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BOOK – 2011J – B.O.C.C.------------------------------------
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MAY 11, 2011
A
Joint Meeting
of the
held on this date at the South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, FL with the following
members present:
Steven Slachta, District 3
Bill Lonkart, District 6
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 9:02 a.m.
AGENDA
1. WELCOME
Mayor Nelson and Council Member Lonkart outlined the City’s request for assistance from Lee County toward an
expansion of the existing South County Regional Library. A Feasibility Study and a copy of a presentation compiled
by a Council-appointed Task Force were provided to the Commissioners. Lee County Library Director Sheldon Kaye
recommended keeping Bonita Springs in the countywide library system and Commissioner Judah stated his support to
partner with Bonita by providing $4 million toward the expansion. Following further discussion, there was consensus
that the Council would send a Resolution to the Commission, with specifics and options for financing. Gratitude was
3. DISCUSSION CONCERNING YMCA CLOSING AND IMPACT ON ITS USE AS A HURRICANE
SHELTER
As a result of the YMCA Board voting to close their facility in Bonita Springs as of May 31, 2011, discussion ensued
on the viability of continuing use of the structure as a hurricane shelter. Input was received by Lee County Public
Safety Director John Wilson and City Attorney Audrey Vance. There was consensus that the City and County
Attorney’s Offices would coordinate with the YMCA, to ensure specific performance obligations are upheld.
Additionally, a list of safety criteria to keep the structure viable as a shelter in an emergency situation would be
compiled by Mr. Wilson’s office. Both the City and County agreed to send letters to the YMCA Board eliciting their
cooperation. There was also brief discussion on additional uses for the facility throughout the year.
DOT Planning Manger Dave Loveland provided a status update and timetable on the Bonita Beach Road Widening
project. Mr. Loveland addressed funding of the various phases and advised that bids are due May 19 with the project
expected to take 18 months once a contract is signed. He also advised that regarding release of the City’s share of any
monies remaining from the TRIP Funds, there have been no changes since the February 14 report. Mr. Loveland
responded to several questions.
Mayor Nelson spoke about how some of the smaller parcels along rivers and waterways might fit into the
Conservation 20/20 program guidelines. Commissioner Judah concurred that the focus should be expanded, and
Commissioner Hall mentioned the commitment of the County in the use of Conservation 20/20 lands for mitigation
and quality of life purposes, as well as transparency within the process. Mayor Nelson thanked the County for
agreeing to re-examine the policy, and Ms. Simon reviewed the ecological impacts of recent Legislative actions.
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BOOK – 2011J – B.O.C.C.------------------------------------
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Chairman Mann acknowledged the value of Bonita Springs within the County, and noted the County and CLASAC
would continue to recognize that fact as it moves forward.
Council Member Simon expressed her desire to represent Bonita Springs as an at-large appointment to the TDC Board
when an opening occurs, and requested a more equitable funding arrangement for beach and shoreline maintenance
projects.
Council Member Slachta complimented the Department of Transportation on the Hickory Boulevard widening
project.
Council Member Janet Martin addressed the ongoing issue of sound walls along I-75 and advised that when the matter
comes up again, she expects strong community involvement.
Commissioner Bigelow responded to Council Member Martin that Morse Shores in his district was experiencing the
same type of issues and suggested they talk further. He next revisited the Library expansion discussion distinguishing
between a design and construction phase, and indicated support for entering a design phase.
Commissioner Hall expressed appreciation for the cities willingness to meet together and address challenges. She
expressed the need to look at the library expansion from a comprehensive standpoint, and pointed out that the County
Library millage is a stand-alone budget that needs to be balanced over 17 districts within Lee County. She indicated
support for further discussions on the proposed expansion and acknowledged the great support that Bonita Springs
provides the County.
Council Member Lonkart referenced a similar issue to the one raised by Council Member Martin within a golf club
community, and spoke in favor of resolving issues by continued dialogue and open communication.
Chairman Mann made closing remarks on an apparent Board consensus around pursuing continued discussions and
engineering considerations regarding the proposed library expansion, perhaps in partnership with the Lee County
School Board.
Mayor Nelson mentioned a May 12 open house for the new Superintendent of Lee County Schools and invited all to
participate.
The Chairman adjourned the meeting at 10:18 a.m.
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