Immokalee CRA Minutes 08/21/2024Enclosure 1
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MINUTES
Meeting of the Collier County Community Redevelopment Agency Immokalee Local Redevelopment
Advisory Board on August 21, 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 Opening 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, Patricia Anne Goodnight, Mike Facundo, Andrea Halman, Edward “Ski” Olesky (8:34
A.M.), Yvar Pierre, and Lupita Vazquez Reyes.
CRA Advisory Board Members Present via Zoom:
None.
CRA Advisory Board Members Absent/Excused:
Frank Nappo and Estil Null.
Others Present in Person:
Misty Smith, Said Gomez, Cristina Perez, Charles Marino, Helen Midney, Cherryle Thomas, Bernardo
Barnhart and Commissioner Bill McDaniel.
Others Present via Zoom:
Jonathan Argueta, Marlene Dimas, and Kyle Pryce.
Staff Present in Person: John Dunnuck, Christie Betancourt, Yvonne Blair, and Yuridia Zaragoza.
D. Voting Privileges for Board Members via Zoom
Staff announced that there are no CRA Board Members on Zoom.
CRA Action: No Action Taken.
E. Approval of Agenda.
Staff presented the Agenda to the Board for approval. Staff announced that they will add the First Street
Corridor Safety Project Agreement, that will be going before the Board of Collier County
Commissioners, in the Communication folder. Staff will email a copy to all board members. The Agenda
was approved as presented.
CRA Action: Ms. Patricia Anne Goodnight made a motion to approve the Agenda as presented.
Ms. Andrea Halman seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 6-0.
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F. Approval of Consent Agenda
1. Minutes
i. CRA Advisory Board Meeting for May 15, 2024 (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)
iv. Letter of Support – Immokalee One-Stop Mixed Use (MPUD) (Enclosure 7)
Staff presented the Consent Agenda to the Board for approval. Staff announced that a couple of Enclosures
are repetitive, since there was no CRA Quorum in the June meeting, and no meeting held in July. Staff have
updated a couple of their reports with updated information.
Staff provided the Letter of Support for the Immokalee One-Stop Mixed Use (MPUD). The letter was also an
Enclosure for the June meeting.
Consent Agenda was approved as presented.
CRA Action: Ms. Patricia Anne Goodnight made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as
presented. Ms. Lupita Vazquez Reyes seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 7-0.
G. Announcements.
1. Public Comments speaker slips
CRA Staff reiterated the public 3-minute speaker slip policy. The Board will give more time if they
feel it necessary.
2. Communications Folder
Staff reviewed the communication folder with the board and members of the public. The folder
included the Neighborhood Cleanup flyer, public notice for the CRA meeting, article on the legacy
of Mr. Fred Thomas, article on the BCC workshop with the CRA, Immokalee Regional Airport
progress, CCPS Newsletter, pictures of the magic show held at Immokalee library, and the Parks
and Recreation updates in Immokalee.
Staff announced that the Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance (IFHA) will have a move in celebration
on August 23, 2024.
Staff also provided information on Collier 311 and the BCC Workshop. Staff has the video and
agenda packet. Staff also provided information on the Collier County Job Hiring Event. The County
had 8 positions available in Immokalee, which was new information to Staff. Commissioner
McDaniel provided staff with a report on the outcome of the event.
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Commissioner McDaniel said that they had a good turnout. He further provided discussion on the
need for swale maintenance, and how the County is hiring a second crew and second set of assets
to be implemented for the much-needed maintenance of the community. He discussed the
importance of using Collier 311 to report any issues that one may think or is government related.
Ms. Lupita Vazquez Reyes asked if anyone under age 18 can report to Collier 311.
Staff and Commissioner McDaniel said that an account must be created. A name and phone number
will need to be given.
3. Recap of Joint BCC/CRA Workshop – July 23, 2024
Mr. Mark Lemke provided an overview of the Joint BCC & CRA Workshop. He was the CRA
board representation. He was there for support and said that the other four Commissioners were
impressed with the Immokalee CRA accomplishments and current progress. They would like to see
the Immokalee CRA maybe twice a year and provide them with updates.
Mr. Mark Lemek provided information on the acknowledgement Commissioner Rick LoCastro
made on the Immokalee parks. Commissioner Rick LoCastro acknowledged that the Immokalee
parks are not in the same standards as the parks in Naples and provided discussion on the importance
and need to look on how staff and board prioritize.
Mr. Lemke complimented Ms. Christie Betancourt and said she did an amazing job. Overall, staff
and board members provided the Board of Collier County Commissioner great information on
what’s going on and what’s needed in the community.
Ms. Andrea Halman said she listened in to the workshop and was impressed that the Board of
Collier County Commissioners mentioned the jobs out here in Immokalee, especially with teachers,
which back then they didn’t live close to the Immokalee community.
Commissioner McDaniel complimented board members and said this workshop was possible due
to the leadership and involvement in the community. He said this is a beginning of the process of
transformation of the community. The participation and knowledge of what is needed in the
community will be important on how they continue to carry this forward. The involvement and
improvements made in the community are noticed, and as long as the community keeps this
forefront, that helps Commissioner McDaniel get the extra support for the community.
Commissioner McDaniel suggested to Ms. Christie Betancourt that staff coordinate a quarterly
report to him, and he will list the report as an Agenda Item for the Board of Collier County
Commissioners. The report could consist of the current progress and accomplishments made by the
CRA and MSTU Board and the improvements that are coming to the community.
Ms. Lupita Vazquez Reyes commented on the leadership of the community, and how she is glad to
see things are moving forward.
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She asked if there is any opportunity where the Board of Collier County Commissioners could come
out to Immokalee to hold meetings. Commissioner McDaniel said there hasn’t been a meeting like
this held in some time. He will invite his colleagues to come out to Immokalee and view what is
happening in the community, and although the Board of Collier County Commissioner cannot travel
as a group, it would be good for them to individually see the improvements made.
Ms. Christie Betancourt commented to Commissioner McDaniel that a Night with the
Commissioner meeting could be held, the Commissioner had great presenters last time he held one
in Immokalee. She also commented on the East of 951 Ad Hoc Advisory Committee meeting that
was held, and the presenters and updates given were great. A great response with community
involvement is received when the meetings are held late afternoons.
Ms. Patricia Anne Goodnight commented on the last time a meeting with the Board of Collier
County Commissioners was held in Immokalee. She also commented that within the next 5 years,
many will see some drastic changes in Immokalee. Changes will occur around the community, and
it could impact the community. The CRA needs to know what is occurring and see how it’s going
to impact the community, and how the community can accommodate to the changes.
Commissioner McDaniel followed up and said there is so much development that is coming to
Immokalee and the surrounding area. He and Dr. Frank Nappo have talked about the key to success
for the community, and the key is infrastructure.
Ms. Goodnight said she believes that the residents of Immokalee would be in full support of moving
the fairgrounds out of the other side of the old landfill. This would benefit the community in the
near future.
Commissioner McDaniel provided brief information on the property exchange that could occur with
Barron Collier Companies and the great outcome that could happen to others who are involved and
the County as a whole.
4. 2024 Public Meeting Calendar updated (Enclosure 8)
Staff provided an updated 2024 Public Meeting Calendar for the Immokalee CRA and MSTU
Board. A few changes were made to the Calendar. The June meeting was changed to a Joint Meeting
as well as the month of July. A quorum was not going to be established for month of July, so the
meeting was cancelled.
August and September are individual meetings for the CRA and MSTU Board and for the month
of October, November, and December the meetings will be Joint.
The meeting for November has been moved up to November 13, 2024, Staff will be attending a
Conference during the November 20, 2024, date.
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Staff and board members discussed the December 18, 2024, Joint meeting. Staff said they are open
to rescheduling this meeting to December 11, 2024, since the Immokalee CRA will be presenting
and providing lunch at the Interagency meeting. After much discussion, the board made a motion
to change the December meeting to December 11, 2024.
CRA Action: Ms. Lupita Vazquez Reyez made a motion to approve the updated 2024 Meeting
Calendar with the change of date for the month of December for Joint Meeting of the Immokalee Local
Redevelopment Advisory Board and the Immokalee Beautification MSTU Advisory Committee to be held
on December 11, 2024. Ms. Patricia Anne Goodnight seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous
vote. 7-0.
H. Other Agencies
1. FDOT Updates
No Updates.
2. Other Community Agencies
Code Enforcement, Cristina Perez
Ms. Cristina Perez provided information on the Task Force Meeting that is held every last Monday
of the Month at 10 A.M. Anyone is welcome to join the meeting. She is open to attend any meetings
to do a presentation and educate others on the different type of code violations. She recently
attended the Arrowhead HOA meeting and did a bilingual translated presentation to keep everyone
well informed.
A flyer has been sent out. A community cleanup will be held on September 7, 2024. The location
is across from 111 New Market Rd. W. There is only one way in and one way out. Staff anticipate
a good turnout. The investigators will assist with doing sweeps and help notify neighborhood and
residents that they have litter that needs to be disposed of. Community members may drop of from
8 A.M. to 10:30 A.M.
A good number of transitions have been occurring with Code. They have emerged with the
Contractors Licensing as well as the DAS Officers. They are under the leadership of Mr. Tom
Iandimarino. With the changes, staff will be able to assist each other as well as be able to document
violations that they may see, even if it’s not reported.
She commented on the concerns for the TIGER Grant with people parking on the sidewalks. Code
will be able to document those violations. There won’t be any everyday coverage in Immokalee
because investigators are all switching and have a schedule that must be kept up with. They have 2
to 4 investigators working every evening.
They also have investigators who will be covering evening shifts in the weekends. Additionally,
they have 2 property maintenance specialist who could help address housing type of issues 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.
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Ms. Cristina Perez introduced Mr. Charles Marinos who goes by Chuck. He is working out here in
Immokalee. He has been with Code Enforcement for some time, he is one of the senior investigators.
She has high expectations from him and said he will be able to do great work in Immokalee.
Ms. Andrea Halman asked if they will ever set up in the lot near Winn-Dixie. Ms. Cristina Perez
said they have asked but due to the owner asking for liability insurance, staff decided to have the
drop off location at the location selected near New Market Road. Communication will be done to
see if this is an option in the future. Ms. Perez said that Habitat volunteered their homeowners who
have to do their community hours to help with an event like the Neighborhood cleanup.
She provided an update on the storage/food container located on Main Street. They are on the
Agenda for the Code Enforcement Board on August 22, 2024. Ms. Perez said she will inform the
board that the CRA board will only provide a letter of support as long as there is no code violation
on the property.
Mr. Mark Lemke thanked Ms. Cristina Perez and her team for helping remove the sign on Fred’s
old drive thru. The building looks much better.
Mr. Charles “Chuck” Marino introduced himself. He is a senior investigator for Collier County
Code Enforcement in the Immokalee district. He previously worked at the Golden Estates. He has
worked with Collier County for 7 years and has been with Code Enforcement for 4 years. He looks
forward to working in Immokalee. His area consists of Northeast side of Immokalee and Ave Maria.
If anyone would like to contact him, his number is 239-280-6960.
Commissioner McDaniel commented on the restructure that going on. He said there will be support
from the officers that will take care of Code Enforcement issues that are reported as well as a start
of self-initiated compliance complaints that come out. Commissioner McDaniel commented on
circumstances occurring on the Eastern side of Collier County and the 107 cases in the Golden Gate
Estates.
Parks and Recreation, Said Gomez
Mr. Said Gomez provided information on the Immokalee Sports Complex. The lights have been
checked due to the Soccer Pit Cobras and Pop Warner season starting soon. Due to the amount of
rain, staff were not able to work on this just yet, but they have worked on the lights for the softball
field at the Immokalee Community Park. Staff is expected to come back to fix the lights before the
fields are open. The Chillers are operational at the Immokalee Sports Complex. The conductor went
down, and staff were able to install the parts needed. This is good news for the Immokalee High
School and Ave Maria University, who carpool to use this Sports Complex Pool to train.
Mr. Gomez provided information on the parking lot project that is supposed to be happening at the
Immokalee Sports Complex. He is trying to organize this so that it does not intervene with Pop
Warner, General Public, and the Soccer Pit Cobras.
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He will be sitting down with the Immokalee High School Principal, Mr. Dan Boddison, to see if
they could utilize the parking lot since they do have an interlocal agreement with the, in case it
comes into fruition that they have to do parking lot soon. Mr. Gomez said that this is a facilities
initiative, and they will also be doing the parking lot for the Health Department.
Mr. Gomez provided information on the court resurfacing project. They will be doing the
resurfacing for the Immokalee Community Park and the Immokalee South Park. Staff are looking
to do this in house to be quicker and more efficient.
At the Immokalee Sports Complex, staff have been working on the kiddie pool. A pump has been
ordered, staff are waiting on a couple of parts to come in. Staff hope to see this be completed by the
end of this month if not next month.
Staff have a Purchase Order (PO) open for fitness equipment. They are set to have the equipment’s
between September or October. They are looking to have the treadmills possibly at the end of
September and anticipate having the bigger items in the beginning of October. Staff will most likely
dispose some of the old equipment that aren’t being utilized. There is an estimated cost of $80,000
of new equipment.
Staff are also working with Mr. Mark Lemke to be part of the Big Bus Event that will be held at
Roberts Ranch. Parks and Recreation will participate and contribute and have entertainment and
games for the kids. Staff is excited to be a part of this event. Mr. Gomez has also attended the
Christmas Around the World Meeting, the event will be held on December 21, 2024, at the
Immokalee Sports Complex.
Ms. Christie Betancourt informed everyone in attendance that Parks and Recreation will be doing
a full presentation. The Interim Director will be in attendance at the September meeting. She
complimented their presentation done at the East of 951 Ad Hoc Advisory Committee meeting.
Collier County Public School, Marlene Dimas
Ms. Marlene Dimas announced through Zoom chat that she wanted to make everyone aware that
school has started. If a student is absent for 10 days, they will be automatically withdrawn, and will
have to re-enroll. She also commented that the Immokalee High School is now a “B” school. They
will be having curriculum night on Monday, August 26 from 6 P.M. to 7:30 P.M.
I. Community Presentations
J. Old Business.
1. Brief Staff Project update
i. First Street Corridor Pedestrian Safety Project
Ms. Christie Betancourt said the Staff will add the Subrecipient Agreement for the First Street
Construction Grant Project in the communication folder. Staff will also send an email to board
members with this agreement attached.
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Ms. Yvonne Blair provided information on the project. The project is for the additional
streetlights and rapid flashing beacons at the three crosswalks. The design is being done by
KCA Engineering firm and they have provided 60% plans to staff. After review from the
County, it became noticeable that a number of existing poles are behind the sidewalks, not in
the Right-of-Way. Staff are limited in time to go out for legal descriptions and sketches for
easement acquisitions.
Staff have looked into installing the new poles and have it be replaced at the back of sidewalk
and still outside the ROW. However, if all the proposed improvements are pulled into the
existing ROW, this will create ADA conflicts, impact utilities, and increase the cost of the
project. Staff have decided to look into changing the heads on some of the streetlights on the
left side of the street. There are opportunities with the County to use the Apollo lights, the
Transportation Engineering Division approved any one of the three alternate streetlighting
fixtures. Staff will need to meet the criteria for FDOT for lights. The deadline for the grant is
October 27, 2024.
Staff have sent a request for a 60-day Extension letter to submit to CHS for their consideration.
The next step for staff would be to prepare Change Order #2 to extend KCA’s Final Plans date
by 60-days. Saff will keep the board updated.
Ms. Andrea Halman commented that many seek out for a lot of grants. She asked if it’s possible
to get a grant writer and share them with Everglades City. She provided information on the grant
that was given to Marco Island from the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC).
She commented on the need to have a Grant Writer.
Mr. John Dunnuck commented that staff have recognized that both Bayshore and Immokalee
have missed opportunities with grant writing. Staff have started that process, additionally with
the Commissioner’s decision to hire an outside consultant to look into how staff prioritize and
look into their efficiencies as a whole County. As a response to Resource X, who is the
consultant, one of the recommendations made was to explore additional grant opportunities.
There are opportunities and funds available to make this happen, however, the question is how
staff coordinate as a county as a whole. Staff are working on a plan; changes are occurring in
the County in terms of efficiencies.
ii. Park Initiative update (Enclosure 9)
Staff provided the Agenda Item approved by the Board of Collier County Commissioners. The
Enclosure was also in the agenda package for the June Meeting. Staff added the renderings that
were presented to the East of 951 Ad Hoc meeting. Staff will have an update to this rendering
due to the almost finalized design for the Immokalee Sports Complex
There was an allocation of 1.2 million from the CRA Budget. A breakdown of the cost for the
improvements to the Immokalee Sports Complex was given. Staff next step is to have a timeline
and schedule.
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Staff will be coordinating with the Interim Director for monthly project updates, if it’s not an
Agenda Item every month, it will be under the Project Manager report provided by staff in the
Agenda Package.
iii. CRA Office
Staff are currently coordinating with facilities. Staff have gone to the Immokalee Clerk of Courts
and looked at the probation office and the Clerk of Courts courtroom. Staff will most likely
utilize both locations. They will have their office in the probation office and are a step closer to
getting this office handed over. After this office is handed over to the County, staff will go in
there and do basic improvements. They will not do too many renovations to the courtrooms.
They plan to hold their public meetings there.
Commissioner McDaniel said the goal is to make this transition for Staff to move in and utilize
the courtroom for public meetings. He also commented that staff could look into how the
Diocese of Venice does with the Community Center they have proposed, so that staff could also
see what other facilities are available for the community.
Staff will keep the board updated.
iv. Panther Crossing Bridge Improvements update
Staff provided the current progress on the Panther Crossing Bridge Improvement. Staff have
received an email from the supervisor for Road Maintenance, they have completed 85% with
the maintenance and pressure cleaning of the bridge, both exterior and interior. They had a
couple of challenges; a bollard and fence were restricting their access to get their bucket truck
to pressure wash. Staff will keep the board updated.
Staff plan to buy the paint and road maintenance will paint the walls white. Staff will then
coordinate with the school and the Art Committee to help the students do a new art project.
Mr. Mike Facundo asked if it has been considered to sand blast the outside of the bridge. Staff
commented that the bridge is maintained by the County but is owned by FDOT.
Discussion was made on the current liaison for FDOT and what could be done currently with
the bridge improvements.
v. Land Development Code (LDC) update
The Land Development Code (LDC) update for Immokalee has been presented to the
Development Services Advisory Committee (DSAC). Mr. John Dunnuck was able to attend the
meeting.
Mr. John Dunnuck provided an overview of how the meeting went. He was impressed with the
quality of work provided by the DSAC.
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They went line by line through the 96-page document provided, with the eye of what
Commissioner McDaniel has been saying that Immokalee is not Naples and the need for some
latitude in helping to develop the Land Development Code.
The DSAC made some good recommendations to go back to staff to do some wordsmithing to
some of the language. The recommendations to be made consisted more with the landscape and
fencing requirements, which Mr. Dunnuck believes are improvements to what was proposed
initially. The next step after the changes would be go to the DSAC as whole recommendation.
The process may be two months before it gets to the Board of Collier County Commissioners,
but all that was done was of value and will serve the Immokalee community very well.
Staff said that given that the timeline should change, they were hoping to have this adopted by
December but now they are looking to have it be adopted in January or February. Staff will keep
the board updated on the process and when the meetings are held if anyone would like to listen
or attend the planning commission meeting and the BCC meeting.
Ms. Lupita Vazquez Reyes asked if the meetings are an opportunity to ask any questions
regarding the water quality within the land development and the protecting of the community
shallow water shelf.
Mr. John Dunnuck said the changes of the code does not address other than what’s already in
place for water quality. The land development code is mostly about the future development and
aesthetics of what is being built around the community and help address Main Street down the
future and other district areas.
Commissioner McDaniel noted that the County has a very substantive water quality control
mechanisms in the LDC, those will not change. Staff is adding a chapter within the Code for
Immokalee with aesthetics and such.
2. FRA Conference 2024 – Tampa, FL (Enclosure 10)
Staff provided details on the 2024 FRA Conference. Last year, the board asked staff to include the
MSTU, so for purposes of both the Bayshore Gateway Triangle and the Immokalee CRA, staff have
put 4 CRA board members and one MSTU board member to attend. The item will be on the Board
of Collier County Commissioner Agenda. Staff would like the CRA Board to make a
recommendation just in case it is needed by the Board of Collier County Commissioner. Staff
commented on the importance of attending the conference.
Ms. Patricia Anne Goodnight commented on her experience from attending the conference last year
that was held near Jacksonville and said it was very informative. They implemented many services,
and she believes it could also be applied in some of our areas. She suggested to board members to
attend this conference.
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Ms. Christie Betancourt commented on the Jacksonville parks and said that she was impressed with
their QR codes for renting, service calls, and many other services. This process was very helpful
and convenient for everyone.
Ms. Andrea Halaman commented and said that is a fantastic program and she is able to learn
something new every year. She also suggested that board members attend.
After much discussion and overview of the FRA Conference, board members made a motion.
CRA Action: Ms. Andrea Halman made a motion to approve the travel of Four (4) CRA Board
Members and One (1) MSTU Committee Member to attend the 2024 FRA Conference in Tampa, FL. Ms.
Patricia Anne Goodnight seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 7-0.
3. Strategic Planning Program (Enclosure 11)
Ms. Christie Betancourt provided information on the Strategic Planning Program for Immokalee.
She started with the overview of this program and what staff have done with the CRA Board to help
with the project prioritization. The MSTU Board has recently made recommendation for priority
funding. The next steps is to finalize this plan and get it approved by the Board.
Ms. Betancourt presented the Collier County Strategic Plan and the Immokalee Strategic Plan. Staff
provided information on the Values, Vision, and Mission for Collier County and Immokalee. The
Quality of Place, Infrastructure and Asset Management, Community Development, and
Responsible Governance are the strategic focus areas for Immokalee, following the same format as
the Collier County Strategic Plan.
Ms. Betancourt commented on the Strategic Plan Lifecycle and said that staff will be doing this
lifecycle quarterly by the fiscal year.
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. These items are priorities for the Immokalee CRA and
board members. Staff asked for board members input on the Immokalee Strategic Plan.
Commissioner McDaniel suggested that infrastructure be swapped above Quality of Place. He is
working to do this at the County level since Quality of Place has always been first. He provided an
example and commented that infrastructure takes care of quality of place all by itself. He said that
quality of place can get misconstrued into niceties and not necessities.
Ms. Lupita Vazquez Reyes commented on the different avenues growing in the community. She
commented on Ms. Helen Midney with Roberts Ranch, who is serving not only the community
culture but also the arts culture.
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Ms. Andrea Halman commented on the projects that can be done free especially in the Zocalo Plaza,
where the Naples Botanical Garden offered free orchids to plant in the Plaza. Discussion was made
on the importance of partnerships. Staff said they would like to invite the Immokalee Pioner
Museum to present at a future meeting.
Board members and staff discussed switching Infrastructure and Asset Management before Quality
and Place and the growth of the County. Most agreed that the CRA projects that the board has
prioritized falls under infrastructure.
Board members and staff discussed on having some type of wording under Transportation to include
all community members type transportation, whether it’s walking, driving, or riding a bicycle and
the means to get to their destination. Commissioner McDaniel suggested that “including pedestrian
traffic” be included under the objective of Transportation Enhancement. He commented that this is
a long-term plan and helps everyone be aware of the direction to help the community.
Mr. Edward “Ski” Olesky commented on the importance of keeping an eye on people donating and
giving stuff. It’s a great gesture but one must be aware of the maintenance that goes along with
certain donations.
Discussion was made on the importance of preventive maintenance and how it helps save future
cost.
Ms. Christie Betancourt said that we will provide a copy of the finalized draft and staff will discuss
next steps with the Board of Collier County Commissioners.
CRA Action: Ms. Lupita Vazquez Reyez made a motion to approve the Immokalee Strategic Plan
with the added changes of including the statement of “including pedestrian traffic” under Transportation
and switching Infrastructure and Asset Management before the Quality of Place. Ms. Andrea Halman
seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 7-0.
K. New Business.
1. Letter of Support – Rename W. Eustis Ave. to Howard Way (Enclosure 12)
Staff provided board a copy of Staff Report that provided a brief background on the request from
Transportation Planning Department requesting that the CRA provide a letter of support to
strengthen the application submission to rename West Eustis Ave to Howard Way between South
1st and South 9th Street. The Transportation Planning informed the CRA that they are proceeding
with the submission of a street name change in Immokalee. This was brought forward by
Commissioner McDaniel. The proposed changes are for West Eustis Avenue to Howard way, which
would cover the section from South 1st all the way to 9th Street. in honor of Mr. Huey Howard who
has resided on Eustis Avenue since 1963.
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Packet Pg. 637 Attachment: CRA Minutes - 08.21.24 (29957 : Immokalee CRA Advisory Board - September 18, 2024)
Enclosure 1
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The East of Eustis Avenue will retain the name of East Eustis Avenue. Staff discussed the County
process to move this item along, and how they also prefer to have the support from the CRA. A
NIM’s meeting has been scheduled.
Mr. Mike Facundo asked why the name is not used all the way through. Staff provided reasoning
why they would like to avoid renaming the whole corridor.
Commissioner McDaniel said this is an effort to recognize Mr. Huey Howard contributions to the
community.
Staff recommends board approved a letter of support for the proposed name change of West Eustis
Avenue to Howard Way in honor of Huey Howard, a lifelong resident of Immokalee. This change
would affect the stretch of West Eustis Avenue between South 1st Street and South 9th Street.
After a brief discussion board made a recommendation to provide a letter of support to strengthen
the application.
CRA Action: Ms. Patricia Anne Goodnight made a motion to provide a Letter of Support to rename
West Eustis Ave. to Howard Way. Mr. Edward “Ski” Olesky seconded the motion, and it passed by
unanimous vote. 7-0.
L. Citizen Comments
M. Next Meeting Date
The CRA Board will be meeting on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 8:30 A.M. at CareerSource
SWFL.
N. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 10:37 A.M.
* Zoom Meeting chat is attached to the minutes for the record.
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Packet Pg. 638 Attachment: CRA Minutes - 08.21.24 (29957 : Immokalee CRA Advisory Board - September 18, 2024)
Zoom Chat
August 21, 2024 Immokalee CRA Hybrid Public Meeting
01:07:25 Marlene Dimas: Just wanted to remind everyone school has started
and if students do not attend school for the first 10 days (abesent all 10 days)
then they will be withdrawn. They will have to re‐enroll after that date. Immokalee
High School is now a B school. They will be having Curriculum night on Monday, 8/26
from 6‐7:30.
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Packet Pg. 639 Attachment: CRA Minutes - 08.21.24 (29957 : Immokalee CRA Advisory Board - September 18, 2024)
26.A.cPacket Pg. 640Attachment: CRA Minutes - 08.21.24 (29957 : Immokalee CRA Advisory Board - September 18, 2024)