Immokalee CRA Minutes 04/16/2025Enclosure 2
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MINUTES
Meeting of the Collier County Community Redevelopment Agency Immokalee Local Redevelopment
Advisory Board on April 16, 2025. 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 Michael “Mike” Facundo at 8:30 A.M.
B. Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence.
Michael “Mike” Facundo led the Pledge of Allegiance and the opening prayer.
C. Roll Call and Announcement of a Quorum.
Christie Betancourt opened roll call. A quorum was announced for the CRA . No quorum was announced
for the MSTU Board.
CRA Advisory Board Members Present in Person:
Michael “Mike” Facundo, Lupita Vazquez Reyes (8:33 A.M.), Mark Lemke, Patricia “Anne” Goodnight,
Edward “Ski” Olesky, Estil Null, Yvar Pierre and Paul Thein.
CRA Advisory Board Members Present via Zoom:
None.
CRA Advisory Board Members Absent/Excused:
None.
MSTU Advisory Committee Members Present:
Bernardo Barnhart (9:32 A.M.) and Cherryle Thomas.
MSTU Advisory Committee Members Present via Zoom:
None.
MSTU Advisory Committee Members Absent/Excused:
Jimmy Nieves.
Others Present in Person:
Oscar Lugo, Yolanda Flores, Lee Van Gelder, Misty Smith, Mary Martinez, Jorge Perez, Abby
Villagomez, Armando Yzaguirre, Said Gomez, and Commissioner William “Bill” L. McDaniel, Jr.
Others Present via Zoom:
Andrea Halman, Dimitri Schwarz, James Klewicki, Melissa Silva. Sarah Harrington, and Tricia De
Cambria.
Staff Present in Person: John Dunnuck, Christie Betancourt, Yvonne Blair, and Yuridia Zaragoza.
D. Voting Privileges for Board Members via Zoom
The CRA Board members made a motion to allow board members on Zoom privileges.
CRA Action: Ms. Patricia “Anne” Goodnight made a motion to allow Board Members on Zoom
privileges. Mr. Mark Lemke seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 7-0.
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E. Approval of Agenda.
Staff presented the Agenda to the board for approval. Staff announced a time certain for Agenda Item
J.2. Contractors Maintenance Report. The Agenda was approved as presented
CRA Action: Ms. Patricia “Anne” Goodnight made a motion to approve the Agenda as presented.
Mr. Paul Thein seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 8-0.
F. Approval of Consent Agenda
1. Minutes
i. Joint CRA & MSTU Advisory Board Meeting for March 19, 2025 (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 Observation Field Report (Enclosure 6)
iv. Community Meetings (Enclosure 7)
Staff presented the Consent Agenda to the boards for approval. The 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. 8-0.
G. Announcements.
1. Public Comments speaker slips
CRA Staff reiterated on the public 3-minute speaker slip policy for each Topic. 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. Included in the
folder was the public notice of the Joint CRA and MSTU meeting, Informational flyer on the Crisis
Prevention & Empowerment (CPE), Earth day workshop flyer, 2nd Annual Art Fair flyer, MSTU
Project Manager Observation Report, and the final 2024 CRA Annual Report.
3. 2025 CRA Awards (Enclosure 8)
The CRA Staff announced that they had received two awards from the Immokalee Eastern Chamber
of Commerce. The CRA received an award for the 2025 Member of the Year and the Honorary
Business of the Month award for the month of April.
H. Other Agencies
1. FDOT Updates
No updates.
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2. Other Community Agencies
No updates.
I. Community Presentations
No presentations.
J. Old Business
1. Advisory Board update
i. Board Merger
Staff informed the board and members of the public present that an item will be presented to the
Board of Collier County Commissioners on April 22, 2025, for authorization to advertise the
ordinance to create the new Immokalee Community Redevelopment Advisory Board. Staff must
advertise before the Ordinance can be adopted.
If the Ordinance is presented and approved by the Board of Collier County Commissioners at
the 1st meeting in May, the boards may have their first meeting as a merged board in May. Future
discussion can include how the board would like to operate such as having a moment of silence
or having a prayer and looking into having a different pastor at each meeting. Discussion can
also be made on the proposal of having the chairs of the CRA and MSTU become Chair and
Vice-Chair of the board.
Staff announced that there are 2 vacancies, one is for reappointment and the other vacancy is for
the completed term of Ms. Andrea Halman. Approval was given to staff for nine (9) board
members and two (2) non-voting members for the new board.
ii. CRA Applications
a. Lupita Vazquez Reyes (Enclosure 9)
The application for Ms. Lupita Vazquez Reyes was presented to the board. The CRA
Board made a motion for the reappointment of Ms. Lupita Vazquez Reyes.
CRA Action: Ms. Patricia “Anne” Goodnight made a motion to reappoint Lupita Vazquez Reyes
to the Immokalee Local Redevelopment Advisory (CRA) Board. Mr. Mark Lemke seconded the motion,
and it passed by unanimous vote. 8-0.
a. CRA Attendance Log (Enclosure 10)
The attendance log showcased the CRA Board members attendance for the last 2
years including Ms. Lupita Vazquez Reyes. Staff will attach the attendance log with
the Memo sent to the County Attorney.
b. Oscar Lugo (Enclosure 11)
Staff provided Mr. Oscar Lugo application. He is a new applicant to the Immokalee
Local Redevelopment Advisory Board.
Mr. Michael “Mike” Facundo briefly commented on Mr. Oscar Lugo. He has known
Mr. Lugo for about 5 years, he is a Civil Engineer.
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Mr. Oscar Lugo introduced himself. He has been working in the area as a Civil Engineer
for about 10 years. He was born and raised in Immokalee. He attended Immokalee High
School and Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). He loves the Immokalee community
and is astounded by all the growth that has occurred. Mr. Michael “Mike” Facundo
introduced him to the Immokalee CRA, and Mr. Lugo has seen the work and projects
that have been completed. He looks forward to being a part of the board and contributing
in any way that he can.
CRA Action: Ms. Patricia “Anne” Goodnight made a motion to approve Oscar Lugo application
for appointment to the Immokalee Local Redevelopment Advisory (CRA) Board. Mr. Edward “Ski” Olesky
seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous vote. 8-0.
Staff will send a recommendation memo to the County Attorney for appointment of both
applicants.
2. Contractor Maintenance Reports
i. A&M Property Maintenance Report & Schedule (Enclosure 12)
Staff provided the maintenance report, the look ahead for May, work completed, and future
work done at the Zocalo Plaza.
Included in Enclosure 12, on Page 82, is Estimate #1616, for pressure washing at a quarterly
basis at the Zocalo. Due to a situation that occurred with one of the board members attending
an event at the Zocalo and having a couple of cleanliness issues, staff understand that there is a
homeless issue at the Zocalo. Staff did get the initial pressure washing approved; however, they
would like to have it done quarterly if needed. If any other certain cleaning is needed, A&M
staff may be able to complete the work as an incidental.
Mr. Armando Yzaguirre, provided an update for A&M. All is going according to schedule. As
for the Zocalo, he commented on the issues with the homeless. Due to how regular they are in
the area; it could be that the pressure washing may have to be done more than quarterly. He
suggested that CRA staff look into shutting off the power in the area since many of the homeless
individuals use the outlets to charge their phones and other electronic devices. Mr. Yzaguirre
also provided an update on the Christmas decorations. If CRA staff plans to switch out the
Christmas decorations, the last decoration that needs switching is the Christmas Trees. The
Christmas tree decorations are in good shape for another year. He provided this update to start
staff’s conversation if they are looking to replace.
Mr. Armando Yzaguirre is getting ready to make a proposal for the Historic Cemetery, per CRA
staff request.
Ms. Christie Betancourt commented that the Holiday Decorations and Historic Cemetery will
be addressed during the budget workshop. She anticipates that A&M will have to pressure wash
spot areas on a weekly basis. CRA Staff may have to ask for assistance from the Sheriff’s
Department and Park Rangers to keep the homeless individuals moving.
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Ms. Lupita Vazquez Reyes encouraged staff to have an outreach with others to assist with the
homeless individuals. Ms. Christie Betancourt commented that the Homeless Coalition and St.
Matthew House can assist, however, individuals must be willing to meet their rules.
Ms. Cherryle Thomas commented on her previous experience with a homeless individual who
is near the light intersection by the Zocalo. She asked if something can be done to address this
issue.
Cpl. Lee Van Gelder commented that as long as the individual is not impeding traffic, not much
could be done by the Sheriff’s Office.
Commissioner McDaniel asked if the power outlets at the Zocalo Plaza could be blocked. He
commented on having the lights on so that the area is lighted but also finding a way to block the
outlets to avoid disruptions. If an individual decides to cause any damage to those blocked
outlets, then there is a cause to have reinforcement.
Ms. Lupita Vazquez Reyes commented on the Zocalo and said that it’s a matter of use of the
area. It’s a public space, however, the homeless are using the area the most due to no other uses
by other community members. An outreach and collaboration with other organizations could
lead to assisting the homeless individuals in the community. She liked the idea Commissioner
McDaniel provided and commented on her own experience of doing something similar with the
non-profit that she is in. This initiative worked to deter others from using the outlets.
A&M staff provided clarification on the bougainvillea branches that created a safety hazard at
the Zocalo.
CRA staff have a pending purchase order for the electrical services at the Zocalo, but they will
need to go to the next vendor to get the work done. The purchase order has been pending since
October 2024.
A recommendation was not made on the quarterly pressure washing due to no quorum for the
MSTU Board.
3. Brief Staff Project update
A contract was approved for Marquee Development for the Immokalee Sidewalk Phase III project.
Staff hope to have a kickoff meeting soon.
Staff are working with Collier County Community & Human Services (CHS) and Transportation
to get the First Street Corridor Safety Project phased out. Change Order# 3 was approved. Staff will
be providing an updated timeline on the project.
4. Office Lease update
Staff’s current office lease ends at the end of June of this year. Staff will bring an item to the board
in May and then add the item to the Board of Collier County Commissioner Agenda.
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Staff are in negotiations with the new owners. The closing is still pending, so the current owners
of the building would like staff to do a lease with the new owners.
A brief discussion was made on the Immokalee Clerk’s office and the status of the improvements
needed, if staff move in.
K. New Business.
1. Budget Workshop
i. Budget & Strategic Plan Presentation
The 2025/2026 Strategic Plan and the Prioritization project list were presented from what was
previously approved in September 2024. Staff listed projects that the CRA and MSTU are
funding and projects that are being funded by the County or other entities. The Strategic Plan
Prioritization Project list included:
• First Street Pedestrian Safety Improvements
• Sidewalk Phase III
• Historic Preservations
• Lake Trafford Corridor Improvements
• Fields of Dreams Park Initiative (Sports fields)
• Housing Development
• Immokalee Community Campus – 9th Street property – Catholic Charities Development
• Main Street Corridor Improvements
• Immokalee Airport Park Improvements
• 24-hour medical facilities
• Little League Road Extension
Staff provided information on the Immokalee Tax Increment of 2000-2025 and current and
proposed funds for the CRA.
• Immokalee Redevelopment Fund (1025)
o Current: $1,460,100
o Proposed: For the next Fiscal Year: $1,528,083
• Immokalee CRA Capital Fund (1026) – Projects (1026)
o Current: Added fund - $644,100; The total for capital project is $3,184,775. An
extra $662,800 is being added. The overall amount for Capital funding is
significant due to the tracking of the Immokalee Sports Complex Project.
o Proposed: Staff are requesting $662,800. They are proposing to add $50,000 to
the Neighborhood Revitalization and plan to rename Mobility into Economic
Development and add $50,000. Staff are also proposing to add $426,000 to the
Main Street Corridor Project and $136,800 to First Street.
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• Immokalee CRA Grant Fund (1027)
o Current: Fund includes the $1,001,371 received in 2024 and 1 million received
this year with a total of 2.3 million for this year.
o Proposed: There will be a reduction to the amount. Staff have used $126,000 for
the design of First Street. Discussion was made with CHS to decrease the award
from 2024 in order for CHS to meet timeliness. Staff are unaware on the amount
that will be taken, however, CHS will award the amount back in 2026.
• Immokalee Beautification (1629)
o Current: $2,143,900
o Proposed: $2,186,300
• Immokalee Rd and SR 29 (1011-163805)
o Current: $237,600
o Proposed: $244,700
Staff also provided information on the CRA Owned Properties which included the 9th Street
Property (reverter), Zocalo Park, Eustis Pond, and the proposal of the Howard Way (Eustis Ave)
property that is pending BCC approval. Other topics discussed for the CRA included the
Operational/Administrative, Community Programs, Land Use Planning, and Economic
Development.
The overall funds of the CRA (1025/1026), MSTU (1629/1011) , and Grants (1027) for
2024/2025 are $9,855,371. The 2025 Immokalee Priorities and Projects presented in September
2024 were highlighted. The projects are the same, however, funding has either increased or
decreased depending on the contracts and quotes received.
Staff discussed the proposed project funding for FY 2025 and FY 2026. The Bid on Foreclosure
Property – 523 Eustis Avenue now 523 Howard Way with the annual cost of Maintenance and
Insurance and Fees would amount to about $67,060.
Staff provided information on the budgeting for the Global Flight Training Solutions – 151
Airpark Blvd. Funds may be used from the capital projects under Neighborhood Revitalization
or capital projects on the regular CRA funding if approved by the board. Global Flight Solution
has expanded, and with the prior CRA leadership and Global Flight representative, an agreement
was made to assist with the cost of $36,000 for the landscaping installation. The amount is
$36,000. Staff will bring this item to the board with a formal request when more information is
provided.
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The overall funds of the CRA, MSTU, and Grants for 2025/2026 are $11,137,950.90. The
amount includes the $1.2 million for the Immokalee Sports Complex Renovation Project
(80320).
A copy of the Immokalee CRA Strategic Plan and Immokalee Priorities for 2025 were
presented, if any additional changes are made, staff will make the changes. Once finalized, staff
will present this to the Board of Collier County Commissioners in May or June as part of the
Immokalee CRA Strategic Plan.
ii. Project Status and Funding Priorities (Enclosure 13)
Budget Priorities for 2025/2026 were presented.
• First Street Pedestrian Safety Improvements Project.
o Engineering Service cost is $250,000; This will be phased out into 4 phases due
to land acquisitions needed.
o Estimated cost of Construction, Engineering & Inspection (CEI), Construction,
and other expenses were provided. Overall amount for the project is $1,571,500.
No MSTU funds are needed at this time. Once the boards are merged, they will
need to identify what funds would be approved for a project, since fundings have
to remain separate.
• First Street Corridor/Zocalo Improvements
o An overall amount of $50,000 is budgeted for the Zocalo Landscape
Maintenance, Zocalo Electrical Improvements, Zocalo Incidental work, and
other expenses.
• First Street Zocalo Plaza Holiday Decorations
o There will be no additional decorations on the light poles in Main Street. Funding
only includes the Holiday Decorations and Tree Installation at the Zocalo Plaza.
As well as small replacements of the decorations at the Zocalo. The budgeted
amount is $38,000. Brief discussion was made on having a sponsor for Holiday
Decorations. The Holiday Bid has been sent out, staff will provide further
updates.
• Immokalee Sidewalk Phase III Project – Eustis Avenue & West Delaware Avenue
o Budgeted amount for Design (Engineering Services), (CEI), Construction, and
other expenses is $1,329,558.10. Staff emphasized that due to the quotes
received for the award of the project, the cost was lower than expected.
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• Main Street Corridor Streetscape Project SR29 from 9th Street to East 2nd Street
o The project is on hold, there is an open Purchase Order for the design. Staff have
60% design complete; they are waiting on the completion of the Loop Road
project.
o The construction funds allocated is approximately $994,000, if approved for
added funds, then the funds will be 1.4 million. There is also funding in the
MSTU reserves. Staff will know more on the overall cost as they move forward
with the Main Street Design.
• Main Street Improvements (Preventative Maintenance)
o Staff have discussed the preventative maintenance for short term and irrigation
improvements. Staff have asked A&M staff for a quote on the Historic Cemetery
to do planting in the front, however, irrigation will be needed. Other items
included in the budget are for the Banner Arm improvements and the trash can
replacement.
• Landscape Maintenance of Immokalee MSTU Road (Main Street SR29, First Street, and
Triangle Area
o Budgeted include the maintenance of SR29, First Street, and the Triangle Area.
The Immokalee MSTU Road fund includes the installation of decorations on
Main Street. The amount budgeted is $275,000.
• Historic Cemetery on Main Street
o Budgeted items include repairs, property survey ground, and interior and exterior
improvements. Staff will share the final report to the Immokalee Museum and
Seminole Tribe for review and follow-up to discuss any interest in funding.
• Fields of Dreams Parks Initiative (Sports Fields)
o 1.2 million for the Sports Complex. As Parks and Recreation staff receive
invoices for the project, they’ll forward them to CRA staff for approval.
o Staff toured the Immokalee Parks with the Parks and Recreation Regional
Manager. Mr. Said Gomez, to view where the $50,000 could be used. Staff will
bring this item back to the board for approval.
• Lake Trafford Corridor Improvements
o The proposed expense of this improvement may be higher than expected. Staff
may have funds saved if LCEC installs the poles and CRA Staff moves forward
with paying the utility and the charge of the installation. Staff have a hold on the
design; the CRA and MSTU will do a shared fund for this improvement.
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• Immokalee Complete Streets
o Staff have the Immokalee Complete Streets listed due to the utility expenses that
are being paid by the CRA. CRA staff are doing a Budget Amendment to move
funds into this expense, in case extra funding is needed.
o $80,000 is being proposed for the Immokalee Lighting Survey that was
completed by the Sheriff’s Department. A discussion was made on the estimated
cost of installation of poles.
• Economic Development
o Budgeted items include the FHERO Annual Membership Fees, Economic
Development Strategy, and Land Planning Services.
• Grants and Programs
o $170,000 is budgeted for the Commercial Façade Grant Program
o $15,000 is budgeted for the Sweat Equity Grant Program
iii. 2025/2026 Budget (Enclosure 14)
A draft breakdown of the 2026 Fiscal Year Recommended Budget was presented. Staff
highlighted the new funding proposal which included the Holiday Decorations and other items
that the board would like to add as prioritization.
Mr. John Dunnuck provided context on the Main Street Corridor project that might be coming
up sooner than expected and commented that the cost will most likely be higher than expected.
Staff wants to be assured that enough funding is saved for the Main Street Corridor project. Staff
would like the added new funds to be set aside for this project as well as other lighting projects
for the health, safety and welfare of the community. Staff have limited the $50,000 for the
Immokalee Park improvements.
Ms. Patricia “Anne” Goodnight commented on her concerns regarding a CRA bill that is being
presented to the State Legislation.
Commissioner McDaniel provided his insight on the CRA Bill and commented that all should
wait on the State Legislation’s final decision. Staff will keep the board updated.
Ms. Patricia “Anne” Goodnight commented on the accomplishments done by the Immokalee
CRA and Commissioner McDaniel and the importance of having the organization in the
community.
A discussion was made on County Leadership and the efforts that could be made, if the State
Legislation passes to stop the function of the CRAs.
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Mr. Paul Thein asked about the flexibility of the budget and whether changes can be made. Mr.
John Dunnuck commented that staff is adding funding to the Immokalee CRA Strategic Plan,
but it can be adjusted at any time, if necessary.
Mr. Paul Thein commented on SB 110 and said if approved, it can bring significant funds into
the Collier County Region and to this board. This could perhaps be an adjustment to the
Immokalee Strategic CRA Plan.
Commissioner McDaniel highlighted the importance of the priorities and how it has shifted the
community. He commented that staff and board members focus on infrastructure. He suggested
that the 24-Hour medical facilities under the Immokalee Strategic Plan priorities be done with
private sector, this could be an initiative done by Catholic Charities.
Commissioner McDaniel provided information on a vote that will be made by the Board of
Collier County Commissioners on a fund of $500,000 that could be appropriated for a
community garden at the Immokalee Museum at Roberts Ranch. There is enough funding for
the construction, however, there is no funding for the operations and maintenance for the garden.
The consensus amongst county staff for this initiative of a community garden is that it should
be a philanthropic effort. A decision will most likely be made to redirect the funds for two (2)
new ambulances for all of Collier County.
Ms. Patricia “Anne” Goodnight asked for clarification on the funding. She was made aware that
funding would be received for ambulance or emergency response time due to fentanyl
responses. Commissioner McDaniel commented that the $500,000 is based on a CDBG fund
that was received.
Mr. Paul Thein commented on the grants that the Immokalee CRA has received and elaborated
on the opportunities that the community can receive. Discussion was made the Regional
Planning Council and how it previously provided opportunities for most departments within the
community. Commissioner McDaniel provided the current status of the Southwest Florida
Regional Planning Council and the occurrence if it’s not reinstated with new bylaws and an
interlocal agreement by the initial six counties that make up the council. Commissioner
McDaniel is working to have some progress be made with the Southwest Florida Regional
Planning Council.
Mr. Paul Thein highlighted the Federally Qualified Health Clinic in the community and
commented on the opportunities for growth.
Further discussion was made on the primary goal of the Regional Planning Council and the need
for Counties to discuss improvements that are being done that could affect everyone surrounding
the area.
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Mr. Paul Thein commented on the significant interest for Immokalee and provided information
that Immokalee was granted $980,000 by the Wine Festival for Child Obesity. About 48% of
the children with a high BMI are at risk of Diabetes compared to the United States being 20%.
Ms. Lupita Vazquez Reyes commented on the community garden and the spot of interest in
facilitating this at Roberts Ranch. This initiative falls under the USDA Designated Food Dessert.
This will help and impact food and nutrition access in the community. She highlighted the
importance of knowing what improvements are needed in the community, especially since
Immokalee is a rural community. All should look to engage more in addressing other matters as
well such as the shallow water in the community. Ms. Reyes further commented on the funding
that is received and where the funds should stay for the community.
Ms. Christie Betancourt provided an overview of the Immokalee Priorities within the
Immokalee CRA Strategic Plan.
Commissioner McDaniel followed up on the comment made by Ms. Lupita Vazquez Reyes and
commented on the importance of educating the community on better nutritional intake. Staff
will add this to the Immokalee Priorities.
Discussion was made on the funding of the CRAs and what could occur if the State Legislation
passes the bill to sunset the CRAs.
Mr. Mark Lemke recommended that the Lighting Study Survey be added to the Immokalee
Priorities.
Mr. Edward “Ski” Olesky commented on the different lights within the community. Ms. Christie
Betancourt followed and said that staff could revisit the cost estimate to have all light poles be
LED lighting.
Commissioner McDaniel commented that he will get an update on the $500,000 CDBG fund.
He commented that if the CRA assists with the operational and educational program of the
community garden, then a decision could be made to have the funds appropriated fo r the
community garden.
Ms. Christie Betancourt will follow up with Mr. John Dunnuck, on this matter. She attended a
pre-meeting to discuss the community garden. The importance of having a fund for the operation
and education of this program was highlighted, staff will follow up on this matter and discuss
whether the board is interested in taking part in this initiative of a community garden.
Mr. Bernardo Barnhart asked if a private sector could contribute to the community garden.
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Commissioner McDaniel said it must be done within the government sector due to the federal
funds. Discussion was made on other components needed to help educate on nutrition and
health. Mr. Bernardo Barnhart commented on the idea to have the funds of the Holiday
Decorations be moved to the initiative of the community garden.
Ms. Andrea Halman commented that staff could look into coordinating with the Master Gardens
with the UF Extension office to assist with educating others.
CRA Staff briefly discussed the First Street Corridor Safety Project and the need to have the
project be phased out.
Ms. Mary Martinez asked if flashing beacons would be installed for the First Street project. Ms.
Christie Betancourt confirmed that flashing beacons will be installed in the 3 crosswalk areas.
Ms. Mary Martinez also asked if the Immokalee Technical College students could be involved
in maintaining the community garden. Ms. Christie Betancourt said this would need to be
coordinated with the Museum.
Board members provided a discussion on the need for funds to be utilized to help the community
and address concerns like the 48% of children at risk with diabetes and to have local and fresh
food for the community members. Staff will follow up on the operational budget and the need
for a community garden.
Mr. Paul Thein also commented on the importance of fitness and the funding opportunities to
help implement memberships for fitness.
Ms. Christie Betancourt commented on the current capacity of the Immokalee Sports Complex
fitness center. The discussion was made on the age of the children who are at risk of diabetes
and how they could utilize areas such as the parks in Immokalee and encourage them to be
active.
Ms. Cherryle Thomas commented on her experience working with the school system and her
mission to reduce cholesterol levels. She emphasized the importance of starting a healthy and
safe eating habit at a young age.
Ms. Cherryle Thomas commented on feedback that she has received on the need for a local
newspaper like the Immokalee Bulletin. Other feedback received was regarding the urgent care,
Sheriff’s Department doing more outreach in the community, and better use of the Zocalo,
Museum and Parks and Recreation.
Mr. Said Gomez who is with Parks and Recreation followed up with Ms. Cherryle Thomas’s
comment on healthy food and said that Parks and Recreation had a food program to help educate
others, however, there was no high turnout.
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He has noted that Health is a big matter for the community, he will follow up with other partners
and organizations in the community to further expand on the initiatives that could be done to
help with the healthy intake of nutrients and food.
Mr. Said Gomez also provided information on the community members who use the fitness
center. There is a possibility that Parks and Recreation staff will expand hours due to the
capacity of those who use the fitness center. A brief discussion was made on outdoor equipment
and the importance of keeping maintenance costs in mind for decisions made within a facility.
Mr. Michael “Mike” Facundo asked staff if they have considered another way to fund the
maintenance of the Zocalo and have a better utilization of the area.
L. Citizen Comments
Ms. Mary Martinez reiterated the comment made by Mr. Bernardo Barnhart and said that it should be
looked into having the Holiday fund moved to the community garden.
M. Next Meeting Date
The CRA Board and MSTU Board will be meeting jointly on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 8:30 A.M.
at CareerSource SWFL.
N. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 10:49 A.M.
* Zoom Meeting chat is attached to the minutes for the record.
Zoom Chat
April 16, 2025 Immokalee CRA Hybrid Public Meeting
00:05:16 Yuridia Zaragoza: Good morning Everyone ! Just a reminder to
please be on mute. If anyone would like to comment on a topic, please raise your
hand and we will call on you.
00:14:21 Melissa Silva: I'm here but not feeling well
00:22:09 Andrea Halman: Boy this meeting is moving right along with out me.
00:27:14 Christie Betancourt: We will call on you next Andrea.
00:30:54 Christie Betancourt: We can't hear you Andrea. We will comeback
to you if your mic works.
00:34:34 Andrea Halman: I’m not sure why you hear me. Do something to
irritate them.
00:40:26 Andrea Halman: Those at home can’t see
01:19:50 Christie Betancourt: Project Listing in on Enclosure 13
01:57:46 Andrea Halman: Extension master gardener
02:23:34 Sarah Harrington: Good morning, sharing for the good of the
group, the 2025 income limits were released by HUD. The median income for Collier
County is now $113,600.
Note: The median number, in combination with the number of individuals in the
family, is used to determine which income category the family falls within.
Example: 100% of the the Average Median Income (AMI) is the median income category