Public Comment on non-agenda items: An Estero resident stated that on May 4, the Estero Council of Community Leaders, Estero Historical Society, and Estero Chamber of Commerce presented $1,000 scholarship checks each to Estero High School student essay winners. Mary Sue Burun was presented the “History” scholarship and Brian Robinson was presented the “Governance” and “Business” scholarships. This was the first of what may become an annual Estero Community Essays/Scholarships Ceremony.
Septic to sewer program management contract
Council tabled this item to the May 19 or June 2 meeting.
North Commons Drive
North Commons Drive is an alternate access road used to travel from Coconut Road to Pelican Colony Boulevard which benefits both commercial and residential uses.
Council approved:
- Acceptance of North Commons Drive from Coconut Road to Pelican Colony Boulevard for maintenance as a Village-maintained road.
- To issue impact fee credits in the amount of $325,000 upon acceptance of the road, as required by the DRI (Development of Regional Impact).
- Resolution No. 2021-11 providing for impact fee credits for North Commons Drive. (Resolution)
Council liaison assignments
Council approved the list of liaison assignments. Additional assignments will be made at a later date. (Liaison assignments)
Ordinance No. 2021-05 – Year-round landscape irrigation conservation measures
Council approved the second reading of this ordinance; the first reading was on April 21.
Public Works Director David Willems gave a summary of the ordinance including watering days and times. (Presentation)
This ordinance will establish year-round water conservation measures, including the following:
- Landscape irrigation prohibited between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm daily;
- Even addresses can only water on Thursday and/or Sunday;
- Odd addresses can only water on Wednesday and/or Saturday;
- Irrigation of new landscaping will be allowed under certain exemption
Exceptions include reclaimed water users, agricultural and nursery operations and athletic play areas.
Adoption of this ordinance will better protect water resources by allowing the Village of Estero to enforce irrigation water conservation efforts. (Ordinance)
Ordinance No. 2021-06 – Water Shortage or Water Shortage Emergency Declarations
Council approved the second reading of this ordinance; the first reading was on April 21.
Public Works Director David Willems gave an explanation of the water shortage phases. (Presentation)
This ordinance will provide authority to enforce the Water Shortage or Water Shortage Emergency restrictions declared by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD).
Water Shortage – When the District determines there is the possibility that insufficient water will be available to meet the present and anticipated needs of the users, or when conditions are such as to require temporary reduction in total use within a particular area to protect water resources from serious harm.
Water Shortage Emergency – When the District has determined that the provisions listed in Part II of Chapter 40E-21, F.A.C., are not sufficient to protect the public health, safety, or welfare, the health of animals, fish, or aquatic life, a public water supply, or commercial, industrial, agricultural, recreational, or other reasonable beneficial uses. (Ordinance)
Workshop
Corkscrew Road Improvements Project update
Ryan Bell, Johnson Engineering, gave an update on the project including a brief background and proposed pathway design alternatives. The roadway project includes widening the road to six lanes from Ben Hill Griffin through Firehouse Lane, then four lanes to Wildcat Run and four lanes (with future six) widening from Wildcat Run to Bella Terra. Construction is scheduled to begin this month and end in 2023.
The pathway design concepts and potential design alternatives include: 10-foot pathways on both sides of the road, enhanced landscaping, lighting, the path on the Grandezza berm and several potential boardwalk locations. (Presentation)
No voting occurs during workshops but there was a consensus on the following items by Council:
- 10-foot pathways
- Pathway lighting
- Pathway along Grandezza berm
- Boardwalk near Preserve at Corkscrew
This will be brought back to Council with additional information during a future workshop.
Community Development Software
Community Development Director Mary Gibbs explained her department is in need of software to manage and coordinate all its processes in order to provide a high level of customer service, as their current software is out of date.
The functions of this department need to be linked, as well as integrated, with other Village functions such as financial tracking of payments, as well as providing reports and metrics. They are proposing to engage a consultant with technical expertise in this area who will assist in the choice of the product and then oversee its installation. (Presentation)
Residents may view the archived meeting by going to the Village website http://estero-fl.gov/council/watch-meetings-online/
The next Council meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 19, 2021.