1/28/1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Public Works Director Jim Davis showed aerial shots of the location of the 6 homes in the request, noting that the need to speed this up is that the contractor is there now finishing up the seawall that was permitted last spring. Coastal Engineer Jeff Tabar had several concerns about bringing this request forward. One is the use of Wabasso Park to stage the construction and holding the contractor responsible for restoring the park after construction of the wall is completed. That contract is under consideration now. Mr. Tabar explained that the access still would be through Wabasso Beach Park. Mr. Tabar's other concern was the increased height of the seawall that was permitted last spring. The photographs show that the wall is almost 13-14 feet high, but the original plans had shown 7 ft. above grade. He questioned the justification for the increase, noting that County staff was not informed of this increased height. Commissioner Adams advised that the permit was with the County and no one else had the authority to give an increase in height. She had requested that information last fall, and the State said they were not aware of it. Commissioner Adams felt we should have issued a stop work order when that occurred. She was quite concerned that they went ahead and did that after she went out on a limb to try to help. Director Davis explained that the DEP visited the site, but the County wasn't privy to all the meetings taking place and was not aware of the changes taking place. This is still considered a temporary permit until the DEP issues a permanent permit. It would be very expensive to move the seawall or decrease the height of it. Unless they can justify the height increase, a letter will go forth asking them to change the wall and he was sure that would not be received amicably. Commissioner Adams just felt that it doesn't give the County much credibility if the contractor takes it upon himself to make those changes. She remained concerned that she has not seen any type of a site plan showing where these seawalls would be situated on the property. She was very concerned that the contractor seems to be taking advantage of this by increasing the height of the seawall. Commissioner Adams pointed out that the people who are coming in now need a wall and she felt we must be consistent in giving the emergency permits. However, the Simpson residence is the only residence that met the criteria established for obtaining a seawall 43 JANUARY 28, 1997 BOOK�, �0, P"GE"