Councilmembers Jon McLain, Howard Levitan, Vice-Mayor Bill Ribble, Senator Kathleen Passidomo, Councilmember Katy Errington, Mayor Jim Boesch, Councilmembers Jim Wilson and Nick Batos
State Senator Kathleen Passidomo presented Council with a legislative update, noting the budget will not be as robust as in the past but they will be addressing water issues. She told Council to contact her with any concerns about any bill that would negatively impact the Village.
Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
Mayor Jim Boesch congratulated Finance Director Lisa Roberson for her work on the Village’s annual financial report receiving the highest award presented by the Government Finance Officers Association.
The national association presented Roberson with a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017.
This certificate is presented to the individual designated as instrumental in their government achieving the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting and represents the highest award in government accounting and financial reporting.
Second reading/public hearing of ordinances
Council approved a second reading/public hearing of Ordinance 2018-26 through 2018-35 repealing inapplicable Lee County-only regulations. (Ordinances)
Ordinance 2018-20
This ordinance, repealing development district provisions of the Lee County Code, was continued to the December 5, 2018, meeting. (Ordinance)
Ordinance 2018-21
Council adopted this ordinance, repealing drainage and water control provisions of the Lee County Code. (Ordinance)
Workshops
Land Purchase Contingencies
Village Manager Steve Sarkozy gave an update on the issues associated with the purchase of the 62 acres of land adjacent to the Estero River along US 41 and Corkscrew Road.
Sarkozy pointed out that even though Estero is a new community, nine proposals were received from banks proposing to enter into a loan agreement with the Village for this purchase.
A title search has been completed. The 5-acre parcel with the College of Life home on the property has a life estate attached to it for the term of the life of Charles Dauray plus 120 days.
The final review of contingencies will occur in a December 5 workshop followed by a proposed waiver of contingencies for final approval of the purchase at the December 12 Council meeting. (Summary Sheet)
Updated FEMA Maps
Public Works Director David Willems stated FEMA has finalized the updated maps for the area generally located south of Corkscrew Road and east of US 41. The maps will become effective December 7, 2018. After that date, any residents that were located within a flood plain on the previous maps but are no longer in a flood plain on the new maps should be able to work with their insurance provider and mortgage company to reduce their flood insurance rates or cancel the flood insurance. (Summary Sheet)
Reserve Policy
Assistant to the Village Manager Kyle Coleman explained that Ordinance 2019-01 is being proposed so that the operating reserves may be expanded and dedicated to three specific funds. The three reserves are: 1) Operating Reserve, 2) Litigation Defense Reserve and 3) Major Road maintenance Reserve. (Ordinance)
Estero Chamber of Commerce
Nolen Rollins, President-Elect of the Estero Chamber of Commerce, gave a presentation on the changes taking place within the Chamber. They have hired Sarah Newcome to serve as a full-time Executive Director and the offices will be moved from the present 1,000 square-foot facility to a 3,000 square foot facility. They look forward to establishing a strong community and economic development team. They are asking for the Village to become a Diamond Partner, a one-time investment of $25,000. (Presentation) No voting occurs during workshops.
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, December 5, 2018.