Sanibel, FL

Transportation Master Plan Steering Committee

The Transportation Master Plan Steering Committee is meeting to review draft deliverables for the city's transportation master plan, including a public information plan, a traffic report technical memo, and a recommended prioritized project list. The committee will also recap a public workshop held on June 25, 2026, and consider adopting minutes from the May 20, 2026 meeting. Public comment periods are scheduled.

• Recap of June 25, 2026 public workshop
• Review of draft Public Information Plan
• Review of DRAFT Traffic Report (Technical Memo) and appendices
• Review of DRAFT Recommended Prioritized Project List
• Adoption of May 20, 2026 meeting minutes

City Council

The Sanibel City Council is holding a public hearing to re-impose the annual solid waste assessment for fiscal year 2026-27 and will consider setting a public hearing for a new stormwater assessment district. The council will also vote on a second reading of a speed limit ordinance, consider forgiving debt for a senior housing project, and discuss calling an advisory referendum on a roundabout. Several other items include appointments, grants, and consent agenda approvals.

• Public hearing on annual solid waste assessment (Resolution 26-031) for FY 2026-27
• Resolution 26-030 to set public hearing for establishing a stormwater assessment district
• Second reading of Ordinance 26-011 to specify speed limits on public roadways
• Resolution 26-025 to forgive debt owed by Community Housing Resources for Casa Mariposa senior housing
• Resolution 26-026 to call advisory referendum on roundabout at Periwinkle Way, Causeway Blvd, and Lindgren Blvd

City Council

The Sanibel City Council is holding a budget workshop to discuss the Fiscal Year 2027 proposed operating and capital budget. This is a discussion item, not a final decision. Public comment will be heard.

• Discussion of Fiscal Year 2027 Proposed Operating and Capital Budget
• Budget Workshop Presentation
• Public comment period

Municipal Police Officers' Retirement Trust Fund

The Sanibel Municipal Police Officers' Retirement Trust Fund board meets to approve prior meeting minutes, review investment reports from Burgess Chambers and VOYA, and consider the FY2027 pension budget. The agenda is largely routine oversight of the pension fund's finances and administration.

• Approval of May 13, 2026 meeting minutes
• Investment report from Burgess Chambers for quarter ending June 30, 2026
• VOYA Investment Management quarterly report (informational)
• Fiscal Year 2027 budget for the police pension fund
• Next meeting set for November 4, 2026 at 1:00 PM

General Employees Pension Plan Board of Trustees

The General Employees Pension Plan Board of Trustees is meeting to review the quarterly investment report from Burgess Chambers and Associates, discuss the Investment Policy Statement, and receive an informational report from Richmond Capital Management. The board will also consider a cash flow analysis from the Deputy City Manager/CFO and approve the minutes from the May 13, 2026 meeting. This is a routine administrative meeting focused on pension fund oversight.

• Investment Report Quarter Ending June 30, 2026 by Burgess Chambers and Associates, Inc.
• Investment Policy Statement Discussion
• Richmond Capital Management Quarterly Report (Informational)
• Cash flow analysis prepared by Steve C. Chaipel, Deputy City Manager/CFO
• Approval of May 13, 2026 meeting minutes

Planning Commission

The Sanibel Planning Commission is meeting to discuss the Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program as old business, along with routine items such as adopting minutes and receiving planning department reports. The agenda includes public comment periods and reports on permits and projects. No final decisions are listed on the agenda; the TDR discussion is the main substantive item.

• Discussion of Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program
• Adoption of minutes from July 28, 2026 meeting
• Planning Permit Review Report for July 2026
• Planning Projects report
• Plan Application Status Report

Historical Preservation Committee

The Historical Preservation Committee will discuss updates regarding the National Register of Historic Places and the Local Historic Register. The body will also consider a donation of a 1963 concrete header from the draw bridge.

• Update on Sanibel Lighthouse Registration Form for National Register of Historic Places
• Update on Local Historic Register nominations for Sanibel Lighthouse, Sanibel Cemetery, and Wulfert Cemetery
• Discussion of 1963 Concrete Header for the Bridge Tender of the Draw Bridge artifact donation

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a variance request to allow placement of fill exceeding 20% of the parcel at 499 Leather Fern Place, located in the Interior Wetlands Conservation District. The commission will also consider consent agenda items including adoption of the June 23, 2026 minutes and receive reports on the 2025 Residential Land Use Inventory, permit activity for June 2026, and an update from the Sanibel Plan Update Steering Committee.

• Public hearing on variance PL20260018 for fill at 499 Leather Fern Place in Interior Wetlands Conservation District
• Consent agenda: adoption of June 23, 2026, meeting minutes
• Report on 2025 Residential Land Use Inventory
• Permit review report for June 2026 (permits applied 06.01.26–06.30.26)
• Report from Sanibel Plan Update Steering Committee

The Commission approved a variance (Application PL20260018) allowing a swimming pool and deck at 499 Leather Fern Place, exceeding the 20% fill limit in the Interior Wetlands Conservation District. The approval included three conditions, but the requirement to remove existing shell pathways was struck, and coverage calculations were updated to account for the pathways. The motion carried 6-0.

• Approved variance PL20260018 for pool at 499 Leather Fern Place (6-0)
• Modified Condition 1 to update coverage calculations including shell pathways
• Struck Condition 2 requirement to remove shell pathways and replant with native vegetation
• Adopted June 23, 2026 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Excused Vice Chair Steiner from meeting (unanimous voice vote)

City Council

The Sanibel City Council will hold a second reading and public hearing on Ordinance 26-007 to update accessory‑structure regulations. It will also conduct a first reading of Ordinance 26-011 to set 35 mph speed limits on city roadways. The meeting includes discussion of draft housing legislation and a review of the FY2027 budget, featuring the proposed operating millage rate. Additional actions involve approving a $1,301,045.83 engineering contract for the Sanibel Roads Reconstruction project.

• Second reading and public hearing on Ordinance 26-007 amending accessory‑structure and front‑yard requirements
• First reading of Ordinance 26-011 to establish 35 mph speed limits on publicly owned roadways
• Discussion of draft ordinances (26-004, 26-005) related to the Community Housing & Resources Riverview II project
• Resolution 26-023 proposing the operating millage rate, rolled‑back rate, and aggregate rate for FY2027 and scheduling a public hearing
• Approval of a $1,301,045.83 contract with Apex Companies LLC for engineering services on the Sanibel Roads Reconstruction project

Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee will discuss the ranking of recreational amenities and the definition of amenities versus attractions. The body will also review reports on recreation revenue and membership sales.

• Recreational Amenities Ranking Sheet
• Definition of Recreation Amenities vs. Attractions
• Recreation Revenue report
• Recreation Memberships report
• Non-Resident Membership Sales FY25 vs. FY26 report

Sanibel Plan Update Steering Committee

The Sanibel Plan Update Steering Committee is meeting to review public engagement results and the city's vision statement. The committee will discuss proposed amendments regarding the Peril of Flood and private property rights. The meeting also includes planning for upcoming virtual and public workshops.

• Ordinance 22-02: Peril of Flood Plan Amendments
• Ordinance 22-003: Private Property Rights requirement
• Review of June 3, 2026, public workshop results
• Discussion of July 23, 2026, virtual workshop and August 20, 2026, public workshop
• Review of Sanibel School Survey preliminary results

Capital Improvements Review Sub-Committee

The Capital Improvements Review Sub-Committee will discuss the Capital Improvement Element of The Sanibel Plan. The body will also review the Capital Improvement Five-Year Plan and Project Status Report.

• Review of CIP Code Section 82-281
• Review of Capital Improvement Five-Year Plan and Project Status Report
• Discussion of FY 27 Online Budget Book

Vegetation Committee

The committee will discuss and review educational articles on invasive species Java Plum and Carrotwood, and consider updates to existing education materials. Reports from the Natural Resources Liaison and Chairperson will be given.

• Review education article on Java Plum (invasive)
• Review education article on Carrotwood (invasive)
• Committee review of existing education articles
• Natural Resources Liaison Report
• Chairperson's Report

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on two applications for variances to allow boat lifts and docks that exceed standard waterward extension limits and setback requirements. They will also consider adopting minutes from June 9 and receive reports.

• Variance for boat lift with >15-ft waterward extension and less than 3-ft depth at 5270 Indian Court (Gaetta Partners LP).
• Variance for dock/boat lift with >15-ft waterward extension and reduced side yard setback at 2544 Harbour Lane (Herbert and Rhonda Lord).
• Adoption of June 9, 2026 meeting minutes.

The Planning Commission approved two separate applications for dock and boat lift variances to allow extensions beyond standard limits. Both decisions were passed unanimously by the present commissioners.

• Approved boat lift extension and water depth variance at 5270 Indian Court (6-0)
• Approved boat lift extension and side yard setback variance at 2544 Harbour Lane (6-0)
• Adopted June 9, 2026 meeting minutes (6-0)

Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee will hear a presentation from Planning Director Paula McMichael on land use and the Sanibel Code, followed by discussion on recreation amenities. They will also consider the consent agenda including adoption of previous meeting minutes, and review items such as the 5-year CIP recommendation and dog park survey results.

• Presentation on land use and Sanibel Code by Planning Director Paula McMichael
• Discussion on recreation amenities
• Dog park survey results and analysis
• 5-year CIP recommendation
• Email correspondence from King Fisher Realty

The Committee received a presentation on permitted and conditional land uses for outdoor recreation amenities to inform future recommendations to City Council. Members discussed the distinction between community amenities and tourist attractions, and reviewed potential sites and funding for a dog park.

• Adopted May 21, 2026 meeting minutes
• Excused absent Committee Member Dorothy Plumb

Sanibel Plan Update Steering Committee

The Sanibel Plan Update Steering Committee will consider the Future Land Use Element, a key component of the city's comprehensive plan. They will also review a revised schedule of topics, discuss the Sanibel Vision Statement, and plan a virtual public workshop and online survey for families. The meeting includes adoption of previous minutes and public comment periods.

• Discussion of Future Land Use Element
• Revised Future Schedule of Topics
• Sanibel Vision Statement discussion
• Upcoming virtual public workshop and online survey for families
• Adoption of May 20, 2025 meeting minutes

The Sanibel Plan Update Steering Committee met and discussed the Future Land Use Element, including population projections, workforce housing incentives, and potential policy additions. No formal votes were taken on substantive items; the committee excused an absent member, adopted prior minutes, and reviewed schedules and survey updates.

• Excused Vice Chair Eric Pfeifer from the meeting (motion carried)
• Adopted the May 20, 2025, meeting minutes (motion carried)

City Council

The council will hold a second reading and public hearing on Ordinance 26-012, which regulates draining of pools/spas and illicit discharges. They will discuss and take first reading of a draft ordinance allowing accessory structures in front yards, and discuss draft speed zone changes on city roadways. The consent agenda includes awarding a $143,120.66 contract for temporary fishing pier repairs.

• Public hearing on dewatering ordinance (pool/spa draining, illicit discharge)
• Discussion and first reading of accessory structures in front yards
• Discussion of speed zone ordinance on public roadways
• Consent agenda: award fishing pier temporary repairs to Stokes Marine for $118,120.66 plus $25,000 contingency (total $143,120.66)
• Consent agenda: approve Amendment #2 to grant agreement with FDEP for Pond Apple Park effluent pond repairs

The City Council unanimously approved Ordinance 26-012 regarding the unlawful draining of pools and spas. Council also voted to advance a draft ordinance on accessory structure setbacks to first reading. Discussions continued on a draft ordinance to codify island-wide speed limits.

• Approved Ordinance 26-012 regarding unlawful draining of pools and spas (unanimous)
• Advanced Draft Ordinance 26-007 on accessory structure setbacks to first reading (unanimous)
• Reached 3-2 consensus to retain 35 mph limit on West Periwinkle Way (Causeway Blvd to Tarpon Bay Rd)
• Reached consensus to set East Periwinkle Way (Skiff Place to Lighthouse Beach Park) at 30 mph
• Reached consensus to set East Periwinkle Way (Causeway Blvd to Skiff Place) at 25 mph
• Reached consensus to reduce Birdie View Point and Parview Drive from 30 mph to 25 mph

City Council

The Sanibel City Council holds a budget workshop to discuss taxable values and Florida property tax reform legislation (HB 1F and SB 4F). They review the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 operating budget and the 5-year Capital Improvement Plan. Public comment is also taken.

• Discussion of HB 1F (Save our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes) and SB 4F (Property Tax Administration)
• Review of Fiscal Year 2027 Proposed Operating Budget
• Review of 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan
• Public comment period

The City Council held a budget workshop to discuss a proposed $44 million operating budget and a $71.9 million Capital Improvement Plan. No formal votes were taken; the council reviewed taxable value estimates, potential state tax reform impacts, and pending budget priorities. A full draft budget will be presented on July 21.

• Proposed FY 2027 operating budget presented at just over $44 million
• Proposed FY 2027 Capital Improvement Plan presented at approximately $71.9 million
• Included 6.5% wage increase for sworn police officers per collective bargaining agreement
• Proposed no wage increases for general employees and no new authorized positions
• Identified coyote population study and sea turtle nest protection as budget priorities

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings to consider adding the Sanibel Lighthouse, Sanibel Cemetery, and Wulfert Cemetery to the Sanibel Register of Historic Landmarks. The meeting also includes approval of prior meeting minutes and updates on planning permits and projects.

• Public hearing on nominating Sanibel Lighthouse at 110-153 Periwinkle Way as a historic landmark
• Public hearing on nominating Sanibel Cemetery at 2001 Algiers Lane as a historic landmark
• Public hearing on nominating Wulfert Cemetery near Baltusrol Court in The Sanctuary as a historic landmark
• Adoption of minutes from May 26, 2026 meeting

City Council

The council will hold a second reading and public hearing on an ordinance allowing limited height exceptions for elevating existing structures. They will also discuss a draft ordinance banning unlawful pool and spa drainage and hold a first reading on the same. Old business includes a discussion of the FY2027 Capital Improvement Plan budget and an e-bike registration program. The consent agenda includes several contracts totaling over $2 million for dredging, river clearing, pier replacement, and landscaping projects.

• Second reading of ordinance to allow limited height exception for elevating existing structures (Ordinance 26-009)
• Discussion and first reading of ordinance banning unlawful pool/spa drainage (Ordinance 26-012)
• FY2027 Capital Improvement Plan budget discussion with strategic goals
• Approval of $970,000 contract for Sanibel Slough hydraulic dredging
• Approval of $278,344 contract for fishing pier replacement design

The City Council approved an ordinance allowing limited height exceptions to elevate existing nonconforming structures. Council also adopted a new community energy vision statement and expanded the scope of a density rights study. A draft ordinance regarding pool drainage and dewatering was discussed but not decided.

• Adopted Ordinance 26-009 allowing limited height exceptions for elevating existing structures (4-0)
• Approved energy vision statement emphasizing reliable, resilient, affordable, redundant, and sustainable energy (4-0)
• Approved expansion of transfer of density rights scope to include mixed-use commercial districts (4-0)
• Awarded two $3,000 Judith Ann Zimomra Scholarships to Mackenzie Jackson and Hunter Krawczuk

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a resolution to allow accessory structures in front yards, except storage structures, with setback requirements. They will also discuss Transfer of Development Rights and whether to allow miniature golf as a conditional use.

• Public hearing on amending Land Development Code to permit front yard accessory structures (Resolution 26-12)
• Discussion of Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program
• Discussion of ‘miniature golf’ as a conditional use
• Adoption of minutes from May 12, 2026

The Planning Commission voted by straw poll (5-2) to direct staff to develop draft framework language for a Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program specifically for the resort housing district. A separate conservation TDR program was not supported. The discussion on adding miniature golf as a conditional use in the General Commercial district was informational only, with no formal action taken.

• Adopted May 12, 2026 minutes with correction (unanimous)
• Directed staff to draft framework for resort housing TDR program (5-2 straw poll)
• Did not pursue standalone conservation TDR program (majority opposed)
• BMRH TDR program deemed unnecessary by consensus

Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee will review updates from the City Council, including a discussion on e-bike registration, and the results of a dog park survey. A presentation by the Planning Director will focus on opportunities for recreation facilities. The committee will also receive reports on recreation revenue, memberships, and non-resident membership sales.

• Discussion on e-bike registration (from May 5 City Council meeting)
• Dog park survey results and community interest update
• Presentation by Planning Director Paula McMichael on recreation facility opportunities
• FY26 April revenue and membership reports
• Non-resident membership sales comparison FY25 vs FY26

Sanibel Plan Update Steering Committee

The Sanibel Plan Update Steering Committee will discuss the draft Sanibel Vision Statement and outline for the second public engagement workshop on June 3, 2026. They will also review future community outreach efforts and approve meeting minutes from April 15.

• Discussion of The Sanibel Vision Statement draft
• Outline for Second Public Engagement Workshop on June 3, 2026
• Review of Future Community Outreach Efforts
• Adoption of April 15, 2026 meeting minutes

The Sanibel Plan Update Steering Committee met and made no formal decisions, focusing instead on planning for the second public engagement workshop on June 3, 2026. They discussed the workshop's format, including stakeholder meetings and an online option, and reviewed feedback from the first workshop. The committee also discussed future outreach efforts and tentatively scheduled the next meeting for June 17, 2026.

• Excused Chair Johnson and Committee Member Muddell from the meeting (motion carried)
• Adopted the April 15, 2026, meeting minutes with corrections
• Tentatively scheduled the next meeting for June 17, 2026, at MacKenzie Hall

Transportation Master Plan Steering Committee

The Transportation Master Plan Steering Committee will recap a recent public workshop and discuss project recommendations covering traffic, wildlife, and multimodal improvements. The committee is expected to move forward on plan elements that shape Sanibel's future transportation network.

• Recap of March 26 public workshop
• Traffic recommendations
• Wildlife recommendations (animal & driver behavior)
• Multimodal recommendations

General Employees Pension Plan Board of Trustees

The General Employees Pension Plan Board of Trustees will meet to review quarterly investment reports from Burgess Chambers and Richmond Capital Management, as well as a cash flow analysis and the FY2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. Routine items include approving previous minutes and scheduling the next meeting.

• Burgess Chambers quarterly report ending 03/31/26
• Richmond Capital Management quarterly report ending 03/31/26
• Cash flow analysis for FY2026 budget
• Presentation of FY2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report

Municipal Police Officers' Retirement Trust Fund

The Municipal Police Officers' Retirement Trust Fund board will hear a consultant's investment report and discuss a code clarification ordinance (25-025) affecting optional pension contributions and benefits. They will also receive the FY2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and discuss plan attorney services.

• Presentation of investment report for quarter ending 3/31/26 by Burgess Chambers & Associates
• Consideration of Ordinance 25-025 clarifying optional police pension contribution and benefit
• Presentation of Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
• Discussion and direction on plan attorney services

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on three major items: a conditional use permit for FISH of SanCap at 2330 Palm Ridge Road, a variance to allow a 15-unit below-market-rate housing building at 1517 Periwinkle Way, and a conditional use permit for a fast-food restaurant with indoor/outdoor seating at 1025 Periwinkle Way. Consent agenda includes approval of April 14 minutes.

• Conditional use permit for FISH of SanCap (institutional use) at 2330 Palm Ridge Road, Palm Ridge Plaza
• Variance request from Community Housing & Resources for multifamily building with >2 vertical units, 15 affordable rental units at 1517 Periwinkle Way
• Conditional use permit for fast-food restaurant with indoor and bonus outdoor seating at 1025 Periwinkle Way (Norris Furniture site)
• Adoption of Planning Commission minutes from April 14, 2026

The commission approved a conditional use permit for FISH of SanCap to operate a food pantry at Palm Ridge Plaza, with an added condition to fix parking lot pavers for ADA safety. It also approved an after-the-fact variance allowing three residential floors (instead of two) in the Riverview 1 affordable housing project, which was nearing completion. The variance was corrected from a recommendation to a direct approval. Both votes were unanimous.

• Approved Conditional Use Permit for FISH of SanCap food pantry (7-0)
• Added condition to complete paver transitions within 120 days for ADA compliance
• Approved after-the-fact variance for three-story multifamily building at 1517 Periwinkle Way (6-0, Steiner recused)
• Corrected resolution language from 'recommend' to 'approve' to reflect direct authority
• Adopted minutes of April 14, 2026 (unanimous)

Historical Preservation Committee

The Historical Preservation Committee will elect a new chair and vice chair, and review nominations to the National Register of Historic Places for the Sanibel Lighthouse as well as local historic register nominations for Sanibel Cemetery and Wulfert Cemetery. Consent agenda items include adoption of prior meeting minutes.

• Draft National Register of Historic Places registration for Sanibel Lighthouse
• Historical Preservation Committee Resolution 26-001 for Sanibel Lighthouse
• Nomination to local historic register: Sanibel Cemetery (Resolution 26-002)
• Nomination to local historic register: Wulfert Cemetery (Resolution 26-003)
• Election of Committee Chair and Vice Chair

Vegetation Committee

The Vegetation Committee will consider adopting March 2026 meeting minutes, receive a report on the 2026 Earth Day event, and discuss an article about Carrotwood. Reports from the Natural Resources Liaison and Chairpersons will also be presented.

• Adoption of March 5, 2026 meeting minutes
• 2026 Earth Day Event Report
• Vegetation Committee Article on Carrotwood
• Natural Resources Liaison Report
• Chairpersons' Report

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings on ordinances regarding vegetation buffers for commercial uses, removing flat roof prohibition for multifamily buildings, and repealing gas leaf blower restrictions to comply with state law. They will discuss draft legislation to allow height exceptions for elevating existing structures and to update speed limits on city roadways. A key action item is approving a $2,325,808 contract with Marolf Environmental for lift station control panel and platform improvements after Hurricane Ian. The meeting also includes presentations on the annual financial report and emergency operations plan.

• $2,325,808 contract with Marolf Environmental for Post Hurricane Ian Lift Station Phase 1 improvements
• Public hearing on Ordinance 26-006 revising vegetation buffer standards for commercial and institutional uses
• Public hearing on Ordinance 26-008 removing prohibition of flat roofs for multifamily housing
• Public hearing on Ordinance 26-010 to delete gas-powered leaf blower ban per state law
• Discussion of draft ordinance 26-009 allowing limited height exception to elevate existing structures

The City Council approved three ordinances updating vegetation buffer standards, removing flat roof prohibitions for multifamily buildings, and repealing the ban on gas-powered leaf blowers to comply with state law. The Council also accepted the executive summary of the city's rewritten Emergency Operations Plan.

• Adopted Ordinance 26-006 revising vegetation buffer standards for commercial and institutional uses
• Adopted Ordinance 26-008 removing the prohibition of flat roofs for multifamily buildings
• Adopted Ordinance 26-010 deleting the prohibition on gas-powered leaf blowers
• Approved the Emergency Operations Plan Executive Summary