Last update: 14 February 2009 (Look for changes in red font)
Q. How do I submit my questions for this "Frequently Asked Questions" page??? A. We're glad you asked!... We appreciate any questions related to the Upper Captiva Road Commission (UCRC) you would suggest. Look for and use the comment link at the bottom of the (click) UCRC main page on this website, or email your input to John Fuller at jefuller@msn.com.
Q. The name "Road Commission" sounds like the UCRC operates with tax support. Is that true? A. No. UCRC operation is completely dependent on the voluntary donations from island owners, residents and businesses.
Q. The name "Road Commission" implies some sort of legal authority. Is that true? A. No. The UCRC is also dependent on the good will of the same island owners, residents and businesses who allow us to do our work. We maintain the pathway system primarily to augment the Fire Department(UCFRD)'s ability to move emergency equipment safely and quickly to where it is needed. But then again, we are not given and do not have the authority of the Fire Department. Our predecessor organization was called "Friends of the Fire Department".
Q. Seems like the UCRC is always on the agenda at the Upper Captiva Civic Association (UCCA) meetings, right along with other committee reports. Is the Road Commission just another subcommittee of the UCCA? A. No. Over ten years ago, the formation of a dedicated road maintenance group was encouraged by some members of the UCCA because the subject was starting to take up too much time at UCCA meetings. Some of the earliest funds donated to the Road Commission were from the UCCA. (Click HERE for more detail on the creation of the UCRC and its early relationship with the UCCA.)
Q. Well then, just what is the organizational make up of the UCRC? A. The UCRC is a Florida not-for-profit corporation, founded in early 1998. It has a set of bylaws (click HERE to view) which establishes a membership base of donors, and from which directors and officers are selected.
Q. Does the UCRC have any kind of "mission statement"? A. From its earliest days, the stated purpose of the Road Commission has included "obtaining funding and providing direction for repair and maintenance of roadways on Upper Captiva Island."
Q. What equipment does the UCRC possess to do its work? A. The Road Commission owns a scarifying rake and an electro-hydraulic dump trailer. The tractor seen pulling these devices is on loan from Lou Edmondson, and may need replacing in the next few years due to age and the growing frequency of mechanical problems.
Q. There are a couple of low spots on our street where rainwater pools. Why can't the Road Commission fix them? A. We can and have done so in several places. Our dump trailer greatly improves our ability to bring in fill sand to do this, but the trailer has only recently been available. The main limitation at this point is the lack of affordable fill. We have had the good fortune of earning the state's permission to use old fill dredged up into the park when the canal was created along Rum Road (NOT the fill from the new boat turn-around near Oyster Shell Drive). This material is not easily accessed, and the state also attached a requirement that we put up a fence to discourage unauthorized removal of the fill by others. The state also requires that we re-landscape areas where fill is removed. Other sources of fill on the island will continue to be explored.
Q. We've heard some mixed reviews of the UCRC putting shredded mulch on the streets. Was this a good idea? A. Mostly yes, we believe... and what a learning experience this has been! The incorporation of chipped vegetation into the soft "sugar sand" streets in some of the southern neighborhoods had several beneficial effects: it made those streets much more passable for golf cars and emergency equipment, especially during the dry season; the number of stuck golf car fires dropped dramatically (as reported by Fire Chief Richard Pepper); the donated mulch material from Safety Harbor Club partially removed a fire hazard at reduced cost; and the UCRC was able to obtain the material at no cost other than the hauling. Problems which have been recognized and will be not be repeated in the future were: the quality of chipping produced some material that was too large in size; these large pieces will not degrade quickly enough into the road surface; some few (but too many) bits of trash worked their way into the material.
Q. With no snow and ice here, is there any seasonality to the Road Commissions work? A. Yes, some. With increased experience, we have learned that most of our road beds can be worked with greater success following significant rainfall. Therefore, you will notice a greater frequency of UCRC equipment activity during the rainy season, from June to November.
Q. What is the UCRC policy toward residents who don't want work done on their street? A. This has been one of our most difficult issues, and previous solutions have only partially satisfied those involved on several sides of the matter. Our directors are now discussing the problem further and will seek to have some proposals before the next annual meeting in February, 2009.
Q. What is the UCRC policy about damage done to property by Road Commission equipment or personnel? A. At this time, there is no written policy about repair or compensation for damage done by UCRC equipment. Since the issue is relatively straightforward, it is anticipated that this can be remedied before the next annual meeting.
Q. Even though it's a necessary part of island activity, who pays to fix the surface damage done when contractors' heavy equipment moves along or across the pathways? A. When the contractor responsible can be identified, it has been our practice to seek compensation (we send a bill) for restoring the pathway to its former condition. This has met with some cooperation and some payments made, but getting the responsible party identified is usually more difficult than expected.
Q. Does the UCRC have any employees? A. No. Occasional volunteers from among the membership step forward to help with the "chores", but the bulk of the routine grading or other labor is contracted with local businesses.