The meeting started with an update on Florida Gulf Coast University’s water school presented by Dr. Michael Martin and a presentation of the preliminary water quality findings for the Estero River presented by Don Duke, Ph.D., P.E.
Dr. Martin stated they have broken ground for the new water school, which will be built at a cost of $58 million. Funding is still needed to be able to construct the building which will house labs, classrooms and study space.
Dr. Duke gave a presentation on the preliminary results of their study of the Estero River’s water quality. He stated they are halfway through the project with the goal of identifying levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and bacteria in the river. They have taken samples from boats on the river as well as along the surface of the river at 10 different locations. They intend to conduct 3 – 4 more samplings to compare how both wet and dry seasons effect the levels of contaminants in the river. The final report is expected to be complete by December. (Presentation)
Workshop Item
Septic to Sewer Report
FGCU was hired to study the Estero River to help identify the sources of bacteria in the river that have contributed to its impairment. One potential source of bacteria is the areas of Estero where septic tanks and package wastewater treatment plants exist. A portion of Estero homes are still on septic tanks, which can contaminate the groundwater and Estero River.
Banks Engineering was hired to determine what existing infrastructure is in place, property similarities and gravity sewer limitations. Brent Addison, Banks Engineering, gave a presentation on proposed utility expansion, defining specific neighborhoods, whether or not they have water, sewer, pump stations, and the proposed costs associated with connecting to the utility. Four neighborhoods were identified as potential areas to investigate first: Estero Bay Village, Sunny Groves, Cypress Bend and River Ranch Road. (Utility Expansion)
There will be additional meetings to determine the actual cost; it will be at least two years before connections can be made.
Public Comment: Comments were made by three people at the meeting and three by Ecomment card.
Action Items
Estero on the River property
The Village’s Estero on the River property includes 11 vacant structures that have no future use or value and could create safety issues, so staff recommended they be demolished.
Council approved award of a Request for Bids for structure demolition to Southwest Builders, Inc. Also included is the removal of slabs and septic systems for a total cost of $59,823.50. (Summary)
Resolution No. 2020-08 – purchase of 9.2± acres on Williams Road and the sale of 2.7 acres of surplus property on County Road
Council approved this resolution pertaining to the swapping of Village property on County Road with the Christ Community Ministries’ property on Williams Road. The property to be purchased for $2 million is a 9.2-acre parcel on Williams Road, adjacent to the west of the golf driving range. This will provide the Village with valuable, future park land, and Christ Community Ministries will receive ownership of the church they presently rent from the Village on County Road. This investment promotes the community’s interest in more recreation facilities, while remaining cost and budget conscious. (Summary)
Resolution No. 2020-09 – Naming Steve Sarkozy as Acting Village Clerk
Council approved this resolution naming Steve Sarkozy as Acting Village Clerk following the retirement of Village Clerk Kathy Hall on June 5, 2020. (Resolution)
Design Review Board
Council agreed to appoint Barry Freedman and Jim Wallace to an interim Design Review Board term expiring March 31, 2021, or upon the effective date of the Land Development Code. They will join Chairman Barry Jones and members Bill Glass and Mike Sheeley on the Board. (Summary)
Happehatchee operating agreement
Upon accepting the donation of the Happehatchee Center, the Village agreed to provide environmental education on-site, in perpetuity.
The Village has negotiated with the YMCA to provide environmental education on-site via contract. This education would be provided during the YMCA’s on-site children’s camp, to be offered throughout the year. The cost for FY 19-20 will be $20,800, to be funded from the Village’s general operating contingency. This agreement is for three years, with the option for either party to void the contract following a 60-day notice.
Council agreed this partnership would provide substantial benefits to the Village. (Summary)
Public Comment: 1 resident spoke in opposition to this agreement.
Lee County disaster response services
Council agreed to have Village Manger Steve Sarkozy request Lee County to provide disaster response, recovery, and monitoring services should a county-wide state of emergency be declared. The County coordinates the entirety of the disaster response process, including the reimbursement process with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Village would be responsible to pay Lee County for any funds not collected through the reimbursement process for services performed in the Village of Estero. This arrangement would only be in place when Lee County declares a State of Emergency. (Summary)
First reading of ordinances
Zoning Ordinance No. 2020-03
Council voted to pass this ordinance to a second reading. The ordinance approves with conditions a rezoning from agriculture (AG-2) to commercial planned development with deviations, to allow a commercial development on property located at 8111 Broadway East, east of U.S. 41 and north of Estero United Methodist Church consisting of approximately 1 acre. The second reading is scheduled for July 15, 2020. (Summary)
Ordinance No. 2020-04
Council voted to pass this ordinance to a second reading. The ordinance adds the use of medical office to an existing commercial building located south of the Publix shopping center on the east side of US 41, south of Corkscrew Road. The second reading is scheduled for July 15, 2020. (Summary)
Public Comment on non-agenda items: An Estero Parkway resident spoke positively about the progress being made along the parkway but stated that speeding is still an issue.
Village Attorney’s report
Village Attorney Burt Saunders announced the renewal of the Gray Robinson retainer, as well as the excellent reviews Council gave on the Village Manger’s evaluation.
Village Manager’s COVID-19 update
Village Manager Steve Sarkozy stated that the numbers of those infected with COVID-19 are continuing to go up so Village staff will continue working remotely. In addition, staff and Council are doing everything they can to keep everyone safe by sanitizing the chambers, social distancing and wearing masks.
Workshop Items
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
Public Works Director David Willems presented the preliminary CIP for fiscal years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 to solicit input and comments.
Roadway improvements include Estero Parkway on-going work, Corkscrew Road widening past Ben Hill Griffin, and River Ranch Road drainage improvements, addition of bike/pedestrian and turn lanes. Many other projects are included in the Summary.
The extent of potential financial impacts associated with the COVID-19 pandemic are not yet known. The CIP will remain flexible to address future changes to the Village’s finances. If future funding changes, projects can be delayed until funds are available. Council and the public will have opportunities to review projects prior to implementation of design contracts and prior to awarding any contract for construction.
CIP public hearings are scheduled for July 8 and July 22 Council meetings. The plan is scheduled to be finalized at the September 9 and September 23 Council meetings. Residents may make their comments known in writing.
Public Comment: 1 resident spoke about the importance of keeping the River Oaks property in the CIP.
Branding
Public Works Director David Williams presented the updated logo prepared by Vitalink with a variety of ways the logo can be used to identify Estero. Example materials included stationary, envelopes, business cards, shirts, pens, monument signs, flags, banners, street signs, and on the Village Hall. The plan calls for updating all materials that use the Village’s current logo. Council suggested the color yellow on the design should be changed to orange to demonstrate sunset. Branding will be on the agenda for the July 8 meeting for a vote as no voting occurs during workshops. (Presentation)
Public Comment: 1 resident made their thoughts known through Ecomment card.
Bike & Pedestrian Master Plan update
The Village of Estero’s consultant Jacobs completed the Village’s first Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan which includes a variety of specific infrastructure projects to improve walking and biking in Estero. Each of these projects have been presented to Council. This will be brought back for voting on July 8. (Presentation)
Public Comment: 1 resident spoke, recommending the Village get corporate funding for this project.
Residents may view the archived meeting by going to the Village website https://estero-fl.gov/agendas/
The next Council meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 8, 2020.