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Atlantic Beach schedules March 23 consideration of FireLine ILA to provide Neptune Beach fire suppression; residents demand transparency
Summary
The commission was told a draft interlocal agreement (ILA) that would allow potable water across Atlantic Boulevard for Neptune Beach fire suppression — with the developer party to the agreement — will be on the March 23 agenda. Public commenters asked for transparency and cautioned the deal could amount to assisting a private developer; the developer’s counsel said the owner will pay reasonable tap fees.
The Atlantic Beach City Commission was briefed that a proposed interlocal agreement (ILA) to provide potable water for fire suppression to a Neptune Beach redevelopment will be presented for consideration on March 23, and that the developer will be a party to the agreement.
‘‘The cost of adding this extension is estimated between $270,000 and $280,000,’’ Nancy Stotts told the commission during public comment, citing figures from mid‑2023 and warning the current estimates and ongoing attorney and staff fees make the project costly and merit more public scrutiny. Stotts said she feared the agreement could chiefly assist the developer (TriBridge) rather than Neptune Beach residents and asked that documents be part of the public record.
City Manager Kevin Hogankamp confirmed the developer is part of the draft ILA and said the document will be published when the draft agenda is posted. Hogankamp described the agreement as limited to potable water for fire suppression, not daily potable service, and said a draft will be on the March 23 agenda for public access.
Developer counsel Steve Devenau (representing the former Kmart property) told the commission the owner will pay any reasonable tap fee and that stopping the ILA would not prevent development because alternatives (tying to an existing Neptune Beach tank or building a new tank) exist. ‘‘The owner of the property is willing to pay whatever the rational tap fee is or whatever the amount is that would be required under the code,’’ Devenau said.
City Attorney Gabriel advised the commission that Florida law permits charging a fee that is rationally related to the administrative or service costs the city will incur; any fee must have a nexus to the service provided so the city can be made whole.
Why it matters: Commissioners, staff and commenters repeatedly distinguished fire suppression (standby water service) from potable water sales. Residents asked for transparency on costs, contract terms, the developer’s role and whether any ongoing fees or time limits should be included to avoid an open‑ended obligation.
What happens next: The draft ILA will be posted with the March 23 agenda. Commissioners discussed possible contract elements — including a finite term or annual fee tied to actual service and inspection obligations — and requested that staff and the city attorney include safeguards before any ratification vote.
Reported speakers: Nancy Stotts; Kevin Hogankamp; Steve Devenau (developer counsel); City Attorney Gabriel. Ending: The commission is scheduled to consider the draft FireLine interlocal agreement at its March 23 meeting; staff will publish the draft and supporting materials in advance for public review.
