Council approved a state of local emergency resolution due to the coronavirus outbreak at their meeting on March 18.
As a result, a majority of the Village staff will work remotely; almost all building, public works, records and meeting comment requests will be taken digitally; the Happehatchee Center programming is canceled; there will be daily disinfecting of all surfaces in the Village Hall, and there will continue to be close coordination with Lee County, neighboring cities and fire districts.
There are no future Council meetings scheduled to date as a result of the state of emergency. Village Manager Steve Sarkozy and Estero Mayor Bill Ribble will determine when the next meeting will be held.
The Village will continue to update residents with regular postings regarding the coronavirus. In addition, residents may visit the Village’s Coronavirus Information webpage here: http://estero-fl.gov/coronavirus/.
Presentation
The meeting started with recognition and acceptance of the award of Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the Village’s comprehensive annual financial report for the Fiscal Year which ended on September 30, 2019.
Action Items
Resolution No. 2020-02 – Estero Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan
Over 800 Estero residents were involved in the planning process for this master plan through online surveys, a public workshop and focus groups. The Master Plan generally consists of four sections: Existing Conditions Analysis, Needs and Priorities Assessment, Long-Range Vision, Implementation Strategy and Final Master Plan.
Council voted to adopt this resolution.
Street Sweeping RFB 2020-04
Council approved the award of Request for Bids to USA Services of Florida, Inc. to provide street cleaning services for a one-year period. Village Manager Sarkozy is authorized to renegotiate and execute the renewal of this contract for three additional one-year terms at a cost of $17,760 annually.
Village Attorney Report
Village Attorney Burt Saunders suggested Council appoint Village Manager Steve Sarkozy to work out a settlement with the group Save Our Creeks regarding the Happehatchee Center. Council came to a consensus to have Sarkozy work with this group on a resolution.
Regarding a traffic signal at Pelican Landing Blvd., Council authorized Village Manager Steve Sarkozy to retain counsel to take all necessary legal actions, as well as to continue conversations, with representatives of Lennar for payment of their share of the cost of a light at this location.
Public Comment
Two residents (one in person, one on eComment Card) wanted an update on the traffic signal at Loews. Public Works Director David Willems explained that the Village fronted the cost of the design in order to accelerate the timing for implementation of the light; the Village will be reimbursed for this cost. The Village is also coordinating with the County to finalize the permits and an agreement to bid the project, and work with the two property owners on the north side of Corkscrew Road for their payment for the light. It takes 6 – 9 months to get the arms for the light once ordered.
Residents may view the archived meeting by going to the Village website http://estero-fl.gov/council/watch-meetings-online/.