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Immokalee MSTU Minutes 09/25/2024 Meeting of the Collier County Community Redevelopment Agency Immokalee Beautification Municipal Service Taxing Unit (MSTU) Advisory Committee. AGENDA Hybrid Remote Public Meeting (*Please see details below) Immokalee CRA 750 South 5th Street CareerSource SWFL Immokalee, FL 34142 239.867.0025 September 25, 2024 – 8:30 A.M. A. Call to Order B. Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence C. Roll Call and Announcement of a Quorum D. Voting Privileges for Board Members via Zoom (Action Item) E. Approval of Agenda (Action Item) F. Approval of Consent Agenda (Action Item) 1. Minutes i. MSTU Advisory Board Meeting for August 28, 2024 (Enclosure 1) 2. Budget Reports (Enclosure 2) 3. Code Enforcement Report (Enclosure 3) 4. Staff Reports i. Assistant Director (Enclosure 4) ii. Project Manager Report (Enclosure 5) iii. Project Manager Field Observation Report (Enclosure 6) iv. Community Meetings (Enclosure 7) G. Announcements 1. Public Comment speaker slips 2. Communications Folder H. Other Agencies 1. FDOT updates 2. Other Community Agencies I. Community Presentations J. Old Business 1. Contractor Maintenance Reports i. A&M Property Maintenance Report & Schedule (Enclosure 8) 2. MSTU Advisory Board Vacancy update (Enclosure 9) 3. FRA Conference 2024 – Tampa, FL update 4. Brief Staff project update i. Main Street Improvements update ii. Panther Crossing Bridge Improvements update 5. Strategic Planning Program Final (Enclosure 10) 6. FY25 Budget (Enclosure 11) CRA Board Commissioner William McDaniel Jr. Co-Chair District 5 Commissioner Dan Kowal Co-Chair District 4 Commissioner Burt L. Saunders District 3 Commissioner Chris Hall District 2 Commissioner Rick LoCastro District 1 CRA Advisory Board Mark Lemke Chairman Anne Goodnight Vice-Chair Mike Facundo Andrea Halman Estil Null Edward “Ski” Olesky Yvar Pierre Lupita Vazquez Reyes MSTU Advisory Committee Andrea Halman Chairman Bernardo Barnhart Vice- Chair Cherryle Thomas David Turrubiartez Jr. CRA Staff John Dunnuck CRA Director Christie Betancourt CRA Assistant Director Yvonne Blair Project Manager Yuridia Zaragoza Administrative Assistant 25.A.b Packet Pg. 608 Attachment: MSTU Agenda - 09.25.24 (29958 : Immokalee MSTU Advisory Board - September 25, 2024) 2 7. Budget Priorities (Enclosure 12) K. New Business L. Citizen Comments M. Next Meeting Date The CRA and MSTU Board will be meeting Jointly on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 8:30 A.M. at CareerSource SWFL N. Adjournment * Hybrid Remote Public Meeting Some Advisory Board members and staff may be appearing remotely, with staff present in person. The public may attend either virtually or in person. If you would like to provide public comment, participate, and/or attend the meeting, please contact Yuridia Zaragoza via email at Yuridia.Zaragoza@colliercountyfl.gov by September 24, 2024, at 4:00 P.M. You may attend the meeting in person on September 25, 2024, at the CareerSource SWFL Conference Room, 750 South 5th Street, Immokalee, FL 34142. The public is reminded that the CDC and Department of Health recommend social distancing and avoiding public gatherings when possible. 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 contact 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 at least 48 hours before the meeting. The public should be advised that members of the CRA/MSTU Advisory Committee are also members of other Boards and Committees, including, but not limited to: the Immokalee Fire Commission. In this regard, matters coming before the Advisory Committee/Board may come before one or more of the referenced Board and Committees from time to time. 25.A.b Packet Pg. 609 Attachment: MSTU Agenda - 09.25.24 (29958 : Immokalee MSTU Advisory Board - September 25, 2024) Enclosure 1 1 MINUTES Meeting of the Collier County Community Redevelopment Agency Immokalee Beautification MSTU Advisory Committee on August 28, 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 8:30 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, Christina Guerrero (8:53 A.M.), Cherryle Thomas, and David Turrubiartez Jr. MSTU Advisory Committee Members Present via Zoom: None. MSTU Advisory Committee Members Absent/Excused: None. Others Present in Person: Cristina Perez, Lee Van Gelder, Armando Yzaguirre and Commissioner Bill McDaniel. Others Present via Zoom: Thomas Cunningham, Melissa Silva, Aristeo Alviar, Jimmy Nieves, and Daniel Flynn Staff Present in Person: John Dunnuck, Christie Betancourt, Yvonne Blair, and Yuridia Zaragoza. D. Voting Privileges for Board Members via Zoom. MSTU Action: No Action Taken. E. Approval of Agenda. Staff presented the Agenda to the committee for approval. Staff announced that Ms. Cherryle Thomas will leave at 9:30 a.m., if there are any pending items, staff will present those items first. Agenda was approved as presented. MSTU Action: Mr. David Turrubiartez Jr. made a motion to approve the Agenda as presented. Mr. Bernardo Barnhart seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 4-0. F. Approval of Consent Agenda 1. Minutes 25.A.c Packet Pg. 610 Attachment: MSTU Minutes - 08.28.24 (29958 : Immokalee MSTU Advisory Board - September 25, 2024) Enclosure 1 2 i. MSTU Advisory Board Meeting for June 26, 2024 (Enclosure 1) 2. Budget Reports (Enclosure 2) 3. Code Enforcement Report (Enclosure 3) 4. Staff Reports i. Assistant Director Report (Enclosure 4) ii. Project Manager Report (Enclosure 5) iii. Project Manager Observation Field Report (Enclosure 6) iv. Community Meetings (Enclosure 7) Staff presented the Consent Agenda to the committee for approval. Staff said they would address a question received by a community member in regard to the Private Road MS TU, specifically with the Little League Road. Commissioner McDaniel commented that there is any issue with this item, and he will discuss it further in the meeting. The Consent Agenda was approved as presented. MSTU Action: Mr. David Turrubiartez Jr. made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Ms. Cherryle Thomas 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 consisted of the public notice for the MSTU Meeting, article on the lasting legacy on Mr. Fred Thomas, CCPS Newsletter, Recap on the Joint BCC & CRA Workshop, Park and Recreation updates, Collier 311, Neighborhood Cleanup flyer and Internation Coastal Cleanup, and information on the outcome of the Collier County Job Hiring Event. Staff were made aware of 8 available local jobs within Collier County government. Commissioner McDaniel commented that he was able to communicate with Dr. Arthur Boyer and Pastor Paul and help communicate to them that the Collier County Job Hiring event would occur. Discussion was made on the doing the proper notice and engaging the entire community to be involved in another Job Event. Commissioner McDaniel asked Ms. Christie Betancourt to follow up with staff to see if another job event could be scheduled soon in Immokalee. Commissioner McDaniel commented on the reorganization occurring within the County. He also provided discussion on the storm management team and how the improvements help with what has been previously neglected. 25.A.c Packet Pg. 611 Attachment: MSTU Minutes - 08.28.24 (29958 : Immokalee MSTU Advisory Board - September 25, 2024) Enclosure 1 3 Ms. Andrea Halman commented that people in the community want a job, the only thin g to do is figure out a way to get the information to them. Staff also provided the agreement that was sent to all board members for the construction grant awarded for the First Street Corridor Safety Project. 3. Recap of Joint BCC/CRA Workshop – July 23, 2024 Mr. David Turrubiartez Jr. was the MSTU representative at the Joint BCC & CRA Workshop. He commented that it was a good experience. There was some good feedback from all the Commissioners. He highly encouraged everyone else to attend to a future workshop. 4. 2024 Public Meeting Calendar updated (Enclosure 8) Staff and board members discussed the changes made to the 2024 Calendar. The date for the month of December was moved to December 11, 2024. Staff will be presenting to the Interagency meeting after the Joint meeting on this date. MSTU Action: Mr. David Turrubiartez Jr. made a motion to approve the updated 2024 Public Meeting Calendar. Ms. Cherryle Thomas seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 4-0. 5. Letter of Support – Rename W. Eustis Ave. to Howard Way (Enclosure 9) Staff provided the Letter of Support that was approved by the CRA and was sent to the County. CRA staff wants to make sure that they are working with County staff. There is some Right-Of- Way issues in this area. This signed letter of support is for the Renaming of West Eustis Ave. to Howard Way. Discussion was made on the issue raised on this street and how it could affect the grant. H. Other Agencies 1. FDOT updates No Update. 2. Other Community Agencies Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Lee Van Gelder Cpl. Lee Van Gelder informed everyone in attendance that the Sheriff's Office is monitoring East Delaware and the new sidewalks. They are making sure to issues citations to people parking on the sidewalks. As for jobs, locally the Sheriff’s Office is in the process of establishing a new communication center at the Immokalee substation. Ms. Andrea Halman asked if the Sheiff’s Office have been able to issue any citations. Cpl. Lee Van Gelder said they have and how it all goes back to educating others on where individuals are allowed to park. 25.A.c Packet Pg. 612 Attachment: MSTU Minutes - 08.28.24 (29958 : Immokalee MSTU Advisory Board - September 25, 2024) Enclosure 1 4 Immokalee Fire Station, Thomas Cunningham Deputy Fire Chief, Thomas Cunningham, commented on the Private Road MSTU Emergency Repair and said that it would greatly help their response time. He also said that they are preparing their budget for the upcoming year. Due to the increase in call volume and district growth, they will be requesting from their board members to add and hire more personnel. They are also working with the County on land to rebuild Station 31 on Carson Road. Waste Pro and The Immokalee Eastern Chamber of Commerce, Jimmy Nieves Mr. Jimmy Nieves commented that Waste Pro will be helping with the International Cleanup with Keep Collier Beautiful. The cleanup will be held on September 21, 2024. He is waiting to hear back on the volunteers for this year, they had a nice turnout last year with the Immokalee High School Beta. As for the Immokalee Eastern Chamber of Commerce, they have some changes. Mr. Danny Gonzalez stepped down, so Mr. Jimmy Nieves is the new Immokalee Eastern Chamber of Commerce President. The September Immokalee Eastern Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting will be in the CareerSource, they will provide more updates in this meeting for upcoming changes. Code Enforcement, Cristina Perez Ms. Cristina Perez provided information on Code Enforcement in Immokalee. They were short staffed for a while with code enforcement investigators; however, they have added an additional one in Immokalee. He will be working in the New Market Area. There are currently 3 vacancies that are getting filled, they are going through the hiring process. Additionally, they have 2 property maintenance specialist for the County. She provided information on the person assigned to them and said he has been proactive in Immokalee. She provided detailed information on a couple of cases in Immokalee. Ms. Perez also provided information on the food storage container on Main Street. The owner was granted a continuance while still accruing a fine. The owner has been making an effort to move this container but has not found anyone to assist him with this. Ms. Perez provided discussion on what could happen if he abates the violation by the next code enforcement board meeting. Ms. Perez is open to attend any meetings to do a presentation and educate others on the different type of code violations. She also commented on the concerns she has received by a couple of community members on some grass weeds near Immokalee Drive. Road maintenance has taken care of this and have assured code enforcement staff that they will keep maintaining this property and have it on a monthly rotation schedule with their vendor. Ms. Perez also provided information on the Neighborhood Cleanup. The Cleanup will be held on September 7, 2024. The location is across from 111 New Market Rd. W. The investigators will assist with doing sweeps and help notify neighborhood and residents of litter that needs to be disposed. 25.A.c Packet Pg. 613 Attachment: MSTU Minutes - 08.28.24 (29958 : Immokalee MSTU Advisory Board - September 25, 2024) Enclosure 1 5 She also provided information on the concerns brought up in the last Task Force meeting where golf carts and ATVs are being driven on North 9th Street. The Sheriff’s office provided information to Code Enforcement on the State Statutes with golf carts and what is allowed to be driven on the sidewalk. Code will continue to monitor this issue. Discussion was made also on the issue with ATVs being driven on the Lake Trafford Pier. She spoke with the Park Ranger Supervisor, Eric Short, and he advised that the maintenance of the pier is with Parks and Recreation and that they are looking to purchase a bollard to help alleviate this problem. Mr. Eric Short also mentioned to Ms. Perez that they are looking to post 2 park ranger positions in Immokalee. She provided information on the Task Force Meeting and the information provided by the Homeless Coalition and the current assistance they are offering. I. Community Presentations None. J. Old Business. 1. Contractor Maintenance Reports i. A&M Property Maintenance Report & Schedule (Enclosure 10) Staff provided information on A&M Property Maintenance Report and Schedule. The upcoming work schedule, work completed in August, June, and July were provided. Mr. Armando Yzaguirre said everything has been going according to schedule. He commented that the bid is out for the Immokalee Zocalo Plaza Landscape Maintenance. He provided brief information on the progress of the banner arms. They are waiting on the blue banner arms to get power coated. He hopes to have a better update at the next meeting. Ms. Christie Betancourt commented that they will have the banner arms for Christmas since it’s only displayed in the intersection on the blue poles. Ms. Yvonne Blair provided information on the aluminum poles. Due to the May 16, 2024, severe storm in Immokalee, staff were made aware of the need of 20 replacement banner arms and 10 extra banner arms. Staff secured three quotes. Staff received a quote of $13,000 plus with one vendor, a second quote of $9,900 with a second vendor and a third quote of $5,276 with the third vendor for the replacement banner arms. On August 20, 2024, Staff provided a Purchase Order to Simmonds Electrical to furnish and install 20 banner arms and furnish only 10 banner areas for future repairs. The delivery timeframe is 10 – 12 weeks subject to change without notice. 25.A.c Packet Pg. 614 Attachment: MSTU Minutes - 08.28.24 (29958 : Immokalee MSTU Advisory Board - September 25, 2024) Enclosure 1 6 2. Brief Staff Project Update i. Main Street Improvements update Ms. Yvonne Blair provided information on what staff is currently working on with Main Street. Staff have received a signed Work Order for Stantec to a do boundary survey at the Historic Cemetery on Main Street. Once the boundary survey is completed, staff will have Mr. Armando Yzaguirre give a quote on the investigation of bringing irrigation from the median to the cemetery so that staff can do improvements on the perimeter of the cemetery with irrigation. Staff are also looking to do some phasing improvements to bring some irrigation and Florida friendly landscaping into Main Street, 1st and 9th Street. Staff will work on some quotes to present to board members. ii. Panther Crossing Bridge Improvements update Staff provided background information and the current progress of the project. The Road Maintenance team have completed the cleaning of the Panther Crossing Bridge last Friday. They have added this location to their schedule and will pressure clean this bridge every 6 months. There were some issues with a bollard blocking their entrance to get the whole bridge pressured washed, but they were able to remove and replace the bollard. Staff will move forward with scheduling and providing paint for the interior of this bridge. Staff will keep the board updated on this. 3. Advisory Report i. MSTU Advisory Board Vacancy update (Enclosure 11) Staff provided information on the 2 MSTU Advisory Board vacancies. Anyone who is interested in applying has to either live in Immokalee or work in Immokalee. If the interested individual is representing a business, a letter of support must be given by the business. Staff clarified that Ms. Norma Garcia stating at a previous meeting that she was resigning was enough to move forward and post the vacancy for the MSTU Advisory Board. ii. MSTU Applications a. Raul Cano (Enclosure 12) Staff tabled this Application in June since Mr. Raul Cano is no longer working with the Immokalee Water and Sewer District. Staff have tried to get in contact with Mr. Raul Cano to see if he still interested in joining the Immokalee MSTU Advisory Committee, but they have not received a response from him. After brief discussion, a motion was made. 25.A.c Packet Pg. 615 Attachment: MSTU Minutes - 08.28.24 (29958 : Immokalee MSTU Advisory Board - September 25, 2024) Enclosure 1 7 MSTU Action: Mr. David Turrubiartez Jr. made a motion to not appoint Mr. Raul Cano to the Immokalee Beautification MSTU (Municipal Service Taxing Unit) Advisory Committee. Mr. Bernardo Barnhart seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 5-0. b. Bernardo Barnhart (Enclosure 13) Staff provided a copy of Mr. Bernardo Barnhart’s application. The application is for Mr. Bernardo Barnhart reappointment. Mr. Bernardo Barnhart commented that it would be great to have someone from the Immokalee Water and Sewer District be involved in the Immokalee MSTU Advisory Committee to fill the one of the vacancies. MSTU Action: Mr. David Turrubiartez Jr made a motion to reappoint Mr. Bernardo Barnhart to the Immokalee Beautification MSTU (Municipal Service Taxing Unit) Advisory Committee. Ms. Christina Guerrero seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 5-0. 4. FRA Conference 2024 – Tampa, FL (Enclosure 14) Staff provided information on the 2024 FRA Conference. Staff have requested to have 4 CRA Board Members and 1 MSTU Member travel to the 2024 FRA Conference. This item will be given to the Board of Collier County Commissioners for approval. Staff discussed that board members are reimbursed for mileage, if they take their vehicle, and for their meals. MSTU Action: Mr. Bernardo Barnhart made a motion to approve the travel for One (1) MSTU Committee Member to attend the 2024 FRA Conference. Ms. Cherryle Thomas seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 5-0. 5. Strategic Planning Program (Enclosure 15) Staff provided a presentation to the MSTU Board members on the Strategic Planning Program. Ms. Christie Betancourt discussed the overview of the program and what the MSTU approved on their Prioritization. Ms. Betancourt presented the Collier County Strategic Plan and the Immokalee Strategic Plan. She said the Immokalee Strategic Plan will follow the format of the Collier County Strategic Plan. Ms. Betancourt commented that staff will update this quarterly. She provided information on the Values, Vision, and Mission for Collier County and Immokalee. As for the Strategic Focus Areas, Immokalee has Infrastructure and Asset Management, Quality of Place, Community Development, and Responsible Governance in place. The changes made by the CRA Board on the focus area of Infrastructure and Asset Management under the objective of Transportation was to add “including pedestrian traffic” to help address all type of transportation and the means to get to where community members need to go. 25.A.c Packet Pg. 616 Attachment: MSTU Minutes - 08.28.24 (29958 : Immokalee MSTU Advisory Board - September 25, 2024) Enclosure 1 8 Staff provided information on the Affordable and Workforce Housing, Parks and Recreation and Lake Trafford, Planning and CRA Operation, Public Health and Safety, Cultural Preservation, Infrastructure and Economic Development. Discussion was made on the current projects approved by the MSTU Board. Commissioner McDaniel commented on the importance of having a plan and if staff and board members do not have a systemic plan that prioritizes what is necessary for the community then, it could get switched with necessities to niceties. He suggested to staff to document the timeframe moving forward with the project development that are coming forward and to notice the timeframe to complete the necessities for the community. Discussion was made on the next step with this plan and to have it be done into a long-term plan and have policies and programs to make the plan work. Staff discussed that Infrastructure was switched before Quality of Place. MSTU Action: Mr. David Turrubiartez Jr. made a motion to approve the Immokalee Strategic Plan. Cherryle Thomas seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 5-0. Staff informed board members that they will bring an updated project listing. Staff will bring projects that they work with annually especially projects that have been approved like the Holiday Decorations. Staff will be reducing and phasing this project out and are looking into probably working with a partner. Resource X, Collier County consultant on budget, suggested that this be done with a private sponsorship and have it be handled by an organization. Staff will provide more details at the September meeting. K. New Business. L. Citizen Comments Ms. Cherryle Thomas commented that she has been part of the Immokalee MSTU Board for about 30 years and said she is willing to come off the board to let younger community members be a part of the board. She said the board needs younger members who have good ideas. Commissioner McDaniel commented on the Private Road MSTU Emergency repair. He discussed the progress that has been made. They have graded the road with letters A, B, or C. Grade A being the worst and then established an MSTU for effectively 13 miles of private roads with terrible conditions that exist in Collier County. Although he is not involved in the Request for Proposal (RFP), he was able to get information on the 2 bids that came in. One proposal came in at $250,000 the other was of $500,000 for the 13 miles of road. He informed everyone in attendance that they will leave the MSTU in place, will move the tax rate to 0, and redo the RFP and specifications. He commented on the need to have the whole County be involved in the MSTU and how it could help generate the amount needed to fix the worst streets first. He commented that they are reorganizing this with County staff to help bring this item into a more even accord. He expressed that he is sad that this item is being delayed, but it will be better to have this be done correctly. 25.A.c Packet Pg. 617 Attachment: MSTU Minutes - 08.28.24 (29958 : Immokalee MSTU Advisory Board - September 25, 2024) Enclosure 1 9 Commissioner McDaniel commented that community members must remember that if they live on private property road, it is their responsibility to fix their road. Commissioner McDaniel also commented that New Market Road is becoming a parking lot again. He commented to Code Enforcement to look into this. Ms. Andrea Halman commented on a recent accident and how it’s important for drivers to know where they are allowed to park and to know the risks of parking somewhere where they shouldn’t. Commissioner McDaniel commented on the Barron Collier Companies proposal to exchange land with Collier County. The Board of Collier County Commissioners voted to move this item forward. He commented on how this could be a valuable exchange for the community. M. Next Meeting Date The next meeting will be a MSTU meeting to be held on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 8:30 A.M. at CareerSource SWFL. N. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 9:45 A.M. * Zoom Meeting chat is attached to the minutes for the record. 25.A.c Packet Pg. 618 Attachment: MSTU Minutes - 08.28.24 (29958 : Immokalee MSTU Advisory Board - September 25, 2024) Zoom Chat August 28, 2024 Immokalee MSTU Hybrid Public Meeting  01:10:26 Teo Alviar: I Like it... Necessities over Niceties! 01:18:03 Teo Alviar: Not really sure what you Mean Commissioner about  the private roads snafu? Like Ms. Holman said, Safety is an issue. Emergency  vehicles will have a very difficult time getting to us. 01:18:39 Teo Alviar: Can you put in easier to understand terms? 25.A.c Packet Pg. 619 Attachment: MSTU Minutes - 08.28.24 (29958 : Immokalee MSTU Advisory Board - September 25, 2024) 25.A.cPacket Pg. 620Attachment: MSTU Minutes - 08.28.24 (29958 : Immokalee MSTU Advisory Board - September 25, 2024)