Council started their meeting recognizing Estero vocalist Lindsey Graham for making a positive difference in the community. Ms. Graham is known for her outstanding performances at the Village’s Veteran’s Day events, among her many accomplishments. As a “thank you”, she responded by leading the Council and residents in the chamber in singing “God Bless America”.
Presentation
Scott Dudley, Florida League of Cities, gave a presentation on Local Voices United. This bipartisan group is focused on “home rule” and local decision making. Their guiding principle is “the federal government should only do that which state governments cannot do, and state governments should only do that which local governments cannot do.” His presentation listed some of the legislative preemptions which have been passed on issues ranging from banning tree trimming ordinances to overturning local elections. He suggested that residents go to the Local Voices United Facebook Page to sign up to receive information about key legislation that impacts our community.
Public Comment
A resident said the state legislature has not supported home rule and that it’s time to identify people who will represent the residents of Estero.
A resident stated his concerns regarding inappropriate street lighting which can have a negative impact on residents, birds and the environment due to the intensity, color and direction of the lighting.
A resident stated her concerns regarding the Lee County School District’s decision to not build a school at Three Oaks Parkway.
A resident invited residents to attend the Estero Republic Club’s picnic in the park from 12 – 3 p.m., Sunday, January 23. You will have an opportunity to hear from candidates for Congress and Senate at this event. The menu and way to purchase tickets are on their website.
Lien Mitigation
Council addressed a lien mitigation request from DK Realty Group – SUB, LLC relating to the lack of pool maintenance at 9170 Estero River Circle in The Estates at Estero River. The former owner was cited in February of 2019 and the Village’s Special Magistrate imposed a fine beginning on March 20, 2019. A code enforcement lien in the amount of $240,000 plus $296.85 in administrative costs was accrued based on 960 days of lien accumulation at $250 a day. The new owner has brought the pool maintenance into compliance. Council voted to accept a reduced amount of $49,000 and $296.85 for administrative costs.
Sandy Lane and Via Coconut Point bridge rehabilitation
Inspections of the Sandy Lane bridge over the Estero River and the Via Coconut Point box culverts over tributaries of Halfway Creek identified areas in need of maintenance. All structures were determined to be in good condition, but maintenance is required to keep them in good condition.
Council approved a contract with Thomas Marine Construction, Inc. to address the minor rehabilitation work on the bank erosion under the Sandy Lane bridge and concrete deterioration on the box culverts under Via Coconut Point for a cost of $349,851, along with a 10 percent contingency.
Ordinance 2022-01 – Capital improvements element
There was a second reading and approval of Ordinance 2022-01, approving the updated schedule for the Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Year 2021/2022.
Workshops
Planning, Zoning & Design Board’s annual report
Co-Chairs Leonard “Scotty” Wood III and Howard Levitan provided Council with the Planning, Zoning & Design Board’s (PZDB) first annual report. The PZDB was formed in the spring of 2021 by combining the previous Planning & Zoning and Design Review Boards in order to streamline the planning, zoning, and review process. The report included an overview of developments in the Village.
Update on development projects in Estero
Community Development Director Mary Gibbs provided an update on development projects within the Village, including those that have been recently completed or under construction, as well as pending and future projects. Many of the projects were reviewed by the Village’s land use board, with some remodeling projects reviewed by the Community Development Department staff.
U.S. Bike Route 15
The U.S. Bicycle Route System is a developing national network of bicycle routes intended to facilitate travel and provide connectivity between communities and includes approximately 14,000 miles of bicycle routes in 31 states.
The proposed plan for Florida is to extend the bike route from Madison to Miami. This alignment runs through Lee County, City of Fort Myers, Village of Estero, and City of Bonita Springs.
The proposed alignment includes the following:
- Daniels Parkway from Metro Parkway to Treeline Ave.
- Treeline Ave./Ben Hill Griffin Parkway from Daniels Parkway to Estero Parkway
- Estero Parkway from Ben Hill Griffin Parkway to Three Oaks Parkway
- Three Oaks Parkway/imperial Parkway/Livingston Rd from Estero Parkway to Golden Gate Parkway.
The proposed alignment received input and support from the Lee County MPO Bicycle Pedestrian Coordinating Committee. All routes are on roads with existing bike lanes. The MPO is looking for a resolution of support from the Village, which will be addressed in an upcoming meeting.
No voting occurs during workshops.
Residents may view the archived meeting by going to the Village website here.
The next Council meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, February 2, 2022.