Estero Council of Community LeadersMinutes of the Regular Monthly Meeting July 15, 2005 The meeting was called to order by Chairman Eslick in the River Club of Pelican Sound at 2:00 p.m. A quorum was present. There were thirty five in attendance representing twenty-one residential communities and three community wide organizations. The minutes of the June 17, 2005 meeting were read by Sam Levy and the motion to approve was seconded and the minutes were approved. Chris Smith reported that two expenses have been paid since the last meeting. The first expense, $250, is the ECCL’s first contribution towards the cost of establishing a community website and $186 for Liability insurance leaving a balance of $1,208.60. The treasurer’s report was approved. Communities were named that do not have a representative or, in some cases, an alternate representative. Jane McNew from Belle Lago stated she had an alternate coming to the meeting. Ray Hendzel arrived and was accepted as the alternate member from Belle Lago.
As mentioned by the Treasurer, we now have Liability Insurance. The ECCL is a 501©4 corporation. It is our intention to form an ECCL Foundation which will be a 501©3 corporation enabling us to receive tax exempt contributions for projects such as the landscaping of the high school perimeter. Jim Fraser has volunteered to do the legal work on this, but is gone for a few months, so volunteers are needed to complete this project. See the Chairman at the end of the meeting Corporations like the ECCL need to file an annual report with the Secretary of State’s office, Division of Corporations by September. The Committee has met a few times since last meeting. Funding of the Three Oaks Parkway segment south of Coconut Road has been effectively pursued working with the Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce. As a result of our joint efforts the two segments in Bonita Springs are moving toward approval by the BOCC in September. Acquisition of property belonging to Bonita Springs Utilities may be an obstacle to timely completion. We have offered to work with the Bonita Chamber in order to solve this problem.
The ECCL is tracking all local county and state roads projects. Don Stillwell, the county manager would be pleased to have a task force of professional advisors (retired) to work with him in reviewing the County’s transportation planning through construction systems. MPO long range planning was discussed as to the importance of getting projects into the 20-30 year plan. If items are not in this plan, nothing will happen. We need to be forward thinking, even though we are looking at 20 years down the road. One of these items is the intersection of Corkscrew Road and I-75. The west side is graded a “D” right now, but could soon go to an F in a year or two A Coconut/I-75 interchange is being studied by the MPO at the present time. The third long range planning item of interest to Estero is a bridge from Fort Myers Beach to Coconut Road. This is also being studied by the MPO at present. The MPO is made up of representatives from area cities, plus the BOCC, FDOT and Lee DOT. US 41 from Corkscrew Road to San Carlos Park was discussed and the current holdup is the acquiring of some property for a retention pond. The CR-951 Council continues to push for the expansion of the study area and choosing a route further east of the County staff recommendation. The BOCC will hold a Public Hearing on August 2:00 at 5 P.M. after which it may vote on a route for the road from the south Lee County line and Alico Road. A long discussion transpired on CR-951 emphasizing its impact on the community. The ECCL moved at its June meeting to expand the scope of the CR 951 study area and request that the BOCC make no decision on a route until the proposed routes have been reviewed by the Federal Highway Authority. Estero continues to grow and the total tax base for 2005 is $4.2 billion. Ten years ago that same figure was $436 million, about 10% of its present value. Five years ago, in 2000, it was $1.1 billion, or about one-fourth its present value. This year’s increase of $860 million is over $200 million larger than our next largest increase. Next year Estero’s tax base growth will probably top $1 billion. The City of Bonita Springs has prepared a detailed request for proposal for an annexation study. In a memo attached to the ordinance the city attorney discussed some of the process and legal issues the City must address before annexation can be undertaken. It was suggested that the ECCL’s attorney, Tom Hart, study this and the referenced documents and advise the ECCL on their meaning for Estero. A motion was made and approved asking Tom Hart to review the aforementioned and related documents, to monitor and report any annexation actions undertaken by the City, research municipality’s ability to gain protection from the “two mile” buffer area and report back to the ECCL. The
Simon people brought videos and architectural plans to discuss with the EDRC. This was the first meeting that reflects their agreement to meet quarterly with the EDRC regarding their architectural plans. What was presented seemed to please the committee. Curved roads will add character. The views from US 41 were impressive. Simon has provided a CD with four elevations of all buildings so far designed. We will soon be receiving CDs with landscaping, signage and lighting. Persons interested in this project should see www.coconutpointretail.com on the web. Chris Smith reported that The
Vines had their meeting with Jim Mudd of the County community development department. The Vines reiterated that they would like to remain within the Estero Community Planning area and the San Carlos Park fire district. Mr. Mudd indicated that he will recommend that the people on Pine Road be removed from the Estero Community Planning area and remain in the San Carlos Park fire district. It was noted that the San Carlos fire chief lives in the Pine Road area and likely would prefer to be a part of a San Carlos Park planning area. Belle Lago’s meeting with Mr. Mudd was attended by 48 people and unanimously supported staying in the Estero Community Planning area. Sam Levy reported that during the month of June there were 22 code enforcement violations, Of those violations a total of 15 were resolved and closed. Sam Believes that the retail community is becoming more aware of our Codes and that they will be enforced and as a result fewer infractions are occurring. Graffiti was removed from the railroad signal box but reappeared within seven days. Sam believes that the railroad needs to take responsibility for maintaining its property.
Automobiles “for sale” on County property has been noted and the Sheriff’s department has reacted quickly. Some cars have been impounded within three hours of being observed. The problem is being addressed.
The committee met on a recent rainy evening to walk the property. As a result the plans are underway. Within a month, the design and costs should become available and the fundraising can begin. It is hoped that the project will be completed by the end of the year. Barbara Akins reported on a meeting with the website development consultant commissioned by the ECCL, ECPP, EDRC and the Estero Civic Association to develop a joint website for the groups and the community. Joy Cohen of Fountain Lakes will contribute her artistic and technical skills toward the site. Right now one may look at www.esterofl.net to see a “good beginning”.
Halfway Creek runs through
The Brooks,
Coconut Point and between Marsh Landing and Fountain Lakes on its way to Estero Bay. It is important to get these groups together to learn how the system is supposed to work and then if changes need to be made, to help bring them about so that the water levels and flooding can be avoided in the future. Sam Levy moved that the ECCL cancel its August meeting and meet next on Friday, September 9, 2005. The motion was approved unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 4:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted,
Faie Saunders
Secretary |
