Councilmember Joanne Ribble (left) was congratulated on her 2022 Home Rule Hero Award by
Mayor Katy Errington
Council acknowledged District 1 Councilmember Joanne Ribble who recently received a 2022 Home Rule Hero Award from the Florida League of Cities. This is the second year in a row that Ribble has earned this prestigious award for her work and advocacy efforts during the legislative session.
Council recognized the Finance Department for receiving the Certificate of Recognition for Budget Preparation from the Government Finance Officers Association. The Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, which is the highest award in governmental budgeting, is presented to those government units whose budgets are judged to adhere to program standards.
Action Items
Resolution 2022-03 – Program for Public Information relating to flood hazards
Council voted to adopt this resolution pertaining to the Lee County Multijurisdictional Program for Public Information related to flood hazards. This is an outreach program to broaden the public’s understanding of flood hazards, mapping and insurance. The Village joined the National Flood Insurance Program in September 2015. This allows the Village to participate in the Community Rating System to provide residents with flood insurance discounts. The Village website has a Floodplain Management page which includes links to everything from FEMA flood maps to flood insurance information.
Estero Crossing final plat
Council approved the final plat for the 43-acre Estero Crossing, which is located west of I-75, south of Corkscrew Road and east of Lowe’s Plaza. A plat is a “map” that depicts the general configuration of the property, including the residential tract, commercial tract, lakes, the reverse frontage road, and environmental preserves.
Rivercreek Phase One final plat
Council approved the final plat for the Rivercreek Phase One (formerly known as Corkscrew Crossing). This property is 395 acres, located on the south side of Corkscrew Road, east of Wildcat Run and west of Bella Terra and the Preserve. Phase One of the project consists of 140 lots. Two future phases will bring the total number of units to 554.
Resolution 2022-05 – River Oaks
Council adopted this resolution for the purchase of the 10-acre property commonly known as “River Oaks” at the east end of Broadway Avenue from Old Town Preservation & Management Inc. at a cost of $1,200,000.
The Village received $750,000 from the litigation settlement between the Village and the developer of the Corkscrew Crossings project which will be applied to the purchase. The remaining balance of $450,000 will be allocated from the Capital Improvement Fund Contingency.
In addition to the purchase price, the Village will need to allocate an additional amount, estimated at about $100,000, for survey, environmental assessments, removal of invasive species and other costs related to the upgrade and maintenance of the property.
Council will be asked on April 20 to make a final decision as to whether to proceed with this purchase following the end of the due diligence period. The closing date is expected to be on or before May 23.
During Hurricane Irma, Estero had its most significant flooding along Three Oaks Parkway, making it unpassable. The 2021-22 Budget contains an approved CIP project to create a new stormwater pond and bypass ditch going around Country Creek to prevent backups and flooding during future major storm events. This property is required for construction of this project.
The property contains old oak hammocks, pine and palm trees and would be used as a passive park with walking trails for Estero residents. If the Village does not purchase the property, it could be developed for multi-family or single homes.
Public Comment: 2 eComment cards were received in support of this purchase.
Resolution 2022-06 – Driving range property
Council voted to adopt this resolution for the purchase of the Gulf Coast Driving Range property which is located at 9000 Williams Road. The 9.85-acre parcel is located south and west of the Estero Community Park and Estero High School, and east of Village-owned property and is owned by the Gess Family Partnership and Gulf Coast Driving Range LLC.
This is the last remaining parcel along Williams Road contiguous to the public property owned by the Lee County School District and Lee County Parks and Recreation. This, along with the adjacent Village-owned property, has the potential to be used for public sports uses in the future. The purchase price is $4,250,000; the funds would come from the Capital Improvement Fund Reserve.
This will be brought back to Council for final approval following the due diligence period.
Public Comment: 1 eComment card was received in support of this purchase.
Village Attorney services
Council approved a short list of firms to be interviewed for Village Attorney services. The list includes: Nason Yeager Gerson Harris & Fumero, P.A., Roetzel & Andress, LPA, Trask Daigneault, LLP, Vose Law Firm LLP. Staff will narrow the field to two top finalists for Council consideration.
Workshop
Estero on the River property
Lockwood House
The Estero on the River property has several older buildings and structures that had previously been identified as potential historical resources.
The Village hired Archaeological Consultants, Inc., to conduct a Cultural Resource Assessment Survey Update for the land located south of the river between US 41 and west of the Happehatchee Center property. The structures called the Holly Park House, Lockwood House and Holly Park Bomb Shelter were all found to be in ruinous condition and ineligible for listing in the National Registry of Historical Places.
Residents may view the archived meeting by going to the Village website here.
The next Council meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 20, 2022.