunded share that will be borne by SLC and/or island homeowners within the project area.
The PC Board requested the Commissioners for their support and action to reach consensus on the funding plan and direction on acquisition of the additional beach access points. Clarity is needed to ensure project milestones are achieved. (the letter sent to the Commissioners 6/3/2020 is available on the PC website)
PC Board representation attended the BOCC Informal meeting on 6/9/2020 to hear further discussion regarding project funding and actions needed to prepare for the next steps. Further information from the meeting including the information package will be posted to the website, when available.

SLC Planning Dept Updates – Hutchinson Island New Development Projects
To keep you informed of the status of new projects on the island that are being reviewed by the County, we will post updates as new information is received. The June update is currently on the website (see Governmental Affairs Committee link).

SLC Tourism Dept “Reboot St Lucie” Campaign
SLC Tourism Dept has kicked off a campaign, along with Martin and Indian River counties, to support tourism revival and promote the local businesses following the virus shutdown. Included in the websites are places to stay, things to do, places to go and places to dine.  Check out the websites and we can do our part to support the local businesses in the area.
The websites are:  SLC campaign https://visitstlucie.com and Treasure Coast (includes all 3 county individual websites) http://floridastreasurecoast.com. 

Stay safe and we look forward to seeing you on the next virtual meeting on June 17th.

Presidents Council Members,
The May 2020 Update will include:

• Upcoming Membership Meeting Plans
• Summary of the Federal SLC Beach Project Meeting held May 5th
• Resources included in this email and also available on the PC website (pcofhi.com)

Upcoming Membership Meeting Plans

In light of the current environment, the May 19th previously scheduled meeting has been cancelled. “Virtual” meeting options are being explored for meetings during the summer and fall. Mark your calendars and “save the date” for the following tentative membership meetings: June 16th and July 21st. We will be working with previously scheduled guest speakers to finalize dates and the format to be used. Thank you for your flexibility as we work to implement new ways to communicate with members.


Meeting Summary – May 5, 2020

We appreciate all of the efforts of the Army Corp and SLC Erosion District to bring this meeting to the Council members, during this challenging time. Trisston Brown, USACE Jacksonville District, moderated the discussion. Additional USACE representatives attended, along with SLC Erosion District staff members.

The information discussed has been placed on the PC website and is available for viewing (slide reference # provided in the summary).

USACE Presentation – Trisston Brown Moderator
The USACE project study was explained to understand the background, criteria for the project selection (slide #4-7, 9, 10), schedule and plans for the “initial start” project, interval schedule for “periodic” re-nourishment projects, project costs and the funding cost share allocations.

The project area is the same 3.3+/- miles included in the 2013 nourishment project and will be part of the 50-year federal funded program. Presently the timeline calls for the “initial start” construction to begin November 2021 and completion by May 2022, which determines the start of the 50-years. The cost of the project is $20.3+/-MM and federal cost share of 35%. The “periodic project” interval is every 18 years with a 27% federal share. Surveys are done every year to determine how the fill is performing and based on those results, the interval may be adjusted. (Slide #7, 8, 11,12, 22)

Authorized 50-year federal projects are eligible to apply for FCCE (Flood Control & Coastal Emergencies) funds, if significant damage is caused by a federally declared emergency storm event. This is similar to an insurance policy and if certain threshold of losses is met, it may be 100% federally funded. Construction of the “initial start” project must be underway to be eligible for these funds. If damage occurs before November 2021, it is not eligible for the federal project funds but, FEMA funds may be available. (slide #8)

Increasing public beach accesses can increase federal cost share for the initial start from 35% up to potentially 65%, if an additional 3 strategically located qualifying public access points are acquired. The “periodic project” federal cost share would similarly be increased from 27% up to 50% with the additional access points. These are critical to reducing the “local cost” throughout the life of the project. Documentation for these accesses will be needed no later than June/July 2021 to receive the increase in federal funding. (slide #19, 20).

Martin County and SLC projects cannot be compared due to their significant differences in design. SLC is to receive an updated “full dune template”, which is expected to protect the infrastructure longer than the Martin County dune. Martin is on a 13/14-year nourishment cycle. (Slide #21)

“Perpetual Construction Easement” (PCE) Preview – Joshua Revord (SLC)
Joshua previewed the “Perpetual Construction Easements”, which are needed to allow sand to be placed on the beach. These easements are similar to the 2013 temporary project agreements but, extended for the life of this project. The Construction Easements, including acquisition, recording with the court and reporting to the Corp by SLC, need to be in place prior to the Corp finalizing the “specs” for construction bids, by June 2021. Beachfront without construction easements will be eliminated from the project. The County plans to send out the draft package to impacted associations and other beachfront property owners and will follow up with onsite meetings to discuss. The draft package provided on the PC website is very representative of any final Construction Easement Agreement. (Slide #17).

Important Next Milestone
Signing the pending Project Partnership Agreement (PPA) or “contract” with the Army Corp. is the next important USACE milestone. Discussion made clear that prior to its signing, that SLC staff and/or Commissioners seek a more definitive plan, about sources for the “unfunded local share” of $8.3+/-MM. The “local share” may be paid by SLC and/or the local property owners. The new So. HI MSTU allocates any levy (based on assessed taxable value) and it may be over a number of years. Though made much more challenging due to COVID-19 and its potential adverse effect on county revenues, the staff will be working throughout the summer to prepare the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, beginning October 1st, 2020. Accordingly, the clarity sought might be as early as July and at the latest September for signing the PPA.

Trisston Brown plans to send out the project schedule timeline (including PPA, construction easements, acquisition of additional beach access points, design completion, etc.) and SLC will work with the Corp to finalize.

Harvey Alligood closed out the meeting by thanking the Corp and asked that any follow up questions regarding the project be forwarded to Joshua Revord for response. Contact information is: Joshua Revord, SLC Senior Coastal Engineer (Ph 772-462-1269), email (RevordJ@stlucieco.org).
Please share your question and the reply with us at PCOFHI@gmail.com  Thank you.

Resources available on the PC website (pcofhi.com)

• USACE Presentation Package (28 slides).
  
• SLC Preview Presentation Package -"Construction Easements".
  

Presidents Council Members,
 
South St. Lucie County Federal Beach Project meeting with the US Army Corp of Engineers (USACE), originally scheduled in March, has been rescheduled to May 5th at 2:00pm.  This meeting will be presented via technology, so that both presenters and participants can remain safe at home.   All interested owners are encouraged to attend.  (Please share this information with your neighbors.)
 
Trisston Brown, USACE Jacksonville District, will moderate the presentation and St Lucie County representatives will be in attendance. Agenda is attached. 
 
Presidents Council participants are encouraged to log in 15 minutes prior to the 2:00pm start.

Meeting Access Instructions:
Use link below to join by computer:
https://usace.webex.com/meet/trisston.brown

1. Select "call me". (If unavailable >>)
2. And enter your telephone number
3. Hit enter and answer your phone when it rings
1. Select "connect audio/video" then,
2. Select "call me" and
3. Enter your telephone number
4. Hit enter and answer your phone when it rings.

Note: Voice connection will be via your telephone and slides will be visible on your computer.
You must “Allow” access to your screen in order to join the meeting.
You may prefer to turn off video, to ensure that connections are maintained throughout the meeting.
If you prefer to join the meeting via telephone only, without computer; dial in using info below: Call In #: 1-877-336-1274  Access code: 8228370
Security code: 1234
 
Note: the USACE slides will be available for viewing on the website (pcofhi.com) during the meeting.
 
We look forward to this important discussion and appreciate all of Trisston Brown’s efforts to bring this information to us, remotely. 
 
Stay safe and “see” you on May 5th. 
 
Presidents Council Board of Directors

The Board met last week, via Zoom, to plan for the upcoming months in light of the current environment surrounding the virus and the Governor's executive order recently enacted.  We want to ensure that we are all complying and staying safe.

“Safer At Home” Policy 
As you know, Governor DeSantis announced an executive order implementing a “Safer At Home” policy for all Florida residents, effective April 3rd. This policy will remain in place until April 30th.

Meeting Schedule Changes
Both of the April meetings (21st and 28th) will be postponed.  When there is more certainty, the guest speakers who had been scheduled for the March and April meetings will be rescheduled.  In the meantime, the Army Corp and SLC have agreed to tentatively reschedule their meeting on May 5th, to be confirmed later this month.   We are also researching options to hold meetings virtually, providing the opportunity to schedule meetings sooner and possibly into the summer.   We’ll continue to advise of any scheduling changes.

PC Board Replacement and Annual Meeting
The Board confirmed Susan McIntyre to fulfill Tom Gilson's term on the Board.  
There were no new candidate names submitted for the 4 open Board positions.   Therefore, there will be no election and the 4 incumbents will remain on the Board.  
During the meeting, the Board elected and unanimously approved the officers for the 2020/2021 PC Board as follows:
            Charles Grande – President
            Harvey Alligood – Vice President
            Lou Stoddard – Secretary
            Don Stacks – Treasurer
            Laura Jones, Susan McIntyre, Len Amato - Directors

Beach & Dune Committee Update
The Committee continues to remain engaged with the County to clarify questions following the March 10th Informal BOCC meeting (see update 3/24/2020 on the website pcofhi.com).  It remains unclear if the Commissioners eliminated the option to purchase entire parcels of land and kept open the option to purchase easements to gain public beach access points.  We want to ensure that the PC continues to focus efforts to encourage the County to move the project forward.  Updates will be provided as clarification is known and we can identify further actions needed.

Reminder
We want to ensure that Association members continue to receive information.  If there have been changes on your Board following your Annual Meeting, please send in the contact information changes so that the distribution lists can be updated.  Send all changes to pcofhi@gmail.com.

We will continue to provide updates as more information is known, and while we are all “safer at home”.  You may stay informed by visiting the website (pcofhi.com) and if you have any inquiries, they may be sent to pcofhi@gmail.com.

Please continue to follow the guidelines and stay safe.