Lake Clarke Shores continues septic-to-sewer outreach; staff says grants will determine next steps

Town staff reiterated progress and outstanding steps on the town’s septic-to-sewer program during an Aug. 13 informational session. Joe Rubello said the town held a July 15 virtual charrette about the proposal and that phase 2 is permit-ready, while phases 3–5 remain in design and are being held pending grant decisions from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

"Phase 2 is ready and permit ready. It's shovel ready," Rubello said, noting that portions of later phases are about 70% designed and that pump-station siting still requires council input. Rubello and other council members emphasized that much of the engineering work is on hold while staff seeks state grant funding.

Residents raised questions about how decisions will be made and whether affected homeowners will have a formal vote. Kevin Klop asked whether the town will hold a vote for residents impacted by septic-to-sewer or whether the council will decide. Councilors and staff said the process is still evolving and that grants and regulatory steps will drive timing and scope; no formal policy or vote was scheduled at the meeting.

Councilors also discussed the interaction between sewer work and road paving. Several council members and residents argued that paving Pine Tree Lane and other arterial segments should be prioritized while sewer phases are settled; staff cautioned that paving completed before sewer construction could be later disrupted and recommended sequencing work to avoid redoing recently completed pavement.

The session produced no formal council action; staff said they will continue pursuing grants (including dredging and sewer-phase grants) and will return to the council for future decisions when funding or regulatory milestones are reached.