Estero Council of Community Leaders

Minutes of the Regular Monthly Meeting

Estero Council of Community Leaders
Minutes of the 70th Monthly Meeting
December 12, 2008
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Estero Fire District Headquarters

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Eslick at l: 00 p.m. at the Estero Fire District Headquarters.  A quorum was present.

Thirty people were in attendance representing eighteen communities, three civic organization and one member of the press. 

Guests were introduced.

The Treasurer’s report was given by Chris Smith, adopted unanimously.

The Secretary was not present.  No action taken on previous meeting’s minutes.

Discussion was held on air traffic patterns, noise and effect on the communities.  Nick Batos, who was not present, plans to have a meeting with all community presidents to discus the issue. Batos has formed a committee of individuals knowledgeable in air traffic, including pilots and administrators.

The Red Sox continuing presence in Lee County, 30-year lease, with two 10-year options was discussed.   Commissioner Judah wishes a meeting with ECCL leaders over the siting issue for the new stadium prior to that selection being made.  Several locations were discussed; preference for the site on Ben Hill Griffin just north of Germaine Arena seemed to be the consensus of those present, if it is to be in Estero.

There will be a public meeting on January 22, 2009 on the 3 Fire Districts consolidation merger plan.  The meeting is with the consultant and provides for 1 hour of public input.

Motion by Phil Douglas that 1 hour is not enough time for ECCL and other public input, more needs to be provided and a letter needs to be sent stating this.  Motion passed unanimously.

The MPO meeting on Friday December 19th, was discussed.

A motion was made and seconded urging the MPO to include the widening of US.-41 from Corkscrew Road to San Carlos in the list of Lee County road projects to be sent to the Federal government for its Economic Recovery program and authorizing the Chairman to testify to that effect at the MPO December 19.  Motion passed unanimously.

The meeting with environmental groups on CR- 951 was discussed.  The Conservancy was the host, attended by Neal Noethlich, Don Eslick and Jim Boesch.

A motion was made and seconded that the ECCL support efforts to remove the proposed extension of CR-951 from the 2030 plan. Motion passed unanimously.

The following changes to the 2030 Plan were also discussed and approved:

Remove the Coconut I-75 interchange; Add the Bonita Beach I-75 Interchange; Add the Corkscrew I-75 Interchange; Oppose addition of the Alico Road Extension.

A motion was made and seconded to approve of these changes. .  Motion passed unanimously.

Sam Levy discussed meetings of the joint Bonita/Estero Hospital Committee on a new hospital for south Lee and a freestanding emergency facility until the hospital is built.  A tentative meeting has been scheduled on January 29 with Lee Memorial hospital officials.

A joint meeting is planned with the City of Bonita Springs, Mayor and Council, January 7, 2009.  Items on the agenda include Steve Sentes, SFWMD, on the south Lee County watershed study and the I-75culverts; transportation issues; the 2030 plan; hospital issues; incorporation/annexation issues; Sandy Lane and the Red Sox.

A meeting with the legislative delegation on January 22 was discussed.  The issues the ECCL will present are; state preemption of mining permitting and fertilizer regulations; growth management changes; water issues and traffic signals for public buildings. A motion was made and seconded to authorize ECCL leadership to appear and testify on these matters. The motion passed unanimously.

A traffic signal will be installed at Estero Parkway and US 41 intersection during the summer of 2009 in conjunction with the completion of the Estero Parkway flyover.

There is a need for a signal to allow Estero Fire Rescue to gain access to Three Oaks Parkway from its station just south of Corkscrew Road.

The ECIF cleared $10,300.00 from the fashion show.

An election of officers was held: Neal presented the nominating committee recommendations: Don Eslick, Chairman; Sam Levy, Jack Meeker, Marilyn Edwards, Vice Chairmen; Chris Smith Treasurer; Faye Saunders, Secretary. There were no nominations from the floor and they were elected unanimously.

A search committee has proposed Eric Dickens to replace Neal Noethlich on the ECCP.  Mr. Dickens will present himself at the January meeting for approval by the membership of the ECCL.

Bev MacNellis gave an update on the March Arts in Estero day.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:15 p.m.