[0:11] Let us pray. Lord, we thank you for the opportunity
[0:14] to serve our community as we gather tonight. Give our
[0:17] council members clear minds, steady hearts, and the courage to
[0:20] do what is right, protect us. From temptation, especially temptation.
[0:26] To the act of pride, anger or self interest and
[0:29] guide our decisions towards fairness, safety and peace. Grant wisdom,
[0:33] patience and unity in our discussions this evening. And may
[0:37] your grace be upon this city. Its leaders and every
[0:40] family that we serve. Amen. Amen. Of the United States
[0:45] of America. And Syrian.
[1:03] Madam City clerk, please call the role. Mayor Gunther here.
[1:10] Council members done now here. Hadoop here. Last row. Here,
[1:16] Lehman. Long. Here. Thank you. Here. All present. Thank you.
[1:22] Item five is. Changes to the agenda. Are there? Any
[1:25] changes to the agenda or entertain a motion to adopt.
[1:28] The agenda is presented. Motion to adopt. Any other council
[1:33] discussion. Seeing none, Madam City clerk, please call the role
[1:38] lastra aye Lehman. Long, aye. Steinki? Aye. Danelle. Gunter, aye.
[1:45] Kadoo? Aye. Kill rain. Eight eyes. Motion carried. Item six
[1:50] is recognitions and achievements. Six a is community recognition's. Award
[1:54] for the Cape Jr. Sharks cheer team. Mr. City manager.
[2:42] Hold that. Ready?
[3:00] Today it is my honor to award the Cape junior
[3:02] Sharks mighty mites cheerleading team with the city's Community Recognition
[3:07] award for an extraordinary 2025 2026 Pop Warner season. The
[3:14] team has represented Cape Coral. With excellence, sportsmanship and heart.
[3:23] Their achievements this year placed them amongst the elite youth
[3:26] chair programs. In the region and across the country. This
[3:30] season, the mighty mites earned first place at three major
[3:34] competitions, the local peace river conference in Fort Myers, the
[3:39] regional championship. In Orlando and the national championship in North
[3:43] Carolina. At regionals in Orlando, they defeated their biggest rival
[3:48] by an impressive eight point margin, a truly impressive achievement
[3:52] in pop Warner cheer, where scores are usually separated by
[3:56] only a few points. At nationals in North Carolina. The
[4:01] mighty mites not only took first place in their division,
[4:04] Yet this, but they also received the highest show score
[4:09] across all ages, marking them as one of the most
[4:11] dynamic and outstanding teams in the entire event. Their victory
[4:17] at nationals earned them an invitation to the prestigious globals
[4:21] competition in Atlantic City on February 26, giving Cape Coral
[4:26] a national and now global stage presence in youth cheer
[4:30] the success of the mighty mites has been guided by
[4:33] their coaches, who have dedicated countless hours to. Training, mentoring
[4:37] and encouraging these athletes. And to the families and supporters
[4:41] who have traveled, fundraise and cheered every step of the
[4:44] way as they prepare to compete at globals in Atlantic
[4:48] City on February 26. They are working hard to not
[4:51] only on their routine, but also raising funds needed to
[4:54] get to globals. Congratulations to every athlete, coach and family
[5:00] member on this remarkable achievement and best of luck at
[5:04] globals in Atlantic City. Everyone is confident that you will
[5:07] represent Cape Coral with the same pride and excellence that
[5:10] brought you here today. Congratulations.
[5:24] Congratulations on your achievements. Go get them, ladies. So get
[5:33] up, you. Go. Yes. That's me. I know they'll be
[5:42] doing some fundraising for the February 26. So maybe our
[5:47] community can help out in that endeavor. But congratulations. And
[5:52] we'll move on to the next item on the agenda.
[5:54] Item seven is approval of minutes. Do we have a
[5:56] motion regarding the minutes from the regular meeting? Motion to
[6:00] approve seven 2026. 2nd. I hear a motion. And the
[6:05] second. Is there any council discussion? Seeing none. All in
[6:10] favor say aye. Any opposed? Motion carries. Item eight is
[6:15] business. Eight a is. The consent agenda. I'll open up
[6:17] the consent agenda for council to pull any items for.
[6:20] Discussion. Where I will entertain a motion. For the consent
[6:26] agenda. Motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Any
[6:32] other council discussion? Seeing? None, madam. City clerk, please call
[6:36] the role. Last draw. Aye. Long. Aye, thanking. Aye, danelle.
[6:46] Aye, center. Aye, Kaduk. Aye, Kilraign. Eight eyes. Motion carried.
[6:52] Thank you. Item eight. C is unfinished business. C one
[6:55] is follow up items. For council. There's none listed. Item
[6:59] two is follow up items for city management. There's. None
[7:02] listed. Item nine is ordinances and resolutions nine b is
[7:07] legislative public hearings. First of which. Is ordinance 60. 25,
[7:16] and this is a legislative hearing. There wasn't any quasi
[7:19] judicial. Hearings noted on the agenda under nine a, nine
[7:25] B are the legislative hearings, first of which is ordinance
[7:28] 60 25. Madam City Clerk, please read the title and
[7:32] read the second and final for the second and final
[7:35] public hearing ordinance 60 25, an ordinance of the mayor
[7:39] and city Council of the city of Cape Coral, Fl.
[7:41] Florida, approving the development agreement by and between the city
[7:45] of Cape Coral, a Florida Municipal Corporation. And both Gateway
[7:49] Resort and Marina LLC, Florida Limited Liability Company for a
[7:54] mixed use project known as seven islands located on approximately
[7:59] 47 acres properties located at one. Hundred and six old
[8:02] birthstore road north and 606 Old Burnt Store Road north,
[8:07] providing for severability and an effective date. Thank you. I'll
[8:11] turn it over to staff to start with. Good evening,
[8:14] mayor, council members Sharon Woodbury, economic development manager. As was
[8:22] stated, this is the second hearing for this project which
[8:26] is a development agreement. And a precursor to the purchase
[8:30] and sale. Of the seven Islands property. That's approximately 47
[8:35] acres. In the last hearing I discussed with the components
[8:40] of that would be I'm happy to answer any additional
[8:44] questions. Or review it again. If that's the desire of
[8:48] council. I did want to reiterate. That this is the
[8:52] result of. Community engagement that's happened over an extended period
[8:57] of time in terms of what the residents wanted to
[9:01] see at the Seven Islands location. The Northwest Neighbors association
[9:06] was very much engaged in the plan that you see
[9:09] before you. That plan lays out what the developer is
[9:13] proposing to develop. In exchange for the sale of the
[9:17] property. We have representation from the developers if you would
[9:25] like to hear from them as well, but I'm going
[9:27] to leave it to council to determine whether you want
[9:30] any additional information from me. Or to review the project
[9:34] again. Thank you. I know we had a presentation. In
[9:39] the last hearing, so. Is everyone. And I know it's
[9:42] part of our backup material, so is it already? If
[9:45] we continue moving forward. In the public hearing or does
[9:50] anyone want to hear the presentation again? All right. We'll
[9:54] continue moving forward. Thank you. I'll now open up our
[9:58] second and final public hearing. Anyone wishing to speak on
[10:01] ordinance. 60 25. Please come forward. Use the podium to
[10:05] my left. You're right.
[10:18] Well, good afternoon, mayor, city council. My name is Jerry
[10:22] Smith. I'm from the Northwest Cape. Coral, and I am
[10:26] the immediate past president of the Northwest Cape Coral Neighborhood
[10:30] Association. I represented the membership of NW and a while
[10:35] serving on the Seven Islands Design Plan Committee meetings with
[10:41] fellow board member John Smart is also here. He's our
[10:45] development chair. John. So. As you heard in the last
[10:50] hearing. We were part of that 40 person super group
[10:55] of stakeholders that were put together. No easy task trying
[10:59] to get everybody's point across, but it really worked that
[11:02] well, and I thought Sharon did a great job. As
[11:06] time progressed, open communication between. Nwna. City staff sharon woodbury.
[11:14] And surprisingly. The developers. Result in a common ground for
[11:20] collaboration. And I thought a very good work and relationship.
[11:26] From there, the members of. City staff. The developers. They
[11:31] were invited to our open public meetings. They were willing
[11:34] to come. And they directly engaged our members and citizens
[11:40] and. They were willing to openly talk about the project.
[11:44] And really educate our members and anyone who showed up
[11:48] at those meetings. As well as people in this room
[11:51] did. The developers continue to respond to our members by
[11:56] sponsoring social events. Producing architectural renderings for all to see.
[12:03] In doing so, it really gave us the first visual
[12:06] of this project. And it really gave us full transparency
[12:13] and full disclosure, which I thought was important. You really
[12:15] got to see what it's going to look like. So
[12:18] on behalf of nwna. We supported. We approved the Seven
[12:24] island site plan as presented in committee. You got to
[12:29] realize this was over a few years. A couple of
[12:30] years. So on behalf of our over 1900 members at
[12:35] the time, John and I did represent the entire group,
[12:41] and having a common voice to do so. Gives us
[12:45] the opportunity not to fill up bus loads of people
[12:47] that come here and address you. Today. We can do
[12:50] that for them. So our takeaway from those meetings is
[12:55] we are aligned with city staff and the members of
[12:58] the economic development committee. So this project delivers the sense
[13:03] of place. And the quality of life, destination. That was
[13:09] portrayed. In the Northwest Cape Seven Islands Vision plan, which
[13:13] was published. In 2016. In closing. The abundance of public
[13:22] amenities featured. In the community. Island seven. Thank you.
[13:33] Good afternoon, mayor. Council. Kevin Black. I'm the current president
[13:37] of the Northwest Cape coral neighborhood. Association. I'm here today
[13:41] to share with you. Results of a survey that we
[13:46] conducted with our members. We do this often to gauge
[13:48] the interest of our membership, what concerns them most, what
[13:52] issues they have with the big projects that might be
[13:54] facing Northwest Cape Coral. We had over 300 respondents over
[13:59] the past two weeks, 150 within 24 hours. Which shows
[14:03] you that our association, our. Membership is engaged in what
[14:07] we do. The Sevens Islands project. Didn't even come up
[14:11] as a primary concern for the membership. In fact, It
[14:16] was UEP three, the two lane section of Burnt store
[14:19] Road. Burst a new exit at the spreader, but not
[14:23] seven islands. I think that's in. Large part is our
[14:27] membership has been exposed to what seven islands is going
[14:29] to be all about. Thanks to how the developer has
[14:32] engaged with them. A lot of people, when they don't
[14:35] know things, they come up with their own. Solutions or
[14:39] what they think it's going to be, and that's not
[14:41] the case. And I think that minimized. Any comments we
[14:45] had? We had one negative comment. And that happens. Everybody's
[14:49] welcome to their opinion. And I would add also that
[14:54] seven islands is the number one hit. On the nwcape.com
[14:59] website month after month after month. People are going there
[15:02] for information to stay on top of the project. I
[15:05] believe Gulf Gateway and Marina will be a hub in
[15:08] the northwest. Something that the members have been looking for
[15:12] for a long time. Restaurant shops, a place to meet
[15:15] the ability to bike ride, golf cart, boat, you name
[15:19] it, to go meet neighbors where neighbors can meet neighbors,
[15:23] hang out with your dog in the dog park that
[15:24] they're going to build. Maybe go see some entertainment in
[15:28] the amphitheater. They're building a community center. And we were
[15:33] at a meeting when Peter leaned over to me and
[15:36] said, we have got to get that community center for
[15:38] you all in the northwest, so you have a place
[15:40] to meet and have events, and I think that says
[15:43] a lot about this. Developer and what they want to
[15:45] do. The northwest is going to be a great place
[15:48] to live in the future as it is now. When
[15:50] you think about what this body approved in terms of
[15:52] median enhancements along with UEP three. We're going to beautify
[15:56] all the medians up through the northwest to kismet. Over
[16:00] to burnt store and what the developers are going to
[16:02] do. It's going to be amazing when we add this
[16:05] onto that as well and we look forward to seeing.
[16:09] It come to fruition. Gulf Gateway Museum is a project
[16:13] at the Northwest Neighborhood Sports association supports, as Jerry said,
[16:18] and we hope you support it as well and move
[16:19] forward with the development agreement. Thank you. Thank you. Good
[16:24] afternoon. My name is Michael Hannon. I'm a resident of
[16:27] Matt Lache and. A member of the Matt Lache civic
[16:29] association, and I'm opposed to the resolution involving seven islands.
[16:35] I should note that the city of Cape Coral, to
[16:38] my knowledge, has done. Nothing to reach out to the
[16:45] island of Matt Lachet or the island of Pine island
[16:50] to talk with them about the adverse impact that this
[16:53] project is going to have on our waters. All of
[16:55] the boaters that are going to be using this facility
[16:58] if it's eventually built. Are going to be coming into
[17:01] the Matt Lachet pass. The mattle Shay pass has been.
[17:05] Polluted under EPA guidelines now for ten years as a
[17:08] result of the pollution that's coming out of Northbreaker Canal
[17:11] and the 400 miles of canals and Kit Coral, the
[17:15] city of. Cape Coral currently is in violation of a
[17:18] consent order that was issued in the 70s by the
[17:21] Florida Department of environmental protection by. Removing the Cedars boat
[17:26] lift barrier. In viewing the documents that were prepared. It's
[17:35] difficult for me to understand everything, but I believe it's
[17:38] contingent on the developer obtaining all the necessary permits. I
[17:42] certainly hope that the money between the city of Cape
[17:46] coral and the developer will not change hands until all
[17:49] permits. Are actually applied for and obtained. And the developer
[17:55] should be aware that those of us who. Are looking
[17:59] out for our clean water that you care not anything
[18:02] about. They can count on opposition. To every single permit
[18:06] in every single venue as soon as they begin rolling.
[18:09] I also wonder whether the City of Cape Coral has
[18:12] reached out to the Florida Land Trust, which owns all
[18:14] the land. That's west of the spreader waterway. Certainly they're
[18:21] going to have to be a part of this process
[18:23] and participation. I've never known the Florida Land Trust to
[18:26] permit any kind of development adjacent to or through their
[18:30] property, such as being planned here. And I have a
[18:35] question. There once was, as I saw, an eagle's nest
[18:40] on one of the islands. Is that. Still the case.
[18:43] Thank you, sir.
[18:53] Hi. Tom shadrak, cape coral. I'm okay with the project
[18:59] going forward. No matter what you do, Matt, lache and
[19:03] pine Allen will never be happy. So I don't know
[19:07] what to do about them and how that they screwed
[19:09] around with our lock. Getting a Chiquita lock. Getting out
[19:12] was just crazy. But my issue. Is. One of a
[19:18] conflict of interest or ethics. With a donation made by,
[19:24] I guess, a principle of forest development in Gulf Gateway
[19:28] to the flag. The passion of the city manager. Of
[19:32] $5,000. All as a developer of the seven island. 5000
[19:37] is not a lot of money when you're talking millions
[19:40] of progress. But again, it's the perception. Of. Ethical behavior.
[19:49] When a cinema is sponsoring a fundraiser. It's just not
[19:52] appropriate. And a donation like that can be perceived by
[19:56] public. As influence. For a proper decision. And I think
[20:02] it's wrong that the city is sponsoring this fundraiser. For
[20:06] the flag. It should be an ambit thing or foreign
[20:10] wars organization. That should have been pushed to try to
[20:14] do this and not. The city of Cape Coral because
[20:17] it looks bad. Thank you. Thank you. Anyone else wishing
[20:22] to speak. Torn the public hearing. Or an ordinance 60
[20:28] 25. Come on up, sir.
[20:42] Hi. My name is Emil Ledon. I live right across
[20:46] from the project. Off of embers. I think the plan.
[20:53] Is way too large. And if you consider the size
[20:57] of the canal, I'm guessing none of you use the
[21:00] canal on a regular basis and have any idea what
[21:03] the voting traffic is like during the high tides. On
[21:07] weekends when the traffic is there. The canal is way
[21:09] too narrow to handle this kind of boat traffic. I
[21:13] think Woolborn's thorough road is too narrow to handle the
[21:15] car traffic. And I just think it's a bad plan.
[21:19] It's an overbuilt. I'd like you to consider what's happened
[21:22] at the Sunseeker resort. Same. Kind of mixed use project.
[21:27] Big hotel right on the harbor with killer sunset views,
[21:30] restaurants, the infrastructure already in place. Massive failure. Bleeding them
[21:36] dry. Sold for one third, less than one third of
[21:39] the cost that it costs to build the place. This
[21:43] is the exact same thing. How can you think the
[21:46] builder is asking for 30 years to build this project.
[21:49] He obviously has cold feet about it. The economics of
[21:53] it. He should be wanting to jump on this and
[21:55] get moving. To spread this out over 30 years shows
[21:59] he's afraid of the economics of this project. I think
[22:01] the city should take that as a red flag and
[22:03] be very concerned about it as well, the reason he's
[22:06] concerned about it is for the exact same reason. What's
[22:10] happened up at the sunseeker? The sun seekers has less
[22:12] than 50%. Occupancy up there. The restaurants are closed. Half
[22:17] the other amenities are not open. How can you expect
[22:21] this to be a success on 150 foot wide canal
[22:25] if you can't? Have a hotel be a success on
[22:28] a bay with sunset views and all kinds of great
[22:32] amenities around it. I think the project is way too
[22:35] large for the plot. I don't see how you fit
[22:38] anything. On the small strip of land right on Birch
[22:42] Store Road that makes the islands the boater. Is going
[22:45] to ask to fill those in because there's not enough
[22:47] space to put anything there. You're ruining the water retention
[22:51] for all the local neighborhoods. There in the traffic. Like
[22:56] I say, it's a massive overbuild. I've. Been a builder
[22:58] my whole life. I look at this plan and I
[23:00] see so many problems. With it. That. I'm stunned at
[23:04] it's got this far. I'm stunned that city. Council hasn't
[23:08] taken. More feel of. The current construction trends here that
[23:15] people are moving out, not buying here. Now the condo
[23:19] prices are way low. He's not going to get the
[23:21] prices he needs to successfully sell the condos. There. You
[23:24] can't rent hotels at the sun. You can't fill the
[23:27] rooms. At the sun seeker. How do you expect the
[23:29] full rooms on this place? I think some of the
[23:32] restaurants and shop. Shops. Great ideas. Some parklands. Great idea.
[23:36] The massive hotel and the high density of the residential.
[23:39] Is just too much for this plot plan, and I
[23:42] really hope the city takes. Into account the economics of
[23:46] this proposal and the failure of the sunset. Thank you.
[23:50] Thank you. Anyone else wishing to speak. Or in a
[23:55] public hearing for ordinance 60 25. Seeing none. Public hearing
[23:59] is now closed. Is there a motion regarding ordinance 60
[24:05] 25? Now open up for any council discussion. Council member
[24:11] Kilbrain. I think that this project is a perfect example.
[24:18] Of a neighborhood group. The city and the developer working
[24:24] hand in hand over a long period of time. With
[24:28] a lot of input, and it's the right way to
[24:30] do a project. The concerns that I heard tonight. Were
[24:36] based. On the current conditions. I would ask those who
[24:42] are worried about the traffic and at the density up
[24:45] there to look at the project itself in the detail
[24:49] on some of the infrastructure that's going to go in
[24:50] with it. This project is going to be a long
[24:53] term project. It's not going to be finished very quickly.
[24:58] It's going to get started, hopefully. Fairly quickly, and I
[25:02] think that based on. The quality effort and quality thought
[25:07] process and interaction that went on. It's a very good
[25:10] work product. As far as the concerns brought forth by
[25:15] Mount Lachet. We're here to look at the things that
[25:20] are best for Cape Coral and Cape Carl. Considers the
[25:25] water quality as a high priority, and we certainly will
[25:29] continue to do that. And to the extent that we're
[25:32] going to pursue projects that might have an effect on
[25:36] that. It's worth discussion, but it's certainly not an impediment
[25:41] to proceeding. Forward. And with that, I fully support the
[25:45] project, and we'll be supporting them. And I thank all
[25:48] those who participated in bringing forward so far. And as
[25:51] I said, I think it's a great model for how
[25:53] we do projects into the future. Thank you, mayor. Thank
[25:56] you, council members. Thank you. Thank you, mayor. I would
[26:01] ditto everything. Council member Kilran just said, and. I would
[26:05] also give accolades to the Northwest Neighborhood association for the
[26:09] great amount of involvement they had. The interest that they
[26:11] took in that and the facility with which the leadership
[26:15] up there gave the citizens to participate in the active
[26:18] involvement with the developer as well. Since the developer is
[26:23] here. I don't know. Certainly a little bit of prep
[26:26] might have been better, but I wonder. If they might
[26:28] just take a moment and speak to the economic feasibility.
[26:32] In the 30 year project time horizon. And if you're
[26:37] prepared to know anything about it, maybe a compare and
[26:39] contrast to sunseeker. And why seven islands is expected to
[26:46] be successful in light of what has been seen of
[26:48] a sunseeker. Good evening, mayor, council members and staff. We'd
[26:55] like to thank you all for your time. And your
[26:56] dedication to the city. And thank you for providing us
[26:58] the opportunity to speak. As you're all aware, this process
[27:04] spans over a decade, and we didn't show. Up with
[27:07] our plan and the position of this is what you
[27:09] get. We agreed with the densities proposed in the D
[27:13] one concept plan. Which was developed through extensive public outreach
[27:20] and numerous Cape Coral publicly advertised hearings. Throughout this process.
[27:27] As stated, we included our neighbors and we wanted to
[27:30] thank them for their time and participation and their invaluable
[27:34] input. It's important that. The public is aware of that.
[27:40] Our development plan not only addresses the needs of our
[27:44] direct neighbors, but it also considers and encompasses the greater
[27:47] good of the city as a whole. In respect to
[27:52] the environmental points that were raised. As I had stated
[27:56] at the previous hearing, we've conducted numerous. Extensive on land
[28:02] and in water studies related to our intended development. We
[28:07] developed our plan to dramatically reduce the impact on the
[28:11] mangroves and maintain wildlife habitat, not because it was demanded
[28:15] of us, because we knew it was the right thing
[28:18] to do. Excuse me. I don't believe anything has been
[28:23] presented to you this evening. That would challenge the validity.
[28:30] Of our studies. In reference to the traffic and infrastructure.
[28:35] The introduction of previous unavailable commercial space containing shopping and
[28:40] dining. Opportunities, just to name a couple, actually has a
[28:44] reduction effect on traffic you don't have to travel across
[28:46] the city anymore to go get something to eat or
[28:49] to shop. Our plan was developed as an extension of
[28:54] the existing community and encourages a variety of alternative modes
[28:59] of transportation such as golf carts, biking. Arrival by boat
[29:03] or walking. The plan was developed with the city. And
[29:09] considers the existing infrastructure while incorporating significant infrastructure improvements. The
[29:16] buildings will be constructed, hardened to withstand the most severe
[29:19] storms that the city has ever experienced. And the hotel
[29:23] could potentially serve as an emergency operations center and temporary
[29:27] housing for displaced citizens in the event of a storm.
[29:31] Finally, in reference to the positive economic impacts, they will
[29:36] include. Significantly increased property values. And millions. Of reoccurring tax
[29:46] dollars in perpetuity. In reference to the timing and the
[29:51] sellout of the project. As I had stated at the
[29:56] previous hearing, real estate goes in cycles. I believe all
[29:59] of you. Are aware of that. We would be perfectly
[30:05] happy with selling out the entire project tomorrow and moving
[30:07] forward. We will do whatever. Is. Marketly and economically feasible.
[30:16] To move through the project as quickly as possible. Just
[30:18] because the timeline is laid out, it doesn't mean that
[30:20] we're looking to extend it any further than we have
[30:23] to it's in our best interest to complete it as
[30:25] quickly as possible. And bring the product to the market.
[30:30] I believe that that answers all of the questions, but
[30:33] if you have any additional questions, I'm here for you.
[30:37] No, I think that's great. And I think it was
[30:39] great for everyone to hear. And I am in full
[30:45] support of the project. As I have been since I've
[30:48] learned more about it over the last few years. Thank
[30:51] you. I would also like to introduce Peter Batesarian. He
[30:55] is the owner of forest Development. Good evening, mayor, council
[30:59] members and staff. I'm Peter Baitarian, managing partner of forest
[31:04] development. After reviewing the response received from the RFP RCM
[31:11] M 221 96 MC, the city selected forest development acquisitions,
[31:17] LLC to enter into negotiations with the city. Since then,
[31:23] we have collaborated with the City of Cape Coral to
[31:26] implement the D one legacy development. Plan. Understanding and sharing
[31:31] the city's vision and have assembled the aid team of
[31:34] development, environmental, construction and finance professionals. Our project, Gulf Gateway
[31:41] Resort in Marina village will be a unique destination. Gateway
[31:46] for Cape Poor. It will feature condominiums, apartments, a hotel,
[31:50] a marina resort, lagoon restaurants retail as well as an
[31:55] entire island to include a community center, restaurants on the
[31:59] water with outdoor seating splash pad with shade, canopy, kayak
[32:03] launch, outdoor spaces and. A hip food truck park. We
[32:08] are excited about the partnership, and we'll continue to work
[32:12] with the City of Cape. Coral and our neighbors as
[32:15] we create this amazing resort destination that will enhance. An
[32:19] area and provide amenities for residents and visitors. We're super
[32:23] excited to get going on the project. We're super excited
[32:26] to start. The infrastructure work. And one of the first
[32:31] things that we're going to do is that community center
[32:33] island. So our residents have a place to gather. They
[32:36] have amenities to enjoy. And people from out of the
[32:40] area can also come into this area and enjoy it.
[32:42] So we're very, very excited to start this process. Thank
[32:46] you. That's it. Thank you, mayor. All right. Council member
[32:51] Donnell thank you, mayor. And one of the goals that
[32:55] we have here in the city. And what you hear
[32:57] today to be highlighted is the Northwest neighborhood association. We
[33:01] talk about how the city. We all work together. You
[33:04] hear me always talking about that. And this is a
[33:06] classic example. And I heard it hadn't always been the
[33:10] way that with the northwest, in some conditions, where they
[33:13] were supportive, but to hear that it's full support, both
[33:16] past and present, working with the developer. Thank you, developers
[33:20] with the city. That's how we want to move these.
[33:23] Projects forward as far as there were some illegal concerns
[33:25] that came up. That's why we pay our legal team.
[33:29] To take care of those issues, so we have full
[33:31] confidence that they've been breached. That have not been breached.
[33:34] And I did want to say to the neighbors, though,
[33:37] That's a little concerning. I do know that we do
[33:40] seek to be good partners. And. Sometimes. It might feel
[33:45] that way, but I appreciate us trying to thank you
[33:47] for coming and bringing that to our attention. But that's
[33:50] not for us to alienate anyone. We're here. In the
[33:53] best interest of cape corps. But always be good neighbors,
[33:55] so I wouldn't mind. Continuing that conversation, but thank you.
[33:58] I'm in full support. And for the past councils that
[34:02] had the fortitude to go and purchase that property to
[34:04] see you all. Getting the shovels in the ground. It's
[34:08] full circle. Thank you. That's all. Thank you, council member
[34:11] Lasser. Thank you, mayor? Yes, I would. Echo also, like
[34:15] I mentioned, and I think our last meeting. I've never
[34:18] seen developers work so cohesively with a major neighborhood group.
[34:24] Where you have over 1000 members in that group. So
[34:26] kudos to you all for working this out and getting
[34:29] it decided. To the gentleman that commented about the density,
[34:33] please note that this project the density was actually decided
[34:37] back in 2016 by the council who served at that
[34:40] time. So that was decided quite some years ago and
[34:44] things moved slowly in government. So please note that. And
[34:49] then also, I believe the army corps permits have already
[34:52] been approved, correct? I was just going to speak about.
[34:58] The comment regarding the environmental impact study, which is part
[35:03] of the Army Corps, I believe. Yes, again. Sam Bauer,
[35:06] speaking on behalf of forest development. Those permits were submitted
[35:09] in may of 2023 and are in process near completion.
[35:15] Okay, awesome. So the environment is being considered. When you
[35:19] think about environmental impact, developers are required to receive those
[35:24] permits from federal and state agencies. In order to move
[35:28] forward. Thank you, mayor. Thank you, council member Lehman. Yeah,
[35:31] I just have a. Quick question, sir. When you said
[35:35] that with the hotel, that in the case of a
[35:39] storm or whatever kind of. Situation came up that you
[35:44] were hoping that it could possibly be a shelter for
[35:47] anyone. Displaced homeowners. Whatever. Are you planning on having a
[35:53] generator there? Yes, absolutely. To handle the whole hotel. That
[35:59] is our intent. The hotel also encompasses a fully automated
[36:03] parking system, and so that the generator is really a
[36:07] must. Okay. Because in the case of a storm, as
[36:13] we all saw with Ian, Nobody wants to spend 12
[36:17] hours on the road. To evacuate. Exactly. That would be
[36:22] a good thing. Yes. Thank you. You're welcome. Thank you,
[36:25] Mr. Mayor. Council member Kilbrain yeah. One point that I
[36:29] missed, and I just wanted to comment on with respect
[36:33] to the insinuated pay for play that is associated with
[36:36] the vendor's contribution to the flight. I support the flag
[36:41] going forward. And. I guess my background from private industry
[36:46] is such that I'm not used to pay for play.
[36:49] Some people have other backgrounds, may be used to that.
[36:54] I work for private companies. That in small ways did
[36:57] it, but that wasn't part of. Their. Menu for proceeding
[37:01] with all work. To that extent, we welcome. Contractor donations,
[37:07] I think. I would love to see that fly go
[37:10] up. So anyone who like to participate in helping on
[37:14] a volunteer basis. With no attachments. Or expectations with it.
[37:20] I'm certainly in support of that. If I may comment
[37:24] in reference to that. We learned about that as we
[37:26] were traveling over here for a meeting, and we were
[37:29] listening to the radio and heard that there was a
[37:32] fundraiser for a flag, we felt like it. Was the
[37:35] right thing to do. The city is ours and just
[37:39] as well as anyone else as we care about it.
[37:42] And we just thought it was the right thing to
[37:44] do and called it into a radio show. So. That's
[37:49] how that came to fruition. Thank you. Welcome. Thank you
[37:53] real quickly for me. We've been talking about this project
[37:57] for many years. As council member Laster said back in
[38:02] 20 15 16, we were talking about this particular project
[38:07] I think it's going to be an incredible project for
[38:08] the southwest region of the city. It's going to provide
[38:12] amenities. That are much needed in that area. And. I
[38:19] want to congratulate the developer for collaborating with the community
[38:24] as much as you have. Along the way. There are
[38:28] some developers that won't do that. I personally believe that
[38:32] that was the right thing to do, because if you
[38:34] could get the buy in of a majority of the
[38:36] community. I. Think that's only going to help with the
[38:41] process. So with that being said. I think it's a
[38:47] great project. I'm going to support the project. And I'm
[38:52] sure I'm like a lot of other residents in the
[38:56] city, we wish we could snap the fingers and the
[38:59] projects done. We realize that there's going to be a
[39:03] phased in type project. But we're definitely looking for. Completion
[39:11] with all of the residential, the commercial, the restaurants, the
[39:14] marina, the hotel. When you look at the entire project.
[39:19] It's an incredible project. So I want to thank the
[39:21] developer for picking Cape Coral because we know you have
[39:24] many choices. So we wanted to thank you for picking
[39:27] kcore. To build your project here. Thank you. It's an
[39:31] honor and a pleasure to be here, Mr. City manager.
[39:34] Thank you, mayor. I just wanted to utilize this. Development
[39:39] agreement and where we sit today. As an example of.
[39:45] How? Utilizing a vision plan. Brings success in project delivery.
[39:51] So a previous council back in 2015. Eleven years ago,
[39:58] said, we need to figure out what to do with
[40:00] the seven islands, which was purchased in 2000. I believe
[40:05] it was twelve as part of the 491 purchase. So
[40:10] council said this is going to be and has the
[40:13] opportunity to be a major impact on our community. Let's
[40:17] bring a vision, plan forward. Let's engage the community. Let's
[40:20] engage. Council. Let's engage the stakeholders. On November 4 through
[40:27] November 6 of 2015, there was a three day chart.
[40:33] With the community, involving the Northwest Neighborhood association and multiple
[40:37] business owners. That ended up with the delivery and acceptance
[40:43] of on November 14, 2016. So over a year, work
[40:50] went into developing the vision plan for the northwest and
[40:54] what the seven islands could do in changing how the
[40:57] northwest operates today and into the future. And since that
[41:03] time. Staff has moved forward with that vision plan, seeking
[41:08] developers to bring forward. What we saw was the ultimate
[41:13] vision in the Northwest Cape. We've used that plan. As
[41:18] was discussed by one of the members today. To make
[41:22] changes. To the cross sections of the road as part
[41:25] of the UEP, and we have a development agreement today.
[41:29] To ultimately see our potential, our highest and best use
[41:32] for the project that is going to be contemplated. If
[41:35] this development agreement is approved tonight, we have had to
[41:39] make some small tweaks. With anything. A vision plan is
[41:42] a general sense of direction. For example, The original plan
[41:47] that was adopted. Had a full scale marina in there
[41:52] that was going to involve some permitting challenges. And so
[41:55] we worked with the developer in this development agreement and
[41:58] in their site plan. To maybe. Revision or recast how
[42:04] a marina might work in this area. And actually, through
[42:08] that, we were able to then also come up with
[42:11] an. Alternative sea wall design that was more friendlier for
[42:14] the environment and allowed the mangroves to stay in situ
[42:18] with a sea wall built upland behind the mangroves. So.
[42:25] This project, this development agreement. Eleven years in the making.
[42:30] And a shining example of why vision plans are utilized
[42:34] in government many years in advance of development. And. How
[42:39] getting the community involved in that plan carries all the
[42:42] way through the development, as you heard. Today, members from
[42:46] Northwest Neighborhood association speaking on behalf of the project. Thank
[42:50] you. Yeah, I think I might have said Southwest earlier
[42:53] in my comments. I met northwest. That's a great location
[42:58] up here on Old Burn Store Road, so I just
[43:00] wanted to. Clarify that, seeing no other comments. We have
[43:05] a motion a second on the floor, madam. City clerk,
[43:07] please call the roll. Lester. Aye. Lehman. Long. Aye, steinki?
[43:15] Aye, danelle. Gunter. Aye. Caduce Kilraign. Aye. Seven eyes. Motion
[43:24] carried. Okay, let's move on to the next item on
[43:29] an agenda. We have ordinance 63 25. Madam City, please
[43:35] read title ordinance 63 25. An ordinance of the Mayor
[43:39] and city Council of the City of Cape Coral, Florida,
[43:43] approving the lease purchase agreement between the City of Cape
[43:45] Coral, a Florida municipal corporation. And Dear Credit Inc. For
[43:50] the acquisition of John Deere brand equipment for the Coral
[43:53] Oaks Golf course authorizing the mayor to execute the lease
[43:57] purchase agreement authorizing the city manager or their designee to
[44:01] execute any purchase order. And any other related documents necessary
[44:06] for the lease and purchase of the equipment, providing for
[44:10] an effective date. Okay. Thank you. I'll turn ordinance 63
[44:18] 25 over to staff. Good afternoon, mayor and council. Joe
[44:23] Petra, parks and recreation director. I don't have a formal.
[44:29] Hold on just 1 second. Anyone speaking in the back,
[44:32] if you would, please, if you'd. Go out in the
[44:34] hall, Miss Woodbury. Sharon. You guys would go out in
[44:39] the hallway and speak. Thank you. Joe. I'm sorry. No
[44:46] worries. There's no formal presentation for this. But this is
[44:52] a four year. Sorry, a 60 month. Lease. For big
[44:57] equipment on the golf course that tends to last longer
[44:59] than five years. And with this lease comes a one
[45:03] dollars buyout after the five years which we fully expect
[45:06] to do at that time. It's different than this one,
[45:10] than one in the resolution prior that was just passed
[45:13] was that was a 48 month fair market value lease
[45:16] for real mowers which operate on the greens and T's.
[45:18] Those tend to get very costly as they age, both
[45:21] in terms of repairs and potential turf damage. So that's
[45:24] why we separated out the equipment into two different ones
[45:27] we plan on bringing back another. 48 month lease if
[45:30] they need to be done. In the next 48 months
[45:33] once that's done. So that's kind of why there was
[45:35] a difference between the resolution. I know there was a
[45:37] question about that in our e comments. For any questions
[45:41] on it. I can cover a little bit more of
[45:43] it. Go ahead. I'm happy to answer anything. Thank you.
[45:45] I now open up the public hearing. Anyone wishing to
[45:48] speak. On ordinance 63 25, please come forward. Seeing none.
[45:54] Public hearing is now closed. Is there a motion regarding
[45:56] ordinance 63 25? Motion to approve second. Is there any
[46:04] council discussion? Seeing none, madam. City clerk, please call the
[46:08] role. Astro. Aye, lehman. Long. Thank you. Center. Aye.
[46:17] Kaduk. Aye. Kilraign. Aye. Eight eyes. Motion carried. Let's move.
[46:22] On to ordinance 66 25, Madam City clerk, please read
[46:26] the title. Ordinance 66 25, an ordinance amending the City
[46:31] of Cape Coral Code of Ordinances, chapter two. Administration Article
[46:36] six, Pensions Division two firefighter pension, amending section 2122.5 contributions
[46:46] section 2122 point. Six benefit amounts and eligibility section 2122.9
[46:54] vesting section 2122.27. Deferred retirement option plan, providing for severability.
[47:04] And of provisions repealing all ordinances in conflict herewith and
[47:07] providing for an effective date. Thank you. I'll turn the
[47:10] server to staff. Thank you, mayor. With the passage of
[47:17] the collective bargaining agreement for the International association of firefighters,
[47:21] we have to take those items that were bargained and
[47:24] approved and move them into the plan document or the
[47:27] city. Code to actually formalize the benefit that were negotiated
[47:32] in that plan. So this puts them formally into the
[47:35] pension plan. Thank you. I'll now open up the public
[47:38] hearing. Anyone wishing to speak on ordinance 66? 25. Please
[47:41] come forward. Saying none. Public hearing is now closed. Is
[47:46] there a motion regarding ordinance 66 25? Motion to approve.
[47:53] Is there any council discussion? See a none. Madam. City
[47:57] clerk, please call the role. Lestro. Aye. Lehman Long. Aye.
[48:03] Thank you. Aye. Danelle. Gunter, aye. Kaduk, aye. Kilraign, aye.
[48:10] Eight eyes, motion carried. Move. On to ordinance 326. Madam
[48:14] City clerk. Please read the title. Ordinance 326, an ordinance
[48:19] of the mayor and city council of the City of
[48:21] Cape Coral, Florida, amending City of Cape Coral ordinance 50
[48:26] 25, which adopted the City of Cape Coral operating budget
[48:30] revenues and expenditures and capital budget for fiscal year 2026
[48:35] by increasing the total. Revenues and expenditures by a total
[48:39] of $48,023,980, providing for separate ability and an effective date.
[48:47] Okay, thank you. I'll turn it over to staff. Thank
[48:50] you. Good afternoon, mayor and city. Council Crystal Feast financial
[48:54] services director. As read into the record. The item before
[48:58] you is the first budget amendment for fiscal year 2026.
[49:02] It was first introduced January 7 and is before you
[49:05] and the public tonight for formal or final hearing. So
[49:09] what I'll cover tonight is the purpose of the ordinance.
[49:12] I'll do a summary of the overall adjustment, and then
[49:15] I'll go into details of the categories. Related are included
[49:19] in this budget amendment. So this budget amendment is governed
[49:24] by Florida 166.24, one three, which allows the city to
[49:29] amend its budget at any time within the fiscal year
[49:32] or within 60 days following the end of the fiscal
[49:34] year. This is the first budget amendment for fiscal year
[49:37] 2026, and it captures city Council action items approved from.
[49:43] October through December of 2025. As well as needed personnel,
[49:48] services, operating and capital adjustments not already included in the
[49:52] budget. So in short. This ordinance aligns the adopted budget
[49:57] with council policy decisions and the operational needs that have
[50:01] arisen in the first quarter of the fiscal year. So
[50:05] budget amendment number one increases the fiscal year 26 budget
[50:09] by $48,023,980 which is an increase of 3.35% from the
[50:16] original adopted budget. The budget amendment is organized in four
[50:22] categories and. This categorization. Is in accordance with the exhibits
[50:31] that were included with the ordinance tonight. And so it
[50:35] was separated into four categories. First, you have your previously
[50:39] approved city council items totaling 24.6 million. And these are
[50:44] items you've already approved, typically by resolution. And it includes
[50:49] items such as interlocal agreements, design and construction contracts, and
[50:53] grant awards. The second category are other adjustments, which total
[50:58] $1 million. And these are technical changes and may include
[51:02] things such as adjustments to revenue estimates, capital project reconciliations
[51:08] changes in budget category and year end close out entries.
[51:13] The next category is encumbrance carry Fords from fiscal year
[51:16] 25, which totaled 22.4 million. These represent outstanding purchase orders.
[51:24] For operating services and products ordered but not yet received.
[51:28] By the end of September 30 of last year, and
[51:31] this can be things such as equipment, vehicles, engineering and
[51:35] professional services, and ongoing maintenance projects. And then finally, personnel
[51:41] changes total approximately 68,000. And these requests are focused and
[51:45] targeted to enhance our delivery service delivery and may include
[51:49] new job classifications and reclassifications of existing positions. So this
[51:56] slide provides you with a different perspective of the overall
[51:58] adjustment and includes a breakdown by source. And this is
[52:01] what was presented to you at. Your last council meeting.
[52:09] So the next slide that I'll go over will provide
[52:11] a further breakdown by this categorization. So over the last
[52:18] quarter, $460,000 in grant awards were accepted by city council.
[52:25] Grants reduced the burden on our local tax dollars, but
[52:27] it is considered new spending, and so we must recognize
[52:30] these funds in the budget by increasing revenue along with
[52:34] the associated program expenditures. A portion of this amendment is
[52:39] related to two projects that will be already are supported
[52:43] by debt. And today's action ensures the budget reflects council's
[52:47] prior approval to move these projects. Forward. These adjustments are
[52:54] considered new spending and. Will be included, are included in
[52:58] the amendment tonight and will increase the overall budget. And
[53:03] the two projects are yacht based and improvement project in
[53:07] the JC park improvement projects. And the description of. What
[53:12] was added are here before you. The next category is
[53:17] transfers. And this is an internal transfer from the six
[53:21] cent gas tax fund. Into capital project fund to cover
[53:25] additional alleyway drainage improvements. These improvements were approved by resolution
[53:29] 300 and 325. The amendment also includes adjustments.
[53:42] To the city's estimate of LCI funding from the charter
[53:45] school by $1 million. This revenue will be added to
[53:48] the budget and appropriate toward the charter school's building maintenance
[53:52] and equipment. It also includes. An approvement resolution 189 25.
[54:01] Which was amended, which actually amended construction contract for additional
[54:06] services at festival park. The funding source for this was
[54:09] interest earned on go bond proceeds. A large portion of
[54:13] this budget amendment includes the carry forward of outstanding purchase
[54:16] orders that were encumbered for products and operating services, but
[54:19] not purchased or received by the end of the fiscal
[54:22] year. As I mentioned before, this adjustment carries forward the
[54:25] previous year's approved funding into this year's budget. In the
[54:33] stormwater fund. Resolution 288 25 approved was approved to amend
[54:39] the contract for Hancock bridge parkways, drainage improvements, adding utility
[54:43] crossing and relocation elements to the project and the source
[54:47] of funding. Was the stormwater fund balance. In the transportation
[54:52] fund. Resolution 263 25 was approved. Which allowed for additional
[54:57] transportation improvements along Pine Island Road. And the source of
[55:01] this approval was road impact fees. And finally, the personnel
[55:08] component of this amendment is relatively modest in cost, but
[55:11] it's important for service delivery. The public works department is
[55:15] reclassifying an existing custodian position to a custodial supervisor to
[55:20] maintain service levels and ensure effective oversight over those services.
[55:27] And with that, I ask for your approval of the
[55:28] ordinance. And I'm here to answer. Any questions. Thank you.
[55:32] I now open up public hearing. Anyone wishing to speak
[55:34] on ordinance 326, please. Come forward.
[55:44] Hi. Tom Shadrak, permanent resident. A couple of questions kind
[55:50] of brought him up a couple of weeks ago at
[55:51] the introduction or during the citizen's input. It's great to
[55:54] see that the yacht club has finally started after seven
[55:58] years of the go bond. And I hope at the
[56:02] workshop. Next week. We got two days to talk about
[56:07] the budget and finances going forward. Usually we try to
[56:11] rush and get through that in one day. So you
[56:13] can have Friday off. But I think you could spend
[56:15] all day trying to figure out this yacht club funding
[56:19] that we need to spend on what we're going to
[56:20] do and try to reduce this budget. And get consensus
[56:24] that it should be reduced. I sent you all a
[56:27] plan that I proposed. To really reduce the money, and
[56:32] we could have that park open by the end of
[56:33] next year. My point. Too. Note number nine. That you're
[56:40] using interest from the go bonds to fund new work.
[56:45] Or overruns or whatever you want to call it. That.
[56:49] Interest. That's our money that's sitting in those accounts from
[56:52] millage rates and. Funding that we've put into it. That
[56:56] money should be used to reduce that debt. Not used
[56:59] for new work. That's $500,000 you could apply next year
[57:05] to. A millage rate reduction. For our repayment of that
[57:09] debt of 60 million. That's what we voted on. If
[57:12] you're making money. On our money we put in there.
[57:17] We should see that in the future as a reduction
[57:19] to that debt, not using it for something. Else. And
[57:23] that goes for all the interests that we're collecting now.
[57:26] We got 900 million, 800. Million, maybe. A billion dollars
[57:30] in money that's earning interest, that's $30 million. A year.
[57:35] What are we doing with it? My last point. I
[57:39] did get a copy of all the encumbrances. Appreciate it.
[57:43] I don't. Know what a lot of it is. I
[57:45] assume that's what the $22 million. Is. I did have
[57:48] a question, though, when I was on the budget committee.
[57:52] There was always a discussion of what happens if money.
[57:56] Didn't get spent yet or even on PO yet. If
[57:59] you opened a purchase rack, you would preserve your budget.
[58:03] Now? I don't know. If that's something that's still being
[58:07] done or not done, but it looks like this list
[58:09] was just purchase orders. Is there another bucket? That's purchase
[58:13] wreck money. That's. Saved because that was a discussion during
[58:16] the budget meetings. So I was curious. If there's another
[58:19] lump of stuff that's not done, that's preserved, that's called
[58:23] purchase, Rex. So just a question for crystal there, okay?
[58:28] That's all. Thank you. Okay. You know me, julia.
[58:36] Tari. All I see here is maybe I'm confused, but.
[58:40] It's increase, increase. Now the JC park and the yacht
[58:44] club caught my interest. Why are we increasing? You haven't
[58:47] even decided what we're going to do. With the yacht
[58:51] club yet. I thought that that was still in the
[58:53] discussion. And JC Park Madone, this is getting out of
[58:57] hand. Sorry. More money. You just ask for 200 and
[59:02] something. Thousand dollars for a roof. More money so you're
[59:06] going to have to really explain this a little better
[59:08] to the people, because I'm here every week, and this
[59:11] is starting to boggle my mind, so I can't. Imagine
[59:14] how the citizens could understand why we keep asking for
[59:18] more money. Explain it, please. Anyone else wishing to speak
[59:25] during ordinance 326 public hearing. See a non public hearing
[59:33] is now closed. Is there a motion regarding. Motion to
[59:39] approve 326. Motion to approve second. All right. And open
[59:44] up. For council discussion. Council member Lehman. Yeah. Question on
[59:50] jc park. Mr. City manager. What are these? Sports enhancements.
[59:58] I thought that JC park everything that was going there,
[1:00:02] we already knew about. And I understand the carryovers from
[1:00:06] previous years, things that have not been completed or delivered.
[1:00:10] But enhancement says that there's more going in. What? These
[1:00:15] are the same things that we discussed in the meeting.
[1:00:18] All this is, is formally aligning. The budget that was
[1:00:21] approved for the roof. And the enhancements were, I think
[1:00:25] they were cornhole boards and some other amenities in the
[1:00:29] park. This is already included. You did. So that action
[1:00:35] was approving the change order to that contract to give
[1:00:39] it. This now then takes that change order that you
[1:00:44] all did and we formally now have to make. Sure
[1:00:47] that the money is available to be spent. Okay. Thank
[1:00:51] you. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I think that's been a
[1:00:56] common theme, this budget amendment. Is that people are thinking,
[1:01:02] we've already done this, we've already approved it, or we've
[1:01:05] seen this. That's right. Those individual actions that you all
[1:01:11] take when we present an item for you. Is the
[1:01:16] approving of the appropriation to become an expenditure. In some
[1:01:21] cases where it says budget amendment required. This is the
[1:01:26] budget amendment. Then that wraps all those previous approvals into
[1:01:30] formally making sure the funds are there to be spent.
[1:01:35] Yeah, I think it's important to mention. Because the last
[1:01:42] speaker kind of insinuated these are additional expenses that we're
[1:01:47] talking about today. And that is not the case with
[1:01:50] the yacht club base and improvements for the sea walls
[1:01:52] boat. Ramps, covert and dredging. That is something that we
[1:01:56] approve back in 2025 under resolution 329. 25 JC park
[1:02:03] improvements was additional floodproofing sports enhancements. And the building roof
[1:02:08] expense. Which totaled 648,000. We heard that in 2000. And
[1:02:15] 25 two under resolution 386 25. What this is doing
[1:02:20] is memorializing and updating. The budget to reflect all of
[1:02:25] the decisions. That we did in the first quarter, which
[1:02:30] is an October, November and December. We're basically putting that
[1:02:35] all together, updating the budget to reflect all of the
[1:02:38] decisions. That we made those three months, so I just
[1:02:40] want to make sure that's clear for the community. This
[1:02:44] isn't something that's an additional expense over and above what
[1:02:48] we've already talked about or what we've already approved or
[1:02:51] voted on and awarded. So I think that's important to
[1:02:54] make sure we get that message out. Seeing other lights
[1:02:57] on. We have a motion. Second on the floor, madam
[1:03:00] said to clerk, please call. The role. Yes, sir. I'd
[1:03:03] like to have Rachel. Just Rachel. Rachel's down this. Way,
[1:03:07] crystal. Crystal addressed the purchase Rex versus purchase order. Okay.
[1:03:15] So in our system, our financial system, the first step
[1:03:19] is to create a requisition. And that is basically staff's
[1:03:24] request. To get things approved, to make purchases, to request
[1:03:29] services. Once that is approved and it goes through the
[1:03:33] workflow in the system, it becomes a purchase order. So
[1:03:35] a requisition is just the first step. In converting or
[1:03:39] creating purchase orders, so there's no separate bucket of requisitions.
[1:03:43] That are getting carried forward. Are separate category. Those requisitions
[1:03:48] actually become the purchase orders, and in this case, the
[1:03:52] encumbrances are purchase orders that were not completed. Or completed
[1:03:58] within the time frame, and so we're just carrying those
[1:04:00] forward. Okay. Any other comments by council? See a none.
[1:04:08] Madam. City clerk, please call the role. Last row. Aye,
[1:04:12] Lehman. Aye. Danelle, center, aye. Gil rain.
[1:04:21] Aye. Seven eyes. Motion carried. Okay, we'll move on to
[1:04:25] ordinance 426, madam. City clerk, please read title. Ordinance 426,
[1:04:31] an ordinance of the mayor and city council of the
[1:04:34] City of Cape Coral, Florida. Amending the City of Cape
[1:04:37] Coral, Florida Code of Ordinances, chapter 26 Cape Coral Charter
[1:04:41] School authority section 26 two creation of charter school authority
[1:04:46] and board. Section 26 three student. Community section 26 four
[1:04:53] composition of authority board section 26 five background and verification.
[1:05:01] Section 26. Six board appointments and participation section 26 nine
[1:05:07] terms of board members section 20 611 conduct of Board
[1:05:13] section 20 613 appointment of committees section 20 614 adoption
[1:05:19] of regulations, rules and resolutions section 26. 15 powers and
[1:05:24] duties of charter school authority superintendent and city and section
[1:05:28] 26. 17 administrative services. Providing for severability and providing for
[1:05:35] an effective date. Thank you, Mr. City attorney. Thank you,
[1:05:39] mayor. As I discussed during the introduction of this amendment
[1:05:44] to the city's chapter 26 ordinance, this memorializes the final
[1:05:51] position that was taken by the city council during the
[1:05:53] committee of the whole meeting on the January 7. I
[1:05:58] did disclose and identify that I did include a new
[1:06:01] section, which is 26 five, which is background and verification
[1:06:05] that remains unaltered and everything that you ultimately agreed during
[1:06:09] the committee of the whole husband memorialized in this document.
[1:06:13] And so it is unaltered from the November 7 presentation
[1:06:16] where I discussed all the various changes. So. With that.
[1:06:21] I would look to see that. There is the passage
[1:06:24] of this legislation. Okay, thank you. I now have enough
[1:06:27] public hearing. Anyone wish to speak on ordinance 426, please?
[1:06:31] Come forward. Saying none. Public hearing is now closed. Is
[1:06:35] there a motion regarding ordinance 426? Motion to approve second.
[1:06:44] Is there any council discussion? Council member Kilbring? Yeah, I'll
[1:06:48] just mention mayor that. In our charter board meeting, we
[1:06:52] discussed the changes and there were no oppositions, any changes.
[1:06:56] They were in full support of this step. Thank you.
[1:06:58] Thank you. Seeing no other discussion. We have a motion
[1:07:02] a second on the floor, madam. City clerk, please call.
[1:07:04] The role last round. Aye. Lehman. Thank you. Aye. Done
[1:07:09] now. Center. Aye. Kaduk. Aye. Hillaryne I eight eyes. Motion
[1:07:17] carried. Okay. Just want to remind everyone. If you are
[1:07:21] here and want to participate in citizens input, just remind
[1:07:24] you to fill out a comment card. It's located over
[1:07:27] here on the desk. And the city clerk will call
[1:07:32] your name up. Just stay seated. She'll call your name.
[1:07:35] Up. Once we get the citizens input, time. I will
[1:07:39] move to introductions we do not have. Any. So we
[1:07:44] will move straight to item ten as citizens input. Citizens
[1:07:49] input is a maximum of. 60 minutes. A set on
[1:07:51] input of matters concerning city government. Three minutes per individual.
[1:07:55] Please remember to state your name for the record and
[1:07:58] remind you that. You address the city council as a
[1:08:01] collective body, not as an individual. So, Madam City clerk.
[1:08:07] Marie kavanaugh and julia atari. Ms kavanaugh.
[1:08:18] Can barely hear her. Marie Kavanaugh, secretary who take out
[1:08:24] the trash committee of Cape Coral first. I want to
[1:08:33] remind everybody that on January 31 we're having a citizens
[1:08:36] town hall. At Lake Kennedy. This is an advertisement. This
[1:08:41] is for citizens input on city government. This has everything
[1:08:46] to do with city. Exactly. And that's why you shouldn't
[1:08:48] be. Commenting on it. This is for citizens input. First
[1:08:52] of all, I tried going to the art festival on
[1:08:59] Saturday after driving around for 15 to 20 minutes. No.
[1:09:03] Parking. No parking. We've got 18 plus acres in Bibani
[1:09:08] east. You guys could have set up some sort of
[1:09:10] a parking situation for people and maybe had a little
[1:09:14] shuttle go. Back and forth, but. No. Make life miserable.
[1:09:18] I went back Sunday, same thing. And I want to
[1:09:22] challenge. Every one of you up there. To tell all
[1:09:30] of us. Give all of us, other than the canals,
[1:09:34] which are disgusting, filled with algae, fishless. Name one. Unique
[1:09:42] project or attraction. That only Cape Carl has that people
[1:09:47] will want to come here and see. Spending $300 million
[1:09:52] on the yacht club is not going to do it.
[1:09:54] Take a look at what happened to sunseager? They've spent
[1:09:56] 700 million. What? You're going to. Build down there isn't
[1:09:59] going to come close. And nobody. It's a waste of
[1:10:02] money. The people do not want it. And the vacancy
[1:10:08] rate. In Cape Coral is over 20%. Infrastructure can't handle
[1:10:15] what we have now yet. You continually approve. More and
[1:10:19] more and more and more housing units and more and
[1:10:22] more and more. In the future. The infrastructure has got
[1:10:27] to stop. I went up from my house, which is
[1:10:32] Cape Coral Parkway and Pelican, to Panera. The other morning
[1:10:37] and it took me 20 minutes. On Cape Coral Parkway.
[1:10:41] Ludicrous. And you want to add, you're looking at redfish.
[1:10:46] Point. Adding 800 units there. I mean, come on, give
[1:10:49] me a break. You also need to have a moratorium
[1:10:54] on hiring of city employees. I know Connie Baron's. Getting
[1:10:58] ready to retire. Her position should not be filled. We
[1:11:01] already have the city manager and. We now have two
[1:11:03] city managers. Assistant city managers. We don't need that. And
[1:11:10] I'm still waiting on updates of Bimini east. The RFP
[1:11:14] expired on the 30 October and we have heard nothing.
[1:11:20] Are there interested people? We don't know if there are
[1:11:23] people interested. What kind of proposals? Are they making? I
[1:11:26] think we have the right to know that because we're
[1:11:28] going to. Pay for it, because basically what happens in
[1:11:31] Cape Coral is you have all these elaborate schemes where
[1:11:34] you spend millions and millions of dollars, we have to
[1:11:37] pay for it. And then when they're, complete. You make
[1:11:40] us pay to utilize them? No clapping, please.
[1:11:53] Julian Chari, vice chair, take out the trash, Cape Coral
[1:11:56] and yes, the citizens town hall is about citizens. City
[1:12:01] business. Anyway. Last week when I was here,
[1:12:11] I did ask about. Getting the drop paperwork, and I
[1:12:17] got another call from the gentleman. He got 100 and
[1:12:21] something names of the people that are on that drop
[1:12:24] with abbreviations of their job description. Is there somewhere where
[1:12:28] we can find out what those abbreviations mean? Because he
[1:12:31] would really like to know about that. Public records request.
[1:12:37] We found out that. The road that goes into the
[1:12:43] food truck park down by Abbashan quite a few months
[1:12:47] back. I was at one of the town hall meetings
[1:12:49] for councilwoman Lee, man. I mean, Nelson and. I was
[1:12:55] told that the road going into that town, into the
[1:12:59] food truck park, needs to be. Fixed or widened. I
[1:13:03] guess the study was done in the summer, but the
[1:13:05] people are using it. In the winter. So did anybody
[1:13:09] ever figure out when that's going to be done? Because
[1:13:12] I really want to know. It was told to me
[1:13:14] by the city manager that that has to be done,
[1:13:17] but. They have to wait till the bridge is widened.
[1:13:19] I'm a little confused on that. I'd like to get
[1:13:21] an answer to that. Do we have to widen that
[1:13:23] road? And who's going to pay for it. That's kind
[1:13:27] of important. Because that's going to be another thing. We
[1:13:32] asked about the steps, and quite honestly, we didn't mention
[1:13:37] whose address it was, but. The mayor outed himself. Did
[1:13:41] we ever get an answer as to why that was
[1:13:43] approved? There was no railing on those stairs. We have
[1:13:47] a photo. So saying that we didn't know. What we're
[1:13:49] talking about is kind of incorrect. That's what you need
[1:13:53] to learn. Yeah. Because we have builders that call us
[1:13:55] and say, they're getting fined and they're getting there held
[1:13:58] back for doing the same thing. You did. They want
[1:14:00] to know why. Thank you. Tom Shadrack and David Holsey.
[1:14:07] No clapping, please. Mr. Shadrak, before you get started, because
[1:14:13] I don't want to interrupt you, so. Just give me
[1:14:15] a minute, if you would, please. I was going to
[1:14:18] read this earlier. But since we have individuals that don't
[1:14:22] want to follow the rules, I want to make sure
[1:14:24] everybody understands the rules clearly. Citizens are given opportunities to
[1:14:30] be heard concerning city matters scheduled on the council agenda
[1:14:35] or any other matters pertinent to city business. In order
[1:14:40] to promote an orderly system and hold a public business
[1:14:43] meeting and to ensure that individuals are not embarrassed or
[1:14:46] harassed as a result of their exercise right of free
[1:14:51] speech. The city has established rules that must be followed.
[1:14:55] These rules. Are council rules of procedure which are established
[1:15:00] and adopted by resolution by the city council. A speaker
[1:15:05] is required always to maintain proper decorum. Only the person
[1:15:10] recognized by the mayor should address the city council or
[1:15:14] make any audible remarks during the business portion of the
[1:15:17] meeting. Which includes citizens input. Speakers shall address their comments
[1:15:22] to the city council as a whole, not to an
[1:15:26] individual council member or to a city staff or a
[1:15:29] member of the audience. No person. Shall not make personal
[1:15:34] or profane remarks or gestures. Unauthorized remarks, stomping of feet,
[1:15:39] whistling. Or similar demonstrations shall not be permitted during the
[1:15:43] business meeting. No person is permitted to interrupt the city
[1:15:46] council procedures or the comments of any person recognized by
[1:15:50] the mayor in any manner. No person is permitted to
[1:15:54] behave in a disorderly manner by shouting, yelling, whistling, chanting,
[1:16:00] singing, dancing. Collapsing footstomping cheering. Or engage in any other
[1:16:07] disruptive display during the council meeting. No person can display
[1:16:13] banners, place cards or signs. No person can distribute any
[1:16:17] handouts or materials. Any members in the audience within city
[1:16:21] hall. No person is permitted to refuse to follow the
[1:16:25] instructions. Of the adopted rules at the direction of the
[1:16:31] mayor and comply with these policies and rules that are
[1:16:34] governed by the city council seatings any person who engages.
[1:16:39] It in this behavior that is prohibited within the rules
[1:16:42] and who is boisterous, disruptive, in any manner in the
[1:16:46] city council meeting shall be asked to leave that may
[1:16:49] be escorted for. The meeting room by the police department.
[1:16:53] So that is what the adopted rules are by counsel.
[1:16:58] Known as our council rules of procedure. Those rules will
[1:17:01] be followed unless they change. And it is imperative during
[1:17:06] this business meeting you follow the rules. If you don't,
[1:17:09] you will be asked to leave. It's as simple as
[1:17:11] that. So I just want to warn everyone. And this
[1:17:14] may be something that I'll have to read each and
[1:17:16] every time to. Make sure that we adhere to the
[1:17:18] rules. Mr. Shadrak, I apologize for interrupting you, but. You
[1:17:22] have the floor now. Okay. Thanks, mayor, but I think
[1:17:24] you took more than three. Minutes. I'll give you. Got
[1:17:29] the time clock? I don't. Even make a payment to
[1:17:32] the flag. It was a joke, guys. It was a
[1:17:36] joke. Relax. Tom Shadrak, permanent resident. Mike, clock has started.
[1:17:43] All right. Last January, I think there was a consensus
[1:17:46] of this council. To have our financial monthly report start
[1:17:51] being reflective of what Lee county gets. As their monthly
[1:17:56] or even quarterly now, I think. But it's very detailed,
[1:17:59] very great information. And I believe you all voted, or
[1:18:03] at least gave a consensus. I think it was a
[1:18:05] cow. To start producing this type of information. Now. The
[1:18:12] financials did come out monthly now, and we got a
[1:18:14] good shot of what the year. End was with the
[1:18:16] September monthly, but it was still very limited. In detail,
[1:18:21] and we really need all this data. We got the
[1:18:25] workshop next week. To get something with all this data
[1:18:29] so you guys can make some intelligent form decisions would
[1:18:33] be. Helpful because this is great stuff. If you haven't
[1:18:37] looked at it, please do. I've shared it with several
[1:18:39] of you. But. It's something the city manager and finance
[1:18:44] department has, and you're not getting it. Because I can't
[1:18:48] get it, so. If I can't get it, you're not
[1:18:53] getting it. And again, that September report. Showed. That we
[1:18:59] have 85 more million dollars in revenue. At the end
[1:19:03] of the fiscal year. Then you were at the adopted
[1:19:05] budget in 25 85 million. More. Now, what was that
[1:19:09] from? And I'm only looking at the general front and
[1:19:11] the Special Revenue Fund, which I think are mostly yearly
[1:19:14] money, so 85 million more, and then the actual. Expenses
[1:19:20] were 68 million more than the revenue. I mean, less
[1:19:25] than the revenue. So we didn't spend a lot of
[1:19:28] that money, that extra money, and we have it. Over
[1:19:31] now. How much do we have? That's why we should
[1:19:35] have a fund balance to understand that. And our debt.
[1:19:38] What new debt did we create? Those types of things
[1:19:40] are in this report. If you had an update monthly.
[1:19:43] It would help you greatly, and you could see they
[1:19:46] even produced great charts that show variances over the last
[1:19:49] three fiscal years. Really good, helpful information. So not having
[1:19:54] it, I think, put you at a disadvantage, and you
[1:19:57] should be able to get it. And that's what you,
[1:19:59] I thought, agreed to a year ago. And we don't.
[1:20:02] Have it today. So any comment on that, I'd appreciate
[1:20:06] it afterwards. And I think I've sent you guys. All
[1:20:09] this data, the numbers. I know Dr. Denel. He always
[1:20:13] challenged me. Do you say numbers without proof? I think
[1:20:16] I. Sent that to you. Okay. Thank you. Thank you.
[1:20:26] Hi. I'm David Halsey. I understand. Last week after speaking
[1:20:31] with the mayor offline that I kind of missed the
[1:20:34] boat when I was talking about the yacht club and
[1:20:38] how we could save the. 40. Save the $38 million.
[1:20:46] The idea of moving the pool. In the community center
[1:20:50] to the golf course. We would not need a three
[1:20:53] story. Parking garage at the yacht club, and that would
[1:20:57] save us the 38 million. And right now, after listening
[1:21:02] to the cow, we have a four point. 48. 4.4
[1:21:08] million. Credit in the design. We haven't spent all the
[1:21:12] 9 million there, so I just wanted. To point that
[1:21:14] out. I'm sorry. If I didn't make my point last
[1:21:19] week. I'm on a committee to rebuild my timeshare down
[1:21:25] at Fort Myers beach, and. I went to the construction
[1:21:28] meeting on Monday. And something I didn't know is we're
[1:21:31] having to put pilings in of course. Down. The building
[1:21:36] was down. Next to the diamond head. We're having to
[1:21:39] put pilings in for our pool. Now do we have
[1:21:45] to put pilings in? If we put the pool down
[1:21:48] at the yacht. Club. And how much more is that
[1:21:50] going to cost us? I had never heard that before,
[1:21:53] and I'm sure we're going to have to put pilings
[1:21:55] in for maybe the community center, so I don't know
[1:21:58] how much more that's going to cost us. I just
[1:22:01] wanted to throw that out. I just learned that this
[1:22:03] week. And I don't know if we've even discussed pilings
[1:22:06] being driven to build down at the yacht club. Thank
[1:22:10] you. Thank you. Lizette fialo. And j. Michael hannon.
[1:22:23] Good evening to everybody. Ang mistyalo. On December
[1:22:32] 829, I submit five requests to the clerk. Question. Why
[1:22:41] I did not receive any response. To Rachet kaluk. Last
[1:22:49] year by. Email. You respond to me? That you work
[1:22:54] full time at the bank. Question. Why is that mean?
[1:23:03] I assume. You don't have time to. Work. As. A
[1:23:09] council member. Question. Is this the case? What are you
[1:23:16] doing sitting in that chair? Or. Another. Just.
[1:23:26] A puppet. In that seed. Last year. Last year. Last
[1:23:35] year. Council member. I'm sorry. I didn't hear that. I'm.
[1:23:39] Trying to listen to her. She's hard to understand. Just
[1:23:41] make sure you address us. As a collective body and
[1:23:44] not as an individual council member. Talking Dombank saying to
[1:23:50] you today? Is different rules. Just express what your concern
[1:23:57] is, but you can't single out any one particular council,
[1:24:01] okay? Last year. Gonker and Kaduk told me in this
[1:24:07] meeting room. That sound like two different names. I know,
[1:24:11] but I say the city council. Okay. City council. There
[1:24:15] we go. Okay. Mary room. I need to get a
[1:24:19] lawyer. But Jesus. Lets him see. For everybody.
[1:24:30] City council. Don't be sarcastic. And respect to the taxpayer.
[1:24:37] To any counselor. I'm feeling sorry for you. Be honest.
[1:24:45] Be right in your position. Everybody. Sit there, work for
[1:24:51] us because Gui bought. Borate for you and. You have
[1:24:59] to answer to taxpayer. When.
[1:25:10] I request something? Nobody answer, so. I don't have to.
[1:25:17] Explain. Name. By name. So this is my proof. On
[1:25:22] December right, 2025. I present five differing request. And today
[1:25:29] is January. 2026. Nobody answered to me. You work for
[1:25:35] me. Or you are poopet in the chair. Thank you.
[1:25:41] And don hazeln.
[1:25:53] Good evening. My name is Skylan Brown, and I'm here
[1:25:55] to speak on the proposed. Development at redfish point and
[1:25:58] the patterns of behavior behind it. First. I want to
[1:26:05] make something very clear. Your silence on this issue is
[1:26:09] loud. When a council refuses to publicly discuss. Environmental impacts,
[1:26:15] refuses to show updated data, and refuses to engage the
[1:26:19] community. It is not neutrality. It is neglect. And neglect,
[1:26:24] my friends, is a choice, and it definitely has consequences.
[1:26:29] Redfish point is not empty land waiting for a developer.
[1:26:33] It is a functioning Estherine system. It filters pollutants, acts
[1:26:37] as a first line of defense against storm surge. Houses
[1:26:40] juvenile fish populations, and I could go on and on
[1:26:43] about the benefits of this piece of land. When you
[1:26:46] pave over wetlands and cut into mangroves, you are not
[1:26:50] creating value. You are removing natural and free infrastructure that
[1:26:56] keeps this city alive. After Ian Milton, Debbie, Helene, we.
[1:27:01] Saw the difference between neighborhoods with and without buffers. That
[1:27:05] wasn't luck. That was simple. Ecology. Which brings me to
[1:27:09] my economic piece, because Cape wants. To pretend that environmental
[1:27:13] issues are separate from financial ones. Did you know that
[1:27:16] our ecosystem generates billions? Of dollars in tourism revenue. Boating,
[1:27:22] fishing, kayaking, eco tours, hospitality, bait shops, marinas, the entire.
[1:27:28] Sector exists because of our waterways, our mangroves and our
[1:27:32] wildlife. Destroying the very ecosystem that fuels our economy. Is
[1:27:37] not smart growth. It is a self inflicted economic harm.
[1:27:42] The real slap in the face is when we are
[1:27:45] told growth is justified by outdated data using. 2020 census
[1:27:49] data. As if Cape hasn't gone through major storm displacement
[1:27:53] insurance upheaval. Constant recovery of the last four years. Investors.
[1:27:58] This is for you. No matter what they say, Ian
[1:28:01] was not an isolated event. Extreme storms. Are increasing in
[1:28:06] frequency and severity. Insurance companies know it, scientists know it,
[1:28:10] and developers. For some reason ignore it. Which is why
[1:28:13] our growth does not reflect. That. That's not planning. That's
[1:28:19] wishful thinking disguised as policy. So here's the ask. Stop
[1:28:24] approving development on autopilot. Stop pretending. Silence is transparency. Stop
[1:28:29] choosing short term developer profit over long term community. Silence.
[1:28:34] I will close with this because no one here gets
[1:28:37] immunity from reality. I just want to note that mother
[1:28:40] nature does not care. About. Your tax bracket. Thank you.
[1:28:45] Thank you. Well, y'all know who I am.
[1:28:57] I'd like to know what you plan to do. Mayor
[1:28:59] or any council members. You know what I'm talking about,
[1:29:04] right? Are you going to sit up there and pretend?
[1:29:07] You don't know what I'm talking about. Which is it?
[1:29:11] Last time he tried to intimidate me. Looking at me,
[1:29:13] I'm not scared of, none of. You are not allowed
[1:29:16] to make laws that infringe on my rights. But the
[1:29:20] police infringed on my rights quite a bit. And you
[1:29:24] guys ignore it like it doesn't matter. Why is that?
[1:29:29] I think that deserves an answer, don't you? I was
[1:29:34] attacked by the police department. You told me my fight
[1:29:36] was beaten. Not you, but you're. Their boss. So what's
[1:29:42] the deal? I'm giving everybody wanting to get a chance
[1:29:46] to speak. I brought premeditated murder to the police department
[1:29:53] and how that family tried to do the same thing
[1:29:56] to me. And you guys act like I've done something
[1:29:59] wrong. Because I don't want to put up with your
[1:30:02] disrespect and your nonsense or your threats. I'm not the
[1:30:07] one. You all made a mistake. A very big one.
[1:30:12] Now, what happens when. The society hears about what I
[1:30:16] went through because of you and your dereliction of duty
[1:30:20] by ignoring me. What happens to the property values then,
[1:30:25] mayor, when people can't even feel safe with their own
[1:30:29] police department or their own city council, mayor, anybody. When
[1:30:36] do the citizens get protected from you? Those are all
[1:30:41] fair questions. You're awful silent. You wanted to intimidate everybody
[1:30:48] else speaking. Intimidate me, sir. I'm really not the one.
[1:30:56] And I have to have in my life threaten again.
[1:30:58] I'm done playing with you people. These are crimes, legitimate
[1:31:04] federal crimes. That are being covered up. Or ignored. Which
[1:31:10] is a dare election that everybody up there. Wasn't including
[1:31:14] this clown right here. I'm not happy with none of
[1:31:18] you. I'm actually disappointed in all of you. You should
[1:31:21] be ashamed of yourselves. You just have to stand there
[1:31:24] and speak so you could rubber stamp whatever you're going.
[1:31:26] To do anyway. That has nothing to do with me.
[1:31:29] I'm talking about murder. That is being ignored. Attempted murder.
[1:31:35] Murder for hire. I'm not making anything up. I'm not
[1:31:40] lying. I don't have any. Mental disorders or any of
[1:31:43] the other false narratives that your police created for me
[1:31:46] in the courthouse. So how do you all want to
[1:31:50] answer this? We're just going to sit there and. Be
[1:31:51] quiet, because I'm not going to be. Thank you, sir.
[1:32:01] Thank you. Sir, please. Your three minutes is up. Have
[1:32:09] a seat. Have a seat. That's the last comment card,
[1:32:16] sir. All right. Was that the last one?
[1:32:25] Yes. All right. Okay. The citizens didn't put is now
[1:32:30] closed, and I'll open it up for any council discussion
[1:32:34] for citizens input. Council member Lassra thank you. Mr. Hazelt,
[1:32:38] if you would. Stay. I'll say this again to you.
[1:32:41] I've recommended twice now for you to file a complaint
[1:32:44] with the Florida Department of law enforcement, if you have
[1:32:47] any. Issues concerning our police department. That is the appropriate
[1:32:52] way and vehicle. To formalize that complaint. Because your case
[1:32:56] is in the court. It is above our jurisdiction as
[1:33:00] a council to be able to assist you. Let's see.
[1:33:04] Ms. Kavanaugh, thank you for speaking. We do have 420
[1:33:07] miles of canals, which makes us very unique. As a
[1:33:11] young lady, Skylan stated. Ecotourism is a big thing for
[1:33:15] us. And I think. Us utilizing our waterways. And bringing
[1:33:21] some new attractions to our city. Along those waterways is
[1:33:26] something that our vision has been for this city long
[1:33:29] before I got here. So I appreciate you speaking. I'm
[1:33:34] going to kind of bounce around. Skylan. I apologize. I
[1:33:37] call you scholar last. Time scholar. That was very texting.
[1:33:40] I'm sorry, but your name is Skylan and. I wanted
[1:33:43] to say to you that redfish point hasn't come up
[1:33:45] yet for us. But I could assure you when it
[1:33:49] does, all of those environmental concerns that you and other
[1:33:54] residents have, have been taken into consideration. And we've been
[1:33:57] researching. I know for myself personally, I worked out on
[1:34:01] captiva for a year and a half. For the Erosion
[1:34:04] Prevention District, which is a special legislative district. I learned
[1:34:08] all about natural sea walls. And you're absolutely right. Mangroves.
[1:34:13] All of those growth in natural seawalls help. Prevent shoreline
[1:34:16] erosion, and they protect our coastlines. So you're preaching to
[1:34:21] the choir and I appreciate you. Let's see. Mr. Tari.
[1:34:25] Mr. City manager. Can you answer the question again? Like
[1:34:28] you. Did at my town hall when we talked about
[1:34:31] slip away. And the issue with the widening of the
[1:34:35] road there. And that entrance in was going to be
[1:34:39] handled by the county when the bridge was widened, could
[1:34:41] you address that again? That is correct. They had to
[1:34:46] work with Lee county and their design plans for the
[1:34:51] bridge project. It was not installed now, because if they
[1:34:56] did, it would get destroyed at the time when the
[1:34:58] project came through. But. They have to have a turn
[1:35:03] lane, and I don't know if they did money. I
[1:35:05] don't know the financial side of it. I don't know
[1:35:07] if they did a money in lieu of or a
[1:35:09] deferred site plan improvement where when it's done then they'll
[1:35:12] construct their piece. Or I don't know how it's going
[1:35:16] to be resolved, but I do know. That that was
[1:35:19] part of it, because they had to come back in
[1:35:22] and amend their plan with us to incorporate that. Okay,
[1:35:25] maybe we can ask that some of us are going
[1:35:27] on Friday to MPO at Lee county. I'll put that
[1:35:29] on my list. I can make a call. To the
[1:35:31] that would be great. The Lee County Department of Transportation
[1:35:34] directory. Find. Out and I'll send you all an email.
[1:35:37] Yeah, I should have asked that question. This morning. In
[1:35:40] our ctac meeting, Mr. Halsey. Again. I hope you're able
[1:35:44] to come to my town hall on Saturday. On Saturday?
[1:35:50] At Vanyon Trace. We will be talking about the old
[1:35:52] golf course, but I think it was. The mayor who
[1:35:54] mentioned last meeting that that project we're looking ten years
[1:35:58] out and my hope is, and I think a lot
[1:36:01] of people's hope, and we'll know when we see the
[1:36:03] survey results. That we keep that as green as possible.
[1:36:07] But again, I don't think anyone's supposed to putting a
[1:36:10] community pool there, especially because we no longer have one.
[1:36:14] I hope we get several in the next 20 years.
[1:36:18] Ms. Falco, I apologize, but I don't know what you've
[1:36:22] sent five times. To us because I have not seen
[1:36:25] it. Maybe staff could get with you after the meeting
[1:36:29] to get clarification on that. And Mr. Shadrak. Yes, you
[1:36:35] were correct. We did talk about that. We talked about
[1:36:37] that. Emulating that county report. I thought we had consensus,
[1:36:42] but I don't remember. I'll. Reach out to finance and
[1:36:45] ask that question, because I think we all agreed that
[1:36:48] it was a pretty clean and easy to read report.
[1:36:53] And let's see. I think that's it. Thank you, mayor,
[1:36:56] Mr. City manager. Just an update on that report. That
[1:37:05] was an example of a unilateral decision made by administration
[1:37:09] against council. Got you. Okay, so we're not going to
[1:37:12] get that report. What, were you kidding? You were kidding.
[1:37:18] That what happened there? I know. I'm kidding. And I
[1:37:21] know most of you think I am as well, or
[1:37:24] no, I am as well. So what happened with that
[1:37:26] was there was a. Request to produce additional financial reports.
[1:37:30] We were producing quarterly reports. And there was a reference
[1:37:36] made to the data that was in the.
[1:37:45] Unaudited monthly financial. So what we did was we came
[1:37:51] to you all. I brought our quarterly financial report. Said,
[1:37:56] we can easily add. Do this monthly. So increase the
[1:38:01] period from four times a year to twelve times a
[1:38:04] year and it has the data that's available. How much
[1:38:07] revenue we collect each month, how much expenditures? We collect
[1:38:10] each month, and at year end, it would be an
[1:38:12] unaudited number that we would produce. You all have been
[1:38:16] getting that since we did that. And I think there
[1:38:20] is an expectation by the resident that he was going
[1:38:23] to get the format. He wants. But we produced what
[1:38:27] we could produce with the files and the software that
[1:38:30] we have. And the audited numbers. Correct. The audit numbers
[1:38:33] come with the AK for got you. So they're unaudited
[1:38:36] monthly financials. Okay. Thank you for. Request that I made,
[1:38:40] and they satisfied that that way. Okay. Thank you. Thank
[1:38:44] you, Mayor. Council member down now. Thank you, mayor. The
[1:38:50] gentleman that brought up the yacht club. Thank you in
[1:38:54] advance of our meeting, Mr. City manager, could we please.
[1:38:58] Have an update to how we're going to be funding
[1:39:01] the funding mechanism for the yacht. Club. I think you
[1:39:03] all. Ran a report. A few years back, but that
[1:39:07] was based on, I think, $150,000,000 number. So in advance
[1:39:11] of that. Could we get that so we can go
[1:39:13] over and be prepared to have a concise conversation about
[1:39:17] those numbers. Do I need to forget a second or
[1:39:21] something, council, but I think that'd be very. Helpful for
[1:39:24] outdoors. Yeah, we're paying for. We can put one together.
[1:39:27] All right? And then. Number two. The last thing for
[1:39:30] me. There was one thing. Mayor, thank you for reading
[1:39:32] that. There's one other piece that I want to offer
[1:39:37] when everyone comes to meetings. We get this packet? It's
[1:39:41] online. There was something in there called the pledge of
[1:39:45] civility. You know, I like to accentuate. The positive for
[1:39:47] all the speakers. They have seen an improvement in addressing
[1:39:52] issues. But there are two other pieces says we will
[1:39:56] direct all comments to the issues, but there are two
[1:39:58] other. Things that say we will be respectful to each
[1:40:03] other. Even when we disagree. And we will avoid personal
[1:40:07] attacks. We can't make the speakers do that. But I
[1:40:12] would just say to you once again, I thank council.
[1:40:17] For providing that. And conducting themselves in that professional manner,
[1:40:23] letting you all know, the ones that come here, the
[1:40:25] children. Are listening. And the things that they ask and
[1:40:30] they say. I understand. And it's disappointing to me because.
[1:40:35] It's a choice. So those that come here understand that
[1:40:39] people are watching, listening, and we ask as council members
[1:40:43] that you all abide by because you see how we
[1:40:46] abide. We want to practice what we preach. But again,
[1:40:50] at the end of the day, Understand that you can
[1:40:53] interpret and do whatever you want, but that would be
[1:40:56] surely appreciated in the new year. That's all. Thank you.
[1:40:59] Thank you, council member Lehman. Yeah. Councilwoman lost her pretty
[1:41:03] much. Covered almost everything. The woman who spoke about redfish
[1:41:10] point. You're correct. It has not come up in front
[1:41:14] of council yet. But not only that. You need to
[1:41:16] be aware it is not owned by the city. It's
[1:41:21] privately owned by the zombie Trust, so when it comes
[1:41:23] up to council, it would. Be for a rezoning. Thank
[1:41:28] you, Mr. Mayor. Do you want me to bring up
[1:41:33] that other. I thought you were going to do that
[1:41:36] under reports. Okay, I will do that at reports. Thank
[1:41:39] you, council member Kilray? Yeah, I'm reacting to an e
[1:41:43] comment we had from. Mr. Stolesis, basically. He referenced that
[1:41:49] we should be looking at infrastructure and improving our water
[1:41:53] situation by using desalinization and I couldn't let that one
[1:41:56] go by because desalinazation is. Very expensive, energy intensive. And
[1:42:03] the process that we have right now. Are a reclamation
[1:42:07] system, an RO system. Puts us in a cat bird
[1:42:11] seat in years to come. Ro is using water. That
[1:42:16] is not capable of being used for anything else because
[1:42:19] of its salinity and murkiness. We clean up the perfection
[1:42:24] and recycle system. Is the best system around and probably.
[1:42:31] Those combined systems. Are better than anything else in the
[1:42:34] United States. So with all due respect and happy to
[1:42:38] talk to them about in further detail, Desalinazation is not
[1:42:42] an outlet that would be beneficial to the city, so
[1:42:45] thank you. Mayor. Mr. City manager. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
[1:42:49] I just wanted to enhance councilwoman Laster's. List. Of unique
[1:42:54] opportunities that Cape core offers. And this is going to
[1:42:57] springboard off of something. Dr. Donnell asks every week is
[1:43:01] to bring something positive to our community. And so this
[1:43:03] was a great question. List some things that Cape Coral
[1:43:07] has that are unique, that will drive people new our
[1:43:10] city. I have a short list. Gator mics amusement park.
[1:43:17] Gator Mike's amusement park, go cart rides. Zip lines. Mini
[1:43:23] golf four mile cove. Trails, walking, parks, environmental sightseeing. Serenia
[1:43:32] vista manatee park. We have people come from all over
[1:43:35] to see our manatees. That serennia vista manatee park. Cape
[1:43:40] Coral Museum of History if you want to see. The
[1:43:44] things we're dealing with today. Ten years ago, 20 years
[1:43:47] ago, 30 years ago, it's all the same. UEP traffic
[1:43:51] growth. Same stuff over and over, but it's really interesting
[1:43:56] to see. How previous councils and previous administrations dealt with
[1:44:00] it. That's a great spot to visit. Wicked. Dolphin. We
[1:44:06] have our own craft distillery. Offers tours. Pretty neat place.
[1:44:11] Sun, splash. Wonderful location. Just added a wave pool. The
[1:44:16] quartz third largest pickleball facility in the state of Florida,
[1:44:21] but also host to our very own. Tournament, the Cape
[1:44:25] Coral Open, which brings the number one. Men and women's
[1:44:29] pickleball players in the world to our community. Yellow fever
[1:44:35] keep yellow Fever Creek Campground will soon be open, but
[1:44:39] it's on its way. In the middle of. A beautiful
[1:44:43] environmental park. The Charlotte Harbor Preserve. Great place for fishing,
[1:44:48] canoeing, kayaking. Wonderful outdoor place and keep Coral BMX, which,
[1:44:55] by the way, for those of you who went this
[1:44:57] past weekend hosted the national tournament in Cape Coral. And
[1:45:03] for those riders who won. They punched their ticket to
[1:45:07] worlds in Australia. Those are just some places we have
[1:45:12] wonderful events that bring people from all over. Boom. Art
[1:45:16] fest tour to cape and so forth. Thank you. You
[1:45:19] forgot the largest flag in the state or we don't
[1:45:21] have that yet. That's right. Okay, thank you. Let's move
[1:45:27] on to the next item of the agenda. We have
[1:45:29] reports. Council member Steinki report. Thank you, mayor. January Eigth,
[1:45:35] attend the Lee county tourist development. Council, where I'm a
[1:45:38] member on the 14th. I participated, like all of us
[1:45:43] did in the CRA and our committee, the whole in
[1:45:46] the 15th, I attended the Cape Coral Construction Industry Association's
[1:45:50] showcase of Homes awards celebration 21 January this morning. I
[1:45:56] wanted to thank the mayor for filling in for me
[1:45:58] as I had a conflicting obligation. And so he sat
[1:46:02] in for me at the CTAC this morning. I would
[1:46:05] remind all of our citizens, those watching. That. The city
[1:46:11] managers annual report just came out. It's available on the
[1:46:14] website. For anyone that was listening in around concerns of
[1:46:20] us being a safe city. You'll find some interesting information
[1:46:23] in there about the pride we can have in our
[1:46:25] local law enforcement and the safety that's provided to our
[1:46:28] citizens as well. As. The reaction and attendance by our
[1:46:33] fire department in dealing with our folks. When their safety
[1:46:37] might be in peril or their health might be in
[1:46:40] peril. So it's a great read. It's only about 24,
[1:46:45] 25 pages long somewhere in there, but great information there.
[1:46:49] I'd encourage everyone to go to the website and take
[1:46:51] a look at our annual report. And unless there are
[1:46:55] any objections by my colleagues here, I would plan on
[1:46:57] leaving Sunday and making my way to Tallahassee. Where I'll
[1:47:03] attend. The legislative meetings in Tallahassee, along with our Florida
[1:47:08] League of Cities. And our lobbyists that work on our
[1:47:12] behalf there in Tallahassee and then be returning on Wednesday.
[1:47:18] Late afternoon, early evening. That's it for me. Okay, thank
[1:47:22] you, council member Lehman. I see your light on, but
[1:47:25] we do have a list going down for our reports
[1:47:28] in a specific order, so we will get to you
[1:47:30] here. Shortly. Not a problem. Council member Donnell, report. Thank
[1:47:33] you, mayor. Yesterday, for Dr. Martin Luther King. Annual celebration
[1:47:40] breakfast in Fort Myers. I was able to attend it,
[1:47:43] represent the city, and it was just great to see
[1:47:45] the honorees that they noted and people out there. And
[1:47:48] Justin reminded that at the end of the day, with
[1:47:50] all the speeches and the celebration is all about how
[1:47:54] we respect each other, and that was the premise and
[1:47:56] the theme. So it was a great event and I
[1:47:59] was glad to be able to att. Attend. Thank you.
[1:48:00] That's all, council member cadoo. Thank you, mayor. On January
[1:48:04] eigth I attended the Horizon Council Arts and culture committee
[1:48:08] meeting. It was the first one I'm looking forward to
[1:48:10] being a part of this committee. In that same evening,
[1:48:13] I attended the community cooperative event supporting them at top
[1:48:16] golf on January 9. I attended the horizon Council executive
[1:48:19] meeting, and today we had our keep coral Transportation advisory
[1:48:23] Commission and just like council member Stanky, I too plan
[1:48:27] to attend the FLC days in Tallahassee. January 25 through
[1:48:31] 28th. And just a reminder, I did ask, and it
[1:48:34] has been set up, that on January 30, which is
[1:48:37] day two of our budget workshop that I attend via
[1:48:39] phone. Thank you. Okay. And we have council member Kilbrine.
[1:48:43] On January, that town hall will attend over 100. People.
[1:48:47] I'd like to thank Sharon Woodbury for a great presentation
[1:48:51] on Edo. And we had some good discussions on a
[1:48:56] whole variety of topics. But thank you for staff in
[1:48:59] support of that. January 9, attend Michelle Hoffman. It's retirement.
[1:49:04] January 10, stop by the art festival, and I was
[1:49:08] able to find a park in place. On January 13,
[1:49:12] I was on Jason Jones Daybreak speaking a little bit
[1:49:15] about Venezuela oil, but he got me in a corner
[1:49:18] on redfish point in property taxes, so I commented on
[1:49:21] those. So that's a recorded. Dialogue. So if you want
[1:49:26] to go to Jason Jones State break, you can listen
[1:49:29] to that. January 13 participating in Georgia school board I
[1:49:34] would like to invite anyone who is interested in the
[1:49:39] quality of the programs and the staff. That the charter
[1:49:44] schools has a principal gave a report and it was
[1:49:47] excellent wet energy and just total. Good things happening at
[1:49:55] the skull again. They had the 100% graduation rate the
[1:49:59] first time that that's attained in a long time, and
[1:50:02] they're pressed right now to find space. Actual physical space
[1:50:06] to support. Out of 54 additional students matriculating in for
[1:50:10] next year, On january 14, the participant cra in cal
[1:50:16] and january 15 attended the cccia showcase of homes. Along
[1:50:23] with Bill Snikey. Councilman lost her and Lehman and mayor.
[1:50:29] A great showcase. Probably the best done that I've seen
[1:50:33] in a long time, and I think they had over
[1:50:35] 200 people their weight. I think you said 209. So,
[1:50:39] excellent presentation. January 15 also tended the BIA. New board
[1:50:45] of directors with mayor also attended. And on January 15
[1:50:49] in the south. We went to the southwest Florida. League
[1:50:54] of cities. Mayor hosted that an excellent job presentation by
[1:51:00] Tico. There are natural gas and. Opportunities to expand natural
[1:51:06] gas to both moving fleets, school buses. And garbage and
[1:51:11] also looking at maybe some infrastructure in the Cape in
[1:51:14] future years. On the 16th, along with mayor and councilor
[1:51:19] Lehman. And city staff. City manager went to the BMX.
[1:51:25] Little did I know, I was greatly surprised at the
[1:51:28] sophistication of that operation down. There. That's ranked, I guess,
[1:51:33] 7th in the nation. What an incredible event. I start
[1:51:37] back again. Another day just in froze, but. They really
[1:51:41] had that thing filled up. And. A great attraction. On
[1:51:47] January 20 legislative action days. And flc webinar. And on
[1:51:54] January 20, lcRec. On january 21, ctac. I will also
[1:52:02] be going up to Tallahassee Sunday night, returning Wednesday. So
[1:52:08] thank you, mayor. Okay. Council member last thank you, mayor.
[1:52:12] Last weekend, I also attended the art festival. Congratulations to
[1:52:15] the rotary for putting on such an incredible event. It
[1:52:18] was very well attended, packed, and the weather was gorgeous.
[1:52:23] Last Thursday. I also attended the Southwest Florida League of
[1:52:26] Cities luncheon out in LaBelle. It was great. It was
[1:52:30] informative. I didn't know we had natural gas in our
[1:52:33] city. So I look forward to that for our future.
[1:52:37] And I also attended the Cape Coral Construction Industry Association
[1:52:41] Awards dinner. Congratulations to that group. That was an incredible
[1:52:45] vent and. To hear about and see some of those
[1:52:49] gorgeous homes that we have in our city. We're very
[1:52:52] proud. I'm very proud that we have that today. I
[1:52:54] also attended our transportation. Advisory council meeting along with some
[1:53:00] others. I'll also be attending the Florida League of Cities
[1:53:03] in Tallahassee, leaving Sunday, coming back Wednesday. And our biggest,
[1:53:08] exciting, most great news is that we hit our goal
[1:53:11] for youth council $21,972. So we were able to take
[1:53:18] ten children. And we are very excited. The children. Are
[1:53:24] beside themselves. Anything that we raise after. We'll be using,
[1:53:28] hopefully, to take them on some excursions tour of the
[1:53:31] monuments as well, as I think the Smithsonian is what
[1:53:35] they voted on wanting to go see, and the National
[1:53:37] Archives, so they're going to have a pretty jampacked trip,
[1:53:41] those of us that are chaperoning. Get ready. Put your
[1:53:44] running shoes on because it's going to be. Busy. I
[1:53:47] will also be attending national League of cities in DC
[1:53:51] and working with our federal lobbyists. To meet with our
[1:53:55] legislators on the hill, so I'm very excited about doing
[1:53:58] that. And then lastly. We have a movie in the
[1:54:04] park for youth council. It's on Friday the 13th. It's
[1:54:07] a Valentine's movie in the park. We sold a whopping
[1:54:09] two tickets online. So get your tickets. We'll be selling
[1:54:13] popcorn. We'll be showing the movie clueless. And we need
[1:54:18] a lot of people to come because we have four
[1:54:20] amazing food trucks coming. And it would be sad if
[1:54:24] they were only cooking for, like, six of us, so
[1:54:26] please. Come if you can. You can purchase your tickets
[1:54:29] online, or you can buy them at Cultural park. Where
[1:54:33] we will be set up by 04:00 p.m. the movie
[1:54:35] starts 07:00. P.m. sharp. And council member long. I'm sorry
[1:54:39] about your canes. It was a nail biter till that
[1:54:42] last interception. Sorry. Thank you, mayor. Council member Lehman report?
[1:54:49] Yes. I'd like all the citizens to know that. We
[1:54:54] have a young lady here in the city who was
[1:54:59] going to the Olympics. She made the Olympic women's ice
[1:55:04] hockey team. Kudos all the way. Her family is thrilled.
[1:55:11] I've talked to them. And we only wish her the
[1:55:15] best. I also want to mention that. On the 10th
[1:55:20] and the 11th. Now on the 15th? Yes, the awards
[1:55:24] dinner for the CCCIA. Was as a result. Of the
[1:55:31] six of us that were judges, of which I was
[1:55:35] one on the 10th and the 11th, and there are
[1:55:39] some beautiful, beautiful homes. There is a book. On the
[1:55:45] showcase that has a map in it. And on the
[1:55:49] weekends, Saturday and Sunday, you can go and look at
[1:55:52] these homes. It is well. Worth doing. There are some
[1:55:58] absolutely phenomenal homes. Thank you. And Friday. Friday, Friday, Saturday
[1:56:05] and Sunday. Excuse me. You're right. I'm sorry. Thank you
[1:56:09] for the correction. Council member long. Thank you, mayor. Just
[1:56:14] real quickly, I, too, planning on attending legislative action days
[1:56:18] in. Tallahassee from January 25 to the 28th. Looking forward
[1:56:22] to a productive trip, advocating on behalf of the residents
[1:56:25] with you all. Thank you. Okay. Back on the twelveth,
[1:56:30] I was a guest speaker on the Cape Coral talk
[1:56:33] radio on the 13th, I attended the fire department union
[1:56:37] meeting. It was a good meeting where we were trying
[1:56:43] to make the process maybe better in the future. Some
[1:56:46] recommendations. From some of the board members. Thank God we
[1:56:51] had some paramedics here, but I was able to walk
[1:56:53] out on moon. Power. But we had a well rounded
[1:56:58] discussion that look forward to maybe trying to make the
[1:57:00] process a little better for the future. Also on the
[1:57:04] 15th I attended. The Southwest Florida League of Cities meeting
[1:57:08] in LaBelle, and also on the 15th, I attended Cape
[1:57:12] Coral construction industry showcase a homes award dinner. A great
[1:57:17] event there. Probably at least 200 people there, so it
[1:57:22] was probably the most participated. Award dinner that I can
[1:57:28] remember since I've been going there. So guys did a
[1:57:30] great job also attended the Cape Coral BMX national race.
[1:57:35] We had a national race here in the city of
[1:57:37] Cape Coral. And I was told that we had every.
[1:57:43] State in the United States. Had a representative. From every
[1:57:48] state to participate in the race. It was about a
[1:57:50] three day event and. The winners were trying to qualify
[1:57:56] for. Australia. Mr. City manager wasn't in Australia. They were
[1:58:01] trying to go to the race in Australia. So I
[1:58:04] know many of them were extremely hopeful that. They would
[1:58:08] qualify and move on. Also today I attended the CTAC
[1:58:14] meeting and also. Attended a meeting with. County commissioner Ruane.
[1:58:22] And the city manager was present. An accounting manager, and
[1:58:27] what we were doing was going over the topics. We
[1:58:30] had a meeting about. Six weeks ago, I guess. And
[1:58:34] during our first meeting, I think we identified. About. 1213
[1:58:42] items of concern that we wanted to try to work
[1:58:44] out with the county. So between that meeting and the
[1:58:48] meeting that we had and all the discussion that the
[1:58:51] city manager had with the county manager over the last
[1:58:54] six weeks or so. I just wanted to give you
[1:58:56] a quick update. Del Prada Boulevard. I know there was
[1:59:01] some concern with the medium beautification. I know. We had
[1:59:03] spoke about that as a council. And that was one
[1:59:07] of the discussions. That we had with them. And I
[1:59:14] am pleased to let you know that in yesterday's meeting,
[1:59:17] there was a five to zero vote to approve $500,000.
[1:59:23] For meeting improvements on Del Prado Boulevard. So I think.
[1:59:28] Our discussions were very fruitful, and I'm glad to see
[1:59:31] a result. As a result. Of that. Capcor Bridge widening
[1:59:36] project that's still moving forward on the same schedule. There
[1:59:40] are some concerns how to pay for that project. I
[1:59:44] know there's a variety of ideals. That they were discussing.
[1:59:48] One was possible toll increase for the debt that's needed.
[1:59:54] But we'll see exactly where that lands. But that project
[1:59:58] is moving. Forward. And. We do have. An interlocal agreement.
[2:00:08] With that particular project as well. Then there was Pondella
[2:00:12] Boulevard in northeast 25th Avenue. Concern for a traffic signal
[2:00:17] at that location. And as a result, Of our discussion.
[2:00:23] The city and the county agreed. It will verbally agreed.
[2:00:28] It needs to be memorialized with a mutual understanding that
[2:00:32] we will split the cost to that particular project 50
[2:00:35] 50. So we've already done a traffic study there. It
[2:00:39] warrants a signal, so that'll. Be moving forward and we'll
[2:00:43] see some additional. Things coming forward as a result of
[2:00:47] that discussion? Mayor yes. I see some squint. On. The
[2:00:54] north side of that intersection. It's actually Hancock Creek. Boulevard.
[2:00:58] So in that signal, the road changes names, but it's
[2:01:01] on the eastern end of the city on pondella, right?
[2:01:06] The other road that we discussed that at this point
[2:01:10] have not identified any type of funding. They said for
[2:01:14] now. It's on an indefinite hold. No funding has been
[2:01:20] identified. And that was for the intersection. Of Northeast 24th
[2:01:24] Avenue in Kismet Parkway. We talked about a roundabout, but
[2:01:28] at this time the county doesn't have any funding to
[2:01:31] move that project forward. Item five was land use and
[2:01:35] zoning on Bernstore Road. Basically alignment of the city and
[2:01:39] county land use and zoning ordinance because there are some
[2:01:42] county parcels, some city parcels. So we wanted to come
[2:01:46] up with an agreement. So staff. Will be, I think,
[2:01:53] the two city, our city manager, the county manager, or
[2:01:56] coordinated effort on a possible solution for that. Where we're
[2:02:01] both had the same types of recommendation, no matter if
[2:02:05] it's a city property or county property. So that'll be
[2:02:10] future discussion on that. 6th was land use and zoning
[2:02:14] on Pine Island Road. And again, same scenario. We'll have
[2:02:21] a future meeting with the county and our staff. Because
[2:02:24] there are some county parcels and some city parcels. So
[2:02:27] when it comes to some alignment, there we want to
[2:02:30] make sure that we both can agree on one scenario
[2:02:35] where we're applying the same rules that they are. Great.
[2:02:39] Order up. Pine Island Water association franchise. Territory swap negotiations
[2:02:46] and agreements involving service territories requiring joint approval on that
[2:02:51] particular. Item. I have here is number seven development on
[2:02:57] hold? So I don't think that coordinates that. But I
[2:03:00] know you're having future discussions. My understanding with the county
[2:03:05] to try to come. Up with an agreement, whether the
[2:03:09] water services Pine island or the city of Cape Coral.
[2:03:13] Maybe you can elabor. Elaborate a little bit in the
[2:03:15] city management. The development of the territorial swap. Is on
[2:03:20] hold. The developments that were triggering. That right now are
[2:03:24] not moving forward. And so what we're trying to do
[2:03:27] is get an agreement with Jippewa for that, but the
[2:03:32] development that was triggering that. The development that kind of
[2:03:36] triggered that conversation. Doesn't look like that particular development zone.
[2:03:40] Hold. So it's not pressing, but I think we're still
[2:03:42] having those discussions. Item eight, Lee County EMS, the five
[2:03:48] year growth plan. They've already identified the five year growth
[2:03:51] plan. They've actually funded it. So they are moving forward.
[2:03:57] I know. We are going to get a new EMS
[2:03:58] station here in Cape Coral as a result of that.
[2:04:03] We've already increased our EMS units. We went from five
[2:04:06] about three years ago to. Ten or eleven today. And
[2:04:11] I believe ten. So we've over doubled in the last
[2:04:14] three years. So. They are really investing in public safety
[2:04:19] just like we are. Dnd boat rant property discussions regarding
[2:04:23] improvements and redevelopment of the boot rant property. We are.
[2:04:28] I think the interlocal agreement was just sent over to
[2:04:31] the city manager. The last day or two. So we're
[2:04:35] going to review that. I know the county needs a
[2:04:38] site plan from us. And. We're trying to come up
[2:04:42] with an agreement, how we're going to move forward. And
[2:04:44] how we're going to partner with any development of the
[2:04:47] DND property so that's still ongoing as well. And then,
[2:04:53] of course, Everybody's talking about the Burn store road widening.
[2:05:00] One of the things in our discussion today right now.
[2:05:02] That particular project is slated for 2036. We all know
[2:05:06] we're trying to move that up. Considerably. It is one
[2:05:10] of their top priorities. And they are looking at a
[2:05:15] variety of scenarios how to fund that. One of the
[2:05:18] scenarios that they are entertaining is trying to incorporate the
[2:05:22] debt for that particular project. Into the Cape Coral Bridge,
[2:05:27] New Cape Coral Bridge to put both of those projects.
[2:05:32] Under. That bond going forward. So that's what they're discussing.
[2:05:37] But in the meantime, Understanding that there is. A safety
[2:05:43] hazard up in that area. We had those three deaths.
[2:05:47] The commission did approve $5.7 million to do temporary. Improvements,
[2:05:54] safety improvements on that property. To at least try to
[2:05:58] make it safer until we can identify the funding mechanism
[2:06:03] and get that project started. So I just wanted to
[2:06:06] thank the commissioners in the county. For recognizing the need
[2:06:11] of some safety improvements. And again. They approved $5.7 million.
[2:06:19] You're going to see things of rumble strips passing liens,
[2:06:22] paved shoulders. In order to make that stretch. I believe
[2:06:26] it's a little river, 5 miles. A little? More safer
[2:06:29] than it is now. We talked about. A problem with
[2:06:35] trash on Veterans Parkway. As I had mentioned today in
[2:06:39] the meeting. There's a lot of construction in the northwest
[2:06:43] part of the city. You have construction workers, delivery trucks
[2:06:47] up and down veterans highway that are constantly losing the
[2:06:51] load and you're seeing a lot of trash. Then when
[2:06:53] it hits, it's just going everywhere. So. It's basically they
[2:06:58] said, hey, just let us know. When you see something.
[2:07:01] So my recommendation, if anyone's watching in the public, please
[2:07:06] utilize 3111. If you see something up there, let us
[2:07:09] know. And then we'll make sure that we get that
[2:07:13] information. Over to the county so they can respond out
[2:07:16] there and said they would try to do that. As
[2:07:18] quick as possible. Joint meeting with Lee County. I know.
[2:07:25] Some council members here had a desire to have a
[2:07:27] joint meeting. With the county. And I think a lot
[2:07:31] of it had to do with a lot of the
[2:07:32] items that's on this list, but as you can see,
[2:07:35] we've made a lot of progress. On this list just
[2:07:38] in a couple of meetings, so I'm glad that we
[2:07:41] had those. And we will continue. To have those until
[2:07:45] all these items were resolved. But at this point in
[2:07:49] time, the county commission does not have a desire to
[2:07:52] have any type. Of a joint meeting, so we will
[2:07:54] just continue. In the path that we are doing now,
[2:07:58] as long as. It's fruitful and we're getting things accomplished,
[2:08:02] which I think we are, will. Continue in that path.
[2:08:07] So I would recommend to any of the council members,
[2:08:10] if there is something else that's. Not on those lists
[2:08:12] that I talked about today. Of course you can go
[2:08:14] and talk to. Your county commissioner as well, but. If
[2:08:19] you want me to incorporate. That topic of discussion in
[2:08:23] these meetings that we're going to be having. Probably every
[2:08:27] six to eight weeks. Feel free to get that information,
[2:08:31] either to myself or the city manager who attends those
[2:08:34] meetings at will. We talked about the Cdbgdr awards and
[2:08:39] agreements. And as you heard in your, I believe, your
[2:08:43] one on one meetings this week, there's some concerns with
[2:08:47] that. Exactly. There is, I think, a push in federal
[2:08:52] government. I know our city manager and staff have been
[2:08:56] talking with our federal lobbyists. There's a six year window
[2:09:02] to award those monies. And I think. There is a
[2:09:08] push to try not to award those monies. So I
[2:09:13] think we had about $128,000,000 of projects that we identified.
[2:09:19] We're hoping to get some, but there could be a
[2:09:21] possibility we get none. So we will work hard. Continue
[2:09:25] to work hard on. Those projects. There are some great
[2:09:28] projects that I think would benefit the city, but. We
[2:09:32] have to go through the red tape of the federal
[2:09:34] government. And not we, but the county will be asking
[2:09:38] for an extension over and above that six year period.
[2:09:44] Don't know if that's going to be. Awarded. But they
[2:09:48] will be asking for that. And if I hear something
[2:09:51] on that, I will report. Back to council at a
[2:09:55] future date. That's about what I took out of the
[2:09:58] meetings. Anything that you would like to add? To that,
[2:10:02] Mr. City manager. I would just like to thank Commissioner
[2:10:07] Rowan and county manager Dave Harner for the collaborative relationship.
[2:10:11] They have to address items in Cape Coral. That also
[2:10:16] impact people that they represent. So thank you. All right.
[2:10:21] And that's all I have for report, Mr. Commissioner. But
[2:10:26] you just got raised council member. Kilren. I see you're
[2:10:30] late on, so I just want to mention that based
[2:10:33] on that incredible list of things that you just went
[2:10:35] through. Hats off to you and to Kevin Roane and
[2:10:40] to city manager and county manager. I certainly am satisfied
[2:10:44] with the way that that thing is progressing. Full support
[2:10:47] of what you've. Done on that and. Incredible what experience,
[2:10:51] expertise and knowledge of the city and what's important for
[2:10:54] the city does. And being able to get stuff accomplished.
[2:10:58] And thank you for what you did. Thank you, city
[2:11:00] manager. Really appreciate it, and it's a demonstration of expertise
[2:11:05] at work, and thank you. And I'd like to mention
[2:11:09] also the collaboration. Was forthcoming on both sides. And I
[2:11:15] think it was extremely beneficial to be able to sit
[2:11:18] down at the table. Roll your sleeves up and try
[2:11:21] to find results for some issues. And. They were aware
[2:11:27] of some of those issues, and the ones that they
[2:11:28] weren't, they worked. With us. And I think Commissioner Ruane
[2:11:33] has a desire. He represents the city of Cape Coral.
[2:11:36] And he lives here in the city of Cape Coral,
[2:11:38] and he wants to do all he can. So I
[2:11:40] just wanted to thank him. And the county manager for
[2:11:44] taking the time, being collaborative and being able to find
[2:11:48] solutions to problems. And that's what it's all about. Thank
[2:11:52] you, Mr. City attorney. Nothing to report. Thank you, Mr.
[2:11:56] City manager. Thank you, mayor. Have a couple of announcements.
[2:12:00] Kim Corals hosting the 35th annual tour to Kate cycling
[2:12:04] event Sunday, January 25. Weekend festivities begin with a kickoff
[2:12:08] celebration from four to seven, Friday, January 23, at the.
[2:12:13] West end marker 92 waterfront bar in Bistro. We will
[2:12:19] be hosting our budget winter workshop next week, January 29
[2:12:23] and 30th. That will be located here in council chambers
[2:12:26] at 09:00 a.m. And we are also hosting our third
[2:12:34] annual waterway science festival on Saturday, February 7 from 10:00
[2:12:39] a.m. to 04:00 p.m. at 528 Cultural Park. Boulevard. This
[2:12:43] is a family free event featuring educational activities and games
[2:12:47] highlighting the importance of our waterways. We do have. Live
[2:12:52] animals, mangrove and native tree plant giveaways volunteer opportunities, arts
[2:12:57] and crafts hands on lab experiments, boarding education, food trucks
[2:13:03] and more. Thank you. All right. Thank you. Time and
[2:13:08] place, a future meeting. We have a Cape Coral council.
[2:13:13] Says here budget workshop. But I know that. Is. A
[2:13:18] budget workshop. It's a two day event be held on
[2:13:21] Thursday, January 29, 2026. And Friday, January 30, 2026. Here
[2:13:29] and council chambers beginning at 09:00 a.m. and Mr. City
[2:13:33] manager, I'll see you later on. I'm sorry. I forgot
[2:13:35] my high five highlight for tonight. I'm going to ask
[2:13:39] Maureen to put up a couple of photos. So which
[2:13:42] one are you doing first? The sign. So we all
[2:13:47] had approved a new sign at Sunsplash in the courts.
[2:13:51] This was an example of what was there was kind
[2:13:54] of a makeshift wood sign. With kind of a pseudo
[2:13:58] roof. Here's a picture of what the new sign looks
[2:14:02] like, so that is now backlit. Looks very professional and
[2:14:07] really draws attention to two of those great amenities that
[2:14:11] generate tourism in Cape Coral. The next item is. So
[2:14:17] we had several complaints about. The condition of our fields.
[2:14:23] These actually happen to be the fields? Condition at Jim
[2:14:27] Jeffers. And so. Mole crickets infestation, lack of time to
[2:14:32] rest. Our parks department and our staff shut those fields
[2:14:37] down over break. The park was closed. There wasn't any
[2:14:41] soccer or any type of events at night. This is
[2:14:44] what those fields look like. Today. So high five highlight
[2:14:48] to our parks and rec department all the great things
[2:14:50] they're doing. For our community does not go unnoticed. Thank
[2:14:54] you. Okay with that. I'll entertain a motion to adjourn.
[2:15:01] Second. All in favor, say aye. Any opposed? Meaning journal?