Subject:
Title
Resolution approving the use of the State Uniform Non-Ad Valorem Collection Method, pursuant to F.S. §§ 197.3632, 197.3635, for the dredging of the southern entrance to the Shell Key Grand Canal.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Adoption of a resolution approving the use of the State Uniform Non-Ad Valorem Collection Method, pursuant to F.S. §§ 197.3632, 197.3635, for the dredging of the southern entrance to the Shell Key Grand Canal. The resolution:
• Directs staff to estimate project costs and develop assessment methodology.
• Directs staff to petition property owners to confirm interest in the assessment.
• Directs the County Attorney to prepare interlocal agreements with the Tax Collector and Property Appraiser for assessment administrative costs.
• Provides for mailing of the resolution to the Tax Collector, Property Appraiser, and State Department of Revenue.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.1 Provide planning, coordination, prevention, and protective services to ensure a safe and secure community
2.2 Be a facilitator, convener, and purchase of services for those in need
Practice Superior Environmental Stewardship
3.3 Protect and improve the quality of our water, air, and other natural resources
Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality
4.4 invest in infrastructure to meet current and future needs
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach
5.2 Be responsible stewards of the public’s resources
5.3 Ensure effective and efficient delivery of county services and support
Summary:
Summary
Approval of this resolution is necessary for the County to move forward on providing the public and the Grand Canal property owners with a mechanism to dredge Grand Canal. Outreach efforts by staff suggest that at least 50% of the property owners whose property abuts the Grand Canal are willing to consider a special assessment to dredge the southern entrance to Grand Canal.
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Background Information:
Over the past decade, significant sand has migrated into the mouth of Grand Canal and accumulated over the northern side of Collany Key. The County design consultant projects that without human intervention, the northern side of Collany Key may connect to the southern tip of Pine Key in the next five (5) years, effectively closing off the southern entrance to Grand Canal.
Chapter 110 of the Pinellas County Code authorizes special assessments for navigational dredging projects to be levied and collected via the Uniform Non-Ad Valorem Collection Method (“Uniform Method”) prescribed in F.S. §§ 197.3632, 197.3635, so long as the Board finds that a public purpose, apart from the special benefit received by the properties assessed, exists. As the boating public also utilizes Grand Canal for general recreational purposes and to access several commercial establishments, a public purpose for the Project does exist.
Fiscal Impact:
No construction impact to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 annual budget. Design expenditures are captured in Project Number 004607A in Capital Fund 3001. If this project is approved and moves forward, construction costs will be built into the budget for FY 2022 and the special assessment will be levied that same year.
Staff Member Responsible:
Kelli Hammer Levy, Director, Public Works
Brendan Mackesey, Assistant County Attorney
Partners:
County Attorney’s Office
Tax Collector
Property Appraiser
Attachments:
Resolution No. 20-
Appendix A - Proposed Dredge Area
Appendix B - Legal Description
Project Location Map