Council started their meeting with a discussion regarding the acquisition of the 4.5-acre Happehatchee Center property located at 8791 Corkscrew Road.
This property is in the center of the 62 acres the Village of Estero purchased on the northeast corner of US 41 and Corkscrew Road, extending north to the Estero United Methodist Church and east to the railroad tracks.
The Board of Directors of the Happehatchee Center intends to convey the property to the Village to preserve and protect as a unique environmental asset for future generations. The Board prepared a memorandum of agreement and resolution to deed this property to the Village at no cost. (Resolution)
The Board’s attorney Mark Ebelini explained that the transfer of this property would be a culmination of the founder of Happehatchee Center Ellen Peterson’s wishes to have the property preserved for environmental education and preservation.
Council approved authorizing Village Manger Steve Sarkozy to enter into an agreement for the transfer of property.
Scooters
Village Attorney Burt Saunders gave a report on electric scooters. He stated that according to state law no person may use micro mobility devices or devices which are not human powered. Council discussed the fact that these devices can be a hazard. Saunders will provide an ordinance for adoption in January.
Public Comment: Jack Meeker stated he is opposed to the Village annexing the 10-acre property on Coconut Road. Ed Weil reminded Council that the Estero High School Girls Soccer Team will have its first varsity contest against the Bonita Springs team at 6 p.m., January 24 at the Jeff Sommer Stadium.
Residents may view the archived meeting by going to the Village website http://estero-fl.gov/agendas/
The next Council meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, January 8, 2020.