Council started their meeting recognizing Julie Yellig, who serves as the ECCL/Adopt-a-Highway Coordinator. She has helped organize Estero volunteers join together in an effort to help keep our roadways free of litter. Over 3.8 tons of litter have been collected since the program began. Yellig also provides assistance for volunteers for the local Adopt-a-Road program which is supported by the Village of Estero and Keep Lee County Beautiful.

They then approved an FY 2021-2022 interlocal agreement between Estero and Lee County for stray animal control services in the amount of $41, 972.  Since incorporation, the Village has relied on several services provided by the County. The Interlocal Agreement for Animal Control Services is one such agreement.

Workshops

River Oaks

There was a discussion regarding the 10-acre vacant parcel commonly known as “River Oaks” at the east end of Broadway Avenue.

During Hurricane Irma, Estero had its most significant flooding along Three Oaks Parkway, making it unpassable.  The 2021-22 Budget contains an approved CIP project to create a new stormwater pond and bypass ditch going around Country Creek to prevent backups and flooding during future major storm events.  This property is required for construction of this project.

The property contains old oak hammocks, pine and palm trees and would be used as a passive park with walking trails for Estero residents.   If the Village does not purchase the property, it could be developed for multi-family or single homes.

A discussion with the owner of this property has resulted in a favorable purchase package.  Staff requested Council to authorize the preparation of the necessary documents for the purchase, which will be brought back for formal Council approval.

Public Comment: 2 residents of Country Creek whose property backs up to this land spoke of their concerns about security.  4 residents and 3 eComment cards were received in favor of purchasing this property.

No voting occurs during workshops, however, there was a consensus among Council to purchase the property.

Public Works Update

Public Works Director David Willems gave a presentation on a number of projects underway or recently completed.  The projects include everything from roadway and landscaping improvements, utilities expansion, stormwater improvements to pedestrian trails on the Estero on the River property.

The Estero on the River Phase 1 Trail has been partially cleared, preserving native trees.  The trail will have a mulch base and is expected to be completed and ready for use by this summer.  A decorative metal fence will be constructed along US 41 and Corkscrew Road in the fall.    Here’s the presentation.

 

Lee County Tourist Development Council

The Lee County Board of County Commissioners voted to add four ex-officio non-voting seats to the Lee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) and invited Council to nominate an Estero Councilmember to occupy an ex-officio non-voting seat on the TDC beginning at the March 17, 2022 meeting.  Council selected Councilmember Larry Fiesel to serve in this position.

Residents may view the archived meeting by going to the Village website here.

The next Council meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 2, 2022.