Okaloosa County BOCC — September 15, 2015 — Eglin Shalimar Gateway Easement from Eglin AFB along SR 85 — agenda request

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST DATE: September 15, 2015 TO: Honorable Chairman and Members of the Board FROM: Jason Autrey SUBJECT: Eglin Shalimar Gateway Easement from Eglin AFB along SR 85 DEPARTMENT: Public Works BCC DISTRICT: 2 STATEMENT OF ISSUE: In June 2013, the Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners entered into a Joint Participation Agreement (JPA) with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for construction of the first "Emerald Coast Gateway" located along SR 85 in Shalimar. Public Works staff has obtained the required easement from Eglin AFB and at this time is requesting Board approval. BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS: This project is one of several "Gateway" enhancement projects identified by the Ft. Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce and Okaloosa County TDD in the visioning campaign to promote the Emerald Coast. The gateway will be located along State Road 85 from north of Loblolly Drive to south of the median end at Sunset Lane in Shalimar. In 2014, Eglin AFB indicated that an Easement Agreement would need to be obtained in order for the project to move forward due to the project lying within Eglin’s jurisdiction. Staff has worked with Eglin AFB to identify and survey the easement boundary and has met all of the environmental requirements. At this time, staff is seeking Board approval of the easement as prepared by Eglin AFB with authorization for the Chairman to sign the Easement Agreement. OPTIONS: Approve/Disapprove the Shalimar Gateway landscaping easement with Eglin AFB and authorize the Chairman to sign. RECOMMENDATIONS: Approve the Shalimar Gateway landscaping easement with Eglin AFB and authorize the Chairman to sign. RECOMMENDED BY: APPROVED BY: John Hofstad, County Administrator