Presentation and Action Item
City of Sanibel Mayor Kevin Ruane presentation regarding SFWMD’s new criteria
Mayor Ruane spoke about the recent water quality conditions and the devastating impact they’re having on residents’ quality of life, the local economy, jobs, tourist trade and real estate market.
Mayor Ruane asked that the Village join with other Lee County mayors to challenge the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and their revised rules related to minimum flows and levels affecting the Caloosahatchee River.
Council voted to approve Mayor Boesch signing the letter of support challenging the new criteria and rules established by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) that may have serious negative impacts on water quality.
Mayor Ruane also asked that Council support the joint petition to challenge proposed rules being established by the SFWMD in a legal action. The legal action underway is in support of more rigorous rules that may lessen the impacts of poor water quality in our region.
Council voted to support this legal challenge regulating water flow and water quality, not to exceed $10,000.
Action Items
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan RFQ 2018-01
Council approved the contract with Barth Associates, LLC, for the development of a Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan. The contract is not to exceed $175,000.
The plan will include an inventory of existing parks, potential future needs, comparison with three other municipalities, options for ownership and will be coordinated with the Bike/Ped study, among other items. The plan is expected to be completed within 10 months.
Lee County Sheriff’s Office request for letter of support for Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Countywide
Council approved a motion to authorize the Mayor to sign the letter of support to Ms. Petrina T. Herring, Bureau Chief, Office of Criminal Justice Grants, Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Estero River law enforcement agreements with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office
Council approved these agreements, with authority provided to the Village Manager to sign both agreements.
The annual cost of these services will be approximately $12,000. Given the Village’s receipt of the West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND) grant, the ultimate cost to the Village, following reimbursement, is expected to be $0.
First reading of ordinances repealing inapplicable Lee County-only regulations
Village Clerk Kathy Hall read each of the ordinances and Council approved a motion to approve the first reading of Ordinances No. 2018-12 through 2018-21.
Public Comment
Florida State Representative Ray Rodrigues spoke about how proud he was regarding Council’s decision to purchase the land on US 41 and Corkscrew Road. He stated preserving this prime piece of land will advance the sense of community in Estero and that it will become a gathering space for residents.
Workshops
Presentation on request for a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program to address concerns raised at the September 5, 2018, Workshop
There was a presentation addressing some of the concerns discussed at the September workshop. Following this presentation, Council came to a consensus to not pursue this program any further at this time.
Retail Gas Pump Security Measures Ordinance
Following a discussion regarding the value, and minimal cost, of individual locks on each gas pump in Estero, Council came to a consensus there should be an ordinance to cover this security measure. An ordinance will be addressed at a future meeting.
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 held at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 17, 2018.