The Captiva Community Panel (CCP) was updated on the potential septic-to-sewer conversion project for the island to connect to Sanibel at its recent meeting, as well as filled two seats for the new year.<\/p>\n
On Dec. 9, Wastewater Committee Chair and former Panel Member Jay Brown reported that the working group, made up of panel members and Sanibel city staff, met on Nov. 24 and reviewed what is known to date. The original plan was for the city\u2019s Donax Plant to process Captiva\u2019s wastewater.<\/p>\n
He reiterated that Kimley-Horn designed a plan for a collection system for the island, which was projected to cost about $20 million or about $30,000 per property. The city then requested that three studies be done to examine its own piping and processing capabilities and any economic impacts.<\/p>\n
Brown continued that it took about two years to complete the studies. They found that the piping would need a $14 million update and another deep injection well would be needed for $25 million to process the additional wastewater. However, there would be no economic impact, so no rate increase necessary.<\/p>\n
He reported that in reviewing what is known to date, Kimley-Horn revisited its proposed plan for Captiva\u2019s collection system and the estimated cost is now $36 million, not $20 million. A pipe from Turner to Sea Spray had been left out and the cost of the Captiva Drive force main also increased.<\/p>\n
Brown noted that the projected total cost has risen from $20 million to $75 million.<\/p>\n
The working group\u2019s next step will be to look at funding opportunities to greatly reduce that amount.<\/p>\n
Also during the meeting, the panel filled two vacancies for next year.<\/p>\n
President David Mintz reiterated that the Nominating Committee had received and reviewed resumes from four candidates: Robert Adler, Brown, Christopher Kemph and Bob Rando. At the October meeting, it had shared its recommendation with the panel, putting forth Brown and Rando for the seats.<\/p>\n
In an unanimous vote, the panel appointed Brown and Rando to the three-year terms.<\/p>\n
IN OTHER NEWS<\/p>\n
\u2013 Mintz gave an update on the ongoing legal issues with Lee County and South Seas on behalf of Protect Captiva, the coalition seeking to maintain the island\u2019s building height and density limitations.<\/p>\n
He reported that it is still waiting for the courts to proceed on the four separate matters.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re waiting on the courts at this point, as is the county and South Seas,\u201d Mintz said.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Mintz provided an update on the sale of the Rauschenberg property.<\/p>\n
He reported that the Rauschenberg Foundation received hundreds of emails in support of the Captiva Island Fire Control District\u2019s offer, as well as heard from past artists in the Rauschenberg program.<\/p>\n