Immokalee MSTU Minutes 01/24/2024
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MINUTES
Meeting of the Collier County Community Redevelopment Agency Immokalee MSTU Advisory Committee
on January 24, 2024. 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 MSTU Chair Andrea Halman at 8:39 A.M.
B. Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence.
MSTU Chair Andrea Halman 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 MSTU board.
MSTU Advisory Committee Members Present in Person:
Andrea Halman, Bernardo Barnhart, Cherryle Thomas, and David Turrubiartez Jr.
MSTU Advisory Committee Members Present via Zoom:
Christina Guerrero (9:14 A.M.).
MSTU Advisory Committee Members Absent/Excused:
Norma Garcia.
Others Present in Person:
Armando Yzaguirre and Commissioner Bill McDaniel.
Others Present via Zoom:
Joseph Brister, Melissa Silva, and Taylor Jaskulski.
Staff Present in Person: Christie Betancourt, Yvonne Blair, and Yuridia Zaragoza.
D. Voting Privileges for Board Members via Zoom.
Staff announced they may have an MSTU board member join by Zoom.
MSTU Action: Mr. David Turrubiartez Jr. made a motion to allow board members on Zoom
privileges. Ms. Cherryle Thomas seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 4-0.
E. Approval of Agenda.
Staff presented the Agenda to the boards for approval. Agenda was approved as presented.
MSTU Action: Mr. David Turrubiartez Jr. made a motion to approve the Agenda as presented. Ms.
Cherryle Thomas seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 4-0.
F. Approval of Consent Agenda
1. Minutes
i. Joint CRA & MSTU Advisory Board Meeting for December 13, 2023 (Enclosure 1)
2. Budget Reports (Enclosure 2)
3. Code Enforcement Report (Enclosure 3)
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4. Staff Reports
i. Program Manager Report (Enclosure 4)
ii. Project Manager Report (Enclosure 5)
iii. Project Manager Observation Field Report (Enclosure 6)
iv. Community Meetings (Enclosure 7)
MSTU Action: Mr. David Turrubiartez Jr. made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as
presented. Ms. Andrea Halman seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 4 -0.
G. Announcements.
1. Public Comments speaker slips
CRA Staff reiterated the public 3-minute speaker slip policy. The committee will give more time
if they feel it necessary.
2. Communications Folder
Staff reviewed the communications folder with the committee and members of the public. The
folder contained the public notice for the MSTU meeting, 2024 Calendar for the CRA & MSTU
Public Meetings, and the Immokalee Transportation Network that was approved by the Board of
Collier County Commissioners.
Staff also provided the public notice on the Government Contractors Roundtable Discussion held
on January 25, 2023, at the CareerSource located in Immokalee. Local Businesses will have the
opportunity to learn more about the requirements in entering the government (Federal, State or
Local) contractor sector. Staff sent information to board members.
Staff will share a link to Board Members for the Immokalee Transportation Network Plan.
H. Other Agencies
1. Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Commissioner McDaniel
Commissioner Bill McDaniel provided brief updates on FDOT. He informed the committee and
community members that the Moving Florida Forward Initiative budget was approved. The Loop
Road and the 4 lane on SR29 project is moving forward. He will see if specific dates can be provided
on the progress of these projects. He also informed everyone in attendance on the progress for the
Roundabout project on Camp Keais Road. About 11 million dollars had been appropriated for this
project. He also said that he was informed on the construction start time on SR82 correlating near
the wildlife crossing that is set to start in Summer 2024.
Ms. Andrea Halman asked if there is a better idea on the timeline for the start of construction of the
Loop Road construction, since she was informed that the construction for the Loop Road was
supposed begin earlier but is now set to start in 2027. Commissioner McDaniel informed Ms.
Halman that the Loop Road was a dream for the community, however, it was not funded. He went
over the progress and efforts that were done so that this project was able to receive the funding
needed. He said that once the Loop Road is constructed, the current right of way on SR29 will be
given to the County. Discussion can then be done on how to better Main Street.
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Staff briefly discussed on the Loop Road name. Staff will update name on the Project Status.
2. Other Community Agencies
None.
I. Community Presentations
Staff announced that in the next CRA Meeting, a new housing developer will be presenting for the Casa
San Juan Diego, where development is to be located at Hancock Street and Boston Ave. They are
proposing a multi-use field and either a basketball or pickleball court.
Staff and committee members briefly discussed the TIGER Project. The County provided funding of
about 3 million to help with this direly needed infrastructure for the Immokalee community. Staff will
provide a TIGER project monthly update or ask for any update from those who are in charge of the
project.
J. Old Business.
1. Contractor Maintenance Reports
i. A&M Property Maintenance Report & Schedule (Enclosure 8a)
Staff provided information on Enclosure 8a. The report and schedule shows what was
completed for the month of December 2023. Also provided was the work that was completed
at the Immokalee Zocalo Plaza for January and what is set to be done for the month of
February.
ii. A&M Property Maintenance Invoices (Enclosure 8b)
Staff provided brief information on Enclosure 8b. The estimates and invoices for all the work
that was done for the Christmas Holiday. A&M staff was able to complete some work in the
Cemetery. Staff will provide pictures in the next meeting. Commissioner McDaniel
expressed concern on the excessive weather and asked if there has been any problems that
have occurred in sites like the Cemetery. Staff and A&M Staff said there has been excessive
rain but there are no major concerns.
iii. A&M Property Maintenance Estimates (Enclosure 8c)
A&M Staff provided updates. Staff said that work schedule has been great . Staff informed
everyone in attendance that on First Street many plants are missing due to the many runovers
that have occurred. Staff informed committee that they should start to think about what the
next steps are to help in this matter and if replanting is the best option. Commiss ioner
McDaniel asked that Staff consider inverting medians to help lessen occurrences like
runovers. He provided brief information on the Pilot Program.
CRA staff provided brief information on what Staff have been looking to do to improve the
banner arms. A&M staff and committee members had a discussion on the current condition
of the light pole’s banner arms, the invoice for the banner arms, and where the funding will
be coming from. Staff informed committee members that funding will be coming from the
Immokalee MSTU Fund (1629).
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Invoice #1465 is for incidental work that includes the fabrication and installation of
aluminum pipes and poles to hold banners (including painting) for the amount of $14,995.
A&M Staff will be fabricating and installing about 15 poles. CRA Staff informed everyone
in attendance that most of the work will be done off site.
A&M staff and committee members had a discussion on the current condition of the light
pole’s banner arms. the invoice for the banner arms, and where the funding will be coming
from. Staff informed committee members that funding will be coming from the Immokalee
MSTU Fund (1629). Invoice #1465 is for incidental work that includes the fabrication and
installation of aluminum pipes and poles to hold banners (including painting) for the amount
of $14,995. A&M Staff will be fabricating and installing about 15 poles. CRA Staff informed
everyone in attendance that most of the work will be done off site.
A&M Staff informed CRA staff and board members that the work will be done in a timely
manner and that it will take about 30 days for fabrication.
Mr. David Turrubiartez asked if there is an alternative option for the light pole numbers and
have decal signs instead. A&M Staff said that this is something staff might want to consider,
since poles are much older, and paint can be visible for a certain time. CRA staff said they
will provide information on decal signs for the streetlight poles.
After much discussion from board members and A&M staff, the board made a motion.
MSTU Action: Mr. David Turrubiartez Jr. made a motion to approve A&M Property Maintenance,
LLC Estimate #1465 – Incidental work which includes fabrication and installation of aluminum pipes and
poles to hold banner (includes painting) at a not-to-exceed amount of $14,995. Ms. Cherryle Thomas
seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous. 5-0.
2. Brief Staff Project Update
i. Immokalee Sidewalk Project Phase III Eustis Ave. and W. Delaware Ave. (Enclosure 9)
CRA Staff provided an update on the progress for the Immokalee Sidewalk Phase III Project
in Eustis Ave. and W Delaware Ave. This project will help with improving the sidewalks and
drainage in the area. A brief history was given on the selected vendor for the design and
permitting for this project. Agnoli, Barber and Brundage (ABB) was selected. The CRA had
tentatively been awarded federal appropriations grants funds for the construction of the project.
An Environmental Review on the location has been done on the location where the construction
will be done and there is no significant environmental impact. Staff is currently waiting on the
final fully Executed Grant Agreement from HUD, that has been executed by the Board of
Collier County Commissioners’ Chairman and Clerk of Courts.
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ii. Panther Crossing Welcome Sign (Enclosure 10)
Staff provided a background information and progress on the Panther Crossing Welcome Sign
near the Farm Workers Village. Staff is currently monitoring the County Contractor’s
activities on their steps for a final inspection to close the permit and complete the project.
Staff also provided pictures to show progress.
iii. Holiday Decorations (Enclosure 11)
Staff provided an update on the current progress for the Holiday Decorations and the
occurrences that happened for the 2023 Holiday Decorations. Staff were able to get a
solicitation for a Holiday Vendor on the Holiday Decorations for the Zocalo Plaza and the
Right of Way in the Immokalee Area. The Solicitation was done in a partnership with
Bayshore CRA and Pelican Bay. Due to an unforeseen circumstance, the Vendor notified
Immokalee CRA and partnership organization that they would not be able to do the work. Due
to the Immokalee CRA holding the 10th Annual Tree lighting, Staff decided to purchase a real
tree and hired A&M to do the decoration. Garland was not done for the 2023 Holiday
Decoration. Staff will be providing more information next meeting on the Solicitation they
plan on doing just for the Immokalee Area in regard to the Holiday Decorations. Staff
provided information on the cost breakdown of the Holiday Decorations.
Staff also would like to provide a breakdown on the replacement of holiday decoration that
go on the light poles. Wreathes were replaced last year. CRA staff, A&M staff, and committee
members discussed the current condition on the Holiday Decoration and asked if committee
members would like to wait to replace until the next fiscal year. The breakdown of replacing
the bells will be provided at the next meeting. Discussion was also made on the possibly of
having a sponsor for the Annual Tree Lighting.
3. Strategic Planning Program
i. Accomplishments (Enclosure 12a)
Staff provided brief information on Enclosure 12a. Staff presented the Immokalee CRA 23
Years In Review at the Interagency Meeting. The 23 Years In Review showed the
accomplishments and progress of the Immokalee CRA for the last 23 years.
ii. Vision (Enclosure 12b)
Staff provided an update to committee members. An overview was given on what occurred at
the Strategic Planning Session at the Joint CRA and MSTU Meeting on December 13, 2023.
The Vision Statement was discussed. The Board members provided 3 Vision Statements in
the last planning session. A staff report was shared by email to those who participated in the
Strategic Planning Session. In the CRA Meeting held on January 17, 2024, staff made a
recommendation to Board members to move forward and choose one of the three statements
that were given. After much discussion, the CRA Board made a motion to go with Vision
Statement #3 with a minor change. The Vision Statement chosen is “To be a thriving rural
community, to live, work, and play.”
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iii. Prioritization List (Enclosure 12c)
Staff informed Committee members that a prioritization list was given to the CRA Board, and
they have made the decision to keep the same priorities as last year. Staff would like to know
if the committee members would also like to keep their priorities the same as last years. Staff
has been tasked to make a spreadsheet with all the projects, the cost, and who is funding the
projects. Staff reviewed the list and provided a brief background, funding resource, and
current progress on each project. Staff informed members that Lake Trafford has moved up
on the list due to the Community outreach for lighting as well as the progress that may occur
around the area. Staff informed Committee members that there are currently two projects
already in the works by the County. A Sidewalk improvement project and Stormwater
Improvement Project.
Discussion was made on the Fields of Dream Initiative moving up the list due to need of sport
fields. Staff would like to bring a Staff Report in a future meeting. Commissioner McDaniel
said it would be best to remember that if this Initiative is a top priority, then funding must go
towards the initiative, not a specific project for the sport fields. Mr. Armando Yzaguirre also
reminded Staff that the Fellowship Church is open to discuss on the sports field. The Church
has made some progress to help with providing the sports field. Committee members made
discussion on the current fields and what the use is for certain fields.
4. Advisory Board Vacancy (Enclosure 13)
Staff informed everyone in attendance that there is a vacancy for the MSTU Committee. Staff said
that everyone is welcomed to share this information. Staff provided information on requirements to
join and how to apply. If a participant is representing a business or organization, then a letter has to
be sent from that business or organization.
K. New Business
1. 2024-2025 Grant Cycle - First Street Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project Grant Application
(Enclosure 14)
Staff informed Committee members that a Pre-Application was done for the construction funds for
the First Street Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project.
L. Citizen Comments
Ms. Cherryle Thomas asked who the point of contact is for the TIGER project, she has heard a few
complaints from neighbors. Staff said they will send her the contact information.
Mr. David Turrubiartez Jr. asked if there is a mosquito control located in Immokalee. Mr. Turrubiartez
asked Staff if they can invite a staff member to attend a future meeting to provide updates. Staff said they
will try to get a staff report or have a staff give an update. Commissioner McDaniel said that they have
an interactive system where everyone can see updates and send in requests, if needed. Mr. Turrubiartez
also asked if Staff could look into doing a program to decorate panel boxes. Discussion was made on
what can possibly be done for this Item. Staff said they would bring this up as an Agenda Item in the next
MSTU meeting.
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Staff said that they hope to have an update at the next meeting on the Panther Pass, Staff would like to
see if pass can be pressure washed and painted. Mural will be redone by elementary students and CRA
Staff will cover the cost of paint.
Ms. Cherryle Thomas said she has enjoyed organizing and coordinating the Christmas Around the World
Parade and Gala event for the last 27 years, but she has stepped down and has given this task to Ms.
Melissa Silva. The name has been changed to the Cherryle Thomas Christmas Around the World Parade
and Gala.
Ms. Melissa Silva left a comment on the Zoom Chat. She wrote that The Immokalee Eastern Chamber of
Commerce is working on a Strategic Plan and would like for Staff and everyone in attendance to
participate.
Ms. Andrea Halman said she would like for Ms. Christie Betancourt to be part of the Leadership Collier.
M. Next Meeting Date
The MSTU Committee will be meeting Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at 8:30 A.M. at CareerSource
SWFL.
N. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 10:20 A.M.
* Zoom Meeting chat is attached to the minutes for the record.
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Zoom Chat
January 24, 2024 Immokalee MSTU Hybrid Public Meeting
00:55:41 Taylor Jaskulski: It's hard to hear whoever is speaking right
now. They sound very quiet.
00:56:20 Melissa Silva: I agree. Difficult to hear Yvonne
00:56:32 Christina Guerrero: It sounds unclear,
00:57:14 Christina Guerrero: I still can't clearly make out what she is
saying
01:01:16 Yuridia Zaragoza: Is the sound better?
01:03:21 Melissa Silva: You are clear but Yvonne wasn't :)
01:03:22 Christina Guerrero: YOu are clear
01:03:44 Christina Guerrero: sorry having difficulty opening chat to
type
01:03:58 Christina Guerrero: Yvonne still sounds the same though
01:04:52 Christina Guerrero: Maybe its her mic
01:29:32 Christina Guerrero: Can't hear anything form who jsut spoke
01:30:19 Taylor Jaskulski: Agree, cant hear them either
01:46:12 Melissa Silva: The chamber is currently working on a three‐year
strategic plan. I would like to schedule a meeting with Christie to discuss how we
can support or partner this year and in the coming years.
01:50:14 Yuridia Zaragoza: Melissa, thank you for the update. We will
reach out to schedule a meeting.
01:54:13 Melissa Silva: I have HUGE shoes to fill
01:57:00 Christina Guerrero: Thank you
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