recommendations. Commissioner Flescher seconded the motion for discussion
purposes. The Commissioners entered into discussion with Mr. Charest who
informed that due to classification requirements and the way sand-loss was
calculated, the County would not be eligible to receive state or federal assistance
regardless of which BSPAC recommendation the County pursued. He elaborated
that a dune-only project (Option 1) was estimated to cost $50,000 to
study/permit and $5 million to restore the dunes. Option 2 was estimated to cost
up to $600,000 to study/permit and similar renourishment projects had cost
upwards of $20 million.
Commissioner Flescher withdrew his second for the motion on the floor.
Discussion continued with concerns for securing easements, funding, and the
access challenges specific to Sector 4. Commissioner Moss restated her motion
to direct staff to pursue a dune-only project.
The Chairman called for a recess at 12:38 p.m., and reconvened the meeting at
12:46 p.m. with all members present.
Chairman Earman invited public comments to the discussion and motion on the
floor.
James Harpring, Town Manager, Town of Indian River Shores (Town), made
mention that this sector represented a disproportionately large amount of ad
valorem revenue for the County, and expressed appreciation for the Board's
willingness to address their needs. He pledged assistance from residents in the
Town, and urged the Board also to consider a long-term plan for this area of the
beach.
David Fisher, Town resident. expressed support for the motion, noting the dunes
were an important defense for infrastructure.
Harry Dixon, Town resident, questioned the amount of money other beach
sectors had received for restoration, and suggested the Board also consider a
long-term strategy to garner State and Federal funding in the future.
Chairman Earman confirmed the easement used would be the latest Sector 7
version, and discussed funding options for the estimated $6 million cost to repair
the dunes. Mr. Fisher stated the Town's residents were willing to contribute to the
cost in a public-private partnership. Vice Chairman Adams clarified this item
would start the permitting, estimating, and securing of easements while funding
would be ironed out once an estimate was obtained. County Attorney Dylan
Reingold noted for the record that the latest easement did not include customary
use protection language to ensure the public's access to the beach, and
homeowners may be able to bar access without that provision.
A motion was made by Commissioner Moss, seconded by Commissioner
