Flagler Beach advances grant applications and design work for stormwater and reclaimed‑water projects

Flagler Beach commissioners on March 12 authorized several water and stormwater initiatives aimed at improving drainage, complying with state wastewater mandates, and positioning the city for grant funding.

The commission approved staff’s request to prepare and submit a project application to the Florida Hurricane Loss Mitigation Program (HLMP) to fund swale excavation, grading and driveway repair in Venice Park and Palm Circle. Staff described the HLMP application as 100% reimbursable and said the targeted areas were last majorly maintained in 2008.

Separately the commission approved a task order with Mead & Hunt Inc. for design, permitting and assistance services to extend reclaimed water mains along Roberts Road and John Anderson Highway. Staff said the work supports compliance with recently enacted requirements (Senate Bill 64 referenced in staff remarks) that the city stop discharging treated wastewater into the Matanzas River and bring treated effluent to reuse standards; design work is the first step toward connecting new reuse lines to existing developer infrastructure.

Commissioners also accepted a proposal from Connect Consulting Inc. for groundwater modeling and impact analysis to support a consumptive use permit (CUP) modification and renewal. Staff noted the current CUP allows about 900,000 gallons per day and that projected demand under the water‑supply plan could reach about 2.2 million gpd by 2045, so modeling is necessary for permit expansion planning.

Finally, the commission approved a Palm Drive Retention Areas stormwater improvement project (not‑to‑exceed $132,720) to clear and restore two retention basins at the southern end of Palm Drive. The item generated detailed discussion about ownership (staff said historical documentation reflects an earlier city commitment to take responsibility), the need to remove large trees and sediment, temporary construction easements for private parcels, and the importance of follow‑up maintenance. Commissioners stressed the work is restorative maintenance; the water management district advised it would be treated as maintenance so separate permitting was not required.

All four items passed on unanimous votes. Staff said follow‑up steps include completing design and survey benchmarks, acquiring temporary easements where necessary, and returning to the commission with construction contracts and any required grant contracts.