SJC engineer tells MSD residents drainage issues on Ponte Vedra Boulevard will be addressed

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A St. Johns County engineer told attendees of the Ponte Vedra Beach Municipal Service District (MSD) meeting on Monday that efforts are being taken to address drainage issues on Ponte Vedra Boulevard.

Jay Brawley said at the Aug. 13 meeting at the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library the county is focusing on the intersection at San Diego Road, which he said floods fastest and most frequently. After conducting a topographic survey and inspecting the pipes, the county has concluded there are blockages in the pipes, some of which are old and starting to deteriorate. The county, Brawley said, also found that a few of the drains on Ponte Vedra Boulevard had been covered with vegetation, dirt and rocks.

Jones Edmunds, a consultant working with the county, has determined that if the current system were to perform in peak condition, the road could start to flood after a 2-3-inch rainfall. A standard 25-year storm, Brawley said, is about 7 inches of rain.

One option, Brawley said, is to dig up the existing pipe and replace it. That, however, would require removal of most of the vegetation on San Diego. Brawley said another option is to “see if something can be moved out into the road of San Diego and go down the road with a new pipe and not have to disturb as much out there.”

The St. Johns County engineer noted the consultant estimate is approximately $70,000 for Jones Edmunds to complete designs, bid documents, cost estimates, permitting and more. The team first needs to identify the exact locations of utilities in the area before any work can be done. After about 60 days, Brawley expects to have a cost estimate for both options.

It will take another 60 days, Brawley said, for the team to complete the design. Then, the county will either pick someone on staff to build the new system or bid it out. Brawley noted that the project also needs to be funded.

Other MSD news

In other MSD news, MSD Board Treasurer John Wegl reported that the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will not be decreasing the speed limit on A1A between Mickler Road and the GTM Reserve after Wegl suggested such a change. Wegl said the decision was based on “their rules and guidelines.”

In addition, Wegl proposed decreasing the MSD’s millage rate to .365. The Board voted in July to maintain the rate at .375, but Wegl was in favor of decreasing it. On Monday night, Wegl noted the millage rate was .275 when he first came on the board 10 years ago. Due to the financial crisis and a sudden lack of reserves, the MSD Board, he said, raised it from .275 to .375, where it has remained for several years. Wegl, who is not running for reelection, said the board now has an opportunity to move the rate back to where it previously stood.

Trustee Greg Wong, who also is not running for reelection, said he is in favor of low taxes but believes the millage rate should stay at .375 so the district has ample reserves for any hurricanes or other necessary projects. After Chairman Gary Jurenovich suggested a rate in between .375 and .365, Trustees Kitty Switkes, Brad Wester and John Cellucci ultimately agreed with Wong to keep the rate at .375. As a result, Wegl’s motion to decrease the rate died.

MSD election

When the primary election takes place Tuesday, Aug. 28, residents in the MSD will have to vote between two candidates for Seat 1: current Board Chairman Gary Jurenovich or Gordon Blalock, who previously served eight years as an MSD trustee.

At Monday’s meeting, Jurenovich discussed his top priorities if he were to be reelected. First, he said he wants to incorporate more community involvement into developing a long-term vision for the district. In addition, Jurenovich said he’d work to replace the bridge at Miranda Road, and also work with the county on implementing consistent and attractive fencing or a wall at the entrance of the MSD on Solana Road. Blalock was not in attendance of the meeting to present his plans or priorities.

According to the St. Johns County Supervisor of Elections website, Mack McCuller is unopposed for Seat 3, which is currently held by Wegl. Alva A. Hollon Jr. is unopposed for Seat 5, which is currently held by Trustee Murle Harrison, who also is not running for reelection. Seat 7, which is currently held by Wong, has no candidates listed as running. Vicky Oakes, the St. Johns County Supervisor of Elections, said a special election will be held for Seat 7, hopefully in conjunction with the general election. Oakes said the governor’s appointments office has been notified and is working on it. There will be a special qualifying period set, but Oakes doesn’t yet know when it will be.