Posted on June 11, 2025
The Sanibel City Council discussed a proposed special assessment to fund dredging in the Wulfert Channel and Dinkins Bayou area at its recent meeting, as well as approved a study related to the Sanibel Causeway and one focused on speed limits for three roadways.
On June 2, the council considered a resolution that would declare its intent to establish a Wulfert Channel and Dinkins Bayou Area Dredging Assessment District and a special assessment to finance improvements for maintenance dredging in the Wulfert Channel, Sunset Bay and Dinkins Bayou.
City Manager Dana Souza opened the discussion by explaining that the proposed project was initiated by requests from residents who found that the recent hurricanes deposited sediment in the Wulfert Channel, Sunset Bay and Dinkins Bayou areas, which is restricting boating access to open waters and has created hazards for marine navigation.
Natural Resources Director Holly Milbrandt provided an overview of the proposed dredging plan.
For the Wulfert Channel, the city would utilize an emergency permit issued in March by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, but the project must begin by Sept. 1 to use that. The operation would entail a dredge depth of -6 feet NAVD and an estimated dredge volume of 9,250 cubic yards.
For Dinkins Bayou, the city applied for another emergency permit, but it had not yet been approved as of the meeting. The operation would entail a dredge depth of -5 feet MLW (mean low water) and an estimated dredge volume of 13,540 cubic yards from seven areas, including the bayou and its entrance, Sunset Bay Channel, Pine Tree Canal and Clam Bayou Culvert.
Milbrandt explained that the objective would be to restore safe navigation to pre-storm condition.
Souza reported that the proposed project cost is estimated at $3,190,650. As it has done with other dredging assessment districts, the city would pay 33.33% of the cost or $1,063,443.65. The remaining 66.67% or $2,127,206.36 would be split between the 200 involved properties, for $10,636.03 each.
In the proposed resolution, staff included one-, two- and three-year payment plans for the property owners for the council to consider. The city has never participated in a dredge project for the Wulfert Channel, so staff also included an optional annual assessment for future dredging for consideration.
During public comment, multiple property owners in the proposed assessment district spoke.
While many agreed on the need for dredging within the area, they voiced strong concerns about the approach for the project. They pointed out that over half of the Wulfert Channel work area is under Lee County’s jurisdiction, but it is not factored into the cost share. Others noted that everyone uses the Wulfert Channel, not just the adjacent property owners. They also argued that conducting the dredging operation would only be a Band-Aid and the sand would return as Blind Pass itself needs dredging.
During the council’s discussion, Mayor Mike Miller reported that he has reached out to the county commission and staff regarding the project and has requested a 50/50 cost share to pay for it.
“I think we need greater involvement from Lee County on the project,” he said.
The rest of the council agreed.
It also felt that it needed more feedback from the involved properties.
On May 21, the city mailed out a courtesy letter to the 200 property owners about the proposed project and the resolution to declare intent. Souza reported that 59 of them, however, were returned to sender. As of the meeting, staff had received 33 emails in support, 14 opposed to it, and eight as noncommittal.
Following the council’s discussion, a motion to approve the resolution failed 0-5.
A second motion was made to direct staff to bring back an amended version of the resolution that would remove the optional future assessment and use a five-year payment plan for properties.
It was approved 4-1, with Councilmember Laura DeBruce dissenting.
Prior to the vote, she echoed many of the concerns raised during public comment.
As part of the closing motion, council also directed staff to look into a possible poll or survey for the owners, to hold a public meeting before the council meets in July, and to pursue funds from the county.
To view the Wulfert Channel dredging plan and estimate, click on WULFERT CHANNEL DREDGING PLAN and WULFERT CHANNEL ESTIMATE.
To view the Dinkins Bayou dredging plan and estimate, click on DINKINS BAYOU DREDGING PLAN and DINKINS BAYOU ESTIMATE.
Also during the meeting, the council voted unanimously 5-0 to approve a proposal from Kimley-Horn for a Sanibel Causeway Evaluation and Feasibility Study in the amount of $29,200. Staff reported that it would evaluate the feasibility of establishing three lanes of travel on the existing Sanibel Causeway.
Also at the meeting, the council voted 5-0 to approve a proposal from Johnson Engineering for a Sanibel Speed Limit Study in the amount of $24,326. Staff reported that the study would focus on Rabbit Road, Sanibel-Captiva Road and east Periwinkle Way.
IN OTHER NEWS
– The council voted 5-0 on a resolution approving a grant agreement between the city and Florida Department of Transportation in the amount of $2.5 million for the construction of a resilient bridge capable of withstanding future storm surge and flooding to replace the East Periwinkle Bridge.
– The council voted 5-0 to award a contract to Calvin, Giordano & Associates for an update of the Sanibel Plan in the amount of $149,888. The funding will come from a grant received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program (CDBG-DR).
– The council voted 5-0 to award a contract to Volkert for consulting services related to the city’s Master Transportation Plan in the amount of $199,500. The funding will come from a grant received from HUD’s CDBG-DR.
– The council voted 5-0 to award a contract to Tectonic Engineering Consultants, Geologists & Land Surveyors to complete a citywide Broadband Feasibility Study in the amount of $182,790. The funding will come from a grant received from HUD’s CDBG-DR.
– The council voted 5-0 to award contracts to EnviroWaste Services Group for the Post Hurricane Ian Sanitary Sewer Cleaning and Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) Inspection project in the amount of $565,375 for Phase 2 and $587,010 for Phase 3. The funding will come from a $10 million state grant.
– The council voted 5-0 to award a contract to Villa-Fuerte Construction in the amount of $242,730 for the 2025 Bridge, Box Culvert, and Water Control Structure Repairs project.
– The council voted 5-0 to award a contract to Seahawk Florida Investments (Tree West) in the amount of $94,500 for the 2025 Sanibel River Clearing Project for drainage/wildlife habitat maintenance trimming.
– The council voted 5-0 on a resolution appointing Daniel Wilhelm to the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)’s Bicycle Pedestrian Coordinating Committee (BPCC). Prior to the vote, the council held a ballot vote. The other applicants were Neal Conner and David Gurney.
– The council held the first reading for an ordinance to amend the Code to allow for the use of gas-powered leaf blowers by mayoral proclamation or council resolution during a state of local emergency due to a weather event. The second reading will be held on July 15.
– The council held the first reading for an ordinance to amend the Code to consider solar energy systems and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Prior to the reading, the council discussed the draft legislation and provided amendments. The second reading will be held on July 15.
– The council held the first reading for an ordinance to amend the Code to consider front porch additions within the Town Center Commercial Districts to promote community resiliency through revitalization. Prior to the reading, the council discussed the draft legislation. Staff also shared an example of improvements created by Coastal Vista Design for its office at 2415 Palm Ridge Road supported by the proposed ordinance if implemented. The second reading will be held on July 15.
– The council presented the city’s Judith Ann Zimomra Scholarship Award to the following recipients: Analise Gingerich, daughter of Sanibel Police Department information technology/computer support specialist Chad Gingerich; Mackenzie Jackson, daughter of Public Information Officer and Grant Manager Eric Jackson; and Rebecca Kelly, daughter of City Clerk Scotty Lynn Kelly.
– The council voted 5-0 to submit a letter of support for Lee County Conservation 20/20’s acquisition of a Sanibel Community Church parcel on Bailey Road, with language included that ensures the property remains in conservation in perpetuity. Prior to the vote, staff shared that the church requested the letter. In a second motion, the council voted 5-0 to suggest to the seller that the same language regarding the property remaining in conservation in perpetuity be included in any contract.
– The council was updated on the Sanibel Recovery Dashboard by Eric Pfeifer, SanCap Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai and Brian Rist on behalf of Sanibel Solutions.
