Zoning Ordinance No. 2018 – 06 – University Highlands
Council conducted a first reading of this ordinance for the conversion of retail and office space to self-storage space for a proposed 90,000 square foot, 3-story self-storage facility.
This property is located on a two-acre site on the west side of Ben Hill Griffin Parkway, across from Grandezza and south of Estero Parkway.
Council had a number of questions regarding this development pertaining to stormwater provisions, buffering on both the east and west sides of the building and the amount of fill that will be required, among others. These questions will be addressed at the second reading and public hearing. Public testimony also will be taken at the second reading at a future date.
Action Item
Ranking of consultants for the Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan
Council approved the ranking of consultants to develop a Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan. They are: Number 1 – Barth Associates, LLC; Number 2 – AECOM Technical Services, Inc.; and Number 3 – GreenPlay, LLC.
The contract amount will be determined by the results of the negotiations and the final contract and cost will be brought before Council for approval.
The fiscal year 2017-18 budget includes $250,000 for this project.
2018-2019 Budget Calendar
Finance Director Lisa Roberson reviewed the Budget Calendar which includes two public workshops to be held in the Council chambers: 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 5, and 6:30 p.m., Thursday, June 7, 2018. Village staff will be conducting these workshops both in the morning and evening hours in an attempt to allow as many residents as possible to have input into the budget planning process. Council will be presented a summary of the public information sessions on June 20. (Budget Calendar)
Workshops
Friends of Koreshan State Park
Cynthia Cloughly, president of the Friends of Koreshan State Park, spoke about the goals set by the board which include saving the “New Store”, or general store, for use as a visitor center and offices. The group estimates the cost at approximately $1 million, to be funded through selling sponsorships at varying levels to individuals, small businesses and corporations. In addition, they plan to reestablish the botanical gardens and plantings at the Historical Settlement area, and turn the Historical Settlement into a living history museum. (Presentation)
Council stated they look forward to working with the Friends of Koreshan State Park to help make the park a “destination”.
To learn more about this organization, go to: http://friendsofkoreshan.org/.
South Florida Water Management District cooperative agreement with Lee County
Phil Flood, South Florida Water Management District, reviewed the proposed agreement with Lee County regarding assumption of additional maintenance responsibilities. Flood stated the District works at flood protection by maintaining natural conveyances bank to bank and keeping them clear of snags and debris. This agreement would include both the north and south branches of the Estero River up to I-75, Halfway Creek and Spring Creek. (Agreement)
Council made a number of comments regarding this proposed agreement including the fact that the agreement needs to be expanded to include the removal of silt from the Estero River as a measure to prevent possible flooding and that the money raised for the District in the Village should be spent in the Village.
Strategic Plan
Assistant to the Village Manager Kyle Coleman gave a presentation on the Village’s first Strategic Plan. He explained the first step in establishing the 2018-2019 budget is the preparation of the Strategic Plan and the Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
The Strategic Plan was developed by compiling all of the studies, master plans and public input over the past 3 years. The Plan looks at all of the stakeholders and defines what the Village should be. However, the Plan is dynamic and changes can be added at any time. (Strategic Plan)
Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
Public Works Director David Willems explained that the CIP does not include general maintenance or small stormwater projects.
The CIP includes roadway improvements, intersection improvements, bike-pedestrian projects, landscaping projects, parks & recreation, building projects and land acquisition.
Some of the proposed projects include Estero Parkway, Broadway west of US 41, intersection improvements to Williams Road at Walgreens and turn lanes further east on Williams Road for the Estero High School, monument signs and enhanced landscaping, among others. (Capital Improvement Program)
Additional details are available in the minutes of this meeting. Residents may also 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, June 6, 2018.