News Release – For Immediate Release

January 22, 2023

City of Sanibel, FL

Contact: City Manager’s Office

239-472-3700

Summary of Sanibel City Council Meeting

January 17, 2023

Resolution Designating the Qualified Candidates for the March 7, 2023 Municipal Election for City Council – The City Council approved Resolution 23-002 to designate those candidates that qualified for the office of City Council. The following candidates will appear on the ballot for the municipal election to be held on March 7, 2023:

–         Richard Johnson

–         Jude Sincoskie

–         Holly Dineen Smith

–         Troy Cobb Thompson

Sanibel Post Office – At the City Council meeting, Mayor Smith informed the public that the United States Post Office (USPS) informed here that the Mobile Retail Unit (MRU) trailers would be brought to the Sanibel Post Office site on January 20, 2023.

Since the City Council meeting (January 17^th) the USPS informed Mayor Smith that the MRU will not be delivered until “mid-next week” (week ending January 27^th). The City will provide additional information to residents when the USPS provides information to the City.

LCEC has completed their work to prepare for the MRU’s arrival. Once the trailer is in place and ready for electrical service, LCEC is prepared to assist immediately.

Sanibel Curfew – The Sanibel City Council voted to change Sanibel’s post Hurricane Ian curfew to the hours of 12 am-6 am daily. Prior to the City Council’s action, Sanibel’s curfew was 9 pm – 6 am daily. Motorists driving on Sanibel streets should expect to be stopped by Sanibel Police officers during the curfew hours of 12 am – 6 pm.

Hurricane Ian Debris Collection – The Sanibel City Council voted to establish February 20, 2023, as the last day residents may place Hurricane Ian generated debris on the City’s right of way for collection by the City’s debris management contractor.

Recreation Center Memberships – The Sanibel City Council voted to establish February 1, 2023, as the date when Recreation Center Memberships are needed to utilize the center’s facilities. Since reopening the Recreation Center after Hurricane Ian, residents have been able to use the facilities free of charge and without a facility membership.

The City Council also approved extending the Recreation Center hours beginning February 1^st. Current hours are Tuesday-Saturday between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm. On February 1^st, the Recreation Center hours will be Monday -Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm. 

Development Permit Demolition Fee Waiver. The City Council advanced Ordinance (23-001) to allow fees for applications by the Land Development Code by Mayoral Proclamation to a Public Hearing and Second Reading at the February 7, 2023, City Council meeting. To read the Ordinance click here.

Building Fees. The City Council advanced Ordinance (23-002) relating to Building Fee discounts for residents and contractors using private provider services for building inspections to a Public Hearing and Second Reading at the February 7, 2023, City Council meeting. The Ordinance also adds a provision that allows the waiver of Building Fees by resolution following a natural or man-made disaster. You may view the Ordinance by clicking here.

Temporary Use Fees.  The City Council advanced Ordinance (23-003) relating to Temporary Use Fee discounts for residents and contractors using private provider services for building inspections to a Public Hearing and Second Reading at the February 7, 2023, City Council meeting. The Ordinance also adds a provision that allows the waiver of Temporary Use Fees for the placement of a recreation vehicle or park trailer on a residential lot by Mayoral Proclamation or City Council Resolution following a natural or man-made disaster. You may view the Ordinance by clicking here. 

Development Regulations in the Resort Housing District. The City Council advanced Ordinance (23-004) to update the Resort Housing Development Regulations to a Public Hearing and Second Reading at the February 7, 2023, City Council meeting. You may view the Ordinance by clicking here. 

Off-Street Parking Requirements and Land Use Regulations in the Resort Housing District. The City Council advanced an Ordinance (23-005) to amend the Off-Street Parking Requirement and Land Use Regulations in the Resort Housing District to a Public Hearing and Second Reading at the February 7, 2023, City Council meeting. You may view the Ordinance by clicking here.

Architectural Design Standards for Multifamily Housing and Commercial and Institutional Uses. The City Council reviewed draft legislation to amend Architectural Standards for Multifamily Housing and Commercial and Institutional uses and approved that both amendments be presented to the City Council for First Reading at the February 7, 2023 City Council meeting.

To review the proposed amendments to the design standards for multifamily housing click here.

To review the proposed amendments to the design standards for commercial and institutional uses click here.

Resolution Appointing Three (3) Members to the Sanibel Planning Commission. The Sanibel City Council approved Resolution 23-003 to appoint the following members to the Sanibel Planning Commission for 3-year terms:

–         Ken Colter

–         Laura DeBruce

–         Lyman Welch

$20 Million Line of Credit Related to Hurricane Ian Recovery. The City Council approved staff’s recommendation to issue a $20 Line of Credit with Fifth/Third Bank to fund Hurricane Ian recovery efforts. Many of the City’s cost associated with the recovery from Hurricane Ian may eventually be reimbursed by FEMA (federal) and/or the State of Florida. The line of credit will aid the City in managing cash flow while awaiting reimbursement from the federal and state governments. The City Council will be asked to approve a Resolution authorizing the issuance of the line of credit at the February 7, 2023 City Council meeting. To read staff’s January 17^th memorandum concerning the line of credit click here.

Sanibel-Captiva Effluent Disposal Study. The City Council approved items related to undertaking a study to develop options for the disposal of additional effluent should Sanibel accept wastewater from a sanitary sewer system yet to be constructed on Captiva Island. This study is a continuation of the phased study for a central wastewater system on Captiva Island. Lee County is funding the study at a cost of $45,105. To read staff’s January 17^th memorandum to the City Council click here.

City Manager’s Performance Evaluation. The City Council completed the annual Performance Evaluation for City Manager Dana Souza. Following discussion, the City Council approved an 8% increase in Souza’s salary which is consistent with the pay increases received by City employees earlier in this fiscal year.

Building Department Update. The City Council received a presentation from Director of Building Craig Mole concerning customer service, the future staffing levels that will be needed to manage the increase in building permits for improvements/construction related to Hurricane Ian, and purchasing a different electronic permitting system that will meet the community’s needs in a customer friendly and efficient manner. The City Council will be asked to consider a budget amendment in the approximate amount of $329,766 to purchase a new electronic permitting system at the February 7, 2023 City Council meeting. To view the PowerPoint presentation delivered to the City Council on January 17^th, click here.

FUTURE MEETING DATES:

• January 24, 2023 – Planning Commission – 9:00am at BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd., Sanibel
• February 7, 2023 – City Council Regular Meeting – 9:00am at BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd., Sanibel