During the December 13, 2017 Special City Council Meeting, the City Council directed City staff to add this discussion item to the December 18, 2017 City Council Workshop Agenda.  City Resolution No. 143-15 approved the Amrit Wellness Resort and Spa project on October 12, 2015 during a Special City Council Meeting.  A link to the video of this meeting has been provided below for reference.  As provided within the whereas clauses of Resolution No. 143-15, this project has conceptually existed since approximately 2004. 

The most recent discussion points have centered on the project valuation and total fees due to the City in addition to the request for approval of a City Building Permit for foundation construction.  These items were identified in the November 21, 2017 correspondence from the City to the Amrit Team (attached).  City staff, specifically the City’s Building Official, has provided a project valuation of $175 Million, resulting in building permit fees due totaling $2,814,025.01. 

In January of 2017, a City Building Permit Application was submitted by the Amrit Team, to construct “Two Towers and Amenities”, with a stated project valuation of $50 Million.  Fees remitted to the City for this application totaled $829,025.01.  Upon further analysis, City staff has determined that the $50 Million valuation was significantly understated in comparison to other regional projects and available data, as demonstrated within the November 21, 2017 letter.  As stated above, the City has provided a project valuation of $175 Million, resulting in $1,985,000.00 due to the City.  This fee is due in full to the City prior to the issuance of a Building Permit for the Amrit Project as provided within City Resolution No. 143-15, Section 2, Condition 3, which states, “Building permit application and associated plans and documents shall be submitted in its entirety and shall not be accepted by City staff in a partial or incomplete manner, per the Florida Building Code.”  

The Florida Statutes (Sec. 553.73) provides that decisions by the Building Official shall be binding, and also provides for an appeal process by way of the Florida Building Commission.  If the Amrit Team wishes to appeal the aforementioned valuation, the Florida Building Commission would be the next step.  Please note, that there is no City employee or City Board that may supersede the binding authority of the Building Official.   

Please see link below to the Oct. 12, 2015 Special City Council Meeting:

http://rivierabeachfl.swagit.com/play/10122015-663