Agenda 05/13/2014 Item #16D23 5/13/2014 16.D.23.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recommendation to approve a Budget Amendment for $5,080 for the design, permitting and
construction bid plans for a wildlife observation tower at Tigertail Beach and make a finding that
this expenditure promotes tourism. The total project cost is $30,800.
OBJECTIVE: To install a wildlife observation tower at Tigertail Beach that will provide an opportunity
for the public to enjoy the benefits of this unique habitat.
CONSIDERATION: In the early 1980s, Tigertail Beach was a sandy beach facing the Gulf of Mexico
that provided a variety of recreational benefits to residents and visiting beachgoers. Over time, a sandbar
emerged in front of the beach above the high waterline and soon became stabilized by native dune
vegetation. The shoaling became known as Sand Dollar Island and has changed the recreational and
environmental opportunities to include coastal wildlife viewing. Black Skimmers, Least Terns, Snowy
Plovers and Wilson Plovers nest on the beaches of Sand Dollar Island. Herons, egrets, terns, gulls,
cormorants, pelicans, ibis, Rosette Spoonbills and other birds feed in the water and around the
surrounding edges of the lagoon. Other threatened and endangered species of the area include five species
of sea turtles, sawfish and the West Indian manatee.
Nature-based tourism is a rapidly growing pastime and provides a great economic benefit to the region. In
2006, the area of Tigertail/Sand Dollar Island was selected by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission to become part of the Great Florida Birding Trail because of its excellent bird watching
opportunities. The Tigertail/Sand Dollar Island area is a nationally and internationally recognized
shorebird bird feeding, roosting and nesting area. Including the Observation Tower as part of the
County's beach park facility will provide a viewing platform for wildlife observation and a tourist
destination at Tigertail Beach.
On June 20, 2013, the BCC approved the Observation Tower budget and expenditure at the Budget
Workshop. Staff has solicited proposals for design, permitting and construction bid plans from the firms
on Contract No. 13-6164 Professional Services: Architect and Engineers. BSSW, Inc. has submitted a
proposal to complete the work for$30,800 and the work will be awarded with a work order.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding in the amount of$25,000 is available for the project's design phase in the
TDC Parks Beaches Facilities Fund (183), Project No. 80246 (Tigertail Beach Park). Staff has prepared a
budget amendment to appropriate $5,080 from Fund 183 Reserves to fully fund the design phase.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: There is no impact to the Growth Management Plan from this
action.
ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION: On April 22, 2013 the Tourist Development Council
(TDC) recommended approval for the Tigertail Beach Observation Tower budget. On March 24, 2014 the
TDC approved the award of proposal 09-5305 to BSSW, Inc., for the Tigertail Beach Wildlife
Observation Tower, Project No. 80246, in the amount of$30.800, approved the necessary present total
funding request, and made a finding that the project expenditure promotes tourism. The Parks and
Recreation Advisory Board approved this plan on March 20, 2013, by a vote of 5-0.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: The Board of County Commissioners is required to make a finding that
the expenditure of tourist development tax funds promotes tourism. The Board may accept the
recommendation of the Tourist Development Council or the Board may make its own finding. This item
has been approved as to form and legality and requires majority vote for approval.—CMG
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5/13/2014 16.D.23.
RECOMMENDATION: For the Board of County Commissioners to approve a Budget Amendment for
$5,080 for the design of a wildlife observation tower at Tigertail Beach and make a finding that this
expenditure promotes tourism.
Prepared by: Margaret A. Bishop,P.E., Senior Project Manager,Facilities Management Department
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5/13/201416.D.23.
COLLIER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
Item Number: 16.16.D.16.D.23.
Item Summary: Recommendation to approve a Budget Amendment for$5,080 for the
design of a wildlife observation tower at Tigertail Beach and make a finding that this
expenditure promotes tourism.
Meeting Date: 5/13/2014
Prepared By
Name: BishopMargaret
Title:Project Manager, Senior, Facilities Management
4/25/2014 12:58:38 PM
Submitted by
Title: Project Manager, Senior,Facilities Management
Name: BishopMargaret
4/25/2014 12:58:39 PM
Approved By
Name: AlonsoHailey
Title: Operations Analyst,Public Services Division
Date: 5/2/2014 3:54:50 PM
Name: JohnsonScott
Title: Procurement Specialist,Purchasing&General Services
Date: 5/5/2014 8:08:46 AM
Name: TownsendAmanda
Title:Director-Operations Support, Public Services Division
Date: 5/5/2014 4:24:42 PM
Name: WilliamsBarry
Title: Director-Parks &Recreation, Parks &Recreation
Date: 5/5/2014 5:35:16 PM
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5/13/2014 16.D.23.
Name: Washburnllonka
Title: Manager-Park Operations,Parks&Recreation
Date: 5/6/2014 8:17:03 AM
Name: CarneliSteve
Title: Administrator-Public Services, Public Services Division
Date: 5/6/2014 2:03:31 PM
Name: GreeneColleen
Title: Assistant County Attorney, CAO General Services
Date: 5/6/2014 4:49:31 PM
Name:FinnEd
Title: Management/Budget Analyst, Senior,Transportation Engineering&Construction Management
Date: 5/6/2014 5:07:50 PM
Name: KlatzkowJeff
Title: County Attorney,
Date: 5/7/2014 12:02:39 PM
Name: DurhamTim
Title: Executive Manager of Corp Business Ops,
Date: 5/7/2014 2:15:39 PM
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