CITY BRIEFS: New ‘MySanibel’ Website Unveiled

Santiva Chronicle Staff Report

The city unveiled its upgraded and redesigned “MySanibel” website Friday, July 22. The new site is more compliant with ADA online requirements and allows for additional services in the future. It has a clean, modern design with easier access to live street cams and important city information. Contact the city’s Information Technology Department at 239-472-3700 with any issues, as work on the site continues next week.

Sewer Expansion Project
The Phase 4B of the city sewer expansion project begins Monday, July 25 and includes installation of central sewer service in five areas:
Sanibel Gardens (Area B): July
Tamarind Road (Area C): October
Middle Gulf Drive (Area G): November
Winterbotham (Area D): December
Ferry Road (Area F): February
Construction is expected to start the first of the month.

Content Neutral Sign Ordinance
Council approved the content neutral sign ordinance (22-005) upon the second reading and public hearing Tuesday. A review of the city’s sign regulations was required under a 2015 Supreme Court Ruling on content neutral signs.

E-bikes on the Beach
The first reading of an ordinance banning electric bicycles and other motorized vehicles on the beach was held Tuesday. The second reading and public hearing will be on the Aug. 16 agenda, when council could vote on it. The ban has been proposed as a safety measure for beachgoers and to protect wildlife, since bicycle traffic has increased on the beach.

Draft FY23 Budget Discussed, Max Operating Millage Rate Set
City Council discussed the draft budget for the fiscal year from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30, 2023 in its Tuesday, July 19 meeting. The proposed budget totals $83,265,755 and a workshop will be scheduled to discuss it.

Council also voted to approve the maximum operating millage rate at 1.9750 mills. The final rate will be set in the Sept. 12 council meeting and the final budget will be approved in the Sept. 28 meeting.

Planning Commission’s LDC Review Subcommittee
The Planning Commission’s Land Development Code Review Subcommittee will meet at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 26 at City Hall, 800 Dunlop Rd. The committee will discuss proposed revisions to the LDC flood chapter based on updated FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps.