Presentation May 2021

Left to right: Vice-Flotilla Commander Bob Barber, Flotilla Commander Ellen DeLeo and Mayor Katy Errington

The meeting started with Village Mayor Katy Errington presenting a proclamation to Flotilla Commander Ellen DeLeo and Vice-Flotilla Commander Bob Barber in honor of National Safe Boating Week.  The week is dedicated to bringing attention to important lifesaving tips for recreational boaters so that they can have a safe, fun experience out on the water throughout the year.  (Proclamation)

Public Comment on non-agenda items:  The president of the Estero Council of Community Leaders gave a short overview of the organization, and a resident toxicologist volunteered to assist the Village with blue green algae studies.

Coconut Landing final plat

coconut road signageCouncil approved the Coconut Landing final plat, which is a 10-acre parcel on Coconut Road adjacent to El Dorado Acres that was annexed into the Village in 2019.  It is planned as a small residential subdivision with 25 lots. A development order has been approved. The plat is the last step prior to issuance of building permits in order to allow for sale of lots.

Public Comment on non-agenda items: The Chief Operating Officer of the Estero Council of Community Leaders (ECCL) stated that 2 tons of trash has been removed from US 41 by ECCL volunteers.  They hope to broaden this program to other roadways in Estero in the future.

Workshop

cipVillage Manager Steve Sarkozy stated the highlights of the General Fund remain as follows:

  • A very substantial Operating Reserve established at a level equal to 12 months of annual operating expenses (equaling approximately $5,597,000)
  • A Litigation Reserve Fund (at $670,000),
  • A Debt Reduction Fund of about $6.5M, and
  • Strict limitations on our operating expenses by limiting the number of full-time staff and no on-going pension obligations.

With the focus on this financial model the Village has been able to cut the property tax rate in 4 of the 6 years of its existence.

Public Works Director David Willems gave a summary of the FY 2020/21 and presentation of the preliminary FY 2021/2022 Capital Improvement Program (CIP).

The Village’s CIP outlines how the Village will prioritize capital projects over the next 5-years. The CIP is subject to periodic review and modification based on the needs of the community.

The preliminary CIP was presented as a first draft, and staff was looking for direction from Council for moving forward. (CIP 2021/2022 Preliminary and Capital Improvement Program project descriptions)

No voting occurs during workshops.

Public Comment: A resident reminded everyone that it’s National Day of Ride in Silence in honor of those who have lost their lives while biking.

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 a public hearing for a Comprehensive Plan amendment for a proposed school site on Three Oaks Parkway at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 26, 2021.