Item 8C - Coastal Partnership Initiative GrantAGENDA ITEM:
SUBMITTED BY:
DATE:
BACKGROUND:
BUDGET:
RECOMMENDATION:
ATTACHMENTS:
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
STAFF REPORT
AG,ENDA ITEM USC
OC TOBER 26,2015
Approval of Coasta l Patinership Initiative grant submitt al
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Dougla . Layton, PE, PWLF
Public Works Director
October 12, 20 15
Recently, the City voted to offer to buy the Bennett
Property. The attac hed grant submitt a l requests $30,000
from the Coasta l Partnership Initiative to assist in this
purchase.
$30 ,000 in additional income.
Approve the City Manager to execute the attached grant submittal.
Grant Application .
' REVIEWED BY CITY MANAGER: ~ C/<2£n ";lcfl<V'
COASTAL PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVE
www .dep.state. fl.us /cmp/grants /index .htm
GRANT APPLICATION
AGENDA l'l'EM ti8C
OCTOR.ER 26,2015
Refer to Rule Chapter 62S-4, Florida Administrative Code, avai lable at
http ://www.dep.state.fl .us/cmp/grants/ind ex.htm for inf01mation on funding requirements and
evaJuat1on criteria.
Eligible app licants for the Coasta l Pattnership rnitiative are .l ocal governments of the 35 coasta l
counties and all municipalities within their boundaries required to includ e a coastal element in the
local comprehensive plan. Florida co ll eges, commun it y colleges, state tmivcrsities, regional planning
counci ls, national estuary programs and non-profit groups may also app ly, as long as an eligib le local
government agrees to participate as a partner.
II Submittal Requirement s II
1. One app li cation per app li cant ma y be submitted per grant cycle (i.e., one application per
co unty, city, or oth er eligible applicant.)
2. App li cants may request:
a) no more than $15,000 and no less than $10,000 for planning, design and coordination
activities; and
b) no more than $30,000 and no less than $10,000 tor construction projects, habitat restoration,
invas ive exo ti c plant removal, and land acquisition. These projects cannot involve
planning/coordination ta sks or components.
3. Non-profit groups are not eligible to receive funds for construction projects, in vasive exotic
plant removal , habitat restoration, or land acquisition. Applications submitted by non-protit
groups that propose these activities (as listed in 62S-4.004(2)(c)) will be disqualified.
4. FundiJJg is availab le only for project work initiated and completed durin g a 12-month period
begi nning July 1 and ending June 30.
5. One original, signed app li ca tion must b e submitted along with four copies of the application
and one CD/DVD copy of the app lication .
6. All applications mu s t be submitted on the CPl Application Form.
7. Appl icat ions must be submi tted in person , by certified or registered mail or b y courier service
by 4:00p.m. on the date identified in the notice of availability of ·funds to:
Department of Environmen tal Protection
Florida Coastal Manage men t Program, MS 235
AlTN: CP£ Applications
39 00 Commonwea lth Blvd ., Tallah assee , F'L 32399-3000
Faxed, electronic, or late appl ications will not be considered and will be dis()ualified.
fonn 62S-4.004(5)
Effective 91211 Q
A. TITLEPAGE
Project Title: Bennett Property Acquisition for Public Access to Marsh Preserves
CPI Initiative Priority Area(s): Access to Coastal Resources
Applicant Name and Name of Partner Entity (if applicable):
City of Atlantic Beach
Official Contact Name: Doug Layton. ______________ _
Title: Public Works Director ------------Phone/Fax: 904-247-5834 _________ _
Email Address: dlayton@coab.us _______ _
Postal Address: 1200 Sandpiper Lane. ______ _
Atlantic Beach, Florida 32233
Applicant DUNS Number: 081944514 _____ ___
Proposed Project Manager Name: Scott Williams Email: swilliams@coab.us
Certification Statement
"By signing this title page, the undersigned certifies that:
a. This application is in all respects fair and submitted in good faith without collusion or fraud;
AGENDA ITEM #8C
OCTOBER 26, 2015
b. If selected through this application process, the recipient will work in good faith and in partnership with
the Florida Coastal Management Program to manage its sub grant in a timely and accurate manner;
c. Any funds awarded as a result of this application process will not be used to supplant or replace any state
or local funds;
d. Any funds awarded as a result of this application process will not be used as matching funds to apply for
or receive other federal funds;
e. No federal funds will be used as match for funds awarded as a result of this application process;
f. The applicant local government's adopted comprehensive plan has been found to be in compliance with
Chapter 163, Part II, F.S.;
g. [If construction is proposed] The applicant has conducted preliminary consultation with appropriate
federal, state, regional and local regulatory agencies regarding any construction proposed in the
application and has documented the results of the consultation in the Project Description section of the
Work Plan;
h. [If construction projects, habitat restoration or invasive species removal are proposed] The property on
which these activities will take place is owned or leased by the applicant or the applicant holds a
sufficient easement; and
1. The undersigned has full authority to bind the applicant."
Signature Name & Title Date
If applicant is a Florida college, community college, state university, regional planning council, national
estuary program or non-profit group, include the signature, name, and title of contact for partnering entity;
the name of the eligible county or city partner; and the date.
NIA
Signature of Partner Name & Title County or City Partner Entity Date
Form 62S-4.004, FAC, Effective 9/2/10
B. PROJECT LOCATION MAP
In c lude a proj ect locati o n map no la rger tha n 8W' x 11 ".
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AGENDA lTEM ##8 C
OCTOBER 26,2015
(10 pts.)*
C. WORK PLAN (Expand text boxes as needed, keeping within the 10-page Work Plan limit)
AGENDA ITEM #8C
OCTOBER 26, 2015
This section describes the project and cannot exceed 10 single sided pages or 5 double sided pages. If letters of
support or other materials are submitted to address the Work Plan components below, these items will count
toward the maximum 10 pages of the application Work Plan; any additional pages or Appendices will be
discarded and not considered in the evaluation of the application. The Title Page, Location Map, Budget and
Budget Narrative do not count toward the 10-page limit of the Work Plan.
1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION.
a. Describe in detail the activity or work to be conducted; include project location information. (15 pts.)
As an important element of the City of Atlantic Beach's comprehensive effort to provide orderly,
sustainable and enhanced public access, passive recreation, and environmental/ecological education
opportunities and management for the Marsh Preserves (Dutton Island, River Branch and Tideviews
preserves), we are seeking to acquire a critical piece of land from a private owner to substantially improve
public access to the Tideviews preserve and thereby the entire Marsh system. The specific parcel of land is
referred to as the Bennett Property.
Please refer to the Maps below for the location of the Marsh Preserves and for the location of the parcel to
be acquired.
The Bennett Property's physical location is at Camelia Street and West 3rd Street backing up to the
Tideview Preserve.
The primary purpose of this grant request is to provide much improved and enhanced public access to the
entire Marsh Preserve system. However, an added benefit is protecting the property from future potential
development, which would be harmful to the water quality of the Marsh.
The future proposed development would include pedestrian and bike walkways providing direct and easy
access for the residents of the surrounding neighborhoods across the Bennett Property to the Tideview
Preserve which opens up the entire Marsh Preserves system. Therefore, the Bennett Property provides new
access to the extensive system of boardwalks and walkways newly constructed and currently being
implemented as outlined in the Marsh Preserves Master Plan. Also, the property will provide up to 30-35
parking spaces to accommodate the other citizens of Atlantic Beach, all of Duval County and the numerous
tourists and visitors to our area.
The structure on the property (currently a private residence) will initially be maintained as a security and
storage facility to serve the entire Marsh Preserves. Its future use may include a small community education
center for the Marsh Preserves. Its final utilization will require further study and analysis.
The property is currently in a foreclosure/short sale process with a willing seller and willing Lender. A
final negotiated price has not been determined but the amount all parties have discussed and believe to be a
fair price is $200,000. Additional discussions will occur in the coming weeks now that the City Commission
has adopted the staff recommendation to proceed with the acquisition.
The City of Atlantic Beach is requesting a grant from the Coastal Partnerships Initiative for $30,000
towards the total cost of $200,000 which represents a 15% grant, 85% local cash match request. Any cost
adjustments with be borne by the City of Atlantic Beach.
This is an excellent opportunity for a Partnership between a Florida local government and the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection through the Coastal Partnerships Initiative Grant Program.
3
Fonn 62S-4.004, FAC, Effective 912/10
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City of Atlantic Beach
M:arsh Preserves M:aster Plan
Form 628-4.004 , FA C, Effective 912110
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b. Describe specific project objectives, tasks, and deliverables and related timelines for each. Objectives
and tasks should clearly relate to the project description.
(20 pts.)
Objective:
The purpose of the proposed project is to acquire a critical piece of private property on the edge of the City
of Atlantic Beach's Marsh Preserves which will provide an opportunity to significantly improve and enhance
public access to the entire Marsh Preserves including the Tideview Preserve (closest to the property to be
acquired), River Branch Preserve and the Dutton Island Preserve.
Tasks:
-finalize negotiations with the willing Seller and the willing Lender for the purchase price of
approximately $200,000.
-final City Commission approval of the final agreed upon purchase price.
-once the Grant Award is announce, set the date for the Closing.
-address all Closing issues such as Survey (see below), Title Insurance, etc.
-conduct the real estate Closing and take public ownership of the parcel.
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Form 62S-4.004, FAC, Effective 9/2110
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2. PROJECT NEED AND BENEFIT.
a. Ex lain the demonstrated need, wh ich th e ro'ect ad dresses.
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OCTOBER 26,2015
The Ci ty of A tl anti c Beach City Commission uses a strateg ic planning process to establis h goa ls. Several
years ago, t he C ity ide nti fied through this process, the desire to acquire approximately 350 acres, consisting
primaril y of marsh, to connect two ci ty parks, Dutton Island Preserve and Tidcviews Preserve. In 2009, the
7
Form 625-4.004, FAC , Effec tive 912110
AGENDA lTF.M #8C
OCT08ER2G,lOJS
City acquired the property, now known as the Ri ver Branch Preserve, with the assistance of a donation from
the Ri ver Branch Fo undati on a nd the N011 h Florida Land Trusl.
One o f th e primary purposes for the Ri ver Branch acquis iti o n was to inc rease public access to the marsh,
Intracoas tal Waterway a nd other natu ra l areas for resource-based recreati on. The additi on of the Rive r
Branch Preserve increased th e C ity's parkland but not necessarily public access .
To address this iss ue of enhanced public access th e Ci ty o f Atlantic Beach engaged the services of a
Co nsu ltant Team in 20 11 to deve lop a Marsh Preserves Master Pla11. T he Co nsult ant Tea m incl ud ed CPH
E ng ineers, Tn c, HHI Design, a nd Tay lor Engineerin g, Inc. The total Marsh Preser ves Sys tem in clud es 385
ac res of tidal marsh a nd associa ted uplan ds wit hin th e jurisdi c tion of the C ity. The March Preserves is
lo cated n orth of Atlantic Boulevard Intra-c oastA l Waterway Bridge and includes th e Duttonls land, River
Branch , ao d Tideviews Preserves . The Consult ant Team perfo rm ed inspections of the lands primarily by
wa lking and kayaking. Ve hicular and bike access was eva luated to detennine im provements to the overall
access and awareness. T be Consult ant Team completed th eir report the Marsh Preserves Master Plan and
th e Ci ty Commissio n adopted i t in April 2012. T he Guiding Princip les of th e Master Plan are as fo llo ws:
Guiding Principles
Decisions re lated to the future development of facilities, uses a nd management of the
Marsh Preserves shall be guided by the following .
• The City of Atlantic Beach will mainta in the Marsh Preserves (Dutton Island , Tidevlews
and River Branch) as passive and natural recreation areas and shall expand opportunities
for public access to the Intracoastal Waterway, and associated creeks and marshes for
recreational activities that have limited Impact on these resources.
• The City will manage the Marsh Preserves In a manner that reflects the use of
sustainable and best practices to protec t the area's natural resources from degradation
and overuse.
• Facilities to be developed and maintained by the City will be limited to those that
su ppor t fishing, canoeing and kayaking, biking, hiking and exercise trails, picnicking and
camping areas and other similar natural resource-based recreation activities such as
natural/environmental and cu ltural/h eritage facilitie s, programs and activities.
• While It is agreed that protection of the coasta l marsh environment is the priority,
providing for the public's use and e nj oyment of these resources, in addition to
environmental education, is ne eded to guarantee the long-term commitment to th e
management and maintenance of these natural areas ,
• For the Marsh Preserves Master Plan to be viabl e, the public must understand the va lu e
of committing needed budget res o urces t o these areas. As s uch , the City must identify
and pr ovide fa cilities and locations that encourage use and en joyment of the mar sh
re sour ces in a similar manner as the beach. While the City doe s not expect or des ir e the
Marsh Preserves to be used as intensely as the beach, these re sources offer similar
opportunities to be near the water and to experience nature at its best.
The Pl a nnin g Object ives are as fo ll ows:
8
Form 628-4.004, FA C, Ej]cclil •e 912110
Planning Objectives
• The Marsh Pre serves Master Plan process will evaluate the need for environmental
conservation, management and education, In addition to providing passive/resource-
based recreation opportunities.
• The planning process wi ll Include a citizen and stakeholder outreach program to Inform,
encourage participation and build com munity support for the Implementation of this
Master Plan .
AGENDA ITEM 118C
OCTOBER 26,21115
• Pl anned improvements, activities and programs will be id entified that Increase public
access, awareness and appreciation of the Marsh Preserves' environmental systems and
the City's cultural heritage.
• Public access and recreationa l opportunities will be Implemented in a manner that
supports and furthers environmenta l lands management standards and objectives.
• Passive and/or resourced-based r ecreation facilities, activities and programs will be
implemented in a manner that comp lements and maintains the character and beauty of
the Marsh Preserves.
• Maintenance and management activities will be Identified for the Marsh Preserves
natural r esources and park amenities.
• Con nectivity t o the Marsh Preserves from surrounding land uses and other public lands
will be enhanced through such methods as wayfinding slgnage, walkways, boardwalks,
trails, overlooks (land and water based) and view sheds.
• The recommended phased cap ital improvement program will be financially feasible to
build and maintain.
• The Marsh Preserves Master Plan will i dentify strategies to obtain traditional and
alternative funding programs and partnerships to support plan Implementation.
Our proposed project is directly on target with nearly ALL of the Guiding Princ ipl es and Program
Objectives as art icul ated in th e excerpts above from the Master Plan .
Fishing, hikin g and biking. canoeing, kayaking , and nature observation were consistent theme s vociced
during the Public Part icipa tion process of the preparation of the Master Plan . The project which received the
mo st interest from the public was for trail s and boardwalks to co ru1ee1 the Tideview Pre serve with the Dutton
Is land Preserve.
The Bennett Property acquisition allow s the genera l public to ha ve eas y and quick access to the enti re
Mars h Preserve Sys tem.
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AGENDA ITEM 118C
OCTOBER 26,2015
Bennett Property
AGENDA ITEM #8C
OCTOBER 26, 2015
b. Explain how the proposed project meets the purpose of at least one CPI priority area. (10 pts.)
The CPI Priority Area of Access to Coastal Resources through land acquisition is directly on target with
the proposed project. We intent to acquire a parcel ofland which directly adjoins the Marsh Preserves and
provides for a unique access point for the neighboring residents to the entire March Preserve due to the
extensive system of boardwalks and walkways, kayaks launch facilities, fishing sites, etc. In addition the
development of the newly acquired site will allow for public parking for the entire City, County at large and
our numerous tourists and visitors to the area.
The newly constructed 800 liner foot Sunset Pier is located some distance from existing parking areas. A
canoe/kayak drop-off was designated along the existing West 1st Street right of way to reduce the carrying
distance. A new public assess point at the Bennett Property will shorten the overall distance to the Sunset
Pier launch but will provide ADA access to the Sunset Pier.
Improvements to the Marsh Preserves trails, boardwalk, canoe/kayak, fishing and overlooks will be
substantially enhanced by the easy, convenient public access the Bennett Property will provide!
c. Discuss the extent to which the project will improve the management and protection of coastal resources.
25 ts.)
The City of Atlantic Beach contains 365 of Intracoastal Waterway marshes located in three protected
preserve areas, Dutton Island, Tideviews and River Branch. These are collectively referred to herein as the
"Marsh Preserves." These areas with activities were acquired and have been set aside to remain as passive
and natural recreation areas with activities that have limited impact on these resources. Existing recreation
uses are those that are customarily described as passive in nature including, but not limited to, hiking and
biking, canoeing, kayaking, nature observation and camping.
The Marsh Preserves is part of the Northeast Florida Blueway project and the Jacksonville Greenway
Network. It is also part of the final leg of the Florida Circurnnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, a 1,515
mile trail that follows the Florida coastal shoreline. The Marsh Preserves offer the public the enjoyment of
the saltwater marsh, pine flatwood forests, live oak, magnolia and water oak forests, and resource-based
recreation facilities. The creation of the preserves has protected a large land area of the undeveloped
wilderness within the urban landscape along the Intracoastal Waterway including saltwater marshes, which
are the most productive ecosystems on earth. The Marsh Preserves offer numerous recreational and
educational opportunities for all ages to learn more about the area's history, the preserves' environmental
systems and its management.
There are numerous opportunities to maintain and improve the Marsh Preserves' natural resources such as
preparation of a schedule to conduct land management of the natural resources, restoration of spoil areas,
expand/improve park facilities and preparation of a routine maintenance schedule. There are many park
facilities improvements which should be evaluated to add or improve existing facilities. Facility additions
and improvements will help direct users and enhance the user experience.
All future uses should be consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan Objective 1.5-Coastal
Management/Conservation Element, Objective 3.4-Coastal Management/Conservation Element and Policy
3.2.6 Coastal Management/Conservation Element.
In the Tideview Preserve, which the Bennett Property adjoins, the City has recently completed the
construction of the 800 linear foot Sunset Pier, identified on the Master Plan as a new boardwalk/fishing pier
that provides public access to deeper water for launching a kayak/canoe. The addition of this wonderful
11
Form 62S-4.004, FAC, Effective 9/2/10
AGENDA ITEM #8C
OCTOBER 26, 2015
amenity has increased public demand for easy access to the Tideviews Preserve. The Marsh Preserve
Master Plan which was prepared in conjunction with the North Florida Land Trust, who along with the
River Branch Foundation donated hundreds of acres of the River Branch Preserve to the City, is essentially a
Management Plan for the care and protection of the entire Marsh Preserve System, all365 acres of it within
the City's jurisdictional limits.
The preservation and management of this incredible natural resources system is of utmost importance to
the City leaders.
The intent of the purchase of the Bennett Property is to continue to improve public access to these
passive recreational lands and to ensure no new development will occur on the edge of thls critical
surface water body.
d. Discuss how project is feasible and can be completed within one year. (10 Pts.)
The project is not complex since it is a direct acquisition by the City of Atlantic Beach from a willing seller
and willing Lender (in the beginning stages of a Short Sale process). We believe the entire transaction can
be accomplished with 90-120 days from Grant Award.
12
Fonn 62S-4.004, FAC, Effective 9/2110
AGENDA ITEM #8C
OCTOBER 26, 2015
BUDGET and BUDGET NARRATIVE (15 Pts.)
Type dollar amounts only in applicable categories (round to nearest dollar; no cents) and leave other
categories blank. A recipient will be required to provide 100% (1: 1) matching funds, cash or in-kind.
No more than one-half (50%) of match can be provided by a third party.
Budget Category FCMPFunds MATCH Funds
1. Salaries
2. Fringe Benefits
3. Travel
4. Equipment
5. Supplies
6. Contractual Services
7. Other Expenses $30,000 __ _ $170,000 __
8. Indirect Charges
FCMP Total $30,000 __ _
Match Total $170,000 __
Total FCMP & Match Funds $200,000 __
If budget exceeds the amount shown on the "Total" line above, indicate the total project cost: $_N/A_
BUDGET NARRATIVE: Describe line items for each applicable budget category shown above. Provide
sufficient detail to show cost relationship to project activities for both FCMP and match items. Indirect
costs are not allowed as match.
Total FCMP Funds Requested $30,000 __ _
Salaries:
Fringe Benefits:
Travel:
Equipment:
Supplies:
Contractual Services:
13
Fonn 62S-4.004, FAC, Effective 9/2110
AGENDA ITEM #8C
OCTOBER 26, 2015
Other Expenses: The City is requesting a $30,000 contribution towards the fee simple title purchase of a
critical piece of land to provide enhanced public access to the entire Marsh Preserves. This request
represents 15% of the total project costs of $200,000.
Indirect Charges:
Total Match Funds: $170,000
Salaries:
Fringe Benefits:
Travel:
Equipment:
Supplies:
Contractual Services:
Other Expenses: The local match for the purchase of the Bennett Property which adjoins the critical March
Preserves. The funds will come from the City's General Fund as a cash contribution to the purchase
transaction. The City Commission has adopted and approved preceding this land acquisition.
NOTE: Project costs will be evaluated for reasonability, and the application is eligible for up to 10
points based on the evaluation of costs.
14
Form 62S-4.004, FAC, Effective 9/2/10