TOWN OF FORT MYERS BEACH
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
BUDGET
FISCAL YEAR 2002/2003
FUND NARRATIVE
TRANSPORTATION
SOURCE OF FUNDS: Beginning fund balance and anticipated revenue. Over the course of the past fiscal years we have collected over $3,000,000 in State Revenue Sharing Gas Tax dollars and over $950,000 in Road Impact Fees. These funds are specifically designated for use on transportation related issues. After adding in the interest we have earned and then deducting the amounts that we had previously used for road maintenance matters, we are left with a beginning fund balance of over $2,700,000.
USE OF THE FUNDS:
As previously set out, these funds cannot be used at the discretion of the Council and must be used for transportation related items. In order to meet our needs as well as the conditions attached to the funds, we have designated the projects within this area as follows:
1. Drainage System Maintenance and Improvements
2. Bike Path and Sidewalk Maintenance and Construction
3. Road Resurfacing
4. Improvements to traffic flow and safety
5. Enhanced public transportation availability and options
In the upcoming fiscal year, we envision the use of these funds for such specific items as the variable pricing/congestion study, the North Estero Boulevard Paving Project, various road and drainage projects, and the Hidden Path Project Study.
PROJECTIONS FOR THE FUTURE YEARS:
In the future fiscal years the projected funding for this item will be supplied by the continued collection of local and state gas tax funds as well as Road Impact Fees.
FUND NARRATIVE
TRANSPORTATION SUB-ITEM
CONNECTICUT SHORTCUT TRAFFIC CALMING
SOURCES OF FUNDS: Beginning fund balance and anticipated revenue. This project will be funded in part with the carryover funds available from prior fiscal years.
USE OF THE FUNDS:
This project has been delayed in order to direct limited resources to other capital projects; therefore a starting date has not been designated. This project had been recommended for $100,000 in the first year and $100,000 in the second year. In response to the voiced concerns of our residents relative to the use of Connecticut Street and adjacent roadways during peak traffic season, it is the recommendation of the staff as well as the local traffic committees that this area be used as an experimental traffic calming site. The plan to be developed would call for the use of appropriate traffic calming techniques such as landscaping, vegetation and sidewalks. The purpose would be to slow down the rate of speed on the side streets without the need to eliminate their use. It is now estimated that this project will not move forward until the 2005/2006 fiscal year. Because of this delay, we have taken certain actions with regard to barriers, signage and speed limits in order to reduce the level of the problem until the long-term solution can be implemented. Once implemented, in the first year, design and construction ready drawing would be prepared with biding and actual construction beginning in the first year and completion in the second year.
PROJECTIONS FOR FUTURE YEARS:
It is anticipated that this project can be completed within a two-year period with the use of previously collected funds.
FUND NARRATIVE
TRANSPORTATION SUB-ITEM
ESTERO BOULEVARD STREETSCAPE
SOURCES OF FUNDS: Beginning fund balance and anticipated revenue.
This project will be funded in part with the carryover funds available from prior fiscal years as well as by use of the Road Impact Fees collected during the previous fiscal years.
USE OF THE FUNDS:
In the second year of this project, the bulk of the money was spent on consultants in order to continue to gather necessary technical data on the drainage options and possible undergrounding of utilities before Council makes phasing decisions and engineering plans are completed based on that phasing. The project itself involves the improvement of Estero Boulevard with or without the participation of the County. The basic components of this project include: street trees, bike paths, some curbing and medians at the south-end of the island, possible traffic calming techniques, undergrounding of utilities and beachside sidewalks. It is believed that this project will not only add to the visual appeal of our main thoroughfare, but will also significantly aid in the promotion of safety and enhanced traffic flow.
PROJECTIONS FOR FUTURE YEARS:
At this time, we are not showing funding for this project. The project cost for this item, in total, is over $30,000,000. Currently, we have a conceptual masterplan but we do not have build-to drawings and/or specifications. We also do not have a utility placement masterplan. Funds will not to be spent for additional engineering work prior to construction. We are continuing to explore options with regard to funding and will not recommend that the Town council move forward with this project until a realistic funding source is determined. We have not projected funding for this year as we direct our resources to other capital projects.
FUND NARRATIVE
TRANSPORTATION SUB-ITEM
HIDDEN PATHS BYCYCLE AND WALKING
PATH SYSTEM
SOURCE OF FUNDS: Beginning fund balance and anticipated revenue. This project will be funded in part with carryover gas tax funds from prior fiscal years as well as by use of Road Impact Fees.
USE OF THE FUNDS:
This project had been delayed in order to direct limited resources toward other capital projects but is now ready to go forward. As in the Estero Boulevard Streetscape Project, the first year of this project will be spent in design and the preparation of construction drawing and specifications necessary for bidding the project. The project would link with the Connecticut Traffic Calming Project and provide sidewalks/bike path from Connecticut to the proposed second entrance to the Matanzas Preserve at Donora Street. The sidewalk/bike path would continue along the perimeter of the Preserve ending at the Historical Cottage. These links will allow bike and pedestrian access off Estero Boulevard to the library, school, Bay Oaks and the pool. After these links are complete, the project concept would move to secure, design and construct additional links as feasible. We have allocated $50,000 toward the study this year.
PROJECTIONS FOR THE FUTURE YEARS:
In future fiscal years, the projected funding for this item will be supplied by the continued collection of local and state gas tax funds as well as Road Impact Fees. It is contemplated that this project will continue for a number of years as we attempt to link up as much of the island as possible to the Hidden Path system.
FUND NARRATIVE
TRANSPORTATION SUB-ITEM
VARIOUS ROAD/DRAINAGE/CANAL PROJECTS
SOURCE OF FUNDS: Beginning fund balance and anticipated revenue. These projects will be funded in part with the carryover gas tax funds from prior fiscal years as well as by use of Road Impact Fees. We have allocated $700,000 towards these projects this year.
USE OF THE FUNDS:
Currently we have a total of over 11 drainage projects in various points of development. They are; Santos Drive, Primo Drive, Lanark & Lauder, Bayland Area, Matanzas Street, Miramar Drive, Pearl Street, St. Peters Drive, Andre Mar Drive, Gulfview/Bayview/Strandview Area and Mid-Island Drive. Some have been completed, some are in construction and some are in design getting ready for construction this year. We hope to have at least 4 more on the list ready to go to bid for construction in the next fiscal year. We are also budgeting for the beginning of canal improvements this year.
PROJECTIONS FOR THE FUTURE YEARS:
Those projects not completed this year and those that have not yet been scheduled for construction will be addressed in subsequent CIP budgets.
FUND NARRATIVE
TRANSPORTATION SUB-ITEM
NORTH ESTERO BOULEVARD PAVING PROJECTS
SOURCE OF FUNDS: Previously accumulated gas tax dollars. We have budgeted
$100,00 for completion of the projects this fiscal year.
USE OF THE FUNDS:
The funds will be used to resurface Northern Estero Boulevard from Lynn Hall Park to
Bowditch Park. It is believed that this will enhance the safety and function of this position of Estero Boulevard. This project has been delayed in the past because of the ongoing construction plans at the Pink Shell Resort area.
PROJECTIONS FOR FUTURE YEARS:
It is anticipated that this project will be completed within one year and will not need to be re-addressed for approximately ten years.
FUND NARRATIVE
TRANSPORTATION SUB-ITEM
VARIABLE PRICING/CONGESTION STUDY
SOURCE OF FUNDS: Grants and previously accumulated Gas Tax and Road Impact Fees. We have allocated $130,000 of Town funds and $530,000 of Grant funds towards these projects this year.
USE OF THE FUNDS: The Town has been awarded a Federal Grant that would fund a Study dealing with traffic congestion and the use of tolls and variable pricing as a means to deal with congestion, necessary improvements on Estero Boulevard and a possible tram and ferry component. The grant requires a 20% local match and the remainder would be spent on other components such as an economic study to demonstrate the value to Lee County of helping the Town to solve congestion and infrastructure problems on Estero Boulevard.
PROJECTIONS FOR THE FUTURE YEARS: Continued funding is contemplated. Grant success will have an impact on this funding.
FUND NARRATIVE
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE
MOUND HOUSE
SOURCE OF FUNDS: Beginning fund balance and anticipated revenue.
USE OF THE FUNDS:
We had budgeted $50,000 in Capital Improvements. We are planning on applying for a number of grants that will supplement these dollars and allows turning the facility into a learning center. The property has been assessed from both a historical and archeological perspective in order to submit it for national designation.
PROJECTIONS FOR THE FUTURE YEARS:
Continued funding is contemplated. Grant success will have an impact on this funding.
FUND NARRATIVE
PUBLIC DOCKS
SOURCE OF FUNDS: Grant funding through WCIND and Boater Improvement Funds
USE OF THE FUNDS:
We have budgeted $30,000 to be spent on design and permitting for the first phase of a public dock system initially, this system would include public docks at Bowditch bayside, under the Matanzas Bridge and the Mound House. In the future it may be expanded to include public access points on the bayside of the island and some linkage with San Carlos Island. Besides providing public docking opportunities, it will also provide the necessary infrastructure to allow the private sector to offer water taxi-service around the island. Additional dollars will be needed in the out-years, but it is anticipated that those dollars will be grant based.
PROJECTIONS FOR THE FUTURE YEARS:
Continued funding is contemplated. Grant success will have an impact on this funding.
FUND NARRATIVE
MATANZAS HARBOR PLAN
SOURCE OF FUNDS: Beginning fund balance and anticipated revenue and possible grant funding through Boater Improvement Funds and the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program.
USE OF THE FUNDS:
We have budgeted $300,000 of grant money for the implementation of the Matanzas Harbor Action Plan. We have experienced significant delays in the permitting process. These delays have cost us time and money and have made it very difficult to adequately plan the ultimate implementation of this plan.
During the Summer, we will attempt to get a better budget amount tied down for this project.
PROJECTIONS FOR THE FUTURE YEARS:
This project should be completed within the current funding year.
FUND NARRATIVE
BEACH RENOURISHMENT
SOURCES OF FUNDS: Beginning fund balance and anticipated revenue. We have set aside $910,000 for the past and no additional funds for this fiscal year. The total amount will be provided from the carryover figure available from prior fiscal year budgets. It is not anticipated that there will be additional funding sources during this fiscal year.
USE OF THE FUNDS:
In this fiscal year, it is anticipated that the planning and design will be completed and that implementation will commence. The Town has committed to working with the County, as the local sponsor of a renourishment project, and the State and Federal Governments in order to bring this massive project to fruition. Additionally, funds may need to be expended for outside consultants and lobbyists to see that our interests are best served on both the State and Federal level.
PROJECTIONS FOR FUTURE YEARS:
Once the planning and design stages of the project are completed and once coordination with the other agencies and projects are optimized, we will need to be prepared to implement the project. We are currently budgeting the Towns share by utilizing Reserves. Our preliminary estimates are that the Towns portion of the project may become due in the fall of the 2002/2003 fiscal years. As this timeline and dollar amount become more firm, policy decisions must be made as to future funding sources.
FUND NARRATIVE
LAND ACQUISITION
SOURCES OF FUNDS: Beginning fund balance and anticipated revenue. We have delayed this project in order to pursue other capital projects. Therefore this project does not have a commencement date set at this time and will begin at the will of the Council.
USE OF THE FUNDS:
At the direction of the Council, staff has been pursuing the possibility of the Town obtaining title to, or a conservation easement upon, real property located at or near an entrance to the Matanzas Pass Preserve at Donora Street. It is envisioned that if suitable property can be obtained, it could provide an additional entrance and parking are for the Preserve, as well as a link to the projected Hidden Paths as described in another area of this document. There has also been discussion of land acquisition on Connecticut Street.
PROJECTIONS FOR THE FUTURE YEARS:
At this point, this is projected as a one-time occurrence and additional funding for future fiscal years is not contemplated, however discussion has been had relative to the possibility of using excess ad valorem revenue (revenue generated over and above the roll back rate revenue) for a separate fund dedicated to land acquisition.
FUND NARRATIVE
NEIGHBORHOOD LANDSCAPE
SOURCES OF FUNDS: Beginning fund balance and anticipated revenue. The initial funding of $10,000 for this project will be provided from the carryover figure generated by prior years budget surplus. We do not anticipate additional funding during this fiscal year.
USE OF THE FUNDS:
The Council authorized this project in 1998. A tree booklet was prepared that offers over 12 types of trees. These trees have been determined to be salt tolerant and good choices for planting on the beach. The Council has offered to match the costs associated with purchasing and planting the trees on neighborhood streets 50-50. Tree booklets are available at Town Hall.
PROJECTIONS FOR FUTURE YEARS:
It is anticipated that in future fiscal years this item will remain constant at $10,000 and will remain one that is funded out of the general operating funds generated by our ad valorem taxes. Funding, of course, will be associated directly with the popularity and success of the program.
FUND NARRATIVE
TOWN HALL AND OFFICE IMPROVEMENTS
AND EQUIPMENT
SOURCES OF FUNDS: Beginning fund balance and anticipated revenue. We have set aside $101,000 for this project.
USE OF THE FUNDS:
It is anticipated that these funds will be spent on computer upgrades and office remodeling as needed as well as the proposed televising of Council meetings. Options for both live and taped broadcasts are being researched and installation is expected to be completed by the beginning of the 2002 fiscal year. Funds will also be used for the purchase of a new town truck to be used by code enforcement with the current code enforcement vehicle (the Ford Explorer) going to other staff members to offset the use of their private vehicles. We also anticipate the installation of a generator at Town Hall in this fiscal year.
FUND NARRATIVE
NEWTON PROPERTY ACQUISITION
SOURCES OF FUNDS: A total of $2,700,000 is expected for property and closing costs if it proceeds.
USE OF THE FUNDS: This project envisions the purchase of the Newton Beach Property and the possible purchase of a small beach lot to the south of the Newton Parcel. Both properties together complete with 2 beach accesses would offer over 300 feet of beachfront and create the Towns first park. The Trust for Public Lands is helping the Town acquire this property. The Town will apply to the Florida Communities Trust for funding for this acquisition.
PROJECTIONS: It is anticipated that this property will require some future funding in order to transform the Newton Property into a Town Beach Park, although the T.D.C. has set aside $500,000 for upgrades and rehabilitation purposes.