Public Comment: 1 eComment card was placed in the record.
A representative of the Small Business Administration (SBA) reminded those residents whose homes have been damaged as a result of Hurricane Ian that they will need to apply for assistance no later than January 12. Both FEMA and the SBA are available at the Disaster Recovery Center in the Village Hall Council Chambers, Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., except on Tuesday, January 10 they will close at 2 p.m. and re-open at 8 a.m. Wednesday, January 11.
Action Item
Estero River sediment analysis contract change order
Council approved a change order to the contract with Coastal Engineering Consultants in the amount of $46,980 for additional work required to address environmental permit application questions from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for the proposed dredging of sediments from the Estero River.
The sediment accumulated following Hurricane Irma and impacts the flow of the river as well as limits the use of the river.
This contract change order will allow Coastal Engineering to address additional permitting questions raised by the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve, such as how the oyster beds will be treated, how deep the river will be dredged, and they want a different analysis of the sediment.
Coastal Engineering will continue working to obtain the state and federal permits, which are expected in early 2023.
Village Managers’ Report
Village Manager Steve Sarkozy stated that, as a result of litigation associated with the opioid crisis, many cities are being offered settlement money to address this issue. The Village is being offered just under $14,400 for responding to the opioid crisis.
Council voted to accept the settlement money and will determine over time just how to address this issue.
Workshops
Broadway West Utility Extension Project
There are two ongoing contracts to address the septic to sewer program: one for Broadway west of US 41 and one for Broadway east of US 41.
The Village initiated this work to address pollution impacts on the Estero River and Estero Bay. The results of an earlier FGCU study indicated that septic systems were presenting a problem.
Public Works Director David Willems presented an update on the design of the Broadway West Utility Extension Project. The project is currently proposed to include two sanitary sewer lift stations. One for Quarterdeck Cove and Estero River Heights and a second for Cranbrook Harbor, Sherrill Lane, and Luettich Lane. The Village’s consultant has identified three alternative locations for each lift station and are now working with property owners to finalize the design.
Public Comment: A Broadway East resident spoke, emphasizing the need for this project.
Village of Estero northern monument sign concepts
Public Works Director David Willems presented the preliminary design for the northern monument signs along US 41, near the bus stop, and in the median on Three Oaks Parkway, just south of Estero Parkway. Deign, permitting and construction of the two monument signs are included in the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 budget.
The southern monument sign at Three Oaks Parkway is up and almost completed; work on the other southern monument sign at US 41 is underway.
All sign designs will look similar but the landscaping will not be exactly the same at each sign.
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, January 18, 2023.