Immokalee CRA/MSTU Minutes 05/18/2016 JEnclosure 1
1
MINUTES
Meeting of the Joint Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Committee, and the
Immokalee Lighting and Beautification MSTU Advisory Committee on May 18, 2016.
Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee – Event Center
506 South First Street, Immokalee, Florida 34142.
(239) 658-1313
A. Call to Order.
The meeting was called to order by Frank Nappo, CRA Chair and Cherryle Thomas
MSTU Chair at 8:30 AM.
B. Roll Call and Announcement of a Quorum.
Advisory Committee/EZDA Members Present:
Joseph Mucha, Estil Null, Ski Olesky, Andrea Halman, Julio Estremera, Jim Wall and
Dr. Frank Nappo.
Advisory Committee Members Absent/Excused:
Mike Facundo, Cindy Lozano and Martha Williams.
MSTU Advisory Committee Members Present:
Cherryle Thomas, Lucy Ortiz, Bill Deyo, and Andrea Halman.
MSTU Advisory Committee Members Absent/Excused:
Norma Garcia.
Others Present: Michelle Arnold, Mariela Romero, Randy Cash, Marvin Courtright, Patti
Calderon, Silvia Puente, Vanessa Bielema, Danny Gonzalez, Trinity Scott, Claudette
Williams, Paul Anderson, Trinity Scott, Daniel Rosario, Jonas Marvelous, Amanda
Townsend, Michele Mosca, Fred N. Thomas Jr., Carrie Williams, Maria Garcia Pizarro,
Mike Taylor, Dottie Cook, and Debbie Wight.
Staff: Christie Betancourt and James Sainvilus.
C. Introductions. Chairman Dr. Frank Nappo introduced himself and welcomed all to the
meeting. All other board members introduced themselves to the members of the public.
D. Adoption of Agenda.
Christie Betancourt presented agenda to the board for approval. Agenda was approved as
presented.
Action: Mr. Estil Null made a motion for the CRA to adopt the Agenda. Mr. James
Wall seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote. 7-0
Action: Ms. Lucy Ortiz made a motion for the MSTU to adopt the Agenda. Ms. Andrea
Hallman seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote. 4-0.
E. Approval of Minutes
1. Joint March 16, 2016 CRA & MSTU Advisory Committee Meeting. (Enclosure 1)
2. Joint CRA & MSTU Advisory Committee Meeting for April 20, 2016 (Enclosure 2)
Action: Mr. Estil Null made a motion to approve the minutes for the Joint March 16,
2016 and April 20, 2016 CRA & MSTU Advisory Committee Meetings. The motion
was seconded by Mr. Ski Olesky and the minutes were approved by unanimous vote.
7-0.
Action: Ms. Andrea Halman made a motion to approve the minutes for the Joint April
20, 2016 CRA & MSTU Advisory Committee Meeting. The motion was seconded by
Ms. Lucy Ortiz and the minutes were approved by unanimous vote. 4-0.
Enclosure 1
2
F. Announcements.
1. Meetings and Public Comment speaker slips
CRA staff reiterated the public 3 minute speaker slip policy. The board will give
more time if they feel it necessary.
2. CRA/MSTU New Management
Michelle Arnold introduced herself as the Public Transit & Neighborhood
Enhancement Division Director and announced that the Naples and Immokalee CRA
& MSTU have been recently placed under her Division. Ms. Arnold is looking
forward for the opportunity of helping the Immokalee area to move forward with
their mission and bridge the gap between the County and Immokalee.
Both Boards welcomed Michelle Arnold and thanked her for accepting the
Immokalee CRA & MSTU under her Division.
3. Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee
Daniel Rosario, a former CRA Advisory Board Member and a former Chamber of
Commerce Member represented the Seminole Casino Hotel in Immokalee. Daniel
likes the Zocalo plaza on 1st Street, the Christmas event and many changes that are
happening in Immokalee. He mentioned new expansion for the casino; hotel and
restaurants are coming in the near future.
G. CRA Manager Report- Christie reported that:
1. BCC Agenda Items approved in April 2016
Lozano’s Façade grant was approved at the BCC Agenda in April 2016, and was
given a NTP for construction for this summer.
2. CRA Staff Vacancy
Staff is finalizing interviews for the Administrative Assistant position for the CRA
staff vacancy. 85 applicants, two candidates left and both are from Immokalee.
3. Commercial Façade Grant Program
Two other businesses besides the Lozano’s Restaurant are still interested, iStudio
and Mr. 99 cent Store. They are working on putting their packets together.
4. Sweat Equity Grant Program
No business has applied for the max $2,000 grant.
5. Priority List for Immokalee Projects
List will be finalized at the Operational Workshop next month instead of this month.
6. Advisory Board members
The Ordinance will be going back to the BCC for a minor correction. Currently there
is not a limitation on how many Advisory Board members the CRA can have. Dr.
Nappo mentioned that we have 10 Board members and four or five applicants had
applied and the County has not come up with a decision. Michelle Arnold asked to
look into what the issue is and mentioned that the BCC is trying to cut back the
numbers of their Advisory Boards. For instance the, Transit Advisory Committee
went from 9 member boards to a 7 member boards. Jim Wall asked to clarify that no
mandatory members are required for the CRA Advisory Committee.
H. New Business
1. Budget (Enclosure 3a & 3b)
Staff reviewed Enclosure 3a & 3b which a draft overview of the CRA & MSTU
budget for FY 2017.
Action: Ms. Andrea Halman made a motion that the MSTU does not want to change the
mileage rate. They want to keep it at its cap, which is 1.00. Ms. Lucy Ortiz
seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote. 4-0.
Enclosure 1
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Cherryle Thomas explained that the citizens of Immokalee are ok with this current
mileage rate and the decision was made based on that.
2. CRA - Lake Trafford Grant – Trinity Scott, Transportation Planning Manager
Ms. Scott reported that Immokalee is now eligible for Small County Outreach
Program for services like resurfacing roadways and stormwater improvements. It is a
grant through FDOT. Trinity and her staff put the grant together in three days. The
grant is for $700,000 and will cover resurfacing Lake Trafford Road, paved
shoulders and will bring the bus stop to ADA compliance. The grant covers design,
construction, and CEI services. Funding availability is for FY16-17 or 17-18.
Around $70,000 will have to be matched for this grant if awarded and Transportation
will come up with this match. If Transportation does not get this grant they will still
move forward with the construction of the paved curbs.
Danny Gonzalez asked for an update on New Market Road sidewalk project more
specifically the construction time. Trinity believed that the construction will start the
second week of June. Sidewalks will be on both sides of the road from State Road 29
to State Road 29.
MSTU Chair Cherryle Thomas asked who decides on where to add traffic lights on
Lake Trafford Road because she was told that there would a traffic light next to
Davenport Nursery and the Handy gas station (19th St). Trinity replied that she will
ask Tony, Traffic Operation Manager.
Fred Thomas Jr. mentioned that we have a light at Carson Road and Lake Trafford
Road so we do not need another light a few feet down the road.
I. MSTU Old Business
1. State Road 29 from 9th Street to 1st Street - Pedestrian Safety Improvements – update
Project Manager James Sainvilus gave an update from a FDOT meeting with the
County and the CRA. Both the County/CRA and FDOT are in agreement with the
two traffic lights on Main Street in Immokalee due to safety of the pedestrians.
Many of the citizens are mostly concerned about having a full light at Westclox
Road and State Road 29. MSTU Chair Cherryle Thomas specifically asked to be in
the record stating that she does not like the traffic lights to be added on Main Street.
Fred N. Thomas Jr. suggested that to improve the safety of the pedestrian on Main
Street. FDOT needs to redirect their focus on the Loop Road instead of adding lights
on Main Street. Trinity explained that the Loop Road project is a long term goal that
is out 10 to 20 years in the future. We need to focus more on the short term goals
that will save lives now and will work for the community.
Deputy Mike Taylor mentioned that the people in Immokalee will not cross the
street at the designated pedestrian crossings. A full light at Westclox Road and State
Road 29 will be the ideal option. Dr. Nappo agreed with Deputy Taylor but because
of the safety of the people in the community he sided with FDOT and the County
installing the two traffic lights on Main St. (State Road 29).
Trinity Scott again explained to the citizens and the advisory boards that about 1,300
people crossed Main Street from 3rd Street within 8 hours and if the light could
prevent one death then it will worth it.
Enclosure 1
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Claudette Williams asked to speak as a concerned citizen of Immokalee. She
mentioned that she was part of the grant writing for the reconstruction of Dream
Park, which is still not completed. She also mentioned that she lives on Maple Drive
where there are no sidewalks on either sides of the street. Her concerns are that many
other streets in Immokalee need some attentions, the Southwest side of Immokalee
needs sidewalks.
Jonas Marvelous stated that all these improvements will be for nothing if the people
are not being educated of the new changes and the Immokalee police department
should enforce J-walking more often on Main St.
2. Adopt-A-Road Program – update
Christie Betancourt reported that as County entity the CRA & MSTU are not
allowed to participate in this program. She’s working with Code Enforcement and
Maria Garcia Pizarro to come up with a list of who still maintains their adopted
roads in Immokalee.
3. Contractors Reports – Landscape Maintenance Report – A & M
Staff reported that the tree on 9th Street and Main Street on the CRA’s property is
not dead. A contractors report from both A & M Property Maintenance and
Greenwork Studio will be provided to the board at the next MSTU meeting.
4. MSTU Project Manager Report
James Sainvilus reported on the following items:
Stormwater Improvements
Immokalee Drive
For repairs that are not covered under the warranty I need a
proposal from Quality Enterprises.
o Need a quote to repair the longitudinal and horizontal
cracking thru the entire length of the roadway, from SR-29
(15th St N) to Carson Road. (Asphalt milling and overlay).
(See Mark Lindsay’s inspection).
o Need a quote to add a sidewalk, handrail and ADA mat at
the corner of Carson Road & Immokalee Drive to tie in
with the new sidewalk. (See picture 6 & Google Earth
Image) from Road Maintenance inspection.
o Need a quote to raise the DBI at the corner of Taylor Street
& Immokalee Drive. (See Road Maintenance inspection.)
Colorado Ave
Completed and has no issues with the permitting department, the
County will take it over.
Lighting Report:
LCEC
Has new LED lights available for commercial and residential
security lighting
Poles cannot hold banners or decorative Angles, snowflake, bells,
etc.
Enclosure 1
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Cherryle Thomas requested the MSTU to work with the Christmas
tree contractor and electrical contractor to make sure the lights at
the Zocalo Plaza will turn on for the Christmas Tree Lighting
Event.
J. CRA Old Business.
1. CRA Annual Workshop – April 5, 2016 - update
Staff provided board with an update of this year’s annual workshop.
2. Land Development Code Amendments
i. LDC Amendment Section - 5.05.08 Architectural &
Site Design Standards (Enclosure 4a & 4b)
Christie explained Enclosure 4a which will not be removed from the code
Amendments, so LDC Amendment Section - 5.05.08 will remain the
same.
ii. LDC Amendment Section 2.03.07 Overlay Zoning Districts (Enclosure 5)
Christie explained Enclosure 5 which LDC Amendment Section 2.03.07
Overlay Zoning Districts as approved at the March meeting; the prohibited
language overlay will be removed to conditional use for areas highlighted
in yellow on Figure 1.
iii. LDC Amendment Section – 4.02.33 Specific Design Standard for the
Immokalee -- Mobile Home Park Overlay Subdistrict (Enclosure 6)
Staff provided board with Enclosure 6 which is LDC Section 4.02.33
Specific Design Standards for the Immokalee - Mobile Home Park
Overlay Subdistrict for review and informational purposes. There will be a
Enclosure 1
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Collier County Planning Commissioner Meeting on Wednesday May 25,
2016 at 5:00 that will talk about the Mobile Home Park Overlay
Subdistrict you are welcome to attend if you have questions about this
section.
3. CRA & MSTU Operational Plan Workshop – May 25, 2016 @8:30 AM
County Manager's review of FY 2017 Budget is the same day so the Workshop will
be rescheduled to another day. Dr. Nappo suggested that the CRA call each Board
member during the week for a date to reschedule the CRA & MSTU Operational
Plan Workshop.
4. Immokalee Stormwater Master Plan – update
Michele Mosca updated the Board with a draft final date for the Immokalee
Stormwater Master Plan update by the end of December.
She continues to work with two property owners (Arrowhead & Williams’s Family)
to identify stomwater pond sites.
5. Immokalee Pioneer Museum – update
Amanda Townsend, Iinterim Director of the Museums, reported that the permanent
exhibit was installed in the church at Immokalee Robert Ranch on Friday.
There will be an opening reception for the exhibit; the date has not been scheduled
yet. Other updates were briefly discuessed.
Ms. Townsend said that she and her staff are currently in the selection process of
hiring a new Manager for the Immokalee Museum. She said that she asked Ms.
Christie Betancourt to be a part of the interview panel to represent the Immokalee
community.
MSTU Chair Cherryle Thomas had a lot of requests from the community to do
weddings at the museum . She would like to know if they will allow alcohol to be
served in the property. Ms. Townsend will look into it.
6. Code Enforcement – update
Joseph Mucha updated the Board of his areas of responsibilities, he use to cover just
Immokalee now he also covers Golden Gate Estate, Copeland and Chokoloskee
areas. The County is taking the Flea Market to court on May 26, 2016. Code
Enforcement has been getting lots of complaints on Mobile vendors around New
Market Road. Code Enforcement has been given out tickets to the Mobile vendors
without permits.
Ms. Andrea Halman asked about the McCrory and LaMexicana #2. McCrory’s case
has been transferred to the County Attorney’s office.
Mr. Mucha said that LaMexicana # 2- Code Enforcement has a case on it, the
original contractor is not going to do the job anymore so LaMexicana is hiring a new
contractor.
CRA staff said that the CRA had offered them a façade grant but the process would
have taken them too long before they could start construction.
Danny Gonzalez asked about the color code for the commerical area, he thinks that
some of the businesses are not following the color code and several other building
codes on Main Street and New Market Road.
Enclosure 1
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Michelle Arnold will first meet with Joe to go over some of the cases before meeting
with the County Attorney’s office.
Bill Deyo asked Code enforcement to drive by the new Family Dollar on New
Market Road, they have not been doing any landscape maintenance work.
Mr. Estil Null also asked Code enforcemnt to drive by Nina’s Thrift Store in New
Market Road. They are leaving large furniture items and other items outside the
parking lot area overnight.
7. Other Agencies:
Ms. Vanessa Bielema from the UF/IFAS Extension, Collier County, invited the
community to a How to Start a Food Business Workshop. How to Start a Food
Business in Florida is a one-day workshop that provides you with general
information on food safety and quality, basic food science, business planning, and
federal and state regulatory requirements for food business.
May 27, 2016 at 8:30am to 4:00 pm and Registration fees: $125.00.
Ms. Claudette Williams asked for more inforamtion about this workshop and a food
truck business. Vanessa will send the information to Ms. Williams once she gets to
her office.
Danny Gonzalez, President of the Chamber of Commerce, thanked everyone who
participated at the Harvest Festival in April.
Jonas Marvelous would like to have less restrictions to use the parks in Immokalee.
He would like to use the Zocalo for many other events and charge an entrance fee.
Jonas talked about how the façade grant does not benefit the business or property
owners. The business owners are not making enough money to pay for an increase to
their lease due to the $30,000 or more building renovations/upgrades.
K. Communications.
1. Public Notices
2. Community Events
Christmas Tree Lighting - December 1, 2016. At 6:00 P.M.
Christmas Around the World Parade & Gala- December 10, 2016 at 5:30 P.M.
3. Articles
4. Tiger Grant
CRA staff reviewed the communications folder with the boards. Staff passed around the
folder for all public to review.
L. Citizen Comments.
Marvin Courtright passed out article “Collier Republicans take an Elephant Cruise to
help kick off election season” to the Board for review through the communication
folder. He asked for the Board to read it and consider how candidates are seeing
Immokalee. Mr. Courtright stated that the article talked about how this candidate was
asked on how to get votes in Immokalee and the candidate had replied that the people in
Immokalee are not qualified to vote. See the second page of the Article.
Enclosure 1
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Ms. Claudette Williams would like to thank the County for doing a good job in the
community and thanking the CRA & MSTU ahead of time for installing sidewalks on
Maple Dr. and Bethune School.
She also suggested that the County should used the appropriate representative for each
culture in the community to invite them to community meetings and events, then once
they get involve the county could use any of their representatives.
M. Next Meeting Date.
CRA Meeting June 15, 2016 at 8:30 A.M.
MSTU Meeting June 22, 2016 at 8:30 A.M. at 750 S 5th St. Immokalee, FL.
Action: Mr. Bill Deyo made a motion for the MSTU to take the month of July off.
Ms. Lucy Ortiz seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote. 4-0.
Action: Mr. Null made a motion for the CRA to take the month of July off.
Mr. Estremera seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote. 7-0.
N. Adjournment. The meeting adjourned at 11:00 A.M.
Collier County Community Redevelopment Agency
IMMOKALEE CRA
I The Place to Call Home I
Certification of Minutes Approval Form
Prepared by:
Approved by:
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Christie Betancourt, Interim Operations Manager Cherryle Tho s, Chairman
Immokalee Lighting and Beautification MSTU Liaison
These Minutes for the May 18, 2016 Joint CRA & MSTU Advisory Board Meetings were
approved by MSTU Advisory Board on June 22, 2016 as presented.
* The next Advisory Board meeting will be held August 24, 2016 at 8:30 AM at the hnmokalee
Community Redevelopment Agency office located at 750 South 5u' Street, Immokalee, 17134142.
All meetings will be publicly noticed in the W. Harmon Turner Building (Building F), posted at the Immokalee
Public Library and provided to the County Public Information Department for distribution. Please call James
Sainvilus, MSTU Project Manager, at 239-867-0026 for additional information. In accordance with the American
with Disabilities Act, persons needing assistance to participate in any of these proceedings should contact James
Sainvilus, MSTU Project Manager, at least 48 hours before the meeting. The public should be advised that members
of the Immokalee Master Plan and Visioning Committee and the CRA Advisory Board are also members of the
other Boards and Committees, including, but not limited to: Immokalee Local Redevelopment Advisory Board,
Immokalee Fire Commission, and the Collier County Housing Authority; etc. In this regard, matters coming before
the IMPVC and the Advisory Board may come before one or more of the referenced Board and Committees from
time to time.