Immokalee MSTU Minutes 09/21/2016 JEnclosure 1
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MINUTES
Meeting of the Joint Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Committee, and the
Immokalee Lighting and Beautification MSTU Advisory Committee on September 21, 2016.
Immokalee Community Redevelopment Agency Office
750 South Fifth Street, Immokalee, Florida 34142.
(239) 867-0028
A. Call to Order.
The meeting was called to order by Estil Null, CRA Vice-Chair and Cherryle Thomas
MSTU Chair at 8:33 AM.
B. Roll Call and Announcement of a Quorum.
Advisory Committee Members Present:
Mike Facundo, Estil Null, Ski Olesky, Andrea Halman, Joseph Mucha, Cindy Lozano,
and Dr. Frank Nappo (by phone).
Advisory Committee Members Absent/Excused:
Martha Williams, Jim Wall, and Julio Estremera.
MSTU Advisory Committee Members Present:
Cherryle Thomas, Norma Garcia, Lucy Ortiz, and Andrea Halman.
MSTU Advisory Committee Members Absent/Excused:
William Deyo
Others Present:
Commissioner Tim Nance, David Jones, Theresa Schober, David Wheeler, Dottie Cook,
Danny Gonzalez, Suseth Cunningham, Norma Garcia, Yvar Pierre, Greg Jimenez,
Mariela Romero, John Kubiki, Jonas Mervilus, Kristi Bartlett, Michele Mosca, Anita
Jenkins, Carrie Williams, Paul Anderson, Victoria Gauze, Amanda Townsend, Lincoln
Price, and Elizabeth Lazarro.
Staff: Christie Betancourt, Michelle Arnold, Terry Rosalez, and James Sainvilus.
C. Introductions. Vice-Chairman Estil Null introduced himself and welcomed all to the
meeting. All other board members introduced themselves to the members of the public.
D. Approval of Agenda.
Christie Betancourt presented agenda to the board for approval. Agenda was approved
with some additions. 1.) To replace Enclosure 2b with a new copy 2.) Add Agenda item
H.3.i.b. - Norma Garcia (Enclosure 4a) 3.) Add Agenda item H.3.ii.c. - Mariela Romero
(Enclosure 5a) 4.) Add Agenda item H.3.ii.d. - Bernardo Barnhart (Enclosure 5b).
Action: Mr. Ski Olesky made a motion for the CRA to approve the Agenda with
modifications. Mr. Estil Null seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote. 7-
0.
Action: Ms. Norma Garcia made a motion for the MSTU to approve the Agenda with
modifications. Ms. Lucy Ortiz seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote.
4-0.
E. Approval of Minutes
1. August 24, 2016 Joint CRA & MSTU Advisory Committee Meeting (Enclosure 1)
Christie Betancourt presented minutes to the board for approval. Minutes were approved
with some corrections. In section D. MSTU motion remove Ms. Cindy Lozano and add
Enclosure 1
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Ms. Lucy Ortiz. In section E. MSTU motion remove Joint April 20, 2016 CRA & and
add June 22, 2016. In the same section remove Ms. Lucy Ortiz and add Ms. Andrea
Halman and remove the 4 and add 3.
Action: Mr. Ski Olesky made a motion to approve the minutes for the Joint August 24,
2016 CRA & MSTU Advisory Committee Meeting with corrections. The motion was
seconded by Ms. Andrea Halman and the minutes were approved by unanimous vote.
7-0.
Action: Ms. Lucy Ortiz made a motion to approve the minutes for the Joint August 24,
2016 CRA & MSTU Advisory Committee Meeting with corrections. The motion was
seconded by Ms. Norma Garcia and the minutes were approved by unanimous vote. 4-
0.
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. Communications Folder
Staff reviewed the communications folder with the board and members of the public.
3. Commissioner Tim Nance
Mr. Nance introduced himself and thanked the community of Immokalee and the
advisory members for welcoming him and letting him be added to the agenda. He
stated that he wanted to meet with the community one more time as the
Commissioner before reverting back to a citizen and volunteer. He also thanked
everyone for working to improve the conditions of the community.
He made some announcements of some positive things that are going on in the
surrounding areas.
FDOT has added additional funding for improvements on State Road 82 from
Gator Slough to Highway 29 for a roundabout.
Through the partnership between the communities and the Agricultural
Industry, a state level position was approved for a Food Science and Nutrition
at the University of Florida Research Center.
Enclosure 1
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Promise Zone kick-off meeting tomorrow (9/22/16) at the iTech. The
designated areas consist of Immokalee area, Glades and Hendry counties.
There are 4 task forces, Economic Development, Infrastructure Improvement,
Education and Crime Reduction. There will be many speakers some from
Washington.
Recommended that the Immokalee CRA start working on the Growth
Management plan. Mr. VanLengen should be asked how the process works
and have stakeholders and community involvement for the plan to work.
The noted that the BCC did not make any decisions about the Immokalee
incorporation. He has asked the county staff to provide the CRA with
information on the financials and economic considerations for the
incorporation so that the community can make a decision. Immokalee currently
has a taxable value of around $275 million dollars.
4. Immokalee Roberts Ranch Manager
Ms. Amanda Townsend introduced Theresa Schober as the new Museum Manager
for the Immokalee Robert’s Ranch. Ms. Schober is an archeologist, has been in
Florida for 20 years. She is excited about being in Immokalee and bringing
awareness about the ranch.
Ms. Cherryle Thomas would like to see the look of Robert’s Ranch improved. The
landscaping on the ranch needs to be improved and changed, to provide more visible
from the road. Also, the signage for the ranch needs to be more visible as well.
Mr. Estil Null commented that a sign with arrows is also needed to direct visitors
from the main road to the ranch.
Ms. Schober said she will take note on those issues.
G. CRA Manager Report - Christie reported that:
1. Immokalee Projects – Christie reported that staff would like to revisit the Draft
Immokalee Area Master Plan and discuss it at a workshop with the Committee. .
After discussion the board scheduled the workshop for Wednesday, October 26,
2016 at 8:30 a.m. a light breakfast and lunch will be served.
H. New Business
1. Immokalee Sidewalk Improvement Project (Enclosure 2a, 2b, & 2c) – James
reported that: staff received two proposals for board to review.
The scope of services was for engineering and design construction services for the
construction of sidewalks along both sides of West Eustis Avenue from South 9th
Street to South 5th Street, along the east side of South 5th Street from Carver Street to
the Bethune School’s existing concrete sidewalk, and along the west side of South
9th Street from West Eustis Avenue to Colorado Avenue.
Enclosure 1
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Amec Foster Wheeler’s proposal was for $98,441 and Agnoli, Barber & Brundage
(ABB) proposal was for $99,072.
After much discussion the MSTU board made a motion to approve up to $100,000
for the engineering design services and enter into negotiations with A gnoli, Barber
& Brundage (ABB) and Amec Foster Wheeler for the Immokalee Sidewalk
Improvements Project.
Action: Ms. Andrea Halman made a motion to approve up to $100,000 for Engineering
Design Services and enter into negotiations with Agnoli, Barber & Brundage and
Amec Foster Wheeler for the Immokalee Sidewalk Improvement Project. Ms. Lucy
Ortiz seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote.4-0
2. Pedestrian Safety Improvements – FDOT (Enclosure 3) – Christie reported that:
FDOT provided staff with renderings of fence options.
Ms. Arnold reported that FDOT has been working with staff on Main Street project
in an effort to ensure that the design incorporates all the improvements the
community, MSTU and CRA boards want to see in the project. FDOT
representatives are in attendance at the meeting to go over how they have addressed
your concerns.
Mr. David Jones from FDOT reported on the proposed plans for Main Street with a
presentation along with plans/drawings for the public to view. Ms. Jones discussed
the scope of the project.
Scope of Project Updated:
Traffic signals at N 3rd Street and N 7th Street
Maintain existing midblock crosswalks
Install LED highway lighting through the corridor
ADA, signing, and pavement marking enhancements
Reducing pedestrian crossing distance at side streets
Scope of Project Changes:
No longer pursuing pedestrian fencing
Reduced impact to median landscaping
Enhance existing crossing at N. 5th St. to include overhead RRFB
Reduced signage at crossings (36 down to 20)
Install two additional crosswalks
The powerpoint presentation is attached to the minutes for the record.
After discussion from board and public comments no one present at the meeting
(public or advisory members) was against the proposed plans.
Enclosure 1
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3. Advisory Board Applicants – Christie Betancourt reported that:
i. MSTU
Two applications were submitted for the vacancies on the Immokalee
Beautification MSTU Advisory Committee and reviewed the applications
with the board.
a. Paul Anderson (Enclosure 4)
Mr. Anderson stated that he is a registered voter of District 5 record
shows District 3.
b. Norma Garcia (Enclosure 4a)
After discussion board made a motion to appoint Paul Anderson Jr. and to
reappoint Norma Garcia to the Immokalee Beautification MSTU Advisory
Committee. Staff will send a recommendation memo to the county attorney’s
office.
Action: Ms. Andrea Halman made a motion to appoint Mr. Paul Anderson Jr. and
reappoint Ms. Norma Garcia to the Immokalee Beautification MSTU Advisory
Committee. Ms. Lucy Ortiz seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote.
ii. CRA
Four applications were submitted for the three vacancies on the Immokalee
Local Redevelopment Advisory Committee and a fifth application was
submitted in 2015 but was not added to Agenda because staff was not able
to reach Ms. Maria Elena O’Neill to see if she still would like to be
considered as an applicant.
a. Yvar Pierre (Enclosure 5)
b. Paul Anderson
c. Mariela Romero (Enclosure 5a)
d. Bernardo Barnhart (Enclosure 5b)
After discussion board made a motion to appoint Paul Anderson Jr., Mariela
Romero, and Yvar Pierre to the Immokalee Local Redevelopment Advisory
Committee as an At Large member. Staff will send a recommendation memo to
the county attorney’s office.
Action: Ms. Cindy Lozano made a motion to appoint Mr. Paul Anderson Jr., Mariela
Romero, and Yvar Pierre to the Immokalee Local Redevelopment Advisory Committee
as an At Large member. Mr. Joseph Mucha seconded the motion and it passed by
unanimous vote. 7-0
4. Budget (Enclosure 6a & 6b) James reported on:
The MSTU fund 162 budget with details and said that the new budget year starts
October 1, 2016.
Michelle Arnold reported that fund 111, the MSTU maintenance fund is not shown
on the report and will be moving forward.
Board would like to see the details of Collier County Parks & Recreation
maintenance of the Immokalee First Street Zocalo Plaza.
Enclosure 1
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Christie Betancourt reported on the CRA fund 186 budget and said that she will
provide board with details of Parks and Recreation maintenance of the plaza.
5. iGPS Promise Neighborhoods Initiative Program – Letters of Support (Enclosure 7)
Christie reported that Southwest Florida Workforce Development board applied for a
Promise Neighborhood Program Grant and requested that the MSTU and the CRA
boards submit letters of support.
Action: Mr. Ski Olesky made a motion for the CRA to send a letter of support to
Southwest Florida Workforce Development board for the iGPS for the Promise
Neighborhood Program-Implementation Grant. Mr. Estil Null seconded the motion
and it passed by unanimous vote. 7-0
Action: Ms. Andrea Halman made a motion for the MSTU to send a letter of support to
Southwest Florida Workforce Development board for the iGPS for the Promise
Neighborhood Program-Implementation Grant. Ms. Lucy Ortiz seconded the motion
and it passed by unanimous vote. 4-0
I. MSTU Old Business
1. Contractors Report – Landscape Maintenance Report – James reported that:
The contractor will be done this week with all the approved proposed work that was
brought forward from the past Landscape Architect’s reports for Main Street., 1st
Street. and the Triangle area and we will have all those invoices processed by
September 30, 2016.
2. MSTU Project Manager Report (Enclosure 8) – James reported that:
The proposal from Signs & Things for the monument “Welcome to Immokalee” on
1st Street price is described below.
o Job cost $6,975.00
o Permitting $ 275.00
Total $7,250.00 LS
The proposal also included a few ideas for new bricks or refurbishing the existing
bricks which were not included in this proposal. Many of the citizens and the board
members think that the proposal is too high and it could be done at a lesser cost with
a local vendor or in house. Staff reminded the public and the boards that the CRA
has to go by the Purchasing Department guidelines.
There were many suggestions and great ideas from the public. Ms. Carrie William
suggested that we not include the old CRA logo in this design.
The MSTU board would like to see more quotes from different qualified vendors
and all agreed to move on with the design without the old Immokalee CRA logo on
the sign.
Enclosure 1
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Staff will present more quotes to the board next month.
J. CRA Old Business.
1. FRA 2016 Conference – (Enclosure 9) – Christie reported that:
This item will go before the board for approval on Tuesday, September 27, 2016.
Ms. Andrea Halman will be the advisory board member attending the conference.
2. FHERO – Rural Area of Opportunity MOA – (Enclosure 10) – Christie reported that:
This item went before the board on September 13, 2016. She provided boards with a
brief background on the RAO Designation. She also reported that the Memorandum
of Agreement “Exhibit A” lists who are the designated contacts for Collier County.
Kristi Bartlett will represent as a Non- Profit Organization engaged in Economic
Development and she would represent Immokalee/Collier County.
3. Immokalee Stormwater Master Plan – Michele Mosca reported that they will present
on the plan at the November meeting.
4. Code Enforcement – Joe Mucha reported that:
The Flea Market both had code violations and staff is working with property owners
to come into compliance.
Mr. Mucha advised the committee that he would like to do another community clean
up soon; he will notify Christie of the date. He also reported that some employees at
code enforcement are being shifted around but he is staying in Immokalee.
Ms. Halman asked for an update on La Mexicana II store situation.
Joe Mucha said that La Mexicana on State Road 29 is going to a hearing in regards to
their violations.
Ms. Halman also asked on the status of the McCrory’s store on Main Street.
Mr. Mucha responded with it’s at the Collier County attorney’s office.
5. Other Agencies
Immokalee Seminoles Popwarner League: Mr. Jonas Mervilus reported on the
league.
Immokalee Fire Control District: Chief Paul Anderson reported on the image
of Immokalee. He says we need better demographics (data) for this
community.
Office of Business and Economic Development: Mr. Lincoln Price provided
board an update on the survey that is being conducted for the Culinary
accelerator.
Immokalee chamber of Commerce: Chamber Presidents Mr. Danny Gonzalez
reported on the incorporation of Immokalee.
Collier County Parks and Recreation: Staff provided board with upcoming
community events.
o Sunflower Festival on October 1, 2016 from 10 a.m.to 3 p.m. at the
Pepper Ranch
Enclosure 1
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o Big Bus Event October 1from 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Collier Health
Department (Immokalee parking lot)
o Parks and Recreation Fall Festival on October 19 from 6:00 p.m.- 8:00
p.m. at the South Park
o Trunk or Treat at the Immokalee Community Park on October 29
o Cicolvia at the Immokalee Community Park on November 12 and
December 3
o Christmas Tree Lighting (Partnership with the CRA & MSTU) at the
Zocalo on December 1 at 6 p.m.
K. Citizen Comments.
No citizens’ comments.
L. Next Meeting Date. Our next CRA meeting will be on October 19, 2016 at 8:30
A.M. at 321 North 1st Street, Immokalee, FL (Immokalee Community Park).
MSTU October 12 2016 at the Careersource Center at 750 South 5th Street,
Immokalee, FL and the CRA Workshop will be held on October 26, 2016 at the
Careersource Center from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
M. Adjournment. The meeting adjourned at 11:08 AM.
Collier County Community Redevelopment Agency
IMMOKALEE CRA
i The Place to Call Home !
Certification of Minutes Approval Form
Prepared by:
Approved by:
hristie Betancourt, Inter' Operations Manager Cherryle Tho s, Chairman
Immokalee Lighting and Beautification MSTU Liaison
These Minutes for the September 21, 2016 Joint CRA & MSTU Advisory Board Meetings
were approved by MSTU Advisory Board on October 12, 2016 as presented.
* The next Advisory Board meeting will be held November 23, 2016 at 8:30 AM at the
Immokalee Community Redevelopment Agency office located at 750 South 5`h Street,
Immokalee, F134142.
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.