Resolution 2019-23 – Permitting the PACE program within the Village
Council approved this resolution permitting Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs for commercial properties within the Village. The PACE program will allow a property owner to obtain funding for energy conservation and efficiency, renewable energy and wind resistance improvements, and repay such funding through voluntary special assessments. These improvements, whether done at construction or as a retrofit, reduce energy costs, increase the tax base, the property value, the life of the building and help retain employment. (Resolution)
Street Light Standards
As the Village contemplates installing street lights along public roadways, Council felt it was important to determine if an overall standard should be established.
Public Works Director David Willems gave a presentation demonstrating the various existing decorative lighting within the Village as well as existing non-decorative lighting options being used outside the Village.
He then presented several potential street light options Council could select from for a standard, including options for street light poles, arms, bases, fixtures and colors.
Council agreed there should be a standard and agreed with staff recommendations for a side mounted dome light, painted dark bronze, with a decorative base and using soft color lights (light orange LED vs bright white LED). (Presentation)
Council Communications
Councilmember Jim Wilson stated the Lee County Board of Commissioners were reviewing the Old Plantation mine application this morning and stated his concerns over how many mines are being proposed on Corkscrew Road and the associated traffic issues associated with these proposals.
Councilmember Nick Batos reminded everyone that the fourth annual fundraiser for the Estero High School Arts Program will be held at the Shadow Wood Golf & Country Club at 6 p.m., Monday, December 16. Guests will be treated to fine food, music, and art presentations created by the students. Additional information is available on the Village website.
Councilmember Jim Boesch stated that he and Bonita Springs Mayor Peter Simmons met with others regarding the benefits of joining the Big Cypress Basin. In addition, cruising classic cars is proposing a family day at the park next year, and Our Lady of Light Church is holding a reception for first responders on Tuesday, November 12 following their 6:30 p.m. service.
Vice Mayor Katy Errington stated construction is underway at the Sprouts grocery store at US41 and Estero Parkway. She stated this intersection is getting very congested and expressed concerns about traffic/pedestrian safety. She also proposed Council consider an ordinance to ban electric scooters on bike/walk paths in the Village as other local municipalities have done.
Councilmember Jon McLain reminded everyone about the Village is presenting a special concert in the park to honor all veterans, active military, first responders and gold star families from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Saturday, November 9. In addition, the Bonita Springs/Estero Elks Lodge will be holding their annual Veterans Day event from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Monday, November 11.
Mayor Bill Ribble stated he attended the state legislative meeting last week and requested a $2,000,000 appropriation for trails or a “river walk” along the Estero River to create greater access to the river on the newly acquired property within the Village.
Workshop
Solar Power Options
Public Works Director David Willems gave a presentation providing staff’s findings on solar street lights as well as other potential solar power applications.
Solar panels can be used with existing light structures but they require batteries which are expensive as well as create maintenance issues with keeping the panels clean.
Solar roof panels can be used on existing structures with the disadvantage being high cost. Since the Village does not own any buildings, they would only be in the position of advocating this use.
Solar shade structures provide a secondary benefit of shade but they too have a high cost. (Presentation)
Additional details will be available in the minutes of this meeting. Residents may also view the archived meeting by going to the Village website http://estero-fl.gov/council/watch-meetings-online/.
The next Council meeting will be conducted at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 20, 2019.