Kyle Gustave (center) surrounded by his family, Estero High School Principal, Lee County School Board member and Council.

Mayor Joanne Ribble presented Estero High School student Kyle Gustave with a letter of recognition as an exceptional student at Estero High School who exemplifies academic excellence, leadership, and character.  Kyle maintains an outstanding 4.49 GPA while balancing a demanding schedule as a four-year varsity football player, a full-time dual enrollment student at Florida Southwestern State College and working a minimum of 20 hours per week.

Aiden Jensen is surrounded by his parents, Bonita Springs High School principal, Lee County School Board member and Council

Mayor Joanne Ribble presented Estero resident and Bonita High School student Aiden Jensen with a letter of recognition for his outstanding achievements, exemplary character, and meaningful contributions to the community. Aiden is a natural leader who truly exemplifies the values of dedication, perseverance, and hard work. He consistently demonstrates an unwavering commitment to excellence by showing up every day, putting in the effort, and leading by example.

Finance Director Kevin Greenville accepted the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award on behalf of the Village Finance Department.

This award reflects the commitment of the Village and staff meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to receive the budget award, the Village had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation.

Public comment on non-agenda items: A resident of Country Creek expressed concerns regarding their clubhouse renovation.  A resident stated the Rotary will be holding an ALS Walk on Feb. 7 at FGCU in honor of Jane Goble.

Action Items

Ditch/Swale Cleaning & Maintenance Services purchase order

Council approved a three-year purchase order for Ditch/Swale Cleaning & Maintenance Services to P & T Lawn & Tractor, for an amount not to exceed $97,500 annually, with  a $9,000.00 contingency.

Ditch maps are available here.

Code enforcement lien reduction request

Council voted to accept a code enforcement lien reduction for Truist Bank in Grand Oaks Plaza with payment to be made within 15 days, and authorizing staff to file a Release of Lien once payment is made.

Second Readings & Public Hearings

Zoning Ordinance 2025-15 – 4741 Broadway Avenue West rezoning

This was a rezoning from Agriculture (AG) to Residential Single Family (RSF) for a 1/3-acre lot on Broadway Avenue West. The applicants, Charles and Sandra Cooper, were requesting the rezoning to construct a single-family home on the lot. The property is a triangular shaped parcel located east of Estero River Heights and the FPL right-of way and drainage ditch, and west of Cranbook Harbor.

Council approved this rezoning ordinance.

Ordinance 2025-17 – Amend the Land Development Code

Council voted to continue this to a second reading on February 4, 2026.

Workshops

Update on development projects in Estero

Community Development Director Mary Gibbs gave a comprehensive review of nearly complete projects, projects under construction, stalled projects, proposed projects and signage.

Planning, Zoning & Design Board annual report

The Planning, Zoning & Design Board members: Front row left to right: Kristin Jeannin and Chairman Anthony Gargano. Back row left to right: Jim Wallace, Barry Jones, Al Paivandy, James Tatooles, Vice Chairman Mike Sheeley, and Dan Williams. 

Community Development Director Mary Gibbs gave an overview of the role the Board plays, data on the amount of activity in 2025, and the outcomes.

The Board held 12 meetings in 2025, conducting 24 public hearings, 12 public information meetings, and 4 workshops.

Residents may view the archived meeting by going to the Village website.

The January 7 Council meeting has been canceled; the next Council meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, February 4, 2026.