Trisha Whisner, deputy director of public works, emphasized the project’s scope, which involves replacing roadside swales with an underground stormwater management system. This will require approximately 17,000 tons of asphalt, 195 drainage inlets, and 248 new streetlights. The need for such an expansion arose from the city’s growing population and was solidified by a 2022 referendum that approved borrowing funds to proceed. The project’s funding journey has been fraught with challenges, prompting the city to seek various grants.

City engineer Anthony Friedman provided details on the timeline and logistics of the project. Construction activities will be managed to ensure that Price Boulevard remains open to traffic, although detours and temporary closures may be necessary, particularly at waterway crossings. The project’s initial phase will focus on relocating underground utilities, with temporary mailboxes being set up for affected residents. Solid waste collection schedules will be adjusted to minimize disruptions, with pickups starting earlier in the morning.

Coordination with the Sarasota County School Transportation Department is ongoing to adjust school bus routes, and efforts are being made to mitigate potential disruptions from delivery services. The complexities of the project necessitate collaboration among various city departments and external stakeholders, including utility representatives and school district officials.

The meeting also addressed the Sarasota County Hurricane Ian resilience program, which offers a voluntary buyout for properties affected by the hurricane. With over $200 million allocated for disaster recovery, the program aims to reduce flood risks by maintaining acquired properties as open spaces. The city is contacting eligible homeowners, although the initiative poses financial implications due to lost ad valorem taxes and assessments on purchased properties.

Further discussions revolved around logistical challenges and public service management during construction. Concerns about traffic congestion due to delivery vehicles prompted suggestions for rerouting to driveways. Staff acknowledged the difficulty of enforcing a no-parking rule but are exploring communication options with delivery companies. Adjusting solid waste pickup times to start at 6 a.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays emerged as a strategy to prevent waste management from contributing to traffic issues.

The council also considered a noise ordinance exemption to facilitate construction activities, with members expressing gratitude for the transparency provided throughout the project’s development. Discussions on utility work timing revealed that private utilities would begin moving services before the formal construction start date, employing methods like directional boring to minimize disruption.

The acquisition of temporary construction easements from homeowners sparked inquiries, with staff explaining the potential impacts on property grading and drainage if easements are not secured. Efforts to obtain voluntary compliance from residents are ongoing, as the city lacks eminent domain power in this context.

Streetlight installation as part of the Price Boulevard project prompted questions about their density and potential impacts on homeowners. Staff reassured that streetlights would be strategically placed to minimize direct illumination on homes, adhering to established design standards for adequate roadway lighting.

The meeting briefly touched on the secondary home applications program, which accepts applications until April 11. Discussions highlighted the challenges faced by homeowners hesitant to sell in the current real estate market, emphasizing the voluntary nature of the buyout program. The $6.46 million budget for the initiative is a countywide figure, with allocations for infrastructure improvements and homeowner assistance determined by specific income qualifications.