Grass Clippings in Storm Drains Harm Waterways
Grass clippings and leaves do not belong in storm drains. They can contribute to drain blockages, localized flooding, and contribute to the overabundance of nutrients and fertilizers that feed algal blooms in our waterways. Avoid polluting our waters by: bagging clippings; mulching your clippings to re-route those nutrients back into your lawn; or face your mower clippings away from the street to keep grass out of the storm drains. For more ways you can keep our waters free of pollutants, check out our flyer on how your landscape maintenance can protect our waters.
Rules of Procedure, 8801 Corkscrew Road and Legislative priorities addressed by Council on October 18, 2023
Public comment on non-agenda items: 1 resident spoke of the upcoming Light Up Estero event to be held at 4 – 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 2, and the Veterans Day event from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturday, November 11. Both events will be held at the Estero Community Park. 1 resident spoke of a concern in his neighborhood. Resolution 2023-27 Revisions to Council Rules of Procedure Village Attorney Robert Eschenfelder presented revisions to the current Rules of Procedure for discussion at an October 4 workshop. Eschenfelder made additional revisions requested by Council at that workshop, which are included [Read More.]
Brooks Town Center apartments, Walmart and Hilton Garden Inn among items addressed by the Planning, Zoning & Design Board October 10, 2023
Public Hearing Coconut Point Residences The meeting started with a public hearing for the development order for PAC Estero Apartments, LLC to redevelop a portion of the existing Brooks Town Center into a 4-story, 137-unit residential apartment complex on 5.33 acres of the total project site of 9.95 acres. The project is located at the northwest corner of Coconut Road and Three Oaks Parkway. When Lee County approved The Brooks rezoning and Development of Regional Impact in 1997, there was an array of various uses allowed. The 9.95-acre site that is the subject of this development order was developed as [Read More.]
What Counts as Aggressive Driving?
Road rage frequently involves violent intent, whether threatening with a vehicle, a weapon or physical fighting. Acting on this intent is a criminal offense. https://estero-fl.gov/aggressive-driving
Council procedures among topics addressed by Council on October 4, 2023
The meeting started with a presentation by Captain Chris Wittman with the Captains for Clean Water. He described how the organization originated in 2016 as local businesses and the entire community were affected following the massive discharges from Lake Okeechobee. He explained that water quality affects our economy, real estate and tourism. He emphasized the importance of redirecting the discharges and sending water into the Everglades where it is needed. Learn more about the Captains for Clean Water by going to their website here. Action Items Lien Mitigation 8800 Corkscrew Road Council voted to have Village Attorney Robert Eschenfelder contact [Read More.]
Grease and oil damage septic tanks
If your home uses a septic system, never pour grease, oil, or chemical down your drains. These substances can kill the bacteria that treat your waste water in the tank. The county provides multiple ways to dispose of hazardous liquids - which can be found at: https://estero-fl.gov/for-residents/hazardous-waste-disposal. For more ways that septic system owners can protect our waterways, see our webpage.
Estero’s tax rate reduced by Council at their meeting on September 20, 2023 Public Budget Meetings
Public Budget Meetings Resolution 2023-23 – final millage rate Council approved this resolution adopting the ad valorem taxes for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 at a millage rate of 0.74 mills, which is a reduction from the prior year’s rate of 0.75. Council has voted to reduce the tax rate every year except the first year following incorporation and in 2020 due to COVID. Estero’s tax rate is the lowest in the region. Resolution 2023-24 – Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget Council approved this resolution adopting the budget for FY 2023-2024 at a total of $46,329,128. The proposed budgeted expenditures are as follows: [Read More.]
Estero’s River Oaks Preserve looking for volunteers
The Village-owned River Oaks Preserve, a 10-acre property at the end of Broadway Avenue East, is now open on Sundays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The Coccoloba Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society is managing the property and they have been busy working to prepare the property, restoring gopher tortoise habitat and setting up the nursery operation, and they could use your help. If you would like to get involved with this important volunteer effort, you may either just show up on Sundays or Tuesdays during their working hours or you may call 239-273-8945 to offer [Read More.]
Cell phone tower, Abbiati Dental and Estero Park among topics addressed by the Planning, Zoning & Design Board on September 12, 2023
Public Information Meeting Cell phone tower at Bella Terra A representative for Broadus Towers described the proposed Bella Terra project as a 148-foot-tall dull gray monopole which will hold antennas for 4 carriers, with Verizon and T-Mobile antennas currently scheduled. The dark tones on the monopole are designed to help minimize visibility and it will be completed dark at night. Landscaping around the facility includes a double hedge row and palm trees. The applicant stated communication towers are now the primary mode of communication and this project is being proposed to improve wireless service coverage to this growing area including [Read More.]
Budget, Williams Road widening and Sandy Lane bike/ped improvements addressed by Council on September 7, 2023
Public budget hearings Resolution 2023-16 Council approved this resolution adopting the tentative millage rate and tentative levying of ad valorem taxes for fiscal year 2023-2024 at a millage rate for fiscal year 2023-2024 of 0.7500 mills ($0.7500 per $1,000 of assessed property value). This was the first formal hearing. The second and final public hearing will be held on September 20, 2023 at 5:05 p.m. Resolution 2023-17 Council approved this resolution adopting the tentative budget for fiscal year 2023-2024. The proposed budgeted expenditures are: General Fund $ 8,971,970 Special Revenue 1,543,750 Capital Projects 35,455,903 Driving Range Fund 357,505 Total All [Read More.]