Weekly comments from Dale Martin

Dale Martin

November 3, 2017 12:00 p.m.

City Manager Dale Martin

After several months of frustrating delays, activity at the City’s Marina is intensifying. Following is a summary of anticipated projects, which, over the course of the next few years, represent an investment of approximately $10 million.

The City has awarded contracts for two components of restoring fueling operations at the Marina. The two components are the rebuilding of the boardwalk along the northern and western sides of Brett’s Restaurant and the repair/replacement of the northern attenuator (breakwater). The fuel lines, which were slightly damaged but remained intact following Hurricane Matthew and suffered no additional damage from Hurricane Irma, link the fuel tanks located under Parking Lot A (the northernmost parking lot at the waterfront) to the fuel pumps located on the attenuator. The fuel lines are secured to the underside of the boardwalk.

The northern attenuator on which the fuel pumps are located was extensively damaged from Hurricane Matthew, but, like the fuel lines themselves, suffered no additional damage from Hurricane Irma. The attenuator (both northern and southern portions) is a series of floating concrete platforms, several of which to the north must be replaced and all of which to the south must be replaced. Once the boardwalk and attenuator have been rebuilt, the fuel lines will be inspected and returned to service (likely no later than February).

These two projects are funded through re-purposed grant funds from the Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC), the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND), and a small City contribution. Because the projects are funded with grant revenues, the City is not entitled to seek reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Now that FEMA has formally indicated that other Marina repairs are eligible for reimbursement, proposals are being sought for the more substantial reconstruction of the southern attenuator. Concrete platforms, pilings, and utilities need to be replaced.

Although not related to Hurricane Matthew damages, also included in the Marina budget this year (support by additional FIND grant funding) is the removal of the docks and pilings located in the southern basin of the Marina. The design and work associated with that project is part of the same Request for Qualifications as the southern attenuator project described above. The City will be hosting a mandatory meeting with interested contractors today regarding these two projects.

A third project included in the Request for Qualifications is the proposed northern expansion of the Marina, but that project is contingent on the City receiving significant grant funding (which is expected to be announced early next year).

Following the removal of the southern basin docks and pilings, the current slipholders will be repositioned on the southern attenuator, the southern basin will be dredged, and then the docks and pilings will be repositioned in a configuration that is expected to reduce the frequency of dredging.

While those projects are moving forward, the City continues other waterfront-related efforts. Permits are being sought for the demolition of the structures on the City-owned property at 101 N. Front Street (somewhat opposite of the Salty Pelican Restaurant). The City’s likely goal is to retain redevelopment rights on that site and solicit proposals to lease or purchase the site.

As recently directed by the City Commission, several City staff are reviewing design opportunities for Parking Lots C and D (located to the south of the boat ramp) and Parking Lot E, located between City Hall and the boat ramp. The areas designated for parking within those sites, specifically Lots C and D, is relatively consistent between the series of different waterfront plans, so those areas will receive early attention to support waterfront redevelopment. Parking Lot E design, and related City codes, will have to be reviewed to ensure maximum use and efficiency for parking.

Finally, the City Commission designated shoreline stability as a legislative priority. This project was presented to Senator Aaron Bean and Representative Cord Byrd last week. The project is intended to review and enhance the existing seawall between the boat ramp and Brett’s Restaurant. The short-term effect of the project is to address the frequent but irregular development of small “sinkholes” behind the seawall as well as to provide a measure of protection against tidal and storm surges. The long-term effect is to respond to concerns related to sea-level rise. The City’s request is for State funding to assist in the construction of the proposed seawall.

The City’s efforts to restore and enhance the Marina will continue, but the investment is significant, in both funding (especially General Fund support) and time. Special thanks to external agencies that have provided funding for the projects- the FWC, FIND, and, hopefully the Florida Legislature following the presentation of the City’s legislative priority. City staff will continue to provide the necessary administrative support to complete the projects described.