Immokalee CRA Minutes 04/20/2022
Enclosure 1
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MINUTES
Meeting of the Collier County Community Redevelopment Agency Immokalee Local Redevelopment
Advisory Board on April 20, 2022. The Advisory board members, staff, and public appeared virtually and in
person.
Hybrid Remote Public Meeting
CareerSource
750 South 5th Street
Immokalee, FL 34142
A. Call to Order.
The meeting was called to order by Ms. Anne Goodnight, CRA Chair at 9:00 A.M.
B. Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence.
Ms. Anne Goodnight led the pledge of allegiance and asked for moment of silence for Mr. Ski Olesky
who was going through surgery and for Mr. Don Crabtree who had just passed away.
C. Roll Call and Announcement of a Quorum.
Christie Betancourt opened roll call. A quorum was announced for the CRA board.
CRA Advisory Board Members Present in Person:
Patricia “Anne” Goodnight, Jonathan Argueta, Frank Nappo, Mark Lemke, Andrea Halman, Estil Null,
Yvar Pierre and Mike Facundo (9:17 a.m.).
CRA Advisory Board Members Present via Zoom:
None.
CRA Advisory Board Members Absent/Excused:
Edward “Ski” Olesky.
Others Present in Person:
Commissioner William McDaniel and Diana McGowen.
Others Present via Zoom:
Dr. Arol Buntzman, Asmaa Odeh, Christina Guerrero, Dottie Cook, Raquel Ramirez, Silvia Puente,
Yvonette Merat, and Lupita Vazquez-Reyes.
Staff Present in Person: Debrah Forester, Yvonne Blair, Christie Betancourt, and Marilyn Gijon.
D. Voting Privileges for Board Members via Zoom.
No board member was present via zoom.
Action: Mr. Estil Null made a motion to allow board members on zoom privileges. Mr. Mark Lemke
seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote. 7-0.
E. Approval of Agenda.
Staff presented the agenda to the boards for approval. Agenda was approved as presented.
Action: Ms. Andrea Halman made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Mr. Mark Lemke
seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote. 7-0.
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Packet Pg. 567 Attachment: CRA Meeting Minutes - 4.20.2022 (22387 : Immokalee CRA Advisory Board - May 18, 2022)
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F. Approval of Consent Agenda.
1. Minutes
i. Joint CRA & MSTU Advisory Board Meeting for March 23, 2022 (Enclosure 1)
Staff announced the set of minutes that are in the agendas which were delivered are different than
the ones sent out by email. Staff also explained the agenda has been rearranged, if there are any
oppositions now would be the time to discuss.
2. Budget Reports (Enclosure 2)
3. Code Enforcement (Enclosure 3)
No Code Enforcement updates, just listing of cases.
4. Staff Reports
i. Operations Manager Reports (Enclosure 4)
ii. Project Manager Reports (Enclosure 5)
Action: Mr. Estil Null made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Ms. Andrea
Halman seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote. 7-0.
G. Announcements.
1. Public Comments 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. The folder
contained the public notice for this meeting and community event flyers for upcoming events. The
golf tournament for the Immokalee chamber of commerce will be in Ave Maria at the Panther Run
Golf Course and the tickets will be $100 each. There is a youth speech competition happening in
April and the winner will be winning prize money. Parks and recreation will be hosting their Cinco
de Mayo event on May 7. There will be a free eye screening on May 22 held at the iTech.
3. Community Meetings (Enclosure 6)
Staff announced public meetings involving the community.
Ms. Andrea Halman asked if there were any virtual capabilities for the water board’s meetings. Ms.
Goodnight is also on the water board said she would mention it to the Immokalee Water & Sewer
District staff.
4. Earth Day on April 22, 2022
Staff announced the Earth Day Event will be held on April 22, 2022. There will be a trash pick-up
from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and other activities at Pepper Ranch Preserve from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
5. CRA Annual Workshop on May 3, 2022, at BCC Chambers
The CRA workshop will be held May 3rd, staff asks that CRA board members please respond to
have a count on who will attend. Staff reminded board and all in attendance that this is the one time
of the year that the Immokalee CRA and Bayshore CRA boards gather and discuss with the
Governing CRA (BCC) board. Staff announced that there will be no zoom capabilities for the
workshop.
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Packet Pg. 568 Attachment: CRA Meeting Minutes - 4.20.2022 (22387 : Immokalee CRA Advisory Board - May 18, 2022)
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H. Other Agencies
1. FDOT updates
No FDOT Updates.
2. Other Community Agencies
Collier County Public Schools (CCPC)
Ms. Diana McGowen, the community liaison from the Collier County Public Schools, updated on
their behalf: She announced that the Immokalee High School has a new building that allows up to
500 more seats. CCPS predicts capacity being up to 2200-2300 students next year. They are getting
rid of portables and all will be in buildings.
Ms. McGowen also updated there are 55 teacher vacancies in Immokalee and that May 2nd through
the 5th is teacher appreciation week, CCPS is trying to show their appreciation.
Dr. Nappo pointed out that during covid, there were fewer employees, but the number of students
did not go down.
Mr. Jonathan Argueta asked, “What is the school board’s impression on the number of migrant
students?”
Ms. McGowen suggested bringing expert staff to a future CRA meeting to provide data updates and
to elaborate on future plans for Immokalee schools.
Dr. Nappo expressed his concern for how many children are per unit.
Mr. Argueta expressed his concern for the increase of supplement for teachers who travel here.
Ms. McGowen explained that Immokalee needs consistent, high-quality teachers and the district is
working hard to get experienced teachers here, Students need strong teachers.
Ms. Andrea Halman asked, “Would affordable housing make a difference in whether or not teachers
would be more compelled to work in Immokalee?”
Ms. Halman asked “If teachers are still buying their own supplies for their classrooms?”
After much discussion Ms. McGowen said she would have CCPC staff experts attending a future
meeting to answer questions and provide updates on the plans for Immokalee schools.
I. Old Business.
1. Immokalee Area Master Plan updates
i. IAMP Policies- LDC Amendments
Staff will check with county staff on status of the Land Development Code
Amendments.
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Packet Pg. 569 Attachment: CRA Meeting Minutes - 4.20.2022 (22387 : Immokalee CRA Advisory Board - May 18, 2022)
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2. Redevelopment Plan updates (Enclosure 7)
Staff announced the Redevelopment Plan is scheduled to go to the Board of County Commission
(BCC) on May 10 for adoption. There will be two hearings. On the BCC agenda, under
Redevelopment Agencies, it will have presentation for the Redevelopment Plan updates. Enclosure
7 highlights some of the Redevelopment Plan updates. The CCPC has approved, and the final
process will be on May 10, 2022. The BCC sitting as the CRA board will vote to pass a resolution.
If passed, it will go on to the public hearing for the Board of County Commissioners to then adopt
the plan officially. There is no time certain.
3. Catholic Charities update
Staff announced items involving Catholic Charities will also be presented on May 10. The BCC
will be sitting as the CRA and will vote for staff to get an appraisal and negotiate. The Catholic
Charities item will be on the regular agenda of the BCC, there is no time certain. Commissioner
McDaniel mentioned the meeting will be hybrid so folks can sign up and attend virtually.
4. TIGER Grant updates
Staff explained the first meeting with contractor and planning staff has occurred and the CEI
(Construction Engineer Inspection) firm has been hired. The first public meeting is scheduled to
be held on May 25, 2022, so that people can understand and comment on the Tiger Grant.
At the February 8, 2022, Board of County Commissioners Meeting RFP #20-7811, “Immokalee
Area Improvements” TIGER Grant was awarded to Quality Enterprises USA, Inc., for a total not
to exceed amount of $22,869,280.
At the April 12, 2022, Board of County Commissioner Meeting Request for Professional Services
(“RPS”) No. 21-7877, “Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI) Services for TIGER Grant,”
to Kisinger Campo & Associates Corp., for a total not to exceed amount of $1,946,572.96, for
Project 33563.
The design/build portion of this project is set to start early 2022 and construction is set to be
completed early 2024.
Mr. Estil Null asked if the project has started and staff confirmed surveying has begun.
Ms. Andrea Halman asked if anyone does not want the sidewalks and Mr. Null replied that there
are people who are not in favor.
Commissioner McDaniel replied he would like for there to be an opt in and opt out process to be
developed so that they are consistent. If the whole street does not want the sidewalk, then they will
not get the sidewalk. Commissioner McDaniel also said he wanted a system to be development for
public concerns.
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Packet Pg. 570 Attachment: CRA Meeting Minutes - 4.20.2022 (22387 : Immokalee CRA Advisory Board - May 18, 2022)
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Ms. Halman asked who makes the decision whether or not the sidewalk gets built and Ms. Anne
Goodnight responded the county makes the decision.
J. New Business.
1. CRA 2022 Priorities (Enclosure 8)
Staff explained that with the new Redevelopment Plan being approved, the priorities are being
updated. Staff provided board and public with Enclosure 8 which is a recap of all relevant projects
for the CRA and the MSTU.
Staff provided a recap on completed project and the upcoming priority projects.
LDC recap: Collier County initiated LCD in Immokalee, according to priority.
Commissioner McDaniel wants the Immokalee LDC to be a priority.
Sidewalk Phase III: Staff received 90% plans for Phase III of the South side portion of Immokalee
Sidewalk project located on a portion of Delaware from South 5th to First Street and from Eustis to
First Street. The MSTU paid for the design portion of the area and funds were just awarded for the
construction.
Main Street Streetscape: A direct select was issued to Johnson Engineering and staff is working
with them to get a proposal. FDOT finished their project last year on Main Street from 1st Street to
9th Street and now we have extended it to 2nd Street and past Hancock. This area is the MSTU’s
main focus, but some CRA money will be used for some of the construction. It will take both funds
for this project, estimated at 2 million dollars.
First Street Corridor: Staff applied and were awarded CDBG $250,000 grant for the design portion
of this corridor. The funds will be available in October 2023.
Lake Trafford: A direct select was issued to Jacob’s Engineering and staff is working to get a
proposal for a lighting study to be done to the Lake Trafford area, all the way to the lake. The study
will go all the way to the lake, State Road 29, and a portion of Carson.
Parks & Recreation: Another community goal is the Zocalo Park and park partnerships. A concept
for Dreamland Neighborhood Park happened April 19, bringing it over to the school (Pinecrest).
Staff is meeting bi-weekly with Parks & Rec.
Staff commented 311 works great for things in the community that need to be fixed. 311 is for the
county in general, there is an app (Collier 311) where you can take a picture, upload address or you
can call.
K. Citizens Comments.
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Packet Pg. 571 Attachment: CRA Meeting Minutes - 4.20.2022 (22387 : Immokalee CRA Advisory Board - May 18, 2022)
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Ms. Lupita Vázquez Reyes asked for the possibility of an infographic to be done after each monthly CRA
Advisory/ MSTU Board meetings to inform for people to be involved.
L.Next Meeting Date.The next CRA meeting will be on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at 9:00A.M.
At the CareerSource SWFL located at 750 South 5th Street Immokalee, Fl.
The next MSTU meeting will be on Wednesday May 25, 2022, at 8:30 A.M.
at the Career Source SWFL located at 750 South 5th Street Immokalee Fl.
M.Adjournment.
Meeting Adjourned @ 10:31 A.M.
* Zoom Meeting chat is attached to the minutes for the record.
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Packet Pg. 572 Attachment: CRA Meeting Minutes - 4.20.2022 (22387 : Immokalee CRA Advisory Board - May 18, 2022)
file:///G/...lic%20Notices/CRA%20Minutes/Immokalee%20CRA%202022/5.%20May/New%20folder/GMT20220420-123103_Recording.txt[5/26/2022 2:02:11 PM]
00:19:49 Christina Guerrero: I can hear you
00:32:36 Dr Arol Buntzman: Is the meeting mike on? I’m on zoom and don’t hear anything?
00:32:56 Debrah Forester: Can you hear anyone?
00:33:09 Dr Arol Buntzman: NO
00:33:41 Silvia Puente: I don't have sound either
00:33:49 Raquel Ramirez: YES
00:33:51 Asmaa Odeh: Yes
00:34:28 Debrah Forester: Volume ok now?
00:34:43 Dr Arol Buntzman: Yes. Thank you
00:35:29 Silvia Puente: yes
01:13:57 Lupita Vazquez Reyes: So frustrating when all of this process is decades overdue. The process of progress
for infrastructure is much more difficult for us here in Immokalee because we don’t have our own city government,
and advisory board is still young, but does not have decision making power.
01:27:06 Lupita Vazquez Reyes: Again, all of the organizations that do outreach work in this community should have
a responsibility to help create an engagement plan for public input, since we are ears to the ground.
01:28:39 Lupita Vazquez Reyes: So are we in agreement that moving towards incorporating our town is on the table?
01:38:59 Christie Betancourt: Did you want to comment Lupita?
Zoom Chat for CRA Meeting on April 20, 2022 24.A.3
Packet Pg. 573 Attachment: CRA Meeting Minutes - 4.20.2022 (22387 : Immokalee CRA Advisory Board - May 18, 2022)
�ollf er Counly Community Redevelopment Agency
IMMOKALEE CRA
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Certification of Minutes Approval Form
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Christie Betancourt, Operations Manager
Immokalee Community Redevelopment Agency
Approved by:
fJfJ;JJ&/ Ms. Anne Goodnight, Chairman
The Minutes for the April 20, 2022 CRA Advisory Board was approved by the CRA Advisory
Board on May 18, 2022 as presented.
The next meeting will be a CRA Advisory Board meeting and will be held on June 22, 2022,
at 8:30 A.M. at CareerSource SWFL.
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 Deprutment for
distribution. Please call Christie Betancourt, at 239-867-0028 for additional info1mation. In
accordance with the American with Disabilities Act, persons needing assistance to participate in
any of these proceedings should contact Christie Betancourt, Operations Manager, at least 48 hours
before the meeting. The public should be advised that members of the CRA Advisory Board are
also members of the other Boards and Committees, including, but not limited to: Immokalee
MSTU Board, Immokalee Fire Commission, and the Collier County Housing Authority; etc. In
this regard, matters coming before the Advisory Board may come before one or more of the
referenced Board and Committees from time to time.
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Packet Pg. 574 Attachment: CRA Meeting Minutes - 4.20.2022 (22387 : Immokalee CRA Advisory Board - May 18, 2022)