Public Comment on non-agenda items: A representative of the ECCL stated they are working with the County regarding a veterans recognition area at the Estero Community Park; there is a need for an Estero entrance to the Kiker Preserve, and the ECCL will be featuring a speaker at their next meeting talking about Bonita Springs’ bioreactor which cleans the water.
The Estero Life Magazine editor invited residents to view their drone video of the Estero Parkway on their website at https://esterolifemagazine.com/.
A Pelican Sound resident invited residents to join in the Third Annual River Neighbors Update via Zoom at 3:30 – 5 p.m., March 9, 2021. The panel includes Lee County Commissioner Kevin Ruane, Village Vice-Mayor Katy Errington, Village Public Works Director David Willems, Dr. Donald Duke and Jennifer Hecker. Contact Janel O’Hara at janet.ohara8@gmail.com with any questions.
Resolution 2021-03 – Planning, Zoning & Design Board
Council started their meeting by approving Resolution 2021-03 and selecting 9 members for the new Planning, Zoning & Design Board .
Council voted for the following members to serve three-year terms: Anthony Gargano, Marlene Naratil, Michael K. Sheeley, James Tatooles and Leonard E. Scotty Wood III. Council voted for the following members to serve two-year terms: Barry Jones, Kristin Jeannin, Howard Levitan and Jim Wallace. Scotty Wood and Howard Levitan will serve as Co-Chairmen.
Board members will attend training in April and will conduct their first meeting in May 2021. (Resolution)
Estero River North Branch Drainage Improvements Contract
Public Works Director David Willems gave a short presentation on the proposed actions to improve the flow of water through Country Creek to avoid the flooding which occurred during Irma.
The North Branch of the Estero River was identified in the Village’s Stormwater Master Plan as an area of known flooding that is in need of drainage improvements. The Master Plan identified several projects to improve drainage. They included the following:
- Improve flow through the Villages at County Creek by-pass ditch
- Connect the Estero Parkway outfall located between The Cascades and Rookery Point to the Villages at Country Creek by-pass ditch.
- Re-establish historical flows by excavating a dry creek bed located on the east side of Villages at Country Creek.
Council approved a contract with JR Evans Engineering for $213,400 for the modelling of drainage improvements along the North Branch of the Estero River from Bamboo Island to River Oaks Preserve. (Summary)
Public Hearing
Ordinance No. 2021-02 – Pavich Center
Council approved the second reading of this ordinance, with conditions, to rezone this property from Agricultural to Estero Planned Development. The site is located at the intersection of Corkscrew Road and Happy Hollow Lane, ¼ mile east of US 41.
The applicant is proposing 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 a café.
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, March 17, 2021.