14:37The council meeting was highlighted by a detailed presentation from Elizabeth Fountain of JR Evans Engineering, who introduced the concept of wave mitigation walls as an alternative to traditional seawalls. Designed to stand at approximately three to three and a half feet above grade, these walls aim to diminish wave energy and height, thus safeguarding properties inland. Fountain, a seasoned civil engineer with extensive experience in coastal engineering, emphasized the potential of these walls to modify FEMA flood maps. Such modifications could reclassify flood zones to lower-risk categories, thereby offering more construction flexibility and potential cost savings for new buildings in flood-prone areas.

03:43Fountain cited successful implementations of similar walls, such as those at the Hyatt Resort in Clearwater Beach. These structures not only serve as protective barriers against 100-year storm forces but also enhance the property aesthetically and commercially. The Hyatt’s wave wall integrates seamlessly into the hardscape, doubling as a seating area without compromising safety. Bonita Beach has seen similar enhancements, where existing structures were fortified to better withstand storm surges.

35:25The council engaged in a discussion on the feasibility and design of these wave mitigation walls for their community. Questions focused on the height and materials of the proposed walls, with Fountain assuring that the structures were designed to withstand local storm conditions. The conversation also considered additional public benefits these walls could offer, such as walkable paths and amenities that would enhance public access along the beach. One council member expressed a desire for the walls to blend into the natural landscape, enhancing the island’s pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, akin to projects in Fort Lauderdale.

18:37Financial considerations were also addressed, with discussions about potential resilient grants to fund these projects. The council noted that modifying flood zone designations could lead to significant cost reductions, as demonstrated by the Windham Grand’s reported savings of half a million dollars from a similar project.

In another related discussion, the council examined the relationship between the proposed boardwalk and wave wall projects. It was clarified that while these elements could be presented together for public appeal, they are not dependent on each other. The potential benefits of the outrigger project were highlighted, particularly regarding public restrooms and a tiki bar. The construction costs for the wave wall were estimated to range from $500 to $750 per linear foot, with public-private partnerships considered for shared benefits.

The council also touched on a proposed seawall project aimed at addressing severe congestion issues on the island’s north end. A representative from JR Evans Engineering emphasized the importance of visual representations to convey the seawall’s potential benefits. Concerns about safety for cyclists and pedestrians on Estero Boulevard were raised, with comparisons made to successful installations in Clearwater Beach. The technical functionality of the seawall was discussed, with assurances that it would help preserve nourished beach sand and reduce erosion through design features like a “splash pad.”

41:40As the council moved to procedural matters, they confirmed dates for regular meetings and budget hearings in September, setting the maximum millage rate for August 4th to streamline decision-making processes. Discussions around the budget highlighted the need for clear information and the importance of securing funding for ongoing expenses like beach nourishment. The potential forgiveness of a state loan was noted, which could free up funds for capital improvements.