Council voted to purchase land on Three Oaks Parkway to establish two ponds to address flooding concerns, which could favorably affect neighboring flood insurance rates This purchase also preserves green space in place of additional development. (See details of Three Oaks Parkway purchase below.)
Council voted to lease a portion of Estero High School land to develop a joint use park and recreation facility. This long-term partnership with the Lee County School Board will provide soccer fields, basketball, baseball, pickleball and walking trails connecting to the Village’s neighboring Entertainment District. The new facilities will be available to the students as well as Estero residents. This also preserves green space in the Village. (See further details below).
Public Comment on non-agenda items: A resident spoke of his concerns regarding aggressive driving and public safety.
This meeting started with the approval of an interlocal agreement with the Supervisor of Elections to administer election services. The Village has an existing agreement; however, the Supervisor has requested that these agreements be updated to address a variety of changes in actual practice of the Supervisor’s office, and to address any outdated provisions.
Estero on the River construction engineering inspection service contract
Estero on the River
Council approved a contract with CW Engineering, Inc. to provide construction engineering and inspection services for the Estero on the River Phase 1 improvements in the amount of $151,440, with a contingency of $15,000. This will provide a representative on site to make sure the site is being developed as planned and on schedule.
Estero on the River Phase 1 includes the following improvements:
- Pedestrian path
- Pedestrian bridge over the Estero River
- Parking area
- Restroom facility
- Drainage
- Landscaping
- Irrigation
The Village’s consultant has completed construction plans and is expected to obtain the required permits within the next 30-45 days.
The Estero on the River property is located north of Corkscrew Road between US 41 and the Seminole Gulf Railway. A pair of bald eagles have made their home on this land since 2022, which limits construction and access around the nest when the eagles are nesting, which is from October 1 – May 15. The eagles have recently been seen feeding at least one eaglet.
Sandy Lane construction engineering inspection services contract
Sandy Lane
Council approved a contract with HighSpans Engineering, Inc., to provide construction engineering and inspection services for the Sandy Lake Bike/Ped Improvements for $490,560.65, with a contingency of $49,000. This will provide a representative on site to make sure the site is being developed as planned and on schedule.
The Sandy Lane Bike/Ped Improvements are located along Sandy Lane between Corkscrew Road and Broadway Ave East. The improvements include:
- 8-12 ft wide path along the east side of Sandy Lane
- Pedestrian bridge over the Estero River
- Street lighting
- Landscaping
- Irrigation
The Village’s consultant is nearing completion of the project’s design and permitting efforts. Village Staff expects to solicit construction bids within the next 30-45 days.
Resolution 2024-02 – Reimbursement
Council adopted this resolution which would allow the Village to issue up to $80 million in debt even if the projects were previously funded with cash. There is no requirement nor commitment to issue this debt by adoption of this resolution.
This Reimbursement Resolution also allows the Village to fund capital projects with cash as costs are incurred and then potentially issue larger, more cost-efficient debt instruments rather than several smaller financings.
Agreement with School Board of Lee County to acquire Three Oaks Parkway parcel
Council approved this agreement with the School Board of Lee County to purchase the land at 20897 Three Oaks Parkway for $15 million. This property is located approximately 1,550 feet northeast from the intersection of Three Oaks Parkway and Corkscrew Road, and had previously been planned for a K – 8 school.
Acquiring this land will provide long-term stormwater management improvements in the Village by using it as a regional stormwater retention area, relieving surrounding areas of the flooding conditions they currently experience.
The benefits include enhanced flood mitigation, increased water quality treatment, and opportunities for improving a key roadway that serves the area,
Agreement with School Board of Lee County to lease a portion of Estero High School land to develop a joint use park and recreation facility
Council approved this agreement with the School Board of Lee County to lease a portion of land for 99 years to create a park and recreation facility. Included in this agreement, the Village agreed to eventually invest $10 million in the 52 acres over a 5-year period, as well as maintain the facilities.
This project will result in a first class recreational and sporting venue which will enhance the quality of life for Village residents, and the interscholastic athletic experiences of Estero High School’s students.
Public Comment: A resident thanked Council for providing safe fields for high school students as well as the new water management system at Three Oaks Parkway.
Agreement with School Board of Lee County for the joint use of recreational facilities to be developed by the Village on the leased Estero High School land
Council approved this agreement pertaining to the shared use park and recreational facility whereby the Village and School Board would make joint use of the facilities, with the athletic needs of Estero High School’s students always taking priority.
Workshop
Planning, Zoning & Design Board annual report
PZDB Board Chairman Scotty Wood presented the Board’s annual report and stated future concerns include the fact that Lee County has approved 24,000 homes, or 50,000 residents, on East Corkscrew Road.
Wood announced he will no longer serve as the Chairman but remain on the Board.
No voting occurs during workshops.
Village Planning, Zoning & Design Board Projects
Community Development Director Mary Gibbs gave an update on all the development projects reviewed by the Planning, Zoning & Design Board as well as those projects reviewed by staff.
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, February 7, 2024.