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Council approves series of administrative resolutions, sets town manager interviews and advances beach project funding
Summary
Council voted unanimously on multiple administrative resolutions—authorizing CDBG policy adoption, an interfund loan to cover FEMA receivables, a sole‑source modeling contract and other procurement items—and set town manager candidate interviews for April 18.
The Fort Myers Beach Town Council cleared a slate of administrative actions April 7, including adoption of federal CDBG administration policies required for grant acceptance, a short‑term interfund loan to bridge FEMA receivables, authorization to buy a forecasting model subscription, and approvals related to demolition and beach projects.
Town manager recruitment: The council selected five candidates to invite for interviews and set an April 18 interview day. Human resources director Lisa Olivera told council she had screened 66 applicants, with 17 meeting qualifications; councilors selected five finalists and two alternates and asked staff to schedule individual and public interviews under the town’s candidate‑interview procedures.
Finance and grants: The council adopted HUD‑required financial and fair‑housing policies needed to accept CDBG‑DR grants and approved a resolution authorizing an interim interfund loan (up to $8 million authorized on an as‑needed basis) to the emergency fund to cover cashflow timing differences while FEMA and state reimbursements are processed. Finance staff said reimbursement delays are expected to last several weeks; town cash and insurance receipts will cover immediate needs but the bridge loan reduces timing risk.
Other administrative approvals: - The council approved a sole‑source contract with Metro Forecasting Models LLC to provide an interactive growth and build‑out model the town will use to inform its comprehensive plan and land‑development code work. - The council approved piggyback procurement to add another demolition contractor via the City of Bonita Springs contract for ease of procurement. - The council authorized amendments to the FDEP agreement so permitting and design costs for the Estero Island Shore Protection Project are covered for the full project area; staff said no additional town match is expected and that reimbursement timing will be handled through established grant processes. - The council approved a settlement payment tied to an older infrastructure easement dispute (DiBiase matter) and accepted other routine resolutions.
Beach school and other matters: Council members and staff reported ongoing work on beach renourishment and coordination with FEMA and the state. Council discussed the temporary use of town trailers as an interim option to keep Fort Myers Beach Elementary children on island should the district’s structural assessment require extended off‑site repairs; staff said the town will explore feasibility but cautioned that certain grants and construction timelines may constrain options.
Ending: Councilors emphasized the need for continued monitoring of FEMA/state reimbursements, prompt follow‑up on required development oversight and public‑safety items, and the newly scheduled town manager interview day on April 18.
