Council started the meeting bestowing proclamations upon Estero High School Football Coach Darren Nelson and MVP Mason Crowell. Coach Nelson was honored for having led the Estero High School Wildcats to a win at the First Annual “Jaws vs Claws” competition with Bonita Spring on October 4. Mason Crowell is a 3-year performer at the varsity level on the Estero Wildcats and the starting running back and kicker. He was the MVP at this competitive event; he had 26 carries for 100 yards, was two for two on extra points, one for two on field goals and was also successful on a surprise onside kick.
Left to right: Councilmembers Howard Levitan, Jon McClain, Mayor Bill Ribble, (Mason’s grandmother) Paulette Anders, Councilmember Nick Batos, (Mason’s mother) Michele Crowell, Mason Crowell, Councilmember Jim Wilson, Estero High School Football Coach Darren Nelson, Dist. 3 member & Vice-Chair of the Lee County School Board Chris Patricca, Councilmember Jim Boesch, Estero High School Athletic Director Gary White and Vice-Mayor Katy Errington.
Ordinance No. 2019-29
Council conducted the first reading of this ordinance pertaining to a rezoning to allow a multiple family project and commercial development known as Estero Crossing located 1,000 feet west of I-75 and Corkscrew Road. (Ordinance)
Council requested that several items be addressed at the second reading including density and height of the buildings, schedule of uses, stormwater issues, along with recommendations that the Florida Power & Light lines being placed underground.
The second reading of this ordinance is tentatively scheduled for November 13, 2019.
Action Items
Resolution No. 2019-22
Council approved this resolution amending the fee schedule to provide a 15 percent reduction for contractors that hire a private, certified building inspector for plan review and building inspections as specified by House Bill 7103. (Resolution)
Village Attorney’s Report
Council voted to approve a lien mitigation request releasing outstanding liens against a property at 20511 Port Drive for a reduced fine of $2,000 and $90 for administrative cost.
Workshop Items
Legislative Agenda
Council considered two proposals for the upcoming 2020 Florida Legislative session. One is a proposal for a $2,000,000 appropriation for a “river walk” along the Estero River to create greater access to the river. Council suggested this could be a shared expense with the Village of Estero.
The second proposal is to transfer stormwater management responsibilities to the Big Cypress Water Management District as the areas of Bonita Springs, Estero and south Lee County have natural drainage systems that flow south to the Big Cypress system.
Code compliance mitigation and payment update
Council had requested an update on the status of code enforcement mitigation and the collection of fines. It was agreed that a consistent policy is needed, so staff will bring back their recommendations.
Corkscrew widening project
Public Works Director David Willems described the County’s plan to widen Corkscrew Road from Ben Hill Griffin Parkway to Alico Road, a distance of 4.4 miles.
Phase 1 will widen the two-lane road to four lanes, starting at Ben Hill Griffin Parkway extending to Bella Terra Boulevard. Construction is expected to begin in late 2020 or early 2021.
There is no scheduled date for initiating Phase 2; however, funds are budgeted for construction in FY 2022/23.
The County has meetings scheduled with the Homeowners’ Association Boards for Grandezza, Stoneybrook, Wildcat Run, The Preserve at Corkscrew and Bella Terra. In addition, a public meeting will be held in January 2020. (Presentation)
Information about this project is available at www.CorkscrewRoadWidening.com.
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, November 6, 2019