Council started their meeting by addressing the slate of 16 applicants for the Village’s new Planning, Zoning & Design Board. This Board will take over the functions formerly assigned separately to the Planning & Zoning Board and the Design Review Board.
Some of the applicants are former board members, which are known to Council. Council will conduct interviews with the new applicants on Wednesday, February 24. They will then appoint the new board members at the March 3, 2021, meeting, to be effective on April 1, 2021.
Ordinance No. 2021-02 – Pavich Center
There was a first reading of this ordinance for the rezoning of a .73-acre parcel at the intersection of Corkscrew Road and Happy Hollow Lane, ¼ mile east of US 41. This is the site of the proposed Pavich Center, a two-story Old Florida style 8,950 square foot building with a potential mix of commercial uses such as café, retail, personal services, office, and breezeway for outdoor seating for the café.
Council passed this first reading of the ordinance to a second reading on March 3, 2021. (Ordinance)
Village Manager’s Report
Village Manager Steve Sarkozy shared Lee County’s concept plan for the Kiker Preserve (formerly known as Edison Farms) which details the proposed recreational amenities and stormwater improvements planned. This plan does not include access to the preserve from the Village of Estero. (Concept)
Workshop
Planning & Zoning Board Annual Report
Scotty Wood, Chairman of the Planning & Zoning Board presented excerpts of the Board’s fifth and final annual report. (Annual Report)
River Ranch Road Improvements
Village consultant CW3 Engineering, Inc. gave a presentation of some of the recommended improvements to River Ranch Road to address flooding and safety issues.
The Village hired CW3 Engineering to prepare preliminary designs for drainage, roadway, bicycle, and pedestrian improvements along River Ranch Road. CW3 and Village Staff are recommending the Village move forward with the following improvements:
- 6-8 ft. sidewalks on both sides of the road from Corkscrew Road to Williams Road
- Intersection improvements at Estero High School
- Roundabout at the intersection of Williams Road and River Ranch Road
- 10 ft travel lanes
- 1-2 ft paved shoulders
Public Comment:1 eComment and 3 residents spoke of their concerns regarding biking, privacy, sidewalks on both sides of the road and drainage issues.
No voting occurs during workshops.
Monument signs
The Village’s Fiscal Year 2020-2021 budget includes funding for the design, permitting and construction of four monument signs along the northern and southern portions of US 41 and Three Oaks Parkway.
Public Works Director David Willems presented three different versions of the monument sign, as well as the various available locations for the signs.
The proposed schedule:
- Three Oaks Parkway south (median)
- US 41 south
- Three Oaks Parkway north
- US 41 north
Although there is no voting during workshops, there was a consensus that the sign with the stonework at the base was most attractive. The approval of the construction of each monument sign will occur at future Council meetings. (Presentation)
Public Comment: 1 resident spoke stating that Estero organizations, such as the Rotary Club of Estero, should have their logos on the signage.
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, February 24, 2021.