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CAC Minutes 03/13/2003 RMarch 13, 2003 TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEETING OF THE COASTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Naples, Florida, March 13, 2003 LET IT BE REMEMBERED, that the Coastal Advisory Committee in and for the County of Collier, having conducted business herein, met on this date at 1:30 PM in REGULAR SESSION in Building "F of the Government Complex, East Naples, Florida, with the following members present: CHAIRMAN: Gary Galleberg William Kroeschell Ron Pennington James Snediker David Roellig John Strapponi John Arceri Bedford Biles Anthony Pires (Absent) ALSO PRESENT: Ron Hovell, Coastal Projects Manager/Public Utilities Dr. Jon Staiger, City of Naples Jack Wert, Tourism Director Maura Kraus, Environmental Services Memorandum To: Coastal Advisory Committee Members From: Ron Hovell, P.E., Coastal Projects Manager, Public Utilities Engineering Department Date: March 4, 2003 Subj: 13 March Coastal Advisory Committee Meeting The next meeting will be at 1:30 p.m. on March 13, 2003 in the BCC Board Room. Enclosed please find a Public Notice and Agenda with the proposed meeting agenda and Proiect Summary Report dated 2/28/2003 for your information. Also enclosed please find the following items OLD BUSINESS (same number / letter as agenda): a. The following recommendations were made at the last meeting: i. Approval of January 9,2003 minutes, staff will forward to BCC ii. Finish Hideaway Truck Haul, failed 3-5-1 iii. Approve Hideaway Beach Renourishment supplemental grant, planned for 3/25 BCC agenda iv. Approve Lowdermilk Park supplemental grant, planned for 3/25 BCC agenda v. Lower sand at Surfsedge and replant, TDC recommended no funding, have provided information to Commissioner Coyle vi. Suspend Hideaway Beach Access Improvements, withdrawal of permit application planned for 3/25 BCC agenda vii. Approve Rock Removal Plan Trough Inspection work order, planned for 4/11 BCC agenda viii. Approve annual beach tilling purchase order, work started on 2/26 b. A scope of work and budget estimate for Hideaway Beach Access Improvements will be provided at the meeting. c. Draft (3/3/03) 10-Year Plan will continue the discussion of upcoming projects and potential policy decisions and will continue at most meetings until ~ April. d. Draft FY04 TDC Grant Applications (no changes since last agenda package): 111. iv. V. vi. vii. VIII. ix. X. xi. Annual Beach Renourishment Annual Dune Structure Maintenance County / Naples Beach Renourishment Barefoot Beach Back Bay Pier Barefoot Beach Entrance Clam Pass Parking Lot Resurfacing Clam Pass Monitoring Maint of Beaches Pedestrian Beach Access Hideaway Beach Renourishment Marco Island Monitoring xii. X111. xiv. XV. xvi. Marco Island South Beach Renourishment Project Management and Overhead Wiggins Pass Monitoring Sea Turtle Monitoring Collier Creek Maintenance Dredging 4. NEW BUSINESS: a. Clean Beaches Council letter of February 20~ 2003 requests data concerning each beach within the County. A draft response is included for your approval. b. 7-Year Monitorin~ Survey and Report proposal dated February 28, 2003 from Coastal Planning & Engineering. This is the annual monitoring which is proposed to include from the County line to one mile south of Gordon Pass to provide information into the major renourishment design. 5. The following meeting date is April 10, 2003, subject to your confirmation. Enclosures Cc: Jon Staiger, City of Naples Nancy Richie, City of Marco Island James W. DeLony, P.E., Public Utilities Administrator Roy B. Anderson, P.E., Public Utilities Engineering Department Director Margie Hapke, Public Utilities Public Information Coordinator Jack Wert, Tourism Director Maura Kraus, Environmental Services March 13, 2003 1. Roll Call Chairman Gary Galleberg called the meeting to order and noted there is a quorum. 2. Additions to the Agenda - Ron Hovell had a proposed work order for the annual monitoring requirements for Hideaway Beach. Handout on "Monitoring Turtle Report". Accessibility of Hideaway Beach Chairman Galleberg moved to appoint the Sub-Committee consisting of: Mr. Roellig/Collier County, Mr. Pennington/City of Naples, and Mr. SnedikerfMarco Island. Seconded. Carried unanimously 8-0. Chairman Galleberg noted he has another commitment and will need to leave later in the meeting, as Vice Chairman Mr. Roellig will preside. m Old Business: a. Review of Recommendations made in February 21, 2003 - Minutes approved and forwarded to BCC - Motion to finish Hideaway Truck Haul failed - 5-3 with 1 abstention - Motion to approve Hideaway Beach Renourishment supplemental Grant for additional engineering services - went to TDC - to BCC 3/25/03. - Motion to approve Lowdermilk Park Supplemental Grant Application - went to TDC - to BCC 3/25/03. - Surfsedge/Park Shore Beach - TDC recommended no funding - no further staff action. Suspend Hideaway Beach access improvements - withdrawal of permit application - BCC 3/25/03 -The committee wanted alternatives from Ken Humiston, Humiston & Moore Engineering. -Mr. Humiston informed the committee he would put together a scope of work to satisfy the environmental concerns of several agencies and collect environmental information to determine the extent of the resources and evaluate impacts with those resources. He estimated 60 days for the proposal from the time Humiston & Moore would proceed. SPEAKERS Nancy Peyton - FL Wildlife Federation - stated they will fight to the last dollar to oppose any sand being placed on Tigertail Beach. Let it be a natural system while letting people enjoys it like Barefoot Beach Preserve. She understands TDC has funded a Feasibility Study for a boardwalk going to the gulf. Possibly the same studies that Mr. Humiston is proposing to do are covered under the same proposal. March 13, 2003 She feels it would be a good idea to know what other agencies are doing before investing $25,000 to do a duplicate study. She is concerned about the permit application being revived to look at environmental sensitive issues. It was her understanding they voted to withdraw it and hope they do not revive it again. They are opposed to any manipulation on Tigertail Beach or a boardwalk. -Mr. Areeri noted there is no intention to revisit the Boardwalk issue. If a study is done and the DEP agrees, and the environmental impacts are non-existent or minimal, he questions why the Florida Wildlife Federation would oppose it. -Ms. Peyton responded it is not restoring it, it is manipulating a system, it is dumping sand on a system and they would like to see a natural system in which the public can enjoy it for what it is. Various State Agencies have already indicated that tinkering with Tigertail Beach is not acceptable. -Mr. Snediker mentioned it is Hideaway Beach that it is in debate, not Tigertail Beach. Ms. Peyton responded they have documentation concerning birds using that particular area of where they want to dump the sand. -The area of study is from the North end of Tigertail Beach to the existing T-Groins at the West end of Hideaway Beach. If the committee goes forward with the study they will look at ways to modify the plan to minimize any impacts with the environmental resources. The study area would include Sand Dollar Island. Nieole Ryan - The Conservancy - they are in agreement with the decision made last month by the committee in withdrawing the application for the boardwalk and the sand fill of the 125 feet. She comments that the Conservancy believes this is a downsized version of the same project. Taking the project that wasn't a good idea in the first place does not make it a better idea. A lot of the same concerns that the State agencies raised last time, they feel will be raised again. This would include the serious impact to mangroves - 125 or 30 feet of sand is still going to create impacts. There are impacts for birds and sea turtles. Various birds use the entire area. They are also concerned about the hydrology within the mangroves and its impacts. Where is the sand going to end up - the area is very dynamic and how will it impact the adjacent Big Marco Pass Wildlife area.'? There's logistics of sand being placed on the beach, impacts to the submerged aquatic vegetation, how it is going to impact the sediment in general, and the use of state lands for the project. Concerns in DEP and FWC letters still need to be answered even though this is only a 30 foot wide project. Have there been studies or surveys that show people that go to Tigertail Beach, want and need to walk that far north. She has asked Parks & Recreation Dept. Look at other ideas, shuttles or ways to do it that will not negatively impact the environment. The Conservancy opposes the 30 feet of sand as they opposed the 125 feet of sand and the boardwalk. -Mr. Humiston stated the impact of the mangroves would be the same at the north end as the south end. That is the purpose of the study. No alternative has been proposed. March 13, 2003 -Discussion followed among the committee members whether the study from the DEP and others will be duplicated and whether it is worth spending the $25,000 for the study. The members wondered if an answer could be given before expending the funds. It was noted that the DEP will not give an answer until an application and fee have been submitted. The Agency would be concerned with the entire area and system. The committee is concerned that the past study was a serious "no" and wonders what is different about the project now, that would be acceptable now and not before. -Mr. Humiston stated if they were to proceed with the plan submitted it would be denied by the State agencies. The concerns with this project are very serious. -Mr. Hovell stated all the environmental concerns according to DEP's letter addresses "what is the public need". Most projects address a shoreline that is eroding or upland properties from falling into the ocean etc. -It was noted this may be a ' future' need for people to have another access to another beach such as Hideaway. Brad Cornell - Collier County Audubon Society - he shares Chairman Galleberg's concerns of the DEP letter with a very strong "no". His concerns are the changing of a system of beaches and dunes in the area which is a critical wildlife habitat as one large ecological system. He points out the committee is trying to figure out what DEP's responses may be for changing the system for various needs and different reasons. Very strong input has been given the Committee from a DEP biologist that studied the system. Collier County Audubon Society's strong recommendation is to drop this issue as it is not an area to be changed and not compatible for this type of change. The area is meant to be with the birds and other elements of the eco system. David Somers - Hideaway Beach Assoc. - he mentions they are talking about 1,200-1,500 feet of area that was a beach in previous years. The access issue is of concern in regards to Tigertail possibly being cut off. He is hoping there would be nothing to hinder or hurt the preserve. The whole ideas is to come up with something that addresses the concerns of the different groups and also allowing the public to have access to the beach and enjoy seeing the natural habitat of one of the few natural areas of Collier County, but also providing access. -After much discussion about proceeding with the project Mr. Hovell noted neither the State nor the Federal Government would consider Hideaway Beach publicly accessible and not share in any costs. Mr. Snediker moved to proceed with the $25,000 study by ltumiston & Moore Engineering for a 30 foot Beach for Hideaway. Seconded Mr. Kroeschell. Carried unanimously 8-0. -Mr. Humiston will submit a scope of work to DEP and ask them if the scope of work answers their questions. 4 March 13, 2003 - Rock Removal Plan Trough Inspection work order - planned for the 4/11 BCC Agenda. - Approve Annual Beach Tilling Purchase Order - work started on 2/26. b. Hideaway Beach Access Improvements - Mr. Kroeschell stated the Board of County Commissioners voted in January 2001 to fund the improved Groins and enhance an already existing public access with TDC funds. The County Attorney stated at that time it was legally permissible. This was not acted upon. Mr. Hovell stated the County Attorneys opinion was worded that it was eligible as 1;ng as there was a finding "of public purpose and enhances Tourism". They also approved the design cost for renourishing Hideaway Beach. - Discussion followed on the name of what is called "Hideaway Beach" - many of the Beaches in Collier County are named after the development in the area. Mr. Arceri felt Hideaway Beach should be named "North Beach". - Mr. Arceri stated Hideaway Beach is Marco Island's Beach and the only major project in their 5-10 year plans. Hideaway Beach has been recognized as the worse erosion Beach in Southwest Florida, being a serious problem. Their Attorney has said it is eligible for funding for beach access. He discussed policy issues. - The next meeting of the Coastal Advisory Council will be held April 10, 2003 at 1:30 PM. - Mr. Galleberg left at 3:15 PM. C & d. Draft Fiscal Year 2004 Grant Applications 1. The Committee covered the various Grants - those with comments are: - Barefoot Beach Back Bay Pier - pending legal opinion from attorney on eligibility for funding - is a Parks & Recreation project & will go before the TDC. Concerns were length of dock, shallowness of the water and how many boats can get in the area. They use the south end of Barefoot Beach & are proposed to bring them to this pier so as to keep them off the beach. - Barefoot Beach Park Entrance - improvements to be made to the entrance with possibly gates. - Clam Pass Monitoring - monitors the beach, immediate channel and into the bay system. A portion of the overall cost is being asked for TDC funds. Historically has been funded in the past. - Maintenance of Beaches - Joint application with City & County - covering the beach raking operators and items relating to Parks & Recreation. March 13, 2003 Pedestrian Beach Access - Vanderbilt Beach - making improvements to the access. - Collier Creek Maintenance Dredging - pending legal opinion from County Attorney NEW BUSINESS a. Clean Beaches Council Request for Data - letter of February 20, 2003. Request to fill out form for cleaning of the beaches. Mr. Pennington moved to ignore the letter with no response. Motion dies for lack of second. Mr. Hovell stated the data would be posted on a web site with no monetary obligation. It was decided Mr. Hovell respond to the letter and fill out the form. b. County/Naples Annual Monitoring Surveys and Report - work order proposal from Coastal Planning & Engineering to include County line to one mile South side of Gordon Pass to provide information into the major renourishment design. Mr. Pennington moved to approve confirmation of the work order proposal to go to the Board of County Commissioners for their approval for execution this summer. Seconded Mr. Biles. Carried Unanimously 7-0. Mr. Hovell has a proposal from Humiston & Moore Engineering to perform monitoring of Hideaway Beach for April & November for $87,492.00. Mr. Pennington moved to authorize Mr. Itovell to recommend approval of $87,492.00 for Itumiston & Moore to perform monitoring of Hideaway Beach for April & November to the Board of County Commissioners. Seconded Mr. Arceri. Carried unanimously 7-0. 5. Audience Participation - None 6. Committee Comments - Mr. Pennington asked Mr. Hovell to contact the members of the sub-committee for the date, time and place for their meeting. Maura Kraus - Environmental Services - Annual Turtle Monitoring Report - Hideaway Beach passed all the beach compaction tests - no tilling needed Handed out LDC changes going through various committees concerning beach raking - Mechanical beach cleaning - PSI Equipment on Beach - One section taken out concerning tire treads Identification Passed out Public Awareness Information for Public Education Will do Annual Beach Lighting mail out to all Beach Front property owners 6 March 13, 2003 - Not a good 2002 nesting season for turtles- - 19,938 hatchlings made it out of the nests - Several other statistics were given There being no further business for the good of the County, the meeting was adjourned by order of the Vice Chair at 4:15 PM. COLLIER COUNTY COASTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Chairman Gary Galleberg