October Meeting Summary

​Guest Speaker Discussion Topics:  New SHI Development Projects and Proposed Changes to Hutchinson Island Building Height Zones.
The guest speakers for this meeting:  Leslie Olson, SLC Director of Planning & Development Services (P&DS) and Kori Benton SLC Sr Planner P&DS. 
 
Kori Benton provided the following update on development projects: (see PC website for detailed information on all properties https://www.pcofhi.com/updates/category/governmental-affairs )
Active/Pending South Hutchinson Island Projects:

• Baron Island Storage – Permits Issued/Under Construction
• Seaside /Ouanalao Resort – Ocean Resort with Clubhouse & Rest., in for permits / Sales Center
• Ocean Glass PUD (Townhomes), West side of A1A North of Tradewinds - Building Permit Application(s) under review
• Majestic Bay Major Site Plan (30-unit, Duplex Condominium) – Major Site Plan -South of Tradewinds / North of Bay Tree, under DRC Review
• Alcove (FKA Paradise Villas) Minor Site Plan – 4 Unit project under DRC Review
• Treasure Cove Replat (7 lot SF Subdivision / Minor Adjustments) – South of Watersong PUD, under DRC Review.
• Sunset Beach PUD Minor Adjustment (42 SF Lot Project): Adjustment to accommodate a gated entry, under DRC Review

Pre-application Concepts:  Galleon Bay Pre-app: Proposes a main house and short-term rental villas (~5 to 6) Between the Turtle Reef Club & Venture III
Leslie Olson provided background on the proposed SHI height zone amendment that is currently being developed. (see PC website for the Hutchinson Island – Building Height Overlay Zone as it is currently drafted https://www.pcofhi.com/updates/category/governmental-affairs
In response to changes in the development environment two concepts are included in this proposal:  1) transitioning the height regulations from height in feet to stories (with a maximum height per story); 2) addition of a Zone C proposal, which would allow consideration by the BOCC, on a site-by-site basis, for sites adjacent to Zone A (120’/12 stories) to be considered for a Zone C: 5 story designation. 
Leslie indicated her interest in collaborating with PC and listening to our concerns regarding these changes.  PC board is continuing to meet with P&DS as this proposal moves forward.
 
Beach & Dune Update (Harvey Alligood and Joshua Revord, SLC Coastal Engineer)
 
A brief update was provided on the progress and status of the Federal Beach Preservation Program.  Though construction will not start in November, the goal is before Turtle Season. Turtles will be protected throughout the project with extra monitoring and other protocols including the moving of viable nests within 24 hrs. and other measures.
From start to finish, primarily depending on weather and the number of dredges 1 or 2 working, the Corp expects the work time frame to be 8-12 weeks with completion before the 2022 Hurricane Season that begins June 15th.   Joshua further indicated with maybe as few as 4 weeks with 2 or more 24/7 dredges and ideal conditions.
The scope, activity, interruption to beach access will be very similar to the 2013 project, which for most beach walkers only required some adjustments for a couple of weeks.  
The awarded $11.3M construction contract confirms around $1.8M in further savings reducing the CORPs contract or agreement to around $15.3M from the previously reported $17.1M. 
Additionally, there are pre and post construction and other costs that are not part of the CORPs contract.  Already, pre-construction costs approach $500k.
Joshua further clarified the above during his comments, with no update or mention about the funding of the "local share".  Requested and pending are current cost projections from the CORPS and County.
(NOTE:  Since this meeting, update on the initial construction start dates indicates that it will most likely begin in March.  The planned meeting with the CORPs tentatively in February/March.  As further confirmation is received, the membership will be updated. 
 
Emergency Responder Communication Legislation
 
The requirement that hi-rise buildings must have a radio frequency (rf) survey completed by the end of this year has been changed to January 1, 2024, and the BDA compliance by January 2025. This eases the immediate time crunch to get the radio frequency survey completed. The feeling is there will be more changes and extensions to the statute in the future. The Fire Marshall will be sending out an email blast announcing these changes. (Letter from the Fire Marshall is posted on PC website https://www.pcofhi.com/updates/category/governmental-affairs )