DISCUSSION ITEM
FROM: Grover C. Robinson, IV, Mayor
SUBJECT:
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REMOVAL OF TWO DERELICT VESSELS - THE ST. ANTHONY AND THE OLIVER
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SUMMARY:
The City Council is being asked to discuss the removal of two derelict vessels sunken during Hurricane Sally, the St. Anthony and the Oliver, located in the submerged right-of-way at the corner of B and Pine Streets, and provide direction. If approved for removal, an add-on Supplemental Budget Resolution will be submitted to City Council for the April 22, 2021 Council Meeting requesting the appropriation of $200,000 from the General Fund’s Available Fund Balance to pay for the cost of the removal of the vessels, an expenditure that may not be reimbursed by FEMA or recovered from the boat owners.
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The State of Florida’s Emergency Final Order (OGC NO. 21-0328) issued for Hurricane Sally that includes authorization to remove sunken vessels with no further notice or permit required will expire on May 9, 2021. As the next City Council meeting is scheduled for May 13, 2021, this add-on discussion item is necessary in order to be able to act prior to that expiration date.
On September 16, 2020, Hurricane Sally made landfall before dawn near Gulf Shores, Alabama, causing widespread damage to the greater Gulf Coast area. As a result of Hurricane Sally, numerous shrimp boats were destroyed in the harbor between Allen Williams Boatyard and Joe Patti’s Seafood. Most of these destroyed boats appear to have been removed or are on private property, except for the St Anthony and the Oliver, both of which are in the City’s submerged right-of-way at the corner of B and Pine Streets.
Earlier this month, City and County staff and representatives from FEMA met onsite along with Frank Patti Jr and others to discuss the issue. Also, City and County staff have consulted with Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission to discuss options for removal and possible reimbursement, with little to no success. The boats are eyesores and continuing source of waterway contamination.
Currently, FEMA reimbursement is uncertain due to the nature of the loss in that the vessels are not blocking a navigable waterway, nor a threat to life or safety. Also, the City must exhaust all legal remedies to have the owners to salvage the boats in order for reimbursement to be considered. Recovery from the owners is not likely in this circumstance based on the very high cost of removal, though City staff will make efforts to contact the owners to address the removal of the vessels.
Currently there is a balance of $456,732 in the General Fund’s Available Fund Balance. Should City Council authorize the appropriation of $200,000 a balance of $256,732 will remain in the General Fund’s Available Fund Balance.
PRIOR ACTION:
None
STAFF CONTACT:
Keith Wilkins, City Administrator
Kerrith Fiddler, Deputy City Administrator - Community Development
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Aerial of Derelict Vessels Location
PRESENTATION: No