Agenda 03/11/2025 Item #16D 4 (Resolution to accept a distribution from a trust for use by the Naples Regional Library)3/11/2025
Item # 16.D.4
ID# 2025-625
Executive Summary
Recommendation to approve a Resolution to 1) accept the distribution of funds from the Coyeen R. Lawton Estate and
Lawton Family Trust Agreement dated 12/28/99, for use by the Naples Regional Library; 2) authorize the County
Manager or designee to execute all documents required to accept a future distribution from the Estate and take all actions
necessary to accept any such future distributions; and 3) approve any future necessary Budget Amendments.
OBJECTIVE: To accept a distribution from a trust for use by the Naples Regional Library.
CONSIDERATIONS: Wilson & Johnson Attorneys at Law, has informed the Naples Central (Regional) Library that it
has a beneficial interest in the Coyeen R. Lawton Estate and Lawton Family Trust Agreement dated 12/28/99 (the
“Estate”). The administration of the Estate is currently pending in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Florida, Probate
Division. As a result, the exact amount of the beneficial interest has not yet been calculated by the courts.
Wilson & Johnson Attorneys at Law will provide updates as the estate and trust administration progresses, as well as the
exact amount of the distribution, once determined by the court. Fees for legal services, as well as other administrative
fees, will be deducted from the Library’s share of the Estate, as is customary in such cases.
Wilson & Johnson Attorneys at Law, on behalf of the Estate, has requested that the County provide certain documents in
order to process and accept the distribution, including but not limited to, Receipt of Notice of Administration, Receipt of
Notice by Trustee, and Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certificate (IRS Form W-9). Additional
documents may be required in the future. If the Board approves this item, the County Manager or designee will be
given authority to take all actions necessary for the Library to receive distribution(s) without further Board action. This
authority applies to the initial distribution and any potential future distributions.
Staff has prepared a resolution accepting and directing the transfer of funds and authorizing the County Manager or
designee to execute all documents required to process and otherwise accept any distribution by the Estate.
This item is consistent with the Quality of Place objective of Collier County’s Strategic Plan through the preservation
and enhancement of the character of our community Additionally, this item is consistent with the objective to provide
quality public amenities.
FISCAL IMPACT: At this point, the value of the trust is being evaluated. The distribution of monies will be
determined upon the settlement of the Coyeen R. Lawton Estate and Trust, and appropriated through budget
amendments within the Library Donation-Project Fund (1810). There is no requirement for a County match.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: There are no Growth Management impacts associated with this item
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item is approved for form and legality and requires a majority vote for Board
approval. - SAA
RECOMMENDATIONS: That the Board approve a Resolution to 1) accept the distribution of funds from the Coyeen
R. Lawton Estate and Lawton Family Trust Agreement dated 12/28/99, for use by the Naples Regional Library; 2)
authorize the County Manager or designee to execute all documents required to accept a future distribution from the
Estate and take all actions necessary to accept any such future distributions; and 3) approve any future necessary Budget
Amendments.
PREPARED BY: Tanya Williams
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Cover Letter_Wilson & Johnson
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3/11/2025
Item # 16.D.4
ID# 2025-625
2. Proposed Resolution 2025 - Lawton Trust 01.31.2025_CAO
3. Notice by Trustee_CAO (2)
4. Notice of Administration_CAO (2)
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ATTORNEYS A'I- I A\T'
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Kyle C. Bacchus, Esq.
Direct nwa ber : 2 39-4 3 6- I 50 I
kylecbacchns@stapIesestatelat.com
Decerrrber 11 , 2024
VIA CERTIFIED MAIL
Naples Centr,rl Library
c/o Headquarters Library
Attn: Karen'l'ibbetts
2385 Orange Blossom Drive
Naples. FL 34109
RE: Estate and Trust ofCoyeen R. Iawton
Dear Ms. Tibbetts:
Our firm rcpresents George A. Wilson as Personal Representative ofthe Estate ofCoyeen
R. Lawton, as well as Trustee of the Lawton Family Trust Agreement dated December 28,1999,
as amended ('rhe Trust").
Naples Central Library is a qualified beneficiary under the terms of the Trust, which has
become irrevocable as a result of Ms. Lawton's death. The purpose ofthis letter is to provide you
with documentation and information regarding the c iate end trust administration.
As part ofthe trust administration process, and as required by Florida law, enclosed is the
Notice by Trustee under Sections 736.0604 and 736.0813 of the Florida Statuies ("the Notice"),
being provided to ycu as a qualified beneficiary of the Trust. Although the Trustee is not required
to provide you with a complete copy of the Trust, unless you request it in writing, vre cre
nonetheless providing you with a complete copy of the Trust, as stated in the Notice.
Also enclosed is a copy ofa Notice of Administration, which is required to be served upon
you as a beneficiary of the Trust. The purpose of the Notice of Administration ('Notice") is to
notiry you ofthe probate administration, the named personal representative ofthe estate, the will,
venue, and jurisdiction of the court. Ifyou have any objections to the foregoing, you must submit
your objections to the court within the time required by iaw in the Notice.
Lastly, we ask that you sign and date the enclosed Receipt of Notice by Trustee, and
Receipt of Notice of Administration and retum them to our office in the envelope provided for
your convenience. Also enclosed is a Depanment of Treasury Form W-9. Please complete and
retum this form to us-
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Deccmber I l, 2024
Page 2
We will continue to be in touch as the administration of the Estate and Trust continues. If
you should have any questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely.
WILSON & JOFINSON P.A.
%c*L
Kyhd. Bacchus, Esq.
FOR THE FIRM
KCB/smh
Enclosules as stated
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