The meeting started with Lee County Sherriff’s Office Community Liaison Amy Dell Aquila describing the Deputy Dog Program. The program began with the rescue and adoption of the dog Chance who was found with his mouth taped shut. Deputy Chance’s main initiative is to prove animal abuse is never acceptable.
Aquila then introduced special guests Estero resident Richard Wilbanks and his dog Gunner. Wilbanks and Gunner made national news recently when Wilbanks rescued Gunner from the jaws of an alligator. Gunner is the newest member of the Deputy Dog team. He will be visiting schools and hospitals emphasizing children’s safety, once it’s safe to do so following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Council conducted this special meeting to address an amendment to the CARES Act reimbursement Interlocal agreement with Lee County.
This amendment increases the Village’s CARES Act reimbursement cap from $478,157 to $550,000. This increase was being requested due to Estero’s higher than expected COVID-19 testing turnout which was 1,545 residents.
The Village expects to be reimbursed for all qualified expenses related to COVID-19 which, in addition to the COVID-19 testing, includes 110,000 masks being distributed to residents, employees and volunteers in Estero; 5,000 PPE care packages handed out in October; 300 hand sanitizers being placed at businesses across Estero, and upgrading the Village IT capabilities to support remote meetings and work.
Residents may view the archived meeting by going to the Village website http://estero-fl.gov/council/watch-meetings-online/
The next Council meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, January 6, 2021.