Bradenton Beach commissioners voted 3-1 to pay Scheda Ecological Associates $15,235 to complete surveys of the submerged land at the Historic Bridge Street Pier — a pre-emptive move to replace the day dock.
Mayor Bill Shearon opposed the funding source. He said he didn’t want to use general funds for the pier project before exhausting sources to get a matching grant from Manatee County.
Scheda will conduct underwater surveys so the city can move forward with a request to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for an amendment to its current submerged land lease — the land under the pier.
The DEP lease terms allow the city to have a day dock at the pier, but the city is looking to expand on the south side and add a matching dock with boat slips on the north side.
Building official Steve Gilbert, Commissioner Jake Spooner and Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale met with DEP representatives July 22 in Tampa about replacing and expanding the public dock.
Gilbert said the DEP has no problem with the city replacing the current day dock, but must request an amendment to its lease before it can expand.
“We need the data these surveys will provide to formulate a plan about what we can and cannot do,” Gilbert said, adding the DEP told the trio. “Tell us what you want to do and we’ll tell you what you need to do.”
Gilbert said, “They don’t want a wish list.”
The floating day dock was damaged June 4 when winds and rain brought on by the passing of Tropical Storm Colin in the Gulf of Mexico caused several boats in the city’s anchorage to break free and crash into the structure. The dock was closed until June 29 and, while the city learned it was usable, further storm damage could sink it.
The city has been seeking an alternative. Spooner proposed replacing the current floating dock with an expanded version on the north and south sides of the pier that could include leasable boat slips.
The city is able to replace the current day dock as long as it doesn’t go outside the permitted area, expansion will take time and permits.
Gilbert said if all goes well, everything could be done by fall 2017.
Though the permits and construction aren’t budgeted for 2016-17, Spooner said the new dock has the potential to be a great income generator for the city. “Just by leasing out 50 percent of the slips, the dock will pay for itself,” he said.
It’s estimated that a new floating dock will cost the city $130,000. The new docks and boat slips, if allowed by the DEP, would include 14 leasable wet slips.
Spooner has proposed leasing the slips for $2,000 a month.
Ward 4 commission candidate Bill Vincent, a resident of Pines Trailer Park adjacent to the city pier, spoke out against the proposal. “I object strenuously to the course you’re on. You shouldn’t be asking could it be done, but should it be done. You need the public’s approval first.”