The meeting started with Vice-Mayor Katy Errington presenting a proclamation to Koreshan State Park Manager Zach Lazano in honor of Gopher Tortoise Day which will be celebrated in the Village of Estero every year on April 10.   (Proclamation)

On Wednesday, April 10, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Koreshan State Park, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Conservancy of Southwest Florida will celebrate Gopher Tortoise Day at the Koreshan Park with educational programs, fun activities and opportunities to observe these tortoises throughout the park. Reservations are requested at 239-992-0311.

Action Items

Hurricane Irma reimbursement contract

Council voted to approve contract #Z0803 between the Village and the State of Florida. The Village will receive $43,699.71 in federal funds and $5,867.42 in state funds through this agreement.  Later contract amendments are expected to provide an additional $120,000 of reimbursement funding to the Village for expenditures made in response to Hurricane Irma in September 2017.

Code enforcement mitigation policy – Resolution No. 2019-03

Council moved to adopt this resolution as amended establishing policies pertaining to municipal code enforcement with enhanced enforcement procedures.  The additions to the resolution will include the fact that no Community Development Department development orders will be approved for properties with outstanding violations and any fines adding up to $100,000 should be brought to Council.   (Resolution)

Bonita Springs – Estero Economic Development Council membership

Council voted to not support membership in the Bonita Springs – Estero Economic Development Council for 2019-20.   Council agreed any support should be given to the Estero Chamber of Commerce.

Workshop Items

Mid-block crossing policy

In response to requests from residents for crosswalks on Coconut, River Ranch and Williams Roads, the Village determined a policy should be put in place prior to taking any action.

The Village’s consultant Kissinger Campo & Associates gave a presentation on the proposed mid-block crossing policy.  The purpose is to have a consistent approach throughout the Village regarding mid-block or uncontrolled crosswalks on Estero roads.  (Presentation)

Estero Branding

Vitalink, the Village’s consultant, presented an update to Council on their brand development efforts to date, including potential options for Estero logos and taglines.  (Presentation)

After much discussion, Council recommended the consultant use “Village of Estero”, as in the Village’s charter, rather than just “Estero”.  They also suggested incorporating the current Village logo that has the color orange representing sunrise/sunset into what could be used for smaller uses such as pins, hats, etc.

Public Comment: Two residents spoke in favor of using the current logo.

Additional details will be available in the minutes of this meeting.  Residents may also view the archived meeting by going to the Village website http://estero-fl.gov/council/watch-meetings-online/.

The next Council meeting will be conducted at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 24, 2019.