Shown left to right: Councilmember Larry Fiesel, Vice-Mayor Joanne Ribble, Councilmembers Jim Ward and George Zalucki
The meeting started with Vice-Mayor Joanne Ribble reading a proclamation in honor of Arbor Day, which is April 26. The proclamation states that the Village recognizes Arbor Day in the Village and urges all citizens to recognize Arbor Day, and to support efforts to protect our trees.
Action Items
Broadway Avenue East Utility Expansion Project
Council approved a contract for $81,000, plus 10% contingency, with Florida Acquisition & Appraisal, Inc. (FLAA) to assist the Village in obtaining the easement and property required to construct the Broadway Ave East utility expansion project.
FLAA will provide the following services to help the Village obtain the required easements.
- Meetings with Village and property owners.
- Preparation of project related documents (easements and other agreements).
- Research parcel ownership.
- Site Visits.
- Contact property owners.
- Negotiate easement language.
- Follow up as needed with property owners.
- Coordinate required signatures
- Record documents, as needed.
FLAA will start work to obtain the required properties as quickly as they can but due to the complexity of the project, they are expecting property acquisition to take approximately 12 months.
Public Comment: A resident spoke of the importance of having a fire hydrant at the south end of Tanglewood Lane.
Seminole Gulf Railway license agreement
Stormwater from the proposed Estero Entertainment project will discharge into the Seminole Gulf Railway property. The Village requires approval from Seminole Gulf Railway to discharge stormwater to their right of way.
Seminole Gulf Railway has proposed to provide approval for the Estero Entertainment Project through an assignment and amendment of the license agreement from Lee County to the Village of Estero. This will move the responsibility and authority to maintain the drainage improvements within the Seminole Gulf Railway property from Lee County to the Village of Estero.
Council approved the assignment and amendment of the license agreement for Sandy Lane right of way agreement with Seminole Gulf Railway for the proposed stormwater discharges from the Estero Entrainment Project. The Village will now be responsible for maintaining the ditch along Williams Road.
Ordinance 2024-05 Bella Terra Cell Tower second reading & public hearing
The applicant requested a continuance to May 1, 2024 for a public hearing of this ordinance. Council agreed.
Village Manager’s Report
Village Manager Steve Sarkozy and Community Development Director Mary Gibbs gave an update on the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program issue. They stated staff is working proactively to protect the Community Rating System classification of 6 which allows for a 20 percent reduction in flood insurance costs for Estero residents. Staff has been meeting with FEMA and others to resolve the issue. FEMA has indicated there are a few residents who did not have permitted repair work performed, and staff is reaching out to those residents. Senator Scott and all of the congressional delegation have been very helpful in trying to resolve this issue.
Workshop
Acquisition for BERT
Charles Hines, Project Manager from the Trust for Public Land presented the benefits of the Bonita-Estero Rail Trail (BERT) and discussed some initial thoughts on funding strategies.
Hines explained the number 1 benefit of this trail is safety, as the trail will separate residents from traffic. It also improves quality of life, provides a sense of place and provides connectivity with 263 miles of trail through 7 counties, from Sarasota south to Collier County.
The Trust for Public Land has secured an option to purchase the Seminole Rail line south of Alico Road for $82M. The option will expire in late 2025.
There was a discussion regarding some of the funding alternatives and proposal to place a Resolution on the May 3, 2024 Village Council agenda for formal consideration.
Public Comment: 1 resident spoke in favor of this project; 1 resident spoke of concerns regarding residents of The Vines.
No voting occurs during workshops.
FPL SolarVantage Program
An FPL representative reviewed some highlights of the SolarVantage program. This program utilizes on-site solar panels for use on carports, rooftops, canopies, solar trees and more.
- FPL designs, permits, and installs solar panels.
- FPL handles all upfront costs.
- Costs are paid back over 10 years via monthly payments.
- Energy generated directly offsets energy used by the facility.
- FPL operates and maintains the panels for 10 years.
- Panel service life is 30-years.
- Investment Tax Credit eligible.
No voting occurs during workshops.
Residents may view the archived meeting by going to the Village website.
The next Council meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 1, 2024.