Immokalee MSTU Minutes 12/13/2023Collier 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 December 13, 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 8:31 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 and MSTU Board. Mr.
Bernardo Barnhart chaired for the MSTU Committee.
CRA Advisory Board Members Present in Person:
Patricia Anne Goodnight, Mark Lemke, Mike Facundo (8:39 A.M.), Andrea Halman, Frank Nappo, Estil
Null, Edward "Ski" Olesky, Yvar Pierre, and Lupita Vazquez Reyes.
CRA Advisory Board Members Present via Zoom:
None.
CRA Advisory Board Members Absent/Excused:
None.
MSTU Advisory Committee Members Present:
Bernardo Barnhart, Andrea Halman, and Norma Garcia.
MSTU Advisory Committee Members Present via Zoom:
None.
MSTU Advisory Committee Members Absent/Excused:
Christina Guerrero, Cherryle Thomas, and David Turrubiartez Jr.
Others Present in Person:
Victoria Peters, Armando Yzaguirre, Misty Smith, Rev. Jean C. Paul, Carrie William, Commissioner
McDaniel, and Stephanie Giardinieri.
Others Present via Zoom:
Elvira Herrera, Daniel Flynn, Sloan Nagy, Taylor Jaskuiski, and Sarah Harrington.
Staff Present in Person: Gregory J. Oravec, Christie Betancourt, Yvonne Blair, and Yuridia Zaragoza.
D. Voting Privileges for Board Members via Zoom.
CRA Action: No Action Taken.
MSTUAction: No Action Taken.
E. Approval of Agenda.
Staff presented the Agenda to the Boards for approval. Agenda was approved as presented.
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CRA Action: Mr. Frank Nappo made a motion to approve the Agenda as presented. Mr. Mark
Lemke seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 8-0.
MSTUAction: Ms. Andrea Halman made a motion to approve the Agenda as presented. Ms. Norma
Garcia seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 3-0.
F. Approval of Consent Agenda
1. Minutes
Joint CRA & MSTU Advisory Board Meeting for November 15, 2023 (Enclosure 1)
2. Budget Reports (Enclosure 2)
3. Code Enforcement Report (Enclosure 3)
4. Staff Reports
i. Program Manager Report (Enclosure 4)
ii. Project Manager Report (Enclosure 5)
iii. Project Observation Field Report (Enclosure 6)
iv. Community Meetings (Enclosure 7)
5. Contractor Maintenance Report
i. A&M Property Maintenance
a. Maintenance Report (Enclosure 8)
Staff presented the Consent Agenda to the Boards for approval. Consent Agenda was approved as presented.
Ms. Andrea Halman thanked Mr. Armando Yzaguirre, his wife, and Ms. Christie Betancourt for their efforts E
in getting Christmas done at the Zocalo Plaza. She said the Christmas Tree Lighting event is something that -
the Community looks forwards to. Mr. Mark Lemke also thanked them for their best efforts in decorating for u
this event, especially with the unforeseen circumstance that occurred. N
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Ms. Christie Betancourt thanked everyone who helped with the Christmas Tree Lighting Event. She looks M
forward to next year. N
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Ms. Christie Betancourt informed board and community members that Enclosure 1 through 8 are put into the
Consent Agenda, so that Staff and Board members have the time to go over the Strategic Planning Session.
She informed everyone present that this is the last meeting for Mr. Greg Oravec, so Staff would like to have
his help for the future plans for the Immokalee Area.
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CRA Action: Mr. Frank Nappo made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Mr. a
Estil Null seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 8-0. E
MSTUAction: Ms. Andrea Halman made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. a
Ms. Norma Garcia seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 3-0.
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.
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2. Communications Folder
Staff reviewed the communication folder with the board and members of the public. The folder
contained the Public Notice of the Joint Meeting, the Transportation Network Plan, and the 2024
Public Meeting Calendar for the Immokalee CRA and MSTU.
3. Interagency Presentation
Staff informed board and members of the public that the Immokalee CRA will be presenting at the
Interagency meeting at 12:00 p.m., December 13, 2023. Staff will present to the community
nonprofit agencies, government agencies, and business and community representatives about what
the Immokalee CRA has completed and future plans. Staff invited everyone to attend.
H. Other A encies
1. Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Updates, Victoria Peters
Ms. Victoria Peters had no particular update. She said that she did reach out to get more information
on the corner of SR29 and Oil Well Road but has received no response. The County is working
with FDOT Traffic Ops on this matter. There is a possibility of signage or signaling for this road.
She also informed board and public members on the TIP Amendments for the Moving Florida
Forward funding. This was approved by the BCC meeting last month. She said if anyone has any
questions, they may contact her. She wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
2. Other Community Agencies
Boys & Girls Club of Collier County, Stephanie Giardinieri
Ms. Stephanie Giardinieri introduced herself. She is the Program Director for Miracle, which is an
after school program that falls under the Boys and Girls Club. She informed members that she
attended the Christmas Tree Lighting Event. She hopes she can continue to partner with others to
help with any opportunities available.
I. Community Presentations
No Presentation.
J. Old Business.
1. Advisory Board
i. Board Vacancy Update (Enclosure 9)
Staff informed board and public members on Enclosure 9. The information presented is in
the County website on the Advisory Board Vacancies. Staff informed everyone that there are
other board vacancies but have decided to only show the vacancy for the Immokalee MSTU
Advisory Committee. Staff went over the requirements to join the Immokalee MSTU
Advisory Committee and how to apply.
2. Streetlight Pole Replacement (Enclosure 10)
Staff provided a background on a couple of streetlight poles that were knocked down a couple of
times a few years ago. Staff decided not to replace them due to the many occurrences of individuals
knocking them down. Reimbursement was received for the knockdown of the poles. The County
provided feedback to Staff and said that the area where both poles were knocked down is too dark.
Staff agreed that the area needs lighting, but they would like to have approval from the MSTU
Committee members on the expense for the replacement. Since reimbursement was received for
both Streetlight poles, Staff would need to pay the difference on replacing both poles.
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Ms. Andrea Halman asked for an update on the flickering lights on Main Street. Staff said that
Traffic Ops replaced a part, but they will check on Friday night to see if everything is operational.
Staff will follow up for any updates.
Ms. Lupita Vazquez Reyes informed members on a notice that was sent to residents on the changes
of lights to LED lighting. She would like to know if this consists of all the lights in the community
or just certain residential areas. Staff informed Ms. Vazquez Reyes on the changes that LCEC plan
on doing with the lights they have. Ms. Christie Betancourt would like to change the current MSTU
light poles LED. Staff is currently waiting on a map; a big project is coming up and the Immokalee
MSTU will be paying the utility light bill (not maintenance) for all 406 poles. This will be brought
up as soon as staff receives a map. The map will show LCEC, MSTU, and County poles. The map
will also show which lights are LED. Staff will be awaiting on the cost to present to the Board.
Mr. Mark Lemke provided a suggestion on having the poles replaced much sooner so that the cost
is minimal. Staff discussed a few reasons as to why they waited for the reimbursement instead of
replacing the two poles knocked down. Staff also discussed on the number of poles located on First
Street.
After much discussion board agreed to replace pole #38 and #52.
MSTUAction: Ms. Andrea Halman made a motion to authorize Staff to proceed with Simmonds
Electrical of Naples to furnish and install two (2) 27' Lumec Poles as replacement for poles #38 and #52
on N 15th Street SR29 based on the current quote of $43, 022.26. Ms. Norma Garcia seconded the motion,
and it passed by unanimous vote. 3-0.
3. Nomination for Chair and Vice Chair
Ms. Anne Goodnight discussed on her decision to have Mr. Mark Lemke be Chair for the
Immokalee Local Redevelopment Advisory (CRA) Board. She is willing to help anybody to
understand how to conduct the meeting. She said it's important to teach the individual in the Chair
position on understanding their role as well as the Chair procedures.
Staff and Board members had a discussion on the idea to have the Vice -Chair be the Chair in
waiting, so that the Vice -Chair is able to learn from the Chair. Ms. Anne Goodnight provided her
opinion on having the Chair serve for 2 years helps not only strengthen the Board but also help
strengthen the Chairman. She said that this can be an opportunity for the Vice -Chair to learn the
procedures
Board Members discussed on having Ms. Anne Goodnight as Vice -Chair. After much discussion
on the term for the current Chair to serve as Vice -Chair, the CRA Board made a Nomination and a
motion.
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CRA Action: Mr. Frank Nappo made a nomination to appoint Mark Lemke as Chair of the
Immokalee Local Redevelopment Advisory (CRA) Board. Mr. Estil Null seconded the motion, and itpassed
by unanimous vote. 9-0.
CRA Action: Mr. Mark Lemke made a nomination to appoint Patricia "Anne" Goodnight as Vice -
Chair of the Immokalee Local Redevelopment Advisory (CRA) Board. Mr. Edward "Ski" Olesky seconded
the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 9-0.
CRA Action: Mr. Frank Nappo made motion to have the current Chair serve two (2) years as Vice -
Chair to support and educate the Chair of the Immokalee Local Redevelopment Advisory (CRA) Board.
Mr. Mark Lemke seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 9-0.
MSTU committee members provided discussion who should be MSTU Chair. Mr. Bernardo
Barnhart suggested the Ms. Andrea Halman be Chair. She is consistent with the meetings. Brief
discussion was made on who should be MSTU Vice Chair.
MSTUAction: Mr. Bernardo Barnhart made a motion to appoint Andrea Halman as Chair of the
Immokalee Beautification Municipal Service Taxing Unit (MSTU) Advisory Committee. Ms. Norma
Garcia seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 3-0.
MSTUAction: Ms. Norma Garcia made a motion to appoint Bernardo Barnhart as Vice -Chair of
the Immokalee Beautification Municipal Service Taxing Unit (MSTU) Advisory Committee. Ms. Andrea
Halman seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 3-0.
4. Strategic Planning Program (Enclosure 11)
i. Opening Comments from Advisory Board Members
This item was reviewed at the December 13, 2023, planning session.
ii. Introduction to "Community Redevelopment" in Florida
iii. Introduction to the Collier County Community Redevelopment Agency
iv. The Finding of Necessity and Designation of the Community Redevelopment Areas
v. The creation of the Collier County Community Redevelopment Agency
vi. Adoption of the Original Community Redevelopment Plan
vii. Establishment of the Redevelopment Trust Fund
viii. The Bylaws of the CRA and its Local Redevelopment Advisory Boards
a. Discussion of important operating practices
Mr. Oravec briefly reviewed items ii. — viii.
*** The following items were tabled for a future Strategic Planning Session Meeting.
ix. Accomplishments from Inception to 2022
x. The 2022 Amendment to the Community Redevelopment Plan
[Scheduled Break]
xi. Deep Dive on the Current (2022) Community Redevelopment Plan
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xii. Vision
CRA Director, Greg Oravec, went over a few key points of the Immokalee Community
Redevelopment Plan. He went over the goals, objectives, and strategies of the plan.
Mr. Mike Facundo provided feedback on the importance of the Vision Statement and said the
current Vision Statement is too long, and he would like the board members to consider
changing it. Mr. Oravec agreed with Mr. Mike Facundo and said that the Vision Statement
should fit in within the context of the County's vision and values because Immokalee is part
of the County. After much discussion with the board members providing feedback on what
Immokalee is really about and why the vision is important to review and make a change that
best describes Immokalee. The Board and Public members were grouped into 3 groups, the
groups had 25 minutes to discuss with each other and provide a Vision Statement.
All three groups presented the Vision Statement they came up with.
Mr. Mark Lemke explained on the reasoning of Group 1 Vision Statement. He elaborated on
the idea that there is no real expectation to meet other than to be the best in the nation. He said
this statement is simple, short and sweet. Group I believes that this Vision Statement best
describes Immokalee.
Mr. Mike Facundo elaborated on Group 2 Vision Statement. He elaborated on the idea of
keeping the vision statement open ended. Ms. Christie Betancourt elaborated on Group 3
vision statement.
Group 1: "To Be the Best Rural Community in The Nation to Work, Live, and Play! "
Group 2: "Develop a thriving Community. "
Group 3: "A Small Community That Provides Safe and Affordable Living with a Diverse
Culture. "
Mr. Oravec provided insight on the importance of a Vision Statement and gave insights on his
experience for the past six months. He said that we must all keep our eyes in the big picture of
what we like to get accomplished.
Staff will send a follow up email to all board members on the Vision Statements, and they will
be able to vote on the statements they believe is best to implement in the Immokalee
Redevelopment Plan.
*** The following items were tabled for a future Strategic Planning Session Meeting.
xiii. Identified Project, Programs, and Priorities
xiv. Where are we today?
a. Progress from 2022 to the present.
b. SWOT Analysis
xv. Check in ... Is our Vision still true?
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[Scheduled Break]
xvi. Bringing our Vision to life...
xvii. Check in ... Is there something missing from our Community Redevelopment Plan (i.e., critical
authorizing projects of programs)?
xviii. Of our hundreds of potential projects and programs, what are our Top Ten?
a. Previous Work Program/Priority List
b. Prioritization exercise
[Scheduled Break]
xix. Discretion of the Advisory Board —adopt priority list following exercise or ask staff to bring
back a refined list with any corresponding analysis at the next meeting for further consideration.
xx. Closing Comments from Staff
xxi. Closing Comments from Advisory Board Members
K. New Business.
No new business.
L. Citizen Comments
Ms. Christie Betancourt thanked Mr. Armando Yzaguirre for decorating the Zocalo Plaza. Mr. Armando
Yzaguirre provided a brief rundown on the decorations done at the Zocalo Plaza. Ms. Betancourt also
thanked Parks and Recreation staff for fixing the trip hazard at the Zocalo Plaza and for staying the whole
time during the Christmas Tree Lighting Event. She also recognized Ramon Arce for helping with the
electoral issues at Zocalo Plaza. It was a great community effort.
Commissioner McDaniel gave a public service announcement. He said that in the last Collier County N
Commissioner's board meeting, the ordinance which would create the unpaved road emergency repair M
was approved. He said that he wanted this to cover county -wide but because of some legal matters an M
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assessment was done to see which roads were in the worst conditions. There are approximately 14 miles r
of road that were deemed to be in the worst condition. Commissioner McDaniel asked Ms. Betancourt y
to send a note to his office so that the list of roads can be provided. Ms. Betancourt said she had the list
at her disposal, and she would provide to community members.
Mr. Frank Nappo asked the difference between county -wide for unpaved road and what is currently
occurring. Commissioner McDaniel said that county -wide would have encompassed all the roads in the;
County but what is occurring is specifically naming miles of roads. The cost is estimated to be about E
$12,000 per mile with an estimated date of 3 years to have them all completed. Discussion was made on
how there is no opt out and the goal of safety is the main goal for this Ordinance. Ms. Christie Betancourt
said that she will add this item to her report. a
Commissioner McDaniel said that the MSTU created for this Unpaved Private Road Emergency Repair
will consist of all county staff, but they will have Yd parry committee that consist of Fire, EMS, and the
Sherriff's office to help with the decision in the initial grade of the roads.
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Rev. Jean C. Paul provided a brief history on himself and the experiences he has endeavored and what
others have experienced as well. He provided suggestions on what he would like to see happen in the
Immokalee Community. Information was also given on the education classes he is proctoring.
Commissioner McDaniel provided information to Pastor Paul.
Ms. Andrea Halman thanked Mr. Greg Oravec for all that he has done in the past 6 months. Mr. Oravec
said he is grateful for the time he had with each board member and is sorry that he is going.
M. Next Meeting Date
The CRA Board will be meeting on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at 8:30 A.M. at CareerSource SWFL.
The MSTU Committee will be meeting on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at 8:30 A.M. at CareerSource
SWFL.
N. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 11:37 A.M.
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Certification of Minutes Approval Form
_Prepared by:
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Christie Betancourt, rogram Manager
Immokalee Community Redevelopment Agency
A ved by: /
Andrea Halman, Chairman
The Minutes for the December 13, 2023, MSTU Advisory Committee Meeting were approved
by the MSTU Advisory Committee on January 24, 2024, as presented.
The next meeting will be a MSTU Advisory Committee meeting and will be held on February 28,
2024, at 8.30 A.M. at CareerSource SWFL.
All meetings will be publicly noticed in the W. Hannon 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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