Justin Keller from Advanced Engineering presented a workshop on terrain modification, with the discussion encompassing Land Development Regulation (LDR) chapters 54-75, 76, and cumulative substantial improvements. The necessity of terrain modification in the face of rising sea levels was emphasized, alongside the collection and management of stormwater. The use of stormwater pumps was proposed as a part of the solution to protect the community against future storm events and the encroachment of the sea.

The plan’s long-term nature and the challenges associated with promoting a future vision were discussed, noting that private property owners could immediately begin to protect their investments. The Resilient Florida program, with its commitment of $100 million per year from the state, was discussed, and differences in priority and approach compared to Miami Beach were highlighted, especially regarding maintaining drainage relationships from properties to roads.

The commission also discussed the city’s long-term plan to tackle the impact of sea level rise on the city’s roadways, including Gulf Boulevard and 699. The potential need for the elevation or other strategies to combat these challenges was acknowledged. Photos illustrating the impact of high tides on the quality of life on the island were presented, and the commission raised concerns about maintaining normal living conditions in the face of rising water levels.

In terms of the city’s stormwater management program, the commission decided to maintain utility fees in their current location within Chapter 54. The meeting covered the city’s obligations under the EPA permit, including inspections, cleanings, and public outreach. The proposal to streamline stormwater information into a dedicated section within the code was discussed. With the Statewide stormwater rule set to take effect soon, the commission addressed the shift from presumptive criteria to performance-based criteria, emphasizing the importance of proving treatment effectiveness through specific calculations. The proposed stormwater code revisions would apply to various development projects, with certain exemptions outlined.

The meeting also tackled stormwater design requirements. The proposed changes called for a more water quality evaluation for treatment, focusing on low impact development and green infrastructure. There was concern over reducing impervious surface ratios, and how it might impact property enhancement. It was clarified that impervious surface ratios were not directly discussed in the stormwater code, but reductions in impervious surface lead to decreased nutrient loading.

During the meeting, there was a debate regarding the potential impact of state rules on development, the alignment of nutrient removal numbers with state mandates, and the possible impact on development within Treasure Island. The city’s approach to stormwater regulations and the need for clarity on the applicability of proposed stormwater rules to different development scenarios were highlighted.

The discussion on the Community Rating System (CRS) verification process focused on the points allocation system for different activities. The potential for Treasure Island to move from a class six to a class five rating, resulting in a 25% discount on flood insurance premiums for residents, was discussed. Concerns were raised regarding the financial impact on residents and the timeframe for substantial improvements. The commission emphasized the dynamic nature of market value and the need for a clear start date for evaluating improvements.

The impact of private appraisals on CRS calculations was acknowledged, with the higher value from private appraisals being adopted. The financial impact on property owners due to escalating construction costs was discussed, with a focus on the potential encouragement of tear-downs and new construction.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the definitions of substantial improvement and substantial damage, as well as the implications for homeowners’ ability to rebuild after a natural disaster. The importance of assisting homeowners in raising their homes to meet elevation standards was emphasized, amid the urgency of enacting measures to adapt to rising sea levels.