04.06.23 Commissioner Bill Truex

On Thursday, April 6th Info Central hosted a town hall meeting with Commissioner Bill Truex to give Islanders an opportunity to ask questions about local issues. The Commissioner introduced himself as the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners. He has been a commissioner for 11 years and a resident of the area for 32 years.

First topic: Hurricane recovery. The county is swamped with permit requests. There were 30,000 permits in February alone. Five consultants have been hired for permit reviews. Also, the process has been modified to allow for more review time – an additional two hours per day. Roofing permits and inspections are easy. The permits can be issued electronically and inspections can be done by affidavit. 

Remember, you must pull a permit for your rebuild. If you do not have a permit, your insurance company will not cover it. Make sure you hire local contractors who know the permit regulations.

Question: Are we getting any additional assistance for hurricane debris vegetation clean-up including on private roads?
They have no plan for any additional cleanup at this time. They are done.

Comment: The county did a great job on clearing the road right-of-ways. Commissioner Truex said that their contractor was great. They had over 225 units in this community. In his estimation, it was the fastest cleanup ever. County staff and the contractors deserve much kudos.

​Remember, you must pull a permit for your rebuild. If you do not have a permit, your insurance company will not cover it. Make sure you hire local contractors who know the permit regulations.

Question: Are we getting any additional assistance for hurricane debris vegetation clean-up including on private roads?
They have no plan for any additional cleanup at this time. They are done.
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Comment: The county did a great job on clearing the road right-of-ways. Commissioner Truex said that their contractor was great. They had over 225 units in this community. In his estimation, it was the fastest cleanup ever. County staff and the contractors deserve much kudos.

Question: Will the debris in the canals be cleared?
Charlotte County hired a contractor who had to be fired, causing a delay in the process. Recently the state took over canal clearing operations. All of the canals will be cleared, both natural and man-made. The state will be reimbursed by the federal government for the cleanup. However, it will take some time to get to all of the canals. The Commissioner’s office will get contact information to PIE for the state cleanup.
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​​Question: We have issues with folks clearing lots and putting it out for debris pickup. Also, there are debris piles left on the sand roads in front of homes and vacant lots. What can CC do?
Contact Commissioner Truex to research the addresses of the vacant lots and he will see if it can be removed.

Question: Resident’s homeowners’ insurance would not renew and their agent said that no one is writing in Charlotte County now for the barrier islands. What can they do?
Commissioner Truex said it was not safe to go without coverage, particularly liability insurance for workers on site.  Tower Hill and Universal are Florida-based insurance companies. You may contact Key Agency for details.

Question: There was a “work camp” set up on a vacant lot across from the canal. The contractor’s workers are living there. How long is the emergency code regarding trailers and campers in effect?
The emergency regulation put in effect which allows campers and trailers on lots during the rebuilds is only for residents. It is not in effect for contractors or workers. Contact the county to notify them.

Question: Can we prevent clearing of mangroves and installation of sea walls on properties?
Seawalls are allowed by the state on man-made canals. Mitigation is required when mangroves are cut for seawall installation. However, if the regulations are followed sea wall installations are permitted. Preventing sea walls would be an incursion on private property rights.

​Question: Please explain Charlotte County’s neighborhood planning program and the benefits for Island stakeholders. Also briefly describe procedures.
Many of the issues that Islanders face may be proactively avoided in the future by coming together to produce a neighborhood plan. Will the county support community planning on the island? Commissioner Truex brought a copy of the Community Plan first developed in 2004. He stated that there is currently no funding for the County’s neighborhood planning program. However, he stated that the Island Streets and Drainage MSTU has funding that can be made available for planning. The first step would be to introduce what community planning is and how it is done to the Island stakeholders. We can ask one of the community development staff members at the county to present at a town hall meeting hosted by Info Central.

Question: What is the status of the old Fire House?
The Old Firehouse will be torn down because it is unsafe, and the property will be surplused meaning it will go to sale. However, it is not a priority so it will not happen quickly.

Question: Can the property be donated to the Bocilla Islands Conservancy Inc.?
The Board of County Commissioners will consider it.

Question: Red tide is aggravated by the agricultural run-off coming from Lake O releases.  The C-43 reservoir will help, also conservation land for filtration.  The Kissimmee River needs to be straightened. There are currently 5 state projects ongoing. What is the County doing about water quality and red tide?
Charlotte County has hired Brandon Moody, water quality expert formerly of SWFMD. He is testing around Charlotte County and building a plan.  The water is dirty here. The problem is septics along the Peace River. The County sewage treatment systems are being upgraded to Advanced Wastewater Treatment systems.

Question: Please explain the Commission’s actions regarding the density hearing on February 28, 2023 for West Charlotte County. The information that was circulating regarding increased density to West County was not accurate.  The higher density designation applied only to 3 pre-approved areas that already had special zoning allowing the higher density, which could not be modified. 

Question: Please explain the new FEMA flood zone maps and it may impact Island stakeholders.
The new flood zone maps went into effect on December 15, 2022. They can be viewed on the Charlotte County website. Essentially, the elevation level for first floor of building was lowered by 1.15’.

Other misc: The Eldridge Marina property sale fell through. Across the street, 4.4 acres were purchased by Charlotte County. They will be putting in a new boat ramp there. Inquiries were made to the County by Boca Grande residents regarding putting in a cell tower at the north end of Boca. Nothing can be done about the number of storage units going up on the mainland. Message the Commissioners for details regarding 1. Reimbursement by FEMA for debris removal or 2. FEMA housing.