Mayor reports on recent council actions: pool‑dewatering ban, pier repairs and budget concerns

Mayor Mike Miller, serving as city council liaison to the Planning Commission, summarized two recent council meetings and a budget workshop.

Miller said council approved ordinance 26-012 to prohibit swimming‑pool dewatering onto private property or into the city’s sewer or stormwater systems. He said the ordinance formalizes a practice that had been previously included in a mayoral proclamation.

Miller reported council approved a construction contract for temporary repairs to the city’s fishing pier at an approximate cost of $175,000; he said the work will be financed entirely by citizen contributions resulting from a fundraising effort led by Sanibelian Richard Birney.

On budget matters, Miller said council held a workshop addressing proposed changes to ad valorem taxation tied to a statewide referendum. He told commissioners preliminary estimates suggest a city revenue decline of about $550,000 in fiscal year 2028 and about $1.1 million in fiscal year 2029 if the referendum passes; staff will present valuation numbers on July 1 and set a maximum millage rate at a later hearing.

Miller also said the council discussed proposed speed‑limit changes on island roads and sent accessory‑structure ordinance 26-007 to first reading. He invited questions and concluded his report.