The Captiva Erosion Prevention District\u2019s (CEPD) commission was updated on the apportionment for the beach renourishment during its recent meeting, as well as heard about a staffer soon leaving.<\/p>\n
On June 8, CEPD General Manager Brighton Heard reported that staff expect to have the final apportionment for last year\u2019s beach project ready for the board\u2019s review at its July meeting.<\/p>\n
Additionally, staff had previously been directed to identify a new economist or other qualified professional to assist with completing and certifying the final apportionment. For more than a dozen years, economist Dr. William Stronge had done so for the CEPD but is retiring as a consultant.<\/p>\n
Heard recommended contracting with Governmental Management Services (GMS) for the work.<\/p>\n
A motion for GMS to replace Stronge was approved unanimously 4-0.<\/p>\n
Also at the meeting, Heard submitted his two weeks\u2019 notice to the commission.<\/p>\n
He reported that he has received another job opportunity in Louisiana.<\/p>\n
Heard\u2019s last day will be June 19.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to thank you,\u201d Chairman Bob Walter said. \u201cI think you\u2019ve done an incredible job.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI wish you the best,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Also during the meeting, the commissioners voted 4-0 on a resolution approving an agreement with APTIM Coastal Planning & Engineering in the amount of $37,847 to assist with completing the Florida Department of Environmental Protection\u2019s Local Government Funding Request (LGFR) for 2027-28.<\/p>\n
Also at the meeting, consultant Nick Matthews provided a legislative update.<\/p>\n
He reported that the CEPD secured $250,000 \u2014 out of its $500,000 ask \u2014 for supplemental dune plantings in the General Appropriations Act, which was waiting on the governor\u2019s signature.<\/p>\n
The funding will be used to further enforce the dunes with mixed vegetation.<\/p>\n
After a discussion among the commission, a motion to have Matthews look into the potential for federal funding for future renourishment projects and related opportunities was approved 4-0.<\/p>\n
Those duties had previously been assigned to another part-time consultant.<\/p>\n