SRIA Committee Says No To Lease Fee CPI Increase

The Santa Rosa Island Authority’s Development and Leasing Committee at their November 12 meeting said to no increasing lease fees to keep step with the Consumer Price Index. Not all leases are subject to the increase, according to the SRIA Finance Director Vickie Johnson. Typically, leases written prior to 1972 do not contain the CPI Escalator Clause. Per statute, the SRIA revisits this topic every five years. Since 1985, the Board has adjusted the amounts multiple times with no increase from 2007-2019. In 2020 the Board voted to increase the lease fees by 7.7% in small increments over the five year period.

The Committee also approved 99 year lease renewals at 803 Largo, 1303 Ariola Drive and 304 Avenida 15. Additionally, the Pensacola Beach Marina request to sublease to Spiked Sportfishing Charters was approved.

The Administrative Committee approved a creation of Request for Proposals for legal services and for a state lobbyist.

Kona Ice’s vendor’s license for Park West and Park East was extended for one year, by the Administrative Committee as well.

The Architectural and Environmental Committee accepted the Pensacola Beach Program for Public Information and the Community Rating System Reports. Both are tied to earning a flood insurance discount for Island residents by meeting the standards outlined in the program.

The Committee approved a $50 fee to process applications and grade sand for those wishing to bring sand onto their leasehold.

Three leaseholders received approval to take the next step in building or renovating piers. They are located at 225 Sabine Drive, 601 Panferio Drive and 503 Panferio Drive.

The SRIA Full Board put on their December 17 agenda a discussion to hammer out the details of a renewal policy as it relates to a request originally made by longtime leaseholders Steve and Martha Luppert. They requested a second renewal of their lease. The action according to the requestor is not prohibited, but the SRIA Board Attorney Mary Jane Bass believes the second renewal is premature. The Board’s goal is to create a policy that will guide both leaseholders and staff on renewals of this nature.

There are two upcoming meetings. Wednesday, November 19 at 5 p.m. at #1 Via de Luna, and Wednesday, December 17, at 5 p.m. at #1 Via de Luna. Agendas and remote attendance information is available at www.SRIA-FLA.com.