Proclamations

Governor’s Cup Award

Council started the meeting with a proclamation for the FGCU students who recently received the Governor’s Cup Award.  This award is sponsored by the Roundtable of Entrepreneurship Educators of Florida to advance entrepreneurship across the state.  The students were awarded the Governor’s Cup for developing “RoomDig”, an exclusive housing app for college students. Standing left to right: Vice-Mayor Bill Ribble, Jacob Adamowicz, FGCU’s Director of the Institute for Entrepreneurship Dr. Sandra Kauanui, Jace Yawnik, Sarah Reisinger, Mason Tucker and Mayor Jim Boesch.  (Proclamation)

 Design Review Board

Proclamations were then presented to each of the retiring members of the Design Review Board (DRB).  Standing, left to right: Joe McHarris, Mayor Jim Boesch, Anu Lacis, Al O’Donnell, Councilmember Katy Errington and William Prysi.

Anu Lacis served on the DRB for 2 years.  Joe McHarris served 3 years on the Board, 2 years as the Chairman, and 12 years prior to incorporation on the Estero Design Review Committee (EDRC).  Al O’Donnell served as the Board’s first Chairman in 2015 and was on the Board for 3 years.  Prior to incorporation, O’Donnell served on the EDRC for 14 years. William Prysi served on the Board for 3 years.  Prior to incorporation, Prysi served on the EDRC for 17 years.

All former Board members were recognized for their many years of service marked by exemplary dedication to the best interests of our community.   Their commitment, talent, and vision guided our community’s development, ensured excellence, and were instrumental in establishing a strong community image.  (Proclamations: Lacis, McHarris, O’Donnell, Prysi)

Presentation

AuditMartin Redovan, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, gave a presentation on the independent auditors’ report on the Village’s Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2017.   He stated that the Village report was well done by the Village team. (Auditor’s letter)  (9/30/17 Audited Financial Statements)

Village Manager Steve Sarkozy credited Lisa Roberson and her team for this good report.

Planning & Zoning Board

Council conducted a second interview with one applicant for the Board, and then appointed Marcus T. Allen, Ph.D. to serve on the Planning & Zoning Board.

Action Items

Council voted to be a member and participate in the Bonita Springs Estero Economic Development Council in the amount of $10,000.

Workshop

Estero Parkway

Estero BoulevardTed Tryka, Agnoli, Barber & Brundage, Inc., gave a presentation on the preliminary design for Estero Parkway’s roadway landscape design and sidewalk/pathway concepts.

They studied 6 different sections along the corridor to identify sidewalk width vs planting width.  He explained the existing swales are the most design-limiting factor for landscaping along the roadway.  The depth of the swales, where the roadway water accumulates, is inconsistent and, therefore, limits the scope of the plan.  He reviewed the possibility of moving the water to off-site drainage areas but stated more work will need to be done to find creative ways to extend paths to 8 feet and landscape the roadway. The medians will be landscaped.

Public Comment:  7 residents spoke of their concerns about safety, the speed of traffic and the use of roundabouts on the parkway.

FDOT US 41 Street Lights

US 41Public Works Director David Willems reported on the US 41 street light project status.  FDOT is installing street lights along the entire section of US 41 located within the Village.

Willems stated that upon beginning the testing phase for the new lights, FDOT discovered that a number of lights were found to be defective.  FDOT has ordered new lights to replace the defective ones, which has caused a 9 week delay in the process.  Once the new lights have been installed, FDOT will conduct a 7-day burn and a brief evaluation period before turning the project over to the Village.  The Village will be responsible for operation and maintenance of the lights, which will be on sensors.

US 41 Median Landscaping

Median LandscapeThe Kimley-Horn design team conducted a site visit on March 7 to observe the existing conditions of the landscape along the US 41 corridor within Estero.  The corridor extends 4.5 miles in length with 23 landscaped medians of varying width and curb type.

They found storm damage resulting in a loss of a number of trees and shrubs, as well as damage to the irrigation system.

They stated that some of the existing tree and shrub placement has resulted in unsightly pruning and maintenance issues.  Also, the landscape in the northern section of the corridor, north of Corkscrew Road, has a different palette.  The goal is to have a unified corridor palette throughout the Village.

The consultants will be meeting with the current maintenance contractor to review the maintenance practices and budget and with FDOT to review the preliminary concept design.  (Presentation)

Additional details are 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., May 2, 2018.