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Lee County commissioners direct staff to study recreational boat ramp contingency at Maritime Park
Summary
The Lee County Board of County Commissioners voted 2-1 to have staff prepare a supplemental scope (STA) that would add a recreational boat-ramp design as a contingency for the Maritime Park project if a separate standalone ramp deal falls through. Commissioners debated compatibility with commercial waterfront uses and natural-resources operations.
The Lee County Board of County Commissioners on Oct. 16 directed county staff to return with a supplemental STA (scope of services) that would add a recreational boat-ramp design as a contingency for the Maritime Park project if the county’s preferred standalone ramp parcel on Main Street does not close.
Commissioner Mulca asked the board to preserve a contingency option and “reserve the right to possibly pursue a design with the original Maritime site” if due diligence on the Main Street parcel fails, and the board approved the supplemental-ST A direction in a 2-1 vote.
The item arises from a county grant-funded Maritime Park project that was originally framed around a commercial working waterfront. Supporters said adding a contingency recreational ramp preserves public access if the Main Street acquisition does not proceed. Opponents cautioned that mixing a public recreational ramp with commercial waterfront operations could create safety and access conflicts and might force closures when county natural-resources projects use the site.
Several commissioners and staff described compatibility concerns: Natural-resources staff (Roland) told the board the frequency of county operational use varies by project and could require use of the site for extended periods, potentially closing it to the public. Another commissioner said keeping the Maritime site commercial would protect Punta Rasa Boat Ramp by providing a dedicated staging area for commercial activity during future storm repairs.
County staff told the board adding the supplemental STA would not delay the project’s schedule. The county attorney clarified the board’s direction and offered the exact motion language used: “to direct staff to provide a supplemental STA to incorporate the potential for a recreational boat ramp design in the item currently identified as C-22.” The county manager said staff would bring the amended STA and potential cost estimates back at the next board meeting.
Board members also suggested staff explore other funding tools, including transferring unused “Conservation 2020” boat-slip credits to locations appropriate for public ramps, and noted that a recreational ramp added outside the grant would require additional funding.
The board approved the supplemental-STA direction 2 to 1. Staff will return to the board at the next meeting with the supplemental STA and any cost implications for adding a recreational ramp design.
Votes and next steps: staff to present the supplemental STA and estimated additional cost at the next regular meeting; no ordinance or zoning change was adopted at this session.
