Estero Community Planning Panel

Minutes of Public Meeting #98 - April 21. 2008

Estero Community Park, Estero, Florida

Panel Members Present:

Jack Lienesch, Acting Chairman, Estero Civic Association; Greg Toth, Estero Development Community, John Goodrich, Estero Council of Community Leaders; Tom O’Day, ECCL; Dan DeLisi, Estero Development Community; Lin Welch, Estero Chamber of Commerce. Recording Secretary: Jim Ramsburg, ECCL; Treasurer: Beverly MacNellis, ECCL. 

Lienesch called the meeting to order at 6:03 PM.

Public Participation:

Fourteen participants were present including six members of the general public.  Ramsburg reported that public notices of the meeting were published in the Fort Myers News-Press, the Bonita Daily News and the Bonita Banner.  Notices were posted on the Internet in the Estero Development Report and on the Web sites of the ECCL/ECPP/EDRC/ECA and Estero Fire Rescue.  A paid advertising notice of the meeting was placed in the Bonita Banner of April 15th.   Notices of the meeting were posted in the South Regional Library, Colonial Bank, Estero Community Park and Realty World of Estero.

Secretary’s Report:

Ramsburg distributed minutes of the March meeting.  Goodrich: Motion to accept minutes.  Toth: Second.  Report accepted unanimously. 

Treasurer’s Report:

MacNellis reported a current balance of $1,304.75 in the Community Planning Panel account on deposit at Colonial Bank in Estero. O’Day: Motion to accept   Toth: Second.  Report accepted unanimously.

Developer Presentation - Art District at Rapallo:

Developer Jim Wallace and Bill Prysi presented a proposal to revise the landscape buffering between Rapallo and the east side of US 41 at, and to the south of, Williams Road as proposed in the original DRI.  The new plan would increase the number of palm trees and space them in clusters which would permit visibility of buildings and signage within the development from US 41.  New designs were also presented to enhance the landscaping of the existing sidewalk between Rapallo and US 41 to create an attractive “rhythmic path” similar to that within The Brooks.  The Panel was unanimous in its support of the change and complimented Wallace on its appearance as illustrated in presentation renderings.

Zoning Amendment Request - Tamiami Trail Auto Dealership: 

Prysi presented a zoning amendment request concerning a fence/landscape buffering between the rear of Tamiami Trail Auto - located on the west side of US 41 between Coconut Point Ford and the entrance to the Fountain Lakes residential community.  The current zoning calls for a chain link fence and landscaped buffer separating the rear of the auto dealership and the east side of Fountain Lakes.  Prysi said that a six foot wall has already been constructed on a two foot buffer and landscaping that exceeds the original zoning requirement is in place and growing to obstruct the view of the business from neighboring residences.  The Panel unanimously supported the amendment.

I-75 Widening: 

Lienesch reported that current Florida Department of Transportation “cure” plans for the widening of I-75 north of Corkscrew Road have been substantially modified to accommodate the recommendations of this panel and of the EDRC.  As a result, the impact to the landscape buffering due to the road construction will be minimized between I-75 and Germain Arena on the road’s east side, and the Villagio residential community and B&W Golf Cart facility on its west side. 

Panel Meeting Dates:

Lienesch reported that Panel meeting dates have been advanced to the third Monday of each month and meeting facilities at Estero Community Park have been reserved through December, 2008.

Signage Issues:

Goodrich reported problems in creating a photo album of signage in the area to illustrate examples of what could be considered permissible and/or objectionable signage in the community.  He said a committee consisting of Beverly MacNellis, Bill Prysi, Doug Pastre of  Lee Designs and himself would meet to determine the logistics of meetings and public workshops leading to an updating of signage zoning in Estero.  DeLisi and Toth strongly recommended obtaining legal counsel to guide the committee and the Panel in the preparation of its requested zoning amendments.

Panel Funding:

Lienesch reported that means are still being explored to fund Panel and EDRC activities and provide additional funds for professional support.  Toth recommended an immediate request to Lee County for grant monies to fund specific projects.  The Panel discussed the possibilities of private funding through presentation fees and/or means of soliciting funding from the development community and related professional services. 

David Graham Award:

Lienesch reported that five nominees have been entered for the design excellence award.  The nominating committee will meet on April 29th to review the applications and select a 2008 winner. 

Toth: Motion to adjourn.   DeLisi: Second.  Motion passed unanimously.   Meeting adjourned at 7:28 PM.   

NEXT MEETING: 6:00 PM, MONDAY, MAY 19TH, ESTERO COMMUNITY PARK.