Agenda
[0:00]
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
[0:00]
Mayor Gunter
[0:08]
INVOCATION/MOMENT OF SILENCE
[0:08]
Councilmember Donnell
[0:47]
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
[0:49]
Councilmember Donnell
[1:07]
ROLL CALL
[1:07]
Mayor Gunter, Council Members Donnell, Kaduk, Kilraine, Lastra, Lehmann, Long, Steinke
[1:59]
CHANGES TO AGENDA/ADOPTION OF AGENDA
[3:34]
RECOGNITIONS/ACHIEVEMENTS - None
[3:36]
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
[3:40]
Regular Meeting – August 20, 2025
[3:51]
BUSINESS
[3:54]
Consent Agenda
[5:30]
Resolution 255-25
[10:18]
City Attorney Second Amended Employment Agreement
[13:39]
Appointments to Boards / Committees / Commissions - None
[13:39]
Unfinished Business
[13:42]
Follow Up Items for Council
[59:59]
Follow Up Items from City Management
[13:54]
New Business - None
[14:00]
ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS
[14:41]
Public Hearings - Quasi-Judicial Hearings
[14:47]
Resolution 237-25 (VAC25-000002*) Public Hearing
[20:36]
Public Hearings - Legislative Hearings
[20:39]
Ordinance 42-25 Public Hearing
[1:46:21]
Ordinance 44-25 Public Hearing
[2:00:36]
Last Call for Comment Cards
[2:00:53]
Introductions
[2:00:55]
Ordinance 39-25 (FLUM25-000004) Set Public Hearing for September 17, 2025
[2:01:51]
Ordinance 40-25 (RZN25-000005*) Set Public Hearing for September 17, 2025
[2:02:41]
Ordinance 46-25 (TXT25-000001) Set Public Hearing for Transmittal for September 17, 2025
[2:03:16]
Ordinance 52-25 Set Public Hearing for September 17, 2025
[2:04:06]
Ordinance 53-25 Set Public Hearing for September 17, 2025
[2:11:01]
CITIZENS INPUT TIME
[2:29:47]
REPORTS OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
[2:34:57]
REPORTS OF THE CITY ATTORNEY AND CITY MANAGER
[2:35:19]
TIME AND PLACE OF FUTURE MEETINGS
[2:35:22]
A Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting is Scheduled for Wednesday, September 10, 2025, in Council Chambers beginning at 9:00 a.m.
[2:35:34]
A Committee of the Whole is Scheduled for Wednesday, September 10, 2025, in Council Chambers beginning at 9:30 a.m.
[2:35:46]
MOTION TO ADJOURN
Transcript
SOURCE TRANSCRIPT
This transcript is downloaded from the source you provided but we haven't reviewed it for accuracy. Treat it as a starting point, not a verbatim record. You can also request an AI-transcription of the audio file with the button to the left.
[0:00]
Welcome to the Cape Coral City Council regular meeting. Today
[0:03]
is September 3. This meeting now comes to order. Please
[0:08]
stand for the invocation. Pledge allegiance by council member Donnell.
[0:13]
You bow your head, please. Do you have the father?
[0:18]
I just like to pause and thank you for another
[0:20]
day. Thank you for this great city that you have
[0:23]
allowed us to live in. And thank you for family
[0:24]
and friends. We just thank you. For being who you
[0:27]
are. Lord, we ask that you would just continue to
[0:29]
be with us, protect us. Protect our children. Protect our
[0:32]
families. Please give those who govern, starting with this council,
[0:35]
the wisdom. To know, being passionate and make decisions that
[0:39]
are being for the best of the good of all.
[0:41]
The sisters. We ask that we continue to just be
[0:44]
safe and prosper, and it's your name we ask these
[0:47]
blessings. Amen. Amen. Amen. Please join me for the pledge.
[0:52]
Pledge. Of the United States of America and to the
[0:57]
republic for which it stands, one nation under God. Indivisible,
[1:02]
with liberty and justice for all. Madam City clerk. Could
[1:07]
you call the role, please? Yes, your honor, before I
[1:12]
call the role, I would like to announce that council
[1:14]
member kadoop will be arriving after roll call, and I
[1:17]
will mark her so. Mayor venture here, council members. Donnell.
[1:23]
Here. Kill rain. Lastra. Here. Lehman? Here. Long. Here. Steinki.
[1:29]
Here. Seven. Present. One. Excused. Okay. Thank you. Before we
[1:33]
get started, just want to remind everyone who's here today.
[1:36]
Anyone who wishes to speak to in citizens input. Later
[1:40]
on in the agenda we have comment cards. To my
[1:43]
left. Your right on the table. Please fill out a
[1:46]
card once we get to that. Point. In the agenda.
[1:49]
The city clerk will call up every individual that fills
[1:53]
out a card to participate. In citizens input, and I'll
[1:57]
announce that halfway through the meeting again. Item five is
[2:02]
changes to the agenda. Do we have any changes to
[2:07]
the agenda or I'll entertain a motion to adopt the
[2:10]
agenda as presented. No. I have a couple of changes.
[2:13]
Okay, go ahead, council member Lehman. All right. I'd like
[2:15]
to pull resolution 42. 25. Is that when under consent
[2:22]
agenda. No, sir, it's not. I'm sorry. It is on
[2:28]
public hearings. And what do you mean by. Pull it.
[2:34]
I'd like to discuss it further. Once we get to
[2:38]
that point in the agenda, we will be having that
[2:41]
discussion. If it's. Under which resolution was it again? 42
[2:47]
25 and 44 29. Yes, sir. All right, so that
[2:52]
will be under ordinances and resolution. So there's no. Real
[2:55]
reason to pull that item until we get to it.
[2:57]
And then, if you like, when we get started. I
[3:00]
will go to you first on the floor. Thank you.
[3:05]
So with that, any other items? Motion to adopt the
[3:08]
agenda. All right. Thank you. Seeing no other discussion, Madam
[3:15]
City clerk, could you call the role, please? Lastra? Aye.
[3:18]
Lehman Aye. Long. Aye, stanky, aye. Center. Aye. Aye. Seven
[3:28]
eyes. Motion carries. Okay, let's move on. There's recognitions, achievements,
[3:34]
there's none listed tonight. So we'll move on to item
[3:37]
seven. Approval of the minutes. Do we have a motion?
[3:39]
Regarding diminish from the regular meeting of August 20, 2025
[3:43]
motion. All in favor, say aye. Any opposed? Motion carries.
[3:51]
Item eight is business. Eight a is the consent agenda.
[3:55]
I'll open up the consent agenda. For council to fool
[3:57]
any items. Council member Kilrang? Yeah. I'd like to pull.
[4:03]
Let's see. It's the one on the sign. Let's see.
[4:17]
Is that? Two five. 5525. Number two. Number two. Okay,
[4:23]
which is resolution 255 25, all right. Is that all
[4:28]
you have? That's it. All right. Council member Lehman. It's
[4:33]
the same agenda. The same. 255 25. Yes, sir. And
[4:38]
council member Caducek. Item number ten, please. Item number ten.
[4:45]
Which. Is city attorneys employment agreement, item number ten. All
[4:51]
right. So I will entertain a motion for all remaining
[4:56]
items on the consent agendas, except for item number two,
[5:00]
which is resolution 255 25 and the city attorney's second
[5:05]
amended employment agreement. All right. Any council discussion on the
[5:12]
remaining items. Seeing none. Madam City clerk, please call the
[5:17]
role. Lastrum. Aye Lehman, aye long, aye stanky. Aye. Done
[5:22]
now. Aye. Gunter, aye. Kaduk, aye. Kilraign, aye. All eyes,
[5:28]
motion carried. Okay, item two is resolution 255 25. I
[5:33]
think we had two council members request. To pull that.
[5:36]
Council member Killrain, council member Lehman, council member Kilraign. We'll
[5:39]
start with you first. Sure. Then I'll go to council
[5:41]
member Lehman. Sure. The reason? I wanted this poll. I'd
[5:44]
like to have some discussion about the priority of this
[5:48]
with. Respect to the spending issues that we are currently
[5:51]
facing. And the funding of this, so if we could
[5:55]
get some information based on where the funding is. Coming
[5:58]
from and how it ranks with our other priorities. We're
[6:03]
cutting out some serious issues. And serious measures in our
[6:09]
normal budget. And I just want to make sure that
[6:13]
this is the right priority in Ephesus. Okay, turn it
[6:17]
over to Mr. City manager. Absolutely. I will bring up.
[6:23]
As related to the priority and the reason for it.
[6:26]
I'll bring up parks and Rec. Director and then from
[6:28]
the funding. I'll bring up our finance director, Crystal. Regards
[6:35]
to the sign. Community park. That was been an initiative
[6:43]
I've had since we've been here. It's been about two
[6:45]
years in the making. Currently, the sign out there only
[6:48]
concludes sunsplash since then, we've built the courts and we
[6:52]
also have some other amenities in the back there that
[6:54]
we were looking to advertise and really bring attention to
[6:58]
that facility now. That we have. National tournament here for
[7:02]
the courts. Sunsplash is doing well, so we really were
[7:06]
trying to draw attention from Santa Barbara Boulevard to the
[7:10]
entry point. We've had a lot of tourism. And visitors
[7:12]
come. To that facility in the first year of its
[7:16]
operations, and there's nothing marking that the courts is down
[7:19]
in that location. So, working with sunsplash. I was able
[7:26]
to work with them. To see if they were amenable
[7:29]
to put a video board out there. And include assigned
[7:33]
to include the courts. And they were all for it.
[7:35]
They said they love to promote the facilities in that
[7:37]
area. We originally were trying to put. The senior center
[7:46]
and the special pop center on the sign but just
[7:49]
didn't fit. How we were laying out the sign. So
[7:50]
that's how we came to this. It's been, like I
[7:53]
said, about a year in the making since I started
[7:55]
this project. It just ended up at a time. As
[7:57]
where we are today. Is sun Splash making any contribution
[8:06]
at all on financing? No. This was going to end
[8:10]
up. An agreement that we take over the sign and
[8:13]
the operations of all the sign and be able to
[8:16]
put our advertisements for special events, emergencies, and a lot
[8:19]
of the other things out there, so. We're really just
[8:22]
trying to have another video board in the city to
[8:25]
not only promote our activities and events, but also help
[8:29]
with emergencies and things like that to notify the public.
[8:31]
Of anything that. 's going on. Not necessarily allocated to
[8:35]
sunsplash itself. It's going to be used for a lot
[8:39]
of other. Opportunities. Concluding the courts. Correct. It'll fall under
[8:42]
the video board program. That currently communications runs. Okay, thank
[8:46]
you. Thank you, mayor, council member Lehman. My understanding is
[8:53]
that. This is not in the budget. This is not
[8:57]
in the 25 budget. So it would have to be
[9:01]
an amendment to the 25 budget. So the way I
[9:05]
look at it, it's a want, not necessarily a need.
[9:09]
Okay. If staff or Mr. City manager, you can elaborate
[9:15]
on that. Is this something that's going to be coming
[9:17]
out of reserves. Good afternoon. Crystal Feast, financial services director.
[9:23]
That is correct. It is. If approved tonight, it would
[9:25]
be from the general fund reserves and included in the
[9:29]
final budget amendment of the fiscal year. Okay. Thank you.
[9:35]
Any other discussions on this topic? Resolution 255 25. Seeing
[9:43]
no other discussion, I will entertain a motion for that
[9:45]
particular resolution. Motion to approve 255 25. 2nd. Have a
[9:55]
motion and a second. No other discussion, madam. City clerk,
[9:59]
please call the rope, lastra. Aye. Lehman. Long. Aye. Thank
[10:05]
you. Aye. Danelle, aye. Gunter, aye. Kaduk, aye. Killrain, aye.
[10:11]
Seven eyes. One. Nay. Motion carried. Okay, we will move
[10:17]
on to the next item, which was full, which is
[10:20]
item number ten. The city attorney's second amended employment agreement.
[10:24]
And I believe council member Duke pulled that particular item.
[10:27]
So I'll turn the floor over you now. Thank you,
[10:29]
mayor. I just thought it was. Important that we just
[10:31]
go over the six bullet points that we went over
[10:33]
when we had our meeting regarding. This contract. Very simply,
[10:38]
what exactly we're giving him and why. I can go
[10:42]
over the six or if you want to. I know
[10:44]
that you were working on. The contract amendments with him.
[10:46]
It doesn't matter to me. Yeah, how about. You, Mr.
[10:52]
City attorney, you kind of want to maybe give us
[10:54]
an overview of the changes? Sure. Perfect. So in reference
[11:00]
to the initial term, it was extended by three years,
[11:04]
which is in section one. In reference to the compensation.
[11:10]
That was adjusted the annual base salary at 7.25%. Additionally.
[11:18]
There was a. I'm sorry, can I stop you there
[11:19]
just so that we can say. That it was a
[11:21]
4% market adjustment. That's correct. And the 3.25%? Was on
[11:27]
merit of the way that we rated you. That's correct.
[11:30]
And it is 7.25. 4% of it was a market
[11:34]
adjustment based upon the current market conditions, and then the
[11:37]
three point. 25 was the merit. Perfect. Thank you. Yes.
[11:42]
In terms of. An additional there was a leave amendment,
[11:46]
which is in 4.2 where the accrual rate is 20
[11:49]
hours and then also authorizing. Me to buy back hours,
[11:54]
which presently exists right now, but it allowing me to
[11:56]
buy back additional hours that I have accrued and earned
[12:00]
since I've been employed here. Also deferred. Compensation as well.
[12:03]
That's 4.3 and 4.4, allowing. For it to be adjusted
[12:09]
in future anniversary years. And I think. That's it. Thank
[12:17]
you. I thought it was just important for the public
[12:19]
to know and. Hear that we only did have two
[12:22]
people from the public that attended that meeting, and I
[12:24]
know a lot of people don't get in the weeds,
[12:26]
even though all of this information is published and you
[12:29]
can dig, but I thought it was important that we
[12:31]
go over that. Thank you. Mayor. Any other discussion. The
[12:37]
only thing I'd like to maybe elaborate a little further
[12:40]
on is the 7.25% increase. I think all of council,
[12:47]
when we had that discussion. Was, I believe, trying to
[12:51]
make sure that we did the same that we did
[12:53]
for all of our other bargaining and non bargaining employees,
[12:57]
and that's what they got this year with 7.25% and
[13:00]
I think we were trying to stay consistent with that
[13:03]
number, so I just. Thought that was important to make
[13:06]
a note of. That's exactly what our other employees had
[13:11]
gotten this year, and we were trying to follow. Suit,
[13:13]
so I thought that was important to mention. With that.
[13:16]
I see no other lights on. I'll entertain a motion
[13:19]
for this particular item. Motion to approve second. Seeing no
[13:24]
other discussion, Madam City clerk, please call the role. Lastro.
[13:30]
Aye. Lehman. Long, aye. Aye. Danelle, aye. Center, aye. Kaduk,
[13:35]
aye. Killrane, aye. Eight eyes, motion carried. Okay. Item eight
[13:39]
c is unfinished business. We have follow up items for
[13:43]
council. There are none listed. Item C two is follow
[13:48]
up items for city management. We do not have anything
[13:51]
listed either. Imd is new business. There isn't anything listed.
[13:58]
We will move on to item nine is ordinances and
[14:01]
resolutions. And before we get started here, Council member Lehman,
[14:07]
if you could tell me the two ordinances so I
[14:10]
can make a note. Here that you wanted to speak
[14:12]
about. 42 25. And 425. Okay.
[14:23]
So that's number one and number two on the list
[14:24]
there. Will be. Okay.
[14:36]
The next item. Is nine b, which are public hearings.
[14:43]
Hold on here. I'm sorry. Nine a's. The public hearings?
[14:46]
Quasi judicial hearings. We're doing. First of which is resolution
[14:49]
237 25. Madam City Clerk, please read the title resolution.
[14:55]
237 25, a resolution of the mayor and City Council
[14:59]
of the City of Cape Coral, Florida, providing for the
[15:02]
vacation. Of Platt for a portion of platted alley right
[15:05]
of way and underlying easements between lots. One through eight
[15:09]
and lots 65 through 72. Block 41 27, unit 59,
[15:14]
Cape Coral Subdivision. Providing for the vacation of interior platted
[15:18]
public utility and drainage easements lying in lots one through
[15:21]
eight. And lots 61 through. 72 block 41 27, unit
[15:26]
59, Cape Coral Subdivision property located at five northwest 32nd
[15:31]
place and 14 burnt store road north, providing for an
[15:34]
effective date. Mr. City attorney. Yes, mayor. I'm just going
[15:38]
to disclose on behalf of all members of the city
[15:41]
council that the city manager or I have in fact
[15:44]
spoken with you regarding this vacation. This is city owned
[15:47]
property. And as part of it being city owned property,
[15:52]
there was discussions that we are, in fact, moving forward
[15:54]
to vacation in order to make the property more marketable
[15:57]
when it goes up for sale. Okay. Thank you. Any
[16:00]
other ex parte communications other than with the city attorney
[16:04]
had mentioned? Okay. This is a quasi judicial hearing. Anyone
[16:09]
wishing to speak or provide testimony must be sworn in.
[16:12]
So if you have a desire to weigh in on
[16:16]
resolution 237 25, please stand up and raise. Your right
[16:20]
hand. Do you somally swear or affirm to tell the
[16:25]
whole truth and nothing but the truth. I do. Thank
[16:28]
you. Okay. We will turn it over to staff to
[16:31]
begin with. Thank you, Mr. Mayor, members of council. For
[16:33]
the record, Patrick Colton White, senior planner downstairs in DSD.
[16:38]
This case is resolution 237 25. I have a brief
[16:41]
PowerPoint presentation for you. As previously noted, this is a
[16:45]
city initiated case, and the city's proposing to vacate. An
[16:48]
alley which is located between lots one through eight and
[16:53]
65 through 72 on 61 to 27. That vacation would
[16:57]
include any underlying easements under that alley, as well as
[17:00]
some public utility and drainage easements, which we will be
[17:03]
basically. Relocating around the perimeter of the new property. The
[17:08]
two properties that are involved in this vacation are five
[17:10]
northwest 23rd place and 14 Bernstore. Road. This is located
[17:15]
at the intersection of Burn Store Road and embers on
[17:18]
the north. Northwest corner. The property is zoned commercial. The
[17:25]
city owns these two sites. There are a little over
[17:28]
2.6 acres. They're currently unimproved. They're separated by a 20
[17:34]
foot alley. A previous request to vacate the alley was
[17:38]
denied in 2023. The city has since acquired these properties
[17:43]
and is proposing to assemble them together. We propose to
[17:47]
do that by vacating this alley in between them. Exhibit
[17:50]
a depicts the alley. To be vacated. The platted easements.
[17:57]
Around on the inside are also proposed to be vacated.
[18:00]
We will reserve a perimeter. Six foot public. Utility easement
[18:04]
around the property, and we will also preserve a 30
[18:07]
foot wide drainage easement. Along the east side along Bernstore
[18:11]
Road. Staff reviewed this according to LDC three, four, five.
[18:17]
There's five criteria. Staff found that there were not. Any.
[18:23]
These easements were not required for any future transportation needs.
[18:28]
Criteria too. Asked if there were new easements. There were
[18:31]
not. Criteria. Three questions. Are there alternate routes and there
[18:35]
are other routes available? Criteria for questions if the closure
[18:39]
will negatively affect areas for vehicles to turn around. And
[18:44]
the staff found that no, with the conditions proposed, that
[18:47]
will not be a significant concern and criteria five asks,
[18:52]
have the local utility providers provided consent to this vacation?
[18:57]
They have. And those are included within your extended council
[19:01]
packet. City staff is recommending approval with the conditions. Identified
[19:04]
in your resolution. The hearing examiner recommended approval following a
[19:08]
public hearing on June 3. We've received two phone calls
[19:11]
that were largely informational. I'll stand by for any of
[19:14]
your questions and thank you. Okay, thank you. Since we
[19:19]
are the applicant, we'll move on and open up the
[19:22]
public. Hearing anyone wishing to speak on resolution 237 25,
[19:27]
please come forward. Did you want to speak, sir? No,
[19:31]
you're good. All right, seeing. No one coming forward. The
[19:38]
public hearing is now closed. Is there a motion regarding
[19:40]
resolution 237? Motion to approve second. Any council discussion. Council
[19:46]
member long thank you, mayor. Yeah, real quickly, as far
[19:49]
as the issue at hand. Certainly support it. Appreciate the
[19:52]
presentation. I don't know whether it's a question. For you.
[19:54]
But since we're here talking about the parcel, it's my
[19:56]
understanding when we acquired it that we talk about marketability.
[19:59]
We were also going to place deed restrictions on the
[20:01]
property. Is that forthcoming? Does that have to come before
[20:04]
us at some point in time? Could that have been
[20:05]
done that was already authorized by the council at the
[20:09]
time of acquisition of the property and those deed restrictions
[20:11]
have already been filed. Okay, so we don't need to
[20:13]
formalize that. Now. Correct. Thank you for the clarification. Appreciate
[20:17]
it. No other discussion. We have a motion a second,
[20:23]
Madam City clerk, please call the rule last round. Aye.
[20:26]
Lehman. Long. Thank you. Aye. Danelle. Aye. Gunter. Aye. Aye.
[20:33]
Hill rain, aye. Eight eyes, motion carried. Okay. Move on
[20:36]
to item nine b, which are legislative public hearings, first
[20:40]
of which we have is ordinance. 42 25. Madam City
[20:45]
clerk, please read the title. Ordinance 42 25, an ordinance
[20:51]
of the mayor and city council of the City of
[20:53]
Cape Coral, Florida. By repealing in its entirety the city
[20:57]
of Cape Coral. Florida Code of Ordinances chapter two administration
[21:00]
article two C division five roads impact fee and by
[21:05]
creating chapter two, administration article. Two fees, division five mobility
[21:11]
fees, providing for short title authority and applicability, providing for
[21:16]
intents and purposes providing for plan, report, and study providing
[21:21]
for definitions providing for imposition of mobility fees providing for
[21:25]
exemption from mobility fees providing for mobility fee. Schedule providing
[21:29]
for mobility determination, providing for agreements, providing for credits, providing
[21:34]
for mobility fee benefit districts, providing for expenditures, providing for
[21:39]
refunds, providing for effect on land use allowances, providing for
[21:43]
administrative manual and administrative charges providing for annual report. Providing
[21:49]
for review and update, providing for appeals, providing for vested
[21:53]
rights, providing for penalty, providing for codification. And resolution of
[21:57]
conflicting laws providing for severability and an effective date. Thank
[22:02]
you. Council member Lehman, I know you wanted to pull
[22:07]
this item, but we'll go through the criteria of how
[22:10]
we normally follow each ordinance, and then when it gets
[22:13]
to council's discussion, I'll come to you first. Sure. With
[22:17]
that. I'll turn it over to staff for their presentation.
[22:21]
Good afternoon, Lord odd Principal. Transportation planner. So what you
[22:24]
have before you today is ordinance 42 25. It covers
[22:29]
the mobility plan. And fee. I have with me Jonathan
[22:32]
Paul with new urban concepts who will provide you a
[22:34]
presentation. On the technical aspects following. His presentation. I do
[22:38]
have my own on consistency. So that being said, Jonathan,
[22:42]
if you would, please. Thank you, Laura. JoNATHAN PAul, Principal
[22:46]
of New Urban concepts, going to present today the final
[22:49]
draft or the final version of the City of Cape
[22:52]
Corals mobility plan and mobility fee. The overall mobility plan
[22:59]
for the city I was looking out over the 2045
[23:02]
time horizon includes a road and intersections plan, a multimodal
[23:06]
plan, a transit plan, and several mobility programs. The vast
[23:11]
majority of the mobility plan itself. Is made up of
[23:15]
roadway and intersection improvements that are identified throughout the city.
[23:20]
A number of these projects. Will be evaluated further as
[23:24]
they go into the engineering and design phase. And as
[23:29]
each time the city evaluates its capital improvements program, There'll
[23:35]
be prioritization of these projects and looking at further evaluations
[23:38]
and studies. Of these corridors. There's also a multimodal plan
[23:44]
that includes shared use paths, bicycle lanes and trails. Similar
[23:49]
to the roadway projects. Each one of these projects will
[23:52]
be evaluated further. They are subject to design for the
[23:56]
right of way and annual prioritization as part of the
[24:00]
capital. Improvements program. The mobility plan also includes at least
[24:06]
the initial ability to evaluate transit and waterway locations. Studies
[24:13]
for those corridors and coordination with other transit providers within
[24:17]
the community. There's a number of steps that have been
[24:21]
involved and documented in the mobility fee technical report. These
[24:25]
are largely in place to document how the plan and
[24:29]
the fee are consistent with both case law and Florida
[24:32]
statute. The. City's fee is broken down into assessment
[24:42]
areas where the fee will vary per assessment area. The
[24:47]
way. These current areas are established is within the comprehensive
[24:50]
plan of the city, and they are linked to the
[24:53]
city's zoning and land use schedules. There are two proposed
[24:58]
benefit districts. Which identifies where the fees can be expended
[25:04]
within the city. The ordinance also provides a number of
[25:07]
provisions that allows for cross spending between these districts. If
[25:12]
there is a finding that a mobility benefit is provided
[25:16]
within both of those districts. As I mentioned earlier, there
[25:19]
are multiple assessment areas. In terms of the actual calculation
[25:27]
itself, the South Cape core has a lower schedule, and
[25:31]
then the rest of the city, even though it's broken
[25:34]
down into three assessment areas, all have a uniform schedule
[25:38]
for each assessment area so they do not vary in
[25:42]
the future. If the city council would like as part
[25:44]
of future. Updates to vary those they would be able
[25:48]
to do so at that time. Right now, we found
[25:50]
that the difference between the three other assessment areas was
[25:54]
not that significant. To warrant differences in terms of the
[25:58]
overall assessments. The South Cape core is a very compact
[26:02]
area, and it does have less of an overall impact.
[26:06]
To the city, which is one of the reasons why.
[26:10]
There's a different schedule for this area. Just to go
[26:13]
through these fees quickly, and then if there's any questions,
[26:16]
I'd. Be happy to address any specific one. The attainable
[26:21]
housing category that we've established right now, it's a recommended
[26:25]
value. Of up to $350,000 or less. That fee is
[26:30]
actually lower than your existing fee today, therefore. Per statute
[26:35]
and per phasing, it would just be phased in as
[26:37]
a unified fee per dwelling unit of roughly $2,700 over
[26:42]
the four years for a single family detached. We have
[26:46]
broken this down into a phasing schedule that goes into
[26:49]
effect January 1 of each year, and these are broken
[26:53]
down in roughly equal incre. Increments between the four year
[26:56]
time horizon. Swallowing in 2026, the fee for a single
[27:00]
family home in the South Cape would be $4,200 as
[27:04]
of January 1, 2027, it would go up to roughly
[27:08]
$5,000 January 1, 2028, would go up to $5,700. And
[27:14]
then by the time. 2029 comes around, the fee would
[27:18]
be full calculated value of $6,400 per dwelling. Unit. Likewise,
[27:26]
these are different types of fees for the variety of
[27:30]
land uses on the mobility fee schedule they include hotels,
[27:34]
mobile residents. There are local retail uses, multitenant free sanding
[27:41]
and convenience retail uses. Other uses for places of worship,
[27:47]
for long term care and private education. There are also
[27:52]
fees associated with office and medical, and each one of
[27:55]
these categories. They're all phased in inquo increments over a
[28:00]
four year period, so. None of these uses are treated
[28:03]
any differently, and they all are phased in over a
[28:07]
multi year. Period. For industrial uses. And the technical report
[28:12]
that I illustrated earlier documents all the calculations that go
[28:16]
behind. This. And then for the rest of the city.
[28:22]
While we have identified the three assessment areas, the south
[28:25]
Cape, the central Cape, and the North Cape. Consistent with
[28:29]
your comprehensive plan? The fee itself is a uniform fee
[28:33]
for each one of those, so it does not vary
[28:36]
whether you're in the south Cape, the central Cape, or.
[28:40]
The North Cape. We'd had previous iterations. Where these fees
[28:44]
did vary between them. Based on analysis. That we've conducted.
[28:49]
Based on the feedback, we've recommended that they have a
[28:52]
uniform. Rate for each of the assessment areas, and then
[28:56]
in four years, when the city goes to reevaluate this.
[29:00]
They may consider changes to that in the future. So
[29:03]
similar to. The South Cape Corps. The fees would be
[29:09]
phased in over a four year period, so as of
[29:12]
right now for a single family detached dwelling unit. The
[29:16]
fee as of January 1, 2026, Would be $5,120. As
[29:23]
of January 1, 2027, it would go up to $6,700.
[29:29]
As of January 1, 2028, it would go up to
[29:32]
$8,300, and then the fully calculated rate would be roughly
[29:37]
$9,989 as of 2029, and then, per Florida Statute, the
[29:44]
city would likely have already undertaken the process to update
[29:47]
its fee starting in 2029. And then whatever the results
[29:50]
of that study are, those would go into effect as
[29:54]
of 2030. This is similarly done for multi family uses,
[29:59]
for hotel uses, and for mobile residents. Similarly for local
[30:05]
retail uses and multitenant for multitenant. Shopping center. The fee
[30:12]
would be $7,200 as of this year, January 1, 2026.
[30:20]
2027 would be $8,700. 2028 would be $10,000, and then
[30:25]
2029 it would be 11,700. This phasing is based on
[30:31]
recommendation and feedback we've received from the council and from
[30:35]
other interested parties to help mitigate some of the overall
[30:38]
impact of the increase itself. This does provide some opportunity
[30:43]
for those that are currently in the process of building
[30:46]
or planning. To not be hit with a substantial increase,
[30:51]
but ultimately, by the time this fee gets updated again,
[30:55]
in 2030, it should be more reflective of the overall
[30:59]
cost. At that time, and hopefully in the future there
[31:02]
won't be the need for as significant of an increase
[31:06]
to the overall. Fee going forward. These again are provided
[31:11]
for. The various uses that are out there. Office for
[31:19]
medical. For recreation type uses. Industrial uses and general aviation.
[31:29]
There's been a lot of discussion over the last several
[31:31]
months over this overall fee and schedule. It is detailed
[31:35]
in the ordinance and it is detailed also in our
[31:39]
technical report. And if there's any individual questions, I'd be
[31:43]
happy to answer any of those. Thank you. Very much.
[31:48]
Thank you. Any other comments from staff before I move
[31:53]
on? Thank you. So, Laura Dodd, I do have a
[31:59]
presentation on consistency with the comprehensive plan, and then similarly,
[32:04]
if there's any questions relating to how this plan relates
[32:08]
to growth management, we also have a presentation by David
[32:11]
Farmer. Should counsel elect?
[32:21]
So ordinance 42 25 is city initiated text amendment, mobility
[32:27]
plan and fee. Essentially, it repeals and replaces. The antiquated
[32:34]
road impact fee system with a new, more modern mobility
[32:37]
fee mobility plan and fee system. This includes a fee
[32:42]
structure, calculation, assessment and benefit districts, extraordinary circumstances, study credits,
[32:48]
agreements, exemptions and refunds. This analysis considers consistency. With the
[32:54]
comprehensive plan, guiding documents, public outreach, extraordinary circumstances and staff's
[32:59]
recommendation. So, as part of the evaluation of this plan,
[33:04]
we did consider consistency with the comprehensive plan in summarization.
[33:08]
What this plan accomplishes is safe balance and economical system.
[33:13]
Adequate funding, innovative funding, and encourages compact, multimodal design. Similarly,
[33:20]
it dovetails well into our guiding documents, and it embodies
[33:24]
furthering those initiatives. That we've already undertaken throughout the city.
[33:28]
This includes the city's complete streets policy. It delivers directly
[33:34]
the priority. Project number one from the multimodal plan incorporates
[33:38]
the MpO long range transportation plan. Safety provisions and, of
[33:43]
course, the interactive growth model. As part of the process,
[33:47]
we did extensive public outreach. Within this table. You're seeing
[33:53]
to date where we've been, something that's important to point.
[33:56]
Out is we've had approximately ten public hearings that does
[34:01]
not include. The coordination with stakeholders such as the MPO,
[34:06]
adjacent communities, or internal staff review. Some of the key
[34:11]
themes and feedback that we received as part of this
[34:14]
process included concerns over a dramatic fee rate increase. And
[34:21]
then furthermore, as part of the survey posted on the
[34:24]
public website, we did see a clear opportunity for improvement
[34:28]
in the city's transportation network, and that survey is posted
[34:32]
within your packet. So as it relates to consistency with
[34:36]
the comprehensive plan, The mobility fee and plan system includes
[34:44]
a lot of policy decisions that were incorporated to bring
[34:48]
this forward to you today. From staff's recommendation. All of
[34:54]
the plans proposals, including the policy decisions, are consistent. So
[35:00]
how we got here today? I know that this has
[35:03]
been shown several times, but the road impact fee over
[35:07]
the course of history. Was last updated in 2006 and
[35:12]
has not been updated for 19 years. Part of the
[35:17]
extraordinary circumstances study. It is a technical document that evaluates
[35:23]
criteria. Some of that criteria is listed. In this table.
[35:28]
Most importantly, what staff has undertaken is. A rigorous effort
[35:32]
to get the best data to accompany the mobility plan
[35:36]
and fee in the extraordinary circumstances study. What that involves
[35:40]
is the 2024 citywide traffic counts, but also it incorporates
[35:45]
David Farmer's data on growth and growth management, which directly
[35:50]
aided in the data of the plan. So, that being
[35:53]
said, Staff finds that the mobility plan and fee is
[35:58]
consistent with the comprehensive plan and then furthers the health,
[36:02]
safety and welfare of the community. Other factors may be
[36:05]
deemed appropriate for discussion by council. That being said, staff
[36:10]
finds that the plan is consistent with the comprehensive plan
[36:13]
and guiding documents and recommends approval. If there's any questions,
[36:16]
I'd be happy to take them. Okay. Thank you. I'll
[36:23]
now open up the public hearing. Anyone wishing to speak
[36:26]
on ordinance 42 25. Please come forward. Use the podium
[36:31]
to my right. Your left. If you just want to
[36:33]
get in. Line. Anyone who wishes to speak. Good afternoon,
[36:41]
council and city staff. My name is Kevin Bester, director
[36:44]
of public policy for the Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association.
[36:46]
I think I've spoken to many of you in this.
[36:48]
Process. That our association has no problem with mobility fee.
[36:53]
We obviously understand that the city. Has infrastructure needs and
[36:57]
they need money to pay for it. We totally understand
[36:59]
that. Our concern is the use of extraordinary circumstances. We
[37:04]
believe that statutorily you have the ability to raise your
[37:07]
mobility fee twelve and a half percent every year for
[37:10]
four years to a total of 50%. All of this
[37:13]
increases up to 300% would increase the cost of housing
[37:17]
significantly in an already challenging market. I think last time
[37:21]
we spoke, I told you all that the average teacher
[37:24]
in Lee county was making $48,000 and that a mortgage
[37:28]
for something they could afford. With flood insurance would be
[37:32]
around $2,400 a month. Now that at $48,000 a year.
[37:37]
I think you all understand. Is not an affordable product
[37:41]
that doesn't include. A potential $42,000 assessment that the people
[37:47]
in the north, east and west have hanging over their
[37:49]
heads for UEP. So yes, I see the affordable housing
[37:55]
numbers or attainable housing. Numbers and mobility fee structure for
[37:58]
$350,000 property. That $350,000 property is not including the $42,000
[38:04]
assessment. It is not including insurance costs. It is not
[38:07]
including. Increased interest rates and all of these things. Just
[38:13]
increases to the cost of housing. I know you're going
[38:16]
to introduce another ordinance later. This evening for a $350
[38:19]
increase in fee on the back end for when these
[38:22]
people buy. A house and then rent it out. It's
[38:24]
just fee after fee after fee on the real estate
[38:26]
industry, in the building industry. And at some point, Margaret
[38:30]
fashion once said, you run out. Of other people's money.
[38:33]
No clapping, please. Good evening, mayor. City council. I do
[38:41]
appreciate what everybody's been doing on mobility fees. Mike Hills
[38:49]
isn't. The city manager has made some adjustments, and we
[38:52]
appreciate that. My name is wake Cunninger. I'm the executive
[38:54]
director for the CCCIA here in Cape Coral. And. We
[39:00]
represent builders, developers and many businesses that contribute to our
[39:02]
city's continued growth and prosperity. That being said, in strong
[39:08]
coordination with my industry partners, That are behind me and
[39:12]
just spoke. We are not opposed to the mobility fee,
[39:15]
but we need some clarification on a few things. First,
[39:19]
per the information presented on the City of Cape Corps
[39:22]
website, the fees are primarily focused on existing deficiencies that
[39:26]
does not comport with state statute as new development cannot
[39:30]
be charged for existing deficiencies only on future impact. We'd
[39:34]
like some clarity on that. One of the items that
[39:37]
we did have other. Than. The block of 1000 sqft.
[39:43]
Has been rectified. We appreciate that. Thank you. We believe
[39:46]
these issues need to be corrected. Before any support or
[39:49]
mobility fee. We are not against the mobility fee. We
[39:52]
support the twelve and a half percent annual increase to
[39:55]
the existing fee. That is our stance at the CCCia.
[40:00]
We would ask that the increase have a 90 day
[40:01]
implementation period. And we do have that looks like January
[40:05]
1 is when it would happen. So we appreciate that.
[40:07]
So that the builders and developers and homeowners have time
[40:10]
to adjust their budgets and plans accordingly. Again. I appreciate
[40:14]
your time. I do appreciate the adjustments. I. Think that
[40:19]
this is a tough pill to swallow for all of
[40:21]
our members, but you'll make the right decision on doing
[40:24]
this and going forward. Thank you for your time. Thank
[40:27]
you. Mayor Council Philip Ford, executive director
[40:37]
for the Lead Building Industry Association. I'm not going to
[40:42]
repeat the things I've been saying for months to you.
[40:44]
Guys. I thought I'd take a different approach because I
[40:47]
think some things get left out. When you are deciding
[40:50]
these issues, and I think a lot of times we
[40:53]
look at it in a myopic viewpoint. So I'd like
[40:55]
to lay out a few things that I think are
[40:57]
overlooked or ignored. And the cumulative impact these fees and
[41:01]
policies have on our industry. And I think let's take
[41:03]
a look at the last two years in Cape Coral
[41:06]
and estate. Road now mobility fee increases UEP expansion cost
[41:13]
higher water and sewer impact fees new septic tank requirements
[41:16]
mandated out of the state increase the cost. The people
[41:20]
who already paid for those in their homes are now
[41:22]
going to have to pay to the UEP. I've received
[41:27]
20 notice to industries from the building department in the
[41:31]
city over the last year, it's probably 40 or more.
[41:33]
If you added up over the last two years, many
[41:36]
of which had more regulations and more time to the
[41:39]
cost construction of homes and commercial businesses. Now we're hearing
[41:44]
we may need rising permit fees. On the horizon because.
[41:49]
Of shortfalls in the building department. We're probably looking at
[41:53]
$65,000 or more over the last two years to the
[41:56]
increased cost of homes in the city. Who's counting? Right
[42:01]
on top of this, let's look at the market salaries
[42:03]
in this areas haven't kept up. Interest rates are high,
[42:06]
construction costs continue to be out of control. Commercial costs
[42:10]
from government fees and regulations are passed on directly to
[42:13]
the consumer. The result? Affordability. In southwest Florida, in my
[42:17]
opinion, is dead or almost dead. And this perpetual increase
[42:21]
of building of layer and layer of feeds and codes
[42:24]
and things are driving the working man and woman out
[42:28]
of Cape Coral and southwest Florida and Florida. I hear
[42:33]
people say, Oh, well. We want to fix affordability. How
[42:38]
many council meetings and meetings I've been in over? The
[42:41]
years. Private meetings. But we're not seeing that. We see
[42:45]
what the policies and things are continuing to make. It
[42:48]
worse. I know this ordinance is probably going to pass.
[42:51]
I appreciate all you guys talking to us and working
[42:55]
with us on this and where we've come to, but
[42:58]
it's not just about $1,600 a year. It's a lot
[43:01]
more than that. And for every. $1,000 increase that we
[43:06]
have in the cost of a home. It's about 116,000
[43:10]
people that can't afford a home nationwide. So just add
[43:14]
that onto it. I thank you for your time, but
[43:17]
we can't continue. To go down this road. Of just
[43:20]
building layer and layer and layer of fees and regulations.
[43:25]
The working man and woman cannot afford to live anymore.
[43:27]
Thank you. Hello. My name is Lucas Cesario. I'm a
[43:32]
small builder here and I build houses. Here in the
[43:35]
cape. I've been here roughly 23 years, and the reason
[43:39]
I'm speaking about this mobility fee is. The price of
[43:45]
a home will substantially go up. And in a time
[43:50]
crisis where. We need affordable housing. That's going to be
[43:54]
dang near impossible. So if we keep on raising the
[43:59]
fees, not only inspection fees, Not only fees on extra.
[44:05]
For instance, surveys. Even on just a pool build, now
[44:08]
you're requiring survey. Everything has gone. Up across the board.
[44:13]
And. It continually goes up. And our market is dropping.
[44:19]
It's destroyed. And effectively right now. If we continue to
[44:23]
increase rates on everything around us. We're only going to
[44:27]
sabotage ourselves. I'm begging you guys to consider. This. You
[44:33]
say since 2006, it hasn't been increased, but the volume
[44:37]
of houses here that have impact. Fees since 2006 have
[44:41]
substantially increased. If you do a simple Google search on
[44:45]
how many permits were pulled since 2006 to today, there's
[44:50]
approximately about $82 million. For roads and sidewalks that were
[44:55]
in the budget just by taking a $3,500. Impact fee
[45:01]
that is substantial right now. And where's the money going?
[45:07]
If we're increasing on the houses. The build around us
[45:10]
and the amount of projects that have increased since then.
[45:15]
Why do we need more money in roads that have
[45:17]
not been addressed since I've been here. That's all I
[45:21]
have to say. Thank you, sir. Good evening, mayor and
[45:27]
council Donna Jermaine, president and CEO of the Chamber of
[45:30]
Commerce of Cape Coral. I'm not going to reread our
[45:32]
entire position paper, and I appreciate staff, including that in
[45:36]
their packet for this meeting again. We do support mobility
[45:43]
fees, but we support it at the twelve and a
[45:45]
half increase over four. Years per state law. We do
[45:51]
not believe that extraordinary costs are justified in this case.
[45:56]
We do need to diversify our tax base, as you
[45:58]
know. So we appreciate you guys considering. We appreciate the
[46:03]
lowering, but we feel that. We still support the twelve
[46:07]
and a half percent increase over four and a half
[46:09]
years or four years. Thank you. Thank you. Hello, Jillian.
[46:14]
Target citizen, not a builder. I've been watching this city
[46:18]
since the 90s. I've lived here a long time. And
[46:21]
I wasn't going to speak till Kevin said. You're pricing
[46:26]
people out of the city. And they have nowhere to
[46:29]
go. Not everyone in the city can afford to live
[46:33]
here because. We have no jobs, no industry. The waste
[46:39]
money is just in this room. All of the increases.
[46:42]
You just talked about giving an increase in salary here,
[46:45]
but unfortunately, the people that are buying the houses aren't
[46:47]
getting that lucky, so maybe ought to think about that.
[46:51]
Because we're not all making $300,000 a year. Some of
[46:55]
these people are. Making the 40, $50,000 a year, especially
[46:59]
the people that work for you. The lower people. That
[47:03]
aren't at the top of the food chain. So think
[47:05]
about what you're doing? Because. The city doesn't have enough
[47:08]
people to buy the houses that are here now, and
[47:10]
now. You're just going to increase the cost of new
[47:12]
construction. Has been construction as long as I've lived in
[47:18]
Cape Coral. That's it. Our only industry. So now you're
[47:21]
going to attack them? Because they're the only people that
[47:24]
could. Possibly pocket that you have left to pick. Stop
[47:28]
picking their pocket. Let them build their houses and find
[47:31]
other ways to cut cost instead of throwing it on
[47:34]
this end of the dyess. Thank you. Thank you. Good
[47:44]
afternoon, Mr. Mayor and council. My name is Richard Durling.
[47:46]
I'm with Marvin Holmes. We're a single family home builder
[47:49]
that was founded here in Cape Coral. 53 years ago
[47:53]
in 1972. So we've seen all of these fees over
[47:56]
the years continue. To grow. If this ordinance is your
[48:00]
efforts to curb and control growth, you're heading in the
[48:03]
right. Direction, because that's exactly what you're going to do
[48:06]
here. This is a regressive, discriminatory tax, nothing more. It's
[48:12]
penalizing new construction and new residents. You're not taking into
[48:16]
account all of the additional residents and people who buy
[48:19]
resale homes and move into this community. And impact this
[48:23]
community. And this has been a problem in the state
[48:26]
of Florida for years. You could address that with your
[48:29]
state legislature if you really wanted to make an effort
[48:32]
to raise funds. To address your problems, but instead, you're
[48:36]
going after the weak link, which is the people. Who
[48:38]
are not here yet. New residents and new businesses. And
[48:42]
believe me, You're going to deter new construction if you
[48:45]
impose these new fees. Lastly, if you're looking potentially for
[48:50]
the possibility. Of extraordinary circumstance lawsuit, you potentially are going
[48:55]
to open yourself up to that as well. So. I
[49:00]
really want you to consider the ramifications of what you're
[49:02]
doing here today. And think long and hard about the
[49:06]
consequences of these actions. Thank you for your time. Thank
[49:11]
you. Anyone else wishing to speak during the public hearing
[49:14]
for ordinance 42 25. See a none. Public hearing is
[49:21]
now closed. And. Before we move forward, I'll entertain a
[49:29]
motion regarding ordinance 42 25. Motion to approve. No, I
[49:35]
want to discuss it. We will discuss it. That's how
[49:37]
the process works. Motion to approve second. All right, we
[49:41]
have a motion in a second, so I'll. Open up
[49:43]
for council discussion. And we will start off with the
[49:48]
council member Lehman. Yes. Thank you to all. Of you
[49:55]
that spoke. And I agree with the 12.5%. I think
[50:01]
we're pricing things. Out of kick, Coral. We're not helping
[50:06]
things. We're making it worse. If. We want to expand.
[50:12]
And grow our community, whether it be commercial or residential.
[50:18]
We need to make it advantageous. Anything over twelve and
[50:21]
a half percent. Is, I think we're asking too much,
[50:25]
and I think then we're pricing ourselves. Out of the
[50:28]
area, and we're going to curtail growth. Thank you. Council
[50:35]
member Stanky. Thank you, mayor. It's a tough one for
[50:38]
me. I'm in both the real estate business and the
[50:45]
building business. And tough decisions is what this job is
[50:49]
all about. So for me, there's some facts. That I
[50:55]
had to consider, and it required that. I looked up
[50:59]
some information to try to make my decisions based on
[51:01]
data more than anything else. It's been said that figures
[51:04]
lie and liars figure. So I want to just give
[51:11]
you some figures, and I want my colleagues to have
[51:14]
those same figures that I had access to and drew
[51:17]
upon. There's been discussion over this fee not changing for
[51:23]
19 years. And I've said it before. This is a
[51:29]
decision around what it costs to build the infrastructure that
[51:31]
we're asked to. Build. We continually are told that we're
[51:35]
behind in infrastructure. We need more infrastructure. We hear it.
[51:39]
All the time. Well, then you have to come down
[51:42]
to the point of what is that infrastructure cost to
[51:45]
build? And I think that we've all seen costs of
[51:48]
everything. Over the last 19 years go up. And so
[51:54]
the cost of these infrastructure improvements, the roads, the intersections,
[51:58]
roundabouts, traffic signals, all the things that are required. Road
[52:02]
widening. To accommodate. Those 27,000 new homes for the last
[52:08]
five years to accommodate. The automobiles. The bicycles, all of
[52:13]
it. The widening and the different types of traffic control
[52:19]
devices required to make that movement safe. Needs to be
[52:24]
put in place, and that comes at a price. And
[52:28]
so to blame the affordability of housing. On the investment
[52:35]
required to provide the infrastructure that's necessary for it. Might
[52:40]
be a little short sighted, and I just wanted to
[52:41]
share with you a little bit of information. That causes
[52:45]
me to think that. If we go back to the
[52:47]
five year period between 2015 and 2020. I'm sorry. The
[52:53]
median. Cost of a new construction home. In Cape Gorell
[53:02]
went from $227,730. In 2015. To
[53:09]
$236,223. In 2020. That represented a 3.7%
[53:19]
increase over five years. From 2020 to 2025. That
[53:27]
236,223 went to $399,000. That is a 69.
[53:37]
Percent increase. In just the cost of the home. From
[53:44]
21 to 22. That price went from $355,000 to
[53:51]
$455,000. In one year. No one came to the podium
[53:59]
and said, builders, you can't charge that much for a
[54:02]
home. The reason why they had to charge that much
[54:06]
for a home is because that's what the cost of
[54:09]
materials. Caused them to do. It wasn't a choice of
[54:16]
let's decide to gouge the public because everyone wants to
[54:19]
live here. So let's charge outlandish money and get huge
[54:23]
profits. So studies are done and we call upon experts
[54:28]
to tell us what do these roads and these improvements
[54:31]
cost. The county. Lee county did that in 2018. And
[54:39]
that's where that almost $10,000 number comes from. Yet in
[54:45]
2018, the City of Cape Coral did not increase anything
[54:49]
from the $3,300 to go to the ten grand. So
[54:54]
when we looked at this, we had another study done,
[54:57]
just like Lee county did. So in 2024, that study
[55:02]
came back and said, it's not 10,000, it's 14,000. And
[55:07]
when that number came out. All hell broke loose. And
[55:14]
that's where the negotiation and the discussions with CccIa Lee
[55:18]
bia came in. And said, That's a huge increase. It
[55:23]
could really cripple us. So what do we do to
[55:26]
still be able to afford the infrastructure improvements necessary for
[55:30]
the growth? To attempt in some way to have growth,
[55:32]
pay for growth. And so that 1600 $700. That would
[55:41]
go into effect in year one of this implementation would
[55:44]
take that $399,000 home. And move it to 400,000. 662.
[55:55]
That's an increase of point. 4%. In the cost. Of
[56:02]
the home. By full implementation in 2029. It would take
[56:08]
that $399,000 home, assuming there have been no increases in
[56:13]
material costs which everybody that knows anything about building in
[56:16]
this room between now and 2029, those prices are going
[56:20]
to go up. So will the cost of the asphalt,
[56:24]
the labor, the paint, the lights, everything required for the
[56:28]
infrastructure. Yet at the end of. Those four years in
[56:35]
2029, that $399,000 house, assuming no markup by the builder
[56:42]
takes the home to 405 649. So over that entire
[56:46]
four year period, the increase to the actual house itself.
[56:51]
Will go up by 1.7%. So we can talk about
[56:56]
12% and 20% and 50% and all those percents. That
[57:00]
we want to, but the actual house itself and the
[57:02]
affordability. Of the house. Is dependent upon. What does it
[57:07]
cost to build the house? And if that mobility fee
[57:13]
is put in place, the actual affordability of the home
[57:17]
does not go up by those multidigit percentages. It simply
[57:23]
helps provide the money to build the roads to make
[57:26]
it safe to get from house. To house, from house
[57:29]
to public. And so. It's tough for me, and I've
[57:34]
been lobbied tremendously personally. But I thought it was fair
[57:40]
for me to share those numbers, to bring some type
[57:45]
of objectivity. This instead of hearing these $50,000 amounts and
[57:51]
29% and 300%. To really get down to the brass
[57:56]
tax of what's the check that needs to be written
[57:59]
to buy that house. And if there's. No build or
[58:05]
markup. In that mobility fee. Over four years, we're talking
[58:10]
about 1.7%. So while I am certainly not in favor
[58:18]
of increasing the cost of housing, I am interested in
[58:23]
having the infrastructure necessary that our city has been demanding.
[58:28]
And having at least a portion of the dollars available
[58:32]
to provide that infrastructure and maintain the safety that our
[58:36]
city is proud of. So I'll be. Supporting. This change.
[58:42]
Thank you, mayor. Council member Kilwick. Thank you, councilman members.
[58:46]
Thank you. It's very enlightening. My take on this is
[58:51]
I started from a different approach. I looked at the
[58:56]
project list that's identified for the mobility plan. And I
[59:01]
tried to use some common sense in it and looked
[59:03]
at the things. They're really related to increasing traffic or
[59:08]
decreasing traffic and improving. Road capacity, which is our primary
[59:13]
focus in the short term, and then kind of scaling
[59:17]
the things. That are kind of evolving technologies that may
[59:21]
not be readily available to us either now or in
[59:25]
the future in the near term. And looking at those
[59:29]
things that make good common sense from a capacity standpoint.
[59:33]
And if you factor those in. With that long list
[59:37]
of bottoms, I'm told that. List that was put together
[59:40]
is probably $2 billion over that period of time. And
[59:45]
if you look at the potential, even at the higher
[59:48]
numbers that we are looking, we could develop. A half
[59:52]
a billion dollars. In fees during that same period of
[59:55]
time, so we're not going to be able to cover
[59:56]
everything. So my thought process on this was to use
[1:00:00]
just common sense. And look at the traffic. And capacity.
[1:00:07]
Capabilities within that and front load those. And having said
[1:00:11]
that, we know that. I'll tell you on my campaigning
[1:00:16]
all last year. The issues were brought up about infrastructure
[1:00:20]
not keeping up with development and. We're building so quickly.
[1:00:26]
That infrastructure just can't keep up, and we're not taking
[1:00:28]
care of business in that area. To the extent that
[1:00:33]
the materials used within that infrastructure development have increased dramatically
[1:00:39]
as everyone's aware of that. And we're not talking about
[1:00:42]
a 3% increase over the years. We're talking about significant
[1:00:45]
increases. In some of the raw materials. A lot of
[1:00:49]
them are petroleum based, and it really is driven the
[1:00:52]
cost up. So. In the large scheme of things, I
[1:00:57]
think it's important that we go ahead and we do
[1:00:59]
increase. Those fees to a reasonable level. And the reasonability
[1:01:05]
brought into this. Was. First of all, we have some
[1:01:10]
statutory requirements. That if we don't take action now, could
[1:01:16]
prevent us from being. Able to regroup and adjust as
[1:01:21]
necessary in the future. So I was trying to look
[1:01:25]
at a manner in which we could kill two birds
[1:01:27]
with 1 st. And I think city staff has done
[1:01:30]
this to some extent in which they establish a fee
[1:01:34]
basis. And then look at the discounting mechanism upon that
[1:01:38]
fee. And significant deep discounts in the beginning so that
[1:01:44]
the sticker shock is lessened. But also reflecting some of
[1:01:49]
the costs that councilman Stanky said. In the overall cost
[1:01:54]
of things. It's really a much lower percentage than the
[1:01:59]
30 or 40% you might be talking about. It's a
[1:02:03]
lot more like the two or 3% capping on an
[1:02:07]
incremental basis of the cost of a home, and it
[1:02:10]
does provide that incremental capability. In cost coverage for infrastructure
[1:02:17]
development that we need. To start catching up on and
[1:02:21]
improving with new growth. New growth needs to pay for
[1:02:24]
that new growth, at least to some extent. And I
[1:02:28]
think that this can help make up some of the
[1:02:30]
ground. I think that by using a discounting mechanism, it
[1:02:33]
satisfies both the statutory capability that we established a higher
[1:02:39]
fee. For discounting deeply on that fee, and we can
[1:02:43]
evaluate that during the four years. We don't have to
[1:02:47]
impose those higher fees during the years if we want
[1:02:51]
to continue. That discount at a deeper level than we're
[1:02:54]
projecting. So based on that, I think that there's some
[1:02:57]
reasonability in the manner in which we're looking at doing
[1:03:00]
this. And based on that, I would like to make
[1:03:04]
sure that we are at least keeping up with infrastructure
[1:03:07]
to some extent and not getting ourselves in a deeper
[1:03:11]
hole than we already are in and to that extent,
[1:03:14]
I'm going to be supporting this, so thank you. Thank
[1:03:18]
you. I guess I'll jump in here real quick. Again.
[1:03:22]
This is a difficult one for me as well. When
[1:03:25]
you take a look. At the needs of the city.
[1:03:29]
I think it's important. At this mobility. Fee. What it
[1:03:33]
did was identify the needs that we have in the
[1:03:36]
city. Right now, we have about 220,000 people in this
[1:03:40]
city. If not one more person comes. To this city
[1:03:45]
or moves to the city. The needs that were outlined.
[1:03:49]
A majority of the needs that were outlined in a
[1:03:51]
mobility fee are still here. So I think it's important
[1:03:55]
to kind of recognize that. The needs. Are here now.
[1:04:03]
And those needs will only grow as the city grows.
[1:04:08]
If we're at 220,000 people. And we're going to be
[1:04:13]
a population of 400,000 at buildout. We're over halfway. And
[1:04:20]
we have a 220,000 residents here. I guess I look
[1:04:23]
at it a little differently. I do believe that growth
[1:04:27]
should pay for growth. But also, I don't think that
[1:04:32]
growth should pay for 100% of the deficiencies. That we
[1:04:36]
have today that are outlined and the mobility plan. And
[1:04:41]
if you look at the mobility plan, some of the
[1:04:43]
things as a council, through our discussions has already eliminated
[1:04:47]
some of those projects that are in there now. Granted,
[1:04:51]
I think. Just on a residential aspect of it. We
[1:04:57]
were up around $15,000 in that neighborhood. Of where. The
[1:05:03]
consultant advised us to be in our mobility fee, and
[1:05:07]
we decided to land back at about. The same rate
[1:05:11]
of the county, which is $9,996. Madam C. Clerk, if
[1:05:18]
you could put that paper that I put together up
[1:05:21]
on the projection. Now. This only covers the residential component.
[1:05:29]
This. Does not outline any of the commercial fees. But
[1:05:35]
the methodology is pretty much the same. If you take
[1:05:39]
a look at this particular. Chart that I put together
[1:05:44]
right now here in the city, we're paying $3,347. Per
[1:05:48]
dwelling unit for any residential. Construction. That happens as an
[1:05:54]
impact fee. Here in the city, we've had that rate
[1:05:58]
as you've heard for 19 years. I personally believe, and
[1:06:03]
I think all my colleagues would probably, and maybe even
[1:06:07]
city staff, maybe where we did a disservice along the
[1:06:10]
way is for 19 years, this fee hasn't. Changed. And
[1:06:16]
I think that we have to own that. And recognize
[1:06:19]
that. So we're partly to blame why we're here today.
[1:06:25]
We landed. On. The residential mobility fee at 9996 per
[1:06:34]
dwelling unit, which is where the county is right now.
[1:06:38]
Now. They were given about a 50% discount. They have
[1:06:41]
been since 2018. So that gives us an increase of
[1:06:45]
66 49. Now if you can maybe shrink that up
[1:06:49]
a little bit, if you would, so we could see.
[1:06:53]
The whole chart, if that's possible. Or scoot it up.
[1:06:55]
What? I did one thing. We haven't heard about. In
[1:06:59]
our discussions is we've heard that twelve and a half
[1:07:01]
percent many times. What's that mean? And how long would
[1:07:06]
it take us to get to that number that we
[1:07:09]
had picked of 99, 96, about nine and a half
[1:07:12]
years. So what I did was I took our current
[1:07:15]
rate, I added twelve and a half percent each and
[1:07:17]
every year so it would take us about nine and
[1:07:20]
a half years in order to get to that 99.
[1:07:24]
96 if we used the twelve and a half percent
[1:07:27]
rule. The plan that we discussed was given a discount
[1:07:32]
over a four year period. And as you can see
[1:07:36]
in the lower section, We would apply that one. $662.25
[1:07:43]
each year over a four year period. So it would
[1:07:47]
take our first year increase at about 49.7% or second
[1:07:51]
year increase. At 33.2 our third year at 24.9. In
[1:07:57]
our fourth year at 20%. Now, I think it's also
[1:08:01]
important to mention. Nd impact fees that we have now
[1:08:06]
are road impact fees. If you haven't raised your impact
[1:08:10]
fee over the last five years. You are not allowed
[1:08:16]
to exercise the extraordinary circumstances. I think it's important to
[1:08:23]
try to mention what is the definition of that. Unfortunately,
[1:08:26]
our state legislators did not. Really identify what that meaning
[1:08:32]
was. So that leaves us upon us. To try to
[1:08:38]
define what extraordinary circumstances. Now, staff has said one of
[1:08:43]
the elements that. We are going to use as our
[1:08:47]
extraordinary circumstance, and we have several bullet points on one
[1:08:52]
of the slide presentations, but one of the elements is
[1:08:56]
our growth over the years. So what I did is.
[1:09:01]
I asked. Our staff this week to come up. And,
[1:09:05]
Betty, if you could put this chart up, this is
[1:09:07]
something that staff provided on assessed values. Over the last
[1:09:13]
several years, from 2015 up to present. And I also
[1:09:21]
had asked on the assessed values to identify. The growth
[1:09:27]
each year that was just for new construction, because that's
[1:09:31]
one of the things that we are using. As far
[1:09:35]
as the criteria. For extraordinary circumstances. So, as you can
[1:09:41]
see on the projection error over the last since 2015,
[1:09:46]
We'll just take that year. We had a little bit
[1:09:48]
over $10 billion in taxable. Assessed values and 114,000,000 of
[1:09:53]
that was new construction, which is about 8.5%. And you
[1:09:58]
can go through the years there, 1617. It stayed fairly
[1:10:02]
consistent of about 7.3 to about 9.56%, with an average
[1:10:09]
from 25 to 21, about 8.25%. Of the total assessed
[1:10:15]
value in the city. Is what was equated to the
[1:10:19]
actual growth, the new construction. Of the growth in our
[1:10:23]
city as far as the assessed values. In 2022, that
[1:10:29]
raised to ten point 88%. And 23, 23.55, which is
[1:10:36]
the highest year, and that's kind of the numbers. That
[1:10:39]
you had mentioned, council member stanky. When you look at
[1:10:43]
your numbers that same year having that big spike, 2024,
[1:10:49]
it dropped down to about 15.63. In 2025 adopted. About
[1:10:58]
twelve point 64% was new construction of the total assessed
[1:11:02]
value. And here for 2026. We're back down to the
[1:11:07]
average. Which a little below average compared to 2015, to
[1:11:13]
22 of a little over 8%. So when you look
[1:11:17]
at those numbers for me? And you look at the
[1:11:21]
growth. That we are trying to utilize for extraordinary circumstances,
[1:11:27]
except for those four years. That were much different. The
[1:11:32]
rest of the time has been fairly consistent as far
[1:11:35]
as new growth. Is concerned now. Our city is growing.
[1:11:39]
Immensely. Another thing I wanted to show Betty, if you
[1:11:44]
could put up. I wanted to look at the closings.
[1:11:48]
That we've had. Over the last five years. And I
[1:11:54]
went to the mls. Or I should say my wife.
[1:11:57]
So I want to thank her for the data. But
[1:12:01]
I went to the MLS and I wanted to look
[1:12:04]
at residential closings that we've. Had since 2019. Again, this
[1:12:12]
is residential closings only. In 2019. This is only in
[1:12:17]
the city of Cape Coral. 6174 closings. In 20, we
[1:12:23]
had 69, 55, which is about a nine and a
[1:12:26]
half percent increase. And 21 was a 15% increase. 22.
[1:12:33]
That same 23% popped up like you saw in the
[1:12:37]
previous. Saliva when we talked about growth. In 2023, there
[1:12:43]
was a 14% decline in closings. In 24, it almost
[1:12:49]
stayed constant. As you can see, there only a difference
[1:12:53]
of somewhere about 14. Closings. The difference between. 23 and
[1:12:59]
24. And as of December 1. I'm sorry, September 1
[1:13:04]
of this year, there were 3873. Closings. I divided that
[1:13:10]
by nine since there was nine months average of 430
[1:13:14]
per month. And I times that by twelve to try
[1:13:16]
to get a projection, and that gives us a projection.
[1:13:19]
Of about 5164. Closings this year, which was a little
[1:13:24]
less than 10%. Compared to 2024. So this shows that
[1:13:30]
we are declining each and every year. With our closings.
[1:13:37]
For me. What I'm having a struggle with is the
[1:13:40]
extraordinary circumstances. You heard stabs presentation today? I didn't really
[1:13:46]
hear. Anything regarding that. And that is one of the
[1:13:50]
elements. If the eight of us doesn't feel that. There's
[1:13:56]
extraordinary circumstances. Then it doesn't really matter. What that impact
[1:14:01]
fee is because. We've been told by Florida statute that
[1:14:07]
in order. To exceed the twelve and a half percent.
[1:14:11]
We must meet the threshold of the extraordinary circumstances. The
[1:14:17]
data again. I'm data driven, just like council member Steinkey
[1:14:20]
had mentioned. I'm. Data driven. I know that we have
[1:14:24]
more population coming to the city. As I said earlier
[1:14:29]
on. We have needs today. Even if not one more
[1:14:35]
person comes. To the city. There are identified needs that
[1:14:40]
we have. Road improvements, intersection improvements, access management. More sidewalks.
[1:14:46]
There's a lot of things for me. What I'm struggling
[1:14:49]
with is. To put that on the next 180,000 people
[1:14:53]
that come. Versus the 220,000 that are already here. I
[1:14:58]
think that should be a shared partnership. And I live
[1:15:03]
here in the city. I don't mind sharing in to
[1:15:06]
that philosophy, so. To sit here and say that. We
[1:15:11]
need improvements. And only base it upon the new people
[1:15:14]
that are coming. To the city. I'm struggling with that.
[1:15:20]
The other thing is, as I said, the extraordinary circumstances.
[1:15:26]
For me at this point. I haven't. Seen or had
[1:15:31]
outlined exactly what those extraordinary circumstances are for me to
[1:15:36]
be able to move forward. Over and above the twelve
[1:15:39]
and a half percent. That's where I'm at. At this
[1:15:44]
point, so unless something changes my mind, In these discussions.
[1:15:50]
I'm 100% on board with nobility fees. I just don't
[1:15:55]
know if we've risen to the level of extraordinary circumstances.
[1:16:01]
To apply the rate over the twelve and a half
[1:16:03]
percent. And the difference? Like I mentioned before, we're talking
[1:16:10]
nine and a half years. Versus four years. So it's
[1:16:17]
not a huge difference. But there is a difference. Of
[1:16:20]
course, if you look at the money that we generated,
[1:16:23]
if we do it sooner rather than later. We'd be
[1:16:26]
able to do more projects sooner rather than later. So
[1:16:30]
no matter where the decision is today, And the discount
[1:16:35]
that we're giving, we're still not going to be able
[1:16:37]
to address all of the needs in the city, as
[1:16:41]
council member Kilrain said. The needs or the income that
[1:16:44]
we're trying to generate. Is going not to even come
[1:16:48]
close to the needs that are outlined in the deficiencies
[1:16:52]
with the infrastructure. So we're going to have to find
[1:16:54]
that common balance somewhere, no matter what. So that's where
[1:16:59]
I'm at at this point. So with that, we'll move
[1:17:02]
on to council member last. Thank you, mayor. I really
[1:17:06]
appreciate your analysis. This was very helpful to see. And
[1:17:12]
going into this and reviewing this over the weekend, and
[1:17:15]
then my meeting yesterday with the city. Manager. I have
[1:17:18]
concerns as well. Especially. With the circumstances. And in addition
[1:17:24]
to. I know we had said we wanted to be
[1:17:26]
in line. With Lee county. But if you look at
[1:17:29]
this over four years, In my area where I live.
[1:17:34]
In year four, we're looking at a 92% increase. I
[1:17:37]
know that a big part. Of our job is to
[1:17:39]
always plan for the future. And I think, as Mr.
[1:17:43]
Darling stated, This would definitely deter. Future building in our
[1:17:50]
city with this type of an increase. To see your
[1:17:55]
chart here, Mayor, over a ten year period is very
[1:17:58]
helpful, and this is just this straight. 12.5%. It does
[1:18:03]
not include the discount, correct? That's correct. That's just straight
[1:18:07]
twelve and a half percent each and every year. Yeah.
[1:18:11]
I have a real hard time with it. I'm not
[1:18:14]
there yet. I will wait. And hear from our other
[1:18:18]
colleagues. And then council member stanky when you gave a
[1:18:23]
lot of perspective between. 2015 and 2023.7% increase versus 2020
[1:18:30]
to 2025 69%. And I'm assuming that's the cost of
[1:18:35]
building materials, because we saw how much they increased even
[1:18:39]
after Irma. And then for sure after Ian. So I'm
[1:18:43]
assuming that's building supply increase that. Was probably passed down.
[1:18:48]
And at a 92% increase to build, let's say, in
[1:18:50]
the southwest where I live. I can't see a builder
[1:18:55]
not transferring that down to the home builder, for example.
[1:19:03]
And. As residents have stated. It's a challenging time right
[1:19:11]
now in our economy, and I know we have to
[1:19:13]
plan for the future. But I'm just not there yet.
[1:19:16]
I can't wrap my head around that big. Of an
[1:19:19]
increase over four years. Thank you, mayor. Council member Lehman.
[1:19:24]
No comment. I'm sorry. Council member long. Thank you, mayor.
[1:19:30]
I guess, starting with the extraordinary circumstances you had said
[1:19:34]
you struggled with that. And you were going to wait
[1:19:37]
and see if we were able to persuade you otherwise.
[1:19:40]
But we might not be able to persuade you of
[1:19:42]
that. But I think, frankly, that's not our job. I
[1:19:44]
think it's the job of our city attorney that we
[1:19:46]
just gave. Golding remarks to during his evaluation and agreed
[1:19:49]
to raise his pay to over $300,000 so the idea
[1:19:53]
that that gentleman who we look to for legal guidance
[1:19:57]
is okay with us moving forward in this process, but
[1:20:00]
yet. A few people come to the podium and suggest
[1:20:02]
otherwise. It's crazy and, frankly, dereliction of our duty. If
[1:20:07]
we so. Quickly change our opinions based on legal guidance
[1:20:11]
other than that of our own. So that's an easy
[1:20:14]
one for me. I didn't even really dig into that,
[1:20:16]
frankly, that's. Not something. Miss Shayern, do you have anything
[1:20:18]
to say other than. What I am going to say.
[1:20:22]
Is. Statutorily, we are in compliance with the ability based
[1:20:26]
upon the extraordinary circumstances. Study it. Sets forth the basis
[1:20:30]
for. And identifies one through eight as to legally justify
[1:20:35]
why it is that we're permitted to go beyond that.
[1:20:37]
So that does exist. I know that this has been
[1:20:40]
spoken about several times. I know that. I don't think
[1:20:42]
staff is really mentioning today, but the ordinance does. In
[1:20:46]
fact. Recognize and accepts. The justification for exceeding that 12.5%
[1:20:52]
that presently exists under state law. Right. Thank you. Simple
[1:20:54]
as that for me, at least as far as the
[1:20:56]
legal component. That's why we have a city attorney. Otherwise,
[1:20:58]
what's the use? So for us, some of us to
[1:21:00]
sit. Up here and say that we struggle with it.
[1:21:03]
That's pretty bizarre to me. Everyone else has been pretty
[1:21:07]
long winded, so this is something that I support. The
[1:21:11]
data drives it, we wouldn't be here otherwise. The people
[1:21:14]
that we heard from today. I respect them. They have
[1:21:17]
a job to do, just like I have. But they're
[1:21:20]
not here to advocate for the working class. They're here
[1:21:22]
to advocate. For their pocketbooks. And so you take a
[1:21:25]
look at the last two years, like one of the
[1:21:26]
speakers said. Let's take a look. I think a lot
[1:21:29]
of it is rooted in greed that inevitably ended up
[1:21:31]
in this conclusion here that we face today. And so
[1:21:34]
for them to say after the money is made and
[1:21:36]
the floor falls out, point the finger at the government
[1:21:39]
and cry foul. That's ludicrous. I'm not going to sit
[1:21:41]
here and be scapegoated. By these individuals that played a
[1:21:45]
significant role in. The issues that we face. Affordability. I
[1:21:51]
don't see any individuals here. Or their members providing any
[1:21:56]
discounts to the working class when they're buying homes. I
[1:22:00]
don't see the Realtors association, any of those members giving
[1:22:02]
any discounts to working class individuals looking to purchase homes,
[1:22:06]
but yet they stand here before us today and point
[1:22:08]
the finger. At us and say, oh, you guys are
[1:22:10]
eliminating the working class. I'm not going to allow it.
[1:22:14]
This is something that I strongly. Support. I have supported
[1:22:16]
it since the beginning. I believe we had several cows
[1:22:19]
on this and a majority of us did support it.
[1:22:21]
The amount of discussion that we've had today, frankly surprising.
[1:22:24]
And again leads me to believe that cow is more
[1:22:29]
or less are useless. But that's another discussion. So, yeah,
[1:22:33]
this is something I support. And we'll continue to support.
[1:22:35]
Thank you. Council member Donnell. You call me back?
[1:22:45]
Tell us how you really feel comfortable. I love that.
[1:22:48]
You don't want to hear that. That was a sugar
[1:22:54]
coated. But seriously. You talked about it. And I was
[1:23:03]
the one that was sitting here back when we paused
[1:23:05]
way back when, and I feel some of my type
[1:23:07]
of responsibility, because what we neglected to do was put
[1:23:10]
in a restart. But that's in the past. What happened
[1:23:13]
here? That plan is solid. It's a solid plan. And
[1:23:19]
we've gone through it and we've talked about it. It's
[1:23:20]
a solid plan. The only concern I have is when
[1:23:24]
we leave. We had this chamber here. Thank you for
[1:23:26]
being. Here. We have bia. Thank you. We have realtors.
[1:23:30]
Thank you. We have the community involved. And that's one
[1:23:33]
of the things that I really look forward to. So
[1:23:35]
we have that voice. Don't think that it just falls
[1:23:39]
on dead ears. At least not for me. I don't
[1:23:41]
think. It falls as that is for anyone, honestly. The
[1:23:45]
problem is from the beginning, when this first thing went,
[1:23:47]
look at what this council did, and you hear the.
[1:23:50]
You just hear what we're talking about when it first
[1:23:53]
hit. That astronomical number. Everybody got together. We said. The
[1:23:57]
council said, look, we got to do something about. It.
[1:24:00]
We got to do something about it. But what I
[1:24:02]
heard back then was twelve and a. Half percent. From
[1:24:05]
the very first time I heard twelve and a half
[1:24:06]
percent. The council went. Went, and staff went back, and
[1:24:10]
Pete went back and worked and then worked in. And
[1:24:12]
talked and came back and moved off of that and
[1:24:15]
have. Everyone has data. You get to support your position.
[1:24:19]
What I'm saying to you and I. Had mentioned to
[1:24:21]
a number of them, I said, okay. What is it
[1:24:24]
I hear you saying? Twelve and a half percent, but
[1:24:26]
it has to be something. This is the number. Where
[1:24:29]
can we meet? And today what I'm hearing is twelve
[1:24:33]
and a half percent. The extraordinary circumstance. I couldn't agree
[1:24:37]
more. All right. If you just take that to the
[1:24:41]
side. The point is, where do we meet from twelve
[1:24:43]
and. A half percent to what council is trying to
[1:24:45]
do. I haven't heard that on that. End. And that's
[1:24:48]
a little bit disappointing for me because we're at the
[1:24:51]
same place where you were when you started. But you've
[1:24:54]
seen how staff and council is moving. To show that
[1:24:56]
we're working together, at least trying to get through a
[1:24:59]
difficult situation. Please. Don't think that for any amount that
[1:25:03]
we're just. Oh, we're not. Listening to you, but on
[1:25:05]
this one, I'm done. In my comments. That's why I
[1:25:09]
will be supporting it. And we would just have to
[1:25:11]
work through it. Council member Stanky. Yeah. Thank you, mayor.
[1:25:17]
I wanted to chime in as it relates to. The
[1:25:21]
growth, paying for growth, but not laying it all upon
[1:25:25]
the future. People that, the people that. Are currently residents
[1:25:28]
here will benefit from these as well. I couldn't agree
[1:25:32]
more. And I believe, going back to council member Killrane's
[1:25:36]
point, even if we take a look. At the revenues
[1:25:41]
raised by the mobility fees being somewhere in the 500
[1:25:44]
million dollar range against. A tab of $2 billion. Well.
[1:25:53]
If the roads have to be built, then the money's
[1:25:55]
going to come from somewhere. And it's going to come
[1:25:59]
from the current residence. So for it to happen. For
[1:26:05]
that road to be built, for that intersection to be
[1:26:07]
established. The money is going to come from somewhere. There
[1:26:11]
will be a cost share. So the funds required. For
[1:26:17]
each one of the projects. I believe that the money
[1:26:21]
is generated. From the attempt to have growth, pay for
[1:26:25]
growth. And have that come from the mobility fee. And
[1:26:30]
I also heard. This is a new fee. It's a
[1:26:34]
replacement fee. The impact is going away. So it's not
[1:26:39]
something on top of impact. Impact's going away and the
[1:26:42]
mobility fee replaces it, and the actual fee itself is
[1:26:46]
adjusted based on the current cost. Of what those dollars
[1:26:51]
are segregated to be used for. So I do believe
[1:26:58]
that our current residents will be. Footing part of the
[1:27:02]
bill. And it's going to be that difference in between
[1:27:06]
that 500 million. And the 2 billion that's been thrown
[1:27:10]
around as far as the actual cost versus the actual
[1:27:14]
amount of money raised. And I also believe that that
[1:27:17]
$2 billion number. Includes wants. As councilmer Killrain. Made alluded
[1:27:25]
to and. Some of those wants will go away and
[1:27:29]
they won't be implemented. It'll be done on a strategic
[1:27:32]
priority basis and a public safety basis. I'm still in
[1:27:37]
support of having the funds necessary to provide the infrastructure
[1:27:40]
that the city needs. And. I appreciate the opportunity. Thanks.
[1:27:48]
Council member Kilbrick? Yeah. Strategic claim at the same place
[1:27:51]
I. Was at the beginning of this discussion. And I
[1:27:55]
spoke with Bia and. I spoke with. Palm coast. I
[1:28:01]
think you understand my position on this. That. First of
[1:28:05]
all, strategically, we're hamstrung by what the statute says. The
[1:28:10]
statute says if you don't do it now, you can't
[1:28:12]
do it. So I would like to keep that as
[1:28:15]
a nation a whole, to be able to have that.
[1:28:17]
Capability. To be able to evaluate over the years and
[1:28:22]
see where we need to move it. If we have
[1:28:24]
to move it, and it may be less than what
[1:28:27]
we're thinking about now. It may be more, but I
[1:28:29]
don't know what it might be, and I don't. Think
[1:28:31]
any of us can really predict that based on the
[1:28:34]
cost of materials going up the way they have been
[1:28:37]
and are likely to continue to be. At a lesser
[1:28:39]
pace, but still a significant pace because we know an
[1:28:42]
infrastructure costs us again. That extraordinary piece allows us to
[1:28:50]
do that, whether or not. It's of value for us
[1:28:55]
to consider that wholeheartedly as being the basis for this.
[1:28:59]
I don't think we can. I think, though, that. We
[1:29:03]
have to trip that requirement in order to be able
[1:29:06]
to be in a position in future. Years to take
[1:29:09]
advantage of this because the number we set today is
[1:29:11]
our legacy going into the future for a long period
[1:29:15]
of time. So to miss on this is very difficult
[1:29:19]
to do it. Could hamstring the city's development for a
[1:29:22]
long time. There's no doubt that cash cow for Cape
[1:29:26]
Carl has been and will continue to be. For many
[1:29:30]
years. The building trades industry. There's no doubt about it.
[1:29:34]
We need to protect that industry. We need to reinforce
[1:29:37]
that industry. We need to make sure that that industry
[1:29:40]
is developing those dollars and the income and the jobs
[1:29:43]
that we have here, that is our cash cow. No
[1:29:46]
one's going to dispute that, and we got to protect
[1:29:49]
it. In order to do that, though, I think that
[1:29:52]
we also have to make sure that we make. This
[1:29:55]
compatible from. A new resident coming in here standpoint, from
[1:29:59]
an infrastructure standpoint, and there is no doubt that. The
[1:30:04]
last few years. We've gotten behind. An infrastructure, and we
[1:30:08]
have to bring ourselves up on that level. And again,
[1:30:14]
What those things? New will pay for some of the
[1:30:16]
new. But there are things that. The base requirement of
[1:30:21]
the current residents are probably going to end up picking
[1:30:24]
up. And I said, that in the beginning. We can't
[1:30:27]
really rely on new to build all of it. But
[1:30:30]
there's a portion of it that it may is reasonable
[1:30:32]
and common sense for them to contribute to and. Their
[1:30:36]
current residents will contribute to. That's why the discounting mechanism,
[1:30:41]
I think, is very meaningful in applying to this. It
[1:30:45]
establishes strategically that high point. That we trip the statute
[1:30:49]
with, but gives us the leverage to control. The number
[1:30:53]
to make common sense going forward so that compatible can
[1:30:57]
be planned for and done in a matter where the
[1:31:00]
vendors can work out with many of the builders. Accommodations
[1:31:07]
to be able to at least make that a palletable
[1:31:10]
and control upon compatible number. So my strategic focus on
[1:31:15]
this, it hasn't changed. Well, let's get us into position
[1:31:20]
so that if we have to, we can take advantage.
[1:31:22]
Of, I think. Our consultant, David Farmer, indicated that even
[1:31:27]
if things slow down to what is a common pace
[1:31:31]
here, we're still going to be doing. 2000 to 2500.
[1:31:36]
New permits a year. That is not slow growth, that
[1:31:40]
is fast growth. And just because we're running. 400. 500.
[1:31:46]
Doesn't mean that anything's going to be less in the
[1:31:48]
future than. What is normal fast growth. So I think
[1:31:55]
that. We really have to make sure that we're at
[1:31:58]
least covering a good portion of the cost for the
[1:32:00]
infrastructure structure development with some of the new, and if
[1:32:03]
that means another two or 3% in houses. I think
[1:32:07]
we're going to have to just address that. Thank you.
[1:32:11]
I appreciate it. All right, just one last comment for
[1:32:15]
me is when I take a look at this. We've
[1:32:19]
heard from many industries throughout the city. I know. I've
[1:32:25]
gotten some emails from people that recently purchased lots that
[1:32:28]
we'll be building. Houses here next year. I guess what
[1:32:32]
I was trying to do is come up with some
[1:32:34]
type. Of a compromise with that? Twelve and a half
[1:32:37]
percent. I knew it would take us a little. Over
[1:32:39]
nine years to get there versus four years. I agree
[1:32:43]
with the 99 96. Than the four years that we
[1:32:47]
had discussed before. So I guess that's where I'm at
[1:32:50]
when I look at extraordinary circumstances, one thing. For the
[1:32:48]
residential dwelling units. The commercial rates that we applied that
[1:32:52]
are very similar to Lee counties. I guess for me,
[1:32:55]
it was just a little longer to get there.
[1:33:07]
Jumps out at me. The only extraordinary circumstance that I
[1:33:11]
see. That has changed. If you look back over the
[1:33:16]
last five years or so, Is the state legislation. Passed
[1:33:21]
a law that goes into effect October 1. And the
[1:33:26]
reason that we are hurrying this process up is because
[1:33:31]
once that October 1 deadline gets here. Then our hands
[1:33:36]
are somewhat tied. That's the truth of the matter. And
[1:33:42]
to me. If you want to talk about our extraordinary
[1:33:45]
circumstance, something that's out of the norm. That's exactly what
[1:33:50]
we're talking about. Council member last mayor I'd like to
[1:33:53]
call a question, please. All right. We have a council
[1:33:57]
member long called a question. And a second, madam. City
[1:34:02]
clerk, please call the road. Last row. No. Lehman? No.
[1:34:06]
Long aye. Steinki? No. Done now. No center, no Caduk,
[1:34:14]
no kill rain, no. One eye, seven nays. Motion failed.
[1:34:21]
Council member Lasser. Thank you. Sorry. Council member long. I.
[1:34:25]
Just have to ask a few more questions. So, Mr.
[1:34:31]
City manager, because of what the marriages said regarding state
[1:34:34]
statute, we can't even consider going beyond a four year
[1:34:40]
spread? In other words, could we lengthen it to nine
[1:34:44]
years? Or ten years. Mr. City attorney, I'm going to
[1:34:46]
defer. Limited to four. We're limited to four. Four because
[1:34:51]
of the percentage increase. As I hear, twelve and a
[1:34:55]
half. You're going to be going between 26 up to
[1:34:57]
50%, and it requires four years. Okay. And when we
[1:35:02]
talked about this in the cow and we said that
[1:35:06]
we wanted to be in line with Lee county and
[1:35:09]
forgive me, I don't remember the number. How much over
[1:35:12]
were we at twelve and a half percent or we
[1:35:14]
went over that in some cases, correct? We're at Lee
[1:35:19]
county in four years. Right. And in four years. And
[1:35:23]
that would require. These double digit increases. These 49.7%, then
[1:35:31]
33, then 24, then 20, ramping up and then going
[1:35:34]
down. Correct. It's a straight line increase. And because. Your
[1:35:41]
denominator is growing every year, then you're seeing a percentage
[1:35:44]
decrease, but it's a straight line decrease. A straight line
[1:35:47]
increase. Okay.
[1:36:01]
All right. Thank you, mayor. I think it's important to
[1:36:05]
mention I'm not an attorney, but I can read, and
[1:36:08]
I can read the statute. The statute says, and I
[1:36:13]
don't think the city attorney gave us the whole picture.
[1:36:17]
On your question. The statute says that we can raise
[1:36:21]
the impact fee twelve and a half percent. For a
[1:36:25]
period of four years that doesn't exceed 50%, and we
[1:36:28]
do not have. To apply the extraordinary circumstance. If we
[1:36:35]
do it today before October 1. Only two thirds of
[1:36:40]
this council has to approve it after October 1 if
[1:36:44]
we want to. Invoke the extraordinary circumstance. We still can,
[1:36:49]
as long as we show the need. But we have
[1:36:52]
to do it by 100%. Of a vote from the
[1:36:57]
eight of us. So that's what the statute says. So
[1:37:00]
I. Just want to make sure that you. Understood that
[1:37:04]
perfectly. Council member Stanky. Thank you, mayor. Yeah, I just
[1:37:09]
wanted to just go back. To this whole back to
[1:37:13]
the future deal we got going on with being behind
[1:37:16]
and trying to get caught up. Even that twelve and
[1:37:19]
a half percent over the ten year illustration that was
[1:37:23]
brought up. In that year, nine. We will get to
[1:37:28]
a point, based on those calculations, of $9,657. So that
[1:37:35]
means then, nine years from now, Plus the seven years.
[1:37:44]
Ago that Lee county came up with that. $9,800 number.
[1:37:51]
That means in 16 years. We're going to be where
[1:37:56]
we needed to be 16 years ago. Nine years from
[1:38:01]
now. So if we think we're behind now, With compounding
[1:38:06]
cost. But guess where we're going to be, then? So
[1:38:11]
we will literally be where we need to be nine
[1:38:15]
years from now, where we should have been. 16 years
[1:38:20]
ago. According to Lee County's analysis, That's it. Council member
[1:38:27]
Kilwick? Yeah, just back to the numbers again. If you
[1:38:34]
look at. Twelve and a half percent increase on the
[1:38:39]
number we're at right now. The 3500 roughly. We're really
[1:38:44]
talking about. The cost of the house. That's the number
[1:38:49]
we're talking about. What percentage or the cost of that
[1:38:53]
construction is going to be associated with this fee and
[1:38:57]
that real number is the denominator, as council member Stanky
[1:39:03]
mentioned, is more in the order. Of 265 $270,000. So
[1:39:09]
you're adding this increment onto that basis for the increment
[1:39:13]
that. The new individual is coming in. So percentages are
[1:39:17]
misleading. Sometimes when you're dealing with small denominators, and that's
[1:39:22]
what we're doing in this case. The incremental fee. Is
[1:39:28]
a small portion of the overall cost of the house.
[1:39:31]
It's significant, but it's small. And I understand, coupled with
[1:39:35]
all the other fees that are out there, it really
[1:39:38]
adds to the deal. And in particular, if you're talking
[1:39:42]
about the UEP being in the 35,000 $40,000 magnitude. That's
[1:39:48]
a big bump. And that's a bump that we're trying
[1:39:50]
to help the residents. In being able to finance that,
[1:39:54]
but it's still a significant cost for them, so I
[1:39:57]
understand all of that. The key to it is, though
[1:40:01]
we're hamstrung by the statute. The statute says if you
[1:40:05]
don't move it, you can't move it. So let's look
[1:40:09]
at a strategy that moves it. But let's discount heavy
[1:40:13]
along that and by doing that, we kill. Both potentials.
[1:40:18]
It gives us a strategic opportunity to reduce or increase
[1:40:22]
as long as we do a deep enough discount each
[1:40:25]
year, and by doing it in a very deep discount,
[1:40:29]
we trip the statute. We have the high number if
[1:40:31]
we have to go to it ever. And the future?
[1:40:34]
Tells us that we have to do that. Does anyone
[1:40:36]
really. Think that the billing costs are going to be
[1:40:40]
reduced in the next few years or even less. Than
[1:40:43]
four or 5% in material cost. I don't think so.
[1:40:49]
The tariffs right now will put an incremental kick up
[1:40:52]
front on all of the billing. Cost of a couple
[1:40:54]
of percent, no matter what happens. In anything else in
[1:40:58]
the economy. So from macroeconomic standpoint, Building costs are going
[1:41:03]
to go up significantly and probably. A significantly more than
[1:41:07]
what this fee would be on the total cost of
[1:41:10]
the house. So it's all compounding, but I don't think
[1:41:13]
it can be the source for the real economic increase
[1:41:17]
in total overall cost. It really isn't. It's a large
[1:41:22]
percentage based on what it was, but it's a small
[1:41:25]
denominator. So it's another way of staining, I think. What?
[1:41:29]
Councilman Stankia? Just mentioned. I appreciate the cost. That it's
[1:41:34]
really impinging upon anyone trying to buy a home. The
[1:41:39]
approach that I'm thinking about really splits. That among new
[1:41:45]
people and current residents over the future to get that
[1:41:48]
infrastructure. Thank you, ma'am. Council member Lehman. Yeah. I have
[1:41:52]
a question, Mr. City attorney. Okay if we go with
[1:41:57]
the twelve and a half percent? And all my fellow
[1:42:03]
council people have been talking about the discount if. We
[1:42:07]
do not discount that twelve and a half percent. At
[1:42:11]
all. Is that considered an extraordinary circumstance? Or can we
[1:42:17]
just go with the twelve and a half percent across
[1:42:19]
the board? And it stays that way, period. No discounts
[1:42:24]
or anything like that. To make up the difference. Can
[1:42:29]
that be done? So here's what I am understanding of
[1:42:33]
this twelve and a half. Percent. Twelve and a half
[1:42:37]
percent is under the notion that. Under the existing law,
[1:42:41]
we would be increasing anywhere from 26% to 50%. But
[1:42:45]
it sounds like it's 50%. We're only allowed to do
[1:42:48]
it four years. So we would do it at twelve
[1:42:52]
and a half percent year, one year, two year, three
[1:42:56]
year. Four, which statutorily, right now, we're permitted to do.
[1:43:01]
You just have to phase. It in over four years.
[1:43:03]
The extraordinary circumstances study was so that we can go
[1:43:07]
beyond that percentage threshold. But. As council member, Lastra asked.
[1:43:15]
We're limited to four years for its implementation. We can't
[1:43:19]
go to five or six, we'd have to retake the
[1:43:22]
matter up in. Four years. So the only reason why
[1:43:25]
we're permitted at this point in time. To deviate from
[1:43:29]
the percentage caps. Is because we've conducted an extraordinary study.
[1:43:37]
As part of that extraordinary study, we've identified 60 pages,
[1:43:41]
60 page study identifying eight different criteria that supports deviating
[1:43:47]
from that, none of which have to do with the
[1:43:50]
fact that there is a new law in place that's
[1:43:52]
going to become effective on October 1. It's. Located on.
[1:43:57]
Page four of our study. And hopefully that answered your
[1:44:01]
question. Yeah, it does. Thank you. Thank you. Would it
[1:44:06]
be a fair statement, Mr. City attorney, to say for
[1:44:08]
the next 20 years? Now we may have to revisit
[1:44:11]
it every four years like you said. But for the
[1:44:14]
next 20 years, we could do twelve and a half
[1:44:16]
percent each year for the next 20 years if we
[1:44:20]
want it to. Every single year as long as we
[1:44:24]
don't exceed the 50% within that four year. Period. So
[1:44:28]
we could do twelve and a half percent every year
[1:44:32]
for the next 20 years now. We may have to
[1:44:34]
reevaluate it every four years, as you had stated, but
[1:44:39]
that option is still on the table, and we don't
[1:44:42]
have to meet the extra. Extraordinary circumstances. I believe may
[1:44:46]
you are correct. And unfortunately, I do not have the
[1:44:48]
amended statute before me, but. I don't believe that they
[1:44:51]
eliminated that requirement. Or the ability to do it up
[1:44:56]
to that percentage. To answer your question, All right, well.
[1:45:02]
We have a motion and a second on the floor.
[1:45:04]
I'll have the city clerk repeat. The motion. And the
[1:45:07]
motion, basically. Is to adopt the current plan, which. Is
[1:45:11]
basically a four year discounted plan in order to get
[1:45:13]
to whatever the number is, either on the residential side
[1:45:17]
or the commercial side of the component. Madam City Court.
[1:45:22]
I just want to say for this vote too, this
[1:45:25]
is not a standard, typical vote. If we do not
[1:45:28]
have. Six votes in the affirmative. Under the statute, it
[1:45:37]
failed. This is not a straight vote. The motion on
[1:45:42]
the floor is motion to approve ordinance 42 25. Okay.
[1:45:47]
Thank you. Didn't call the role. Lastra. No.
[1:45:59]
Lehman. Long. Aye, steinki? Aye, danelle. Center? No.
[1:46:10]
Kaduk. No. He'll rain. Aye. So that's four eyes, four
[1:46:15]
nays. Motion failed. Okay, move on to the next topic
[1:46:20]
of discussion. We have ordinance 44 25. Madam City clerk,
[1:46:24]
please. Read the title. Ordinance 44 25. An ordinance of
[1:46:28]
the mayor and City Council of the City of Cape
[1:46:31]
Coral, Florida, repealing sections 1210, 1220, 312 26. Through 1231
[1:46:41]
and 1279 through 1286 of the City of Cape Coral,
[1:46:45]
Florida Code of Ordinances, chapter twelve offenses and miscellaneous provisions
[1:46:50]
repealing sections 18, 218, three and 18. Four of the
[1:46:55]
City of Cape Coral. Florida Code of Ordinances, chapter 18
[1:46:59]
Tra. Traffic. Repealing sections
[1:47:01]
6.2.16.
[1:47:15]
City of Cape Coral, Florida land Development code amending the
[1:47:19]
City of Cape. Coral, Florida Code of Ordinances chapter twelve
[1:47:21]
offenses and miscellaneous provisions, article twelve section twelve 127 amending
[1:47:28]
the City of Cape Coral, Florida Code of Ordinances chapter
[1:47:30]
twelve offenses and miscellaneous provisions by creating article twelve parking
[1:47:36]
restrictions, sections twelve 127 point. 112 127.212 127.312
[1:47:45]
127.412 127.512 127.612 127.712
[1:47:54]
127.812 127.912 120. 7.1012 127.1112 127. Point
[1:48:04]
twelve. 127.1312, 127.1412.
[1:48:12]
127.1512. 127.16. And twelve. 127.17. Providing for parking restrictions in
[1:48:20]
the city, providing for enforcement penalties and towing and impoundment
[1:48:25]
providing for codification and resolution. Of conflicting laws providing for
[1:48:29]
severability and an effective date. Captain. Well, thank you very
[1:48:34]
much for that. And with that, I will turn it
[1:48:36]
over to Mr. City attorney thank you, mayor. As this
[1:48:41]
ordinance has been presented before the committee of the whole
[1:48:44]
it has been unchanged, but I will surmise it for
[1:48:48]
you all in the public. So this ordinance right now,
[1:48:51]
ordinance 44 25, is a consolidation of all the parking
[1:48:56]
regulations that presently exist within the city's code of ordinances
[1:48:59]
and land development code. It is meant to put all
[1:49:03]
of the parking regulations within one specific article, which is
[1:49:07]
chapter twelve. Article twelve of the city's code. Of ordinances.
[1:49:12]
It is meant also to address violations that occur on
[1:49:15]
public property. By way of a most current section, which
[1:49:20]
is section twelve one, two 7.1. Everything. And also an
[1:49:26]
enforcement section, which is a brand new section, which is
[1:49:30]
section twelve 127.17. And that deals with the authority of
[1:49:35]
a parking enforcement officer issuing violations within public property and
[1:49:40]
also recognizing the ability of code compliance to continue to
[1:49:43]
enforce parking regulations when it pertains to vehicles that are
[1:49:47]
on private property. The remaining portions of. This specific. Ordinance
[1:49:55]
is existing language. None of it was touched. As we
[1:49:58]
discussed during the committee of the whole there was a
[1:50:02]
definition that was added to section twelve 127, which pertains
[1:50:07]
to. The definition of a construction trailer within the South
[1:50:11]
Cape zoning District. And other than that, everything else remains
[1:50:16]
existing. Language that has not been altered with the exception
[1:50:20]
of what was presented to you before the committee as
[1:50:21]
a whole, which is new language. Twelve one. 27.1 and
[1:50:27]
then the enforcement penalties in towing and impound section, which
[1:50:30]
is identified as twelve 127.15. Thank you. I'll now open
[1:50:36]
up public hearing. Anyone wishing to speak on ordinance 44
[1:50:40]
25. Please come forward. Are you coming up, sir?
[1:50:55]
How's it going? I'm Nick Leckle, local business owner, Phoenix
[1:50:57]
Marine Construction. Today. Just on social medias and everything. All
[1:51:02]
we heard all day was commercial vehicle, this commercial vehicle.
[1:51:05]
That. And I know a few years ago, Language was
[1:51:08]
changed to where we were allowed to bring one marked
[1:51:11]
vehicle home and parked it in. Our driveways. From what
[1:51:14]
I've been able to read, obviously I couldn't go. Through
[1:51:17]
all these designations in the 2 hours that I had
[1:51:20]
to prep for this, I thought there'd be an abridged
[1:51:23]
version of this presented. I don't know if I'm allowed
[1:51:26]
to ask questions or how this goes, but. Anyway, a
[1:51:29]
few years ago, we were allowed to bring a vehicle
[1:51:31]
home, which is great. So what? Are they designating a
[1:51:34]
commercial vehicle? Is this something that I'm still allowed to
[1:51:37]
park? In my driveway. Are we talking about vans? Work
[1:51:41]
trucks? Are we talking about 18 wheelers? What's the language
[1:51:45]
there? I'm sure I could find it in here. But
[1:51:48]
being as the situation we're in right now, I think
[1:51:50]
if somebody could give me two sentences on what we're
[1:51:53]
calling that. The reason I bring this up is right
[1:51:55]
now. I park my work truck at home. For me
[1:51:58]
to put my truck at my yard, which we do
[1:52:00]
have. It's literally cost. Me 60 grand because now I
[1:52:03]
have to go buy another vehicle in order to drive
[1:52:05]
it ten. Minutes a day to go get my other
[1:52:07]
truck and go to work. Can I bike? Sure. Can
[1:52:10]
I walk? Yeah. It'll take me longer. Again, my question
[1:52:14]
is. What's the language on a commercial vehicle? Is that
[1:52:16]
in here somewhere? Does anybody know right offhand? This only
[1:52:22]
applies to our right away, our public right away. So
[1:52:26]
this particular ordinance changes. Nothing that's already existing has nothing
[1:52:30]
to do with parking vehicles. In the driveway. This is
[1:52:33]
only for. Your public right of ways throughout the city.
[1:52:37]
Okay, so we park on roads a lot. Building docs.
[1:52:44]
A lot of customers on the water. They don't want
[1:52:46]
you on their $200,000 driveways for leaking oil. This, that
[1:52:49]
and the other. A lot of your major through fares.
[1:52:53]
Are on major roads. Santa Barbara, Cape Coral Parkway, for
[1:52:57]
crying out loud. And that place is a parking lot
[1:52:59]
from 07:00 a.m. to 930. So. Anyway, it doesn't affect
[1:53:05]
me. So trucks and driveways, fine. Excellent. Thank you. You're
[1:53:11]
good. Anyone else wishing to speak during citizens input on
[1:53:16]
ordinance 44 25. Seeing none. Public hearing is now closed.
[1:53:25]
I'll entertain a motion regarding ordinance 44 25. Motion to
[1:53:31]
approve. And I will open up for council discussion. Council
[1:53:35]
member stanky. Thank you, mayor. I want to bring up
[1:53:41]
something that I've brought up before, and there's been discussions
[1:53:43]
and some support and some questions about and. That is
[1:53:49]
getting back to. Our residents comments and gets to the
[1:53:54]
definition of a commercial vehicle. I'm very supportive of the
[1:53:59]
ordinance itself and its intent. My concern is the sea
[1:54:04]
turtle. That's getting caught in the fishing net and. That
[1:54:11]
is a passenger vehicle that happens to be lettered. That
[1:54:15]
currently has an exemption for that driveway at the house.
[1:54:21]
But. In this legislation. There is no exemption for that
[1:54:27]
vehicle. That's. On the right of way along the road.
[1:54:34]
And the example that I would give you is that.
[1:54:37]
Sally Jones can have a Toyota Camry that says Bimary
[1:54:41]
K products from Sally Jones in her driveway. But she
[1:54:47]
can't have it in front of a neighbor's home. That's
[1:54:51]
having a Super bowl party. Where a Ford F 150
[1:54:55]
truck could park as long as there was no lettering
[1:54:58]
on it. So what I'm asking for is a modification.
[1:55:05]
In the commercial definition section to give. The same exemption.
[1:55:11]
To that passenger vehicle. To that lettered passenger vehicle. That
[1:55:16]
we currently give for their driveway. That they could park
[1:55:20]
in front of that house if they went there for
[1:55:23]
a birthday party, a baby shower or whatever. It's been
[1:55:29]
said that, well, the officer can choose to give or
[1:55:32]
not give a citation. For it. I don't think it's
[1:55:36]
fair on the officer for them to make. A subjective
[1:55:38]
decision like that. When we make the exception for the
[1:55:44]
driveway. I believe we should make that same exception in
[1:55:48]
that right of way. And so. I'm supportive of. This
[1:55:54]
legislation. But I would ask for support to have that
[1:55:58]
one modification. To have the same exception. That we give.
[1:56:05]
To the driveway. Thanks, council member Lehman. I thank you,
[1:56:11]
council member Stanky. I would agree with him. In terms
[1:56:18]
of. A lettered vehicle. Whether it be a vehicle, a
[1:56:22]
pickup truck, I don't care what. It is. If they
[1:56:26]
are, say, parked, they are parked in the right away
[1:56:28]
on a temporary basis, say for family reunion, family birthday,
[1:56:33]
whatever. I think the officer then. There should be some
[1:56:40]
kind of a modification here or a clarification here that
[1:56:44]
the officer would have to question, go up to the
[1:56:48]
door and knock on the door and say, hey. Is
[1:56:53]
there a reason for this vehicle being here? Not just
[1:56:57]
Carplash. Ticket or vehicle. I think there has to be
[1:57:01]
a question asked about this. I don't think. It can
[1:57:06]
be an indiscriminate choice. Hey. If your lettered vehicle, whether
[1:57:12]
it be a pickup truck, A regular car. Is in
[1:57:18]
the right of way. There may be a reason for
[1:57:22]
it being there if it's there for less than 24.
[1:57:26]
Hours. I don't think that's an issue. I don't think
[1:57:29]
that would be a problem. Can anything be modified? Can
[1:57:34]
it be modified that way? Mr. City attorney? There's a
[1:57:40]
couple of things that you brought up, one of which
[1:57:43]
is allowing it to remain there for 24 hours. When
[1:57:46]
we were at the committee of the whole, there was
[1:57:47]
no discussion. On that. Right now, we do permit certain
[1:57:54]
exemptions. I didn't run through six of B. In a
[1:57:59]
sense of. There's inherently police power within our ordinance. There's
[1:58:03]
also the inherent authority to conduct whatever investigation is necessary.
[1:58:08]
In order for there to be a violation issued. So
[1:58:10]
you don't necessarily write that in. There. It exists by
[1:58:13]
way of a matter of just law. Does that answer
[1:58:16]
your question? It's already there. It's not left to the
[1:58:23]
discretion of the officer driving by. The officer has the
[1:58:27]
discretion to conduct whatever investigation they deem appropriate before they
[1:58:33]
take any action. Regarding a violation of our code of
[1:58:36]
laws and ordinances. Are they required to do an investigation?
[1:58:43]
Before they take. To ensure that after issuing a violation
[1:58:47]
is in fact supported by the facts and the evidence
[1:58:49]
that they've collected. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Mr. May.
[1:58:55]
Yeah? I think it's important. To note. Police officers, parking
[1:59:02]
enforcement officer, whomever. May be. Enforcing this particular ordinance that
[1:59:09]
passes. They have discretion. And how many times. I can't
[1:59:14]
tell you how many times that I've seen people have
[1:59:17]
birthday parties where they're parked in front of their house.
[1:59:19]
The vacant lot next door, which is not allowed. You'll
[1:59:26]
see 15 cars on the vacant lot. You may even
[1:59:29]
see a construction site. Where? There's a vacant lot next
[1:59:32]
door. I've done it myself. I've parked in the vacant
[1:59:35]
lot, working on the house right next. Door. It happens
[1:59:38]
all the time. But the traffic enforcement officer or the
[1:59:44]
police officer. Or parking enforcement officer has that sole discretion
[1:59:48]
as a part of their investigation, we'll have to determine.
[1:59:53]
If they want to abide by the letter or the
[1:59:55]
law, could they write them? Surely. But. I would think.
[2:00:02]
That. The police officer would look at all the facts
[2:00:05]
and make a determination whether to either give them a
[2:00:08]
written warning, a verbal warning or a citation, and that's
[2:00:12]
basically what they are afforded. So with that, I see
[2:00:17]
no other lights on. There's a motion and second on
[2:00:19]
the floor, please call the rope. Last round. Aye Lehman
[2:00:25]
long. Aye steinki. Aye danl aye center. Aye. Aye. He'll
[2:00:32]
range. Aye. Eight eyes. Motion carried. Okay, I just want
[2:00:37]
to state. Anyone here? That wishes to participate in citizens
[2:00:41]
input. If you haven't already, please fill out a card.
[2:00:44]
Drop it in the box. The city clerk will call
[2:00:46]
you here shortly. When we get to that. Part of
[2:00:49]
the agenda. Item 9D is introductions. First of which is
[2:00:54]
ordinance 39 25. Madam City Clerk, please read title. Set
[2:00:59]
the public hearing date. Ordinance 39 25, an ordinance of
[2:01:04]
the mayor and city council of the City of Cape
[2:01:06]
Coral, Florida amending the City of Cape Coral, Florida Comprehensive
[2:01:10]
plan by amending the future land. Use map from commercial
[2:01:13]
and conservation wetlands, a Lee county designation, to Pine Island
[2:01:18]
Road district. Land use for property described as a parcel
[2:01:22]
of land located in section four, township 44 south, ranch
[2:01:25]
24 east. Lee County, Florida. As more particularly described herein,
[2:01:30]
property located at 2800 Northea. Northeast pine island road north
[2:01:34]
fort myers, florida. In 1481 Barrett Road North, Fort Myers,
[2:01:38]
Florida, providing for severability and an effective date the public
[2:01:42]
hearing will be September 17, 2025. Thank you. Any discussion
[2:01:48]
by staff or council? Seeing none. We're going to move
[2:01:51]
on to ordinance 40 25. Madam City clerk, please read.
[2:01:54]
Title set the public hearing date. Ordinance 40 25, an
[2:01:59]
ordinance of the mayor and city council of the City
[2:02:01]
of Cape Coral, Florida. That amends the City of Cape
[2:02:04]
Coral, Florida official zoning district map of all property within
[2:02:07]
the limits of the City of Cape Coral by rezoning
[2:02:10]
property described as a parcel of land. Located in section
[2:02:13]
four, township 44, South Range 24, Eastley County, Florida. As
[2:02:17]
more particularly described herein, from Lee county commercial plan development
[2:02:22]
to commercial corridor Zone properties located at 2800 Pine Island
[2:02:26]
Road in 1481 Barrett Road, providing for severability and an
[2:02:31]
effective date. The public hearing will be September 17, 2025.
[2:02:37]
Any discussion by staff or council. Seeing none, will move
[2:02:40]
on to ordinance 46 25. Madam City clerk, please read
[2:02:43]
the title. Set the public hearing date for transmittal ordinance
[2:02:48]
46 25, an ordinance of the mayor and city council
[2:02:52]
of the City of Cape Coral, Florida amending the City
[2:02:54]
of Cape Coral, Florida Comprehensive plan by amending policy 1.15
[2:02:59]
of. The future land use element by amending the Seven
[2:03:02]
Island Subdistrict, providing for severability and an effective date. The
[2:03:07]
public hearing for transmittal will be September 17, 2025. Any
[2:03:13]
discussion by staff or council. Seeing none, we'll move on
[2:03:16]
to ordinance 52 25. Madam City clerk, please read title
[2:03:20]
set. The public hearing date. Ordinance 52 25, an ordinance
[2:03:25]
of the mayor and city council of the City of
[2:03:27]
Cape Coral, Florida. Approving and granting to Lee County Electric
[2:03:31]
Cooperative, Inc. And easement for a right of way to
[2:03:34]
be used for the construction, operation and maintenance of one
[2:03:37]
or more overhead and underground electric distribution. Lines across property
[2:03:41]
owned by the city known as. JC park, as more
[2:03:45]
particularly described herein, authorizing and directing the mayor to execute
[2:03:49]
the easement a copy of the easement is attached here
[2:03:51]
to and incorporated herein by reference, providing severo ability and
[2:03:56]
an effective date. The public hearing will be September 17,
[2:03:59]
2025. Any discussion by staff or council. Seeing none, will
[2:04:05]
move on to ordinance 53 25. Madam City clerk, please
[2:04:11]
read title set to public. Hearing date. Ordinance 53 25,
[2:04:16]
an ordinance of the mayor and city council of the
[2:04:18]
City of Cape Coral, Florida. Amending the City of Cape
[2:04:21]
Coral, Florida Code of Ordinances, chapter twelve, offenses and miscellaneous
[2:04:26]
provisions article 14, residential rental property, section twelve one two
[2:04:31]
nine, residential rental. Property registration regarding the requirement to register
[2:04:37]
residential rental property with the city, providing for codification and
[2:04:41]
resolution of conflicting laws providing for severability and an effective
[2:04:45]
date. The public hearing will be September 17, 2025. Any
[2:04:51]
discussion by staff or council? Council member Lehman? Yes. The
[2:04:57]
resolution that Mr. City attorney had given us. Regarding the
[2:05:03]
annual registration fee for long term residential rental property of
[2:05:08]
$35. I have no problem with the annual registration fee
[2:05:14]
for short term residential property. Of $350 annually. I have
[2:05:22]
a problem with. I think that. If we are encouraging
[2:05:27]
people. Over property owners. To register. Their homes, follow the
[2:05:35]
codes, follow the rules. I think that in the first
[2:05:40]
year. Yes, make it. To 350. But in the second
[2:05:43]
year, if they've had no code calls, no police calls,
[2:05:48]
no problems. They've registered. They've followed all the rules. We
[2:05:52]
give them a 50%. Discount. In the second year now.
[2:05:57]
In the second year that we've given them the discount.
[2:06:01]
They're not following the rules. Then. Yeah. In the third
[2:06:04]
year, goes back up to the 350. I think. That
[2:06:10]
350. I realized it's to cover our cost. Costs. On
[2:06:18]
the short term rentals because we have a lot of
[2:06:20]
short term rentals. That they're not following the rules, whether
[2:06:26]
they're not registering it. They're not following the codes. It's
[2:06:30]
nightmares constantly I hear from citizens constantly with problems with
[2:06:35]
homes in their neighborhoods. Which is why I'm saying if
[2:06:39]
they follow the rules, let's give them an incentive to
[2:06:43]
follow the rules to register. To follow all the codes
[2:06:48]
and everything else. Thank you. Thank you. Seeing no other
[2:06:55]
discussion. This is council member Lehman. Just an introduction. For
[2:07:00]
next week's meeting, and I'm sure you'll weigh in on
[2:07:03]
that. Topic again. And voice your opinion at that time.
[2:07:07]
Oh, yeah. Okay. Any other discussion by staff for council.
[2:07:14]
Yes, sir. If I may. Just briefly go through what
[2:07:19]
we've done here so the resolution will be adopted. At
[2:07:23]
next council meeting based upon. Should there be adoption of
[2:07:27]
ordinance 53 25 on the 17th. But I just want
[2:07:30]
to touch upon what we've done here. We've identified two
[2:07:33]
different set of circumstances. For what? We're going to be
[2:07:37]
assessing the. Rental registration fee. We've defined long term residential,
[2:07:43]
meaning. What that would be triggering for the fee associated
[2:07:49]
with that. And we've identified short term rental as well.
[2:07:53]
We've also further identified that. The correct department will be
[2:07:56]
the city clerk's department that will oversee this specific matter
[2:08:00]
and we went ahead and further identified that there should
[2:08:03]
be an annual registration and that annual registration. Shall be
[2:08:08]
monetary amount shall be established by resolution, and I've attached
[2:08:11]
that resolution in support. Of that. As additional requirement for
[2:08:15]
that. We've also identified that there's a 30 day. Essentially
[2:08:19]
grace period for renewals. And in the event that there's
[2:08:21]
a failure to properly renew within that 30 day period
[2:08:23]
of time. The resolution does identify a $50 late fee
[2:08:28]
if they in fact do not register within 30 days
[2:08:31]
of. That grace period. More importantly, and based upon the
[2:08:38]
discussions that have occurred, I've created three separate circumstances by
[2:08:43]
way of which. There is a fine associated and finest
[2:08:46]
associate on specific conduct. In reference to number one, it
[2:08:51]
pertains to those individuals who may misrepresent. The type of
[2:08:57]
rental they're doing. For example, if they are asserting to
[2:09:00]
the city that they're engaging long term residential property in
[2:09:04]
the city does, in fact, identify that they are engaged
[2:09:07]
in short term rental. The first violation penalty is $1,000.
[2:09:14]
Any second and subsequent. Fine if they're caught continuing to
[2:09:18]
misrepresent how it is that they're. Registered as 2000. That's
[2:09:22]
any second and subsequent within a three year period of
[2:09:24]
time. Secondarily, I've identified conduct in the event that, whether
[2:09:30]
a long term or a short term individual. Rental property
[2:09:34]
does not renew. Within the appropriate time set forth. So,
[2:09:38]
in other words, they're notified that they have to renew.
[2:09:42]
They do not comply within the 30 day grace period.
[2:09:44]
And the city does, in fact, identify. And do catch
[2:09:49]
them that they are, in fact, renting their property. If
[2:09:51]
it's a long term violation. Under that scenario, it's a
[2:09:55]
$250 fine, first offense, 502nd. And subsequent. If it's a
[2:10:00]
short term, it is a $500 fine. Any second and
[2:10:04]
subsequent offense is going to be $1,000 fine. And then
[2:10:08]
lastly, if there is in fact any other violations that
[2:10:11]
is not identified within. D one and d two. So
[2:10:16]
if there's a failure to properly identify a number or.
[2:10:20]
A contact individual. It essentially addresses all other violations that
[2:10:25]
is encapsulated within d three. And I treat long term
[2:10:28]
and short term differently in the sense that long term
[2:10:32]
has a $500 fine for the first offense. 1000 for
[2:10:35]
every second and subsequent and short term first offense is
[2:10:39]
1000 and these second, subsequent is 2000, and that is
[2:10:44]
essentially what the current. Penalty and requirements of the registration
[2:10:49]
exists. As of this proposed draft. Okay. Thank you, Mr.
[2:10:54]
City attorney. Any other discussion on ordinance 53 25? Will
[2:11:01]
move on to item ten. Is citizens input time. Please
[2:11:05]
remember it's a maximum 60. Minutes on the input of
[2:11:08]
citizens or matters concerning city government. The city clerk will
[2:11:13]
call your name. And you will come forward when she
[2:11:18]
calls your name. Just stay seated. I believe she'll call
[2:11:21]
two names so the first person can come up to
[2:11:24]
the podium. The second person can just stand behind and
[2:11:27]
wait, and she'll go through the process that way with
[2:11:30]
all the people that filled out the comment cards. Madam
[2:11:34]
city clerk Kyle Lahamadu. And Julia Atari.
[2:11:44]
Kyalamadu district seven. I am here requesting that my council
[2:11:51]
member, Rachel Kaduk, hold the city attorney, city manager and
[2:11:55]
city clerk accountable for failing to respond to my email
[2:11:59]
seeking clarification on a public records request. I sent the
[2:12:04]
email on August 20 at ten 08:00 a.m. i. Also
[2:12:07]
raised the issue. Last week during citizens input and still
[2:12:11]
have received no response. It has now been two weeks
[2:12:15]
without any acknowledgment. I am asking for a response at
[2:12:19]
the end of citizens. Input in chambers, so it will
[2:12:22]
be on the same record as this question. Thank you.
[2:12:26]
Julia Atari. Thank you. Thank you. Hi, Juliet.
[2:12:37]
I just want to read something here. It says, the
[2:12:40]
importance of citizens input prior to. A vote. You guys
[2:12:46]
moved citizens input. And you've made comments that, oh, everybody
[2:12:51]
leaves before we answer the questions. Giving the citizens a
[2:12:55]
voice before council vote is crucial to ensuring government decisions.
[2:13:00]
Are representatives. Are effective with their legitimate votes. Public input
[2:13:07]
strengthens democratic principles by increasing transparency and building community. Trust.
[2:13:15]
So when we come here and you post an agenda,
[2:13:18]
and we read the agenda before we come here because
[2:13:21]
you're going to vote on something. That may be a
[2:13:24]
citizen's not comfortable with, or they might have a different
[2:13:27]
opinion that could change your mind. Does us zero good
[2:13:32]
and has zero impact. If you've already voted on the
[2:13:36]
item, So I would really think you could consider changing.
[2:13:41]
This whole stick them at the back of the bus
[2:13:44]
because this is not what citizens input was. Designed for.
[2:13:49]
It was designed for citizens to voice their opinion. In
[2:13:53]
hopes that you, when you're making the decisions for the
[2:13:56]
citizens that you said back. To your job when you
[2:13:59]
asked us to vote for you. That you can actually
[2:14:02]
do that. There's no sense in hanging around and everybody
[2:14:05]
makes fun. We leave. By the way, there's a tv
[2:14:07]
out there, and you can actually answer the questions whether
[2:14:11]
we're here or not. I have it on my phone
[2:14:13]
when I'm driving here. I listen to these meetings, so
[2:14:17]
there's no reason to say, oh, look, they're just troublemakers.
[2:14:19]
They're asking questions and leaving. We can. Hear your answers.
[2:14:23]
We can watch them today, tomorrow, or a year from
[2:14:25]
now. So it's a good thing if you would answer
[2:14:28]
the questions that citizens input. But more importantly, know what
[2:14:32]
citizens input in this country of America. Was designed for,
[2:14:37]
and that was for us to give you an input.
[2:14:40]
My second thing is personal. I would like, and I'm
[2:14:43]
asking a public records request now. For the video or
[2:14:48]
voice recording of me that I was told by the
[2:14:52]
clerk of the courts the city manager has, and I
[2:14:55]
wanted him to say he has it. That says I
[2:14:58]
was impersonating. A city worker. I want the recording handed
[2:15:03]
to meet. I know it doesn't. Exist, but. I would
[2:15:07]
like him to publicly say it doesn't exist and at
[2:15:10]
least apologize, because that was a non truth. I never
[2:15:15]
told anyone I was a city worker. Thank you. Thomas
[2:15:23]
fornier and andrea roberto. Good evening, everybody.
[2:15:34]
My name is Thomas Bornier. I live in Northwest Cape
[2:15:37]
Coral. Mr. Mayor, council members. I'm here. I was here
[2:15:41]
last year. About traffic signals in the north end of
[2:15:45]
Cape Coral. It's very busy. We all know that there's
[2:15:49]
a lot of growth up there. On the Gold magazine
[2:15:53]
in 2025 stated that there was two intersections that should
[2:15:58]
be done. And the one intersection is Chikita and ambers.
[2:16:06]
There's a very busy intersection, and the other one was
[2:16:09]
at Santa Barbara in Tropicana. Those were both in the
[2:16:13]
on the Go magazine in 2025 saying that they were
[2:16:17]
going to be done. In the not too distant future.
[2:16:21]
Matter of fact, Santa Barbara and Tropicana was supposed to
[2:16:24]
be done sometime this year. Between August and the end
[2:16:26]
of this year. I've been in communication with. Our public
[2:16:34]
works director, Mr. Matt Williams. He's been very gracious at
[2:16:37]
emailing me. Off and on through the year about. My
[2:16:41]
concern about traffic signals in the north end. I live
[2:16:43]
in the north end. You come up to these intersections,
[2:16:47]
not necessarily at 05:00 anymore. You can be there on
[2:16:50]
noon on Sunday and. The traffic coming up to these
[2:16:54]
intersections is just busy, busy, busy. And when I spoke
[2:16:59]
to him, recently? Within the last couple of months, actually,
[2:17:02]
through emails. I've never spoken to him personally. He's been
[2:17:05]
very good at communicating with me through email. He said
[2:17:08]
that? The traffic design, and we're going to add curves
[2:17:14]
and so on, whatever it takes to do the traffic
[2:17:16]
signals at these intersections. We're just about done. And I
[2:17:22]
think the biggest concern for me was the financing for
[2:17:26]
the upcoming year to get this done. Because at four
[2:17:29]
or 05:00 or even. And I'm especially concerned about. Embers
[2:17:34]
and Jaquita, the traffic backs up halfway back, like two,
[2:17:38]
three blocks. And the school bus is going down. The
[2:17:41]
mariner high school and the mariner mender. Schools down there.
[2:17:45]
So all I'm asking is if these designs are done,
[2:17:48]
and I'm pretty close. That he said they are. They're
[2:17:50]
waiting for LCEC or a couple of other minute. Things.
[2:17:55]
Please finance it for this coming year. Get it done.
[2:17:59]
There's. Apartments off of Chikita that are being built and
[2:18:02]
the volume of traffic. We're playing Dodge cars up there,
[2:18:07]
so all I'm asking is please finance these. Two intersections,
[2:18:10]
Amber's and Jiquita. And make sure you get done. With
[2:18:15]
Santa Barbara and Tropicana. That's all. I'm asking for it's.
[2:18:19]
Almost simple. We really need this done. There's growth up
[2:18:21]
there. There's a lot of tax dollars, I would think
[2:18:23]
was coming in from the North Cape with all this.
[2:18:24]
New building. I know we're talking infrastructure here tonight, so
[2:18:29]
please finance it for this upcoming. Year. Thank you so
[2:18:32]
much. I appreciate your time. Thank you, sir. Hi. I'm
[2:18:41]
andrew roberto. I live in southwest cape coral. I need
[2:18:45]
some information and clarification as to how you guys run
[2:18:47]
your permit in residential. Areas. I had a huge project
[2:18:51]
being done at my house when it came towards the
[2:18:53]
end of the project, and I needed to get a
[2:18:56]
fence put up from my pool. It's not. A redo.
[2:18:59]
It's brand new construction. I'm waiting eight weeks and I'm
[2:19:03]
told nobody's given me any answers. As to when my
[2:19:06]
permit will be passed and I have a 20 x
[2:19:08]
40 foot hole in my backyard where it is very
[2:19:11]
dangerous. I live in a residential area. With dogs and
[2:19:14]
children. Eight weeks. For a fence permit is inexcusable and
[2:19:19]
unacceptable for the amount of tax dollars that are going
[2:19:23]
into what we pay for permitting at this point. It's
[2:19:27]
inexcusable. I called Fort Myers and I was told for
[2:19:31]
a fence. Permit or anything. It shouldn't take more than
[2:19:33]
two weeks. I wrote Mayor Gunther a letter. I emailed
[2:19:38]
you a letter, sir, and they passed it on to
[2:19:41]
the powers that be in. The department. I call almost
[2:19:44]
every couple of days and are told, well, you're not
[2:19:46]
in. The queue. You're not in the queue. You're not
[2:19:48]
in the queue. I'm. Like, at what point am I
[2:19:49]
going to be in the queue? Because I've been in
[2:19:51]
the queue since July 10. It is now. September 3,
[2:19:55]
sir, and I don't have a permit with a huge
[2:19:58]
hole in my backyard. Huge hole. You see? How could
[2:20:02]
you imagine? Your child, your dog, my grandson, my daughter
[2:20:06]
falling in. That hole, how would you feel? And I
[2:20:10]
call in every day. I'm told we don't. Have an
[2:20:12]
answer for you, ma'am. That's inexcusable. I. Would like an
[2:20:16]
answer as to why it takes the city of Cape
[2:20:18]
Coral more than two. Weeks, tops. For a fenced permit.
[2:20:23]
Sir, it's a fenced permit. I did a whole $250,000
[2:20:27]
project at my house and didn't have this problem till
[2:20:30]
it came for defense from my pool. And it was
[2:20:34]
done correctly. They kicked it back, saying, this wasn't here,
[2:20:38]
this wasn't. There. My builder has been doing this for
[2:20:40]
30 years. I think he knows what size fence and
[2:20:44]
where to put it. And it was on the paper
[2:20:46]
originally. It just wasn't up. Here. It was down here
[2:20:49]
and they wanted to hear. So now I'm told. Well,
[2:20:52]
it got kicked back, so we don't really. Know when
[2:20:54]
you're going to get your permit. I would really like
[2:20:57]
this looked into and taking care of as soon as
[2:20:59]
possible, because this is out of control. And I'm not
[2:21:01]
the only one. They're multimillion dollar projects. They're sitting there
[2:21:05]
that have not been paid. Attention to, and everybody's jobs
[2:21:08]
are getting held back because of this negligence. It's unacceptable,
[2:21:12]
sir. No clapping, please. Rosemarie birch.
[2:21:22]
Rosemary, are you here? That's the last comment card I
[2:21:27]
have, sir. Okay. Citizens input is now closed. I'll open
[2:21:33]
it up for some council discussion. The gentleman. That spoke
[2:21:39]
about the traffic. Lights. Honestly, I got an email today.
[2:21:47]
On that where another citizen was inquiring. And this email
[2:21:52]
was from Mr. Williams. I got this at 1020 this
[2:21:55]
morning. And. It says, for FY 26, the city plans
[2:22:01]
to install two additional traffic signal one at Tropicana Parkway
[2:22:06]
and Santa Barbara Boulevard, another at Embers and Chiquita Boulevard.
[2:22:12]
So those two particular projects are in FY 26 budget
[2:22:16]
to be completed also. An Fy 26. The. Design. Shall
[2:22:23]
begin. For intersection. Of Tropicana Parkway and Jiquita Boulevard. So
[2:22:30]
I got that today. I just. Wanted to pass that
[2:22:32]
information on to you. The resident had the issue. With
[2:22:39]
the permit. Maybe. I know you filled out some of
[2:22:43]
your information. On the card. Yes, ma'am. We'll make sure
[2:22:47]
we have your information and someone can follow up. With
[2:22:50]
you from our community development department, who handles the permits.
[2:22:57]
So make sure it's all every day. They're not going
[2:22:58]
to give me an answer, sir. They're telling me I
[2:23:00]
just work here. Yeah, well, someone will call you tomorrow.
[2:23:03]
No. That's all I have on citizens input. Council member
[2:23:09]
Lehman? Yeah, the lady with permit issue. Yeah. Your last
[2:23:15]
name is Roberto? Yes, ma'am. Okay. You're in the southwest.
[2:23:20]
You're in my district. I'd like to meet with you
[2:23:25]
after this. Absolutely. And we'll work on it. Together we'll
[2:23:28]
get some answers for you. Thank you, council member Caduce.
[2:23:34]
Thank you. Regarding. Our public records request. I did send
[2:23:40]
this to the city manager, city attorney this afternoon, I
[2:23:44]
believe. There was two questions that were in this gentleman's
[2:23:47]
email that said, why was the same document reissued in
[2:23:51]
response to a different request. When they requested. Time frames
[2:23:55]
differ. And then also, why was he charged for a
[2:23:58]
duplicate document? Do we know why that is. Mr. City
[2:24:03]
manager. I don't have any answers for that resident. And
[2:24:12]
I will restate. I am not required by law to
[2:24:16]
produce answers. About public records request. Thank you. Thank you.
[2:24:24]
So, Ms. Atari, I know you spoke about Citizen's input
[2:24:27]
prior to the vote, however. The agendas are posted at
[2:24:31]
the same time to the public as they are to
[2:24:33]
us, so. We all have the exact same time to
[2:24:35]
review anything, and I still stand by this. We're? At
[2:24:39]
625. It gives you guys. You even stated that you're
[2:24:42]
watching it on the way here. It gives anyone the
[2:24:44]
opportunity to come after work. Should you work till 05:00?
[2:24:47]
So we're going to give this a try still and
[2:24:49]
not just keep moving it around. Regarding our city manager,
[2:24:53]
stating on the record, impersonating as an employee, we should
[2:24:55]
be able to. You can go back and watch YouTube
[2:24:58]
and take the clip if you want. I mean, if.
[2:25:00]
If that's the case, if you think he said that.
[2:25:04]
I know that our mayor already spoke about the traffic
[2:25:06]
signals in the north and then regarding the fence permit.
[2:25:09]
Yes, I know. Accounts member Lehman did say that she'll
[2:25:11]
get with you, so. We can make sure that we
[2:25:13]
take care of that. Thank you. Council member Lasser. Thank
[2:25:16]
you, mayor. Yes. I'm not going to be the dead
[2:25:19]
horse. Thank you, council member Kaduk, for talking. About citizens
[2:25:23]
input. She's right. And it's 625 and. I'm hopeful that
[2:25:29]
in a few months, when we look at our numbers,
[2:25:31]
we'll. See. That we're either the same. Or slightly increased.
[2:25:38]
If we compare month over month, This isn't an open
[2:25:41]
discussion. She can have an offline discussion. Yeah, you're welcome
[2:25:45]
to email me or call me, no problem. And we
[2:25:48]
can talk that through. And Miss Andrea, I'm so sorry
[2:25:53]
about your permit. That is probably the number one complaint.
[2:25:56]
I get from residents weekly? We can do better. We
[2:26:01]
are doing better. We've got continuous improvement, efficiency studies that
[2:26:05]
are happening in that department. That have already happened in
[2:26:08]
that department. So I'm sorry, and I'm grateful. Council member
[2:26:11]
Lehman will work with you. Thank you. Thank you, mayor.
[2:26:14]
Mr. City manager. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Well, yeah, I
[2:26:17]
would like to clarify some stuff. So. I have never
[2:26:22]
said that I have a video recording or a voice
[2:26:25]
recording. Of someone impersonating an employee. I had the contractor
[2:26:32]
call me directly and tell me she did. And has
[2:26:38]
a screenshot. Of the time that she. Called, man. Keep
[2:26:43]
your comments to yourself, please. Comment? Keep your comments to
[2:26:47]
yourself or I'm going to ask you to leave. Okay.
[2:26:55]
Now I'm going to go a step further because I
[2:26:58]
wanted to make sure that that contractor also told somebody
[2:27:01]
on the city council, and they did. In addition to
[2:27:06]
that, They're utilizing Opengov. To look at all of our
[2:27:13]
payments, which we do. We set it out there and
[2:27:15]
we make. All this information available because we want to
[2:27:18]
be open and transparent. They are writing emails to our
[2:27:23]
contractors. And asking them questions about payments that they're getting
[2:27:29]
from us. I have copies of it. So the things
[2:27:35]
we're doing to be open and transparent are now causing
[2:27:39]
time delays. And informational requests. Our contractors don't know whether
[2:27:45]
or not they have to provide the right. They have
[2:27:47]
to contact someone from city staff. We have to say,
[2:27:50]
yeah, if you have a record, and they're requesting a
[2:27:53]
record. You have to make it available. But they're. Asking
[2:27:56]
for informational requests. What was the extra money paid for?
[2:28:00]
What was it extra money? There were multiple things paid
[2:28:04]
on an invoice. So a lack of understanding of our
[2:28:09]
process. Is now translating into some nefarious activity. The same
[2:28:15]
thing happened last week. They put a records request in
[2:28:19]
for what happened to city council. Furniture. And they got
[2:28:23]
a records request out of the one department that documented
[2:28:28]
their piece of the process. Which is facilities. They have
[2:28:32]
to document what they do, when they do it. So
[2:28:37]
facilities actually did dispose of the unusable disposable equipment. But
[2:28:42]
what they don't know and what they don't have information
[2:28:45]
on are all of the other employees who came and
[2:28:49]
got the furniture that was in the lobby for over
[2:28:51]
a week. But then it gets put out there that
[2:28:54]
you all are mismanaging funds and you are. Being reckless
[2:28:58]
with taxpayers funds. It's ridiculous. It's nothing but damaging our
[2:29:06]
image and the hard work of our employees who do
[2:29:10]
roll. Down equipment and roll down furniture. But because. They
[2:29:17]
don't have a record to prove that. The whole system
[2:29:21]
is corrupt. And that's what we're up against. So no.
[2:29:29]
When I'm going to tell. Take my video. You write
[2:29:30]
me an email. I'm not responding to you. I do
[2:29:33]
not have to answer to your informational request. And I
[2:29:38]
won't thank you. Okay, we'll move on to item eleven.
[2:29:44]
Is reports. Council member Lehman report. Yes.
[2:29:54]
On August 27, Wednesday I went to the incredible. Bank.
[2:30:00]
Groundbreaking. Up on Pine Island Road. That should be a
[2:30:04]
very nice situation. They are saying that they're going to
[2:30:09]
have it built by April of next year. Also attended
[2:30:14]
the audit committee meeting because. I am a voting member
[2:30:19]
on the audit committee. I represent the council. On Thursday,
[2:30:24]
I went to the Cape Christian leaders luncheon. And then
[2:30:30]
I met with a resident. Regarding the moving of a
[2:30:35]
lift station. And I met with them. I actually met
[2:30:39]
with him again this morning. And have sent some questions
[2:30:44]
out to utilities to get some clarifications with pictures. On
[2:30:51]
Monday. The 1 September I went to the field of
[2:30:56]
flags. The placement of flags of Bernice Braden Park. I
[2:31:03]
was really surprised. It was a great turnout. A lot
[2:31:07]
of people came out to put the flags out. It
[2:31:11]
really was nice to see and the flags are all
[2:31:15]
out there. It was really a nice event. Thank you.
[2:31:21]
Thank you. Council member long report. No report. Council member
[2:31:25]
stanky. No report. Council member download has gone. Council member
[2:31:30]
Kaduk. No. Report. Council member Kilraign September 1 attended the
[2:31:35]
flag planning. That council member Lehman had mentioned on 20
[2:31:41]
eigth when Cape Christian leadership program. And on the 29th,
[2:31:47]
I had the opportunity to speak on daybreak radio. And.
[2:31:52]
I was surprised at the interest in the yacht club.
[2:31:55]
Extreme interest. In what the schedule is on that. So
[2:31:59]
to the extent that we can. I know it's. Published
[2:32:02]
on website, but I communicated that. And we'll continue to
[2:32:07]
communicate that. That's it. Thank you, mayor. Thank you, council.
[2:32:10]
Member lasser. Thank you, mayor. Just two quick things. Saturday,
[2:32:14]
September 13 I'll be having a town hall at the
[2:32:17]
Northwest library. I'm excited to be in that area and
[2:32:23]
hopefully get some residents from around there all are welcome.
[2:32:28]
And just want to remind everybody, Thursday we have our
[2:32:30]
meet and greet at Nice Guys Pizza for the Youth
[2:32:33]
Council. I encourage anyone available to come attend and learn
[2:32:38]
and of course donate for their DC trip. Thank you,
[2:32:40]
mayor. Thank you. Only thing I have. We have an
[2:32:45]
upcoming yearly evaluation that needs to be completed. For city
[2:32:50]
manager. His anniversary date is September 30. I've kind of
[2:32:56]
suggest, going to suggest the same process that we just
[2:33:00]
basically did. For the city attorney. Where tomorrow. Council.
[2:33:10]
Will be receiving evaluation forms for the city manager. And
[2:33:15]
they must be in by the end of. Close of
[2:33:20]
business day. On the twelveth, which is Friday, which is
[2:33:26]
next Friday. And staff. Will calculate the overall averages from
[2:33:32]
all eight evaluations and put them together. And then I
[2:33:38]
would ask that we have a special meeting on the
[2:33:41]
17th. We have a regular meeting at 04:00 p.m. so
[2:33:47]
I would ask that very similar to the city attorney.
[2:33:49]
We have a special meeting in room 220. At 02:00
[2:33:53]
p.m. To discuss. The city manager's evaluation. So that's what
[2:34:01]
I'm looking for again. Valuation forms go out tomorrow, the
[2:34:05]
fourth. They're due by the end of close of business
[2:34:07]
on Friday the 12th. On Monday the 15th staff will
[2:34:11]
calculate the overall averages and put them together. And make
[2:34:16]
sure they get those back to council, and we'll have
[2:34:18]
a tentative special meeting. Date for? The 17th at 02:00
[2:34:22]
p.m. So we'll need a motion if everyone agrees to
[2:34:27]
that timeline. As far as. The special meeting on the
[2:34:31]
17th. All right. Any discussion on that matter. Is everybody
[2:34:39]
okay with those dates and timelines? Seeing new discussion. Madam
[2:34:44]
City clerk. Could you call the role, please? Laster aye.
[2:34:48]
Lehman. Long, aye. Steinki, aye. Center, aye. Aye. Hil, rain,
[2:34:54]
aye. Seven eyes. Motion carried, Mr. City. Attorney report. Just
[2:34:59]
briefly, in reference to the discussions with the Kearns group,
[2:35:03]
we are still continuing those discussions and cautiously optimistic that
[2:35:07]
there will be, in fact, a final. Finalized agreement by
[2:35:12]
the deadline of the 6th. Thank you. Mr. City manager.
[2:35:17]
No report. Thank you. All right, Tom, in place of
[2:35:19]
a future meeting, we have a committee. I'm sorry. A
[2:35:22]
community redevelopment agency meeting is scheduled for Wednesday. September 10
[2:35:29]
at 2025, here in council chambers beginning at 09:00 a.m.
[2:35:34]
and we have a committee of the holed for Wednesday,
[2:35:37]
September 25, here in council chambers directly. After the committee.
[2:35:43]
The community redevelopment agency meeting. I'll entertain a motion to
[2:35:47]
adjourn.