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CRA approves $66,689 consultant contract to renew submerged‑land lease for downtown boardwalk
Summary
The Community Redevelopment Agency approved a $66,689 budget amendment to hire a consultant to help the city secure a sovereign submerged‑land lease and update riparian easements for the Downtown Boardwalk and Festival Deck; staff said FDEP is applying stricter documentation standards and the lease must be secured by November 2026.
The City of Stuart Community Redevelopment Agency on Tuesday approved Resolution 02‑2026 to amend the FY2026 CRA budget and authorize a professional services agreement with Cummins Cedarburg Inc. for $66,689 to assist in renewing a sovereign submerged‑land lease for the Downtown Boardwalk and Festival Deck.
Staff explained the city’s existing riparian agreements no longer meet the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s documentation expectations and that increased FDEP scrutiny across the state requires updated surveys and easements. Ruth Holmes, the city’s environmental attorney, told the board that while the regulatory rules themselves have not changed, staffing and review practices at FDEP have increased and the city must refile documentation that previously sufficed.
The consultant will prepare permit documentation, perform riparian surveys and assist with negotiating riparian easements with property owners along Seminole Street from Festival Deck to Colorado Avenue. Staff said FDEP provided a temporary use agreement allowing continued use of the facilities while the city pursues a renewed lease, but emphasized a November 2026 deadline to secure the updated lease documentation.
The resolution passed on a roll call; board members voting in favor included (per roll call) Board members James, Rich, Gioby, DeBarrard, Clark, Vice Chair Reid and Chair Collins. Staff said the consultant engagement is targeted to be a one‑time professional services contract to support the renewal, not an ongoing fee.
