Council Meetings

Council conducted a public hearing for an appeal to dismiss the development order for the Brooks Town Center apartments which was approved with conditions by the Planning, Zoning & Design Board on October 10, 2023. The applicants were also appealing the related Settlement Agreement.  The proposed project is located at the northwest corner of Coconut Road and Three Oaks Parkway. The project applicant applied for a development order (site plan approval) on August 3, 2023 to redevelop approximately half the site (5.33 acres) including demolishing the vacant Winn Dixie building, retaining the remaining commercial uses, and developing a multifamily project [...]

Village Manager Steve Sarkozy, Sanibel City Clerk Scotty Lynn Kelly, Village Clerk Carol Sacco, and Mayor Jon McLain The meeting started with recognition of Village Clerk Carol Sacco who recently completed the requirements prescribed by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks for Certification.  Village Manager Steve Sarkozy stated Sacco has demonstrated the highest level of professional service.  Her certificate and pin were presented by Florida Association of City Clerks SW District Director and Sanibel City Clerk Scotty Lynn Kell, MMC, CGSP. Public comment on non-agenda items: A Club Director with the Rotary Club of Estero thanked all for the turnout [...]

The meeting started with an update of the River Oaks Preserve by Marlene Rodak with the Coccoloba Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society.  She described how this all-volunteer group has put in over 6,200 hours working to remove exotics, restore gopher tortoise habitat, add electricity, well water, a composting bathroom and secure storage.  Their objective is to maintain this property in its natural state and encourage residents to use native landscaping. Th Village-owned preserve located at the end of Broadway Avenue East is now open on Sundays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The primary reason the [...]

Village Hall lease agreement The Village of Estero leases the first two floors of the building at 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle.  Village Manager Steve Sarkozy has negotiated a second amendment to the lease agreement with Hamleg Corkscrew, LLC (the landlord) which provides a new lease at the current rate with an expiration date of February 28, 2029, with the option of renewals.   The second amendment also provides for a new method of calculation of common area maintenance fees. Council approved this second amendment. US 41 north monument sign contract Council approved a Supplemental Task Authorization (STA) for the engagement of [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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: [...]

This agreement allows the Village control of the floodways for flood mitigation. The Village has been working toward consolidating and better managing major stormwater retention projects under the Village’s stormwater permits with the Water Management District. T&T Umbrella Association, Inc., is an entity created to own and manage the stormwater storage facility located adjacent to the Hertz Arena, and holds the related Water District permits. T&T has agreed to transfer the facility, and related adjacent roadways and easements to the Village at no cost. Council reviewed and approved the agreement to transfer ownership of the T & T Water Management [...]

Public Comment on non-agenda items:  Two residents of Shadow Wood in The Brooks spoke in opposition to the recently approved Phase 1 pickleball courts proposed by The Brooks CDD. Ordinance 2023-06 – Coconut Road EDP rezoning (Woodfield Development) Representatives of the Woodfield Development project team presented their rezoning request for this project which includes 596 dwelling units, 538 being luxury apartments and the remainder being townhomes, 80,000 square feet of commercial retail and dining, 42,000 square feet of office space, and 260 hotel rooms.  The project also includes civic uses and amenities, and 10-foot-wide bike/pedestrian trails. Council approved this second [...]