Council started their meeting approving a committee’s ranking for the purchase of a Community Development Software package and authorizing Village Manager Steve Sarkozy to negotiate a contract with the number 1 ranked firm CityView.
A new software package is needed for the Community Development Department to enhance customer service and efficiency. The software currently in use is outdated. The final contract and cost will be brought before Council for approval in September.
Resolution 2021-15 Proposed millage rate for FY 2021-2022
Village Manager Steve Sarkozy gave a general overview of the FY 2021-2022 budget process and millage rate.
Council approved this resolution stating the proposed millage rate for fiscal year 2021-2022 to be discussed at the first budget hearing is to be 0.7726 mills ($0.7726 per $1,000 of assessed property value). This proposed operating millage rate is greater than the rolled-back rate of 0.7486 mills by 3.21%, which is the same rate as the past year.
The budget hearings are scheduled for 5:30 p.m., Thursday, September 9, and 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 22, 2021.
US41 landscape maintenance contract
Council approved the award of RFB 2021-01, Mowing, Landscape, and Irrigation Maintenance to P & T Lawn and Tractor Service, Inc. to provide mowing, landscape, and irrigation maintenance services for US 41 median landscaping for a one-year period.
Public Works Director David Willems explained the US 41 medians were to be maintained by the construction contractor until March 2022, however, due to lack of performance, the contractor is being replaced now.
The cost of the proposed contract is approximately $313,024.20 (bid plus 20% contingency). Landscape maintenance summary.
Seminole Gulf Railway railroad ditch maintenance contract
Village Manager Steve Sarkozy pointed out the ditches along the railroad tracks are the major conveyance of stormwater during a flood and should be regularly maintained to improve the flow of water from the communities along Estero Parkway and along the Seminole Gulf Railway right of way.
The Village is working with Seminole Gulf Railway for them to regularly maintain the ditch from the Estero River to Estero Parkway. The Seminole Gulf Railway has agreed to maintain the ditch south of Broadway East, as no easement will be allowed.
Council approved a contract to have the railway remove vegetation and debris from the ditch located along the railroad tracks from Broadway East south to the Estero River. Council approved a contract with Seminole Gulf Railway to not to exceed $100,000. Summary Sheet.
This does not include the ditch located north of Broadway East. The Village is working to transfer the current Lee County easement to the Village to allow the Village to maintain that section as well.
Ordinance 2021-09 Teco Peoples Gas Franchise
Council approved the second reading of this ordinance to establish a natural gas franchise agreement with Peoples Gas System, a Division of Tampa Electric Company. TECO will pay to the Village a franchise fee equal to 6 percent of gross revenues for all TECO customers within the Village limits. (Ordinance)
The franchise will be for an initial period of 10 years from the effective date of this ordinance. The franchise will automatically renew for up to 2 successive 5 year periods unless either party provides the other with written notice of its desire not to renew at least 90 days prior to the commencement of each new period.
Proposed project rehearing
As liaison to the Planning, Zoning & Design Board (PZDB), Councilmember Jon McLain stated he has concerns about the proposed Fifth Third Bank building in Miromar Outlets reviewed at a recent PZDB meeting. He requested that Council conduct a full rehearing for this project in September; Council voted in favor of a rehearing for this project.
Village Manager’s report
Village Manager Steve Sarkozy reported he was recently notified that the 76 acres at the southwest corner of Corkscrew Road and US 41, across from Koreshan State Park, is under contract in a non-disclosure agreement with a developer. In 1966, this land was deeded to the Nature Conservancy and has served as open space and protected lands within the community.
Council voted to authorize the Village Manager to relay the Village’s deepest concerns to the Nature Conservancy about development on this land as well as authorizing him to investigate what measures the Village can take in order to protect this land.
Workshops
Corkscrew Road interchange landscape design
Representatives for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) gave a presentation on the proposed landscape design project. FDOT is managing and funding the design, permitting, and construction of landscape improvements at the Corkscrew Road interchange. Construction is expected to start in Spring of 2022.
The project budget is $1,078,000. Plant materials will include some color and texture, with many Florida natural species of trees, shrubs, ground covers and sod. There is a 2-year establishment period, after which the Village will be responsible for the landscape maintenance.
No voting occurs during workshops.
Proposed 7th anniversary event
There was a discussion regarding planning a 7th anniversary event for the incorporation of the Village of Estero since the 5th anniversary event had to be canceled due to COVID. The proposed date is Saturday, March 5, 2022. Several proposals were discussed, including holding anniversary events every 5 years but planning concerts or other community-involved events during the off years.
No voting occurs during workshops.
Residents may view the archived meeting by going to the Village website
The next Council meeting will be a budget hearing at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, September 9, 2021.