Immokalee CRA Minutes 01/17/2024
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MINUTES
Meeting of the Collier County Community Redevelopment Agency Immokalee Local Redevelopment
Advisory Board on January 17, 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 CRA Chair Mark Lemke at 8:30 A.M.
B. Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer.
Mark Lemke led the Pledge of Allegiance and Mike Facundo led the opening 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:
Mark Lemke, Mike Facundo, Andrea Halman, Frank Nappo, Estil Null, and Edward “Ski” Olesky.
CRA Advisory Board Members Present via Zoom:
Lupita Vazquez Reyes.
CRA Advisory Board Members Absent/Excused:
Patricia Anne Goodnight and Yvar Pierre.
Others Present in Person:
Misty Smith, Illiana Montez, Victoria Peters, and Commissioner Bill McDaniel.
Others Present via Zoom:
Carrie Williams, Cristina Perez, Daniel Flynn, Ken Gallander, Laura Tefft, Maria Rueda, Marlene Dimas,
Melissa Silva, Reggie Wilson, and Sloan Nagy.
Staff Present in Person: Christie Betancourt, Yvonne Blair, and Yuridia Zaragoza.
D. Voting Privileges for Board Members via Zoom.
Staff announced that they have a CRA board member on Zoom.
CRA Action: Mr. Edward “Ski” Olesky made a motion to allow board members on zoom privileges. Mr.
Estil Null seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 6-0.
E. Approval of Agenda.
Staff presented the Agenda to the board for approval. Agenda was approved as presented.
CRA Action: Mr. Edward “Ski” Olesky made a motion to approve the Agenda as presented. Mr.
Estil Null 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 13, 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. Community Meetings (Enclosure 6)
5. Zocalo Maintenance Report (Enclosure 7)
Staff presented the Consent Agenda for the board for approval.
The Neighborhood Company (TNCo) provided an update on the Land Development Code (LDC) for
Immokalee. Ms. Laura Tefft provided board and members of the public the current progress that Staff have
done for the LDC to implement the Immokalee Area Master Plan. The Neighborhood Company Staff have
drafted the language for the LDC and have met with CRA Staff and Growth Management Staff to review the
first section of updates so that Staff can move forward with the Development Standards. Staff plan to finalize
the LDC language within the next two weeks so that CRA Staff and Growth Management Staff can review it
and go to Collier County Legal for review. Staff goal is to hold a public workshop in March. Once they have
comments from the subject matter experts and legal, they hope to present to the Development Service
Advisory Committee in April. After this process is complete, Staff will then follow up with the County Growth
Management Staff, who will then take it to the Board of Collier County Commissioners for final approval.
Board members and Staff discussed the timeline and review process for the LDC. Staff provided a brief
overview on the adjustments they are hoping to implement for the LDC. Staff said they have made some
adjustments with the overlay area. Staff is looking to address certain development standards such as
landscaping, parking requirements, and much more. Staff said they will provide a packet before the Public
Workshop, so that board and public members may review and provide comments.
Commissioner McDaniel provided insight on the goal of updating the LDC for Immokalee. The goal is to
have a standard and development criteria that can be looked at by the Community to make sure that it fits into
the characteristics of what the community believes it should look like.
After much discussion on what date works best for the Public Workshop, and Staff informing members that
the date and time will be given soon. The board members made a motion.
The Consent Agenda was approved as presented.
CRA Action: Mr. Edward “Ski” Olesky made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as
presented. Mr. Estil Null seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 7 -0.
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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 the CRA 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 announced that a housing developer, who is working with the Casa San Juan Diego, will be
presenting in February’s meeting. They will be presenting an update on the Project and show
updated renderings.
H. Other Agencies.
1. Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Victoria Peters
Ms. Victoria Peters provided brief updates. She received a call from a community member in regard
to a sign near Alligator Alley, coming back from Miami. The sign only has Ave Maria listed but
the community member would also like to have a sign for Immokalee, so others are aware of the
direction to go to get to Immokalee. Ms. Peters has sent a request to have Immokalee added into the
sign. She will provide an update as soon as she receives information. She has also sent a request to
have a turn signal on Immokalee Drive.
Commissioner McDaniel asked Ms. Victoria Peters if she can give regular updates on the Moving
Florida Forward Initiative and the completion of SR 82 (4-lane). He wants to make sure updates are
provided to this Organization.
2. Other Community Agencies
Immokalee Water and Sewer District, Misty Smith
Ms. Misty Smith informed everyone in attendance that the Immokalee Water and Sewer District
Board has cancelled their January board meeting. She also provided information on the Special
District Legislative form.
Code Enforcement, Cristina Perez
Ms. Cristina Perez provided information in regard to a code for signs. She said there is a square
footage limitation. There is a limitation on the size and number of signs can be placed in specific
location. She also informed everyone in attendance that code enforcement will accept anonymous
complaints for the purpose of an individual’s health and safety welfare.
I. Community Presentations.
None.
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Packet Pg. 379 Attachment: CRA Minutes - 01.17.24 (28192 : Immokalee CRA Advisory Board - February 21, 2024)
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J. Old Business.
1. Brief Staff Project Update
i. Immokalee Sidewalk Project Phase III Eustis Ave. and W. Delaware Ave. (Enclosure 8)
CRA Staff provided an update on the progress for the Immokalee Sidewalk Phase III project.
Staff said this project will consist of constructing 6-foot-wide concrete sidewalks as well as
drainage improvements. The CRA had been awarded federal appropriations grants funds for
the construction portion of the project. Staff have processed a Solicitation Worksheet with
Procurement Services to proceed with the Invitation to Bid for the construction of the project
upon receipt of Authorization to Use Funds issued by HUD. 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. As soon as Agreement is
received, Staff will proceed with the Advertisement. Staff provided an overview of the process
that has been done such as the Environmental Review on the location of where construction
will be done.
2. Strategic Planning Program
i. Accomplishments (Enclosure 9a)
Staff provided details on Enclosure 9a, which is a 23-year review on the Immokalee CRA. The
information provided in this review is what has been accomplished in the 22 years with the
Redevelopment Plan and one year with the new Redevelopment Plan that was implemented in
2022.
ii. Vision (Enclosure 9b)
Enclosure 9b is a Staff Report that was shared by email to the Immokalee Local
Redevelopment Advisory (CRA) Board and others who participated in the Strategic Planning
Session in the last meeting. The Vision Statement for the 2022 Immokalee CRA
Redevelopment Plan was discussed. There were 3 Vision Statements given in the last planning
session. Staff made a recommendation to Board members to move forward and choose one of
the three Vision Statements given.
Mr. Mark Lemke said he thinks the best option is Group 3 Vision Statement. He believes the
Vision Statement incorporates all that was said in the first 2 Group Statements. Mr. Mike
Facundo provided his feedback as to why he believes thriving community should be a part of
the Vision Statement so that it’s not specific to just one action.
Community member, Illiana Montez, provided her comment on why rural is important to have
in the Vision Statement. She said this helps RCMA with grant opportunities.
After much discussion on using the word rural community in the Vision Statement. The Board
made a motion.
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CRA Action: Ms. Andrea Halman made a motion to have the updated Vision Statement “To be a
thriving rural community, to live, work, and play.” be incorporated into the 2022 amended Immokalee
Community Redevelopment Plan. Mr. Mike Facundo seconded the motion, and it passed anonymously
vote. 7-0.
iii. Prioritization List (Enclosure 9c)
Enclosure 9c was provided to County Staff. It’s a list of the Immokalee CRA priorities. The
priorities brought forward are either funded or is seeking funding. Staff would like to hear the
Board members comments on the prioritization list . Staff will provide this list again but with
the dollar amounts in the next meeting, however, Staff asked Board if they agree on the current
ranking order.
Staff reviewed the list and a provided a brief background, funding resource, and current
progress on each item. Staff informed everyone in attendance that a draft budget will be given
to show the cost in improving the Historic Cemetery that is located on Main Street. Discussion
was made on Lake Trafford moving up the list due to the Community Outreach for lighting in
that area. Staff said there is currently two projects already in the works by the County. A
sidewalk improvement project and a stormwater improvement project. Staff said that it has not
been easy due to Staff turnover, but they have been trying to coordinate, so that Staff is
informed on these important projects. Staff also informed Board members that Catholic
Charities will provide an update in March or April.
Ms. Andrea Halman provided a comment on housing for individuals. She said that there is no
housing for single men. Staff also provided a comment on the need for senior housing.
Mr. Frank Nappo provided a comment on the scenario that occurred when running Immokalee
Housing and Family Services. Residents were subleasing to single men and using their garages
so that people can rent. He said that teenagers and young adults have replaced the older single
men.
Staff reiterated and informed board members that they will bring back a budget for the projects
and also provide information on who is doing the project.
K. New Business
1. 2024-2025 Grant Cycle – First Street Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project Grant Application
(Enclosure 10)
Staff informed everyone in attendance that the application for the CDBG HUD Funding and Ship
Grant Cycle opened on January 9, 2024, and closes January 19, 2024. Staff has a draft application
that they will be submitting. Staff provided a brief overview on the process that will occur after the
application is submitted.
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Packet Pg. 381 Attachment: CRA Minutes - 01.17.24 (28192 : Immokalee CRA Advisory Board - February 21, 2024)
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L. Citizen Comments
Ms. Andrea Halman has concerns with a couple of community members using different areas of their
home to put in extra people. Commissioner McDaniel informed Ms. Andrea Halman to contact him. He
asked Staff to make a note on this matter and to look into having this matter addressed in the chapter for
Immokalee in the Land Development Code so the criteria is established.
Commissioner McDaniel informed everyone in attendance that he is currently working with code
enforcement in regard to a couple of restaurants in town that have been dropping containers on vacant
lots and are using these containers as a food truck. If anyone sees anything in regard to this matter, they
may send in a 311 request or call his office.
Mr. Mark Lemke asked on the sign ordinance. He said that the new In and Out drive thru sign looks like
a billboard. He asked if the signage is way too much compared to others. Ms. Misty Smith said she asked
The Neighborhood Company during the workshop held on October 4, 2023, on signage compliance.
There is a limited control on signage compliance. Commissioner McDaniel said there is an Ordinance in
place in regard to signs. He informed members to send him an email so that he can reach out to County
Staff in regard to this matter.
Ms. Andrea Halman asked for an update from Adopt-A-Road. Staff informed Ms. Halman that they
would follow up and see if an update on the listing of the roads can be provided as well as the current
status on the program.
Commissioner McDaniel provided information on the Ordinance that the Boards of Collier County
Commissioners passed on the MSTU created for Unpaved Private Road Emergency Repair, where
County staff delineated close to 15 miles of roads in deplorable conditions. It’s a work in progress.
Commissioner McDaniel also invited everyone to attend a ceremony that will be held on February 28,
2024, at 3:00 P.M. at the Global Flight Training Solutions facility near the airport. He complimented the
facility and said that it a huge success for the community. He invited everyone to view this facility.
Overall, he is excited on the progress that is being made. He also informed everyone in attendance that
there is a unsolicited offer from a private company, he is excited to see how this offer goes.
M. Next Meeting Date.
The CRA Board will be meeting Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at 8:30 A.M. at CareerSource SWFL.
N. Adjournment.
Meeting adjourned at 10:01 A.M.
* Zoom Meeting chat is attached to the minutes for the record.
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Packet Pg. 382 Attachment: CRA Minutes - 01.17.24 (28192 : Immokalee CRA Advisory Board - February 21, 2024)
Zoom Chat
January 17, 2024 Immokalee CRA Hybrid Public Meeting
00:24:36 Lupita Vazquez Reyes: I have the same question about input from
us on the Board, at what point could we also engage?
00:27:53 Lupita Vazquez Reyes: Are the local Seminole tribe having any
input?
00:31:06 Lupita Vazquez Reyes: What dates are being proposed in March? Is
it during CCPS spring break? Many are traveling during that time?
00:33:04 Ken Gallander: We will certainly coordinate the meeting date in
March to find a date that will allow as many people attend. We will look at when
CCPS spring break is. Thanks.
00:43:11 Lupita Vazquez Reyes: Who approved that change?
00:46:44 Lupita Vazquez Reyes: Is the Ave population now larger than
Immokalee? Would that have guided the change to the sign?
01:07:19 Lupita Vazquez Reyes: I would still think it’s important to keep
rural vs small. I like #2
01:09:12 Lupita Vazquez Reyes: I’m not opposed to 3 w that change
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Packet Pg. 383 Attachment: CRA Minutes - 01.17.24 (28192 : Immokalee CRA Advisory Board - February 21, 2024)
26.A.3Packet Pg. 384Attachment: CRA Minutes - 01.17.24 (28192 : Immokalee CRA Advisory Board - February 21, 2024)