TOWN OF FORT MYERS BEACH CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN DRAFT BUDGET

TOWN OF FORT MYERS BEACH CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN DRAFT BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2005/2006

TRANSPORTATION SOURCE OF FUNDS: Beginning fund balance and anticipated revenue. Over the course of the past fiscal years we have collected over $4,000,000 in State Revenue Sharing Gas Tax dollars and over $1,200,000 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 $2,800,000. 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 (Congestion Mitigation) 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 Congestions Mitigation projects, the North Estero Boulevard Paving Project, and various road and drainage projects. 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. It is important to note, however, that the negotiations with the County relative to the future allocations of the Gas Tax have dramatically affected the quantity and quality of the work that can be attempted by the Town in these areas. 2

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. 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 2006/2007 fiscal year, if funds are available. 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. 3

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. 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 under grounding 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, under grounding 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 master plan but we do not have build-to drawings and/or specifications. We also do not have a utility placement master plan. Funds will not to be spent for additional engineering work prior to construction. We are continuing to explore options with the County in regard to funding and will not recommend that the Town council move forward with this project until a realistic funding plan is determined. These efforts are underway. 4

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. 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. PROJECTIONS FOR THE FUTURE YEARS: Given the public reaction to the consultant s effort to define this project in the 2003/2004 Fiscal Year, it is unlikely that the project will receive any significant funding in future Town budgets. 5

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. For the canal project, we anticipate the use of these funds as well as the Town General Fund and assessments from property owners. We have allocated $700,000 towards these projects this year. We started out identifying about 11 drainage projects that are now in various points of development or have been completed. They were; Santos Drive, Primo Drive, Lanark & Lauder, Bayland Area, Matanzas Street, Miramar Drive, Pearl Street, St. Peter s 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 5 more on the list ready to go to bid for construction in this next fiscal year, including Bay View, Sabal, Coconut, Pearl and Miramar. We are also budgeting for the beginning of canal and channel improvement initiatives in this year. We anticipate an expense of approximately $200,000 on these projects with approximately one-half of that amount being paid by the upland property owners. 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. As for canal and channel projects, the Council has determined the future projects will be funded by a combination of private property owners (70%) and the Town (30%), after any grant funding has been allocated to the total cost of the projects. 6

TRANSPORTATION SUB-ITEM NORTH ESTERO BOULEVARD PAVING PROJECTS AND OTHER ROAD RESURFACING PROJECTS SOURCE OF FUNDS: Previously accumulated gas tax and road impact fee dollars. We have budgeted $800,000 for completion of the projects this fiscal year. This includes $350,000 which had been allocated in the 04/05 budget but not spent, along with an additional $350,000 this year for the North Estero Boulevard project. 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 and may be enhanced to include drainage and sidewalk improvements intended to increase the carrying capacity of the roadway. 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. 7

TRANSPORTATION SUB-ITEM VARIABLE PRICING/CONGESTION STUDY AND CONGESTION MITIGATION INITIATIVES SOURCE OF FUNDS: Grants and previously accumulated Gas Tax and Road Impact Fees. This year we have allocated $280,000 for these projects. In the past, the Town had been awarded a Federal Grant totaling about $1,000,000 that would fund a study and implementation of initiatives 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 main focus last year was the test of operations relative to mass transit and the trolley system. The grant required 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: With the establishment of the new Traffic Mitigation Agency, the scope of the projects and costs for same are still being developed and explored. 8

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE MOUND HOUSE SOURCE OF FUNDS: Beginning fund balance and anticipated Grant revenue. We had budgeted $250,000 in Capital Improvements. Our contract managers have applied for a number of grants that will supplement these dollars and help complete 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 these projects going forward. 9

PUBLIC DOCKS SOURCE OF FUNDS: Grant funding through WCIND and Boater Improvement Funds and the Town General Fund on a 50-50 basis. We have budgeted $66,000 this year to be spent on design, permitting and construction for the public dock under the Matanzas Bridge. In the future the project 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 taxiservice around the island. Additional dollars will be needed in the outyears, 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. 10

MATANZAS HARBOR PLAN SOURCE OF FUNDS: The General Fund and beginning fund balance and anticipated revenue and possible grant funding through Boater Improvement Funds, the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program and user fees. We have budgeted $50,000 for possible upgrades and implements to the newly established Harborage. PROJECTIONS FOR THE FUTURE YEARS: This project should be completed within the current funding year. 11

BEACH RESTORATION 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. 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 restoration 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 Town s share by utilizing Reserves. Our preliminary estimates are that the Town s portion of the project may become due in the spring of the 2005/2006 fiscal year. As this timeline and dollar amount become more firm, policy decisions must be made as to future funding sources. 12

LAND ACQUISITION SOURCES OF FUNDS: Beginning fund balance of $250,000.00. In Fiscal Year 2002-03 the town acquired the Connecticut Street property as well as the Newton property. For that reason, we do not anticipate use of these funds this year. In past years, 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 as well as other areas. It is envisioned that if suitable property can be obtained, it could provide an additional entrance and parking are for the Preserve. The site of a future permanent Town Hall could also be funded from this line item. PROJECTIONS FOR THE FUTURE YEARS: At this point, this is projected as a seldom available option 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. At this time the council has decided not to pursue land acquisition and will re-visit this in the future. 13

NEIGHBORHOOD LANDSCAPE SOURCES OF FUNDS: Beginning fund balance and anticipated revenue. The funding of $20,000 for this project will be provided from a minimal carryover figure generated by prior year s budget surplus, as well as additional funds from the General Fund and Park Impact Fees. 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. In addition to that giveaway project, the Town is now actively involved in the Tree City USA program, and is continuing its partnership with the Estero Island Garden Club to promote similar projects throughout the island. 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. 14

TOWN HALL AND OFFICE IMPROVEMENTS AND EQUIPMENT SOURCES OF FUNDS: Beginning fund balance and anticipated revenue. We have set aside $115,000 for this project. It is anticipated that these funds will be spent on computer and software upgrades and office remodeling including an additional $5,000 for our G.I.S. program and archiving program. We also anticipate funding for equipment for the in-house maintenance crew in the amount of $25,000 per year for this year and the next three years. 15

NEWTON PROPERTY CONVERSION SOURCES OF FUNDS: A total of $450,000 in Grant funding is expected to be available to help convert the former private residence and office area into public space. This project envisions the conversion of the Newton Beach Property and the small beach lot to the south of the Newton Parcel into a usable Public Park. Both properties together complete with 2 beach accesses would offer over 300 feet of beachfront and create the Town s first park. PROJECTIONS: It is anticipated that this property will require some future funding in order to transform the Newton Property into a Town Beach Park, beyond the $450,000 for upgrades and rehabilitation purposes that we anticipate this year. 16

PERMANENT TOWN HALL PROJECT SOURCES OF FUNDS: A total of $40,000 is budgeted from the General Fund for this project. At the direction of the Town Council, staff will be looking into the legal, financial and logistical issues relative to the establishment of a more permanent Town Hall location. This could include the purchase of the present building or another existing structure, or the purchase of vacant land and the subsequent construction of a Town Hall facility. PROJECTIONS: Dependent on future Town Council direction. 17