VILLAGE COUNCIL WORKSHOP OF. JULY22, 2015  The Village of Estero Council Workshop was held on this date at the Estero Fire Rescue District  Meeting Room, 21500 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, Florida.  Present: Mayor Nick Batos District 6, Vice-Mayor Howard Levitan - District 2, Councilmember Bill Ribble, District 1, Councilmember Donald Brown - District 3, Councilmember Katy Errington - District 4, Councilmember Jim Boesch - District 5, and Also present: Village Manager Peter Lombardi, Attorney Tony Pires (attending on behalfof Village Attorney Burt Saunders), Finance Director Lisa Pace, and Village Clerk Kathy Hall.  Councilmember Jim Wilson District 7.  1.CALLTO ORDER  Mayor Batos called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Batos led the Pledge of Allegiance.  3. ROLLCALL  Village Clerk Kathy Hall called the roll; all members were present.  4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA called and carried unanimously.  Councilmember Errington moved approval oft the agenda, seconded by Councilmember Ribble, Mayor Batos acknowledged State Representative Ray Rodriguez in the audience and expressed appreciation for Representative Rodriguez's: assistance with the incorporation of the Village as  well as all that he does for the State of Florida.  5. COUNCIL BUSINESS  (A) Presentation - Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) (Mayor Batos) Don Scott, Executive Director, explained that the MPO was a transportation policy making board which included representatives from the cities of Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Sanibel, Town of Fort Myers Beach, Village of] Estero, and Lee County Commissioners. He stated that, based on State and Federal laws, the MPO was responsible for establishing a continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive transportation planning process for Lee County, and that Federal and State transportation funding flowed through the MPO. Mr. Scott noted that the Mr. Scott provided background information regarding the MPO: the 1962 Federal. Aid Highway Act required each urbanized area with aj population of 50,000 or more to establish an MPO as a condition ofi receiving federal funds; the Lee County MPO was formed in 1977; there were 27 MPOs in Florida. He: noted that there were: five committees: Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC), Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), Bicycle Pedestrian Coordinating Committee (BPCC), Traffic Management Operations Committee (TMOC), and Transportation Disadvantaged Local Coordinating Board (LCB); Key Tasks included Long Range Transportation Plan, Five Year Transportation Improvement Program, Unified Planning Work  MPO: had four staffi members and was funded 95% from Federal funds.  Village Council Workshop Minutes- - July 22,2015  Page 1 of8    Program, Public Involvement Plan, Congestion Management Process, Federal and State Funded Project Priorities, and Transportation Disadvantaged Service. Plan. Mr. Scott provided explanation oft the seven ongoing/upcoming projects: Update ofthel Long Range Plan to 2040; TIGER Design Build Project; Round-a-bout Feasibility Study; Cape Coral Bicycle Pedestrian Master Plan; Collection of Bicycle Pedestrian Count Data; and Fort Myers Beach Bicycle Mr. Scott spoke to the Long Range Transportation Plan explaining that it was a countywide multi-modal transportation plan that included road, bicycle, pedestrian, and transit projects; updated every five years for the 25-year planning horizon through 2040 and identified strategies to ensure future mobility. He then addressed the population projections for Lee, Collier, and Charlotte Counties, the long range plan elements, completed tasks, funding sources, and projected revenues. He addressed the FDOT District One Regional Transportation Model and noted the three entries regarding Corkscrew Road noted ini the Lee MPO Long Range Transportation Plan Update. He also spoke to the Lee/Collier 2040 Cost Feasible Alternative II Mr. Scott noted that a Lee 2040 Transportation Plan Public Workshop would be held on. August  Pedestrian Master Plan/Crosswalk Lighting Study.  and II B and the STP and State Funded Priorities for FY 2021. 25,2015 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Estero Recreation Center.  Councilmember questions and discussion followed.  Mayor Batos called for public comment and no one came forward. (B) Horizon Council Foundation (Councilmember Wilson)  Councilmember Wilson reviewed that Estero accepted an invitation from the Horizon organization in order to be ai member of the executive committee. He stated that he attended his first meeting, and referred to materials distributed to Council which indicated that the Horizon Foundation and the Lee County Economic Development Office engage in sophisticated marketing efforts to strategically attract and retain companies that do business in and with Lee County; funds raised for the Foundation pay for direct marketing costs only and were not used for salaries, travel or other operational expenses sO that donations were an investment County- wide. Councimember Wilson noted that they asked if Estero would consider becoming an investor similar to other cities at the "Investor" level at $2500. Hei recommended that Council reach consensus to become an investor and give it a full budget year to understand the benefits to Estero. Councilmember Ribble agreed and supported becoming an investor. Vice Mayor Levitan inquired what the foundation was as opposed tol Horizon Council, what role the Horizon Council played in Lee County matters and why it was not an advisory committee. He suggested that Community Development Director Gibbs may be able toj provide the answers. He said that he was in favor of supporting economic development; however, the materials seemed to say that Horizon Foundation supported and participated in the activities oft the Horizon Council. Councilmember Wilson responded that after a couple more meetings he would be able to answer questions. Councilmember Errington asked that Councimember Wilson find out how the salaries were paid. Councilmember Wilson stated that he believed Pat O'Rourke was a County  employee.  Mayor Batos called for public comment and no one came forward.  Village Council Workshop Minutes - July 22, 2015  Page 20 of8    Mayor Batos inquired whether this topic would be brought up at the next Council meeting. Councilmember Wilson hoped that the Investor contribution could be included ini the upcoming budget in order to make a commitment for the first year. Vice Mayor Levitan stated that he did not have aj problem putting it in the budget; however, he would like answers to questions before agreeing to spending the funds. Councilmember Wilson believed that a commitment had already been made when the Village accepted the membership. Mayor Batos inquired whether there was any objection to instructing the Village Manager to work itinto the budget. Village Manager Peter Lombardi explained that at the present time there were no funds in the proposed budget for economic development of any kind. Mayor Batos stated that there have been other economic development inquiries. Discussion ensued regarding budgeting more than $2500 for economic development. Mayor Batos stated that discussion on this item could continue under the budget  agenda item.  Mayor Batos called for further public comment and no one came forward.  (C) Village ContributionsyDomations Policy (Tabled by Vice Mayor Levitan at July 10, Village Manager Peter Lombardi stated that, since the agenda item had been previously tabled, a motion by the Councimember that tabled the item would be: required to take it off the table prior to discussion. Brief discussion ensued and Vice Mayor Levitan chose not to make ai motion to  2015 Workshop)  take it off the table.  (D) Village Office Space (Councilmember Ribble)  Councilmember Ribble stated that he was. looking for a recommendation to talk to one oft the corporations that represented one oft the three buildings Council reviewed for aj potential leased facility for the next five years (9401 Corkscrew: Palms Circle, Brooks Town Center, and Picaya Bay). He provided detailed information regarding square footage, allotted parking spaces, current market rental rates, estimated common area maintenance expense, and build out expense. Discussion ensued. Consensus was for Councilmember Ribble to continue with the process, contact the representatives of 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle property, and bring back information tot the Council. Village Manager Lombardi stated that there were some other issues he wanted to make Councilmember Ribble aware of. He also stated that a draft lease could be developed for Council consideration. Briefdiscussion followed regarding the plan layout oft the Council Chambers and the size of the dais, which would use approximately 25% ofthe room.  Mayor Batos called for public comment and no one came forward. The workshop went into recess at 11:14 a.m. and reconvened at 11:20 a.m.  (E) 2016 Budget Workshop #2  Village Manger Peter Lombardi highlighted the revisions made since the last workshop, indicated in summary on page 1 ofthe budget document. He noted that revenues increased from $10,693,120 to $10,960,020, expenditures increased from $6,216,960 to $6,418,650; net change in General Fund was $65,210. Mr. Lombardi stated that there were no funds in the budget for economic development; ifCouncil was going to add funds in the budget for economic development, he suggested placing the funds in the Community Development budget. Vice Mayor Levitan suggested $15,000 to $20,000 as aj place holder. Discussion ensued regarding  Village Council Workshop Minutes July 22, 2015  Page 3 of8    economic development groups. Vice Mayor Levitan suggested scheduling the discussion fora workshop. Mayor Batos stated that he and the Village Manager were working on upcoming workshop agendas. Consensus was toj place $20,000 in the Community Development budget for Regarding the General Government Operations Expenditures, page 16, Village Manager Lombardi stated that he had originally placed funds in the cost center in anticipation of expanded facilities; currently there were $28,560 appropriated for the lease oft the current facility; if relocation occurred, the funds would be used in the new location. He continued that $450,000 was included in the Capital Outlay line item, which included $100,000 for furniture and fixtures for the new office facility and the increase lease cost and/or build-out. He indicated that, based on build-out costs, he believed an additional $100,000 to $150,000 should be budgeted. Vice Mayor Levitan suggested keeping the $450,000 for the build-out and equipment and change the office lease line item to ai realistic number. Mayor Batos stated that funds could be moved from one. line item to another at a later time; in ai negotiating point of view, indicating the lease line item or build out line item separately would put negotiators in a strong position. Consensus was Councilmember Ribble inquired whether the IT expense on page 15 was adequate, particularly as itrelated toj planning and zoning. Vice Mayor Levitan explained that the IT expense for planning and zoning was not included in this cost center. He explained further that, ini the building permit function, the fees acted as a trust fund and the trust fund paid for the cost of inspections and all activities with respect tol building permits; part of that was to make the process public through a computer system with online access, which would occur as part ofa vendor contract and would come from the Community Development budget. Mayor Batos added that the portion oft the funds received by the County for Estero was in excess of $1M per year; a significant amount went into IT availability. Village Manager Lombardi stated that the IT budget was strictly for the Village email system, servers, financial software; anything dealing with software for building permits would come out ofthe Community Development budget.  economic development.  toi increase Capital Outlay by $100,000.  Mayor Batos called for public comment and no one came forward.  Councilmember Wilson stated that he had been serving and meeting with the presidents of the Corkscrew Corridor homeowners associations as well as with ECCL in an effort to understand traffic estimates and potentially conduct a traffic study for the Corkscrew Corridor. He: noted that Don Eslick was in the audience and said that he would like for him to present a briefreport, which he would also like to be scheduled for a workshop. Mayor Batos inquired whether this was something that would bej part ofthe current budget discussion. Councilmember Wilson responded it would be up to the Council. He added that ECCL had bid estimates from two transportation consulting firms; however, he believed that the estimates only included up to Three Oaks. Mayor Batos stated he believed that Council had expressed their concern along with adoption ofai resolution; ift the Council decided to have a study done, it would be added as a Don Eslick stated that the ECCL began talking about understanding potential development and what it meant in terms oft traffic on Corkscrew and the interchange several months ago; they realized that they needed expertise and interviewed two firms. He stated that both firms recommended a' Transportation Corridor Study with boundaries at the eastern end ofthe overlay areaj proposed by Lee County; the western end would be US 41; Williams Road would be the southern boundary; Estero Parkway would be the northern boundary. He stated that the more  placeholder int the budget, which would be approximately $25,000.  Village Council Workshop Minutes - July 22,2015  Page 4 of8    appealing oft the two recommendations would cost $20,000 to $25,000 and, within the boundaries, the study would look at all oft the development that was likely to occur over the next 10 years which would include the types ofr road improvements needed; comprising intersection improvements and what types of egress issues would need to be cured over the next 5 to 10 years. He presumed that all oft the information would form the basis oft the transportation component oft the Village CIP. Mr. Eslick stated that such a study would take approximately two to three months to complete. He said that, in light of the fact that about half of the total budget goes for transportation matters and given the amount ofi funds the Village was expecting to receive ini road improvement funds, he believed that $25,000 to $30,000 was not much in comparison to the type of baseline information the Village would receive. He continued that the ECCL pondered whether they should fund it; however, they believed it would be ofbenefit to the Village to fund it, and urged Council to include it ini the budget. Councilmember Errington stated that her major concern was that the ECCL brought this up and wanted to do it and the ECCL should pay fori it. She said it was easy to sit out ini the community and decide how Council should spend funds. She added that the study had nothing to do with the north end of Estero. Councilmember Wilson responded that the primary focus was not ECCL but rather the presidents oft the Corkscrew Corridor homeowners associations; however, in order to have somebody else to work with, they went to the ECCL. He added that this affected District 7 along with going all the way to the west boundary; if there were: needs, he believed everyone could work together to solve problems across the Village. Councilmember Ribble believed that it was not about one specific district, this was a team, and he encouraged the study be done and was supportive. Councilmember Brown agreed with Councilmembers Wilson and Ribble and inquired about expanding the boundaries. Mr. Eslick responded that they went through two iterations with consultants; the original western boundary was Three Oaks Parkway, they asked them to extend it to US 41, which added $2,000 to the cost oft the study. Briefdiscussion ensued. Beverly MacNellis, Director, Estero Community Improvement Foundation, stated that they had contacted and employed FGCU to do ai needs assessment of! Estero for $15,000; a transportation study was included ini the assessment. She suggested that Councimember Wilson speak with Wayne Smith, President of the Estero Community Improvement Foundation. Village Manager Lombardi noted that the ECCL was talking about a traffic study with an estimate of $25,000 - the budget included funds for the comprehensive plan; onej part oft the comprehensive plan was a transportation element; the consultant that writes the comprehensive plan and the land development regulations were: required to meet State law. He added that ifa transportation plan was done as part ofthe comprehensive plan, the transportation element dealt with the entire community. Vice Mayor Levitan added the Council would need to. know which roads would be Estero's and an RFQ would be needed to do a transportation study. Discussion Mayor Batos inquired whether available funds were in the budget if Council wanted to do the traffic study. Village Manager Lombardi responded that additional funds should be budgeted. Discussion ensued regarding the transportation element of the comprehensive plan. Consensus was to include an additional $30,000 as a Corkscrew Transportation Planning line item. Village Manger Lombardi stated that the budget would be finalized, the TRIM hearing was scheduled for September 3, 2015, 6:30 p.m., and the second hearing would be held September  followed.  16, 2015, 6:30 p.m.  Mayor Batos called for further public comment and no one came forward.  Village Council Workshop Minutes July22,2015  Page 5of8    6.P PUBLIC INPUT ONNON-AGENDA ITEMS Mayor Batos called forj public input on any issue.  Don Eslick stated that ECCL was committed to seeking support oft the Village and that Estero was stronger when everyone spoke in one voice. He provided an update ofE ECCL's plans and spoke to ai recent transportation committee meeting as well as action with respect to sidewalk and  bike path issues associated with Estero Parkway.  7.C COUNCILG COMMUNICATIONS/RUTURE AGENDA ITEMS  (A) Council Comments work on the budget.  Councilmember Ribble conveyed thanks to the Village Manager and Finance Director for their Vice Mayor Levitan noted that he would be out oft town from July 23 through August 8. Councilmember Brown echoed Councilmember Ribble's comments and conveyed appreciation Councimember Errington reported that she attended a webinar presented by the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. She stated that Estero residents need tol be assured that an open invitation stands for anyone in the community who has an idea that would improve the community; citizens should contact a Councilmember and after discussion, ifeveryone is in agreement that the idea seems worth pursuing, ask that it be presented at a Council workshop. She continued that a good example ofthis was when a group of concerned residents contacted and met with her regarding the need to start an Estero Historic Preservation Committee; after an initial meeting with them and others in the community, she asked that the idea bej placed on a Council workshop agenda, which was held ai few weeks later. Asaresult of the workshop aj proclamation was presented to the Estero Historic Preservation Citizens Committee at the. July 15, 2015 Council meeting, expressing and proclaiming support for the creation ofthe committee. She noted that she attended the first committee meeting; one of the major topics was concern for the Estero River, which is no longer listed as one of Florida's outstanding waters. She stated the committee recognized that the Estero River needed to bel healthy and be recognized for the contribution it has made to Estero over: many years. She conveyed thanks to the committee for the historic preservation challenges that they have accepted and for the work that they will do to: make the Councimember Boesch reminded Council that ai resolution regarding the Estero Parkway sidewalks would be on the September 3, 2015 agenda. Mayor Batos stated that he didn'trecall a resolution being prepared; however, Council may have discussed an item for discussion. Councilmember Boesch stated he requested ai resolution and had discussed it with the Village Manager when he brought it up at the previous meeting. Discussion ensued and the Village Manager stated that the minutes oft the meeting would be reviewed. Councimember Boesch requested that aj project for ai median divider installation at The Preserve be scheduled for a workshop, with an invitation for the contractor and LDOT to attend. He also requested that a project for the crossover at Corkscrew Woodlands be scheduled for a workshop due to safety and aesthetic concerns, with an invitation to Commissioner Kiker and LDOT to attend.  tol Marilyn Edwards and Kim Dailey on the website.  quality oflife in Estero even better and the environment more beautiful.  Village Council Workshop Minutes- July 22, 2015  Page 6 of8    Mayor Batos stated that he did not believe that County Commissioners and contractors should be asked to attend workshops until there was an understanding of what the Council wants or does not want. He continued that he believed Council should not be discussing these issues until there was an understanding as to what the Village policies were, part oft the long range plan. Vice Mayor Levitan believed the last time Council discussed the sidewalk issue that it would be part ofai future CIP discussion, would probably be deferred until such time Council knew which roads the Village would or would not take, and Council would look at the priorities oft the whole Village for sidewalks, bike paths, medians, beautification, etc., which would all need tol be Councimember Boesch stated that Council could look at that; however, ifh he requested a Mayor Batos inquired whether it was true that any Councilmember could request a resolution to be prepared before Council discussion and approval. Attorney Pires responded that he was not certain whether the Council had adopted rules or policies that indicated the procedure; however, generally a governing body collective would suggest a resolution. Mayor Batos stated that he would try toj put a discussion item on an agenda for a September meeting, however, he noted that Council would be discussing the next step ini the CIP in October and he believed that all oft the items Councilmember Boesch referred to would be part oft the CIP discussion. He also believed that Council should not be taking any oft the programs piecemeal prior tol having a cohesive plan established as a group, as priorities and not as individual requests. Councilmember Boesch stated that these were: immediate demands from citizens. Mayor Batos said that he understood; however, he also understood that each of the requests had other ramifications; sidewalks on Estero Parkway was one portion of numerous amounts of sidewalks and bike paths throughout Estero that had not been done; the individual roadworks were possibly part ofai much larger area. He added that he believed it would be fair for the Council to have a chance to vote on the sidewalks issue and would make certain that it was placed on the September agenda. Councilmember Ribble stated that he applauded Councilmember Boesch's passion on the issues and supported what he was trying to do; however, Council talked about this at several meetings and right now Council was negotiating withl Lee County. He believed that, until the negotiation Councilmember Wilson stated that he shared Councilmember Boesch's compassion with the problem at The Preserve and he would support iti ifthere was a way to get somebody else toj pay fori ito on an accelerated basis; however, Council needed tol have aj process through which all Councilmembers would put thoughts, ideas and dreams into a capital budget.  discussed in workshops and perhaps with outside consultants. resolution, it should be done at the September 3, 2015 meeting.  was complete, Council should support the Mayor.  (B) Village Manager Comments  Reported that an RFP had been prepared for the Financial Audit Services and would be released on. Friday, July 24, 2015; an audit selection committee had been formed; RFP results would be  on the September 3, 2015 agenda. (C) Village Attorney Comments  Attorney Tony Pires provided an update on Village Attorney Saunders' recuperation.  Village Council Workshop Minutes- July 22,2015  Page 7of8    8. ADJOURN  Councimember Brown moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilmember Ribble, called and  carried unanimously. Mayor Batos adjourned the meeting at 12:26 p.m.  ATTEST:  VILLAGEC OF ESTERO,FLORIDA 12  By: Sahylau Kathy Hall, MMC Village Clerk  By:  Nicholas Batos Mayor  Minutes approved as presented: September 3, 2015  Village Council Workshop Minutes- -July 22, 2015  Page 8 of8