Immokalee CRA Minutes 05/19/2021
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MINUTES
Meeting of the Community Redevelopment Area Immokalee Local Redevelopment Advisory Board on May
19, 2021. The Advisory board members, staff, and public appeared virtually and in person.
Hybrid Remote Public Meeting
Immokalee CRA
CareerSource SWFL
750 South 5th Street
Immokalee, FL 34142
A. Call to Order.
The meeting was called to order by Patricia “Anne” Goodnight, CRA Vice-Chair at 9:01 A.M.
B. Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer
Patricia “Anne” Goodnight, CRA Vice-Chair, led the Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence.
C. Roll Call and Announcement of a Quorum.
Christie Betancourt opened roll call. A quorum was announced for the CRA board.
CRA Advisory Committee Members Present:
Patricia “Anne” Goodnight, Andrea Halman, Estil Null, Yvar Pierre, Francisco “Frank” Leon, Mark
Lemke, Edward “Ski” Olesky (9:44), Michael “Mike” Facundo (10:01).
CRA Advisory Committee Members Present via Zoom:
Dr. Frank Nappo.
CRA Advisory Committee Members Absent/Excused:
Others Present:
Commissioner William “Bill” McDaniel.
Staff: Debrah Forester, Christie Betancourt, Yvonne Blair, and Monica Acosta.
Other Present via Zoom:
Carrie Williams, Victoria Peters, Annie Alvarez, Dottie Cook, Amanda Martin, Rafael Campo, Abel
Jaimes, Brent Trout, and Yvonette Merat.
D. Voting Privileges for Board Members via Zoom.
Staff announced that one board member was on by Zoom when the meeting started.
Action: Mr. Estil Null made a motion to allow board members on Zoom voting privileges. Mr.
Francisco “Frank” Leon seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote. 6-0.
E. Approval of Agenda.
Staff presented agenda to the board for approval.
Action: Mr. Mark Lemke made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Mr. Estil Null
seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote. 7-0.
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F. Approval of Consent Agenda.
1. Minutes
i. CRA Advisory Board Meeting for April 21, 2021 (Enclosure 1)
2. Budget Reports (Enclosure 2)
3. Community Meetings (Enclosure 3)
Staff informed board that consent agenda consists of Enclosure 1 – 3.
Action: Mr. Estil Null made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Mr. Mark
Lemke seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote. 7-0.
G. Announcements.
1. Communications Folder
Staff reviewed the communications folder with the board and members of the public. The folder
contained the public notice for this meeting and a copy of the Blue Zones Project (BZP) Southwest
Florida Volunteer with Purpose article. Mr. Rafael Campo, Engagement Lead with BZP, explained
that the article was to thank the volunteers who work together with BZP, celebrating the local
champions, one of which is the CRA’s very own, Christie Betancourt. He also asked that everyone
take part in the “Real Age” survey. This will provide BZP with invaluable health and community
well-being information specific to the Immokalee area.
2. 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.
H. New Business
No new business.
I. Old Business
1. Immokalee Area Master Plan
i. IAMP Policies - LDC Amendments
a. LDC Workshop Today @ 10:30 A.M.
Staff announced that the workshop will be held right after the CRA meeting adjourns.
Any handouts will be provided by the Growth Management Department and will posted
on the Immokalee CRA website.
2. Redevelopment Plan Updates
Ms. Debrah Forester, CRA Director, addressed the board with the Redevelopment Plan updates.
All of the main focus group meetings have been done and staff is now working on the smaller
focus group meetings. The revised language to the goals will be brought back after all of the
smaller focus group meetings have been completed. She discussed the areas of the F ramework
Map with board, staff and others present.
Draft Framework Map:
1. Tiger Grant Improvements – Enhancements to the Triangle area.
2. Civic Space/Community Facility Opportunity – CRA property at 9th Street.
3. Airport Park Recreational Opportunity – Enhance recreational space, possibility of
incorporating a pedestrian facility.
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4. Lake Trafford Economic and Mobility Opportunities – Economic/Tourism opportunity and
increasing transit, possible pedestrian pathway to Ann Olesky Park and CAT bus being able
to go down and do a turn around.
5. Pepper Ranch Coordination and Recreation Opportunities – Recreation and Tourism.
6. Airport Economic Opportunity – New developments, National Guard will be investing 25
million into the airport park.
7. Dreamland Park Improvements – Improve the park to be an asset to the community.
8. Medical Facilities Expansion and Connection Opportunities – Expanding the medical facility
and connectivity to help community members access the facilities in a safe environment.
9. Roberts Ranch Farm to Table Concept – Possible idea for Robert’s Ranch or another farm in
the community.
Ms. Andrea Halman mentioned that people would extend their stay at these parks if food was
available. Maybe a restaurant or a food truck.
Ms. Debrah Forester explained that she can add the incorporation of food services at the public
parks and areas.
Mr. Francisco “Frank” Leon asked if the National Guard was investing into the park itself or what
is their role.
Commissioner William “Bill” McDaniel explained that Immokalee use to have a National Guard
Armory and in the last legislative session it was pushed through to have one here again. He is now
working with Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart to make sure it all comes together to get them out
here. Their role would be having 150 plus people coming in and out of the facility.
He also has a meeting with the new Airport Director to discuss all of the things that are happening
out at the airport now. Three new hangars are being built by the private sector at the airport, a new
aviation school, and they are also coordination with Mosquito Control District about relocating
them here in Immokalee at the airport. Half of the economic development and promotion is setting
up infrastructure, to give non-construction related industries an opportunity to come here, bring
raw material in, produce finished goods and services, and ship them out by air or by road. We need
to set up our community for long term economic sustainability.
He wants to turn Immokalee into the economic epicenter of Collier County. The benefits that
would come to our community would be job creation, property values, and taxation.
The draft framework map is attached to the minutes for the record.
J. Staff Reports
1. Operations Manager Report (Enclosure 4)
Ms. Christie Betancourt reviewed the operations manager report, enclosure 4.
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2. Project Manager Report (Enclosure 5)
Ms. Yvonne Blair reviewed the project manager report, enclosure 5. The project on Carver and
South 5th had final completion on April 7, 2021. Agnoli, Barber and Brundage will be preparing a
proposal for the design of the Phase III Sidewalk Project on Eustis and West Delaware. Now that
FDOT is done a request for banners has made, it is important to check one banner to see if it will
fit the new poles before ordering 30. Johnson Engineering will be preparing a proposal for the
design improvements to the streetscape of Main Street.
K. Other Agencies
1. Code Enforcement update (Enclosure 6)
Staff reviewed the Code Enforcement update, enclosure 6.
2. FDOT updates
Ms. Victoria Peters with the FDOT gave updates. The traffic signal at Westclox and SR29, FDOT
is currently working with Collier County Traffic Management Center and they are purchasing the
signal equipment, the order has been placed, there is a 12 to 16 week procurement time for a new
traffic signal controller cabinet. There will be about a 4 week wait for the equipment to come in
and then they will work Collier County Traffic Ops for the installation. SR29/SR82, they opened
the designated right turn movement on 82 eastbound to 29, they currently have ongoing operations
on 82 with drainage and earthwork, and the contractor is on schedule to complete the project in the
spring of 2022.
3. Collier EDO/Immokalee Culinary Accelerator
No update.
4. Other Agency
Mr. Brent Trout, Museum Manager (Immokalee Pioneer Museum), announced that they will be
hosting the Farm City Barbeque out at the Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch. They
are in the logistical phase with the organization but are looking forward to hosting the event. The
construction project on the rehabilitation of the Roberts home is going to begin next month, they
are finalizing that with all of the plans to make sure they follow all the guidelines set by the
Department of Historical Resources. Outside of that, they are moving forward with additional
programming and enjoying opening the museum back up to the public in a full manner.
Ms. Annie Alvarez, Regional Manager (Parks and Recreation), announced that they are moving
forward with the field closure at the Sports Complex. One field will have artificial turf installed.
L. Citizens Comments.
No Citizens Comments
M. Next Meeting Date. CRA will next meet on June 16, 2021 at 9:00 A.M. at CareerSource SWFL.,
Conference Room 1.
N. Adjournment. Meeting Adjourned @ 10:07 A.M.
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Packet Pg. 389 Attachment: CRA Meeting Minutes - May 19, 2021 (16347 : Immokalee CRA Advisory Board - June 16, 2021)
24.A.3Packet Pg. 390Attachment: CRA Meeting Minutes - May 19, 2021 (16347 : Immokalee CRA Advisory Board - June 16, 2021)