Public Comment on non-agenda items: A resident invited pet owners to attend the Blessing of Pets at the Estero Community Church at 10 a.m., Saturday, February 15.
Estero Sports Park
Council approved the Estero Sports Park master plan presented by Perez & Associates which is now ready for submission to the South Florida Water Management District for infrastructure permits. The infrastructure includes the underground utilities, sidewalks, parking lots and storm water conveyance and ponding needs for the entire site.
The Village has assembled about 100 acres to develop into a Sports and Entertainment District to serve the entire community located on the north side of Williams Road, east of Via Coconut Point and the railroad right of way.
The Sports Park will eventually be shared by the Village, Estero High School, County and residents. The Sports Park is located adjacent to the Estero High School and Estero’s Entertainment District.
The Pattern Book, which will detail the architectural details of all structures, and the Landscape Plan will be developed and presented to the Planning and Zoning Board and Village Council in the coming months.
Public Comment: 2 eComment cards were placed into the record.
Second Reading & Public Hearing
Ordinance 2025-01 – Village seal and administrative code
Council adopted this ordinance which pertains to revisions to the Village seal and administrative code.
In 2020, Council adopted an official seal of the Village of Estero. which is now set forth in the Village Code. Florida Statutes provides that the manufacture, use, display, or other employment of any facsimile or reproduction of a municipal seal, except by Village officials or employees in the performance of their official duties, without the express approval of the Village Council, constitutes a second degree misdemeanor.
When the Village was initially formed, it adopted significant portions of the Lee County Code and related County procedures. The Village Attorney recommended revision of the current Code to remove incorporation of the County administrative code, but to also authorize the Village Manager to create and maintain similar administrative rules and procedures as that official deems necessary.
Village Manager’s Report: Village Manager Steve Sarkozy congratulated District 1 Vice Mayor and Councilmember Joanne Ribble and District 6 Councilmember Jim Ward on their reelection as there were no contenders for their seats. In addition, 3 new employees have been added to staff bringing the total to 15 full-time employees, still “government light”.
Workshops
Planning, Zoning & Design Board appointments
Two Board members’ terms will be expiring on April 30, 2025, and there is currently one vacancy.
Staff recommended reappointing Board members Tatooles and Paivandy for a 1-year term and leaving the vacant position unfilled. Next year 5 members’ terms will expire, and a broad outreach could be done at that time.
2025 Estero Fest/Estero’s 10th anniversary
2025 Estero Fest is planned for 1-8 p.m., Saturday, March 15, at the Estero Community Park, which coincides with the Village of Estero’s 10th anniversary.
Council discussed attending the event as a sponsor. The Village could get two tents; one would be used to present details of the Utility Extension Projects in the West Broadway area and the other could be used to highlight general activities and accomplishments of the Village.
Residents may view the archived meeting by going to the Village website.
The next Council meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, February 5, 2025.