Commission chooses both sand options

After a lengthy discussion, the Longboat Key Town Commission chose both types of sand for its 2011 beach renourishment project.

The commission was conflicted over whether to spend $40 million to $50 million for a fine, white sand that more than 20 residents voiced approval for in e-mails this week.

That’s because if the commission decided not to use the slightly darker and slightly coarser sand, the town would not be eligible for a reimbursement of up to $5 million from Port Dolphin LLC.

Port Dolphin, which has plans to lay a liquefied natural gas pipeline in the Gulf and connect it to Port Manatee, has agreed to pay the town up to $5 million if it takes sand in the pipeline’s future corridor by June 2012.

Commissioner Robert Siekmann voiced support for using the fine white sand while supplementing the slightly darker sand in high-erosion areas.

“I don’t want to lose the chance to be reimbursed by Port Dolphin,” Siekmann said. “Those guys owe us. “

The cost of the sand project with both types of sand is expected to cost approximately $40 million to $50 million.

Although the anticipated cost is expected to cost about the same as the fine, white sand option island-wide, Town Manager Bruce St. Denis noted the town will be eligible for the reimbursement by using both types of sand.

The slightly darker sand, St. Denis said, will mostly be used on the north end of the island from North Shore Road just south of Broadway because the sand will stay put longer in a high erosion area.

Also at its meeting this evening at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, the commission:

Forwarded to the July 12 regular meeting for second reading and public hearing:
• An ordinance that changes the start time for regular workshop meetings from 2 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Adopted:
• An ordinance that allows for a budget transfer of $800,000 from Phase II infrastructure surtax funds to the beach capital projects fund to obtain a beach project permit for the town’s north end.

• An ordinance that allows for a budget transfer of $1.5 million from the beach capital projects fund to the north end beach nourishment project account.

Passed:
• A resolution that gives the town manager authority to expend funds and take emergency action this summer in case a quorum of the commission is not available in an emergency situation.

Authorized:
• The renewal of the Manatee County School Facilities Planning Interlocal Agreement.

• The town manager pre-authorization for expenditures for storm and/or environmental cleanup.

• Execution of a fleet maintenance agreement with Sarasota County for Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department vehicles.

Canceled:
• The July and August regular workshops and the August regular meeting.

Appointed:
• Leonard Garner and Susan Landau to the Code Enforcement Board.

• Laurin Goldner to the town’s Planning and Zoning Board.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].