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Committee introduces new CIP format, debates sidewalk fund, Harborwalk and bicycle projects
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Summary
City staff used a new CIP format in the committee meeting to introduce a second set of potential 1% sales‑tax projects and to solicit member ratings and feedback.
City staff used a new CIP format in the committee meeting to introduce a second set of potential 1% sales‑tax projects and to solicit member ratings and feedback.
The packet included a general "sidewalk improvements" fund, several specific sidewalk connection projects (West Marion, Via Tripoli, Baynard‑Vasco), Harborwalk East (Adrian Avenue to Cooper Street, listed at $1.9 million for design and construction), a Harborwalk underpass lighting project (about $255,000 currently unfunded), and a proposed bicycle capital improvements program to establish a recurring fund for bike network work.
Finance Director Kristen Simeone said the new format adds a visible priority flag for each project. "This is the first year we're trying this new format," she told the committee, explaining the staff effort to feed multiple budget documents from the same worksheets. Several committee members welcomed the clarity but said they wished the flag had appeared on earlier materials.
Members debated whether a citywide sidewalk fund should be a capital project funded by the 1% sales tax or part of routine maintenance paid from the general fund. "This seems to me to be something that should be just becoming and then budgeted in the general fund," said Gene Murtha, referring to routine replacement and repair. Others countered that some sidewalk work involves new construction and connectivity that fits a capital program.
Environmental and permitting concerns surfaced over Harborwalk East: several members noted the proposed connection runs through mangrove areas. "Don't mess with the mangroves," one member warned; staff noted that design and environmental permitting will be required and that the Harborwalk connections are part of a longer-term multimodal plan that includes Cooper Street and Airport Road complete‑street work.
Staff also reported past grant activity: some HarborWalk and sidewalk segments were previously proposed for FDOT Local Agency Program (LAP) funding but had city funding reallocated by council to other priorities. Rick Lemkoop, Urban Design, said the city applied for a Safe Streets for All grant on one signal/safety project and expected results in November.
No final funding decisions were made at the meeting. Staff asked members to rate projects for the committee’s December meeting and said council would receive the committee’s prioritized list and project notes.
