ISCOC 01/09/2025MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE COLLIER COUNTY
Infrastructure Surtax Citizen Oversight Committee
January 9, 2025
Naples, Florida
LET IT BE REMEMBERED that the Collier County Infrastructure Surtax Citizen Oversight Committee
met on this date at 8:30 A.M. at 3299 Tamiami Trail East, Building F, 3rd Floor, Board of County
Commission Chambers, Naples, Florida, with the following Members Present:
Infrastructure Surtax Citizen Oversight Committee
Present: Scott Lepore
James DeLony
Ronald Kezeske
Katherine Basso
Lloyd Wirshba
Mike Petscher
Kerry Geroy
Scott Spitzer
Absent: Kevin Johnson
Also, Present: John Dunnuck — Executive Director, Facilities and Redevelopment Division
Bendisa Miller — Management Analyst II, Facilities Management, Division
Colleen Greene — Assistant County Attorney, County Attorney's Office
1. Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance
The Chairman calls the meeting to order at 8:30 AM.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Scott Lepore led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Roll Call — Liaison
Eight Infrastructure Surtax Citizen Oversight Committee members are present, representing a quorum.
4. Approval of The Agenda
The Chairman makes a motion to approve the agenda. James DeLony seconds the motion. The motion
passes unanimously.
5. Approval of Minutes from Previous Meeting
Meeting Minutes — September 12, 2024, and November 14, 2024
The minutes are distributed to all present. The Chairman makes a motion to approve the meeting
minutes for the meetings on September 12, 2024, and November 14, 2024, and James DeLony seconds
the motion. The motion passes unanimously.
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6. Public Comment
No public comments.
7. New Business
A. EMS / DAS Update
Domestic Animal Services (DAS) Update
1. Original Plan: $6 million in surtax funding was allocated to build a new DAS facility near the Sports
Complex.
2. Shift in Strategy: The proposed location did not provide significant advantages (e.g., no additional
space, no better livestock housing). Instead, the focus has shifted to renovating the existing DAS
facility and evaluating a potential future satellite facility.
3. Current Progress:
1. One building at DAS has been fully renovated, insulated, and air-conditioned.
2. A phased renovation schedule for the remaining buildings is being developed.
4. Funding Strategy: The $6 million is insufficient for all necessary renovations. Additional budgeted
funds will supplement the surtax while ensuring surtax dollars are spent appropriately. Costs related
to the original design for the abandoned site are being reviewed, and inappropriate surtax expenses
will be covered by other funding sources.
5. Future Planning: This year's budget includes funds to evaluate county property for a future
additional DAS facility.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Update
Planned EMS Stations: Three stations were initially planned under the surtax:
1. Station 74 (Under Construction):
1. Located in Greater Naples, serving as a forward command for wildfire and disaster
response.
2. Total cost: $11 million, with $6 million from the surtax and additional legislative
appropriations helping free up surtax funds.
3. Completion target: Summer 2025
2. Heritage Bay:
1. Originally planned as a stand-alone EMS station, but reconsidered due to proximity
to Greater Naples Headquarters.
2. Instead, EMS may co -locate with existing fire stations on 951 or Beck Boulevard
for better efficiency.
3. Old 41/Performance Way Site:
1. Originally owned by the county but deemed unsuitable for an EMS/fire station due to
size and access issues.
2. The property will be sold, and proceeds will help cover EMS debt.
3. EMS will instead co -locate with North Collier Fire Department at a more suitable
site nearby.
2. Future Planning & Challenges:
1. East Naples: A wetland site near Fiddlers is allocated for EMS and a library, but a co -
located station with Greater Naples Fire (Station 26) and possibly the Sheriff s Office is
being evaluated.
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2. Immokalee: Response times remain a major concern, as EMS is the primary provider of ALS
(Advanced Life Support). Commissioners emphasize prioritizing Immokalee in future
funding efforts, including potential surtax funding.
B. For the Surtax Committee to make a recommendation on committee member applications to the
Board of County Commissioners subject to confirmation by the Board.
The applications received were Kevin Johnson (District 1), John Nesselroade (District 1), Ronald
Kezeske (District 2), Mike Petcher (District 5), Kerry Geroy (District 1, Alternate), and Scott
Spitzer (District 1, Alternate). The Chairman motioned for the County Commission to reappoint
the members already on the committee. Scott Spitzer seconds the motion. The motion passes
unanimously.
8. Projects
A. Transportation
B. Facilities & Capital Replacements
C. Community Priorities
9. Old Business
A. Validated Project Updates
B. Committee Support Documents Section 212.054 Florida Statutes & Collier County Ordinance
2018-21
C. Financial Report as of November 30, 2024
Maggie Lopez, the Assistant Division Director for Corporate Financial and Management Services,
explained the current financial state of the Surtax funding. Mr. Kezeske emphasized that before the
committee starts evaluating new projects to be funded by the Surtax, the committee needs to ensure
that the current projects do not require additional funding and ensure that the voter's priorities are
met.
10. Announcements
No announcements.
11. Committee Member Discussion
12. Next Meeting Date
The next Infrastructure Surtax Citizen Oversight Committee meeting will occur on March 13, 2025, at
8:30 AM in the BCC Boardroom at 3299 Tamiami Trail E, Naples, FL 34112, on the third floor.
13. Adjournment
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