Holmes Beach usually takes a passive approach on the algae blooms that sometimes clog its waterways.
But that might end this year.
Holmes Beach Clean Water Committee Chair Ron Huibers urged city commissioners May 10 to take a more active approach while presenting the advisory board’s recommendations for remediating algae blooms.
The CWC created the recommendations in response to a recent bloom of Lyngbya wollei, also known as “brown gumbo” algae, which produces mats that float and produce a rotten odor.
The board’s first recommendation is for the city to hire a contractor to procure a skimmer vessel to collect and dispose of algal mats, since removal would reduce the nitrogen load and odor.
Huibers said he’d contacted several contractors who would perform the work for thousands of dollars a week or the city could purchase a skimmer vessel, which he estimated could cost about $90,000 and $15,000 to operate annually.
Mayor Judy Titsworth said some skimmer vessels might not work for the city since they’d have to move freely within the canals. She said the city could task staff with determining what kind of skimmer vessel would work best.
Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer expressed concern about a skimmer’s practicality since it could require offloading the material into trucks or dumpsters, which also would need to be addressed.
Huibers persisted that the city look into skimmers, calling algae removal “remediation 101.”
The CWC’s second recommendation is for the city to begin field-testing Cape Coral-based Ecological Laboratories’ product, Microbe-Lift.
The product contains bacteria that, when poured into a body of water, breaks down algae, reduces nitrates and unpleasant odors, as well as improves water clarity and quality.
Testing would involve water sampling and consulting, according to Huibers’ $42,500 budget.
Titsworth, who brought the product to the board’s attention at a previous meeting, expressed enthusiasm for testing the application.
The CWC’s third recommendation is for the city to assist in community outreach, such as a adding a water-quality page on the city website or reaching out through print and social media to educate people about how they can best protect local waters.
Outreach was projected to cost $2,500.
There was no motion to approve the plans.
However, Titsworth said she would look for funding and expressed support for clean water efforts.
Bradenton resident Larry Grossman told the committee he’d noticed the “stench” around the city from the Lyngbya mats. He said he hoped the city would act on the issue and voiced appreciation for the CWC.
CWC member Jeffrey Drinkard suggested asking the city for a timeline on the remediation recommendations since it was an immediate issue.
City Commissioner Terry Schaefer, the CWC liaison, said he would request discussion on the agenda for the commission’s next meeting.
In other matters…
City commissioners also:
- Ratified the reappointment of HBPD Lt. Brian Hall, Sgt. Mike Walker and resident Darcie Duncan to the police pension board for terms expiring April 1, 2024;
- Voted to ratify Titsworth’s signature on a contract to hire Lakeland-based Summit Consulting for up to $25,000 to work on stormwater infrastructure;
- Continued work session discussions about revisions to signage codes in the city.
The commission’s next meeting will be at 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. The meeting will be open to the public. Directions to attend via Zoom can be found at holmesbeachfl.org.