HAPB Minutes 08/20/2021 August 20, 2021
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COLLIER COUNTY
HISTORIC/ARCHAEOLOGIC PRESERVATION BOARD
Naples, Florida, August 20, 2021
LET IT BE REMEMBERED, the Collier County Historic/Archaeologic Preservation Board
in and for the County of Collier, having conducted business herein, met on this date at 9:15
A.M. in REGULAR SESSION at the Collier County Growth Management Division—
Planning and Regulation, Conference Room #610, 2800 North Horseshoe Drive, Naples,
Florida with the following members present:
CHAIRMAN: Eugene Erjavec
Elizabeth Perdichizzi
Barry O'Brien
Patricia Sherry (Excused)
George Thompson
Austin Bell
James Bennett(Excused)
ALSO PRESENT: Ray Bellows, Planning Manager, Zoning Services
Andy Youngblood, Operations Analyst
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Sean Kingston, Senior Planner
August 20,2021
1. Roll Call/Attendance:
Chairman Erjavec called the meeting to order at 9:18am,roll call was taken and a quorum was
established.
2. Addenda to Agenda
Mr. Erjavec reported the following items would be added to the Agenda:
6.B Interlocal Agreement with the City of Marco Island
6.0 Discussion of Member Re-appointments
3. Approval of Agenda
Mr. Erjavec moved to approve the Agenda subject to the above referenced additions. Second by M .
Perdichizzi. Carried unanimously 5— O.
4. Approval of Minutes: May 21, 2021
Mr. O'Brien moved to approve the initiates qf the May 21, 2021 meeting as presented. Second by Mr.
Bell. Carried unanimously 5—O.
5. Old Business
A. GoodletteiPine Ridge Road (Plot W) historic designation
Continued to the next meeting.
B. Indian Hill Site on Marco Island
Chairman Erjavec provided an update on the site noting he conducted a site visit with
representatives of the Audubon of the Western Everglades. Indications are the City of Marco Island
recognizes the need to preserve the properties. He also provided input to the representatives of the
City on the value of preserving the sites.
6. New Business
A. Everglades Society for Historic Preservation (ESHP)presentation of the Business Plan for the
Bank of Everglades(BOE) Building
Kathleen Brock President of Everglades Society for Historic Preservation and Patricia Huff
presented the PowerPoint "Everglades Society Ibr Historic Preservation ESHP Business Plan for the
Bank of the Everglades Building"noting:
• The building was constructed in 1927 and in 2018 the Florida Preservationist identified the
building as one of eleven historic structures in Florida which should be saved.
• In March 2021, the building was gifted to The Everglades Society for Historic Preservation
(ESHP)for use as a public space.
• The building,once renovated, will become the permanent home for the Everglades Area
Visitor Center and Trail Town Headquarters serving southern Collier County.
• The building will provide public space for visitors(and residents)to learn about the wonders
of the Everglades area, and facilitating a more positive experience for visitors to the area.
• The 2nd floor will house 1,700 s. 1 of retail space (4 to 6 suites) for tourism-focused
businesses.
• The Everglades area which includes Big Cypress and Everglades National Park,receives
between 800,000 and 1.2 million visitors per year and is positioned to capitalize on the
growing eco-tourism industry in Collier County because of its proximity to these parks and
access to the natural habitat experience ecotourists are looking for outdoor activities.
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August 20, 2021
• The building renovation is a long-term project and is anticipated to be completed by 2026.
• The Society has been raising funds through area tours, luncheons, etc. with the next events
slated for October 30th and Nov 6th.
• An architect has been retained to develop plans for the renovation which includes removing
an addition constructed in 1956 to return the building to its original configuration and
converting the vault into a movie theatre.
Ms. Huff noted they are looking for an endorsement of the project from the Board.
Chairman Erjavec moved to recommend the Board provide the Everglades Society for Historical
Preservation with a letter of support for the project. Second by Ms.Perdichizzi. Carried
unanimously 5—O.
The Board recommended Ms. Huff prepare a letter and forward it to Staff for their review before
placing on a meeting agenda for consideration by the Board.
B. Interlocal Agreement with the City of Marco Island
Mr.Bell reported the Marco Island I listorical Society sent a letter to the Marco island City Council
outlining the benefits of preservation and avenues available to protect sensitive sites. The City
Council discussed the item at their June 7th meeting and directed Staff to contact representatives of
the Marco Island Historical Society and County Historic/Archaeologic Preservation Board for the
purpose of moving forward with an Interlocal Agreement. He subsequently met with the City
Manager who requested a draft of the agreement be prepared for review by the Council.
Mr. Bellows noted a draft agreement will be developed for review by the Board at a future meeting.
Chairman Erjavec noted he also met with Staff at the City of Marco Island, attended City Council
meetings,and stressed the importance of preservation to the parties. The City Council and Staff are
more committed to the concept at this point in time and representatives of the Audubon of the
Western Everglades have also become involved in the matter and provided input on the importance
of preservation on the island.
C. Discussion of Member Re-appointments
Mr. Bell moved to recommend the Board of County Commissioners re-appoint Eugene Erjavec to
the Historic/Archaeologic Preservation Board. Second by Ms. Perdichizzi. Carried unanimously
5—O.
Mr. Erjavec moved to recommend the Board of County Commissioners re-appoint George
Thompson to the Historic/Archaeologic Preservation Board. Second by Mr. Bell. Carried
unanimously 5—O.
7. Review of Project and Activity Log
The Board reviewed the"Collier County Historic/Archaeologic Preservation Board Activity Tracking
Log(Revised on 6/30/21). "
8. Public Comment
None
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August 20,2021
9. HAPB Comments
Patricia Huff provided an update on the Everglades City Depot building noting the structure needs
substantial renovation to address issues,especially the roof. The property is in repossession,but an
extension was granted. The Historical Society recommended he contact representatives of the City to
determine the extent of the permits required. The building is not occupied,and indications are it may be
sold and demolished. One issue on for the site is the parking lot is owned by several different parties.
She will provide updates as they become available.
Chairman Erjavec reported he will be delivering a presentation at the Botanical Garden on March lst
on animal habitat and its connection to historic preservation of properties. The talk will be in
conjunction with the representatives of the Audubon of the Western Everglades.
The Board noted the next meeting is scheduled for September 17, 2021.
There being no further business for the good of the County,the meeting was adjourned at
10:16A.M.
HISTORIC/ARCHAEOLOGIC P ERVATION BOARD
Chair / /
man,Eugene Erjavec
These meeting notes approved by the Board/Committee on 1 17 2°2'I as presented or
as amended .
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