Proclamation

Mayor Joanne Ribble and Councilmembers presented a proclamation to retiring Lee Health CEO Dr. Lawrence Antonnuci who devoted his career to improving the health, well-being, and quality of life of the residents of Southwest Florida through compassionate leadership and an unwavering commitment to healthcare excellence.

Resolutions 2026-18 and 2026-19 – Millage rate, ad valorem taxes & budget

The meeting began with Council adopting resolutions setting the proposed millage rate and tentative levying of ad valorem taxes for fiscal year 2026-2027 at 0.7300 mills, the same rate as the previous fiscal year and the lowest tax rate in the state of Florida.

Village Manager Steve Sarkozy gave a presentation on adopting the tentative budget for FY 2026-2027. Council also approved a tentative budget of $72,973,080.

Residents are encouraged to make comments on the tentative budget by providing an eComment card on the website by Tuesday, September 22.

The second public hearing is scheduled for 5:05 p.m. on September 23, 2026.

Public Comment: A resident stated that the budget is confusing for residents and made suggestions for improving communication with residents.

Public comment on non-agenda items: A resident stated there should be more communication regarding the successful septic to sewer project, among other items. A second resident stated they support the Estero Forever Foundation’s work at the Happehatchee Center and Estero RiverPark and continuing Ellen Peterson’s legacy.

Action Items

Resolution 2026-20 – Authorizing Village Manager or designee to execute Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) contracts, contract amendments, and related program documentation.

Council adopted this resolution. Adding signature authority for both the Village Manager and a designee allows for timely decision making and continuity in leadership during absences.

Resolution 2026-21 – Authorizing exercise of eminent domain to allow Williams Road roundabout project.

The Village has designed road improvements along Williams Road west of U.S. 41 to resolve traffic flow and traffic safety issues which have long plagued this portion of Williams Road and the intersection with Atlantic Gulf Boulevard.

The Village has determined that 12,229 square feet (0.281 acres, more or less) of land to the south of Williams Road, currently owned by the Fountain Lakes Community Association, Inc. must be acquired.

Staff considered alternatives which would not create the need for acquisition of the property. Since the project has been designed to provide for adequate safe travel of both cars and larger trucks, and resolution of the safety issues requires use of a roundabout installation, alternatives are not realistic without compromising the integrity and decreasing the safety and effective traffic flow of the project.

Council adopted this resolution.

Resolution 2026-22 – Supporting the construction of a noise wall and enhanced landscaping by FDOT related to the Interstate 75 expansion project.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has undertaken a widening of I-75 from Golden Gate Parkway to Alico Road to reduce roadway congestion which includes portions of the interstate within the Village.

The additional lanes will increase noise along the entire segment of I-75 through the Village and will impact on the quality of life for Estero residents that live near I-75. The project will also remove current vegetative barriers between residential communities proximate to the interstate while at the same time moving travel lanes closer to those communities, thus undermining the aesthetic beauty of those communities.

FDOT’s latest proposed design would leave a majority of the Village’s communities without a barrier wall or enhanced vegetation. While costing less, it would not be effective to significantly reduce the various noise and aesthetic impacts created by the project.

Public Comment: two residents thanked Council for their support and stated that FDOT needs to provide model verification for the changes made in the two versions of the project provided to date.

Council adopted this resolution to reiterate and strengthen the Village Council’s resolve to urge FDOT to revise its project plans and scope to address these very real community concerns.

Estero RiverPark Phase 2 path construction contract

Council approved a contract with Honc Industries to construct RiverPark Phase 2 paths for $244,075, with a contingency of $24,000.

In January 2019, the Village purchased approximately 62.5 acres of property along the Estero River, which is now known at the Estero RiverPark. The land was purchased to protect the Estero River and create a public park along the Estero River.

Phase 1 of the RiverPark was completed earlier this year. It includes an entrance off County Road & Highlands Avenue, parking, restroom building, pedestrian bridge over the Estero River, boardwalks, and trails.

The Village was awarded a $163,100 Tourist Development Council grant by Lee County to construct additional trails on the property south of the Estero River.

Public Comment: A resident pointed out that the contract does not identify an approximately four ½ acre parcel between the two village properties, which was formerly Ellen Peterson’s home, and that the record should be amended to include the gift of the Happehatchee Center.

RiverPark trails non-native plant treatment.

Council approved an Invitation to Bid with Earth Balance to provide non-native plant treatment services to RiverPark over five years for $90,895, with a contingency of $9,000.

The first treatment will occur within 45 days of the purchase order. Subsequent treatments will occur approximately every 6 months for the first two years. Then once a year in years 3-5

Public Comment: A resident stated that fire management needs to be addressed.

Broadway Avenue West improvements contract change order

Council approved Contract No. 26010 Change Order 01 for CW3 Engineering to provide professional services for the design and permitting of utility improvements along Broadway Ave West for $382,820, with a contingency of $38,000.

Village Staff recommended the Village process the change order to allow CW3 Engineering to design and permit the utility improvements that are required to accommodate the Broadway Ave West Improvement project. The proposed scope included the following services:

• Project Management
• Utility Coordination
• Utility Analysis & Design
• Permitting
• Bidding Support

Second Reading & Public Hearing

Ordinance 2026-07 – Requiring painting permits for certain non-residential structures

Council adopted this ordinance to better protect and preserve the community’s unique aesthetic qualities.

Workshop

The Village’s Municipal Advisor Mickey Johnston, Senior Managing Director with Public Resources Advisory Group, presented an overview of the proposed Special Obligation Revenue Bonds, Series 2026. The bonds would finance approximately $62 million for the Village’s share of the Bonita Estero Rail Trail (BERT) acquisition, Phase 2 improvements to the Sports Park, and rail/public transportation and other infrastructure.

No voting occurs during workshops.

Residents may view the archived meeting by going to the Village website.

The next Council meeting will be held at 5:05 p.m., Wednesday, September 23, 2026.