Immokalee MSTU Minutes 03/15/2023Collier County Community Redevelopment Agency
IMMOKALEE CRA
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MINUTES
Joint Meeting of the Collier County Community Redevelopment Agency Immokalee Local Redevelopment
Advisory Board and the Immokalee MSTU Advisory Committee on March 15, 2023. 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 CRA Chair, Patricia Anne Goodnight at 9:01 A.M.
B. Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence.
Patricia Anne Goodnight led the Pledge of Allegiance and asked for a moment of silence.
C. Roll Call and Announcement of a Quorum.
Christie Betancourt opened roll call. A quorum was announced for the CRA board. A quorum was
announced at 9:11 A.M. for the MSTU board. Vice Chair, Bernardo Barnhart will Chair the MSTU
meeting until Chair, Cristina Guerrero arrives.
CRA Advisory Board Members Present in Person:
Patricia Anne Goodnight, Jonathan Argueta, Mike Facundo, Andrea Halman, Mark Lemke, Frank
Nappo, Estil Null, Edward "Ski" Olesky, and Yvar Pierre.
CRA Advisory Board Members Present via Zoom:
None. c
CRA Advisory Board Members Absent/Excused:
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None.
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MSTU Advisory Committee Members Present:
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Christina Guerrero (9:25 A.M.), Bernardo Barnhart (9:11 A.M.), Ana Estrella (9:08), Andrea Halman,
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and David Turrubiartez Jr. (9:28 A.M.).
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MSTU Advisory Committee Members Present via Zoom:
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None.
MSTU Advisory Committee Members Absent/Excused:
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Norma Garcia and Cherryle Thomas.
Others Present in Person:
Jeffrey Nagle, Amanda Martin, Tyler Rubely, Tonya Phillips, Ted Hoffer, Mike Patel, Henry Patel,
Cristina Perez, Marlene Dimas, Gil Tabares, Lee VanGelder, Victoria Peters, and Commissioner Bill
McDaniel.
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Others Present via Zoom:
Kenrick Gallander, Laura Tefft, Rosa Gregorio, and Randi Swinderman. Q
Staff Present in Person: Debrah Forester, Christie Betancourt, Yvonne Blair, and Yuridia Zaragoza.
D. VotingPrivileges rivileges for Board Members via Zoom.
Staff announced they may have an MSTU board member join by Zoom.
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MSTUAction: Ms. Andrea Halman made a motion to allow board members on zoom privileges. Mr.
Bernardo Barnhart seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 3-0.
E. Approval of Agenda.
Staff presented the Agenda to the boards for approval. Staff announced a few changes to the Agenda.
Staff announced that two additional items were added to the Agenda. Added item in J. Old Business to
Item 4. Panther Crossing and added item in J. Old Business Item 5. Catholic Charities Update.
CRA Action: Mr. Mike Facundo made a motion to approve the Agenda with changes. Mr. Edward
"Ski" Olesky seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 9-0.
MSTUAction: Ms. Andrea Halman made a motion to approve the Agenda with changes. Ms. Ana
Estrella seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 3-0.
F. Approval of Consent Agenda >
1. Minutes Q
i. Joint CRA & MSTU Advisory Board Meeting for February 15, 2023 (Enclosure 1)
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2. Budget Reports (Enclosure 2)
3. Code Enforcement Report (Enclosure 3) a
4. Staff Reports o
i. Operations Manager Report (Enclosure 4) E
ii. Project Manager Report (Enclosure 5)
iii. Project Observation Field Report (Enclosure 6) M
Ms. Andrea Halman made a comment on Code Enforcement Report. N
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CRA Action: Mr. Mark Lemke made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Mr.
Edward "Ski" Olesky seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 9 -0. M
MSTUAction: Ms. Andrea Halman made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as resented.
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Ms. Ana Estrella seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 3-0.
G. Announcements. c
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 Q
Staff reviewed the communications folder with the board and members of the public. The folder
contained the public notice for this joint meeting and community event flyers for upcoming events.
Also provided is a copy of the revised 2023 Calendar for CRA & MSTU Public Meetings.
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Staff also announced that all in attendance please complete the Community Survey that's being
conducted by the Schultze Foundation. Survey will be available until March 31, 2023. The
Immokalee & Water Sewer District will be offering hardcopy surveys at their office.
Staff will be participating in the Cattle Drive event this weekend. Other brief flyers were provided
for Collier County Public School Learning Express, Lipman 5K Run, and Farmworker Hotline
information.
3. Community Meetings (Enclosure 7)
Staff provided a copy of Enclosure 8 which is a copy of the upcoming community meetings. Staff
read the upcoming community meetings and provided a brief on purpose of each meeting.
Staff provided an update on Waste Pro route new schedule for the Immokalee, Ave Maria, and
Corkscrew area. Route changes includes trash and recycle collection. Staff have a flyer, so they
will be sharing this flyer so that everyone is aware of these new changes.
H. Other Agencies
1. Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Victoria Peters
Ms. Victoria Peters provided information on what FDOT is currently working on for Collier
County. She said that FDOT worked with the governor's office in an infrastructure program for
the entire state district. District 1, that being Collier County, has a good number of projects in which
one of them provides necessary funding for projects with missing construction. She said an example
in Immokalee for projects would be Westclox St. and SR82. This funding will first have to be
approved by the Governor, after he signs FDOT can proceed with funding projects. She said that
Collier received other fundings for other projects as well.
Ms. Peters also mentioned that even though it has not been assigned but FDOT has number of
projects that is named Manual Projects. This work program gets requests from the legislator and
central office asking if there is any information about projects which have been submitted by the
municipalities. She said that Collier County has submitted a few numbers of projects and that
majority of them are in Immokalee. She reiterated that this has not been passed by the legislature
yet, but they are in public records. Governor will decide about this in July of this year.
Ms. Andrea Halman asks about the sidewalks on SR 82. She asked if the sidewalks will go all the
way to Fort Myers.
Ms. Peters said that if everything goes according to plan, the sidewalks will be going all the way
down to Fort Myers. She said that if anyone has any questions, they can ask her. If she does not
know the answer she can find out and share the information that is given.
Commissioner McDaniel reiterated to everyone that he shared information in the last meeting, but
he would like to mention it again.
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The governor announced a legislation that would bring about 7 billion of infrastructure in the State
of Florida. He said that about a billion dollars will be coming to Collier County. Many of the
project dates will be accelerated and will be completed sooner than the expected date if this
legislation is passed. Commissioner McDaniel does say that this first must go through the
legislative process and be signed into law. He said that he is very excited for the opportunities to
arise over this funding, if passed.
Ms. Christie Betancourt asks Commissioner McDaniel if he has the design of the loop road and if
he may share the location. Parks and Recreation would like to know more details on the perimeter
of the loop road. Commissioner McDaniel said that he has a draft of the design for the loop road.
Mr. Jonathan Argueta asked if there will be less traffic near Westclox, SR 82 and the merge near
Main Street if the funding is granted for the developments that will be made. Commissioner
McDaniel said that developments being made will be double size and will help deviate the traffic.
Ms. Andrea Halman asked if anything can be done with restricting large trucks especially since
large trucks seem to be the cause of destroying improvements on Main Street. Commissioner
McDaniel said that not much can be done about this. The only time he can limit the size of the
truck is when there is a health and safety welfare by them getting over a bridge.
Ms. Anne Goodnight reminded everyone that agriculture with big trucks, help pay for this E
community and without agriculture there is going to be no need for labor or affordable housing. r
She said it might be in the near future that agriculture might not be a part of Immokalee. M
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Commissioner McDaniel follows up with saying that we will not lose agriculture, land is being N
protected and preserved for agriculture use. r
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2. Other Community Agencies
Cristina Perez, Code Enforcement c
Ms. Cristina Perez introduced herself. She is the Collier County Code Enforcement Supervisor.
She said she has been with Code Enforcement for about 18 years. She has been a supervisor for N
about 14 years, she started in Immokalee as an investigator, and she is back again as a supervisor. M
If anyone would like to reach her directly, you can call 239-292-2448.
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Marlene Dimas, Collier County Public Schools
Ms. Marlene Dimas provided information on the CCPS learning express bus. She said that they Q
will still be running even though its Spring Break week. Ms. Dimas also said that the learning
express bus is open every day, except for Holidays.
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I. Community Presentations
1. Budget Inn (Enclosure 8) — Ted Hoffer
Mr. Ted Hoffer introduced himself. He admits that he has not met many in the room. However, he
said that it is possible everyone has seen his work in Immokalee such as the RCMA Rollason Center,
the RCMA Charter School, Hatcher's Preserve, and other projects including various with Rural
Neighborhoods. He has been building for about 35 years. He acknowledged that there is a part of
him who likes the anonymity of not being well recognized, because he as an architect also considers
himself as an artist. He informed public that everything he builds is not repeated, each project is
original.
Mr. Hoffer provided details on what to expect with the Budget Inn located in Immokalee near SR
29. The building is designed to be as a conventional interior courtyard, double loaded rooms like a
Holiday Inn. If everything goes to plan, Mr. Hoffer and partner are hoping for a multi -colored
faceted highly reflected ceramic tile element on the side of the building as shown in Enclosure 8.
Mr. Hoffer explains how intrigued he is for this project especially since the location is very visible.
He does say that the location is in a very tight spot. He said that Mr. Patel tried to buy the piece of
land next to the location, but the owner declined the offer. He also said that the name of this building
will probably continue to be Budget Inn.
Mr. Jonathan Argueta commented on this project. He elaborated on the idea that many people visit E
Immokalee and due to the limited hotels/motels in Immokalee, the visitors tend to stay in Estero E
and Fort Myers. He said that this project is a nice idea and that hopefully it can help with visitors
staying in town.
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Mr. Mike Facundo said that for the record he wants it to be known that he is partners with Mr. Ted N
Hoffer for this project. He does not know exactly when they will get started, it is all depends on
Mr. Patel. Mr. Mike Facundo acknowledges that this development is needed in Immokalee. He o
also said that this property is in a tight site, so he and Mr. Hoffer made ingenious decisions while T
making the design. c
Ms. Christie Betancourt asked Mr. Facundo if he has an update on there status as of right now. N
Mr. Mike Facundo that they have completed the Pre -App meeting. They are in the process of going a
through the conditional use and are going through a process for any permits needed. He said that E
this development should take about a year and nine months. He said that this development should
be complete in year 2025 or 2026. Q
Mr. Hoffer commented that he and Mr. Mike Facundo goal is to try to make sure that the buildings
that they make get back to the context in which they are built.
Mr. Mike Facundo also said that this project may come back in the future for the support of the
CRA. For now, he just wants to introduce the design of the hotel.
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Mr. Bernardo Barnhart thanked Mr. Patel for wanting to invest in the community and bring an uplift
in the surrounding area.
2. Adopt A Road Program (Enclosure 9) — Tonya Phillips
Ms. Tonya Phillips provided information on the Adopt A Road Program. She said that they are
trying to revamp the program in Collier County. She also said that they have new brochure if
anyone is interested in knowing more information. She also said that they are in the process of
getting an update in the Resolution. The Resolution that is currently enforced was made in 1990,
she hopes that they can get it updated to reflect with today's time.
She said that the focus right now is to get the program up and running, she asked everyone to call
the phone number on the brochure if they are interested in adopting. She also provided information
on certain requirements needed if a road is adopted.
Ms. Christie Betancourt asked how often sponsors must go out and clean and how longs are the
segments. Tonya said that if a road is adopted by agreement, they must go out at least once a month.
A mile or two mile long is the usual segment.
3. Johnson Engineering — Jeffrey Nagle
Mr. Jeffrey Nagle provided information on the comments provided by community members in
public meeting #2. He said that this Public Meeting #3 is meant to be more interactive. Mr. Nagle
has come up with a Survey to help decide on the choices that were chosen from community
members input from Public Meeting #2, in respect to the Main Street Corridor Streetscape.
Mr. Jeffrey Nagle presented what the priorities are for the community members, information on
what Johnson Engineering was able to find, and the possible solutions to improve the Main Street
Corridor Streetscape. He also provided existing constraints with the existing site geometry,
regulatory (FDOT Design Restrictions), utility conflicts and proposed site access.
What We Need
• Safety for walking and biking
• Downtown revitalization
• Litter abatement
• Discourage loitering
• Suppress feral chickens
What We Know
1. High bike use exists, no bike lanes exist, and a need for bike parking/storage.
2. Existing Streetscape is outdated, and unappealing and site furnishing are deteriorating or
missing.
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3. Existing loose litter on streetscape and existing trash receptacles are not sized or located
adequately.
4. Homeless camps exist on streetscape and existing food pantry creates extended stays.
5. Existing landscape areas crate habitat for feral chickens, no existing predator for the feral
chickens, and the feral chicken damage existing landscaping and pose human health
concerns.
Cnhitinne
1. Provide a "Share The Sidewalk" signs or provide additional bike racks.
2. Provide new furnishings that meet the intended design and aesthetic requirements.
3. Provide furnishing that deter long stays in designated seating areas and coordinate
incentives with food pantry for container returns.
4. Remove or reduce chicken habitat by eliminating chickens access to landscape areas.
5.
Mr. Jeffrey Nagle proceeded to present the Preference Survey for the Main Street Corridor. The
survey options presented each have information on cost, color preference, and pattern preference.
As for plant selections, Mr. Jeffrey Nagle said that the options are to be ranked based on preference.
Survey Options
• Hardscape Sidewalk (2 Options)
• Hardscape Roadway (2 Options)
• Concrete Bench (2 Options)
• Metal Bench (2 Options)
• Trash Receptable (2 Options)
• Planter (2 options)
• Bike Rack (2 Options)
• Additional Amenity Options — Structured Shade Systems (3 options)
• Mid -Block Crossing Fence (like or dislike)
• Plant Selections — Trees/Palms, Large Shrubs, Small Shrubs, and Ornamental Grasses.
Mr. Jonathan Argueta asked whether it matters what color is chosen for the materials. He asked if
there are any issues with heat, maintenance, or life expectancy.
Mr. Jeffrey Nagle said that there is no issue with life expectancy. As for heat, colors can be picked
complementary with each other and can always help with being less reflective. There are many
things to consider when it comes down to colors, but any color chosen will not have much of an
effect. He also said that all they are looking for is the preference and thoughts on what many would
like to see in the Main Street Corridor Streetscape. If there is no preference to any, then nothing
has to be chosen.
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Mr. David Turrubiartez asked who is funding this project. Ms. Christie Betancourt informed board
members that MSTU paid for the design portion. However, CRA and MSTU and maybe FDOT or
other partners will pay for the construction. She also said that they are allocating funds from the
capital funds from CRA and MSTU. Ms. Christie Betancourt said that there are currently 5 projects
in the works, and they are all under design. The only thing to do is to apply for grant funding to
help with construction. The plan for this development is to have it done by phases, instead of
completing it all in one go.
Ms. Victoria Peters informed Ms. Christie Betancourt that there are discretionary grants that may
fit the needs for the CRA. If staff needs help with any more information, she is available to help.
Mr. Nagle said that the next step for Johnson Engineering is to prepare permitting plans for FDOT
Submittal. The meeting for the constructions plans is to be determined and it may be in late summer
or early fall.
Ms. Christie Betancourt said that preference survey is due March 22, 2023.
J. Old Business.
1. Zocalo Park —Paver Repairs (Enclosure 10)
Staff provided information on Enclosure 10. Staff said that the CRA staff meets monthly with parks
and recreation and there has been a notice of uneven pavers due to trees, water leaking and
irrigation. There is no real main aspect but there are about 60 pavers that need a reset. Staff
provided a timeline and information on bids that were made. Staff went with the lowest bidder.
The CRA staff would like to request to use capital funding for the paver repairs.
Dr. Frank Nappo asks Ms. Christie Betancourt if the cause is due to irrigation. Ms. Betancourt said
that it's due to many factors including irrigation that caused the pavers to sink.
Dr. Nappo said if done correctly, pavers should last 8 years. He said that maybe improper
installation was done in the beginning.
After much discussion, CRA board agreed to move forward utilizing the lowest bid from Capital
Contractors, LLC in the amount $29,125 on CRA account 786-138346-50245-763100 CRA for the
paver repairs at Zocalo Plaza.
CRA Action: Mr. Edward "Ski" Olesky made a motion to move forward utilizing the lowest bid
from Capital Contractors, LLC in the amount of $29,125 on CRA account 786-138346-50245-763100 for
the paver repairs at Zocalo Parr Ms. Andrea Halman seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous
vote. 9 -0.
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2. Contractor Maintenance Report
i. A&M Property Maintenance
a. Maintenance Report & Schedule (Enclosure 11)
Staff provided Enclosure 9 which is A&M maintenance reports, incidental invoice, and
upcoming schedule for work in the MSTU area.
Staff informed board member that there are pending estimates for the removal of plants
and bike as well as the removal of two bulb outs. CRA staff would like a motion from
the MSTU for the approval of removing the two bulb -outs. The estimate cost is $2,400.
After much discussion, the MSTU board agreed to pay the estimate of $2,400 on the
MSTU account for the removal of two bulb -outs. Mr. Mark Lemke and Ms. Andrea
Halman would like to know what will happen to the trees that are in these bulb -outs.
Staff said they will try to relocate these trees.
MSTUAction: Mr. David Turrubiartez Jr. made a motion to move forward with Estimate1391 in
amount of $2,400 for the removal of two bulb -outs. Ms. Ana Estrella seconded the motion, and it passed
by unanimous vote. 4 -0.
3. 2022 CRA Final Annual Report (Enclosure 12)
Staff presented the 2022 CRA Final Annual Report to all board members. Staff informed board
members that no action is needed since action was made in the last meeting.
4. Panther Crossing
Staff informed board members that a bid was received for the panther crossing construction and the
lowest bid amount is $168,500. The amount originally budgeted from the MSTU is $100,000. Staff
is working with procurement on cost reasonableness since the first estimate given was $41,752.
The other two bidders were over $200,000, the contract states that bids must be under $200,000.
Staff will provide more information and provide status on the outcome for the cost reasonableness.
Staff reminded board members that this project is a top priority for the MSTU, and that they are
looking for a motion to move forward provided that the cost reasonableness get approved by the
county budget office.
After much discussion, the MSTU board agreed to move forward with the bid cost of $168,500 on
construction for the Panther Crossing sign.
MSTUAction: Mr. Andrea Halman made a motion to move forward with the lowest bid cost of
$168,500 on the construction for the Welcome Sign at Panther Crossing. Mr. David Turrubiartez seconded
the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 4 -0.
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5. Catholic Charities update
Staff announced that the purchase agreement with Catholic Charities has been finalized for
presentation to the Board of Collier County Commissioners, and it is expected to go to the Board
on the next meeting on March 28 or April 11.
The purchase price is $600,000 plus they'll pay for the closing cost. The closing is 45 days after
the inspection period, inspection period is 90 days. Milestones were included in the project
including filling their rezone petition 180 days from closing. As soon as approved within the 30
days they will provide an effective date on their phasing and construction of the project and within
6 years of the approved zoning, the project will be substantially completed. The project mentioned
is the project site that in the area that the CRA is selling to them, and they are using this as a concept
plan that the CRA attached to the agreement.
K. New Business.
L. Citizen Comments
M. Next Meeting
The CRA will be meeting Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at 9:00 A.M. at Careersource SWFL.
The MSTU will be meeting Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at 8:30 A.M. at Careersource SWFL.
N. Adj ournment
Meeting adjourned at 11:42 A.M.
* Zoom Meeting chat is attached to the minutes for the record.
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Zoom Chat
March 15, 2023 Joint CRA & MSTU Meeting
01:27:26 Rosa Gregorio: Thank you Christie for the opportunity in joining
todays meeting! I actually have another meeting to attend to at 10:30 but I
appreciate it! Thank you once again!
02:49:08 Laura Tefft: Thank you for allowing us to observe today's
meeting.
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Certification of Minutes Approval Form
Prepared by:
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Christie Betancourt, Operations Manager
Immokalee Community Redevelopment Agency
Approved .
The Minutes for the March 15, 2023, MSTU Advisory Committee Meeting were approved
by the MSTU Advisory Committee on April 26, 2023, as presented.
The next meeting will be a MSTU Advisory Board meeting and will be held on May 24, 2023, 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 Department for
distribution. Please call Christie Betancourt, at 239-867-0028 for additional information. 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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