Commissioner Neunder nominates both Birnbach and Bittle
Thanks to a Sarasota County Commission vote on April 21, two new people will join the county’s Stormwater Environmental Utility Advisory Committee (SEUAC).
Jeffrey Birnbach of Sarasota, a consultant with Blackheart Intelligence LLC, will serve as an at-large representative on the committee, filling an unexpired term through August followed by a full, three-year term through March 2029, as a county staff memo explained.
Alexandra “Allie” Bittle of Sarasota, a professional environmental and civil engineer with a firm called Jacobs, will complete a second unexpired term for an at-large representative, serving through April 2027.
The members of that committee “[s]upport and advise the Stormwater Environmental Utility in the development of Stormwater-related goals and objectives,” as the county website explains.
In his application, Birnbach wrote that he wanted to serve on the SEUAC because “[e]ffective [stormwater] management has a large impact on the County’s future growth and success.” He also noted that he previously worked as a licensed general contractor in Florida and California, and he is president of the Saddle Creek Owners Association.
Bittle wrote the following in her application: “Serving on the Stormwater Environmental Utilities Advisory Board presents a unique opportunity to contribute my expertise in environmental and civil engineering toward shaping sustainable and effective stormwater management policies for Sarasota County. As a second-generation Sarasota native with a family legacy rooted in community impact — my grandfather, Kenneth Thompson, being a notable figure — I am deeply invested in the long-term environmental health and resilience of our region.” Thompson was the long-time manager of the City of Sarasota.
Commissioner Joe Neunder nominated both Birnbach and Bittle. No other board member suggested an alternative.
In 1989, the County Commission seated at that time approved the establishment of the Stormwater Environmental Utility to handle three key functions, the county website points out:
- “Control water quantity.
- ” Enhance water quality.
- “Effectively manage stormwater.”
The Utility also “provides stable and dedicated funding” for long-range planning and capital improvements “to address existing as well as future concerns,” the website further notes.
County property owners pay annual assessments that make up the funding for the work of the Utility, the county website explains, as well.
The only other applicant for a seat on the SEUAC was Edward Walsh, a Sarasota retiree, who noted that he has served on the Stormwater Resilience Committee of the City Coalition of Neighborhood Associations of Sarasota (CCNA).
He wrote in his application, “I am a lifelong environmental advocate with a Fine Arts degree from Ringling College of Art and Design and professional management experience as a RadioShack store manager, where I developed leadership, organizational, and technical problem-solving skills. Currently, I serve on the City/County Stormwater Resilience Committee, where I contribute to projects addressing flooding, waterway clean-up, dredging, and zoning/land-use impacts. In addition, I have been active in neighborhood environmental initiatives, including park beautification, native landscaping, and educational projects on stormwater and wildlife. My background combines creative thinking, hands-on community engagement, and practical leadership experience that directly align with the goals of the Sarasota County Stormwater Environmental Utility Advisory Committee.”