CAC Minutes 08/14/2025 (Draft)
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COLLIER COUNTY COASTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CAC)
Thursday, August 14, 2025 – 1:00 p.m.
Collier County Board Chambers
Collier County Government Center,3rd Floor
3299 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112
CAC MEMBERS PRESENT
Chairman Joseph S. Burke (City of Naples),
Vice Chair Dr. Judith Hushon,
Linda Penniman (City of Naples),
Daniel High (City of Marco Island),
Dave Trecker, Mark Dillman.
Absent:
Robert Roth, Bob Raymond
Steve Koziar.
A quorum of five members was present to proceed.
Dr. Mohamed Dabiz participated via Zoom for the Clam Pass item.
ALSO, PRESENT
Andy Miller (Coastal Zone Management),
Colleen Greene (Assistant County Attorney),
Bob Middleton (City of Naples Public Works Director)
Neil Doral (Pelican Bay Services Division Director)
Chad Coleman (Deputy Director, Pelican Bay Services Division)
Lisa Jacobs (Senior Project Manager, Pelican Bay Services Division).
Any person who decides to appeal a decision of this Board will need a record of the
proceedings pertaining thereto and therefore may need to ensure that a verbatim record
of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon
which the appeal is to be based. Neither Collier County nor this Board shall be
responsible for providing this record.
I) Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Joe Burke at 1:00 p.m.
II) Pledge of Allegiance
The Committee recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
III) Roll Call
Roll was taken by staff. A quorum was present.
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IV) Changes and Approval of the Agenda
No proposed changes to the agenda were noted.
Motion by Dr. Judith Hushon to approve the agenda as presented. Seconded by Linda
Penniman.
All in favor: Aye.
Opposed: None. Motion carried.
V) Public Comment
Colleen Greene reported no public comments.
VI) Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
Comments on the June minutes: Vice Chair Dr. Judith Hushon requested adding
"Vice Chair" in front of her name for consistency with past documents.
No other comments.
Motion by Dr. Judith Hushon to approve the minutes from the June meeting as
amended. Seconded by Linda Penniman.
All in favor: Aye.
Opposed: None. Motion carried.
VII) Staff Reports
Andy Miller presented the revenue report, noting that revenues are slightly above last
year's levels and 33.4% above budget to date. In response to questions about reports
of declining tourism, Miller suggested that higher hotel rates may be offsetting any
drop in visitor numbers, but recommended directing such questions to the Tourist
Development Council (TDC). No other questions.
VIII) New Business
A. City of Naples Stormwater Outfall Pipe Removal and Water Quality Project
Andy Miller read the recommendation: Approve a Category A grant application
for the City of Naples stormwater outfall pipe removal and water quality project
as a reimbursable grant not to exceed $10 million and find that this item promotes
tourism.
Bob Middleton (City of Naples Public Works Director) presented the project in
detail. The project, currently underway, is titled the Gulf of Mexico Stormwater
Outfall Pipe Removal and Water Quality Project. It covers the area along Gulf
Shore Boulevard North, including drainage basins and three connected lakes:
North Lake, South Lake, and Alligator Lake. Eight of ten outfall pipes will be
removed (one private pipe to be addressed during future development). The lakes
are being dredged to remove accumulated muck and improve filtration for
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nutrients and particulates, with dredging mostly completed and materials hauled
off-site (muck in dewatering bags, separated sand disposed separately). Two
pump stations (at 3rd Avenue North and 8th Avenue North) will discharge treated
stormwater 1,500 feet offshore via diffuser systems to spread the flow, as required
by DEP and Corps of Engineers. Additional components include 78 new inlets,
6,000 feet of 24- to 54-inch stormwater pipes.
The project benefits tourism by removing unsightly outfalls that discharge at the
water's edge, improving water quality beyond state minimums, increasing flood
protection from a 5-year to 25-year storm event, enhancing resiliency with road
elevations, and attracting more foot traffic to beaches, parks, and sidewalks. It
boosts local economy, remedies beach concerns, increases marketability, and is
supported by a tourism impact study. The total project cost is $86 million, but the
grant request is for $10 million covering only outfall removal elements (pump
stations, emergency diesel generators, directional drilling), not the $50 million in
piping. This complies with FDEP mandates for outfall removal to maintain beach
renourishment funding. Expenses prior to BCC approval are not reimbursable.
Completion is expected by June 2027, with some roads currently closed (3rd
Street, 7th, Gulf Shore Boulevard) but minimized during off-season.
Questions and discussion:
i Linda Penniman asked about lake dredging completion and material
handling (mostly done on North and South Lakes, with headwall
replacement on South Lake; muck dewatered and hauled, sand
separated).
ii Chairman Joseph S. Burke clarified FDEP mandate and funding
(complying to avoid loss of renourishment funds; $10 million
completes obligations for outfall removal). Also noted total cost
breakdown ($32.6 million for outfall-specific elements, $86 million
overall).
iii Daniel High (Marco Island) discussed resiliency: Old gravity system
tide-dependent; new pumps submersible in wet wells, electrical panels
at FEMA 14-foot elevation; technology proven (ocean outfalls in East
Coast, Sarasota; existing city pump stations). If failure, stagnant water
possible in rain events, but not for storm surge.
iv Mark Dillman inquired about generators (diesel, one at Alligator Lake
on Gulf Shore Boulevard at 14 feet, one enclosed at beach club);
biofouling (minimal in saline environment, maintenance via divers on
diffusers for mussels/barnacles; no pigging or restricted coatings).
v Dave Trecker asked about stormwater cleaning (lakes for settling,
pump stations for floatables removal, inlets with filter baskets for
particulates like grass clippings; considering centrifugal separators;
regular maintenance); sand inundation post-storm (diffusers on
bottom, pump volume clears sand). Noted similar system in Myrtle
Beach.
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vi Dr. Judith Hushon raised vice chair notation consistency (not directly
related but in minutes approval).
The committee found the project promotes tourism. No motion at this time.
B. City of Naples Grant Agreement for Beach Maintenance and Lowdermilk
Park Parking Lot Maintenance
Andy Miller read the recommendation: Approve funding reimbursement from the
City of Naples not to exceed $700,000 using tourist development tax funds for
beach maintenance and Lowdermilk Park parking lot maintenance, waive
irregularities, authorize budget amendment, and find that this item promotes
tourism.
Miller provided detailed background: The City of Naples typically submits annual
applications for reimbursement alongside county beach maintenance requests but
missed the previous year due to unforeseen circumstances. This is an after-the-
fact reimbursement request covering fiscal year activities. The breakdown
includes $500,000 for beach maintenance ($300,000 for salaries and $200,000 for
operating costs) and $200,000 for repairs to Lowdermilk Park parking lot
following hurricane damage. The request addresses post-Hurricane Ian repaving
that was subsequently damaged by later storms. The funding promotes tourism by
maintaining beach access and facilities.
Questions and discussion:
i Linda Penniman questioned the inclusion of salaries in the
reimbursement, seeking confirmation if this is standard practice
(Miller to verify, noting it may be typical for operational costs).
ii Dave Trecker highlighted the parking lot's repaving after Hurricane
Ian and additional damage from subsequent hurricanes, emphasizing
the need for resilient infrastructure.
Motion by Dave Trecker to reimburse the City of Naples not to exceed
$700,000 using TDC funds and state that it promotes tourism. Seconded by
Dr. Judith Hushon.
All in favor: Aye.
Opposed: None.
Motion carried.
Clam Pass Project
Andy Miller read the recommendation: Authorize expenditure of tourist
development tax funds for 2025 Clam Pass maintenance, dredging, and sand
reclamation at Clam Pass Park in the amount of $434,758.50 for construction,
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engineering, surveying, and environmental monitoring, and find that this item
promotes tourism.
Neil Doral (Pelican Bay Services Division), with Chad Coleman and Lisa Jacobs,
presented (courtesy, not action item). Dr. Mohamed Dabiz (Humiston & Moore)
on Zoom. The project maintains the small natural inlet, removing ~13,000 cubic
yards of sand from sections A, B, C; reclaiming overwash from Hurricane Ian in
Outer Clam Bay; reconstructing dunes. Permits expiring in two years; work starts
November 1 if not earlier. Sand placed first at county park, then north side. New
elements: Reclaiming shoal, hand-dug channels for drainage. Contract to
EarthTech Enterprises (~$370,000 plus contingencies). Enhances hydraulic
efficiency, mangrove health.
Questions and discussion:
i Dr. Judith Hushon suggested mangrove planting along inside edge
(Doral open to it if eligible, not currently planned but enhances;
successful past restorations).
ii Daniel High asked about berm importance (prevents new inlet,
saltwater intrusion).
iii Dave Trecker inquired about permit renewals (pre-application done,
one-year extension granted).
iv Mark Dillman discussed berm resiliency (mangroves for holding).
v Linda Penniman noted berm elevation (7-8 feet), plantings/irrigation.
No motion required; informational.
IX) Old Business
A. Vanderbilt Beach Emergency Fill
Andy Miller presented an after-the-fact update on the emergency fill project. The
spot renourishment was conducted north of Vanderbilt Beach Road near the
Turtle Club, addressing a narrow beach and escarpment that impeded emergency
vehicle access ahead of the July 4th weekend. Rapid approvals were obtained
from agencies including FWC, FDEP, and Army Corps of Engineers. Sand was
trucked in via road access, with work completed on July 3, 2025. As of August 6,
2025, the fill is holding well. The project was already approved by the TDC and
BCC; this update is provided as a courtesy to the CAC. The primary driver was
public safety, ensuring access for emergency services.
Questions and discussion:
i Daniel High confirmed the timing of the work (completed in July
2025).
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ii Dave Trecker commended the team for navigating regulatory red
tape efficiently to complete the project swiftly.
No action required.
X) Announcements
Andy Miller announced: Vanderbilt and Pelican Bay Beach Renourishment bids
received (good); start late October/early November, complete before Christmas.
Naples Beach delayed to next fall due to city projects (outfall, pump station at 3rd
Ave N access point, beach end repairs, Naples Beach Club hotel). Less disruptive
with ongoing stormwater work.
XI) Committee Member Discussion
A. Dr. Judith Hushon raised request from Pelican Bay Men's Club for CAC talk
in January/February; she and Dave Trecker to attend. Colleen Greene advised
on Sunshine Law: Both can attend, but one speaks primarily to avoid two-way
discussion appearance. No vote needed; head nods for awareness.
B. Dave Trecker noted late materials receipt (file size issue); suggested secure
cloud link. Miller apologized, working on solutions; no dedicated FTP site.
C. Dr. Judith Hushon noted outdated CAC website (no meeting dates, "EXP" by
names meaning expired?). Miller confirmed working on updates; limited staff,
relies on county IT.
No other items.
XII) Next Meeting Date
The next meeting date is scheduled for September 11, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.
XIII) Adjournment
There being no further business for the good of the County, the meeting was
adjourned at 2:20 p.m.
COLLIER COUNTY COASTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Chairman Joe Burke
The Minutes were approved by:
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
Name Signature
as presented on _____________________
or amended on ______________________