Update includes: NOTE - PC November Member Meeting Cancelled
(PC Website links will be populated soon.) SLC Redistricting Process – Your Action Needed The County’s redistricting process is underway. As you may recall, PC board has expressed our desire to be reunited with NHI in District #5, as was long standing precedent until redistricting in 2010. The County has been working through the Redistricting Process since the 2020 census results were made final. PC board has attended BOCC meetings to better understand the “scenarios” being considered. Scenario #3 clearly achieves the reunification objective, by reuniting SHI with NHI in District #5. A letter was sent to the SLC Commissioners expressing our scenario preference #3. At the December 7th BOCC Adoption Hearing, the Commissioners will make the final decision. (PC Letter to BOCC is attached to this email and available on the PC website. The description of the SLC Redistricting Process is also available on the PC website. PC website – https://www.pcofhi.com/updates/category/governmental-affairs ) No later than December 7th, all members are encouraged to either send a note or email to the SLC Communication Director Erick Gill (GillE@stlucieco.org) voicing your desire to reunite with NHI in District #5….Redistricting Scenario #3. Friends of the Everglades - Request for Your Action to tell the Army Corps: LOSOM must protect the estuaries The Army Corps is in the final stages of deliberation on the selection of the model to govern the amount of discharges from Lake Okeechobee - Lake Okeechobee System Operating Plan (LOSOM). We hope that the selected alternative will minimize the amount of harmful discharges to the St Lucie River. The Army Corps will make the selection on November 16th and your voice is important to protect our waterways. The following link provides details and a prepared letter for you to send to the Army Corps by November 16th. https://friendsoftheeverglades.salsalabs.org/LettertotheCorpsFinalizedLOSOMplanfeedback/index.html Presidents Council Membership Renewals The PC 2022 Renewal notices will be sent out November 15th via email (to the Association property manager and the primary representative). Pls follow the instructions included in the renewal letter. Thank you for your continued support for the PC efforts! (https://www.pcofhi.com/updates/category/communication ) Upcoming meetings There will be no membership meetings in November or December. The year-end PC Update (scheduled distribution by mid-December) will provide the schedule for the 2022 meetings. October 19th 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:
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 ) Have a safe and happy weekend. Presidents Council Board of Directors Federal Beach Project
On Sep 29 the CORPs announced the construction contract was awarded in the amount of $11.3m. Part of the evaluation in the awarding of the contract is scheduling considerations that may provide for a start date after November 2021, but still in time for its completion before the 2022 Hurricane Season. More details to follow. The CORPs and county have postponed their planned Oct 19th presentation about the project until a future date ideally 2-4 weeks before the actual start of construction pending finalization as above. The county's Sep. 27th Final Budget Hearing confirmed a millage rate of 0.6613 for the SHI Erosion Control MSTU instead of the previously recommended 0.7445. A reduction of approx. 11.16%. It is still more than 3x last year’s rate of 0.2131 and much more than 1/8 of any ultimate, genuinely expected real or "local share" (absent a highly unlikely significant erosion event) laying the foundation for significant decreases in keeping with the county's "remember this is worse-case and it can, should only go down from here." Further the awarded contract confirms a much-anticipated substantial savings. It fulfills the county’s long-held preference to know the “real” or “actual” costs to make any meaningful commitment of county-wide funding sources. This sets the stage to resolve the still outstanding and remaining issues to fund the projects “local share”, cost after state and federal funding over the remaining 2-8 or more years. A “blueprint” and timeline to advocate and advance a fair and reasonable funding plan for the “local share”, including county-wide funding sources, will be forthcoming. More to follow. Attached document provides the latest information and prior correspondence about the project funding (CLICK HERE)
Federal Beach Project
At the June PC Member Meeting, Joshua Revord, SLC Erosion District, provided further update on the Project. The good news is it moves forward in keeping with the original timeline, a November 2021 start of construction, thanks to a “one-time temporary exception” from the Corp. for the sole remaining construction easement. Though it will not delay the project, in time the Corp ultimately still requires a perpetual easement for the Eustace owned beachfront at Kyle G’s. Efforts continue in that regard and hopefully it is obtained to avoid unnecessary loss of an estimated $130,00+/- in federal funding. Additional upcoming dates: On July 6th, the BOCC will confirm the financial arrangements for the bond to fund the costs until taxes are levied and collected. The solicitation of contractor bids is expected to go out July 15th, with construction to begin no earlier than November. Harvey Alligood provided an update regarding the funding of the “local share”. Though work remains there is some progress and some positive developments to report, in large measure due to your earlier letters to Howard Tipton and the County Commissioners, namely:
Federal Beach Project
As of this writing the Corps has indicated it will move the project forward with or without the last construction easement. It is anticipated that this is in keeping with the same timeline intended in our letters (click here) to the Corps requesting that the already obtained Construction Easements meet the Corps requirements to proceed with the project. We appreciate all the continued efforts of the County particularly Joshua Revord and Frannie Hutchinson, Commissioner & Chair of the Erosion District, in conjunction with Congressman Mast and his Deputy Chief of Staff in support of this project. The highlights of the May Member Meeting below provide additional information. Particularly Commissioner Townsend’s comments/position about funding. Please see the PC website for all information and updates regarding the project (https://www.pcofhi.com/committees.html). From the May 18th meeting Highlights: On funding the beach restoration project, Commissioner Townsend is in favor of all St. Lucie residents sharing the cost to maintain the beaches. All St. Lucie residents benefit from and are able to use the beaches and should share in the cost. Joshua Revord (Erosion District) provided a further update on the Federal Beach project. Efforts continue to obtain the last remaining construction easement for Kyle G’s beachfront and if unsuccessful for the Corp to continue to move forward with the project, as all other aspects for the project have been completed. Among others, Congressman Mast’s Deputy Chief of Staff has reached out to the property owner encouraging him to sign. We appreciate all the Congressman’s support and efforts, and a “thank you” will be sent from SLC/PC. Harvey Alligood indicated it is best that property owners continue to let the current efforts play out, and if unsuccessful, additional action may be needed by the PC. Construction is still targeted to commence in November 2021. Federal Beach Project
Construction Easements - Concerning the last two remaining Construction Easements. Good news! The project regains its forward momentum. Our most recent understanding, as of May 7th, is both construction easements are “acceptable and in the mail" back to the county. Pending is confirmation of their receipt, complete with all signatures and required documents, so they may be accepted and recorded with all the others closing out this required important milestone with the USACE! All thanks to much effort by Congressman Mast, his office, and the county, particularly Commissioner Hutchinson and Joshua Revord. Funding: Efforts continue to encourage significant county-wide funding sources are committed to the project's construction and post-construction monitoring costs in this year's forthcoming county budget. The next BOCC informal meeting, May 11th, includes discussion on county-wide funding for the project. Further meetings with County Commissioners and staff are anticipated. Your e-mails and letters to Howard Tipton, County Administrator with copies to the County Commissioners are helpful, as outlined on the website (https://www.pcofhi.com/news). All letters sent up to the end of June, before July budget meetings, will support this effort. Timeline: The project timeline is on track and bid packages will be sent out in July/August, with placement of sand on the beach to begin November 2021. Project duration is about 45 days and will be completed before turtle season begins in March 2022. Federal Beach Project– Alert
Construction Easements: Presently, the Corps continues to indicate that for the project to proceed nothing less than 100% participation is acceptable, despite efforts to convince them 99%+/- of the beachfront is more than sufficient. We understand a Corps only, multi-committee meeting to further evaluate the matter is next Tues., April 13th. Please see the attached email & letter to the USACE for additional information and join us in sending your own letter to the Corps. This is in addition to an all-out, multi-prong effort underway by the County as well. Costs: Good news! $4.3M less! The Corps now estimates project costs at $18.5M instead of the prior $22.8M. It is expected most of it will fall to the bottom line, reducing the amount required from the “local share” after adjustments in Federal and State funding. An updated official summary is pending. Funding: Efforts continue concerning county-wide sourced funding. Please see attached email & letter to SLC and if you have not already, please join other PC members with your own letter or e-mail. Project funding may or may not be part of the discussion at the next Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) Informal Meeting (9 am also next Tues., April 13th) as part of agenda item “A. St. Lucie County FY 2021 ‐ 2023 Strategic Plan Strategic Initiatives Review”. Public comment is typically only part of “Formal” NOT Informal BOCC Meetings. Meeting Notices and agendas can be followed at: https://www.stlucieco.gov/departments-services/a-z/board-of-county-commissioners/meeting-portal-page Lastly if you haven’t already, please post this and the attachments on your bulletin board and if possible, forward it to your residents. Thank you! Harvey Alligood, VP & Chair of the Beach & Dune Committee may be contacted at 414/202-4278 or via e-mail via pcofhi@gmail.com or directly at jhalligood@gmail.com Reminder - Beach Funding Letter to SLC
As Harvey Alligood, B&D Committee Chair, explained at the meeting this week, a mailing went out on Wednesday asking Associations and individual members to send letters to the Commissioners in support of County-wide funding for the Federal Beach Project. Currently the State and Federal governments provide 2/3 of the project funding. The remaining amount, “local share”, will be funded by the County and local owners. To date the County has not indicated that there will be any “County-wide” funding provided and will rely only on the SHI MSTU, with the local property owners paying the total “local share” portion. We need to voice our view to the SLC Commissioners, that county-wide funding is warranted. If you have not already done so, please ensure that your letter is sent to the County by the end of March. Joshua Revord joined the 2/17/2021 meeting to provide an update on the status of the Perpetual Construction Easements (CE), the last milestone to complete before a successful “initial start” for the Federal Beach Project.
· Only 1 Association and a couple of landowners have not yet returned the signed CE. PC will continue to support the County to acquire all of the CEs from the property owners. We hope to build on the 90% participation rate to date, to over 95% participation. · Expect USACE to bid the project in June/July and award contracts September/October. Placing sand on the Beach will occur after turtle season, November through March. |
|
PRESIDENTS COUNCIL OF HUTCHINSON ISLAND | MISSION STATEMENT
The President’s Council, working together, seeks to maintain and enhance the lives of the owners and residents of Hutchinson Island. President’s Council serves St Lucie County, Hutchinson Island resident concerns, such as beach & dune, island safety & beautification, roads, future development and County services affecting us. |