The meeting started with a proclamation marking the 70th anniversary of the League of Women Voters’ work to encourage informed and active participation in government. Clara Anne Graham, Louis Eason and Sandy Frank, all with the League of Women Voters, accepted the proclamation. (Proclamation)
Councilmembers Nick Batos, Jon McLain, Howard Levitan, Mayor Bill Ribble, Clara Ann Graham, Louis Eason, Sandy Frank, Vice-Mayor Katy Errington and Councilmember Jim Boesch.
A Certificate of Recognition was presented to Chris Mueller in recognition of his contributions to the successful Veterans Day celebrations conducted in 2018 and 2019. These events brought the community together to honor all those who have served. (Certificate)
Councilmember Howard Levitan, Pamela Mueller, Mayor Bill Ribble, Chris Mueller, Councilmember Jon McLain, Vice-Mayor Katy Errington, Councilmembers Nick Batos and Jim Boesch.
Action Items
Lien mitigation request – 3548 Cherry Blossom Court #201
Council approved the lien mitigation request releasing any outstanding liens against the property in exchange for payment of a reduced fine of $2,000 and $202.15 for administrative costs. (Summary Sheet)
Lien mitigation request – 8401 Mockingbird Lane
Council approved postponing this mitigation request to a future date. (Summary Sheet)
Via Coconut Point landscape improvements
Council approved the ranking of consultants for Via Coconut Point landscape improvements, with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., being ranked No.1. The $221,500 contract will provide for the planning, design and permitting services associated with the improvements on the 2.75 mile-long roadway. The design and bid will come back to Council for approval. (Summary Sheet)
River Ranch Road improvements
Council approved the ranking of consultants for River Rand Road improvements with CW3 Engineering, Inc. being ranked No. 1 to provide professional consulting services for improvements to River Ranch Road. The improvements include addition of turn lanes, addressing stormwater issues and landscaping. The amount of the contract will be determined by the results of contract negotiations, with the final contract and cost being brought back before Council for approval. (Summary Sheet)
Estero Forever Foundation
Council voted to support the mission and vision of the Estero Forever Foundation. This new 501(c) 3 organization was recently established with the goal of “forever building a stronger community” in order for Estero to continue to be the best place to live, work, play and visit.
The foundation envisions the Village of Estero having interconnected parks, trails and other green public spaces, recreational facilities and arts and cultural centers that foster a sense of belonging and creates a sense of place and purpose. The foundation plans to mobilize and distribute the financial resources necessary to meet these community needs.
Voluntary annexation of a 10 acre property – Ordinance No. 2019-30
There was a first reading of Ordinance No. 2019-30 for the voluntary annexation of a 10 acre property at 4528, 4406 and 4410 Coconut Road. The second reading/hearing is scheduled for January 8, 2020. Following annexation, the Village will receive annual tax revenue which is dependent upon the housing price, and approximately $100,000 in road impact fees which could be used for improvements to Coconut Road. (Ordinance)
Workshop
Gulf Coast Dream Cruise / Estero-Fest 2020
Gulf Coast Dream Cruise & Cruis’n for a Cause founders George Zalucki and Sammy Perry provided information regarding their proposed event set for Saturday, February 15, 2020. They are planning Estero-Fest as a family-oriented event at Estero Community Park to include live entertainment including bands and a DJ, kid zones, food vendors as well as a parade of vehicles down Corkscrew Road. They are a 501(3) c organization and will be raising money for Golisano Children’s Hospital. Council agreed they would support this event individually but will not use taxpayers’ money to support the event. (Presentation)
Estero Branding update
The Village of Estero’s consultant Vitalink provided an update on the current status of the Village of Estero Branding effort. The presentation focused on updated logo options as they stated a number of challenges with the current logo.
Council came to a consensus regarding option 3 which is the one shown here.
The icon displays a tower which represents Estero’s architecture, water representing the Estero River and ponds, the leaf representing landscaping and preservation, and the sunset and egret maintains the current branding.
Staff will work with Vitalink to prepare plans for implementation. (Presentation)
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, January 8, 2020.