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Council approves one‑time funds to help lakes damaged by regional stormwater project
Summary
Council approved a one‑time release of funds to six affected lake communities after staff explained that re‑plumbing of the regional stormwater system and bleeder elevations caused some ponds to recede; the release will be tied to documentation and is intended as a single fix. Communities may choose planting, sod or other improvements.
Bonita Springs — The City Council voted to release one‑time funds to six neighborhoods whose lakes have receded after construction of the city's regional stormwater improvements.
Council member Chris Corey moved the item, noting residents had endured dust, dirt and disruption from construction and that many neighborhood lakefronts now show exposed shorelines. Staff explained that when the city's interconnected system was replumbed, individual neighborhood control elevations and bleeder connections began to function at design levels. In some communities that resulted in lower pond elevations and visible shoreline recession.
Staff described a proposed standard: a 12‑foot planting strip with a 4:1 slope (12 ft of planting area) as an eligible option; communities could choose how to use an allocated one‑time release — for sod, plantings or other improvements. Staff said the release would require documentation and a release so the funds would not be reissued multiple times to the same community. The city emphasized this would be a one‑time fix tied to the capital improvement project that created the system and noted homeowners remain responsible for private stormwater permits and modifications.
Council debated whether the 12‑foot standard would be sufficient given seasonal low water levels and discussed alternatives such as rock treatment. After discussion and clarification that this would be a one‑time, documented release tied to the city's CIP and legislative funds, council approved the motion by roll call.
Staff will work with the city attorney to document the release process and required paperwork before funds are disbursed.
