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BCC Minutes 01/28/2005 W (Parks & Boat Access) January 28,2005 TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEETING OF THE COLLIER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PARKS AND BOAT ACCESS WORKSHOP Naples, Florida, January 28, 2005 LET IT BE REMEMBERED, that the Board of County Commissioners in and for the County of Collier, having conducted business herein, met on this date at 8:30 AM in WORKSHOP SESSION in Building "F" of the Government Complex, East Naples, Florida, and at five Collier County park and boat access locations with the following members present: VICE CHAIRMAN: Frank Halas, District 2 Donna Fiala, Commissioner, District I Tom Henning, Commissioner, District 3 Jim Coletta, Commissioner, District 5 ABSENT: Fred W. Coyle, Chairman, District 4 ALSO PRESENT: Jim Mudd, Collier County Manager David Weigel, Collier County Attorney Leo Ochs, Deputy County Manager Marla Ramsey, Public Services Administrator Jeff Klatzkow, Assistant County Attorney Murdo Smith, Beach & Water Superintendent Steve Whittier, Recreation Manager Joe Delate, Project Manager Mary Ellen Donner, Recreation Supervisor Amanda Townsend, Parks & Recreation Operations Coordinator 1 COLLIER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ~ PARKS AND BOAT ACCESS WORKSHOP AGENDA January 28, 2005 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Fred W. Coyle, Chairman, District 4 Frank Halas, Vice-Chairman,Commissioner, District 2 Donna Fiala, Chairman, District 1 Tom Henning, Commissioner, District 3 Jim Coletta, Commissioner, District 5 NOTICE: ALL PERSONS WISHING TO SPEAK ON ANY AGENDA ITEM MUST REGISTER PRIOR TO SPEAKING. SPEAKERS MUST REGISTER WITH THE COUNTY MANAGER PRIOR TO THE PRESENTATION OF THE AGENDA ITEM TO BE ADDRESSED. COLLIER COUNTY ORDINANCE NO. 2004-05 REQUIRES THAT ALL LOBBYISTS SHALL, BEFORE ENGAGING IN ANY LOBBYING ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ADDRESSING THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS), REGISTER WITH THE CLERK TO THE BOARD AT THE BOARD MINUTES AND RECORDS DEPARTMENT. ALL REGISTERED PUBLIC SPEAKERS WILL RECEIVE UP TO FIVE (5) MINUTES UNLESS THE TIME IS ADJUSTED BY THE CHAIRMAN. IF YOU ARE A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY WHO NEEDS ANY ACCOMMODATION IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCEEDING, YOU ARE ENTITLED, AT NO COST TO YOU, TO THE PROVISION OF CERTAIN ASSISTANCE. PLEASE CONTACT THE COLLIER COUNTY FACILITIES MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT LOCATED AT 3301 EAST TAMIAMI TRAIL, NAPLES, FLORIDA, 34112, (239) 774-8380; ASSISTED LISTENING DEVICES FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED ARE AVAILABLE IN THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' OFFICE. January 28, 2005 1. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance (BCC Boardroom) 2. Brief Discussion of Mission of the Workshop/Sunshine Law 3. Meeting called to recess; BCC members, public, and staff travel by bus or other Transportation 4. Park and Boat Access Bus Tour a. Cocohatchee (Estimated Arrival Time 9:15 a.m.) b. Bayview Park and Lot Acquisitions (Estimate Arrival Time 10:00 a.m.) c. Collier Boulevard Boat Ramp (Expansion Project) (Estimated Arrival Time 10:45 a.m.) d. Caxambas (Estimated Arrival Time 11 :15 a.m.) e. Comfort Break f. Goodland (Estimated Arrival Time 12:00 p.m.) 5. Workshop to be Reconvened in the BCC Boardroom 6. Staff Comments 7. Public Comments 8. Adjourn January 28, 2005 January 28,2005 1. Meeting called to order by Vice-Chairman Halas in the BCC Boardroom. Commissioner Coletta participating by phone. Invocation given by County Manager Jim Mudd followed by Pledge of Allegiance. II. Brief Discussion of Mission of the Workshop/Sunshine Law Mr. Mudd presented an outline of the workshop schedule with locations and approximate times for each stop on the bus tour beginning with Cocohatchee (9:15 a.m.), Bayview Park and Lot Acquisitions (10 a.m.), Collier Boulevard Boat Ramp Expansion Project (10:45 a.m.), Caxambas (11:15 a.m.), Goodland (12 p.m.) Mr. Weigel noted that because of Coletta participating by phone, commissioners must take an official vote to allow participation by phone due to extraordinary circumstances and in the public interest. Commissioner Halas: Motion to approve Commissioner Fiala: Second Commissioner Henning: Question - is Mr. Coletta going to join us later in person? Mr. Mudd: yes, he will join us at Cocohatchee Motion approved 3-0 Mr. Weigel explained County Attorney's office is not a fan of putting all commissioners in a vehicle to travel to a destination although it can be done under the Sunshine Laws. Notice was given of the itinerary and that the commissioners would be traveling in a bus that is large enough to handle those present. The workshop cannot be a traveling meeting because the public would not be able to join the meeting enroute. Meetings at public facilities allow the public to come and go as they wish at any time during the meeting. After discussing the proposed workshop with legal staff it was decided that the meeting would be recessed and board members, press, public board the bus to join in the information gathering process at the various stops on the itinerary. This is purely information gathering and two or more commissioners or members of the advisory committee can go to information gathering events at any time as long as they do not talk among themselves about matters that will foreseeably come before the board - they are not violating Sunshine laws but purely out on an information gathering excursion. There will be additional safeguards including a court reporter on the bus. Any lecture or information provided from a central source will become part of the public record. The court reporter will also be at each stop, recording and taking down information, discussion, and statements from the public. On the bus and at various stops, the board will not be considered "in meeting" and will not be talking with each other about matters that will come before them. If it appears that they start to do so, the assistant county attorney will remind them not to do so. Mr. Weigel also advised the pubic in attendance not to attempt to engage two commissioners in conversation at the same time - however a commissioner may speak with anyone at any time, as long as it is not another commissioner, about matters relative to the workshop or other matters that 2 January 28, 2005 will come before the board. After the tour, the commissioners will return to the board chambers and Mr. Halas will reconvene the meeting for discussion among commissioners, followed by public comment. Commissioner Fiala: Will there be a narrative along the way and if so, should we hold our questions until we return to chambers? Mr. Weigel: You don't have to be that rigorous but you may do so if you wish. Commissioners are allowed to ask an individual question without engaging in a discussion with another commissioner. The question would provide information coming from an independent source. Questions on Sunshine Laws can be directed to Mr. Klatzkow. Commissioner Halas: Mr. Coletta do you understand what the county attorney has shared. Any questions. Commissioner Coletta: I understand - no questions at this time. III. Commissioner Halas recessed the meeting to assemble in the parking lot where the bus is waiting. The meeting will reconvene at the conclusion of the tour at or after 12 Noon. IV. Park and Boat Access Bus Tour First stop: Cocohatchee River Park. Ms. Ramsey presented an overview of the park which is located on seven acres on Vanderbilt Drive between 111 th A venue (Immokalee Road) and Bonita Beach Road. The boat ramp provides access to the Gulf of Mexico via Wiggins Pass. Four launching lanes and pull-though trailer parking make this water access convenient. A Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla, which offers boating and safety classes, is located on site. Facilities include a 4-lane boat ramp, 58 trailer parking spaces, 83 car parking spaces, 36 wet boat slips, concession with fuel, bait, tackle, food and drinks; playground and restrooms. Proposed improvements include the purchase of a 1 to 3.4-acre property across Vanderbilt Drive for overflow trailer parking and vehicle parking in conjunction with water shuttle to Barefoot Beach Preserve and additional trailer parking and $2 million developer contributions from Coconilla Residential PUD. It was noted that the Coconilla Hotel PUD contains no park enhancements or developer contributions. Commissioner Fiala questioned the number of trailer and car parking spaces and the size of the park. Mr. Smith: The park is 6.7 acres and there were 55,000 users of the boat launch in fiscal year 2004. 3 January 28,2005 Doug Fee: Does that mean there were 55,000 launches? Mr. Smith: yes. Commissioner Halas questioned how the county monitors the $5 launch fee. Mr. Smith said the county has a Dock Master on site, but he is not charged with collection of fees. Smith said the public purchases the sticker and posts the sticker in the vehicle. Park rangers monitor vehicle stickers. Using a large map of the area, Ms. Ramsey outlined the proposed improvements pertaining to the two proposed development plans: 1. Coconilla Residential PUD: will include the addition of30 feet for park use and 20 additional spaces as well as $2 million to help with the back bay. Mr. Ochs questioned if the entrance would be realigned. Ms. Ramsey said the access would go out to a traffic light. 2. Coconilla Hotel PUD: will provide no additional benefit to the county Mr. Mudd questioned if the county has a bid in on the one and a half acres across Vanderbilt Drive. Ms. Ramsey said staff is talking with the owner to purchase the back area of the parcel, which is slated to be a strip mall. She said the project would be an easy addition to the facility. Commissioner Fiala questioned how many other boat launches there are in North Naples to which Ms. Ramsey responded that the county owns only one and the one at Wiggins Pass is very small. Mr. Halas noted that the Cocohatchee marina was the last one in North Naples. Mr. Fee questioned what modifications the county planned for the parking lot in its proposals to which Ms. Ramsey responded that the access would be to the traffic light. Mr. Fee questioned if the same plan would be available if a hotel were built on the property to which Mr. Mudd requested the group not discuss zoning. Mr. Fee asked if residents would have to go through the parking lot to get to the traffic light. 4 January 28,2005 Ms. Ramsey said that was a staff concern and transportation staff has been asked to look at it. Jim Kalvin questioned how much acreage the county planned to purchase on the strip mall site - 1 or 3.4 acres to which Ms. Ramsey responded that the county is currently looking at purchasing only part of the parcel. Christian Spilker questioned if the county has a long term plan to maintain access at Wiggins Pass to which Ms. Ramsey responded that the county does not have a maintenance plan for the pass itself and maintenance of the access is currently being funded with TDC dollars. Commissioner Halas questioned if all the boat slips were currently rented to which Ms. Ramsey responded that they are all under contract. Second stop: Bayview Park Mr. Smith corrected an earlier statement on the number of boat launches - the number 55,000 represented the number of users of the park, the estimated number of launches is 7,000. Amanda Townsend presented an overview of the park with is located on four acres at the end of Danford Street off Thomasson Drive. The boat launch puts boaters very near Gordon Pass for quick access to the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico or Marco River. The facilities include a 2-land boat ramp, 16 trailer parking spaces, 35 car parking spaces, picnic shelters, a playground and rest rooms. Ms. Townsend said the park recently received refurbishment under the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program including improvements to the pavilions, paving of the parking lot and sidewalks, landscaping, refurbishment of the picnic facilities. Yet to be completed is the reconstruction of the courtesy dock and fish cleaning table. She said the county hopes one of the docks will be a floating dock and thereby ADA compliant. The facility is unmanned and users utilize the master meter and display the tickets in their vehicle windows. Highest use in April and May with as many as 100 boat launches from the facility on a single day. With 15 trailer parking spaces, users often park along the roadway all the way down to Fern Street. The county has purchased 11 lots on Danford and Bay Streets, thus far, for expansion of trailer parking. Ms. Townsend said the county has not yet amassed enough land to develop a conceptual plan on parking expansion. As purchases continue, the county will form a plan. Ms. Ramsey explained that the $750,000 for the acreage purchase was from the Heritage Bay plus impact fees paid in advance by Heritage Bay developers. 5 January 28,2005 Commissioner Fiala questioned if there are plans to widen Fern and Bay Street when Hamilton Harbor is developed to which Ms. Ramsey responded she has not heard of any plans to widen either street. Ms. Townsend noted Hamilton Harbors' plans for a basin dredged to accommodate their facility at the end of the channel, including a fueling dock and several wet slips for boats up to 50-feet in length. She said parks and recreation staff has a concern that the area will become very congested area for vessel traffic and make the ramp less user friendly for the inexperienced boater. Commissioner Fiala questioned the acreage of the park to which Mr. Smith replied it is 3.2 acres with 6,500 launches from the site. The group returned to the bus and was driven past the site where the county has purchased 11 lots on Danford and Bay streets. Several of the sites have homes on them, two of which were fairly new builds. Third stop - Collier Boulevard Boating Park Joe Delate presented an overview of the park, located just north of the Jolly Bridge on Collier Boulevard. The half-acre boat ramp facility provides access to the Marco River or the Gulf of Mexico through Big Marco Pass. Facilities include a 2-lane boat ramp and 19 trailer parking spaces. Proposed improvements will include expansion to the north and south to develop 84 additional trailer parking spaces, including handicapped parking. There will be no changes to the ramp. The property is within the leased area of the State of Florida right of way of SR 951. The lease will continue to the north and south. The plan is proposed in two phases but will be attempted in one phase with an alternate to phase 2. There will be a new design for traffic signalization at the intersection and turn lane. One of the mast arms will have to be replaced at the intersection due to the change in wind loads since the road was designed. A new south bound turn lane will be added. The entrance to the park will come through the signalized intersection at Capri Boulevard. The current exit will be eliminated and pushed farther south by 500 feet. The old median cuts will be extinguished. The county is currently in for ajoint DEP/Army Corps of Engineers permit for the expansion (a dredge and fill permit). Although there will be not dredging, the county will be filling areas of mangrove fringes to the north and south with a rip raff interface with the Coast Guard Flotilla Canal and an interface as currently exists to the south. Within a month, the Corps is expected to issue a notice of intent for the permit and the county hopes to have the permit by this summer. Once the permit is received, the county will put the project out to bid with construction to start thereafter. A right of way permit will need to be secured from the Department of Transportation prior to construction. Construction will not affect existing parking and usage until the time of the interface, which may create partial closure at times. Construction will take six months at the most. Commissioner Coletta questioned if there will be any other intended uses beyond trailer parking, such as car parking for those who want to fish without a boat. 6 January 28, 2005 Mr. Delate said there are some car parking spaces. He said there is no prohibition on fishing and people use the fish cleaning table. Only the existing car parking spaces will remain with no additional car parking spaces plans. It should be adequate. Commissioner Coletta: Do people who use the park for non-boating purposes still have to pay the fee? Ms. Ramsey: No. She added that the facility currently has about 6,300 launches. It was questioned how long the state lease extends, to which Mr. Smith responded it is 50 years. Mr. Fee questioned the cost of the expansion and where the funds will come from. Mr. Delate said the project has a revised budget of$905,000. He added that figure is an estimate because the actual costs will not be finalized until the bids are received. Ms. Ramsey said the funding will come from Boater Improvement Funds from the State and some impact fees. Commissioner Fiala asked how many acres the project will total to which Ms. Ramsey replied approximately an acre. Mr. Delate said the complete project will be less than five acres. Mr. Kalvin questioned if there had been any challenges by environmental groups regarding the expansion project to which Mr. Delate responded that nothing has come forward to date, probably because the county is not increasing the boat lanes but trailer parking to accommodate traffic that is already here. Steve Shimer questioned the need to expand the boat lanes by at least another lane, stating boaters are having to wait up to five hours to launch. Mr. Delate said such an expansion is not in the proposals and would likely cause protest from environmental groups. Ms. Ramsey - Our goal at this time is to capture everyone who is currently parking on the street itself and put them into the parking lot. Mr. Mudd noted that the biggest problem in building the hard surface for parking is providing for stormwater drainage. He said it's a South Florida Water Management issue as to how the county will store the water that used to be absorbed by the green 7 ..,-,- January 28,2005 space, which will now be impervious. He said it was one of the big hurdles that has been holding this project up for months. Fourth stop - Caxambas Park Mary Ellen Donner presented an overview of the four-acre park, which is located at the end of South Collier Boulevard and provides access to the northern Ten Thousand Islands or the Gulf of Mexico. A Coast Guard Auxiliary Building is located on site and offers boating and safety classes. The facility includes a 2-lane boat ramp, 31 trailer parking spaces, 40 overflow trailer parking spaces, 13 car parking spaces, a concession with fuel, bait, tackle, food and drinks; a picnic area and restrooms. Ms. Donner said Caxambas is one of the oldest named places in Collier County and was named by the Calusa Indians. The name means "Hole in the shore for drinking water. " The park was operated with a marina concessionaire since 1980 and Collier County took over the concession in August. The concession does $1,000 in gas per day, $375 in shrimp per day, and $575 per day in miscellaneous sales. The site has approximately 80 launches on a busy day and 4,800 launches last year. Mr. Kalvin questioned if the additional 40 spaces are proposed improvements to which Ms. Donner said the spaces currently exist in the grassy back lot area of the park. Mr. Fee questioned who mainly uses the facility - mostly Marco Island people? Ms. Donner: It's a combination, not just specifically Island use. Connie Fullmer questioned if the expansion at the Collier Boulevard ramp will reduce the use of Caxambas to which Ms. Donner said she believes the Caxambas facility will continue to be utilized as it is now. Commissioner Coletta questioned the hours of use to which Mr. Smith responded the hours run from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the gate is closed overnight. Commissioner Coletta asked what happens to boaters who run into trouble and arrive back at the ramp after those hours. Mr. Smith said there is a sign at the gate, advising people to call the Marco Island Police Department and they will come and open the gate. Commissioner Fiala asked if the hours for Caxambas are the same as all other facilities in Collier County to which Mr. Smith responded that most ramps open at 6 a.m. and close at sunset. Fifth stop - Goodland Boating Park 8 January 28,2005 Ms. Ramsey presented an overview of the final site, which is a 5-acre parcel known as the Palm Point property on the southern tip of Goodland. In 1999, county staff approved a plan for four five-story condominiums, tennis courts, a pool and a 20-slip boat dock on the site. The plan was opposed by Goodland residents and in response, the developer lowered the building heights to four stories and the BCC approved the plan. The community then sought a special zoning district and construction moratorium, which was approved by the BCC in November 2000. The Palm Point property had since been sold to Nicky Joint Venture, which sued the county in early 2001. In July, the Circuit Court upheld the landowner's right to develop, reversing the BCC's order. Goodland residents continued to oppose the development and in July 2001, the Goodland Civic Association Board of Directors voted 9-0 in favor of a proposed park and boat ramp, based on the county's original conceptual plan. The county appealed the circuit court decision, but in January 2002 settled for $4.588 million. The proposed improvements for the site include 75 trailer parking spaces, 10 car parking spaces, 10 wet boat slips on wharf, 12 wet boat slips on finger pier, a fishing area, viewing station, 2-lane boat ramp with courtesy docks, restroom/dock master office building, picnic shelter, playground, pathways/sidewalks, landscaping and buffering/irrigation, buffers with preserved existing native vegetation and transplanted palms, preserved mangrove fringe, and stormwater retention area. Permit expirations will occur: - Army Corps of Engineers - February 2006 - Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Environmental Resource Permit - May 2005 - FDEP Submerged Land Lease - May 2005 Ms. Ramsey said the county is currently in a conditional use, which will be brought to the Planning Commission on Mar. 3 and before the BCC on Mar. 22. Mr. Shimer questioned the projected additional cost for the park to which Ms. Ramsey said there is about $1.5 million in the budget. Mr. Shimer: That's about a $7 million project. That's about $100,000 per traffic boat parking area - is that consistent with other costs per trailer parking in the county? Ms. Ramsey - I can't give a figure because some facilities have been around for numerous years and the cost of the land back then was so much different than the cost of land today. Judy Jones: Where is the mangrove area and what is the fair market value appraisal- how much would that improve in value over the next 10 years if the county kept it? Ms. Ramsey said the mangrove parcel was a small fringe along the waterway area. She said no mangroves will be removed and plans call for retaining as much native vegetation as possible. As to the value, she said it has not been appraised and any future value would be a guess. 9 January 28, 2005 Jay W. Douglas - This is the last chance that Collier County people will get the chance to look at the ocean. Everywhere else buildings are going up, denying Collier County people the right to look at the ocean. Mr. Fee - With the expansion of the two ramps how many will be in the system as a whole and what will be the need going forward for boat ramps. Ms. Ramsey said there are 10 county ramps today and there are no plans for additional ramps outside of the Goodland projects. There are some plans for canoe and kayak launch ramps, which are different from boat ramps. Mr. Kalvin - What if the conditional use is denied by the commission? Ms. Ramsey - I believe if denied, we would have to come back and ask for a different usage of this sight. Mr. Kalvin asked ifthere is a proposal to reduce the number of boat trailer parking spaces to which Ms. Ramsey said the community has been requesting the conditional use is not specifically geared to telling how many parking spaces will be there. The conditional use is to determine is a boat ramp conducive to this piece of property given what the surrounding area is. Mr. Kalvin asked if the use is turned down will the property be sold to developers to which Ms. Ramsey responded that the BCC would need to determine the best use of the property at that point and a sale of the property would be up to the BCC to determine if the land is surplus at that point. Mr. Shimer said during a local meeting, Commissioner Fiala stated the property was worth $8-$9 million and we have talked to builders and a large Estate type thing would bring in more money. He said he wanted to correct for the record that the community voted not to have a boat launch and not to compromise to which there was some commotion among the 20 or so residents who had assembled for the discussion. Mr. Shimer continued that traffic was a serious problem in Goodlette and the estimate of 250 visits a day would create an issue with trailer traffic on narrow streets with no sidewalks. Ms. Ramsey said she does not believe there would be 200 visits a day. She predicted there would be somewhere around 70-80 trips on a heavy day and that the site is not like a beach location which has heavier turn-over. Mr. Shimer - Isn't there something in the record that states that the park would generate 250 visits. I have never seen an estimate for the boat trailers. I have seen estimates for the park. 10 January 28,2005 Ms. Ramsey questioned if Mr. Shimer was talking about Margood to which he said, yes - the park. Commissioner Coletta questioned the cement piles to which Ms. Ramsey said they were test piles driven when the original owner was looking to see what the structure could be for height. Commissioner Coletta questioned what was the original owner's intent for the land, to which Ms. Ramsey said she assumed it was a condominium but she was not sure of how many floors. Commission Coletta noted the parcel was purchased by the county as a "beautiful jewel" to preserve for future generations and he was looking forward to the ribbon cutting to which there was significant applause from those in attendance. Emily Lake noted the survey to which residents responded they did not want boat ramps did not mention anything about condominiums. She said 76 condominiums would generate more traffic than a boat ramp and a condo association would be busy throughout the week, whereas a park is mostly busy on weekends. Much applause was noted by those in attendance. Commissioner Fiala questioned if the park's amenities could look similar to those at Caxambas to which Ms. Ramsey said yes and the plan presented was ultimate use at build out. Ed Fullmer questioned Ms. Ramsey that the project had already been cut back to 65 trailer parking spaces due to lack of green space. He said the people of Goodland want the park and boat ramp not condominiums which could result in up to 221,000 trips per year. He said the community needs a park for its children. He said overflow parking will be avoided by a sign on 92 that will tell users when the lot is full. The land will also be available for public uses such as the annual Easter Egg Hunt or Christmas bazaar. He urged commissioners to vote for the conditional use and then work with residents to come up with an appropriate number of parking spaces. Ms. Fullmer noted that the spaced allocated for parking is a permeable surface and she would like to see more of the spaces retained as grassy areas, to which Ms. Ramsey reiterated that the conditional use determines boat ramp use only and the specifics on what will be included can be determined with community input later on. Tom Crowles said he had a problem with some of the math. He said the area cannot be annexed with Marco because it is not contiguous. He said he thought the area was too expensive to be used for county boat ramps. Mr. Fullmer said there are ways for the developer to pursue annexation because the water is considered to be contiguous by state statutes. We want the county to keep its agreement for a boat ramp with 36 trailer spaces with an overflow of 55 spaces. 11 January 28,2005 Commissioner Fiala questioned how many acres the site is to which Ms. Ramsey stated it is 5.22 acres. Mr. Shimer stated that for less than $2 million of construction costs he was told that another site on 92, which the county is presently storing dirt on, could be developed and is larger than the proposed parcel and has water access that could be dredged, leaving the current parcel to be sold for $5 million to develop all the sites in Collier County. Mr. Delate said staff looked at that site and it is not in compliance with the county's manatee protection plan. He said the current site was reviewed for manatee protection impacts and would have been given the preferred rating for construction of a boat ramp. Mr. Crowles noted the county owes it to the taxpayers to hire an engineering firm to look at the other parcel, to which Ms. Ramsey said the BCC could consider hiring an outside firm to do that, but that Mr. Delate is the in-house expert and has found the site not viable for a boat ramp. Ms. Lake noted that Deltona, the developer of Marco Island, had dredging permits from the DEP, which were later pulled because the area was considered fragile land. She said the developer went out of business because they refunded people their money because they were not able to fulfill their dredging commitment. Mr. Mudd reminded residents that the matter would come before the BCC on Mar. 22 and residents would have the chance to speak further on the matter at that time. V. Workshop to be reconvened in the BCC Boardroom The workshop was reconvened by Chairman Halas in the BCC boardroom. VI. Staff Comments None VII. Public Comments Mr. Kalvin noted there has been a loss of public marina facilities in Collier County over the course of the past decade, most specifically oflate is the loss of Wiggins Pass Marina. He urged the commissioners to consider purchasing as much property as possible across from Vanderbilt Drive to provide additional parking and work with the developer to develop ingress and egress with the additional trailer parking on the north end of the Cocohatchee River property as that would go a long way toward mitigating the access lost by the residents of that area. He asked commissioners to approve the conditional use for the Goodland Boating Park and not let the necessary permits expire. Mr. Mudd noted that a speaker slip was submitted after the item was opened and it was up to the board's discretion to hear the speaker. 12 January 28, 2005 Commissioner Halas approved the speaker. Ms. Fullmer thanked the commission for the opportunity to tour the boating ramp facilities and urged commissioners to approve the conditional use for the Goodland Boating Park. Commissioner Fiala voiced concern that a public hearing be held with Isle of Capri residents to discuss the Collier Boulevard Boat Ramp expansion to which Ms. Ramsey responded that staff has met with the community on the matter as well as a proposed bike path along the roadway. Commissioner Fiala asked if the project would include any new infrastructure such as buildings to which Ms. Ramsey said staff has discussed the possibility of a mobile concession with staff to help oversee launch fees. VIII. Adjourn: ***** There being no further business for the good ofthe County, the meeting was adjourned by order of the Chair at 1 :57 PM. Collier County Board of County Commissioners ~~~~ . --:-- ...-.1116"" Vice-ChaIrman, Commissioner rank Halas ATTEST: DWIGl.JJ' E.BROCK, CLERK ,,:;... ~- ~ '~:<~I. .... ¿,,'~" .' " .( . q--O-d--o5 , as presented /' or 13