Water meters to remain in current locations
An issue has been resolved involving the Phase 1 waterlines replacement project on some of Fort Myers Beach’s older streets in the Basin Basin Neighborhood.
Town officials have decided to keep water meters within the reFRESH Waterlines Project in their current location instead of moving them to the public right-of-way on streets that are under construction or will be in the overall project that includes Bay Beach Lane and Laguna Shores. The existing water mains are being replaced with new water mains in these neighborhoods, and crews are connecting individual water services to the new water mains.
The Fort Myers Beach Town Council held a workshop and provided consensus on the matter last Tuesday morning, then unanimously approved it the following evening. The action was cited to be made due to liability and responsibility standpoints.
“The Town is responsibility for the water lines that feeds to the meter,” said Councilman Dan Andre to add clarification. “The property owner is responsible from their side of the meter to their house.”
Mitchell & Stark Construction Company is currently working on replacing existing water main and some storm water collection system work on both the bay and beach side streets of Estero Boulevard in an area from Carolina Avenue to Tropical Shores Way. Construction in all three neighborhoods is expected to be done by early 2015.
“It’s an economic Town decision,” said Mitchell & Stark Construction Company’s Brian Penner when pressed. “Is it worth the $1.2 million plus?”
Mandel stated an educational program may be needed to inform homeowners who want to change their lines from the meter to their housing structure. The “plus” or unknown extra cost is what has Town officials concerned.
“The plus is what scares me,” he said. “I think what we need right now is an educational program, so that the homeowner will really understand the decision they have to make. Do they want to incur this expense on their own, and what are the benefits is they do?”
Councilwoman Jo List agreed on the need for homeowners to be informed during the construction process.
“I’m really concerned about the public information side of this,” she said. “While you are out there and digging in front of people’s homes, they should know that their pipes are this many years old and that they might want to have somebody inspect it at your own expense.”
Lewis stated that a notice has been sent to affected homeowners notifying them that they may need to get an inspection to determine if their water lines need to be replaced. Language in the notice states: “Just as the Town is replacing old pipes within the right-of-way, property owners may also need to update their private systems leading to and contained within their homes and buildings” and “Due to the age of many homes and the aging plumbing systems within them, you may experience plumbing issues and should be prepared to contact a licensed plumber for repairs.”
Town attorney Marilyn Miller suggested neighbors should group together for possible discounted service.
“What can happen sometimes is that if several of the property owners get together, a plumber will come in and give them a discount because they already have all of their equipment there,” she said.
The much-needed work is being done to repair a failing water system that dates back to the 1950s era on Estero Island. At completion, water service, fire protection service and street flooding issues will be improved upon. Construction activities include surveying, trenching to install new and same-sized waterlines and water mains, drainage system work and post-construction restoration.
The funds to improve such infrastructure was originally approved through referendum by a 91.6-percent passing rating in 2007. Long-term borrowing to replace the decrepit water utility system was then re-approved in 2011, the same year the Town completed a water main replacement project during its North Estero Boulevard Improvements Project.
Florida DOT approves traffic study
Mandel reported that after many meetings with representatives from Florida Department of Transportation and a review from Fowler White Boggs’ Keith Arnold, the Town lobbyist in the state capital, a traffic study will be done encompassing San Carlos Boulevard, Matanzas Pass Bridge and a state-funded section of Estero Boulevard, known as the bottleneck of the Beach.
“We started with a meeting up in Tallahassee that Keith arranged with the state department of transportation and followed it up with our regional DOT representative, Carmine Monroy,” he said. “She said that the FDOT will study traffic on San Carlos Boulevard, Matanzas Pass Bridge and the Estero Boulevard section from the bridge to Crescent Street at the FDOT’s expense. They are hoping to develop a plan to mitigate the traffic situation.”
Letter of intent interest for Seafarer’s site
Mandel also spoke to one of two developers who have shown interest in the overall site known as Seafarer’s Mall property and Helmerich Plaza properties. A proposal has been submitted to Helmerich officials, so at least that parcel is definitely in play.
“That developer has submitted a letter of intent to the Helmerich estate. So that is now on the table,” he said. “He mentioned that he didn’t think any variances would be needed. They understand the importance of maintaining the view corridor coming across the bridge.”
If the developer, County, Town and Helmerich officials agree on site plans, traffic congestion may be addressed.
“If that goes through, it’ll give the Florida Department of Transportation and everybody a possibility of incorporating under that land and a better traffic flow and less pedestrian conflicts in that area,” said Mandel. “It provides a great opportunity for the Town. It would also increase the tax base with a public/private partnership.”
House letter addresses all property owners
Council has given consensus to send a letter to U.S. House of Representatives officials regarding the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act and a consideration to involve all property owners -all home owners and commercial property owners that hold policies since purchase- into any proposed legislation that may come forth. Mandel stated the Senate version of a flood insurance bill is not clear on what policy holders are included.
“We are asking the House of Representatives to include all property owners in the delay,” he said. “This should address commercial, residential, whether you bought your house or business a long time ago or if you just bought your house or business.”
House members are expected to take action on the matter some time during the week of Feb. 24.
Lani Kai executive session result
Before Council held its bi-monthly meeting, Town officials held an executive session with attorneys regarding a lawsuit field by representatives of Lani Kai Beach Resort. This legal action stems over the Town-imposed sign ordinance.
“The attorneys in that closed session recommended to tell the court that we want the case dismissed,” said Mandel.