Let us pray. Lord, we thank you for the opportunity
to serve our community as we gather tonight. Give our
council members clear minds, steady hearts, and the courage to
do what is right, protect us. From temptation, especially temptation.
To the act of pride, anger or self interest and
guide our decisions towards fairness, safety and peace. Grant wisdom,
patience and unity in our discussions this evening. And may
your grace be upon this city. Its leaders and every
family that we serve. Amen. Amen. Of the United States
of America. And Syrian.
Madam City clerk, please call the role. Mayor Gunther here.
Council members done now here. Hadoop here. Last row. Here,
Lehman. Long. Here. Thank you. Here. All present. Thank you.
Item five is. Changes to the agenda. Are there? Any
changes to the agenda or entertain a motion to adopt.
The agenda is presented. Motion to adopt. Any other council
discussion. Seeing none, Madam City clerk, please call the role
lastra aye Lehman. Long, aye. Steinki? Aye. Danelle. Gunter, aye.
Kadoo? Aye. Kill rain. Eight eyes. Motion carried. Item six
is recognitions and achievements. Six a is community recognition's. Award
for the Cape Jr. Sharks cheer team. Mr. City manager.
Hold that. Ready?
Today it is my honor to award the Cape junior
Sharks mighty mites cheerleading team with the city's Community Recognition
award for an extraordinary 2025 2026 Pop Warner season. The
team has represented Cape Coral. With excellence, sportsmanship and heart.
Their achievements this year placed them amongst the elite youth
chair programs. In the region and across the country. This
season, the mighty mites earned first place at three major
competitions, the local peace river conference in Fort Myers, the
regional championship. In Orlando and the national championship in North
Carolina. At regionals in Orlando, they defeated their biggest rival
by an impressive eight point margin, a truly impressive achievement
in pop Warner cheer, where scores are usually separated by
only a few points. At nationals in North Carolina. The
mighty mites not only took first place in their division,
Yet this, but they also received the highest show score
across all ages, marking them as one of the most
dynamic and outstanding teams in the entire event. Their victory
at nationals earned them an invitation to the prestigious globals
competition in Atlantic City on February 26, giving Cape Coral
a national and now global stage presence in youth cheer
the success of the mighty mites has been guided by
their coaches, who have dedicated countless hours to. Training, mentoring
and encouraging these athletes. And to the families and supporters
who have traveled, fundraise and cheered every step of the
way as they prepare to compete at globals in Atlantic
City on February 26. They are working hard to not
only on their routine, but also raising funds needed to
get to globals. Congratulations to every athlete, coach and family
member on this remarkable achievement and best of luck at
globals in Atlantic City. Everyone is confident that you will
represent Cape Coral with the same pride and excellence that
brought you here today. Congratulations.
Congratulations on your achievements. Go get them, ladies. So get
up, you. Go. Yes. That's me. I know they'll be
doing some fundraising for the February 26. So maybe our
community can help out in that endeavor. But congratulations. And
we'll move on to the next item on the agenda.
Item seven is approval of minutes. Do we have a
motion regarding the minutes from the regular meeting? Motion to
approve seven 2026. 2nd. I hear a motion. And the
second. Is there any council discussion? Seeing none. All in
favor say aye. Any opposed? Motion carries. Item eight is
business. Eight a is. The consent agenda. I'll open up
the consent agenda for council to pull any items for.
Discussion. Where I will entertain a motion. For the consent
agenda. Motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Any
other council discussion? Seeing? None, madam. City clerk, please call
the role. Last draw. Aye. Long. Aye, thanking. Aye, danelle.
Aye, center. Aye, Kaduk. Aye, Kilraign. Eight eyes. Motion carried.
Thank you. Item eight. C is unfinished business. C one
is follow up items. For council. There's none listed. Item
two is follow up items for city management. There's. None
listed. Item nine is ordinances and resolutions nine b is
legislative public hearings. First of which. Is ordinance 60. 25,
and this is a legislative hearing. There wasn't any quasi
judicial. Hearings noted on the agenda under nine a, nine
B are the legislative hearings, first of which is ordinance
60 25. Madam City Clerk, please read the title and
read the second and final for the second and final
public hearing ordinance 60 25, an ordinance of the mayor
and city Council of the city of Cape Coral, Fl.
Florida, approving the development agreement by and between the city
of Cape Coral, a Florida Municipal Corporation. And both Gateway
Resort and Marina LLC, Florida Limited Liability Company for a
mixed use project known as seven islands located on approximately
47 acres properties located at one. Hundred and six old
birthstore road north and 606 Old Burnt Store Road north,
providing for severability and an effective date. Thank you. I'll
turn it over to staff to start with. Good evening,
mayor, council members Sharon Woodbury, economic development manager. As was
stated, this is the second hearing for this project which
is a development agreement. And a precursor to the purchase
and sale. Of the seven Islands property. That's approximately 47
acres. In the last hearing I discussed with the components
of that would be I'm happy to answer any additional
questions. Or review it again. If that's the desire of
council. I did want to reiterate. That this is the
result of. Community engagement that's happened over an extended period
of time in terms of what the residents wanted to
see at the Seven Islands location. The Northwest Neighbors association
was very much engaged in the plan that you see
before you. That plan lays out what the developer is
proposing to develop. In exchange for the sale of the
property. We have representation from the developers if you would
like to hear from them as well, but I'm going
to leave it to council to determine whether you want
any additional information from me. Or to review the project
again. Thank you. I know we had a presentation. In
the last hearing, so. Is everyone. And I know it's
part of our backup material, so is it already? If
we continue moving forward. In the public hearing or does
anyone want to hear the presentation again? All right. We'll
continue moving forward. Thank you. I'll now open up our
second and final public hearing. Anyone wishing to speak on
ordinance. 60 25. Please come forward. Use the podium to
my left. You're right.
Well, good afternoon, mayor, city council. My name is Jerry
Smith. I'm from the Northwest Cape. Coral, and I am
the immediate past president of the Northwest Cape Coral Neighborhood
Association. I represented the membership of NW and a while
serving on the Seven Islands Design Plan Committee meetings with
fellow board member John Smart is also here. He's our
development chair. John. So. As you heard in the last
hearing. We were part of that 40 person super group
of stakeholders that were put together. No easy task trying
to get everybody's point across, but it really worked that
well, and I thought Sharon did a great job. As
time progressed, open communication between. Nwna. City staff sharon woodbury.
And surprisingly. The developers. Result in a common ground for
collaboration. And I thought a very good work and relationship.
From there, the members of. City staff. The developers. They
were invited to our open public meetings. They were willing
to come. And they directly engaged our members and citizens
and. They were willing to openly talk about the project.
And really educate our members and anyone who showed up
at those meetings. As well as people in this room
did. The developers continue to respond to our members by
sponsoring social events. Producing architectural renderings for all to see.
In doing so, it really gave us the first visual
of this project. And it really gave us full transparency
and full disclosure, which I thought was important. You really
got to see what it's going to look like. So
on behalf of nwna. We supported. We approved the Seven
island site plan as presented in committee. You got to
realize this was over a few years. A couple of
years. So on behalf of our over 1900 members at
the time, John and I did represent the entire group,
and having a common voice to do so. Gives us
the opportunity not to fill up bus loads of people
that come here and address you. Today. We can do
that for them. So our takeaway from those meetings is
we are aligned with city staff and the members of
the economic development committee. So this project delivers the sense
of place. And the quality of life, destination. That was
portrayed. In the Northwest Cape Seven Islands Vision plan, which
was published. In 2016. In closing. The abundance of public
amenities featured. In the community. Island seven. Thank you.
Good afternoon, mayor. Council. Kevin Black. I'm the current president
of the Northwest Cape coral neighborhood. Association. I'm here today
to share with you. Results of a survey that we
conducted with our members. We do this often to gauge
the interest of our membership, what concerns them most, what
issues they have with the big projects that might be
facing Northwest Cape Coral. We had over 300 respondents over
the past two weeks, 150 within 24 hours. Which shows
you that our association, our. Membership is engaged in what
we do. The Sevens Islands project. Didn't even come up
as a primary concern for the membership. In fact, It
was UEP three, the two lane section of Burnt store
Road. Burst a new exit at the spreader, but not
seven islands. I think that's in. Large part is our
membership has been exposed to what seven islands is going
to be all about. Thanks to how the developer has
engaged with them. A lot of people, when they don't
know things, they come up with their own. Solutions or
what they think it's going to be, and that's not
the case. And I think that minimized. Any comments we
had? We had one negative comment. And that happens. Everybody's
welcome to their opinion. And I would add also that
seven islands is the number one hit. On the nwcape.com
website month after month after month. People are going there
for information to stay on top of the project. I
believe Gulf Gateway and Marina will be a hub in
the northwest. Something that the members have been looking for
for a long time. Restaurant shops, a place to meet
the ability to bike ride, golf cart, boat, you name
it, to go meet neighbors where neighbors can meet neighbors,
hang out with your dog in the dog park that
they're going to build. Maybe go see some entertainment in
the amphitheater. They're building a community center. And we were
at a meeting when Peter leaned over to me and
said, we have got to get that community center for
you all in the northwest, so you have a place
to meet and have events, and I think that says
a lot about this. Developer and what they want to
do. The northwest is going to be a great place
to live in the future as it is now. When
you think about what this body approved in terms of
median enhancements along with UEP three. We're going to beautify
all the medians up through the northwest to kismet. Over
to burnt store and what the developers are going to
do. It's going to be amazing when we add this
onto that as well and we look forward to seeing.
It come to fruition. Gulf Gateway Museum is a project
at the Northwest Neighborhood Sports association supports, as Jerry said,
and we hope you support it as well and move
forward with the development agreement. Thank you. Thank you. Good
afternoon. My name is Michael Hannon. I'm a resident of
Matt Lache and. A member of the Matt Lache civic
association, and I'm opposed to the resolution involving seven islands.
I should note that the city of Cape Coral, to
my knowledge, has done. Nothing to reach out to the
island of Matt Lachet or the island of Pine island
to talk with them about the adverse impact that this
project is going to have on our waters. All of
the boaters that are going to be using this facility
if it's eventually built. Are going to be coming into
the Matt Lachet pass. The mattle Shay pass has been.
Polluted under EPA guidelines now for ten years as a
result of the pollution that's coming out of Northbreaker Canal
and the 400 miles of canals and Kit Coral, the
city of. Cape Coral currently is in violation of a
consent order that was issued in the 70s by the
Florida Department of environmental protection by. Removing the Cedars boat
lift barrier. In viewing the documents that were prepared. It's
difficult for me to understand everything, but I believe it's
contingent on the developer obtaining all the necessary permits. I
certainly hope that the money between the city of Cape
coral and the developer will not change hands until all
permits. Are actually applied for and obtained. And the developer
should be aware that those of us who. Are looking
out for our clean water that you care not anything
about. They can count on opposition. To every single permit
in every single venue as soon as they begin rolling.
I also wonder whether the City of Cape Coral has
reached out to the Florida Land Trust, which owns all
the land. That's west of the spreader waterway. Certainly they're
going to have to be a part of this process
and participation. I've never known the Florida Land Trust to
permit any kind of development adjacent to or through their
property, such as being planned here. And I have a
question. There once was, as I saw, an eagle's nest
on one of the islands. Is that. Still the case.
Thank you, sir.
Hi. Tom shadrak, cape coral. I'm okay with the project
going forward. No matter what you do, Matt, lache and
pine Allen will never be happy. So I don't know
what to do about them and how that they screwed
around with our lock. Getting a Chiquita lock. Getting out
was just crazy. But my issue. Is. One of a
conflict of interest or ethics. With a donation made by,
I guess, a principle of forest development in Gulf Gateway
to the flag. The passion of the city manager. Of
$5,000. All as a developer of the seven island. 5000
is not a lot of money when you're talking millions
of progress. But again, it's the perception. Of. Ethical behavior.
When a cinema is sponsoring a fundraiser. It's just not
appropriate. And a donation like that can be perceived by
public. As influence. For a proper decision. And I think
it's wrong that the city is sponsoring this fundraiser. For
the flag. It should be an ambit thing or foreign
wars organization. That should have been pushed to try to
do this and not. The city of Cape Coral because
it looks bad. Thank you. Thank you. Anyone else wishing
to speak. Torn the public hearing. Or an ordinance 60
25. Come on up, sir.
Hi. My name is Emil Ledon. I live right across
from the project. Off of embers. I think the plan.
Is way too large. And if you consider the size
of the canal, I'm guessing none of you use the
canal on a regular basis and have any idea what
the voting traffic is like during the high tides. On
weekends when the traffic is there. The canal is way
too narrow to handle this kind of boat traffic. I
think Woolborn's thorough road is too narrow to handle the
car traffic. And I just think it's a bad plan.
It's an overbuilt. I'd like you to consider what's happened
at the Sunseeker resort. Same. Kind of mixed use project.
Big hotel right on the harbor with killer sunset views,
restaurants, the infrastructure already in place. Massive failure. Bleeding them
dry. Sold for one third, less than one third of
the cost that it costs to build the place. This
is the exact same thing. How can you think the
builder is asking for 30 years to build this project.
He obviously has cold feet about it. The economics of
it. He should be wanting to jump on this and
get moving. To spread this out over 30 years shows
he's afraid of the economics of this project. I think
the city should take that as a red flag and
be very concerned about it as well, the reason he's
concerned about it is for the exact same reason. What's
happened up at the sunseeker? The sun seekers has less
than 50%. Occupancy up there. The restaurants are closed. Half
the other amenities are not open. How can you expect
this to be a success on 150 foot wide canal
if you can't? Have a hotel be a success on
a bay with sunset views and all kinds of great
amenities around it. I think the project is way too
large for the plot. I don't see how you fit
anything. On the small strip of land right on Birch
Store Road that makes the islands the boater. Is going
to ask to fill those in because there's not enough
space to put anything there. You're ruining the water retention
for all the local neighborhoods. There in the traffic. Like
I say, it's a massive overbuild. I've. Been a builder
my whole life. I look at this plan and I
see so many problems. With it. That. I'm stunned at
it's got this far. I'm stunned that city. Council hasn't
taken. More feel of. The current construction trends here that
people are moving out, not buying here. Now the condo
prices are way low. He's not going to get the
prices he needs to successfully sell the condos. There. You
can't rent hotels at the sun. You can't fill the
rooms. At the sun seeker. How do you expect the
full rooms on this place? I think some of the
restaurants and shop. Shops. Great ideas. Some parklands. Great idea.
The massive hotel and the high density of the residential.
Is just too much for this plot plan, and I
really hope the city takes. Into account the economics of
this proposal and the failure of the sunset. Thank you.
Thank you. Anyone else wishing to speak. Or in a
public hearing for ordinance 60 25. Seeing none. Public hearing
is now closed. Is there a motion regarding ordinance 60
25? Now open up for any council discussion. Council member
Kilbrain. I think that this project is a perfect example.
Of a neighborhood group. The city and the developer working
hand in hand over a long period of time. With
a lot of input, and it's the right way to
do a project. The concerns that I heard tonight. Were
based. On the current conditions. I would ask those who
are worried about the traffic and at the density up
there to look at the project itself in the detail
on some of the infrastructure that's going to go in
with it. This project is going to be a long
term project. It's not going to be finished very quickly.
It's going to get started, hopefully. Fairly quickly, and I
think that based on. The quality effort and quality thought
process and interaction that went on. It's a very good
work product. As far as the concerns brought forth by
Mount Lachet. We're here to look at the things that
are best for Cape Coral and Cape Carl. Considers the
water quality as a high priority, and we certainly will
continue to do that. And to the extent that we're
going to pursue projects that might have an effect on
that. It's worth discussion, but it's certainly not an impediment
to proceeding. Forward. And with that, I fully support the
project, and we'll be supporting them. And I thank all
those who participated in bringing forward so far. And as
I said, I think it's a great model for how
we do projects into the future. Thank you, mayor. Thank
you, council members. Thank you. Thank you, mayor. I would
ditto everything. Council member Kilran just said, and. I would
also give accolades to the Northwest Neighborhood association for the
great amount of involvement they had. The interest that they
took in that and the facility with which the leadership
up there gave the citizens to participate in the active
involvement with the developer as well. Since the developer is
here. I don't know. Certainly a little bit of prep
might have been better, but I wonder. If they might
just take a moment and speak to the economic feasibility.
In the 30 year project time horizon. And if you're
prepared to know anything about it, maybe a compare and
contrast to sunseeker. And why seven islands is expected to
be successful in light of what has been seen of
a sunseeker. Good evening, mayor, council members and staff. We'd
like to thank you all for your time. And your
dedication to the city. And thank you for providing us
the opportunity to speak. As you're all aware, this process
spans over a decade, and we didn't show. Up with
our plan and the position of this is what you
get. We agreed with the densities proposed in the D
one concept plan. Which was developed through extensive public outreach
and numerous Cape Coral publicly advertised hearings. Throughout this process.
As stated, we included our neighbors and we wanted to
thank them for their time and participation and their invaluable
input. It's important that. The public is aware of that.
Our development plan not only addresses the needs of our
direct neighbors, but it also considers and encompasses the greater
good of the city as a whole. In respect to
the environmental points that were raised. As I had stated
at the previous hearing, we've conducted numerous. Extensive on land
and in water studies related to our intended development. We
developed our plan to dramatically reduce the impact on the
mangroves and maintain wildlife habitat, not because it was demanded
of us, because we knew it was the right thing
to do. Excuse me. I don't believe anything has been
presented to you this evening. That would challenge the validity.
Of our studies. In reference to the traffic and infrastructure.
The introduction of previous unavailable commercial space containing shopping and
dining. Opportunities, just to name a couple, actually has a
reduction effect on traffic you don't have to travel across
the city anymore to go get something to eat or
to shop. Our plan was developed as an extension of
the existing community and encourages a variety of alternative modes
of transportation such as golf carts, biking. Arrival by boat
or walking. The plan was developed with the city. And
considers the existing infrastructure while incorporating significant infrastructure improvements. The
buildings will be constructed, hardened to withstand the most severe
storms that the city has ever experienced. And the hotel
could potentially serve as an emergency operations center and temporary
housing for displaced citizens in the event of a storm.
Finally, in reference to the positive economic impacts, they will
include. Significantly increased property values. And millions. Of reoccurring tax
dollars in perpetuity. In reference to the timing and the
sellout of the project. As I had stated at the
previous hearing, real estate goes in cycles. I believe all
of you. Are aware of that. We would be perfectly
happy with selling out the entire project tomorrow and moving
forward. We will do whatever. Is. Marketly and economically feasible.
To move through the project as quickly as possible. Just
because the timeline is laid out, it doesn't mean that
we're looking to extend it any further than we have
to it's in our best interest to complete it as
quickly as possible. And bring the product to the market.
I believe that that answers all of the questions, but
if you have any additional questions, I'm here for you.
No, I think that's great. And I think it was
great for everyone to hear. And I am in full
support of the project. As I have been since I've
learned more about it over the last few years. Thank
you. I would also like to introduce Peter Batesarian. He
is the owner of forest Development. Good evening, mayor, council
members and staff. I'm Peter Baitarian, managing partner of forest
development. After reviewing the response received from the RFP RCM
M 221 96 MC, the city selected forest development acquisitions,
LLC to enter into negotiations with the city. Since then,
we have collaborated with the City of Cape Coral to
implement the D one legacy development. Plan. Understanding and sharing
the city's vision and have assembled the aid team of
development, environmental, construction and finance professionals. Our project, Gulf Gateway
Resort in Marina village will be a unique destination. Gateway
for Cape Poor. It will feature condominiums, apartments, a hotel,
a marina resort, lagoon restaurants retail as well as an
entire island to include a community center, restaurants on the
water with outdoor seating splash pad with shade, canopy, kayak
launch, outdoor spaces and. A hip food truck park. We
are excited about the partnership, and we'll continue to work
with the City of Cape. Coral and our neighbors as
we create this amazing resort destination that will enhance. An
area and provide amenities for residents and visitors. We're super
excited to get going on the project. We're super excited
to start. The infrastructure work. And one of the first
things that we're going to do is that community center
island. So our residents have a place to gather. They
have amenities to enjoy. And people from out of the
area can also come into this area and enjoy it.
So we're very, very excited to start this process. Thank
you. That's it. Thank you, mayor. All right. Council member
Donnell thank you, mayor. And one of the goals that
we have here in the city. And what you hear
today to be highlighted is the Northwest neighborhood association. We
talk about how the city. We all work together. You
hear me always talking about that. And this is a
classic example. And I heard it hadn't always been the
way that with the northwest, in some conditions, where they
were supportive, but to hear that it's full support, both
past and present, working with the developer. Thank you, developers
with the city. That's how we want to move these.
Projects forward as far as there were some illegal concerns
that came up. That's why we pay our legal team.
To take care of those issues, so we have full
confidence that they've been breached. That have not been breached.
And I did want to say to the neighbors, though,
That's a little concerning. I do know that we do
seek to be good partners. And. Sometimes. It might feel
that way, but I appreciate us trying to thank you
for coming and bringing that to our attention. But that's
not for us to alienate anyone. We're here. In the
best interest of cape corps. But always be good neighbors,
so I wouldn't mind. Continuing that conversation, but thank you.
I'm in full support. And for the past councils that
had the fortitude to go and purchase that property to
see you all. Getting the shovels in the ground. It's
full circle. Thank you. That's all. Thank you, council member
Lasser. Thank you, mayor? Yes, I would. Echo also, like
I mentioned, and I think our last meeting. I've never
seen developers work so cohesively with a major neighborhood group.
Where you have over 1000 members in that group. So
kudos to you all for working this out and getting
it decided. To the gentleman that commented about the density,
please note that this project the density was actually decided
back in 2016 by the council who served at that
time. So that was decided quite some years ago and
things moved slowly in government. So please note that. And
then also, I believe the army corps permits have already
been approved, correct? I was just going to speak about.
The comment regarding the environmental impact study, which is part
of the Army Corps, I believe. Yes, again. Sam Bauer,
speaking on behalf of forest development. Those permits were submitted
in may of 2023 and are in process near completion.
Okay, awesome. So the environment is being considered. When you
think about environmental impact, developers are required to receive those
permits from federal and state agencies. In order to move
forward. Thank you, mayor. Thank you, council member Lehman. Yeah,
I just have a. Quick question, sir. When you said
that with the hotel, that in the case of a
storm or whatever kind of. Situation came up that you
were hoping that it could possibly be a shelter for
anyone. Displaced homeowners. Whatever. Are you planning on having a
generator there? Yes, absolutely. To handle the whole hotel. That
is our intent. The hotel also encompasses a fully automated
parking system, and so that the generator is really a
must. Okay. Because in the case of a storm, as
we all saw with Ian, Nobody wants to spend 12
hours on the road. To evacuate. Exactly. That would be
a good thing. Yes. Thank you. You're welcome. Thank you,
Mr. Mayor. Council member Kilbrain yeah. One point that I
missed, and I just wanted to comment on with respect
to the insinuated pay for play that is associated with
the vendor's contribution to the flight. I support the flag
going forward. And. I guess my background from private industry
is such that I'm not used to pay for play.
Some people have other backgrounds, may be used to that.
I work for private companies. That in small ways did
it, but that wasn't part of. Their. Menu for proceeding
with all work. To that extent, we welcome. Contractor donations,
I think. I would love to see that fly go
up. So anyone who like to participate in helping on
a volunteer basis. With no attachments. Or expectations with it.
I'm certainly in support of that. If I may comment
in reference to that. We learned about that as we
were traveling over here for a meeting, and we were
listening to the radio and heard that there was a
fundraiser for a flag, we felt like it. Was the
right thing to do. The city is ours and just
as well as anyone else as we care about it.
And we just thought it was the right thing to
do and called it into a radio show. So. That's
how that came to fruition. Thank you. Welcome. Thank you
real quickly for me. We've been talking about this project
for many years. As council member Laster said back in
20 15 16, we were talking about this particular project
I think it's going to be an incredible project for
the southwest region of the city. It's going to provide
amenities. That are much needed in that area. And. I
want to congratulate the developer for collaborating with the community
as much as you have. Along the way. There are
some developers that won't do that. I personally believe that
that was the right thing to do, because if you
could get the buy in of a majority of the
community. I. Think that's only going to help with the
process. So with that being said. I think it's a
great project. I'm going to support the project. And I'm
sure I'm like a lot of other residents in the
city, we wish we could snap the fingers and the
projects done. We realize that there's going to be a
phased in type project. But we're definitely looking for. Completion
with all of the residential, the commercial, the restaurants, the
marina, the hotel. When you look at the entire project.
It's an incredible project. So I want to thank the
developer for picking Cape Coral because we know you have
many choices. So we wanted to thank you for picking
kcore. To build your project here. Thank you. It's an
honor and a pleasure to be here, Mr. City manager.
Thank you, mayor. I just wanted to utilize this. Development
agreement and where we sit today. As an example of.
How? Utilizing a vision plan. Brings success in project delivery.
So a previous council back in 2015. Eleven years ago,
said, we need to figure out what to do with
the seven islands, which was purchased in 2000. I believe
it was twelve as part of the 491 purchase. So
council said this is going to be and has the
opportunity to be a major impact on our community. Let's
bring a vision, plan forward. Let's engage the community. Let's
engage. Council. Let's engage the stakeholders. On November 4 through
November 6 of 2015, there was a three day chart.
With the community, involving the Northwest Neighborhood association and multiple
business owners. That ended up with the delivery and acceptance
of on November 14, 2016. So over a year, work
went into developing the vision plan for the northwest and
what the seven islands could do in changing how the
northwest operates today and into the future. And since that
time. Staff has moved forward with that vision plan, seeking
developers to bring forward. What we saw was the ultimate
vision in the Northwest Cape. We've used that plan. As
was discussed by one of the members today. To make
changes. To the cross sections of the road as part
of the UEP, and we have a development agreement today.
To ultimately see our potential, our highest and best use
for the project that is going to be contemplated. If
this development agreement is approved tonight, we have had to
make some small tweaks. With anything. A vision plan is
a general sense of direction. For example, The original plan
that was adopted. Had a full scale marina in there
that was going to involve some permitting challenges. And so
we worked with the developer in this development agreement and
in their site plan. To maybe. Revision or recast how
a marina might work in this area. And actually, through
that, we were able to then also come up with
an. Alternative sea wall design that was more friendlier for
the environment and allowed the mangroves to stay in situ
with a sea wall built upland behind the mangroves. So.
This project, this development agreement. Eleven years in the making.
And a shining example of why vision plans are utilized
in government many years in advance of development. And. How
getting the community involved in that plan carries all the
way through the development, as you heard. Today, members from
Northwest Neighborhood association speaking on behalf of the project. Thank
you. Yeah, I think I might have said Southwest earlier
in my comments. I met northwest. That's a great location
up here on Old Burn Store Road, so I just
wanted to. Clarify that, seeing no other comments. We have
a motion a second on the floor, madam. City clerk,
please call the roll. Lester. Aye. Lehman. Long. Aye, steinki?
Aye, danelle. Gunter. Aye. Caduce Kilraign. Aye. Seven eyes. Motion
carried. Okay, let's move on to the next item on
an agenda. We have ordinance 63 25. Madam City, please
read title ordinance 63 25. An ordinance of the Mayor
and city Council of the City of Cape Coral, Florida,
approving the lease purchase agreement between the City of Cape
Coral, a Florida municipal corporation. And Dear Credit Inc. For
the acquisition of John Deere brand equipment for the Coral
Oaks Golf course authorizing the mayor to execute the lease
purchase agreement authorizing the city manager or their designee to
execute any purchase order. And any other related documents necessary
for the lease and purchase of the equipment, providing for
an effective date. Okay. Thank you. I'll turn ordinance 63
25 over to staff. Good afternoon, mayor and council. Joe
Petra, parks and recreation director. I don't have a formal.
Hold on just 1 second. Anyone speaking in the back,
if you would, please, if you'd. Go out in the
hall, Miss Woodbury. Sharon. You guys would go out in
the hallway and speak. Thank you. Joe. I'm sorry. No
worries. There's no formal presentation for this. But this is
a four year. Sorry, a 60 month. Lease. For big
equipment on the golf course that tends to last longer
than five years. And with this lease comes a one
dollars buyout after the five years which we fully expect
to do at that time. It's different than this one,
than one in the resolution prior that was just passed
was that was a 48 month fair market value lease
for real mowers which operate on the greens and T's.
Those tend to get very costly as they age, both
in terms of repairs and potential turf damage. So that's
why we separated out the equipment into two different ones
we plan on bringing back another. 48 month lease if
they need to be done. In the next 48 months
once that's done. So that's kind of why there was
a difference between the resolution. I know there was a
question about that in our e comments. For any questions
on it. I can cover a little bit more of
it. Go ahead. I'm happy to answer anything. Thank you.
I now open up the public hearing. Anyone wishing to
speak. On ordinance 63 25, please come forward. Seeing none.
Public hearing is now closed. Is there a motion regarding
ordinance 63 25? Motion to approve second. Is there any
council discussion? Seeing none, madam. City clerk, please call the
role. Astro. Aye, lehman. Long. Thank you. Center. Aye.
Kaduk. Aye. Kilraign. Aye. Eight eyes. Motion carried. Let's move.
On to ordinance 66 25, Madam City clerk, please read
the title. Ordinance 66 25, an ordinance amending the City
of Cape Coral Code of Ordinances, chapter two. Administration Article
six, Pensions Division two firefighter pension, amending section 2122.5 contributions
section 2122 point. Six benefit amounts and eligibility section 2122.9
vesting section 2122.27. Deferred retirement option plan, providing for severability.
And of provisions repealing all ordinances in conflict herewith and
providing for an effective date. Thank you. I'll turn the
server to staff. Thank you, mayor. With the passage of
the collective bargaining agreement for the International association of firefighters,
we have to take those items that were bargained and
approved and move them into the plan document or the
city. Code to actually formalize the benefit that were negotiated
in that plan. So this puts them formally into the
pension plan. Thank you. I'll now open up the public
hearing. Anyone wishing to speak on ordinance 66? 25. Please
come forward. Saying none. Public hearing is now closed. Is
there a motion regarding ordinance 66 25? Motion to approve.
Is there any council discussion? See a none. Madam. City
clerk, please call the role. Lestro. Aye. Lehman Long. Aye.
Thank you. Aye. Danelle. Gunter, aye. Kaduk, aye. Kilraign, aye.
Eight eyes, motion carried. Move. On to ordinance 326. Madam
City clerk. Please read the title. Ordinance 326, an ordinance
of the mayor and city council of the City of
Cape Coral, Florida, amending City of Cape Coral ordinance 50
25, which adopted the City of Cape Coral operating budget
revenues and expenditures and capital budget for fiscal year 2026
by increasing the total. Revenues and expenditures by a total
of $48,023,980, providing for separate ability and an effective date.
Okay, thank you. I'll turn it over to staff. Thank
you. Good afternoon, mayor and city. Council Crystal Feast financial
services director. As read into the record. The item before
you is the first budget amendment for fiscal year 2026.
It was first introduced January 7 and is before you
and the public tonight for formal or final hearing. So
what I'll cover tonight is the purpose of the ordinance.
I'll do a summary of the overall adjustment, and then
I'll go into details of the categories. Related are included
in this budget amendment. So this budget amendment is governed
by Florida 166.24, one three, which allows the city to
amend its budget at any time within the fiscal year
or within 60 days following the end of the fiscal
year. This is the first budget amendment for fiscal year
2026, and it captures city Council action items approved from.
October through December of 2025. As well as needed personnel,
services, operating and capital adjustments not already included in the
budget. So in short. This ordinance aligns the adopted budget
with council policy decisions and the operational needs that have
arisen in the first quarter of the fiscal year. So
budget amendment number one increases the fiscal year 26 budget
by $48,023,980 which is an increase of 3.35% from the
original adopted budget. The budget amendment is organized in four
categories and. This categorization. Is in accordance with the exhibits
that were included with the ordinance tonight. And so it
was separated into four categories. First, you have your previously
approved city council items totaling 24.6 million. And these are
items you've already approved, typically by resolution. And it includes
items such as interlocal agreements, design and construction contracts, and
grant awards. The second category are other adjustments, which total
$1 million. And these are technical changes and may include
things such as adjustments to revenue estimates, capital project reconciliations
changes in budget category and year end close out entries.
The next category is encumbrance carry Fords from fiscal year
25, which totaled 22.4 million. These represent outstanding purchase orders.
For operating services and products ordered but not yet received.
By the end of September 30 of last year, and
this can be things such as equipment, vehicles, engineering and
professional services, and ongoing maintenance projects. And then finally, personnel
changes total approximately 68,000. And these requests are focused and
targeted to enhance our delivery service delivery and may include
new job classifications and reclassifications of existing positions. So this
slide provides you with a different perspective of the overall
adjustment and includes a breakdown by source. And this is
what was presented to you at. Your last council meeting.
So the next slide that I'll go over will provide
a further breakdown by this categorization. So over the last
quarter, $460,000 in grant awards were accepted by city council.
Grants reduced the burden on our local tax dollars, but
it is considered new spending, and so we must recognize
these funds in the budget by increasing revenue along with
the associated program expenditures. A portion of this amendment is
related to two projects that will be already are supported
by debt. And today's action ensures the budget reflects council's
prior approval to move these projects. Forward. These adjustments are
considered new spending and. Will be included, are included in
the amendment tonight and will increase the overall budget. And
the two projects are yacht based and improvement project in
the JC park improvement projects. And the description of. What
was added are here before you. The next category is
transfers. And this is an internal transfer from the six
cent gas tax fund. Into capital project fund to cover
additional alleyway drainage improvements. These improvements were approved by resolution
300 and 325. The amendment also includes adjustments.
To the city's estimate of LCI funding from the charter
school by $1 million. This revenue will be added to
the budget and appropriate toward the charter school's building maintenance
and equipment. It also includes. An approvement resolution 189 25.
Which was amended, which actually amended construction contract for additional
services at festival park. The funding source for this was
interest earned on go bond proceeds. A large portion of
this budget amendment includes the carry forward of outstanding purchase
orders that were encumbered for products and operating services, but
not purchased or received by the end of the fiscal
year. As I mentioned before, this adjustment carries forward the
previous year's approved funding into this year's budget. In the
stormwater fund. Resolution 288 25 approved was approved to amend
the contract for Hancock bridge parkways, drainage improvements, adding utility
crossing and relocation elements to the project and the source
of funding. Was the stormwater fund balance. In the transportation
fund. Resolution 263 25 was approved. Which allowed for additional
transportation improvements along Pine Island Road. And the source of
this approval was road impact fees. And finally, the personnel
component of this amendment is relatively modest in cost, but
it's important for service delivery. The public works department is
reclassifying an existing custodian position to a custodial supervisor to
maintain service levels and ensure effective oversight over those services.
And with that, I ask for your approval of the
ordinance. And I'm here to answer. Any questions. Thank you.
I now open up public hearing. Anyone wishing to speak
on ordinance 326, please. Come forward.
Hi. Tom Shadrak, permanent resident. A couple of questions kind
of brought him up a couple of weeks ago at
the introduction or during the citizen's input. It's great to
see that the yacht club has finally started after seven
years of the go bond. And I hope at the
workshop. Next week. We got two days to talk about
the budget and finances going forward. Usually we try to
rush and get through that in one day. So you
can have Friday off. But I think you could spend
all day trying to figure out this yacht club funding
that we need to spend on what we're going to
do and try to reduce this budget. And get consensus
that it should be reduced. I sent you all a
plan that I proposed. To really reduce the money, and
we could have that park open by the end of
next year. My point. Too. Note number nine. That you're
using interest from the go bonds to fund new work.
Or overruns or whatever you want to call it. That.
Interest. That's our money that's sitting in those accounts from
millage rates and. Funding that we've put into it. That
money should be used to reduce that debt. Not used
for new work. That's $500,000 you could apply next year
to. A millage rate reduction. For our repayment of that
debt of 60 million. That's what we voted on. If
you're making money. On our money we put in there.
We should see that in the future as a reduction
to that debt, not using it for something. Else. And
that goes for all the interests that we're collecting now.
We got 900 million, 800. Million, maybe. A billion dollars
in money that's earning interest, that's $30 million. A year.
What are we doing with it? My last point. I
did get a copy of all the encumbrances. Appreciate it.
I don't. Know what a lot of it is. I
assume that's what the $22 million. Is. I did have
a question, though, when I was on the budget committee.
There was always a discussion of what happens if money.
Didn't get spent yet or even on PO yet. If
you opened a purchase rack, you would preserve your budget.
Now? I don't know. If that's something that's still being
done or not done, but it looks like this list
was just purchase orders. Is there another bucket? That's purchase
wreck money. That's. Saved because that was a discussion during
the budget meetings. So I was curious. If there's another
lump of stuff that's not done, that's preserved, that's called
purchase, Rex. So just a question for crystal there, okay?
That's all. Thank you. Okay. You know me, julia.
Tari. All I see here is maybe I'm confused, but.
It's increase, increase. Now the JC park and the yacht
club caught my interest. Why are we increasing? You haven't
even decided what we're going to do. With the yacht
club yet. I thought that that was still in the
discussion. And JC Park Madone, this is getting out of
hand. Sorry. More money. You just ask for 200 and
something. Thousand dollars for a roof. More money so you're
going to have to really explain this a little better
to the people, because I'm here every week, and this
is starting to boggle my mind, so I can't. Imagine
how the citizens could understand why we keep asking for
more money. Explain it, please. Anyone else wishing to speak
during ordinance 326 public hearing. See a non public hearing
is now closed. Is there a motion regarding. Motion to
approve 326. Motion to approve second. All right. And open
up. For council discussion. Council member Lehman. Yeah. Question on
jc park. Mr. City manager. What are these? Sports enhancements.
I thought that JC park everything that was going there,
we already knew about. And I understand the carryovers from
previous years, things that have not been completed or delivered.
But enhancement says that there's more going in. What? These
are the same things that we discussed in the meeting.
All this is, is formally aligning. The budget that was
approved for the roof. And the enhancements were, I think
they were cornhole boards and some other amenities in the
park. This is already included. You did. So that action
was approving the change order to that contract to give
it. This now then takes that change order that you
all did and we formally now have to make. Sure
that the money is available to be spent. Okay. Thank
you. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I think that's been a
common theme, this budget amendment. Is that people are thinking,
we've already done this, we've already approved it, or we've
seen this. That's right. Those individual actions that you all
take when we present an item for you. Is the
approving of the appropriation to become an expenditure. In some
cases where it says budget amendment required. This is the
budget amendment. Then that wraps all those previous approvals into
formally making sure the funds are there to be spent.
Yeah, I think it's important to mention. Because the last
speaker kind of insinuated these are additional expenses that we're
talking about today. And that is not the case with
the yacht club base and improvements for the sea walls
boat. Ramps, covert and dredging. That is something that we
approve back in 2025 under resolution 329. 25 JC park
improvements was additional floodproofing sports enhancements. And the building roof
expense. Which totaled 648,000. We heard that in 2000. And
25 two under resolution 386 25. What this is doing
is memorializing and updating. The budget to reflect all of
the decisions. That we did in the first quarter, which
is an October, November and December. We're basically putting that
all together, updating the budget to reflect all of the
decisions. That we made those three months, so I just
want to make sure that's clear for the community. This
isn't something that's an additional expense over and above what
we've already talked about or what we've already approved or
voted on and awarded. So I think that's important to
make sure we get that message out. Seeing other lights
on. We have a motion. Second on the floor, madam
said to clerk, please call. The role. Yes, sir. I'd
like to have Rachel. Just Rachel. Rachel's down this. Way,
crystal. Crystal addressed the purchase Rex versus purchase order. Okay.
So in our system, our financial system, the first step
is to create a requisition. And that is basically staff's
request. To get things approved, to make purchases, to request
services. Once that is approved and it goes through the
workflow in the system, it becomes a purchase order. So
a requisition is just the first step. In converting or
creating purchase orders, so there's no separate bucket of requisitions.
That are getting carried forward. Are separate category. Those requisitions
actually become the purchase orders, and in this case, the
encumbrances are purchase orders that were not completed. Or completed
within the time frame, and so we're just carrying those
forward. Okay. Any other comments by council? See a none.
Madam. City clerk, please call the role. Last row. Aye,
Lehman. Aye. Danelle, center, aye. Gil rain.
Aye. Seven eyes. Motion carried. Okay, we'll move on to
ordinance 426, madam. City clerk, please read title. Ordinance 426,
an ordinance of the mayor and city council of the
City of Cape Coral, Florida. Amending the City of Cape
Coral, Florida Code of Ordinances, chapter 26 Cape Coral Charter
School authority section 26 two creation of charter school authority
and board. Section 26 three student. Community section 26 four
composition of authority board section 26 five background and verification.
Section 26. Six board appointments and participation section 26 nine
terms of board members section 20 611 conduct of Board
section 20 613 appointment of committees section 20 614 adoption
of regulations, rules and resolutions section 26. 15 powers and
duties of charter school authority superintendent and city and section
26. 17 administrative services. Providing for severability and providing for
an effective date. Thank you, Mr. City attorney. Thank you,
mayor. As I discussed during the introduction of this amendment
to the city's chapter 26 ordinance, this memorializes the final
position that was taken by the city council during the
committee of the whole meeting on the January 7. I
did disclose and identify that I did include a new
section, which is 26 five, which is background and verification
that remains unaltered and everything that you ultimately agreed during
the committee of the whole husband memorialized in this document.
And so it is unaltered from the November 7 presentation
where I discussed all the various changes. So. With that.
I would look to see that. There is the passage
of this legislation. Okay, thank you. I now have enough
public hearing. Anyone wish to speak on ordinance 426, please?
Come forward. Saying none. Public hearing is now closed. Is
there a motion regarding ordinance 426? Motion to approve second.
Is there any council discussion? Council member Kilbring? Yeah, I'll
just mention mayor that. In our charter board meeting, we
discussed the changes and there were no oppositions, any changes.
They were in full support of this step. Thank you.
Thank you. Seeing no other discussion. We have a motion
a second on the floor, madam. City clerk, please call.
The role last round. Aye. Lehman. Thank you. Aye. Done
now. Center. Aye. Kaduk. Aye. Hillaryne I eight eyes. Motion
carried. Okay. Just want to remind everyone. If you are
here and want to participate in citizens input, just remind
you to fill out a comment card. It's located over
here on the desk. And the city clerk will call
your name up. Just stay seated. She'll call your name.
Up. Once we get the citizens input, time. I will
move to introductions we do not have. Any. So we
will move straight to item ten as citizens input. Citizens
input is a maximum of. 60 minutes. A set on
input of matters concerning city government. Three minutes per individual.
Please remember to state your name for the record and
remind you that. You address the city council as a
collective body, not as an individual. So, Madam City clerk.
Marie kavanaugh and julia atari. Ms kavanaugh.
Can barely hear her. Marie Kavanaugh, secretary who take out
the trash committee of Cape Coral first. I want to
remind everybody that on January 31 we're having a citizens
town hall. At Lake Kennedy. This is an advertisement. This
is for citizens input on city government. This has everything
to do with city. Exactly. And that's why you shouldn't
be. Commenting on it. This is for citizens input. First
of all, I tried going to the art festival on
Saturday after driving around for 15 to 20 minutes. No.
Parking. No parking. We've got 18 plus acres in Bibani
east. You guys could have set up some sort of
a parking situation for people and maybe had a little
shuttle go. Back and forth, but. No. Make life miserable.
I went back Sunday, same thing. And I want to
challenge. Every one of you up there. To tell all
of us. Give all of us, other than the canals,
which are disgusting, filled with algae, fishless. Name one. Unique
project or attraction. That only Cape Carl has that people
will want to come here and see. Spending $300 million
on the yacht club is not going to do it.
Take a look at what happened to sunseager? They've spent
700 million. What? You're going to. Build down there isn't
going to come close. And nobody. It's a waste of
money. The people do not want it. And the vacancy
rate. In Cape Coral is over 20%. Infrastructure can't handle
what we have now yet. You continually approve. More and
more and more and more housing units and more and
more and more. In the future. The infrastructure has got
to stop. I went up from my house, which is
Cape Coral Parkway and Pelican, to Panera. The other morning
and it took me 20 minutes. On Cape Coral Parkway.
Ludicrous. And you want to add, you're looking at redfish.
Point. Adding 800 units there. I mean, come on, give
me a break. You also need to have a moratorium
on hiring of city employees. I know Connie Baron's. Getting
ready to retire. Her position should not be filled. We
already have the city manager and. We now have two
city managers. Assistant city managers. We don't need that. And
I'm still waiting on updates of Bimini east. The RFP
expired on the 30 October and we have heard nothing.
Are there interested people? We don't know if there are
people interested. What kind of proposals? Are they making? I
think we have the right to know that because we're
going to. Pay for it, because basically what happens in
Cape Coral is you have all these elaborate schemes where
you spend millions and millions of dollars, we have to
pay for it. And then when they're, complete. You make
us pay to utilize them? No clapping, please.
Julian Chari, vice chair, take out the trash, Cape Coral
and yes, the citizens town hall is about citizens. City
business. Anyway. Last week when I was here,
I did ask about. Getting the drop paperwork, and I
got another call from the gentleman. He got 100 and
something names of the people that are on that drop
with abbreviations of their job description. Is there somewhere where
we can find out what those abbreviations mean? Because he
would really like to know about that. Public records request.
We found out that. The road that goes into the
food truck park down by Abbashan quite a few months
back. I was at one of the town hall meetings
for councilwoman Lee, man. I mean, Nelson and. I was
told that the road going into that town, into the
food truck park, needs to be. Fixed or widened. I
guess the study was done in the summer, but the
people are using it. In the winter. So did anybody
ever figure out when that's going to be done? Because
I really want to know. It was told to me
by the city manager that that has to be done,
but. They have to wait till the bridge is widened.
I'm a little confused on that. I'd like to get
an answer to that. Do we have to widen that
road? And who's going to pay for it. That's kind
of important. Because that's going to be another thing. We
asked about the steps, and quite honestly, we didn't mention
whose address it was, but. The mayor outed himself. Did
we ever get an answer as to why that was
approved? There was no railing on those stairs. We have
a photo. So saying that we didn't know. What we're
talking about is kind of incorrect. That's what you need
to learn. Yeah. Because we have builders that call us
and say, they're getting fined and they're getting there held
back for doing the same thing. You did. They want
to know why. Thank you. Tom Shadrack and David Holsey.
No clapping, please. Mr. Shadrak, before you get started, because
I don't want to interrupt you, so. Just give me
a minute, if you would, please. I was going to
read this earlier. But since we have individuals that don't
want to follow the rules, I want to make sure
everybody understands the rules clearly. Citizens are given opportunities to
be heard concerning city matters scheduled on the council agenda
or any other matters pertinent to city business. In order
to promote an orderly system and hold a public business
meeting and to ensure that individuals are not embarrassed or
harassed as a result of their exercise right of free
speech. The city has established rules that must be followed.
These rules. Are council rules of procedure which are established
and adopted by resolution by the city council. A speaker
is required always to maintain proper decorum. Only the person
recognized by the mayor should address the city council or
make any audible remarks during the business portion of the
meeting. Which includes citizens input. Speakers shall address their comments
to the city council as a whole, not to an
individual council member or to a city staff or a
member of the audience. No person. Shall not make personal
or profane remarks or gestures. Unauthorized remarks, stomping of feet,
whistling. Or similar demonstrations shall not be permitted during the
business meeting. No person is permitted to interrupt the city
council procedures or the comments of any person recognized by
the mayor in any manner. No person is permitted to
behave in a disorderly manner by shouting, yelling, whistling, chanting,
singing, dancing. Collapsing footstomping cheering. Or engage in any other
disruptive display during the council meeting. No person can display
banners, place cards or signs. No person can distribute any
handouts or materials. Any members in the audience within city
hall. No person is permitted to refuse to follow the
instructions. Of the adopted rules at the direction of the
mayor and comply with these policies and rules that are
governed by the city council seatings any person who engages.
It in this behavior that is prohibited within the rules
and who is boisterous, disruptive, in any manner in the
city council meeting shall be asked to leave that may
be escorted for. The meeting room by the police department.
So that is what the adopted rules are by counsel.
Known as our council rules of procedure. Those rules will
be followed unless they change. And it is imperative during
this business meeting you follow the rules. If you don't,
you will be asked to leave. It's as simple as
that. So I just want to warn everyone. And this
may be something that I'll have to read each and
every time to. Make sure that we adhere to the
rules. Mr. Shadrak, I apologize for interrupting you, but. You
have the floor now. Okay. Thanks, mayor, but I think
you took more than three. Minutes. I'll give you. Got
the time clock? I don't. Even make a payment to
the flag. It was a joke, guys. It was a
joke. Relax. Tom Shadrak, permanent resident. Mike, clock has started.
All right. Last January, I think there was a consensus
of this council. To have our financial monthly report start
being reflective of what Lee county gets. As their monthly
or even quarterly now, I think. But it's very detailed,
very great information. And I believe you all voted, or
at least gave a consensus. I think it was a
cow. To start producing this type of information. Now. The
financials did come out monthly now, and we got a
good shot of what the year. End was with the
September monthly, but it was still very limited. In detail,
and we really need all this data. We got the
workshop next week. To get something with all this data
so you guys can make some intelligent form decisions would
be. Helpful because this is great stuff. If you haven't
looked at it, please do. I've shared it with several
of you. But. It's something the city manager and finance
department has, and you're not getting it. Because I can't
get it, so. If I can't get it, you're not
getting it. And again, that September report. Showed. That we
have 85 more million dollars in revenue. At the end
of the fiscal year. Then you were at the adopted
budget in 25 85 million. More. Now, what was that
from? And I'm only looking at the general front and
the Special Revenue Fund, which I think are mostly yearly
money, so 85 million more, and then the actual. Expenses
were 68 million more than the revenue. I mean, less
than the revenue. So we didn't spend a lot of
that money, that extra money, and we have it. Over
now. How much do we have? That's why we should
have a fund balance to understand that. And our debt.
What new debt did we create? Those types of things
are in this report. If you had an update monthly.
It would help you greatly, and you could see they
even produced great charts that show variances over the last
three fiscal years. Really good, helpful information. So not having
it, I think, put you at a disadvantage, and you
should be able to get it. And that's what you,
I thought, agreed to a year ago. And we don't.
Have it today. So any comment on that, I'd appreciate
it afterwards. And I think I've sent you guys. All
this data, the numbers. I know Dr. Denel. He always
challenged me. Do you say numbers without proof? I think
I. Sent that to you. Okay. Thank you. Thank you.
Hi. I'm David Halsey. I understand. Last week after speaking
with the mayor offline that I kind of missed the
boat when I was talking about the yacht club and
how we could save the. 40. Save the $38 million.
The idea of moving the pool. In the community center
to the golf course. We would not need a three
story. Parking garage at the yacht club, and that would
save us the 38 million. And right now, after listening
to the cow, we have a four point. 48. 4.4
million. Credit in the design. We haven't spent all the
9 million there, so I just wanted. To point that
out. I'm sorry. If I didn't make my point last
week. I'm on a committee to rebuild my timeshare down
at Fort Myers beach, and. I went to the construction
meeting on Monday. And something I didn't know is we're
having to put pilings in of course. Down. The building
was down. Next to the diamond head. We're having to
put pilings in for our pool. Now do we have
to put pilings in? If we put the pool down
at the yacht. Club. And how much more is that
going to cost us? I had never heard that before,
and I'm sure we're going to have to put pilings
in for maybe the community center, so I don't know
how much more that's going to cost us. I just
wanted to throw that out. I just learned that this
week. And I don't know if we've even discussed pilings
being driven to build down at the yacht club. Thank
you. Thank you. Lizette fialo. And j. Michael hannon.
Good evening to everybody. Ang mistyalo. On December
829, I submit five requests to the clerk. Question. Why
I did not receive any response. To Rachet kaluk. Last
year by. Email. You respond to me? That you work
full time at the bank. Question. Why is that mean?
I assume. You don't have time to. Work. As. A
council member. Question. Is this the case? What are you
doing sitting in that chair? Or. Another. Just.
A puppet. In that seed. Last year. Last year. Last
year. Council member. I'm sorry. I didn't hear that. I'm.
Trying to listen to her. She's hard to understand. Just
make sure you address us. As a collective body and
not as an individual council member. Talking Dombank saying to
you today? Is different rules. Just express what your concern
is, but you can't single out any one particular council,
okay? Last year. Gonker and Kaduk told me in this
meeting room. That sound like two different names. I know,
but I say the city council. Okay. City council. There
we go. Okay. Mary room. I need to get a
lawyer. But Jesus. Lets him see. For everybody.
City council. Don't be sarcastic. And respect to the taxpayer.
To any counselor. I'm feeling sorry for you. Be honest.
Be right in your position. Everybody. Sit there, work for
us because Gui bought. Borate for you and. You have
to answer to taxpayer. When.
I request something? Nobody answer, so. I don't have to.
Explain. Name. By name. So this is my proof. On
December right, 2025. I present five differing request. And today
is January. 2026. Nobody answered to me. You work for
me. Or you are poopet in the chair. Thank you.
And don hazeln.
Good evening. My name is Skylan Brown, and I'm here
to speak on the proposed. Development at redfish point and
the patterns of behavior behind it. First. I want to
make something very clear. Your silence on this issue is
loud. When a council refuses to publicly discuss. Environmental impacts,
refuses to show updated data, and refuses to engage the
community. It is not neutrality. It is neglect. And neglect,
my friends, is a choice, and it definitely has consequences.
Redfish point is not empty land waiting for a developer.
It is a functioning Estherine system. It filters pollutants, acts
as a first line of defense against storm surge. Houses
juvenile fish populations, and I could go on and on
about the benefits of this piece of land. When you
pave over wetlands and cut into mangroves, you are not
creating value. You are removing natural and free infrastructure that
keeps this city alive. After Ian Milton, Debbie, Helene, we.
Saw the difference between neighborhoods with and without buffers. That
wasn't luck. That was simple. Ecology. Which brings me to
my economic piece, because Cape wants. To pretend that environmental
issues are separate from financial ones. Did you know that
our ecosystem generates billions? Of dollars in tourism revenue. Boating,
fishing, kayaking, eco tours, hospitality, bait shops, marinas, the entire.
Sector exists because of our waterways, our mangroves and our
wildlife. Destroying the very ecosystem that fuels our economy. Is
not smart growth. It is a self inflicted economic harm.
The real slap in the face is when we are
told growth is justified by outdated data using. 2020 census
data. As if Cape hasn't gone through major storm displacement
insurance upheaval. Constant recovery of the last four years. Investors.
This is for you. No matter what they say, Ian
was not an isolated event. Extreme storms. Are increasing in
frequency and severity. Insurance companies know it, scientists know it,
and developers. For some reason ignore it. Which is why
our growth does not reflect. That. That's not planning. That's
wishful thinking disguised as policy. So here's the ask. Stop
approving development on autopilot. Stop pretending. Silence is transparency. Stop
choosing short term developer profit over long term community. Silence.
I will close with this because no one here gets
immunity from reality. I just want to note that mother
nature does not care. About. Your tax bracket. Thank you.
Thank you. Well, y'all know who I am.
I'd like to know what you plan to do. Mayor
or any council members. You know what I'm talking about,
right? Are you going to sit up there and pretend?
You don't know what I'm talking about. Which is it?
Last time he tried to intimidate me. Looking at me,
I'm not scared of, none of. You are not allowed
to make laws that infringe on my rights. But the
police infringed on my rights quite a bit. And you
guys ignore it like it doesn't matter. Why is that?
I think that deserves an answer, don't you? I was
attacked by the police department. You told me my fight
was beaten. Not you, but you're. Their boss. So what's
the deal? I'm giving everybody wanting to get a chance
to speak. I brought premeditated murder to the police department
and how that family tried to do the same thing
to me. And you guys act like I've done something
wrong. Because I don't want to put up with your
disrespect and your nonsense or your threats. I'm not the
one. You all made a mistake. A very big one.
Now, what happens when. The society hears about what I
went through because of you and your dereliction of duty
by ignoring me. What happens to the property values then,
mayor, when people can't even feel safe with their own
police department or their own city council, mayor, anybody. When
do the citizens get protected from you? Those are all
fair questions. You're awful silent. You wanted to intimidate everybody
else speaking. Intimidate me, sir. I'm really not the one.
And I have to have in my life threaten again.
I'm done playing with you people. These are crimes, legitimate
federal crimes. That are being covered up. Or ignored. Which
is a dare election that everybody up there. Wasn't including
this clown right here. I'm not happy with none of
you. I'm actually disappointed in all of you. You should
be ashamed of yourselves. You just have to stand there
and speak so you could rubber stamp whatever you're going.
To do anyway. That has nothing to do with me.
I'm talking about murder. That is being ignored. Attempted murder.
Murder for hire. I'm not making anything up. I'm not
lying. I don't have any. Mental disorders or any of
the other false narratives that your police created for me
in the courthouse. So how do you all want to
answer this? We're just going to sit there and. Be
quiet, because I'm not going to be. Thank you, sir.
Thank you. Sir, please. Your three minutes is up. Have
a seat. Have a seat. That's the last comment card,
sir. All right. Was that the last one?
Yes. All right. Okay. The citizens didn't put is now
closed, and I'll open it up for any council discussion
for citizens input. Council member Lassra thank you. Mr. Hazelt,
if you would. Stay. I'll say this again to you.
I've recommended twice now for you to file a complaint
with the Florida Department of law enforcement, if you have
any. Issues concerning our police department. That is the appropriate
way and vehicle. To formalize that complaint. Because your case
is in the court. It is above our jurisdiction as
a council to be able to assist you. Let's see.
Ms. Kavanaugh, thank you for speaking. We do have 420
miles of canals, which makes us very unique. As a
young lady, Skylan stated. Ecotourism is a big thing for
us. And I think. Us utilizing our waterways. And bringing
some new attractions to our city. Along those waterways is
something that our vision has been for this city long
before I got here. So I appreciate you speaking. I'm
going to kind of bounce around. Skylan. I apologize. I
call you scholar last. Time scholar. That was very texting.
I'm sorry, but your name is Skylan and. I wanted
to say to you that redfish point hasn't come up
yet for us. But I could assure you when it
does, all of those environmental concerns that you and other
residents have, have been taken into consideration. And we've been
researching. I know for myself personally, I worked out on
captiva for a year and a half. For the Erosion
Prevention District, which is a special legislative district. I learned
all about natural sea walls. And you're absolutely right. Mangroves.
All of those growth in natural seawalls help. Prevent shoreline
erosion, and they protect our coastlines. So you're preaching to
the choir and I appreciate you. Let's see. Mr. Tari.
Mr. City manager. Can you answer the question again? Like
you. Did at my town hall when we talked about
slip away. And the issue with the widening of the
road there. And that entrance in was going to be
handled by the county when the bridge was widened, could
you address that again? That is correct. They had to
work with Lee county and their design plans for the
bridge project. It was not installed now, because if they
did, it would get destroyed at the time when the
project came through. But. They have to have a turn
lane, and I don't know if they did money. I
don't know the financial side of it. I don't know
if they did a money in lieu of or a
deferred site plan improvement where when it's done then they'll
construct their piece. Or I don't know how it's going
to be resolved, but I do know. That that was
part of it, because they had to come back in
and amend their plan with us to incorporate that. Okay,
maybe we can ask that some of us are going
on Friday to MPO at Lee county. I'll put that
on my list. I can make a call. To the
that would be great. The Lee County Department of Transportation
directory. Find. Out and I'll send you all an email.
Yeah, I should have asked that question. This morning. In
our ctac meeting, Mr. Halsey. Again. I hope you're able
to come to my town hall on Saturday. On Saturday?
At Vanyon Trace. We will be talking about the old
golf course, but I think it was. The mayor who
mentioned last meeting that that project we're looking ten years
out and my hope is, and I think a lot
of people's hope, and we'll know when we see the
survey results. That we keep that as green as possible.
But again, I don't think anyone's supposed to putting a
community pool there, especially because we no longer have one.
I hope we get several in the next 20 years.
Ms. Falco, I apologize, but I don't know what you've
sent five times. To us because I have not seen
it. Maybe staff could get with you after the meeting
to get clarification on that. And Mr. Shadrak. Yes, you
were correct. We did talk about that. We talked about
that. Emulating that county report. I thought we had consensus,
but I don't remember. I'll. Reach out to finance and
ask that question, because I think we all agreed that
it was a pretty clean and easy to read report.
And let's see. I think that's it. Thank you, mayor,
Mr. City manager. Just an update on that report. That
was an example of a unilateral decision made by administration
against council. Got you. Okay, so we're not going to
get that report. What, were you kidding? You were kidding.
That what happened there? I know. I'm kidding. And I
know most of you think I am as well, or
no, I am as well. So what happened with that
was there was a. Request to produce additional financial reports.
We were producing quarterly reports. And there was a reference
made to the data that was in the.
Unaudited monthly financial. So what we did was we came
to you all. I brought our quarterly financial report. Said,
we can easily add. Do this monthly. So increase the
period from four times a year to twelve times a
year and it has the data that's available. How much
revenue we collect each month, how much expenditures? We collect
each month, and at year end, it would be an
unaudited number that we would produce. You all have been
getting that since we did that. And I think there
is an expectation by the resident that he was going
to get the format. He wants. But we produced what
we could produce with the files and the software that
we have. And the audited numbers. Correct. The audit numbers
come with the AK for got you. So they're unaudited
monthly financials. Okay. Thank you for. Request that I made,
and they satisfied that that way. Okay. Thank you. Thank
you, Mayor. Council member down now. Thank you, mayor. The
gentleman that brought up the yacht club. Thank you in
advance of our meeting, Mr. City manager, could we please.
Have an update to how we're going to be funding
the funding mechanism for the yacht. Club. I think you
all. Ran a report. A few years back, but that
was based on, I think, $150,000,000 number. So in advance
of that. Could we get that so we can go
over and be prepared to have a concise conversation about
those numbers. Do I need to forget a second or
something, council, but I think that'd be very. Helpful for
outdoors. Yeah, we're paying for. We can put one together.
All right? And then. Number two. The last thing for
me. There was one thing. Mayor, thank you for reading
that. There's one other piece that I want to offer
when everyone comes to meetings. We get this packet? It's
online. There was something in there called the pledge of
civility. You know, I like to accentuate. The positive for
all the speakers. They have seen an improvement in addressing
issues. But there are two other pieces says we will
direct all comments to the issues, but there are two
other. Things that say we will be respectful to each
other. Even when we disagree. And we will avoid personal
attacks. We can't make the speakers do that. But I
would just say to you once again, I thank council.
For providing that. And conducting themselves in that professional manner,
letting you all know, the ones that come here, the
children. Are listening. And the things that they ask and
they say. I understand. And it's disappointing to me because.
It's a choice. So those that come here understand that
people are watching, listening, and we ask as council members
that you all abide by because you see how we
abide. We want to practice what we preach. But again,
at the end of the day, Understand that you can
interpret and do whatever you want, but that would be
surely appreciated in the new year. That's all. Thank you.
Thank you, council member Lehman. Yeah. Councilwoman lost her pretty
much. Covered almost everything. The woman who spoke about redfish
point. You're correct. It has not come up in front
of council yet. But not only that. You need to
be aware it is not owned by the city. It's
privately owned by the zombie Trust, so when it comes
up to council, it would. Be for a rezoning. Thank
you, Mr. Mayor. Do you want me to bring up
that other. I thought you were going to do that
under reports. Okay, I will do that at reports. Thank
you, council member Kilray? Yeah, I'm reacting to an e
comment we had from. Mr. Stolesis, basically. He referenced that
we should be looking at infrastructure and improving our water
situation by using desalinization and I couldn't let that one
go by because desalinazation is. Very expensive, energy intensive. And
the process that we have right now. Are a reclamation
system, an RO system. Puts us in a cat bird
seat in years to come. Ro is using water. That
is not capable of being used for anything else because
of its salinity and murkiness. We clean up the perfection
and recycle system. Is the best system around and probably.
Those combined systems. Are better than anything else in the
United States. So with all due respect and happy to
talk to them about in further detail, Desalinazation is not
an outlet that would be beneficial to the city, so
thank you. Mayor. Mr. City manager. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
I just wanted to enhance councilwoman Laster's. List. Of unique
opportunities that Cape core offers. And this is going to
springboard off of something. Dr. Donnell asks every week is
to bring something positive to our community. And so this
was a great question. List some things that Cape Coral
has that are unique, that will drive people new our
city. I have a short list. Gator mics amusement park.
Gator Mike's amusement park, go cart rides. Zip lines. Mini
golf four mile cove. Trails, walking, parks, environmental sightseeing. Serenia
vista manatee park. We have people come from all over
to see our manatees. That serennia vista manatee park. Cape
Coral Museum of History if you want to see. The
things we're dealing with today. Ten years ago, 20 years
ago, 30 years ago, it's all the same. UEP traffic
growth. Same stuff over and over, but it's really interesting
to see. How previous councils and previous administrations dealt with
it. That's a great spot to visit. Wicked. Dolphin. We
have our own craft distillery. Offers tours. Pretty neat place.
Sun, splash. Wonderful location. Just added a wave pool. The
quartz third largest pickleball facility in the state of Florida,
but also host to our very own. Tournament, the Cape
Coral Open, which brings the number one. Men and women's
pickleball players in the world to our community. Yellow fever
keep yellow Fever Creek Campground will soon be open, but
it's on its way. In the middle of. A beautiful
environmental park. The Charlotte Harbor Preserve. Great place for fishing,
canoeing, kayaking. Wonderful outdoor place and keep Coral BMX, which,
by the way, for those of you who went this
past weekend hosted the national tournament in Cape Coral. And
for those riders who won. They punched their ticket to
worlds in Australia. Those are just some places we have
wonderful events that bring people from all over. Boom. Art
fest tour to cape and so forth. Thank you. You
forgot the largest flag in the state or we don't
have that yet. That's right. Okay, thank you. Let's move
on to the next item of the agenda. We have
reports. Council member Steinki report. Thank you, mayor. January Eigth,
attend the Lee county tourist development. Council, where I'm a
member on the 14th. I participated, like all of us
did in the CRA and our committee, the whole in
the 15th, I attended the Cape Coral Construction Industry Association's
showcase of Homes awards celebration 21 January this morning. I
wanted to thank the mayor for filling in for me
as I had a conflicting obligation. And so he sat
in for me at the CTAC this morning. I would
remind all of our citizens, those watching. That. The city
managers annual report just came out. It's available on the
website. For anyone that was listening in around concerns of
us being a safe city. You'll find some interesting information
in there about the pride we can have in our
local law enforcement and the safety that's provided to our
citizens as well. As. The reaction and attendance by our
fire department in dealing with our folks. When their safety
might be in peril or their health might be in
peril. So it's a great read. It's only about 24,
25 pages long somewhere in there, but great information there.
I'd encourage everyone to go to the website and take
a look at our annual report. And unless there are
any objections by my colleagues here, I would plan on
leaving Sunday and making my way to Tallahassee. Where I'll
attend. The legislative meetings in Tallahassee, along with our Florida
League of Cities. And our lobbyists that work on our
behalf there in Tallahassee and then be returning on Wednesday.
Late afternoon, early evening. That's it for me. Okay, thank
you, council member Lehman. I see your light on, but
we do have a list going down for our reports
in a specific order, so we will get to you
here. Shortly. Not a problem. Council member Donnell, report. Thank
you, mayor. Yesterday, for Dr. Martin Luther King. Annual celebration
breakfast in Fort Myers. I was able to attend it,
represent the city, and it was just great to see
the honorees that they noted and people out there. And
Justin reminded that at the end of the day, with
all the speeches and the celebration is all about how
we respect each other, and that was the premise and
the theme. So it was a great event and I
was glad to be able to att. Attend. Thank you.
That's all, council member cadoo. Thank you, mayor. On January
eigth I attended the Horizon Council Arts and culture committee
meeting. It was the first one I'm looking forward to
being a part of this committee. In that same evening,
I attended the community cooperative event supporting them at top
golf on January 9. I attended the horizon Council executive
meeting, and today we had our keep coral Transportation advisory
Commission and just like council member Stanky, I too plan
to attend the FLC days in Tallahassee. January 25 through
28th. And just a reminder, I did ask, and it
has been set up, that on January 30, which is
day two of our budget workshop that I attend via
phone. Thank you. Okay. And we have council member Kilbrine.
On January, that town hall will attend over 100. People.
I'd like to thank Sharon Woodbury for a great presentation
on Edo. And we had some good discussions on a
whole variety of topics. But thank you for staff in
support of that. January 9, attend Michelle Hoffman. It's retirement.
January 10, stop by the art festival, and I was
able to find a park in place. On January 13,
I was on Jason Jones Daybreak speaking a little bit
about Venezuela oil, but he got me in a corner
on redfish point in property taxes, so I commented on
those. So that's a recorded. Dialogue. So if you want
to go to Jason Jones State break, you can listen
to that. January 13 participating in Georgia school board I
would like to invite anyone who is interested in the
quality of the programs and the staff. That the charter
schools has a principal gave a report and it was
excellent wet energy and just total. Good things happening at
the skull again. They had the 100% graduation rate the
first time that that's attained in a long time, and
they're pressed right now to find space. Actual physical space
to support. Out of 54 additional students matriculating in for
next year, On january 14, the participant cra in cal
and january 15 attended the cccia showcase of homes. Along
with Bill Snikey. Councilman lost her and Lehman and mayor.
A great showcase. Probably the best done that I've seen
in a long time, and I think they had over
200 people their weight. I think you said 209. So,
excellent presentation. January 15 also tended the BIA. New board
of directors with mayor also attended. And on January 15
in the south. We went to the southwest Florida. League
of cities. Mayor hosted that an excellent job presentation by
Tico. There are natural gas and. Opportunities to expand natural
gas to both moving fleets, school buses. And garbage and
also looking at maybe some infrastructure in the Cape in
future years. On the 16th, along with mayor and councilor
Lehman. And city staff. City manager went to the BMX.
Little did I know, I was greatly surprised at the
sophistication of that operation down. There. That's ranked, I guess,
7th in the nation. What an incredible event. I start
back again. Another day just in froze, but. They really
had that thing filled up. And. A great attraction. On
January 20 legislative action days. And flc webinar. And on
January 20, lcRec. On january 21, ctac. I will also
be going up to Tallahassee Sunday night, returning Wednesday. So
thank you, mayor. Okay. Council member last thank you, mayor.
Last weekend, I also attended the art festival. Congratulations to
the rotary for putting on such an incredible event. It
was very well attended, packed, and the weather was gorgeous.
Last Thursday. I also attended the Southwest Florida League of
Cities luncheon out in LaBelle. It was great. It was
informative. I didn't know we had natural gas in our
city. So I look forward to that for our future.
And I also attended the Cape Coral Construction Industry Association
Awards dinner. Congratulations to that group. That was an incredible
vent and. To hear about and see some of those
gorgeous homes that we have in our city. We're very
proud. I'm very proud that we have that today. I
also attended our transportation. Advisory council meeting along with some
others. I'll also be attending the Florida League of Cities
in Tallahassee, leaving Sunday, coming back Wednesday. And our biggest,
exciting, most great news is that we hit our goal
for youth council $21,972. So we were able to take
ten children. And we are very excited. The children. Are
beside themselves. Anything that we raise after. We'll be using,
hopefully, to take them on some excursions tour of the
monuments as well, as I think the Smithsonian is what
they voted on wanting to go see, and the National
Archives, so they're going to have a pretty jampacked trip,
those of us that are chaperoning. Get ready. Put your
running shoes on because it's going to be. Busy. I
will also be attending national League of cities in DC
and working with our federal lobbyists. To meet with our
legislators on the hill, so I'm very excited about doing
that. And then lastly. We have a movie in the
park for youth council. It's on Friday the 13th. It's
a Valentine's movie in the park. We sold a whopping
two tickets online. So get your tickets. We'll be selling
popcorn. We'll be showing the movie clueless. And we need
a lot of people to come because we have four
amazing food trucks coming. And it would be sad if
they were only cooking for, like, six of us, so
please. Come if you can. You can purchase your tickets
online, or you can buy them at Cultural park. Where
we will be set up by 04:00 p.m. the movie
starts 07:00. P.m. sharp. And council member long. I'm sorry
about your canes. It was a nail biter till that
last interception. Sorry. Thank you, mayor. Council member Lehman report?
Yes. I'd like all the citizens to know that. We
have a young lady here in the city who was
going to the Olympics. She made the Olympic women's ice
hockey team. Kudos all the way. Her family is thrilled.
I've talked to them. And we only wish her the
best. I also want to mention that. On the 10th
and the 11th. Now on the 15th? Yes, the awards
dinner for the CCCIA. Was as a result. Of the
six of us that were judges, of which I was
one on the 10th and the 11th, and there are
some beautiful, beautiful homes. There is a book. On the
showcase that has a map in it. And on the
weekends, Saturday and Sunday, you can go and look at
these homes. It is well. Worth doing. There are some
absolutely phenomenal homes. Thank you. And Friday. Friday, Friday, Saturday
and Sunday. Excuse me. You're right. I'm sorry. Thank you
for the correction. Council member long. Thank you, mayor. Just
real quickly, I, too, planning on attending legislative action days
in. Tallahassee from January 25 to the 28th. Looking forward
to a productive trip, advocating on behalf of the residents
with you all. Thank you. Okay. Back on the twelveth,
I was a guest speaker on the Cape Coral talk
radio on the 13th, I attended the fire department union
meeting. It was a good meeting where we were trying
to make the process maybe better in the future. Some
recommendations. From some of the board members. Thank God we
had some paramedics here, but I was able to walk
out on moon. Power. But we had a well rounded
discussion that look forward to maybe trying to make the
process a little better for the future. Also on the
15th I attended. The Southwest Florida League of Cities meeting
in LaBelle, and also on the 15th, I attended Cape
Coral construction industry showcase a homes award dinner. A great
event there. Probably at least 200 people there, so it
was probably the most participated. Award dinner that I can
remember since I've been going there. So guys did a
great job also attended the Cape Coral BMX national race.
We had a national race here in the city of
Cape Coral. And I was told that we had every.
State in the United States. Had a representative. From every
state to participate in the race. It was about a
three day event and. The winners were trying to qualify
for. Australia. Mr. City manager wasn't in Australia. They were
trying to go to the race in Australia. So I
know many of them were extremely hopeful that. They would
qualify and move on. Also today I attended the CTAC
meeting and also. Attended a meeting with. County commissioner Ruane.
And the city manager was present. An accounting manager, and
what we were doing was going over the topics. We
had a meeting about. Six weeks ago, I guess. And
during our first meeting, I think we identified. About. 1213
items of concern that we wanted to try to work
out with the county. So between that meeting and the
meeting that we had and all the discussion that the
city manager had with the county manager over the last
six weeks or so. I just wanted to give you
a quick update. Del Prada Boulevard. I know there was
some concern with the medium beautification. I know. We had
spoke about that as a council. And that was one
of the discussions. That we had with them. And I
am pleased to let you know that in yesterday's meeting,
there was a five to zero vote to approve $500,000.
For meeting improvements on Del Prado Boulevard. So I think.
Our discussions were very fruitful, and I'm glad to see
a result. As a result. Of that. Capcor Bridge widening
project that's still moving forward on the same schedule. There
are some concerns how to pay for that project. I
know there's a variety of ideals. That they were discussing.
One was possible toll increase for the debt that's needed.
But we'll see exactly where that lands. But that project
is moving. Forward. And. We do have. An interlocal agreement.
With that particular project as well. Then there was Pondella
Boulevard in northeast 25th Avenue. Concern for a traffic signal
at that location. And as a result, Of our discussion.
The city and the county agreed. It will verbally agreed.
It needs to be memorialized with a mutual understanding that
we will split the cost to that particular project 50
50. So we've already done a traffic study there. It
warrants a signal, so that'll. Be moving forward and we'll
see some additional. Things coming forward as a result of
that discussion? Mayor yes. I see some squint. On. The
north side of that intersection. It's actually Hancock Creek. Boulevard.
So in that signal, the road changes names, but it's
on the eastern end of the city on pondella, right?
The other road that we discussed that at this point
have not identified any type of funding. They said for
now. It's on an indefinite hold. No funding has been
identified. And that was for the intersection. Of Northeast 24th
Avenue in Kismet Parkway. We talked about a roundabout, but
at this time the county doesn't have any funding to
move that project forward. Item five was land use and
zoning on Bernstore Road. Basically alignment of the city and
county land use and zoning ordinance because there are some
county parcels, some city parcels. So we wanted to come
up with an agreement. So staff. Will be, I think,
the two city, our city manager, the county manager, or
coordinated effort on a possible solution for that. Where we're
both had the same types of recommendation, no matter if
it's a city property or county property. So that'll be
future discussion on that. 6th was land use and zoning
on Pine Island Road. And again, same scenario. We'll have
a future meeting with the county and our staff. Because
there are some county parcels and some city parcels. So
when it comes to some alignment, there we want to
make sure that we both can agree on one scenario
where we're applying the same rules that they are. Great.
Order up. Pine Island Water association franchise. Territory swap negotiations
and agreements involving service territories requiring joint approval on that
particular. Item. I have here is number seven development on
hold? So I don't think that coordinates that. But I
know you're having future discussions. My understanding with the county
to try to come. Up with an agreement, whether the
water services Pine island or the city of Cape Coral.
Maybe you can elabor. Elaborate a little bit in the
city management. The development of the territorial swap. Is on
hold. The developments that were triggering. That right now are
not moving forward. And so what we're trying to do
is get an agreement with Jippewa for that, but the
development that was triggering that. The development that kind of
triggered that conversation. Doesn't look like that particular development zone.
Hold. So it's not pressing, but I think we're still
having those discussions. Item eight, Lee County EMS, the five
year growth plan. They've already identified the five year growth
plan. They've actually funded it. So they are moving forward.
I know. We are going to get a new EMS
station here in Cape Coral as a result of that.
We've already increased our EMS units. We went from five
about three years ago to. Ten or eleven today. And
I believe ten. So we've over doubled in the last
three years. So. They are really investing in public safety
just like we are. Dnd boat rant property discussions regarding
improvements and redevelopment of the boot rant property. We are.
I think the interlocal agreement was just sent over to
the city manager. The last day or two. So we're
going to review that. I know the county needs a
site plan from us. And. We're trying to come up
with an agreement, how we're going to move forward. And
how we're going to partner with any development of the
DND property so that's still ongoing as well. And then,
of course, Everybody's talking about the Burn store road widening.
One of the things in our discussion today right now.
That particular project is slated for 2036. We all know
we're trying to move that up. Considerably. It is one
of their top priorities. And they are looking at a
variety of scenarios how to fund that. One of the
scenarios that they are entertaining is trying to incorporate the
debt for that particular project. Into the Cape Coral Bridge,
New Cape Coral Bridge to put both of those projects.
Under. That bond going forward. So that's what they're discussing.
But in the meantime, Understanding that there is. A safety
hazard up in that area. We had those three deaths.
The commission did approve $5.7 million to do temporary. Improvements,
safety improvements on that property. To at least try to
make it safer until we can identify the funding mechanism
and get that project started. So I just wanted to
thank the commissioners in the county. For recognizing the need
of some safety improvements. And again. They approved $5.7 million.
You're going to see things of rumble strips passing liens,
paved shoulders. In order to make that stretch. I believe
it's a little river, 5 miles. A little? More safer
than it is now. We talked about. A problem with
trash on Veterans Parkway. As I had mentioned today in
the meeting. There's a lot of construction in the northwest
part of the city. You have construction workers, delivery trucks
up and down veterans highway that are constantly losing the
load and you're seeing a lot of trash. Then when
it hits, it's just going everywhere. So. It's basically they
said, hey, just let us know. When you see something.
So my recommendation, if anyone's watching in the public, please
utilize 3111. If you see something up there, let us
know. And then we'll make sure that we get that
information. Over to the county so they can respond out
there and said they would try to do that. As
quick as possible. Joint meeting with Lee County. I know.
Some council members here had a desire to have a
joint meeting. With the county. And I think a lot
of it had to do with a lot of the
items that's on this list, but as you can see,
we've made a lot of progress. On this list just
in a couple of meetings, so I'm glad that we
had those. And we will continue. To have those until
all these items were resolved. But at this point in
time, the county commission does not have a desire to
have any type. Of a joint meeting, so we will
just continue. In the path that we are doing now,
as long as. It's fruitful and we're getting things accomplished,
which I think we are, will. Continue in that path.
So I would recommend to any of the council members,
if there is something else that's. Not on those lists
that I talked about today. Of course you can go
and talk to. Your county commissioner as well, but. If
you want me to incorporate. That topic of discussion in
these meetings that we're going to be having. Probably every
six to eight weeks. Feel free to get that information,
either to myself or the city manager who attends those
meetings at will. We talked about the Cdbgdr awards and
agreements. And as you heard in your, I believe, your
one on one meetings this week, there's some concerns with
that. Exactly. There is, I think, a push in federal
government. I know our city manager and staff have been
talking with our federal lobbyists. There's a six year window
to award those monies. And I think. There is a
push to try not to award those monies. So I
think we had about $128,000,000 of projects that we identified.
We're hoping to get some, but there could be a
possibility we get none. So we will work hard. Continue
to work hard on. Those projects. There are some great
projects that I think would benefit the city, but. We
have to go through the red tape of the federal
government. And not we, but the county will be asking
for an extension over and above that six year period.
Don't know if that's going to be. Awarded. But they
will be asking for that. And if I hear something
on that, I will report. Back to council at a
future date. That's about what I took out of the
meetings. Anything that you would like to add? To that,
Mr. City manager. I would just like to thank Commissioner
Rowan and county manager Dave Harner for the collaborative relationship.
They have to address items in Cape Coral. That also
impact people that they represent. So thank you. All right.
And that's all I have for report, Mr. Commissioner. But
you just got raised council member. Kilren. I see you're
late on, so I just want to mention that based
on that incredible list of things that you just went
through. Hats off to you and to Kevin Roane and
to city manager and county manager. I certainly am satisfied
with the way that that thing is progressing. Full support
of what you've. Done on that and. Incredible what experience,
expertise and knowledge of the city and what's important for
the city does. And being able to get stuff accomplished.
And thank you for what you did. Thank you, city
manager. Really appreciate it, and it's a demonstration of expertise
at work, and thank you. And I'd like to mention
also the collaboration. Was forthcoming on both sides. And I
think it was extremely beneficial to be able to sit
down at the table. Roll your sleeves up and try
to find results for some issues. And. They were aware
of some of those issues, and the ones that they
weren't, they worked. With us. And I think Commissioner Ruane
has a desire. He represents the city of Cape Coral.
And he lives here in the city of Cape Coral,
and he wants to do all he can. So I
just wanted to thank him. And the county manager for
taking the time, being collaborative and being able to find
solutions to problems. And that's what it's all about. Thank
you, Mr. City attorney. Nothing to report. Thank you, Mr.
City manager. Thank you, mayor. Have a couple of announcements.
Kim Corals hosting the 35th annual tour to Kate cycling
event Sunday, January 25. Weekend festivities begin with a kickoff
celebration from four to seven, Friday, January 23, at the.
West end marker 92 waterfront bar in Bistro. We will
be hosting our budget winter workshop next week, January 29
and 30th. That will be located here in council chambers
at 09:00 a.m. And we are also hosting our third
annual waterway science festival on Saturday, February 7 from 10:00
a.m. to 04:00 p.m. at 528 Cultural Park. Boulevard. This
is a family free event featuring educational activities and games
highlighting the importance of our waterways. We do have. Live
animals, mangrove and native tree plant giveaways volunteer opportunities, arts
and crafts hands on lab experiments, boarding education, food trucks
and more. Thank you. All right. Thank you. Time and
place, a future meeting. We have a Cape Coral council.
Says here budget workshop. But I know that. Is. A
budget workshop. It's a two day event be held on
Thursday, January 29, 2026. And Friday, January 30, 2026. Here
and council chambers beginning at 09:00 a.m. and Mr. City
manager, I'll see you later on. I'm sorry. I forgot
my high five highlight for tonight. I'm going to ask
Maureen to put up a couple of photos. So which
one are you doing first? The sign. So we all
had approved a new sign at Sunsplash in the courts.
This was an example of what was there was kind
of a makeshift wood sign. With kind of a pseudo
roof. Here's a picture of what the new sign looks
like, so that is now backlit. Looks very professional and
really draws attention to two of those great amenities that
generate tourism in Cape Coral. The next item is. So
we had several complaints about. The condition of our fields.
These actually happen to be the fields? Condition at Jim
Jeffers. And so. Mole crickets infestation, lack of time to
rest. Our parks department and our staff shut those fields
down over break. The park was closed. There wasn't any
soccer or any type of events at night. This is
what those fields look like. Today. So high five highlight
to our parks and rec department all the great things
they're doing. For our community does not go unnoticed. Thank
you. Okay with that. I'll entertain a motion to adjourn.
Second. All in favor, say aye. Any opposed? Meaning journal?