Public Budget Meetings
Resolution 2023-23 – final millage rate
Council approved this resolution adopting the ad valorem taxes for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 at a millage rate of 0.74 mills, which is a reduction from the prior year’s rate of 0.75. Council has voted to reduce the tax rate every year except the first year following incorporation and in 2020 due to COVID. Estero’s tax rate is the lowest in the region.
Resolution 2023-24 – Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget
Council approved this resolution adopting the budget for FY 2023-2024 at a total of $46,329,128.
The proposed budgeted expenditures are as follows:
General Fund $ 8,971,970
Special Revenue 1,543,750
Capital Projects 35,455,903
Driving Range Fund 357,505
Total All Funds $46,329,128
Proclamations
Dr. Denise Carlin and Mayor Jon McLain
Leslie Gunderson and Mayor Jon McLain
Mayor Jon McLain presented Pinewoods Elementary Principals Dr. Denise Carlin and Leslie Gunderson with proclamations recognizing their commitment to educational excellence. Dr. Carlin has dedicated 32 years and Ms. Gunderson 34 years to the School District of Lee County positively influencing the lives of countless students.
Public Comment on non-agenda items: 1 resident spoke of a proposed water transmission system and 1 resident spoke of concerns regarding the proposed apartment complex Residences at The Brooks Town Center.
Action Items
Council appropriations up to $10,000 for 2023 Veterans Day celebration event
The Village of Estero anticipates between 500-1000 attendance at the November 11 Veterans Day celebration, which will be free to all Estero residents.
The event will feature a patriotic concert by local vocal artist Lindsey Graham honoring all veterans, active military personnel and Goldstar Parents. A presentation of the military branch of colors will be performed by the Estero High School JROTC and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and Estero Fire Rescue will have resources at this event including a Robot Bomb Detection Dog, and a Virtual Reality Trailer.
The New Horizons choir will be on hand to charm the audience. There also will be an American Classic and Muscle Car Display, a Kids’ Zone with a Bounce House, games and face painting. Free hotdogs will be available and prepared by the Tidewater Veterans Group and Community.
The finale of the event will feature a 21 Gun Salute, playing of Taps, and an American pop music concert by Lindsey Graham.
Council voted to approve appropriations up to $10,000 for this event.
Tyler Munis Project Management
On June 21, 2023, Council authorized staff to move forward with the implementation of Munis, a Tyler Technologies enterprise resource planning solution.
Munis is Tyler’s flagship product offering a comprehensive suite of applications centered around the entirety of a government’s operations. Applications for the Village include: Accounting, Accounts Payable, Assets Mobile, Budgeting, Capital Assets, Cash Management, Contract Management, Project Accounting, Grant Accounting, Accounts Receivable, Cashing, General Billing, and Content Manager.
To implement Munis successfully and expeditiously, staff requires an outside project manager.
Council approved the engagement of Horizon Solutions Group, Inc., at a discounted rate of $175 per hour, with a “not to exceed” amount of $70,000.
Workshops
Water monitoring update
Water quality locations
Public Works Director David Willems gave an update on the Village’s water monitoring program.
The Village has been monitoring water levels, water quality, and water flows at numerous locations throughout the Village since August 2020. The data produced through these monitoring activities are used to better understand the sources of pollutants going into the Estero River and determine what can be done to improve the water quality of the Estero River and Estero Bay.
No voting occurs during workshops.
Main Building 8801 Corkscrew Road
On June 21, Council approved a Request for Bids for Southwest Builders Inc. to demolish the structure located at 8801 Corkscrew Road. This was approved with the stipulation that the Estero Forever Foundation had 90 days to come back to Council with a proposal to make the necessary repairs to the building, as well as the funding to pay for the repairs.
At a recent Board of Directors meeting of the Estero Forever Foundation a vote was taken to abandon the effort to save the building. Their review found extensive mold and animal infestation in the building likely requiring removal of the walls down to the studs. As they uncovered additional information about the house, they also predicted escalating costs due of any restoration.
Their letter dated September 7 to the Village Council supports the recommendation by staff and the prior action of the Council to demolish the building.
Public Comment: 2 representatives of the Estero Forever Foundation spoke reconfirming their recommendation that the Village Council proceed with the demolition as originally planned.
No voting occurs during workshops.
Broadway Avenue West Utility Expansion Project
Public Works Director David Willems presented an update on the Broadway Avenue West Utility Expansion Project.
The State of Florida has identified the Estero River as impaired for bacteria and the Estero Bay as impaired for nitrogen. Septic tanks are a source of both bacteria and nitrogen. Removing septic tanks, especially those that are located close to the Estero River or ditches/swales that flow to the river are critical in reducing the bacteria and nitrogen discharging to the Estero River.
The Village of Estero’s consultant, Johnson Engineering has been working on the design to extend water and sewer to homes at the western end of Broadway Avenue West. Neighborhoods included within this project are Quarterdeck Cover, Estero River Heights, Cranbrook Harbor (Charring Cross), Sherrill Lane, Luettich Lane, and Holiday Drive.
Connecting these neighborhoods to Lee County Utilities will ultimately improve the water quality of the Estero River but also will provide the residents with better fire protection with the addition of water hydrants. It should also help with their insurance rates.
The design is complete and construction could start on the first two phases of this project in the first quarter of 2024; however, funding could impact the schedule.
Public Comment: 1 resident wanted to know if he could opt out of the project.
No voting occurs during workshops.
Broadway Avenue East Utility Expansion Project
Public Works Director David Williams gave an update on this project. There are three phases to be addressed in this project.
It’s anticipated that the design for this project will be completed by November 15, and construction could start in the summer of 2024 if funding is available. Funding sources include grants, Village contribution and homeowner construction.
Public meetings will be conducted once the funding is better understood.
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, October 4, 2023.