Immokalee CRA Minutes 09/27/2023Collier County Community Redevelopment Agency
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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 September 27, 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.
CRA Advisory Board Members Present in Person:
Patricia Anne Goodnight, Jonathan Argueta, Mike Facundo (8:45 A.M.), Andrea Halman, Mark Lemke
(8:43 A.M.), Estil Null, Edward "Ski" Olesky, and Yvar Pierre.
CRA Advisory Board Members Present via Zoom:
Frank Nappo.
CRA Advisory Board Members Absent/Excused:
None.
MSTU Advisory Committee Members Present:
David Turrubiartez Jr, Andrea Halman, Norma Garcia, Cherryle Thomas, Ana Estrella, and Bernardo
Barnhart (8:50 A.M.).
MSTU Advisory Committee Members Present via Zoom:
None.
MSTU Advisory Committee Members Absent/Excused:
Christina Guerrero.
Others Present in Person:
Marlene Dimas, Thomas Cunningham, Robert Mendoza, Misty Smith, Maria Rueda, Josh Rincon,
Victoria Peters, Richard Eckstein, Randi Swinderman, Bill McDaniel, and Lee Van Gelder.
Others Present via Zoom:
Alexander Showalter, Aristeo "Teo" Alviar, Yvonette Merat, Sarah Harrington, Daniel Flynn, Armando
Yzaguirre, and Laura Tefft.
Staff Present in Person: Gregory J. Oravec, Christie Betancourt, Yvonne Blair, and Yuridia Zaragoza.
D. VotingPrivileges rivileges for Board Members via Zoom.
Staff announced that we have CRA Board Member, Frank Nappo, on Zoom. MSTU committee member
may join by Zoom.
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CRA Action: Mr. Jonathan Argueta 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 announced that there are changes/additions to the agenda. Consent Agenda, Item F.2. Budget
Report will be moved to G.8. and have an added Enclosure 2. Item J.3. Contractor Maintenance Report
will be a time certain for 9:30 A.M. Enclosure G.4. Land Development Code (LDC) Public Workshop
has an updated final flyer version without the Enclosure number. Enclosure 15 on Item J.4., has been
replaced. The enclosure should say Holiday Decorations on the header.
CRA Action: Mr. Jonathan Argueta made a motion to approve the agenda as amended. Mr. Estil
Null seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 8-0.
MSTUAction: Ms. Norma Garcia made a motion to approve the agenda as amended. Ms. Cherryle
Thomas. seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 5-0.
F. Approval of Consent Agenda
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1. Minutes
i. Joint CRA & MSTU Advisory Board Meeting for June 21, 2023 (Enclosure 1)
2. Budget Reports (Enclosure 2) This item was moved to G.8.
3. Code Enforcement Report (Enclosure 3)
4. Staff Reports
i. Operations Manager Report (Enclosure 4)
ii. Project Manager Report (Enclosure 5)
iii. Project Observation Field Report (Enclosure 6)
Staff announced a few corrections to the Minutes under the Consent Agenda. On page 7 of Enclosure 1,
the second to last paragraph, the third sentence the word "the" and the fifth sentence the word "and" will
be removed.
CRA Action: Mr. Mark Lemke made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as amended. Mr.
Edward "Ski" Olesky seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 8-0.
MSTUAction: Ms. Norma Garcia made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as amended. Ms.
Ana Estrella seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 5-0.
G. Announcements.
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.
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The folder contained the Public Notice for this Joint Meeting, news article, presentations and
progress updates that occurred in June, July, and August, and community event flyers for upcoming
events. If anyone would like a copy of any of the documents in this folder, please contact Ms.
Christie Betancourt.
3. Community Meetings (Enclosure 7)
Staff provided a copy of Enclosure 7 which is a copy of the upcoming community meetings. Ms.
Marlene Dimas provided staff an update for the Collier County Public School Board Meeting. The
meeting will be held at the Immokalee Technical College (iTECH) on October 10, 2023, at 4:30
p.m. Staff will send an updated community listing.
4. Land Development Code (LDC) Public Workshop—10.4.23 @ 5:30 p.m. (Enclosure 8)
(Enclosure 8, added an updated copy of Enclosure 8)
Staff announced that a Public Notice for the Land Development Code (LDC) Workshop was sent
out. Staff asked members to share the updated LDC Workshop Flyer with organizations, businesses,
and community members. The Workshop will be held in Immokalee at the CareerSource SWFL
Conference room.
Ms. Anne Goodnight commented on the importance of this workshop. Those who are involved in
Immokalee should attend and provide their comments. She reiterated on spreading the word for this
workshop, so that discussions and recommendations can be made on the code that will be presented.
5. Public Meeting Calendar (Enclosure 9)
i. Revised 2023 Meeting Calendar
ii. Proposed 2024 Meeting Calendar
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Staff provided Enclosure 9 which included the Revised 2023 Meeting Calendar and the ProposedCi
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2024 Meeting Calendar. Staff will be attending the FRA Conference on the 41h week of October, so
a change of date was necessary for the upcoming Joint CRA and MSTU Hybrid Public Meeting.
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Staff also said that the Proposed 2024 Meeting Calendar has followed the same format in the last 2
years. Board Members take July and August off. Staff informed members that if anything comes
up during the two months off, a special meeting is held. A final draft will be presented in the next
meeting.
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Ms. Andrea Halman commented on the importance of attending the FRA Conference. She said that
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when one attends, they have a different view of what the CRA does and how the CRA works. She
asked Board Members to consider going.
Ms. Anne Goodnight recalled that in the June meeting, she asked Board Members to view their
calendar and see if they can attend the FRA Conference. The County Commissioners budgeted for
four Board Members to attend. She said that the FRA Conference is very worthwhile and asked
Board Members to let Staff know if they would like to attend.
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Ms. Christie Betancourt followed up and said that Board Members have always been allowed to
ride with staff. If anyone would like to attend, she asks Board members to let her know. She also
said Board Members can take their own car and receive a mileage reimbursement.
Mr. Mark Lemke asked staff if meeting is not held in July or August due to a struggle of no quorum
or for other reasons. Ms. Christie Betancourt said that it's a combination of a little bit of everything.
She said that in the past, Collier County Commissioners did not meet so Staff tried to follow as well
and also because a couple of board member were going to be out of town. Collier County
Commissioners have changed their Board meeting schedule and have meetings all year round and
Zoom is available. Staff is open to changing their CRA and MSTU Public Meeting Schedule if the
Board and Committee Members would like to make a change.
Ms. Norma Garcia commented that the current schedule with July and August has worked well for
the Immokalee Beautification MSTU Advisory Committee.
CRA Director, Greg Oravec, said he would prefer to reserve the date to meet, and if a light agenda
is given, when there's a need to, staff could cancel the meeting. He said reserving the date and
scheduling would be best instead of trying to get a meeting that is not reserved. He will ask for a
planning workshop with the Immokalee Local Redevelopment Advisory (CRA) Board to have an
overview of the CRA, the mission, and the priorities moving forward in anticipation of revitalizing
on the annual meeting with the CRA Board. He commented on the specific terminology on the
Immokalee Local Redevelopment Advisory Board and the CRA Board, and how important it is to
recognize that the Immokalee CRA Board and the BCC CRA Board is a separate legal entity.
6. FSU Letter of Support for EPA 2023 South Florida Program (Enclosure 10)
Staff provided a copy of a Letter of Support that the CRA Director provided to FSU for an EPA
South Florida Program grant.
7. Immokalee Branch Library Letter of Support for Nomination to the National Medal for Museum
and Library Service (Enclosure 11)
Staff provided a copy of a Letter of Support that the CRA Director provided to the Immokalee
Branch Library. The Immokalee Branch Library was nominated for the National Medal for
Museum and Library Service.
Mr. Greg Oravec added that when the applicants give staff enough time, they will bring it to the
Advisory Board so that they can vote on it and provide some weight of the Advisory Board. Staff
can then draft a letter with the chair signature. He said that staff would really appreciate if applicants
gave a request in advance so that the right process is done for the Advisory Board and Staff to
provide a support letter.
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8. Budget Reports (Enclosure 2, Added Enclosure 2)
Staff informed members that Enclosure 2 is the amount for this year's budget. The new budget for
Fiscal year 24 will be presented to members in the October meeting.
Mr. Greg Oravec provided information to members on the Added Enclosure 2. He informed
members that after the second public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 24's Annual Budget that
continued into the early morning hours of September 22"d, and after consideration of public
comments, and much discussion by the board, the Commissioners adopted the budget and millage
rates with significant changes to what was previously proposed and presented. He said that he would
like the members to be aware of a few things on the budget. Mr. Oravec provided numbers on the
rollback rate that the Board of Collier County Commissioners adopted for the County general fund
and unincorporated general fund. The Tax Increment Revenue contribution to the ICRA and the
MSTU millage rate was explained by Mr. Oravec.
Mr. Jonathan Argueta asked if any priorities that have been discussed in the last 6 months will be
impacted due to this rollback rate. Mr. Oravec informed Jonathan that with the Strategic Planning
Workshop, Staff would like to work with the Advisory Board on selecting the 3 most important
things out of the 5 most important things and bringing all resources to bear on making differences.
Mr. Oravec followed up and said that one good example of priorities is Main Street. Staff put
Mainstreet on the Agenda to recommend that the Advisory Board put a hold on the Main Street
project to see what occurs with the Loop Road. He provided a few scenarios on what can be done
if the loop road is completed, and Main Street is requested from FDOT. Main Street could be done
correctly the first time, if completed in a timely manner.
Commissioner Bill McDaniel informed members and Staff that the Loop Road has been funded and
is set to be constructed in 2027. In regard to the Budget for Fiscal Year 24, Mr. McDaniel said that
it is the first time in 7 years that they have been able effectuate tax reduction. He also provided
detailed information on what has and will occur for the Conservation Collier. He asked staff to
make sure that the rationale of rate neutral monies do not come in throughout and dispersal.
H. Other Agencies
1. Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Updates, Victoria Peters
Ms. Victoria provided a brief update. Ms. Victoria Peters said that FDOT requested an amount of 7
billion to help with projects including SR 29 and I-75 interstate. News was announced in a press
conference on Monday that funding will be received for these projects. The construction for the
Loop Road will starts in Spring 2027 and the New Market Rd up to SR 82 will also start in Spring
2027. She also informed members and staff on the Public Hearings that is held online for a week.
A work program is held to show community projects and the focus on the new Fiscal Year 29'. The
new Fiscal Year has new projects for the year 2025 through 2029 as well as progress of both current
and new projects. The online hearing will occur form October 16, 2023, through October 20, 2023.
An in -person meeting is held October 18, 2023, for two hours from 10 a.m. — 12 p.m. She said if
anyone is interested, she can provide the link to this information.
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Ms. Peters also provided information on the Oil Well Road earmark. She has spoken to the FDOT
safety person in looking into the type of crashes that occur in this road and addressing the area. She
said safety is looking into doing some sort of treatment in that area as well as reaching out to Collier
County staff to coordinate.
2. Other Community Agencies
Collier County Public Schools, Marlene Dimas
Ms. Marlene Dimas provided information on CCPS Strategic 5 Year Plan. They would like to
receive input from community members to help develop a strategic plan for 2024 — 2029. A survey
has been distributed to students and parents. A QR code can be scanned to take this survey. As of
right now, Immokalee has a low representation so they would really like to receive more input from
the Immokalee Community. Ms. Dimas informed members and community that questions will roll
out slowly with one question coming out in timed manner so that everyone has time to answer. A
suggestion was made to Ms. Dimas to distribute flyers and show a QR code at the Football games.
Ms. Dimas also provided information on the Learning Bus. She said the engine went down, but it
has been fixed. Currently the middle AC is not working so they are waiting to have that fixed, and
hopefully have it up and running in November.
Parks and Recreation, Randi Swinderman
Ms. Swinderman provided updates. She said that the Trunk or Treat event will occur on October
27, 2023, from 6 p.m. — 9 p.m. at the Immokalee Community Park. A contest will be held to see
who has the best trunk. She also provided information on the opening of the Big Corkscrew Island
Regional Park set to open on October 2, 2023, at 10 a.m.
Ms. Cherryle Thomas said that first time in 20 years, the snow gala has changed location and will
be held at 321 N 1st Street which is the Immokalee Community Park. She said the Snow Gala event
will be held on December 9, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. and will be open at 5 p.m. for vendors.
Ms. Swinderman said that they are still working on parking, they plan to work with the Immokalee
High School.
Immokalee Fire Department, Thomas Cunningham
Deputy Fire Chief, Thomas Cunningham, informed members on the final budget in place and
highlighted the growth in Immokalee and Ave Maria. He said that because of this growth, this year
they are planning to have 3 additional firefighters. He described that the growth of the communities
comes with personnel and modern modernization of the Fire Department, so a division of training
has been added. The 3 firefighters that will become a part of the Fire Department will be the first
added frontline firefighters in the district in nearly 10 years due to the numbers projected for the
upcoming years related to emergency calls. Mr. Cunningham elaborated on the difficult situation
made in 2018 to close the Carson Road Fire Station, However, the Fire Department will be working
in a partnership with Collier County EMS, so this station will be reopening hopefully by the end of
this Calendar Year.
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This will reduce response time around the area. He also informed members that they were awarded
a 2.65 million dollars, and how the original scope was to demolish and rebuild in the same site. The
fire chief has had discussions with county staff, management, and leadership about cohabiting on a
piece of property that is County owned in the same general area so that response time is not affected.
Fire Station 30 on Newmarket Road has been operational and is still in the nesting mode where the
crew is making it feel like home. Final touches are being made with the contractor as well as a plan
for a grand opening dedicated to this Station. He said that no official offer has been made for the
previous Fire Station 30. He elaborated on the boundary for the response of the Fires Station.
Collier County Sheriff's Office, Lee Van Gelder
Sheriff Lee Van Gelder said there is no major updates. He said that there are still issues when it
comes to covering some areas with traffic and how a couple of individuals have a few habits that
causes a couple of struggles for the Sheriffs. They perform as best as they can with these types of
situations.
I. Community Presentations
No Community Presentations.
J. Old Business.
1. Brief Staff Project updates
i. Immokalee Sidewalk Phase III — CPF Grant (Enclosure 12)
ICRA Project Manager, Yvonne Blair, informed both Advisory Board and Committee
Members that they would like to recommend authorization of the gap funding expenses for the
grant project shortages and authorization for Staff to proceed with the execution of the Grant
Agreement. She provided members a background on this project and said that this is Phase III,
Phases I and II were completed throughout 2018 - 2021. A quote approval has been done but
steps have to be completed with HUD to get actual confirmation on funding. Ms. Blair
informed members on the process that has been done as well as the Staffs future process to
receive confirmation on the approval of funding. She also said that they would like members
approval to present to the Board of County Commissioners to get their execution with the grant
agreement.
Mr. Mark Lemke asked Staff if sidewalks for Phases I and III were 6ft. Ms. Christie Betancourt
said that most of the sidewalks are 6 ft. However, Colorado Street was a bit more difficult due
to necessary stormwater improvements. Ms. Betancourt followed up and said that Staff is
recommending the CRA and MSTU Advisory Board to do a cost share for the amount
difference of construction and other miscellaneous expenses as shown on Enclosure 12.
Mr. Mike Facundo asked Ms. Betancourt when the amount of $987,000 was budgeted. Ms.
Betancourt informed Mr. Facundo that it was through the appropriations fund. Discussion was
made on the estimate given, what inflation has done, and whether hard and soft cost were
included when fund was appropriated.
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Ms. Anne Goodnight asked if utility lines need to be moved for drainage improvements, Ms.
Yvonne Blair said that some areas had drainage fixed. Ms. Betancourt followed up and said
that utility lines will be moved and that this has been coordinated with the Immokalee Water
& Sewer District.
After much discussion with the CRA Board and MSTU Committee, they made a motion to
proceed with the execution of the Grant Agreement and authorize the gap funding expenses for
the project shortages based on the current estimate of $1,232,085.50.
CRA Action: Mr. Mark Lemke made a motion to authorize staff to proceed with the execution of
the GrantAgreement and authorize the gap funding expenses for the project shortages based on the current
estimate of $1,232,085.50. Mr. Jonathan Argueta seconded the motion, and itpassed by unanimous vote.
9-0.
MSTUAction: Ms. Andrea Halman made a motion to authorize staff to proceed with the execution
of the Grant Agreement and authorize the gap funding expenses for the project shortages based on the
current estimate $1,232,085.50. Mr. David Turrubiartez Jr. seconded the motion, and it passed by
unanimous vote. 6-0.
Ms. Anne Goodnight said she would like to bring awareness to what happens when projects like
the one discussed does to Immokalee community members and how it affects those who live in
Immokalee.
ii. Immokalee Complete Street (TIGER Grant) (Enclosure 13)
Staff presented Enclosure 13, where Staff would like to recommend to the MSTU Committee
for the authorization of payment for the electrical utility expenses of street lighting in
Immokalee.
A background and analysis were provided with the mapping of the identification on the
intersection and continuous lighting as well as a map identifying all the light poles. After much
discussion the MSTU committee made a motion to approve the expense.
MSTUAction: Mr. David Turrubiartez made a motion to authorize staff to pay the utility expenses
for the 406 light poles installed as part of the TIGER Grant Project from the Immokalee Beautification
Municipal Service Taxing Unit (MSTU) and/or the Unincorporated County Area Municipal Service
Taxing Unit (MSTU). Ms. Andrea Halman seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 5-0.
iii. Main Street Corridor Streetscape Improvements Project (Enclosure 14)
Staff provided members a staff report to recommend that the CRA and MSTU Boards authorize
staff to put Johnson Engineering on hold on the Main Street Streetscape Project. Ms. Christie
Betancourt said that the CRA Director spoke briefly on the Loop Road Project receiving
funding so Staff would like to work with Johnson Engineering to come up with a plan for
modifying the task.
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Mr. Mark Lemke asked Staff on the amount spent for Johnson Engineering. Ms. Betancourt
provided Mark Lemke with the amount to date, which was $75, 947.35 and the contract amount
is for $212,005.98.
Mr. Jonathan Argueta asked Staff if the original timeline for Main Street will be pushed back
and asked what the timeline would be. Commissioner McDaniel reiterated that once the
construction of the Loop Road is complete then the County will work with FDOT to convert
Main Street to a county road.
CRA Action: Mr. Mark Lemke made a motion to authorize staff to put Johnson Engineering on
hold by issuing a Stop Work Notice until the evaluation of the SR29 Loop Road Project is defined. Mr.
Mike Facundo seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 9-0.
MSTUAction: Mr. David Turrubiartez Jr. made a motion to authorize staff to put Johnson
Engineering on hold by issuing a Stop Work Notice until the evaluation of the SR29 Loop Road project is
defined. Ms. Ana Estrella seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 5-0.
iv. #23-8144 Solicitation — Holiday Decorations (Enclosure 15, Added Enclosure 15)
Staff presented Enclosure 15 to recommend that the MSTU Committee authorize the budget for
Holiday Light and Decoration Rental and Installation Service in Immokalee. Discussion was
made on the background and analysis, action, and the project area where Holiday Decorations
are to be installed.
After much discussion on the past vendors and the work that was done, the MSTU Committee o
members made a motion to approve the expense. N
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MSTUAction: Ms. Cherryle Thomas made a motion to approve a Not -To -Exceed amount of $25,500 N
for Holiday Lights and Decoration Rental and Installation Services, to Light Er UP, LLC. Ms. Andrea o
Halman seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 5-0. y
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2. FRA Conference 2023 — Ponte Vedra Beach, FL (Enclosure 16)
Staff provided the 2023 FRA Conference Information. Ms. Betancourt said four CRA Board
Members can attend the FRA Conference this year. If anybody is interested in attending, they can c�
contact the office. Ms. Betancourt also said that for the upcoming year, Staff will request, if
allowed, that an MSTU Committee Member attend. E
3. Contractor Maintenance Report Q
i. A&M Property Maintenance
a. Maintenance Report & Schedule (Enclosure 17) (Time Certain at 9: 30 A.M.)
Staff provided a copy of the A&M Property Maintenance report and future schedule.
Staff informed members that A&M old contract has ended, which was a 5-year, 3 year
and 2-year renewable.
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On August 13, 2023, A&M was awarded the new contract, which is for the 3 year and
2-year renewable. Staff asked members to view the bid tab and review what A&M
staff provided on the proposal for the services that will be provided or needed.
A&M Staff, Armando Yzaguirre, said that everything has stayed the same and is going
according to schedule. He said a few things have been added like the small cemetery
and the new sign. He also informed members on 3 different runovers and explained on
how the plants on the medians are starting to get a bit spotty on certain spots. He said
he will wait to hear the boards suggestions on how to proceed with this matter.
Ms. Christie Betancourt informed members that a breakdown has been given for
services to be done. The CRA will take on the maintenance of Zocalo Park starting
October 1st. The park has been maintained by Park and Recreation since it was
constructed in 2015. She said base plus pruning is $29,120 annually, which does not
include any incidental work.
The total amount including the Zocalo Park ($29,120), Weekly Cleaning ($15,600),
and the MSTU regular contract ($234,439) is $279,159 not including incidental work.
Ms. Betancourt said that Cemetery is included but not the incidental work so staff will
bring this item to the next meeting and provide a quote and receive guidance on what
do in a short, mid, and long term. Staff is coordinating this matter with the Museum
and the Tribe.
After much discussion with board and committee members on a couple of examples in
regard to incidental services the CRA Board and MSTU Committee agreed to share
cost for Zocalo expenses.
CRA Action: Mr. Mike Facundo made a motion to share the cost of the Maintenance of the Zocalo
Plaza with the Immokalee Beautification MSTU Advisory Committee. Mr. Jonathan Argueta seconded
the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 9-0.
MSTUAction: Mr. David Turrubiartez Jr. made a motion to share the cost of the Maintenance of
the Zocalo Plaza with the Immokalee Local Redevelopment Advisory Board. Ms. Andrea Halman.
seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 6-0.
Mr. Richard Eckstein provided a comment on this Agenda Item. He suggested to plant
a lot of trees in the community. He provided an example of a type of tree to look into
and said that this suggestion can help bring a lot of tourism. He said that one main
concern would be on how to grow these trees with no chemicals and pesticides. He
provided a solution. He informed members on a solution that it's a plant -based
derivative with no chemicals and that it is natural.
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He suggested that he'll donate 2 to 4 tons of his fertilizer if a tree planting program is
made and will be free at no cost to the community.
4. Advisory Board
Mr. Jonathan Argueta announced that this will be his last meeting as a CRA Board Member. He
will be working and living in Fort Myers. He thanked everyone for allowing him to be on the Board
and Ms. Goodnight and Dr. Nappo for teaching him a lot in a very short period of time. He said
Immokalee will always be his home and he will try his best to attend future meetings. Staff and
members thanked Mr. Argueta for participating and wished him luck in his future endeavors.
Staff asked members to appoint a new Vice -Chair since Mr. Argueta is the appointed Vice -Chair
After discussion the board nominated Mr. Mark Lemke to take on the Vice -Chair role.
CRA Action: Ms. Patricia Anne Goodnight nominated Mark Lemke as Vice- Chair for the
Immokalee Local Redevelopment Advisory Board. Mr. Edward "Ski" Olesky seconded the nomination,
and it passed by unanimous vote. 9-0.
K. New Business.
No new business.
L. Citizen Comments
Mr. Greg Oravec informed members that the Catholic Charities transaction did close in the Summer. He
congratulated everyone who took part in this effort. He said roughly around $594,000 went into cash
carry forwards that is available for future projects.
He also said that he met with LCEC in regard to Dreamland Park in relocating of the utility pole, he hopes
to have some ideas and proposals moving forward in next couple of meetings.
He also thanked the Commissioner and Marshall in road maintenance, Road Maintenance acknowledged
that the pedestrian overpass needs cleaning, and it will be done in the next Fiscal year. Unfortunately,
the art on the pedestrian overpass will be negatively impacted but Staff is looking to figure out how to
redo that beautiful art and seal it and protect it.
He also informed members that Staff had a great meeting with Immokalee Water and Sewer District and
hope to continue working together.
Commissioner McDaniel said that it is a well-known fact that the County is looking to purchase the
Williams Farm. He would like to express his apologies to the coaches with pop warner and Coach Manny
Touron. A procedural process was in place to swap 2 of the 3 fields at the Sports Complex to artificial
turf. The change was made internally by Staff this year, and no one had discussed this with him. He was
made aware after on the issues presented in this Sports Complex, such as the storm water issues and
zoning. A breakdown in communication was present and it will not happen twice. He informed members
that the Williams Farm is being looked into for this direly needed field space for the community.
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Mr. Edward "Ski" Olesky made a comment on whether Solar Power has been looked into for lights. Mr.
Greg Oravec said he will ask the County if they have evaluated them. Mr. Oravec also informed Mr. Ski
that there is a small provision in the Land Development Code as it exists so that the right tree is at the
right place. This will be noted for the consultant who is currently working on the LDC for Immokalee.
M. Next Meeting
The CRA and MSTU Board will be meeting jointly Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 8:30 A.M. at
CareerSource SWFL.
N. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 11:10 A.M.
* Zoom Meeting chat is attached to the minutes for the record.
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26.A.3
Zoom Chat
September 27, 2023 Joint CRA & MSTU Hrbrid Public Meeting
00:57:53 Sarah Harrington: The survey was offered in English and
Spanish
00:57:53 Teo Alviar: Good Morning, I have to leave the meeting, but
would like an update on Item 13, Enclosure 4.
What was discussed/decided at the 9/12/2023 BCC meeting?
If no movement or updates, what can the citizens affected do to help keep this
subject from falling through the cracks?
If the update can be e-mailed to me later, it would be great. Thanks!
00:58:06 Teo Alviar: I took the survey and it is offered in other
languages
01:15:05 Christie Betancourt: Teo if we don't get to the item. I will
email you updates.
01:18:00 Teo Alviar: Thanks!
01:26:48 Christie Betancourt: Any Agency on Zoom that wants to update?
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26.A.3
Collier County Community Redevelopment Agency
IMMOKALEE CRA,
i The Place to Call Home
Certification of Minutes Approval Form
�Prepared by:
Christie Betancourt, Program Manager
Immokalee Community Redevelopment Agency
Approved by:
Alu-..
Patricia Anne Goodnight, Chair&
The iMinutes for the September 27, 2023, 2023, CRA Advisory Board was approved by the
CRA Advisory Board on October 1.8, 2023, as presented.
The next meeting will be a CRA Advisory Board meeting and will be held on November 15, 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: Immokalce 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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