Immokalee CRA Agenda 01/18/2023Enclosure 1
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MINUTES
Meeting of the Collier County Community Redevelopment Agency Immokalee Local Redevelopment
Advisory Board on January 18, 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 Vice-Chair Jonathan Argueta at 9:00 A.M.
B.Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence.
Jonathan Argueta led the Pledge of Allegiance and Michael Facundo opened with a prayer.
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:
Jonathan Argueta, Michael “Mike” Facundo, Andrea Halman, Frank Nappo, Estil Null, Edward “Ski”
Olesky, and Yvar Pierre.
CRA Advisory Board Members Present via Zoom:
None.
CRA Advisory Board Members Absent/Excused:
Patricia “Anne” Goodnight and Mark Lemke.
Others Present in Person:
Andrew VanValin, Jeffrey Bookstein, Marlene Dimas, Jamie Ulmer, Misty Smith, Lee Van Gelder,
Gil Tabares, and Commissioner Bill McDaniel.
Others Present via Zoom:
Helen Midney, Lincoln Price, Lupita Vazquez Reyes, Donika Farnham, and Catherine Cordova.
Staff Present in Person: Debrah Forester, Christie Betancourt, Yvonne Blair, and Yuridia Zaragoza.
D.Voting Privileges for Board Members via Zoom.
No board member was present via Zoom.
CRA Action: No Action Taken.
E.Approval of Agenda.
Staff presented the agenda to the boards for approval. Staff announced a change in the Agenda.
Remove Community Presentations I.1. Adopt a Road Program from Agenda. The Adopt a Road
program did share a brochure to staff, so staff will share a copy. They were unable to present due to
short staff.
CRA Action: Mr. Frank Nappo made a motion to approve the Agenda as amended. Ms.
Andrea Halman seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote. 7-0.
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F. Approval of Consent Agenda
1. Minutes
i. Joint CRA & MSTU Advisory Board Meeting for December 14, 2022 (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)
Commissioner Bill McDaniel made a comment on the Operations Manager (Program Manager)
Report item 11. He said that even though the Impact Fee Installment Payment Program expired in
October, it is still available.
CRA Action: Ms. Andrea Halman made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Mr. Frank Nappo 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 CRA meeting and community event flyers for upcoming
events.
Staff went over the Together Initiative Event on January 20, 2023, at 2 o’clock. Staff also
mentioned how the CRA will be a sponsor for the upcoming Cattle Drive on March 18, 2023.
Vice Chair for the CRA board, Jonathan Argueta, commented on Find Your Future Event on
January 21, 2023. He said that many organizations will be there to help the community
members with job and educational opportunities. He encouraged everyone to attend this event.
Staff commented on the importance of taking the Survey for the Collier County Community
Assessment. Staff announced that they have handouts with the QR codes that leads directly to
the Survey.
3. Community Meetings (Enclosure 6)
Staff provided a copy of Enclosure 6 which is a copy of the upcoming community meetings.
Staff read the upcoming community meetings and provided a brief on the purpose of each
meeting.
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H. Other Agencies
1. Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Victoria Peters
No FDOT updates were provided.
2. Other Community Agencies
Small Business Administration , Donika Farnham
Ms. Donika Farnham provided information on the SBA disaster relief program that is available
to homeowners and businesses. She stated that deadlines are currently open but fast
approaching. She stated that businesses in the county are eligible to receive up to 2 million
dollars to either repair damages caused during the disaster or to use funds for working capital.
She said that homeowners can earn up to $200,000. Renters who are eligible may also receive
up to $40,000.
Ms. Donika Farnham informed board and community members that deadline for homeowners
and renters is on the 26th. Businesses have an extended application with the deadline being June
20, 2023. She said that application can be done online, at the FEMA Resource Center or at the
SBA Business Resource Center.
Ms. Donika Farnham also provided the numbers of approved loans in terms of dollars. The
amount for the County was $78 million with about $16 million going to local businesses and
$61 million of that going to homeowners and renters.
Immokalee Pioneer Museum, Helen Midney
Ms. Helen Midney invited everyone to an event that helps support the local children. The event
is an animal auction, the event will start Friday, January 20,2023 and end on January 22, 2023
on Sunday. Money raised in this event will go to support the children.
Collier County Economic Development & Housing Division, Lincoln Price
Mr. Lincoln Price stated that they still have plans to advance on the culinary connection day
with the culinary accelerator at the airport. He said that he will provide more details as soon as
there is a firm plan. Mr. Lincoln Price also said that this showcase is presented to allow the
community to see what the facility is all about.
Mr. Lincoln Price provided updates on the Qualified Opportunity Zones Program. He said that
the timeline for its expiration is on December 20, 2026. They have been tracking properties
and have seen up to 10 active properties in Immokalee that are available for sales within the
Qualified Opportunity Zone Program.
Cultivate Abundance, Lupita Vazquez Reyes
Ms. Lupita Vazquez Reyes provided information on what Cultivate Abundance is all about.
She said they plan on having a seed swap on February 18, 2023, which is on a Saturday.
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The goal is to identify garden partners that have been part of the community and that are
growing their own gardens and have been preserving their seeds.
The goal for this event is to have a seed exchange as well as to have a space to be able to share
what people are growing. She said that the overall goal is create a sort of seed bank for the
Immokalee Community to show the different cultures.
She said that the community is invited to do things they know such as creating baskets, pottery,
or any other crafts. If anyone is interested, they are welcomed to reach out and contact her.
Ms. Lupita Vazquez Reyes also provided information on what is expected for the Cultivate
Abundance in Spring break. She said that they have started hosting college students to come
and do a tour of the garden and to get an insight of the relationships of building solidarity with
the local farm workers and their access to food.
She also said that recently 18 students from Manchester University came down from Indiana to
spend a Saturday to do some service in the garden. They helped a local community member
with their garden and fence. She said if anyone would like to have the students’ groups
connected or be a part of the itinerary and provide more on the Immokalee experience, they
may contact her.
Healthcare Network, Jamie Ulmer
Mr. Jamie Ulmer presented himself to the community. He said he is a part of the Healthcare
Network. He said that his contact information is available. He expects to be attending the
meetings regularly.
Collier County Public Schools, Marlene Dimas
Ms. Dimas provided information on the School Board Meeting in March. She said that the
School Board Meeting will be in Immokalee at Itech on March 7th at 4:30 p.m. She also said
that on March 7th, the Immokalee High School will have a showcase of all the schools as well
as showcasing the new Innovation Center. She said that the School Board Meeting in
Immokalee usually occurs in October every year, however, due to Hurricane Ian they
rescheduled it for March.
I.Community Presentations
1.Adopt a Road Program
A brochure was sent to Staff. Staff provided all present with a copy. An electronic copy can
also be provided.
2.Pulte Family Charitable – Nuestra Senora De La Vivienda Community Foundation – Housing
Development on Westclox Street – Andrew VanValin
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Mr. Andrew VanValin introduced himself to the CRA board members, staff, and members of
the public. He provided updates on changes that occurred since the last time he presented.
He said he will like a formal support from the CRA for the rezone of 50 Acres, requesting up
to 200 single-family units, 50 townhome units, and a 250-student early childhood education
center.
Mr. Andrew VanValin elaborated on the project details, stating that the project is a joint venture
between the Nuestra Senora de la Vivienda Community Foundation and the Pulte Family
Foundation.
The Community Foundation will be the owner and operator of the housing project. He goes
through an overview as to what the developments consist of. The idea is to have 250 units, 50
townhomes, and a 250-student early childhood education center. Mr. Andrew VanValin also
said that the retention pond has been moved to a central area between the units.
Dr. Frank Nappo asked how there should be a program to have nonprofits pay a fee to help with
the community.
Mr. Andrew VanValin said that he understands what Dr. Nappo is saying, and he would be open
to it, especially since it would help the community.
Board discussed certain issues that could be present during and after this development.
Board also asked what accommodations were made regarding parking. A few issues discussed
were of people parking more than two vehicles or people parking on the grass.
Another issue brought up was that sometimes families re-rent to other family member who
might not have the requirements needed.
Commissioner McDaniel gave advice to Mr. Andrew VanValin. He said if landscaping is
maintained, then this could help avoid people parking in the grass. He also said to sure the
management company is aware of the circumstance in Immokalee due to the culture around the
Community.
Mr. Jonathan Argueta comments on how much housing is needed not only in Immokalee but
Collier County as well. He believes this development is a good idea.
Ms. Christie Betancourt asked which units will be built first.
Mr. Andrew VanValin said that the first units in the front near Carson Road would be built first.
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Ms. Lupita Vazquez Reyes asked if there is any housing in Naples, Golden Gate that might have
the same issues with parking.
Ms. Debrah Forester said that some of the Habitat communities are similar.
Mr. Michael “Mike” Facundo asked Mr. Andrew VanValin whether he has thought about any
commercial development. He said it’s not something to decide on, just more of a thought.
Mr. Andrew VanValin responded by saying that he and the Vice President of the Pulte Family
Foundation, Jeffrey Bookstein, have talked about the scenario of Pathways not being able use
the property. He said the discussion are there but not much else.
After much discussion the CRA Advisory Board made a recommendation to support the
foundations application to rezone 50 acres, found at the northeast corner of the intersection of
Westclox St and Carson Rd, from A/MHO to MPUD, requesting up to 200 single-family units,
up to 50 townhome units, and a 250-student early childhood education center. Accessory uses
include a residential amenity area with a clubhouse and playground, a walking path around an
internal water retention lake, and 12.5 acres of native vegetative preserve. Through the PUD
they are proposing 170 units be affordable to those making at or below the 60% AMI level.
The Advisory Board requested that the foundation comeback to the CRA after they receive
comments from the county.
CRA Action: Mr. Michael “Mike” Facundo made a motion to support the Pulte Family
Charitable – Nuestra Senora De La Vivienda Community Foundation (PFCF/NSV) rezone
application. The board requests that the foundation comeback to the CRA after they receive comments
from the county. Mr. Frank Nappo seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote.7 -0.
J. Old Business.
1. Main Street Streetscape Improvements Project
i. Johnson Engineering Public Meeting #2 at CareerSource from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Staff announced public meeting #2 will be held on February 15, 2023, from 5 -7 to get
public input.
2. Advisory Board
i. CRA Bylaws (Enclosure 7)
Staff presents the CRA Bylaws to remind CRA board members of Section 8 Attendance,
Removal and Resignation from the board.
ii. Attendance Log (Enclosure 8)
Staff presented CRA Attendance log. Staff announced that moving forward attendance log
will be tracked with excused and unexcused absence.
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So please notify staff in advance if you will not be able to attend a meeting. Schedule of
meetings have been provided for the upcoming year.
3.7 Eleven Murals (Enclosure 9)
Staff announced that Creighton provided 3 art renderings that were created by local artist
Martha Cantu to be painted on 3 arched panel located on the east side (right building wall) at
the property located at 107 North 9th Street.
Staff reviewed Enclosure 9 which included a draft letter from CRA staff, 3 mural renderings
and the 7 Eleven drawing of the structure.
Most board members thought the murals represented the community very well. A comment
was made that the murals didn’t represent the whole community and if more murals were
provided.
After much discussion the board made a recommendation to approve murals and asked if 7
Eleven would consider not doing 3 panels but use the 3 murals as a collage on the whole right
building wall.
CRA Action: Mr. Frank Nappo made a recommendation to approve the 3-murals submitted by
Creighton for the 7 Eleven located at 107 N. 9th Street. Mr. Edward “Ski” Olesky seconded the motion
and it passed with a 6-1 vote.
CRA Action: Mr. Michael Facundo made a recommendation to request that 7 Eleven consider
doing a collage to cover the whole right building wall instead of doing a 3-panel mural. This would
not be a requirement just a recommendation. Mr. Frank Nappo seconded the motion and it passed
with a 5-2 vote.
K.New Business
1.2022 CRA Annual Report
Staff will provide a draft copy to CRA board members at the February meeting. If any changes
are made, then staff will present a final copy that will be sent to Board for approval in March.
Comments can be made within the week the draft copy is presented.
L.Citizens Comments.
Ms. Helen Midney commented that she had an update on an event for an open reception for a new
temporary exhibit. The exhibit is presenting the African American History and many cultivating
stories.
M.Next Meeting Date.
The next meeting will be a Joint CRA and MSTU meeting to be held on February 15, 2023, at 9:00
A.M at CareerSource SWFL.
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N.Adjournment.
Meeting adjourned at 10:42 A.M.
* Zoom Meeting chat is attached to the minutes for the record.
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file:///F/Zoom%20Chat%20-%2001.18.23.txt[1/25/2023 2:35:08 PM]
00:36:47 Donika Farnham: thank you all!!
00:42:17 Lupita Vazquez Reyes: Flyers coming soon -
00:42:51 Lupita Vazquez Reyes: Seed Share and Gardener's Market 2023, reach out by email,
lvazquez@cultivateabundance.org
00:46:02 Lupita Vazquez Reyes: Is that information also on the CCPS website calendar?
00:48:23 Helen Midney: I couldn't hear the last thing Marlene said
00:54:08 Helen Midney: I forgot to mention, opening reception with Carlene Thissen for new temporary exhibit on
Feb 3rd at 5:30pm. "Cultivating Community : Stories of Immokalee's African American Pillars and Pioneers"
Refreshments will be served
01:01:05 Lupita Vazquez Reyes: 46%
01:03:28 Lupita Vazquez Reyes: There could be a section that is for profit, with an HOA, for professionals making
higher income, that don't qualify for income based income. There is also an opportunity to help make the preserve, an
actual preserve with dedicated trails and land stewardship.
01:09:52 Lupita Vazquez Reyes: I would say also they should also be in contact with Dottie Cook with Rural
Neighborhoods. It is located there in Eden Park. They have been there for a long time.
01:28:00 Lupita Vazquez Reyes: Aldi's!
01:38:15 lincoln price: Hello Christie, not seeing the screen on zoom
01:40:02 lincoln price: thx Yvonne
01:50:38 Lupita Vazquez Reyes: We also don't have women represented.
01:51:03 Lupita Vazquez Reyes: She is amazing
Zoom Chat
January 18, 2023 CRA Advisory Board Meeting
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