Miles Brown (2nd row behind Mayor Joanne Ribble) is surrounded by his parents, members of the Estero High School, Lee County School District, Lee County School Board, Mayor Ribble and Councilmembers
Mayor Joanne Ribble and Councilmembers presented Estero High School student Miles Brown a letter of recognition for earning an impressive 5.46 GPA and the prestigious AICE diploma. During his senior year, he challenged himself as a full-time dual enrollment student at Florida Gulf Coast University, where he earned a perfect 4.0 GPA and was named to the President’s List—an honor reserved for students demonstrating the highest academic excellence.
Leann Leffert is surrounded by her parents, members of the Bonita High School, Lee County School District, Lee County School Board, Mayor Joanne Ribble and Councilmembers.
Mayor Joanne Ribble and Councilmembers presented Estero resident and Bonita High School student Leann Leffert a letter of recognition for her dedication, perseverance, and inspiring participation in Bonita Springs High School’s first annual Inclusive Choir. This special program brings together students with and without disabilities to share a meaningful musical experience, promoting belonging and collaboration. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA further reflects her outstanding dedication and determination.
Action Items
Fourth Amendment to High 5 Public Improvement Agreement
On May 15, 2024, the Village and High 5 entered into a Public Improvement Agreement requiring both parties to undertake certain actions related to High 5’s construction and operation of a new High 5 facility on a portion of Village property to be conveyed to High 5.
Both parties have agreed that the original agreement, as amended by the First, Second, and Third Amendments, should be further amended to allow High 5 to offset the Village’s road impact fees, calculated at $513,851.21. This would be accomplished by revising the compensation provisions of the Agreement to permit the offset of those fees. The Village collects public safety impact fees but does not have the authority to waive or reduce them; therefore, those fees will be collected and remitted to the appropriate agencies.
Council voted to adopt this fourth Amendment.
Construction Site Inspection Contract
The State of Florida requires Estero to regularly inspect all construction sites within the Village. Johnson Engineering has provided these services to the Village over the past several years.
Council approved a contract with Johnson Engineering, Inc to continue to provide construction site inspection services for all construction projects within the Village for $100,500 per year for three years, with two one-year extensions available at Village discretion.
First Reading
Ordinance 2026-01 – building code and construction standards
Florida Statutes mandates that the Florida Building Commission (an entity created by the State) must adopt a Florida Building Code (FBC) which establishes a uniform building code throughout the state. In turn, each local enforcement agency adopts by reference the current version of the FBC.
This ordinance pertains to establishing higher quality structural building standards. Wood frame construction is permitted in Florida; however, that type of construction presents problems associated with fire, storm resilience and long-term maintenance. This ordinance will require concrete block construction.
Council adopted Ordinance No. 2026-01 on first reading and set a second reading and public hearing for April 1, 2026.
WORKSHOPS
Broadway Ave. West Improvements Update
Village Consultant Jesse Gill P.E., CW3 Engineering, provided an update on the Broadway Ave West improvements project. Improvements include addressing roadside hazards, drainage improvements, landscaping and sidewalk improvements.
The update focused on the work completed to date including existing conditions, concept alternatives, preliminary cost estimates, recommendations, schedule, and results from the first public information meeting. The final design is expected to be completed by late October.
Estero RiverPark North and Village Center Driving Range projects
Village consultant Michael Comparato, Vieste LLC, gave a presentation on the northern portion of Estero RiverPark and the Village Center driving range.
Estero RiverPark North project
Staff and consultants were requesting Council input on potential development scenarios for the acreage north of the Estero River, which could include a public-private partnership solicitation similar to the process used for the entertainment components of the Village Center Hub. The goal would be to enhance the site while creating an economic model comparable to the Village Center, where revenues generated from development of the northern acreage would help offset the costs of maintaining and operating Estero RiverPark to the south.
One proposal would create an activated, river-oriented district where residents live above restaurants, cafés, and retail spaces in a cohesive pedestrian-friendly environment. The design emphasizes connectivity, outdoor gathering areas, and a continuous level of activity throughout the day and evening.
No voting occurs during workshops; however, the consensus was for the consultant to proceed to review the Estero RiverPark North project with the development community.
Village Center Driving Range project.
During Phase 1 of the Sports Park project, Suffolk Construction will hand over a “pad ready site” for the driving range in September. The goal is to open the driving range as close to the opening of High 5 Entertainment as possible, which is later this fall.
Staff and consultants are evaluating two options: one being another public-private partnership model and the other having the driving range owned by the Village and professionally operated by the Sports Park operator.
No voting occurs during workshops.
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, April 1, 2026.