BCC Minutes 02/24/2026 (Draft)February 24, 2026
Page 1
TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEETING OF THE
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Naples, Florida, February 24, 2026
LET IT BE REMEMBERED that the Board of County
Commissioners, in and for the County of Collier, and also acting as
the Board of Zoning Appeals and as the governing board(s) of such
special districts as have been created according to law and having
conducted business herein, met on this date at 9:00 a.m., in
REGULAR SESSION in Building "F" of the Government Complex,
East Naples, Florida, with the following Board members present:
Chairman: Dan Kowal
Burt L. Saunders
Chris Hall
Rick LoCastro
William L. McDaniel, Jr.
ALSO PRESENT:
Amy Patterson, County Manager
Ed Finn, Deputy County Manager
Scott Teach, Deputy Attorney
Derek Johnnsen, Clerk's Office
Tom Eble, Meeting Coordinator
Page 1
February 24, 2026
COLLIER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
Community Redevelopment Agency Board (CRAB)
Airport Authority
AGENDA
Board of County Commission Chambers
Collier County Government Center
3299 Tamiami Trail East, 3rd Floor
Naples, FL 34112
February 24, 2026
9:00 AM
Commissioner Dan Kowal, District 4 – Chair
Commissioner William L. McDaniel, Jr., District 5 – Vice Chair
Commissioner Rick LoCastro, District 1
Commissioner Chris Hall, District 2
Commissioner Burt Saunders, District 3
NOTICE: PERSONS WISHING TO SPEAK ON AN AGENDA ITEM MUST
REGISTER PRIOR TO ITS PRESENTATION. SPEAKERS ARE LIMITED
TO THREE (3) MINUTES UNLESS ADJUSTED BY THE CHAIR. TIME
MAY BE CEDED BY OTHER IN-PERSON REGISTERED SPEAKERS
WHO ARE PRESENT AT THE TIME THE SPEAKER IS HEARD. PUBLIC
COMMENTS ARE NOT HEARD FOR PROCLAMATIONS,
PRESENTATIONS, OR PUBLIC PETITIONS. PRESENTATIONS ARE
LIMITED TO TEN (10) MINUTES UNLESS EXTENDED BY THE CHAIR.
TO COMMENT ON CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS, REGISTRATION MUST
OCCUR BEFORE THE BOARD’S ACTION ON THE CONSENT AGENDA,
WHICH IS HEARD FOLLOWING THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
Page 2
February 24, 2026
REQUESTS FOR PUBLIC PETITIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN
WRITING TO THE COUNTY MANAGER AT LEAST 13 DAYS PRIOR TO
THE MEETING. THEY SHALL PROVIDE DETAILED INFORMATION AS
TO THE NATURE OF THE PETITION. PUBLIC PETITIONS MUST
ADDRESS MATTERS NOT SCHEDULED FOR A FUTURE AGENDA AND
CONCERN A MATTER IN WHICH THE BOARD CAN TAKE ACTION. IF
GRANTED, A SINGLE PRESENTER MAY SPEAK FOR UP TO TEN (10)
MINUTES, SUBJECT TO EXTENSION BY THE CHAIR, AND THE
PETITION WILL BE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR A PUBLIC
HEARING.
FOR GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA TOPICS,
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED BEFORE THAT PORTION IS CALLED.
COMMENTS ARE LIMITED TO THREE (3) MINUTES; TIME MAY NOT
BE CEDED. THE CHAIR MAY LIMIT THE NUMBER OF SPEAKERS TO
FIVE (5) FOR THE MEETING. APPEALS REQUIRE A RECORD OF
PROCEEDINGS, WHICH MAY INCLUDE THE TESTIMONY AND
EVIDENCE ON WHICH THE APPEAL IS BASED AND MAY BE
REQUIRED TO BE VERBATIM. LOBBYISTS MUST REGISTER WITH
THE CLERK TO THE BOARD AT THE BOARD MINUTES AND
RECORDS DEPARTMENT PER COLLIER COUNTY ORDINANCE 2003-
53, AS AMENDED.
ALL DIGITAL AUDIO AND VISUAL MATERIALS SUBMITTED BY THE
PUBLIC VIA EMAIL LINK OR ATTACHMENT OR TRANSPORTED ON
EXTERNAL DEVICES FOR BROADCASTING AT THE BOARD
MEETING, MUST BE IN A COMPATIBLE FORMAT AND RECEIVED BY
THE COUNTY MANAGER’S OFFICE BY NOON ON THE DAY
PRECEDING THE BOARD MEETING TO BE SCANNED FOR
NETWORK SECURITY THREATS. DIGITAL MATERIALS SUBMITTED
AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
IF YOU ARE A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY WHO REQUIRES
ACCOMMODATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCEEDING, YOU
ARE ENTITLED TO CERTAIN ASSISTANCE AT NO COST. CONTACT
COLLIER COUNTY FACILITIES MANAGEMENT LOCATED AT 3335
EAST TAMIAMI TRAIL, SUITE 1, NAPLES, FLORIDA, 34112-5356, (239)
252-8380. ASSISTED LISTENING DEVICES ARE AVAILABLE.
Page 3
February 24, 2026
A LUNCH RECESS IS SCHEDULED FROM NOON (12:00 P.M.) TO 1:00 P.M.
1. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
A. Invocation: Pastor Jesse Barrett from New Hope Ministries Naples |||
Pledge of Allegiance:
2. AGENDA AND MINUTES
A. Approval of today's Regular, Consent, and Summary agenda as
amended (ex-parte disclosure provided by Commission members for
Consent agenda.)
B. January 27, 2026, BCC Minutes
3. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
A. EMPLOYEE – 20 YEAR ATTENDEES
1) Jerry Edward Shukes- Facilities Management
2) Juanita Loeza Perez- Parks & Recreation
3) Michael D. Waite- Utilities Finance Operations
4. PROCLAMATIONS
A. Proclamation designating March 8, 2026, as Wellfit Girls Day in
Collier County. To be accepted by Joe Charles, Board Chair.
B. Proclamation designating March 19 - 29, 2026, as the 50th
Anniversary of the Collier Fair. To be accepted by Don Jolly, Collier
Fair Board President.
C. Proclamation designating March 8, 2026, as International Women's
Day in Collier County. To be accepted by Althea Irving, Chair,
Women's Foundation of Collier County.
5. PRESENTATIONS
Page 4
February 24, 2026
6. PUBLIC PETITIONS
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS
8. BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
9. ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARINGS
10. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
11. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT
A. Recommendation that the Board of County Commissioners, as the ex
officio Governing Board of the Collier County Water-Sewer District,
accept the Water, Wastewater, Irrigation Quality Water, and Wholesale
Potable Water User Rate and Fee Study and direct the County
Manager or her designee to advertise a Resolution amending
Schedules One, Two, Three, and Four of Appendix A to Section Four
of the Collier County Water-Sewer District Uniform Billing,
Operating, and Regulatory Standards Ordinance No. 2001-73, as
amended, with effective dates of October 1, 2026, October 1, 2027,
October 1, 2028. (Joseph Bellone, Division Director - Utilities
Finance Operations)
12. COUNTY ATTORNEY'S REPORT
13. OTHER CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS
14. AIRPORT AUTHORITY AND/OR COMMUNITY
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
15. STAFF AND COMMISSION GENERAL COMMUNICATIONS
A. Public Comments on General Topics Not on the Current or
Future Agenda by Individuals Not Already Heard During
Previous Public Comments in this Meeting
B. Staff Project Updates
Page 5
February 24, 2026
C. Staff and Commission General Communications
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16. Consent Agenda - All matters listed under this item are considered to be
routine and action will be taken by one motion without separate
discussion of each item. If discussion is desired by a member of the
Board, that item(s) will be removed from the Consent Agenda and
considered separately.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A. GROWTH MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT
1) This item requires Commission members to provide an ex-
parte disclosure. Should a hearing be held on this item, all
participants are required to be sworn in. Recommendation to
approve Commercial Excavation Permit PL20200002201 to
excavate and remove an additional 4,200,000 cubic yards of
material from the expansion of the existing approved
Immokalee Sand Mine (This item is a companion to Items 17A
and 17B)
2) Recommendation to approve a Resolution for final acceptance
of the private roadway and drainage improvements, and
acceptance of the plat dedications, including the dedication of
Tract “K” and the 4th Street N.E. Road Easement, for the final
plat of Randall at Orangetree, Application Number
PL20210002196 (PPL) and Randall at Orangetree – Phase 2,
Application No. PL20230002794 (FP), and authorize the
release of the maintenance security in the amount of
$1,482,372.31.
3) Recommendation to approve final acceptance of the potable
water and sewer utility facilities and accept the conveyance of
the potable water and sewer utility facilities for Opus Stone,
PL20250009443.
4) Recommendation to approve a Resolution authorizing
exemptions to the formal competitive process for the purchase
of veterinary medication and medical supplies for Domestic
Page 6
February 24, 2026
Animal Services and approve expenditures on these exemptions
up to a maximum of $1,500,000 per fiscal year through Fiscal
Year 2028 to enable Domestic Animal Services to remain in
compliance with the Collier County Animal Control Ordinance
and to continue purchasing required preventatives, medications,
and veterinary medical supplies.
5) Recommendation to award Invitation for Qualifications No. 25-
8393, “Tree Maintenance and Arborist Services for Parks and
Recreation,” to The Davey Tree Expert Company, Superior
Landscaping & Lawn Services Inc., E-Santos Tree Service,
Inc., R & N Lawn Maintenance, Inc., and Sherlock Tree
Company, Inc.
6) Recommendation to direct staff to advertise and bring back for
a public hearing, an Ordinance amending the Land
Development Code, to establish definitions for Transit Stop and
Major Transportation Hub, in order to comply with Section
125.01055, Florida Statutes. [PL20240005299]
7) Recommendation to approve a Resolution for final acceptance
of the private roadway and drainage improvements, and
acceptance of the plat dedications, including the dedication of
Tract “R-1” and Tract “R-2,” for the final plat of Argo
Livingston, Application Number PL20200000146, and
authorize the release of the maintenance security in the amount
of $333,744.90.
8) Recommendation to approve an Interlocal Agreement between
the Board of County Commissioners and North Collier Fire
Control and Rescue District for the Lifeguard Management
Program for lifeguard staffing and management at Big
Corkscrew Island Regional Park and North Collier Regional
Park, Sun-N-Fun Lagoon.
9) Recommendation to approve the release of a code enforcement
lien with an accrued value of $122,850 for a reduced payment
of $4,736.60 in the code enforcement action titled Board of
County Commissioners vs. Theodore Canales, in Code
Page 7
February 24, 2026
Enforcement Board Case No. CESD20150024661, relating to
property located at 1402 Orange St., Folio
#30681960005, Immokalee, Florida.
B. TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT
1) Recommendation to approve and authorize the Chair to execute
a Real Estate Sales Agreement with the North Collier Fire
Control and Rescue District in the amount of $72,000 for a sale
of a vacant 1.49-acre parcel held by the Golden Gate Estates
Land Trust, f/k/a GAC Land Trust, to execute the Statutory
Deed, and to authorize the County Manager or designee to take
all actions necessary to close the sale; and to adopt a Resolution
approving the sale pursuant to Section 125.38, Florida Statutes.
2) Recommendation to grant an easement to Florida Power &
Light Company, for the construction, installation and
maintenance of underground electrical lines and related
infrastructure at the site of "The Gate" maintenance facility
located at 4150 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples, FL; and
authorize the Chair to execute any additional utility easements
for water, sewer, gas, power, or communications, necessary to
serve "The Gate" project.
3) Recommendation to approve the Lease Agreement between
Collier County and Greater Naples Fire Rescue District for the
joint use of Station 74 located at 99 Desoto Boulevard South,
Naples, Florida 34117 (Intersection of Golden Gate Boulevard
East and Desoto Boulevard).
C. PUBLIC UTILITIES DEPARTMENT
D. COMMUNITY SERVICES
1) Recommendation to accept a grant donation from the Point
Harbor Fund through the Maine Community Foundation
Donor-Advised Fund grant program in the amount of $1,500.00
for general support of the Collier County Vanderbilt Beach
Library location and authorize the necessary Budget
Page 8
February 24, 2026
Amendment. (Public Services Grant Fund 1839)
2) Recommendation to approve and authorize the Chair to sign
Amendment No. 3 to the State Housing Initiatives Partnership
(SHIP) Sponsor Agreement between Collier County and Habitat
for Humanity of Collier County, Inc. to decrease funding in the
amount of $125,000.00, update required documents, contact
information, records information, purchasing requirements,
citizenship requirements, and Exhibit information. (Grant Fund
1053)
3) Recommendation to approve and authorize the Chair to sign
twenty-two mortgage satisfactions for the State Housing
Initiatives Partnership loan program in the amount of
$137,950.00 and to approve a Budget Amendment to recognize
$27,950.00 in revenue from loan payoffs. (SHIP Grant Fund
1053)
4) Recommendation to approve and authorize the Chair to sign
seven mortgage satisfactions for the State Housing Initiatives
Partnership loan program in the amount of $80,000.00 due to
the death of the borrower(s). (SHIP Grant Fund 1053)
E. CORPORATE BUSINESS OPERATIONS
1) Recommendation to ratify an amendment approved by the
Procurement Services Division in accordance with Procurement
Ordinance No. 2025-34 and authorize the timely payment of
invoices in the amount of $28,530.
2) Recommendation to approve the administrative report by the
Procurement Services Division for various County Divisions’
after-the-fact purchases in accordance with Procurement
Ordinance No. 2025-34 and the Procurement Manual, and to
authorize the timely payment of outstanding invoices in the
amount of $51,195.56.
3) Recommendation to approve the administrative report prepared
by the Procurement Services Division for the disposal of
Page 9
February 24, 2026
property that is no longer viable and remove capital assets from
the County’s capital assets records.
4) Recommendation to award Request for Proposal #25-8398,
Temporary Contract Employment Services, to KeyStaff, Inc.,
and authorize the Chair to sign the attached Agreement.
F. COUNTY MANAGER OPERATIONS
1) Recommendation to approve and authorize the Chair to execute
a Landing Agreement between Collier County and NCH
Healthcare System, Inc. for the nonexclusive use of the ground
helipad located at the NCH North Naples Hospital campus.
2) Recommendation to authorize Collier County Emergency
Management (CCEM) to donate one (1) surplus propane-
powered generator to the Guadalupe Center in Immokalee,
Florida, to further support the community during County
emergencies and authorize one-time logistical support for the
relocation of the non-capital asset, absorbed within existing
operational resources.
3) Recommendation to renew the annual Certificate of Public
Convenience and Necessity (COPCN) for Just Like Family
Concierge Medical Transport DBA Brewster Ambulance, to
provide Class 2 Advanced Life Support (ALS) inter-facility
transport ambulance service for a period of one year.
4) Recommendation to adopt a Resolution approving amendments
(appropriating grants, donations, contributions, or insurance
proceeds) to the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Adopted Budget.
5) Recommendation to approve an Amendment to Agreement No.
12-5957, “Financial Advisory Services” with PFM Financial
Advisors LLC, extending the agreement through May 31, 2028,
as an exemption to the competitive process in the not-to-exceed
amount of $150,000 per fiscal year.
G. AIRPORT AUTHORITY
Page 10
February 24, 2026
H. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
I. MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE
J. OTHER CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS
1) To record in the minutes of the Board of County
Commissioners, the check number (or other payment method),
amount, payee, and purpose for which the referenced
disbursements in the amount of $60,389,545.52 were drawn for
the periods between January 29, 2026 and February 11, 2026
pursuant to Florida Statute 136.06.
2) Request that the Board approve and determine a valid public
purpose for invoices payable and purchasing card transactions
as of February 18, 2026.
K. COUNTY ATTORNEY
1) Recommendation to approve and authorize the Chair to execute
a Settlement Agreement in the lawsuit styled Jose Cancio v.
Collier County Board of Commissioners (Case No. 25-CC-
3166), now pending in the County Court of the Twentieth
Judicial Circuit in and for Collier County, Florida, for the sum
of $6,000.00.
2) Recommendation to approve and authorize the County
Attorney’s Office to reject Plaintiff’s Proposal for Settlement
and, in response, file an Offer of Judgment (settlement offer) to
Plaintiff Mersino Dewatering, LLC in the lawsuit styled
Mersino Dewatering, LLC v. Collier County Board of County
Commissioners, (Case No. 25-CA-1782), pending in the Circuit
Court of Collier County, Florida.
3) Recommendation to approve and authorize the Chair to execute
a Settlement Agreement in the lawsuit styled Amonnon Louis v.
Collier County Board of Commissioners (Case No. 25-CA-
345), now pending in the Circuit Court of the Twentieth Judicial
Circuit in and for Collier County, Florida, for the sum of
Page 11
February 24, 2026
$17,500.00.
4) Recommendation to appoint Robert Marsh and Sara Estrada to
the Collier County Code Enforcement Board.
5) Recommendation to approve a Stipulated Final Judgment in the
amount of $217,000 plus $42,186 in statutory attorney fees,
expert fees, and costs for the taking of Parcel 1369FEE required
for the Vanderbilt Beach Road Extension Project No. 60249.
6) Recommendation to approve a Stipulated Final Judgment in the
amount of $120,000 plus $23,008 in statutory attorney fees,
expert fees, and costs for the taking of Parcel 1308FEE required
for the Vanderbilt Beach Road Extension Project No. 60249.
7) Recommendation to approve a Stipulated Final Judgment in the
amount of $190,000 plus $30,226 in statutory attorney fees,
expert fees, and costs for the taking of Parcel 1293FEE required
for the Vanderbilt Beach Road Extension Project No. 60249.
8) Recommendation to approve a Stipulated Final Judgment in the
amount of $92,000 plus $24,606 in statutory attorney fees,
expert fees, and costs for the taking of Parcel 1288FEE required
for the Vanderbilt Beach Road Extension Project No. 60249.
9) Recommendation to approve an Amended Stipulated Order of
Taking and Stipulated Final Judgment in the amount of
$230,000 plus $56,514 in statutory attorney fees, expert fees,
and costs for the taking of Parcels 1316FEE2 and 1316DE
required for the Vanderbilt Beach Road Extension Project No.
60249.
10) Recommendation to authorize the making of an Offer of
Judgment in the amount of $160,000.00 to Respondents,
Christian Silver, Jasmine Calduch, and Sawgrass Construction
Group LLC, in the lawsuit styled Collier County, Florida v.
Christian Silver, et al., Case No. 25-CA-237, for the taking of
Parcel 1359FEE2 required for the Vanderbilt Beach Road
Extension Project No. 60249.
Page 12
February 24, 2026
L. COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
M. TOURIST DEVELOPMENT
1) Recommendation to approve a work order with APTIM
Environmental & Infrastructure, LLC to provide professional
engineering services for 2027-2028 Local Government Funding
Request under Contract No. 18-7432-CZ for lump sum not to
exceed $28,462 and make a finding that this item promotes
tourism. (Fund 1105, Project No. 90065)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17. Summary Agenda - This section is for advertised public hearings and
must meet the following criteria: 1) A recommendation for approval
from staff; 2) Unanimous recommendation for approval by the Collier
County Planning Commission or other authorizing agencies of all
members present and voting; 3) No written or oral objections to the
item received by staff, the Collier County Planning Commission, other
authorizing agencies or the Board, prior to the commencement of the
BCC meeting on which the items are scheduled to be heard; and 4) No
individuals are registered to speak in opposition to the item. For those
items which are quasi-judicial in nature, all participants must be sworn
in.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A This item requires that ex-parte disclosure be provided by
Commission members. Should a hearing be held on this item, all
participants are required to be sworn in. Recommendation to
approve a Resolution amending Resolution No. 2010-224, to amend
and expand a conditional use for earthmining with excavation, on
property zoned Rural Agricultural zoning district (A) with a Mobile
Home Overlay within the Rural Lands Stewardship Area Overlay (A-
MHO-RLSAO), pursuant to Subsections 2.03.01.A.1.c.1 and 4.08.05
of the Collier County Land Development Code, on 896.7+/- acres.
The property is located at 3625 SR 82, Immokalee, in Sections 6 and
7, Township 46 South, Range 29 East, Collier County, Florida.
[PL20240012171] (This item is a companion to Items #16A1 and
#17B)
Page 13
February 24, 2026
B. This item requires Commission members to provide ex-parte
disclosure. Should a hearing be held on this item, all participants are
required to be sworn in. Recommendation to approve a Resolution
approving a variance for an earthmining operation from the Collier
County Land Development Code relating to landscape buffers and
eliminating the fence and landscaping requirement around outdoor
storage and equipment on approximately 896.7+/- acres zoned Rural
Agricultural (A) with a Mobile Home Overlay (MHO), within the
Rural Lands Stewardship Area Overlay (RLSAO), located at 3625 SR
82, Immokalee in Sections 6 and 7, Township 46 South, Range 29
East, Collier County, Florida. [PL20240012172] (This item is a
companion to Items #16A1 and #17A)
C. Recommendation to adopt an Ordinance amending the Collier County
Land Development Code related to Floating Solar Facilities as a land
use. [PL20250000235] (Second of two hearings)
D. Recommendation to adopt a Resolution approving amendments
(appropriating carry forward, transfers, and supplemental revenue) to
the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Adopted Budget.
18. ADJOURN
INQUIRIES CONCERNING CHANGES TO THE BOARD’S AGENDA
SHOULD BE MADE TO THE COUNTY MANAGER’S OFFICE AT 252-
8383.
February 24, 2026
Page 2
MS. PATTERSON: Chair, you have a live mic.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Thank you, County Manager.
All right. We'll bring this meeting of the Board of County
Commissioners to order.
Just a little housekeeping. Make sure you guys have your
phones silenced. I don't want to hear any funky ringtones or anything
while everybody's talking. Just for the courtesy to them.
Did you get yours, Commissioner McDaniel, shut off?
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: It was, sir. I just had -- I
sneezed. Forgive me.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: I thought that was your ringtone.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Your mom called you just --
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: She's texting me right now.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: County Manager.
Item #1A
INVOCATION: PASTOR JESSE BARRETT FROM NEW HOPE
MINISTRIES NAPLES ||| PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: LARRY
RICE - VICE COMMANDER VFW POST 7721 (ARMY
VETERAN AND GOVERNOR BUSH’S POINTS OF LIGHT
RECIPIENT FOR HURRICANE WILMA DISASTER RELIEF
EFFORT) - INVOCATION GIVEN AND PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE RECITED
MS. PATTERSON: Yes, sir. We're going to get started with
our invocation by Pastor Jesse Barrett from New Hope Ministries
Naples, followed by the Pledge by Larry Rice, vice commander of
VFW Post 7721. He's an army veteran and Governor Bush's Points
of Light Recipient for Hurricane Wilma disaster relief effort.
PASTOR BARRETT: Good morning.
February 24, 2026
Page 3
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you so much for this day. I thank
you that we live in the most beautiful city on earth. I thank you for
our county commissioners. I pray that today, throughout this
meeting, they will be led by wisdom, they will not try to lean on their
own understanding but lean on your understanding, Lord. I pray that
the meeting will go smoothly, swiftly, and peacefully today. We love
you. We honor you and praise you. In Jesus' name, amen.
MR. RICE: If you're a veteran, you're allowed to salute.
Otherwise, hand over your heart for respect for those that died and
served this country. Present, arms.
(The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.)
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Thank you.
Did you want to say anything?
MR. RICE: Real quick. So VFW Post 7721, I'm the junior vice
commander, for a correction, not vice commander. We have
different -- we have a commander, senior, junior, vice, quarter
master. Those are the elected offices.
MS. BOLIN: Speak on the microphone.
MR. RICE: Sorry about that.
So the VFW is Veterans of Foreign Wars. It's a fraternal
organization. Basically, if you are a Veteran of Foreign War, it
means you were deployed where you could be shot or be shot at.
That's the differentiation between the VFW and other organizations.
We have our previous post commander out here, J.B. Holmes,
to -- also present.
We have events and -- we do more for veterans than anybody
else. That's our motto. Our other slogan is, "We still keep serving no
matter what." Once you're done with your active duty, you continue
to serve, and you continue to serve your community.
You're more than welcome to come out on Friday nights -- we
have dinners -- and learn about the VFW. There's other events.
February 24, 2026
Page 4
But if you ever see an old-timer with a hat on, you can make
their day by going up and say "thank you" for their service. A lot of
them, especially Vietnam era, did not have that when they came
home. They were spit at, they were called baby killers, totally
disrespected. And a lot of those old-timers, if you tell them that,
"Thank you for your service," and shake their hand, that means the
world to them whether or not you think it does or not.
So we are -- that young man right there, he's got his ID. Thank
you, sir. Appreciate it.
Most importantly, always remember the "Land of the Free" is
because of the home of the brave and the people who sacrificed their
lives.
Have a great day.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: We're not all old-timers, VFW
members. We're not all old-timers. Can we retract that from the
record?
MR. RICE: Don't let Rick -- remember, Rick is Air Force, so
he's sensitive when it comes to certain things --
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: He looks like a young man
back there.
MR. RICE: -- just like most Air Force. But, no, Rick is a great
service member, too. He's also a post member.
But again, thank you for having us, and come on out to the
VFW. Come and enjoy a great meal. And remember, you see a
veteran, tell them thank you for their service. Have a great day.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Thank you.
(Applause.)
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: All right.
Item #2A
February 24, 2026
Page 5
APPROVAL OF TODAY'S REGULAR, CONSENT, AND
SUMMARY AGENDA AS AMENDED (EX-PARTE DISCLOSURE
PROVIDED BY COMMISSION MEMBERS FOR CONSENT
AGENDA.) - MOTION TO APPROVE BY COMMISSIONER
HALL; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MCDANIEL -
APPROVED AND/OR ADOPTED WITH CHANGES
MS. PATTERSON: Commissioners, agenda notes for
February 24th, 2026.
First, Item 10A, to rename the County's Ann Olesky Park in
Immokalee to the Ann and Ski Olesky Park, was added after the
agenda was initially published and has been noted as an add-on item.
This is coming onto the agenda at Commissioner McDaniel's request.
Second, North Collier Fire District requested the following note
for Item 16A8, the interlocal agreement for lifeguard management
program with North Collier Fire Control and Rescue District. The
North Collier Fire Control and Rescue District is scheduled to
consider and take formal action on the Lifeguard Management
Program Agreement at its regular meeting on February 26th, 2026. If
approved, the District will execute the agreement at that time, and the
signature page will be updated and included in the final fully
executed document.
With that, we have court reporter breaks set for 10:30 and 2:50,
if needed.
And with that, County Attorney.
MR. TEACH: Nothing to add.
MS. PATTERSON: Commissioners.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Commissioner Saunders, do you have
any ex parte?
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: No, sir. I don't have anything
to add; no ex parte.
February 24, 2026
Page 6
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Commissioner Hall.
COMMISSIONER HALL: No changes; no ex parte.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Commissioner LoCastro.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: No changes; no ex parte.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Commissioner McDaniel.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Same.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: And myself, no changes; no ex parte.
But before I ask for a motion, I believe we may have public comment
on one consent and two of the summary agenda items?
MR. EBLE: Yes, sir. Yes, Mr. Chair. We have two registered
speakers, Cody Davis and Michael Bryan. Michael Bryan is ceding
his time to Mr. Davis. So Cody Davis, you have six minutes, sir.
MR. DAVIS: Good morning.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Good morning.
MR. DAVIS: Cody Davis, 15126 Palmer Lake Circle.
My comments today focus on the Immokalee sand mine
expansion and on the legal standards governing the proposed
variance and the long-term integrity of the County's land-use
framework.
First, the Land Development Code states that a variance requires
that hardship not be self-created and must arise from special
conditions of the land. The staff report explicitly states that, quote,
"There are no special conditions or circumstances that do not result
from the action of the applicant." This is a direct acknowledgment
that the required hardship criteria is not met. If that finding stands,
approval would not be based on the variance standards as written.
Second, the requested relief is not minor dimensional flexibility.
It eliminates required buffers adjacent to agricultural lands and
rights-of-way and removes over 2,000 feet of required screening
berm and fencing. The code requires that a variance be the minimum
necessary to allow reasonable use. Complete elimination of
February 24, 2026
Page 7
perimeter requirements is difficult to reconcile with the concept of
minimum.
Third, the justification offered is based on operational
convenience, that screening would interfere with day-to-day
activities, and the processing area is set far back from the road.
Operational efficiency, costs, and inconvenience are not traditionally
recognized hardship basis in variance law. This raises concern that
the request represents a discretionary policy accommodation rather
than a variance grounded in legislative criteria.
Fourth, the expansion moves excavation into areas previously
approved as preserved land and wildlife corridor. Land-use processes
are in place to allow flexibility for property owners, but the primary
purpose of designating preserve land is permanence so that the land
can be enjoyed by future generations, and this designation was
originally agreed to by both the applicant and the County. Reopening
preserve acreage approved in a prior agreement sends a message that
the County's long-term commitments are negotiable. This precedent
has implications well beyond just this site.
Fifth, the applicant's own justification states they've been unable
to identify other mining projects where these screening requirements
were applied. If this provision has not historically been enforced for
similarly situated operators, then the issue before the Board may not
be exceptional hardship but inconsistency between the code as
written and the code as administered. Variances are not intended to
reconcile longstanding administrative drift or nonenforcement.
I'm not arguing that mining is inappropriate here -- earth mining
is listed. It is a listed conditional use in this district -- but variance
standards exist to protect the integrity of the Land Development Code
and to ensure consistent, fair application. If the Board believes buffer
standards should be different for large rural mining operations or that
the written standard no longer reflects County policy and practice,
February 24, 2026
Page 8
these are legislative questions, not variance questions. Approval
where exceptional hardship is not demonstrated is an improper use of
the instrument.
I respectfully ask the Board to ensure that each variance
criterion is satisfied based on competent substantial evidence,
particularly the non-self-created hardship and minimum necessary
standards, and I especially urge the Board to pull these three times,
16A1, 17A, and 17B, from the summary and consent agendas and
place them on the regular agenda where they can be given full
scrutiny.
Thank you.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Thank you.
Was that the only speakers for the particular items?
MR. EBLE: That was all for speakers, sir.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Okay. Thank you.
All right. Do I have a motion to --
COMMISSIONER HALL: Move to approve.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Do I have a second?
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Approve the agenda?
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Yes.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Yes, second.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: All right. I have a motion and a
second to approve the agenda as it is. All in favor, signify by saying
aye.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Aye.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Aye.
COMMISSIONER HALL: Aye.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Opposed, same sound, same sign.
(No response.)
February 24, 2026
Page 9
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: It passes unanimously.
SEE REVERSE SIDE
Proposed Agenda Changes
Board of County Commissioners Meeting
February 24, 2026
Notes:
• Item 10A was added after the Agenda was initially published and has been noted as an Add-On Item.
• North Collier Fire District requested the following note for Item 16.A.8 (Interlocal Agreement for Lifeguard
Management Program with North Collier Fire Control and Rescue District)
The North Collier Fire Control and Rescue District is scheduled to consider and take formal action on
the Lifeguard Management Program Agreement at its regular meeting on February 26, 2026. If
approved, the District will execute the Agreement at that time, and the signature page will be
updated and included in the final, fully executed document.
TIME CERTAIN ITEMS:
2/24/2026 12:25 PM
February 24, 2026
Page 10
Item #2B
JANUARY 27, 2026, BCC MINUTES - MOTION TO APPROVE
AS PRESENTED BY COMMISSIONER MCDANIEL;
SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HALL – APPROVED
MS. PATTERSON: Commissioners, Item 2A is approval of the
January 27th, 2026, BCC minutes.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: I'll move for approval.
COMMISSIONER HALL: Second.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: I have a motion and second. All in
favor, signify by saying aye.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Aye.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Aye.
COMMISSIONER HALL: Aye.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Opposed, same sound, same sign.
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: It passes unanimously.
Item #3A1
EMPLOYEE – 20 YEAR ATTENDEES
MS. PATTERSON: Commissioners, that moves us to Item 3,
awards and recognitions. We have three 20-year attendees with us
today.
First up we have Jerry Edward Shukes, Facilities Management.
Congratulations.
(Applause.)
February 24, 2026
Page 11
MS. PATTERSON: Commissioners, it looks like we have a big
Facilities crowd in the back. If you guys want to come up and get a
photo, that's good. Come on up...
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Holy cats. Who's fixing our
stuff?
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Hey, while you're all here,
there's a toilet -- no, I'm just kidding. I know you guys do way more
than that. I like those jackets. Flashy jackets, man.
(Applause.)
MS. PATTERSON: Next up we have Juanita Perez, Parks and
Recreation, 20 years. Congratulations.
(Applause.)
MS. PATTERSON: Finally, we have Michael Waite, Utilities
Finance Operations. Congratulations.
(Applause.)
Item #4A
PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING MARCH 8, 2026, AS
WELLFIT GIRLS DAY IN COLLIER COUNTY. TO BE
ACCEPTED BY JOE CHARLES, BOARD CHAIR. - MOTION TO
APPROVE BY COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS; SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER LOCASTRO – ADOPTED
MS. PATTERSON: Commissioners, that moves us along to
Item 4A. These are our proclamations.
Proclamation designating March 8th, 2026, as Wellfit Girls Day
in Collier County, to be accepted by Joe Charles, board chair.
Congratulations.
(Applause.)
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: We figured you're not the
February 24, 2026
Page 12
Wellfit girl.
(Applause.)
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: If you want to say a few words, you're
more than welcome.
MR. CHARLES: I appreciate it, though. Thanks.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Okay.
Item #4B
PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING MARCH 19 - 29, 2026, AS
THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COLLIER FAIR. TO BE
ACCEPTED BY DON JOLLY, COLLIER FAIR BOARD
PRESIDENT - MOTION TO APPROVE BY COMMISSIONER
SAUNDERS; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER LOCASTRO –
ADOPTED
MS. PATTERSON: Item 4B is a proclamation designating
March 19th through 29th, 2026, as the 50th anniversary of the Collier
County Fair, to be accepted by Don Jolly, Collier County Fair board
president.
Congratulations.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Thank you. Mr. Jolly, if you want to
say a word, you're more than welcome.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Don.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Don.
MR. JOLLY: No speech.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: If you want to say anything, you know,
about the fair or anything.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: When is the ribbon cutting,
when we're doing it, all that kind of stuff.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Go ahead and take the podium there.
February 24, 2026
Page 13
MR. JOLLY: Oh, you want to talk about that?
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Yeah.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: You can talk about whatever you want.
MR. JOLLY: Thank you, folks. Is this working good?
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Yes, sir.
MR. JOLLY: All right. Good. And by the way, folks, we're
just about to get a piece of land, our own. We're going to move from
the County land. And the County is graciously selling us a piece of
land. And it's going to be on Camp Keais, or near Camp Keais and
Oil Well, and we do thank you for that.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: The deal's not done yet, so
don't get too far ahead.
MR. JOLLY: Well, it's been 50 years, and I've been on the
board for 34 years. So it's going to be a good fair. We hope
everybody comes out.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: When is the fair?
MR. JOLLY: March the 19th to the 29th.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: And when is the ribbon
cutting?
MR. JOLLY: The 20th.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: On the 20th, okay.
MR. JOLLY: If anybody would like to come out, we'd -- you
know, 50 years is a long time for something like that, and it's -- we
appreciate if you would come out. Everybody is welcome.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: That's a Friday night. The
20th is a Friday night?
MR. JOLLY: Friday night, yes, sir. We're going to open on
Thursday night, soft opening --
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Soft.
MR. JOLLY: -- basically. But Friday night --
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: And it's a nice event. If you
February 24, 2026
Page 14
haven't ever been before, it's a nice event. Then you can go wander
around the fair, see the critters do the thing. It's a lot of fun.
MR. JOLLY: We can take you around and show you everything
that we're doing. We've got a lot of entertainment this year, very
good. We would appreciate if you came out. Thank you.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: I'll be there. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Thank you, Don.
(Applause.)
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Next proclamation.
MS. PATTERSON: Yes, sir.
Item #4C
PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING MARCH 8, 2026, AS
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY IN COLLIER COUNTY. TO
BE ACCEPTED BY ALTHEA IRVING, CHAIR, WOMEN'S
FOUNDATION OF COLLIER COUNTY - MOTION TO APPROVE
BY COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS; SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER LOCASTRO – ADOPTED
MS. PATTERSON: The next proclamation is Item 4C. It's a
proclamation designating March 8th, 2026, as International Women's
Day in Collier County, to be accepted by Althea Irving, chair,
Woman's Foundation of Collier County, and the awardee has asked
that we read this proclamation.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Okay.
MS. PATTERSON: So let me read it really quickly here.
Whereas, International Women's Day has been observed since
1911 as a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political
achievements of women, and,
Whereas, the Women's Foundation of Collier County serves as a
February 24, 2026
Page 15
catalyst for change in the lives of women and girls in Collier County,
and,
Whereas, young women and girls are empowered to meet their
full potential through scholarships, mentorships, and career
development; and,
Whereas, the current needs of homeless senior women and their
isolation concerns are being met; and,
Whereas, the important role women play in Collier County are
being recognized through its women of initiative awards which honor
local women leaders who are an inspiration to women and girls of all
backgrounds seeking to make a difference through philanthropy and
civic engagement; and,
Whereas, women account for more than half of Collier County's
population; and,
Whereas, women are serving locally in our workforce and
leadership positions, contributing significantly to the local economy,
serving as a critical element to the health, welfare, and education of
our community.
Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the Board of County
Commissioners of Collier County, Florida, that March 8th, 2026, will
be designated as International Women's Day in Collier County. Done
and ordered this 24th day of February 2026. Congratulations.
(Applause.)
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: If you'd like to say a few words, you
can take one of the podiums.
MS. IRVING: Good morning, Commissioners and fellow
community members.
Thank you for recognizing International Women's Day in
Collier County once again. On behalf of the Women's Foundation of
Collier County, I am honored to accept the 2026 International
Women's Day proclamation. This year marks our 30th anniversary, a
February 24, 2026
Page 16
milestone that reflects three decades of investing in women and girls
through strategic grant-making, advocacy, and education.
Today our work continues to focus on supporting homeless
senior women, mentoring and preparing young girls for career
pathways, and helping women pursue higher education so they can
achieve economic mobility.
At our recent 30th anniversary Women's Foundation luncheon,
our community demonstrated its commitment by raising significant
funds to advance this mission. Proof that when we invest in women,
our entire community benefits.
As I serve in my final year as board chair, I am deeply grateful
for your partnership and for a county that understands that
empowering women strengthens us all.
Thank you for this meaningful recognition.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Thank you.
(Applause.)
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Can I say something, Chair?
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Yes. Commissioner LoCastro.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: I just want to say something.
And I know for sure I speak on behalf of all the commissioners here.
But, you know, when you think about International Women's Day,
right here in Collier County on March 8th we should definitely be
thinking about locally what -- we have -- we have the first woman
County Manager. Big deal, okay. And Amy's phenomenal, right?
(Applause.)
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: We have Jaime Cook, who I
don't really know what her full job is, but any questions I have about
anything, I call her because she knows everything about everything.
And Trinity Scott, who's not here, is another one that we all rely
on.
I just sort of went down the line. All of our executive assistants
February 24, 2026
Page 17
are women, and not because they answer phones or get us -- they're
our chiefs of staff. They're handling big, major heavy lifting projects.
Terri Lewis here, who's so dedicated and who we sometimes
beat up for three hours and we never take a break or what have you,
couldn't do this meeting, you know, without her.
Think about Eileen who runs the Collier County Community
Foundation. She's in charge of millions of dollars that help so many
people. Youth Haven is run by a good friend of mine and somebody
that we all know. NCH, Arthrex, you know, the list goes on and on.
So I mean, I can just tell you I'm proud to live in a community
where we look at performance and not necessarily gender, but to see
women step forward in huge roles and deliver well beyond
expectations. I know we're all proud of how we represent the County
with a lot of the heavy lifting done by, you know, women, and this is
our day to honor them.
Now, you're not all going to get a dozen roses from each of us,
okay, but it's the thanks from the heart, okay. Sometimes, you know,
it's better than money.
But I thought it was worth saying that because I've worked all
over the country, all over the world, and a lot of times you don't see
senior leadership positions by capable, overly qualified women
taking an active role. And so we should all be really proud of our
community, especially, you know, as this day approaches.
So I thought that was worth saying. I'm not making a
commercial. I'm not running for anything, but I just wanted to say
that because I'm proud to work with all of these -- these
professionals.
MS. IRVING: Thank you very much.
(Applause.)
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Well said. Well said.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: All right. Can I get a motion to
February 24, 2026
Page 18
approve the proclamations?
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: So moved, Mr. Chairman.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Second.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: We've got a motion and a second. All
in favor, signify by saying aye.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Aye.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Aye.
COMMISSIONER HALL: Aye.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Opposed, same sound, same sign.
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: The ayes have it. It's approved.
Item #7
PUBLIC COMMENTS
MS. PATTERSON: Commissioners, that brings us to Item 7,
public comments.
MR. EBLE: Mr. Chair, we have three registered speakers.
Your first registered speaker is Dr. J.B. Holmes.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Good morning, sir.
DR. HOLMES: Good morning, Commissioners, Chairman
Kowal. Thank you for allowing me to speak today, and thank you
for -- Chairman Kowal and Rick LoCastro, for your service to our
country.
Today I would like to speak to you on a matter of zoning
variations, and I have already spoken with Commissioner Saunders
on this matter, and he's already helping us. But in Golden Gate City,
there is a home now that is a family-care home that has six different
February 24, 2026
Page 19
families living in it, a typical 2,000-square-foot Golden Gate
community with -- home with three bedrooms, two baths.
They're now proposing that home be upgraded to a care unit that
will have 12 people living in it. A residential home, it will have 12
people living in it, and they say they have four baths and seven
bedrooms. If they have four baths and seven bedrooms, that home
has been altered without a building permit. I've been in that home
prior to their occupying it.
So this is a residential neighborhood. It's a residential
neighborhood, not a commercial neighborhood. A care unit like that,
they're asking for a variation -- a variation on the ordinance in
relation to size of the lot, distance from the other homes, and, of
course, the number of people living in that one residence.
Again, I repeat this is a residential neighborhood, not a
commercial neighborhood. And they do not promise us who is going
to be living in there, whether it's going to be elderly people or
whether it's going to be drug addicts. We don't know who they're
going to allow to live in there.
I'm sure they're going to be on the government's dole, and there
are some other issues that I'll speak to Burt
Saunders -- Commissioner Saunders about privately. But I want you
to take this under consideration.
The residence is 1732 45th Terrace Southwest in Collier
County -- in Collier County. And the variances they're asking
for -- well, I have them. I'll supply you with that information other
times.
But I would like to stop this now. We do not enforce the codes
now already. You can go around and see six, seven, eight, nine
different residences --
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Mr. Chair?
DR. HOLMES: -- cars.
February 24, 2026
Page 20
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: I'm going to suggest -- and
Commissioner Saunders, you're involved in this. I'm going to
suggest you stop now just simply because the variances haven't come
before this Board yet. That is the time for you to be making
your -- making your comments with regard to that. I mean, if I'm not
mistaken, this is subject matters not on today's agenda or on a future
agenda.
DR. HOLMES: That's correct.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: And so my suggestion is you
stop now. The other side's not here. You're certainly entitled to your
opinions, but we can't -- we're not supposed to be hearing these items
during this time frame.
DR. HOLMES: Chairman Kowal?
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Yeah, I recommend that it be dealt in a
different direction, because if it's something we have to vote on in the
future and it doesn't give the opportunity to the other side to present
their case, it does become a little of a slippery slope for us. And you
can voice your opinion about it, you know, as -- your feelings of it at
this time at the podium to us, but I wouldn't get in the weeds and
really get into the subject matter itself. And that would be better
behind closed doors with Commissioner Saunders, if that's all right,
JB.
DR. HOLMES: Yes, I accept that.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: All right.
DR. HOLMES: I just wanted to make you aware of it. I'm
more than happy to work with Commissioner Saunders on it. And I
would just remind you gentlemen that everyone with a white
beard -- men with a white beard are considered the most handsome
and intelligent men out there, so...
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Well, thank you.
DR. HOLMES: I want to bring that to your attention.
February 24, 2026
Page 21
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Thank you.
COMMISSIONER HALL: I shave mine.
DR. HOLMES: Commissioner Hall?
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Thanks, Doc.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Thank you, JB.
DR. HOLMES: Thank you, gentlemen.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: And, JB, I was just going to
reiterate the same thing, just we'll keep working on this. And I agree
with you that the white beard is an indication of a great deal of
experience. I'm not sure intelligence necessarily, but experience.
We've been around a long time.
DR. HOLMES: Okay. Thank you, Commissioner Saunders. I
appreciate working with you. Gentlemen, thank you.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: All right.
MR. EBLE: Mr. Chair, your next registered speaker is Jackie
Keay.
MS. KEAY: Good morning.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Good morning.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Jackie, it's been quite a while
since we've seen you here. It's good to see you again.
MS. KEAY: I've been getting some quality time with myself.
Every empire lasted roughly 250 years then collapsed. America
turns 250 years and is collapsing. Empires move through seven
stages in the same order. This pattern never fails.
Number one, the age of pioneers; two, age of conquests; three,
age of commerce; four, age of affluence; five, the age of intellect;
four [sic], age of decadence; and seventh and final stage is the age of
decline and collapse, which America is currently in.
So the processes are: Financial collapse, faith and business as
usual is lost; rapid debt growth and currency decline.
Commercial collapse, faith that the market shall provide
February 24, 2026
Page 22
disappears.
Political collapse, faith in government breaks down, a sense that
institution can no longer provide safety and stability.
Social collapse, loss of community, cohesion, and faith that your
people will take care of you.
Cultural collapse, a decline in moral, ethical, and intellectual
standards as well as a loss in faith in the goodness of humanity.
Systemic crisis, a culmination of debt, societal stress, decreased
productivity, and unpredictable events.
A total collapse, final dissolution or radical fast-track
reconstructing of the society, and Project 2025 is the proof their
process.
Key characteristics to look out for: Rapid debt growth, and
that's a major driver with debt often exceeding GDP, gross domestic
product.
Geopolitical overreach, overextension of military power. And
there's also a loss of civic pride and overall environmental
degradation. Trump was the test, especially for people who call
themselves Christians. He mirrored back their sins, hatred, racism,
greed, predatory lustful proclivities. He was not sent to save America
but is instead on a mission to destroy it, as America is no longer a
nation under God.
As a working-class person, I see that we are working hard,
paying taxes, but ultimately we're paying for the lifestyle of the rich
and famous for those who are running our country.
So thank you all very much, and there is hope because God is in
control. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Thank you, Jackie.
MR. EBLE: Our final registered speaker is Daniel Zegarac.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Good morning.
MR. ZEGARAC: Good morning. My name is Daniel Zegarac.
February 24, 2026
Page 23
I'm a resident of Collier County. You guys know I've been to a lot of
meetings over the years.
I have a little bit of a concern about 11A, and the concern is
preparation. We're not real good -- or we haven't been real good with
preparation when it comes to large projects. We're still dealing with
the Paradise Coast issues. We had six amendments with the original
contract. When you have six amendments --
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Can we --
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Hold on one second.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Can we --
MR. ZEGARAC: -- with an original.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Stop his time. Stop his time for a
second.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Dan. Stop him, please.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Hold on one second. Again, stop his
time.
MR. ZEGARAC: I'm talking about 11A.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Yes, sir, I know, but that's --
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: We are aware.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: We haven't gotten there yet.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Dan, this is the problem. This is public
comment only. You have to sign up for 11A if you want to make a
comment about that. This is public comment only.
MR. ZEGARAC: So you guys -- come on.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: No, that's the rules, Dan. We have to
follow -- everybody in life has to follow the rules.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Same as what --
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: You'll be able to speak --
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: And that's the rules. If you want to
speak about 11A, you sign up for 11A, and we let you speak then. If
you reference a specific item on the agenda --
February 24, 2026
Page 24
MR. ZEGARAC: I'm just speaking generally.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: No, you referenced --
(Simultaneous crosstalk.)
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: -- 11A directly. You want to play it
back, Court Reporter? Did he not reference 11A directly?
(Court Reporter nods head.)
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Yes. At that point, now you must
speak while we do 11A. You have a right to speak but at the right
time.
MR. ZEGARAC: Well, let's go -- let's go away from 11A.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Okay. Well, you have to sign up again
for another three minutes.
MR. ZEGARAC: I don't like that you guys don't have any
preparation, okay.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Okay, listen.
MR. ZEGARAC: Because lack of --
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: You want to talk about a project and
preparation, that's fine, and -- for the remainder of the time you have
now, but if you want to talk about 11A, you have to sign up --
MR. ZEGARAC: You're kidding me, right?
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: -- for three more minutes.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: No, that's the process. You
wait till 11A.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: That is the process. We have to follow
a process.
MR. ZEGARAC: Rick, are you talking, or is he talking?
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Okay. I'm talking. We have to follow
a process, sir, we all do.
MR. ZEGARAC: Yeah.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: I have an agenda to follow, and it says
right at the beginning in the paragraph, if it's something that's on the
February 24, 2026
Page 25
agenda, you must sign up for that.
MR. ZEGARAC: And you at the -- the one on the end talking
while you were talking, too.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Okay. Once again, sir, I'm going to let
you continue with your time. Do you understand? But don't address
anything that's on the agenda that you can talk to later. That's the
simple rule.
MR. ZEGARAC: Because that's never happened here.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: That's always happened.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: That's always happened.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: That's the procedure, sir. Yes, we
always follow procedures.
COMMISSIONER HALL: You can be respectful, or you can
sit down is the way I look at it. You can be respectful to us, or you
can go sit down.
MR. ZEGARAC: Now we've got issues of respect.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: All right. Sir, once again --
MR. ZEGARAC: You're kidding me, right?
COMMISSIONER HALL: No, I'm dead serious looking you
right in the eye.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Sir, don't make a scene, all right? This
is enough.
MR. ZEGARAC: I'm not making a scene.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Yeah, because now you're addressing
each commissioner up here individually. Stop.
MR. ZEGARAC: You're just typically not wanting to answer
questions.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: I know why you're doing this, sir, so
just please stop. Follow the rules or --
MR. ZEGARAC: No, you don't know how I'm doing anything.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Follow the rules or you can step down,
February 24, 2026
Page 26
one or the other. Follow the rules or you can step down, one or the
other. What are you going to do?
MR. ZEGARAC: What would you -- what format would you
like me to use today?
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: I just told you. I just told you. You
can make public comment on anything that's not on the agenda in this
three minutes. If you want to talk about 11A specifically, you sign
another sheet, you come back up, and we pull that item. That's all.
That's your right. But we're going to follow the rules. We are a land
of rules, and that's what makes this country great.
MR. ZEGARAC: Can I generally make a couple of statements?
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: I said you have the remainder of your
three minutes, but don't talk about anything on the agenda. That's all.
That's how it works. And if you want to talk about something on the
agenda, you sign up again. That's all. It's very simple rules, sir. We
all have to follow them in life.
MR. ZEGARAC: Depending on who's at the --
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: No, pretty much it.
MR. ZEGARAC: -- who's at the podium.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: No, sir. Not -- no, sir.
MR. ZEGARAC: Very simple.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: You saw how we stopped JB in
his -- what he was saying at the podium because he was getting into
the weeds where it might be something on the agenda.
MR. ZEGARAC: You guys are tough guys. I mean, come on.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: I'm just saying -- we follow the rules,
sir. That's all.
MR. ZEGARAC: Do you?
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Yes, sir. My whole life, baby.
MR. ZEGARAC: Okay. I guess I'll tell you what I was going
to close with. I was going to tell you to be careful not to make too
February 24, 2026
Page 27
many gestures of loyalty at Collier County residents' expense. All
right?
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Was that the last of this three minutes?
Was that the last comment in this three minutes?
MR. ZEGARAC: Well --
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Okay. Then sign up again for 11A if
you want to speak on it. That's your constitutional right, sir. Those
are the rules.
MR. ZEGARAC: I mean --
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: You're more than welcome to sign up
and talk.
MR. ZEGARAC: You go from doing -- saying what's right to,
you know, going into different topics.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Okay. I'm not going to -- I'm going to
keep moving. Do we have another speaker for --
MR. EBLE: Yes, sir. If you'll allow, Mr. Chair, Cody Davis.
MR. ZEGARAC: Okay, sir.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Thank you.
MR. DAVIS: Good morning, again. I just wanted to add that
you guys are talking about following process and following the rules,
but you only applied the rules to the speakers. You guys didn't
follow the rules this morning. You didn't pull the item from
summary. You knew it was a controversial item, and you still kept it
on the agenda, and you passed it silently unanimously. So it's not
right if you guys are going to apply the rules to everybody else but
not to yourselves.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Okay. Mr. Cody.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Don't address him.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: No, I was just going to say, these items
that get on the consent -- we've had this conversation before -- in the
summary, these are items that were not contested. By you coming up
February 24, 2026
Page 28
and making a public comment is not really contesting it prior to us
looking at it to go on the consent or the summary. And it's just like
our ex parte, we have zero that we claim. Anything, zero, any
contact from the public or even the vendor at any time that had
anything to do with that, so that's why it makes it on there. There's
zero contestance.
So that's kind of why we do it that way. But that's just kind of
like a running way we do things that go on the consent and the
summary judgment, because they're not contested as they're leading
up to the day we publish the agenda, sir.
MR. DAVIS: Well, two things --
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: But that's -- I just figured it's kind of
like in -- give you some enlightenment, because a lot of times people
can come up and say certain things, but that doesn't change that there
hasn't been really contestance to it. Because if you don't have any
real bearing in it or any, whatever -- you know, if it doesn't affect you
directly and you just want to make a blanket comment about it, that's
fine. We listen to that.
MR. DAVIS: Going back to December, the West Mercato item,
my neighbor, maybe Sean Galloway, he lives in Naples Park. He
lives adjacent to the rezone of that item. I spoke on his behalf. You
guys knew that that was a controversial item. You continued the
meeting from the last hearing. You knew it was controversial. There
were multiple people that were in opposition to it. My neighbor is
adjacent to the rezone.
And you've done this repeatedly at this point. Mrs. Patterson,
she's made it clear that these are the rules of the County. If there's a
controversial item, it has to be pulled. And you guys have done this
for other items. When you have an item and you learn of
controversy, even if it's that morning, you pull it from the agenda, but
you haven't done that for these summary items. You haven't done
February 24, 2026
Page 29
that for these three summary items that I've spoken on, not on behalf
of myself, but also on behalf of my neighbor. Right here we've got a
Marine who ceded his time to me right now, this morning.
So it's not right. You guys aren't consistently applying the rules.
You apply them to everybody else but not to yourselves.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Thank you, Mr. Cody.
MR. EBLE: That was our final registered speaker.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: All right. Thank you.
Item #10A
RENAME THE COUNTY'S ANN OLESKY PARK IN
IMMOKALEE TO THE "ANN AND SKI OLESKY PARK" IN
RECOGNITION OF THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF LONG-TIME
IMMOKALEE RESIDENT, COMMUNITY ADVOCATE, AND
LEADER EDWARD "SKI" OLESKY, WHOSE IMPACT WAS
REALIZED THROUGH SERVICE AND CIVIC INVOLVEMENT,
AND AUTHORIZE THE NECESSARY BUDGET AMENDMENTS
REQUIRED FOR UPDATED PARK SIGNS - MOTION TO WAIVE
THE FORMAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RENAMING THE PARK
BY COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS; SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER MCDANIEL - APPROVED – 5/0; MOTION TO
RENAME THE COUNTY'S ANN OLESKY PARK IN
IMMOKALEE TO THE "ANN AND SKI OLESKY PARK" BY
COMMISSIONER MCDANIEL; SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER HALL -APPROVED
MS. PATTERSON: Commissioners, that brings us to add-on
Item 10A. This is a recommendation to rename the County's Ann
Olesky Park in Immokalee to the Ann and Ski Olesky Park. And this
item is brought to the agenda by Commissioner McDaniel.
February 24, 2026
Page 30
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Commissioner McDaniel, would you
like to --
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Yeah, I really would, but my
computer blipped. So somebody whip up that agenda item for me, if
you can, please, because my computer's -- oh, here. I got it. I got it.
I got it. Forgive me.
And whoever's running the camera, if you can zoom in on this
picture, I would really -- I would really appreciate it.
Our community lost a wonderful human being last week, my
friend Ski Olesky. I know I'm jumping the gun a little bit because
this is an approval process. This picture I was fortunate enough to
take several years ago. Ski and I are both in Rotary, have been -- Ski
was their forever. He was -- he's the one that instigated me to join
rotary in Immokalee.
Just as a little story, I -- I had a lot of friends that wanted me
to -- wanted me to join Rotary, but I could never meet the militant
attendance requirements that Rotary had. The -- back in the day if
you wanted to be in Rotary, you had to attend a Rotary meeting a
week or they'd boot you out if you didn't. Somewhere in the world
you had to go to a Rotary meeting, and I just could never meet those
militant attendance records.
And I was going to -- when I was running for election, I was
going to the Immokalee Rotary. It's apolitical. I wasn't campaigning.
I was just shaking hands and doing my thing. And Ski was like,
"Well, don't you -- why don't you join the Immokalee Rotary?"
And I'm like, "Ski, I just can't. I can't meet the -- have that
requisite of having to make a meeting every single week."
He's like, "Oh, we don't care about that."
I'm like, "What?"
He goes, "No, no. If you can't make it one week, just come
back, pay a dollar, and the next week we'll mark you as been there."
February 24, 2026
Page 31
And so, heh, I could do that. So I joined the Immokalee Rotary.
Ski and Ann were my friends forever, forever. And we named
the park out there end of Lake Trafford Road the "Ann Olesky
Community Park." Ski went away, he passed last week. A forever
member of our community. I'm going to do everything I can to not
cry.
Ski served as the chair of Parks and Rec Advisory board. He
served on the Immokalee CRA from the beginning of time. He
served on the Tourist Development Council. He served on our
Tourist Development Council up here. He served on the Board of
Healthcare Network, and, of course, in our Immokalee Rotary.
So it's my ask -- there's two ways to do this. Wave your magic
wand and ask to rename a facility, or go get a thousand signatures,
and I'd rather not have to go get a thousand signatures, so...
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Mr. Chairman?
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Yes.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: On behalf of -- I would like
to go ahead and make a motion to that effect in terms of waiving the
requirements, and then let you --
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Please.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: If the Board is in agreement
to waiving that, because I knew Ski very well. I used to go out there
all the time and take photographs on the lake, and he was always just
so gracious and wonderful.
So I'm going to make a motion to waive the formal requirements
for the renaming of that park.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: And I'll second that.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: I'm not suggesting a name.
I'm just waiving the requirements.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: So I have a motion and a second. All
in favor of waiving, signify by saying aye.
February 24, 2026
Page 32
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Aye.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Aye.
COMMISSIONER HALL: Aye.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: All opposed, same sound, same sign.
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: The ayes have it.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: And then I'd like to make a
motion to rename the park to the Ann and Ski Olesky Park.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: So just adding Ski's name to the name
that's already there?
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Please.
COMMISSIONER HALL: Second.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: So motion and a second. All in favor,
signify by saying aye.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Aye.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Aye.
COMMISSIONER HALL: Aye.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: All opposed, same sound, same sign.
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: The ayes have it.
COMMISSIONER HALL: Thank you.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Thank you. Thank you very
much.
Item #11A
February 24, 2026
Page 33
THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, AS THE EX
OFFICIO GOVERNING BOARD OF THE COLLIER COUNTY
WATER-SEWER DISTRICT, ACCEPT THE WATER,
WASTEWATER, IRRIGATION QUALITY WATER, AND
WHOLESALE POTABLE WATER USER RATE AND FEE STUDY
AND DIRECT THE COUNTY MANAGER OR HER DESIGNEE
TO ADVERTISE A RESOLUTION AMENDING SCHEDULES
ONE, TWO, THREE, AND FOUR OF APPENDIX A TO SECTION
FOUR OF THE COLLIER COUNTY WATER-SEWER DISTRICT
UNIFORM BILLING, OPERATING, AND REGULATORY
STANDARDS ORDINANCE NO. 2001-73, AS AMENDED, WITH
EFFECTIVE DATES OF OCTOBER 1, 2026, OCTOBER 1, 2027,
OCTOBER 1, 2028. (JOSEPH BELLONE, DIVISION DIRECTOR -
UTILITIES FINANCE OPERATIONS) - MOTION TO APPROVE
BY COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS; SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER MCDANIEL – APPROVED
MS. PATTERSON: Commissioners, that brings us to item
11A? This is a recommendation that the Board of County
Commissioners, as the ex-officio governing board of the Collier
County Water/Sewer District, accept the water, wastewater, irrigation
quality water, and wholesale potable water user rate and fee study
and direct the County Manager or her designee to advertise a
resolution amending Schedules 1, 2, 3, and 4 of Appendix A to
Section 4 of the Collier County Water/Sewer District Uniform Billing
Operating and Regulatory Standards Ordinance No. 2001-73, as
amended, with effective dates of October 1st, 2026; October 1st,
2027; and October 1st, 2028.
Mr. Jim DeLony, your department head for Public Utilities, is
here to begin the presentation.
MR. DeLONY: Thank you, County Manager.
February 24, 2026
Page 34
Jim DeLony, department head, Public Utilities, for the record.
Commissioners, we have a presentation today of the rate study
for the period of consideration FY '27 through '29. With me today I
have Mr. Bellone, our finance operations officer for Public Utilities,
as well as our consultants, and I'll have them introduce themselves.
We are ready for that presentation, but I'll await the guidance from
the Chair.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Yeah, I'd like to see the presentation,
please.
MR. DeLONY: Yes, sir, fine.
Joe.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: I was going to make a quick
motion for approval.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Oh, well.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: If you want to see the
presentation, we'll see the presentation.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: I do.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Sir.
MR. BELLONE: Okay.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Short, right? Is it less than a
thousand slides?
MR. DeLONY: Yes, sir.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: We saw some of these
already.
MR. BELLONE: 860 -- 861, I added one. No.
Good morning, Commissioners. For the record, Joe Bellone,
Utilities finance director.
The subject today, as Mr. DeLony said, is to review and discuss
the Collier County Water/Sewer District user fee rate study. The
rates recommended today relate solely to the District. They don't
apply to any other municipalities like Naples or Marco or any other
February 24, 2026
Page 35
utilities in the County like Ave or Immokalee Water/Sewer District.
Next slide, please.
We have before you the agenda. The Water/Sewer District
generally completes a user fee rate study every three years or more
frequently if the business conditions warrant that.
The last user fee rate study resolution was approved by the
Board for the fiscal years '24, '25, and '26, back in December of 2023.
I'm going to talk today just a little bit about a little overview of
the water/sewer utility. RA Consultants are here today to present
their findings and conclusions. And then we will conclude the
presentation today with a few words from Mr. DeLony, our
department head.
Next slide, please.
Just a few critical reminders for our customers who may be
listening. Collier County Water/Sewer District is a special district. It
must follow for the requirements set forth in the special act of the
Florida Legislature. It's highly regulated, and our customers rely on
us to deliver on-demand reliable water and sewer services.
I want to remind folks that the user fees that they pay represent a
fee for those services, and they are a direct benefit to those uses of
the system.
You'll hear a lot today about the importance of fiscal stability
and a strong credit rating for best and lowest rates for future
borrowing needs as the utility begins to expand in the northeast. This
enables the utility to meet its strategic focus to plan and build public
infrastructure to reliably and sustainably meet the needs of the
community.
Next slide, Tom, please.
I thought rather than start with the utility by the
numbers -- numbers can be misinterpreted. I just want to talk a little
bit about what the utility does before a customer turns the tap to run
February 24, 2026
Page 36
the water or after the water disappears down the drain.
And, of course, we all know it's not magic. Raw water lies deep
below the surface in several aquifers, pumped from wells through
46 miles of raw water pipelines to the regional water treatment plants
where it undergoes a significant treatment process utilizing
high-energy pumps and various chemicals to rid the raw water of
dissolved minerals and gases to produce potable drinking water.
And yes, potable water is pressurized again, more large pumps
and more electricity, to move that water through over 1200 miles of
distribution mains to our homes. By the way, on that journey it also
needs over 12 -- I'm sorry -- over 16,000 fire hydrants to protect
public safety.
The wastewater leaves our homes initially using gravity to move
it towards the treatment plants. But here in Collier County, due to
our flat terrain, the wastewater needs a little bit more help. Nearly a
thousand lift stations pressurize it to arrive at the plant, its final
destination, after having traveled through nearly 1300 miles of pipe
on that journey.
At the water reclamation facility, biology and chemistry beyond
my understanding, turn our wastewater into reclaimed water for
irrigation, thus saving precious water resources.
Thank you, Tom.
Here is the utility by the numbers, but if -- a few important
takeaways. All of these assets you see on this chart take continuous
maintenance to stay in compliance with federal and state regulations.
They represent $2 billion of infrastructure on our books at historical
costs. And that's aging. They must be renewed, rehabilitated, or
replaced at current costs, which as we all know can be two to three
times what they cost originally.
So the bottom line from this chart, the Utility requires funding
for manpower, electricity, chemicals, parts, et cetera to keep the
February 24, 2026
Page 37
water running and the wastewater disappearing reliably and
sustainably.
Next chart, Tom, please.
We've listed here some of the cost drivers that the Utility incurs.
There are a lot more in your executive summary that we've listed
today.
Electric power, of course, is critical to all of the Utility's
operations. And as you know, the Public Service Commission
recently approved one of the largest FP&L rate increases anticipated
to impact our operating expenses this fiscal year. But the Utility has
implemented multiple cost-savings efforts to mitigate these costs.
Some of those efforts are listed here on this chart. Again, many
more in the executive summary. But two critical areas that we really
need to focus on today. The first is our interest on our borrowings.
So maintenance of the AAA bond rating to obtain favorable interest
rates on future borrowings is really critical and is supported by these
recommendations.
On the other side, examples of efforts to reduce our energy
consumption are -- one is the -- any repair and rehabilitation projects
that we do across our utility include replacing motors in -- and pumps
to more efficient variable frequency drive motors. That improves
efficiencies and saves on power consumption.
We've also negotiated favorable rates with FP&L for periods of
heavy demand, which is called load shedding, and that saved the
Utility over $680,000 in electricity costs in the last fiscal year over
the prior fiscal year.
So these savings initiatives help keep our future rate increases
lower for our customers than the LOIs might have been.
Thanks, Tom.
As you know, our utility employs a robust asset management
program to schedule regular maintenance to avoid costly emergency
February 24, 2026
Page 38
repairs and service interruption to our customers.
We also use technology which supports some of these mitigation
efforts. A great example is our supervisory control and data
acquisition which uses automation for remote monitoring. And we've
recently acquired acoustic pipeline inspection technology to maintain
sewer gravity lines to reduce spills. It increases their frequency of
inspections versus our traditional CCTV inspections.
As a note, we did send the rates study to ResourceX to get their
opinion on our efforts. And as you know, we never walk alone when
it comes to rates and recommendations of the financial professionals
that -- at Raftelis.
A financial plan was reviewed at the Finance Committee's
February 5th meeting just a few weeks ago. The recommendation of
Raftelis in coordination with the County's financial advisors, PFM, to
increase the commercial paper program from 200- to 3 million was
unanimously endorsed by the Finance Committee while the study
was endorsed 4-1. ResourceX also finds the proposed rate
adjustments and the underlying methodology in the study to be fully
aligned with the principles of best practices of priority-based
budgeting.
That would conclude my overview of the District and its
responsibilities. I'd be happy to answer any questions.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Commissioner Saunders.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: I just have one question.
MR. BELLONE: Sure.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: And not about the rates but
just about the operations in general. During Hurricane Irma, of
course, we all remember that all the power went out, and the lift
stations and the pump stations were -- no longer had electricity, and it
created a whole lot of problems in a lot of neighborhoods. And I
know we took tremendous action, you guys took tremendous action,
February 24, 2026
Page 39
to make sure that we had backup generators.
What's the status of all of that? If we had another Hurricane
Irma event where basically all the power in the county is out, what
happens then? And are you -- do you have a program for testing the
generators and making sure that they are all operational, especially as
we approach hurricane season?
MR. DeLONY: For the record, Jim DeLony.
Sir, if we lose all the power, we can't compete with the lack of
FP&L. We will culminate the whole county. That's typically not the
situation. It's isolated areas.
Should it come at us in those kind of bites, we can put 600
generators out there, culminate after about seven days, six days, try to
keep them fueled and so on, but restoration continues. So we're able
to mitigate, largely, those large areas. But the entire county, no.
No, you couldn't -- you can't substitute over a thousand outages
of lift stations and sustain it over any period of time with the number
of generators you put out, the number of people it takes to keep them
going, and so on and so forth.
You have backup power at the major stations, as you know, that
allow you to move the large flow. You have storage within the
system itself that builds up over a day or two. That takes that load,
and then hopefully you can move that with generated power back to
the plants. But to take it all on and be a substitute for an FP&L, no,
we cannot do that.
But as you saw in that response, and previous ones, the District's
been effective in addressing the shortage of electricity throughout
the -- throughout this time period. And we continue to improve that
with our -- with our program.
The maintenance thing that we do that I think is that we -- our
spill mitigation in around our large system components is a big deal.
So if we did overflow, we don't impact water bodies and other
February 24, 2026
Page 40
aspects that would give us secondary and third-order effects.
Did I answer your question?
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Yeah. So it's on your -- it's
on your radar?
MR. DeLONY: All the time.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Because those types of
events --
MR. DeLONY: Yes, sir.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: -- it's not unlikely that it will
happen. It's just a matter of when, and I just want to make sure --
MR. DeLONY: It's an absolute positive. We will do it. We'll
have to face it. We war game it every year. We have -- we have the
right contractual vehicles in place to augment from the industry, but
we're competing with those resources, you know, with other people,
so those are limited resources. To the extent that you can allow them,
we will obviously. And we spare no expense with regard to getting
sure that we don't get backup into folks' homes. I can absolutely
promise you that's the -- that's our mission.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Yeah, all right. Thank you.
MR. DeLONY: And our promise.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Commissioner McDaniel.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Yeah. And on that note, I
mean, you'll recall when you and I first got elected and Irma came
through, we had mass power outings in the east. And I ultimately
learned that we hadn't been, as a land development criterion,
requiring alternative power sources on the lift stations that are put in
by developers.
MR. DeLONY: That's correct.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: And we'll confirm this later.
We don't have to do it today, but I'm positive that we --
MR. DeLONY: No, we're good.
February 24, 2026
Page 41
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Huh?
MR. DeLONY: We're good.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say
"Huh."
I understand, but we amended our Land Development Code to
require those alternative power sources, and they are utilizing
nonessential assets, which is our people running around with power
generators that don't have additional alternative power sources.
Because even though we -- and we ran into this -- we issue an
evacuation notice, no one comes to your home and puts you out. You
have the right to stay. And when you're there, the water still comes
on, the toilet still flushes, and you expect those things even though
the power may not be on. That's the conundrum that we were in in
the past, and we're going through the process to address that. And
that was exemplified in Ian, in our second storm since you and I came
into office, and how much better and the lack of backups that we had
coming into people's homes.
MR. DeLONY: The bottom line, it's a tough ticket.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Ooh, absolutely.
MR. DeLONY: And I'm not going to make any promises I can't
keep. There will be challenges.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Every storm is different.
MR. DeLONY: To the extent that we mitigate that with good
planning, very important, great people with dedication to get it done,
you've got that promise. But the rest of it, it's a high -- it's a high-risk
adventure to, just in time, plan and to execute that type of challenge
given the wide expanse in area of our district. That's -- you know,
we're just not compact. Large runs pipe, as Joe briefed earlier.
Sir, did we answer your question?
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Yeah, I was fine.
MR. DeLONY: Anything else?
February 24, 2026
Page 42
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Yes, sir. Thank you.
MR. DeLONY: And we're gonna -- we'll be back at you if we
need more support on that. I mean, we have a plan, and as we grow
these neighborhoods, particularly in the northeast, we'll be looking at
some augmentation to address that as well as maybe some -- maybe,
again, refining our utilities standards with regard to things that the
Commissioners spoke to.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Thank you.
MR. DeLONY: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: I see no more questions from my --
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: I just wanted to ask Jim
something.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Oops, I do. Commissioner LoCastro.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Jim, just because you're at the
podium -- different subject, but I want to get it on the record, and
maybe my colleagues haven't gotten the emails I've gotten from some
citizens, but just -- we will have the same exchange right now that we
probably had in my office.
But, you know, there are some folks blowing up my
in-box -- small groups. So three people doesn't constitute, you know,
mass hysteria in the community or the ability -- or the demand to pull
something off the agenda, et cetera, et cetera, but I digress.
But the folks that read articles in Florida newspapers about other
counties, you know, who are grossly oversummarizing, just confirm
for us there's a difference between -- when we have a lack of a
rainfall, that's called drought. That's different than we have a severe
water storage, and we should stop all construction immediately
because faucets that are going to be turned on won't flow water.
So we know that rainfall is down a little bit from years past, and
that's what the articles really said. But like the media typically does,
the headline is always something sensational to get people to read the
February 24, 2026
Page 43
article, and then when you drill all the way down, it's, you know, we
have a lack of rainfall.
But our reserves and all the things that you do to make sure,
regardless of what the rainfall is, we're a far distance away from some
sort of catastrophic water shortage.
Do you want to just give us, just so -- for anybody that's
listening and to get it on the record, and then, you know, whether my
colleagues have received some of these emails or not, my response to
these people -- and I cc'ed you on every one -- is, yes, there might be
a lesser of a rainfall in the Panhandle, in the center of Florida, even
here, but drought doesn't constitute some sort of emergency water
shortage. Do you want to give us a short version of what you and I
talked about and what you sent those citizens, which I appreciated
your response so that they didn't --
MR. DeLONY: Thank you, sir.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: -- didn't feel they were getting
sort of the run-around from, you know, an elected official. It was
here's our top guy on utilities, I mean, you know.
MR. DeLONY: Water shortage is a multi-spectrum Rubik's
Cube. With regard to the availability of water supply to provide
compliant at-pressure water for the water service -- water customers
of Collier County Water/Sewer Districts, I have no issues.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Thank you.
MR. DeLONY: None. We have plenty of wells. I just -- in
fact, I was just reviewing this morning's drawdown report for the
wells that might have influence because of the lack of rain -- they'll
be our shallower wells. They're in the Tamiami zone. I was looking
at our drawdown structure, and we're good.
Now, we manage that every day to make sure we don't do
anything that would put in jeopardy that aquifer with regard to -- if
you draw it down too far, it will sand in, or you could get infiltration
February 24, 2026
Page 44
from saltwater. Lots of bad things happen when you don't manage
that.
So we'll -- we will mix and match wells, 40-plus, that we have in
the shallower zone, or we'll just pump more deeper water from the
Hawthorn or the lower Hawthorn, which are reverse osmosis. More
expensive to treat, more expensive to take care of, but that's the blend
of our water supply scheme here in Collier County.
Now, some utilities are singularly dependent on those shallower
aquifers and they have to -- and at times, when there's severe drought,
they have to manage much closer their water supply because of those
drawdowns. As that aquifer draws down, you become more suspect.
And that's the reason you're seeing, for example, in the Camp
Haze Peninsula up in Charlotte County and those areas as well as the
East Coast, concerns, because some of those utilities depend on
shallower aquifers solely for the water supply, okay?
If you're a resident, if you're -- if you have your own well at
your house, typically it's going to be very shallow. It will -- it may
be -- and it's not necessarily in the Tamiami. It's in the
surficial -- surficial aquifer, which is highly influenced by rainfall.
That's the concerns, of course, up in North Fort Myers that you read
about. Those shallow wells, you know, there's -- they're pumping
from the surficial aquifer within the first 50 feet or so, 60 feet.
They're going to be influenced by the lack of rainfall and lots of
demand in that area. And then you've got concerns, then, of sanding
up that aquifer or saltwater intrusion or other things.
So we're very fortunate here in Collier County because we're
able to have a blend of water supply through multiple aquifers so we
can move through these systems. But we have no concerns -- no
concerns at this time for any of our water supply. But there is a
drought situation within the state, within particularly the lower part of
the state, that needs to be addressed in terms of the water usage
February 24, 2026
Page 45
overall.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: But some of those operations
that you described of how they fluctuate and different things, that's
part of normal operations, right?
MR. DeLONY: Yes, sir, it is.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: You can't -- that you account
for, and then we also have reserves. So that doesn't -- that doesn't
mean we have some sort of emergent water crisis?
MR. DeLONY: No, sir, we do not -- no, sir, not today.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Okay. Thank you.
MR. DeLONY: No, sir, we don't.
Anything else?
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: No, sir. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: I see no more questions from the
Board.
Do we have any public speakers on this item?
MR. EBLE: We do not, sir.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: I guess he decided not to exercise his
Constitutional right.
MR. DeLONY: Sir, we still have the presentation with regard to
the consultants. It's up to you if you want to continue the
presentation.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: No. I believe I'm going to ask for a
motion, if I -- I think I had one earlier.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: I'll make a motion to -- I'll
make a motion to approve.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Well, you -- okay, I'll --
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Oh, I'm sorry.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: No, that's all right. You do it.
I'll second it.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: All right.
February 24, 2026
Page 46
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: I enjoyed Mr. DeLony's -- or
Bellone's presentation, but I'm --
MR. DeLONY: Thank you, Commissioner.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: We've studied this
ad nauseam, so I'm good.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: All right. I have a motion and a
second. All in favor, signify by saying aye.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Aye.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Aye.
COMMISSIONER HALL: Aye.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Opposed, same sound, same sign.
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: The ayes have it.
Thank you, gentlemen.
MR. DeLONY: Thank you.
MS. PATTERSON: Commissioners, that brings us now to Item
15, staff and commission general communications.
Item #15A
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON GENERAL TOPICS NOT ON THE
CURRENT OR FUTURE AGENDA BY INDIVIDUALS NOT
ALREADY HEARD DURING PREVIOUS PUBLIC COMMENTS
IN THIS MEETING
MS. PATTERSON: First, Item 15A, public comments on
general topics not on the current or future agenda by individuals not
heard already during public -- previous public comments in this
meeting.
February 24, 2026
Page 47
MR. EBLE: We have no registered speakers.
MS. PATTERSON: Very good.
Item #15B
STAFF PROJECT UPDATES
MS. PATTERSON: That brings us to Item 15B, staff project
updates. We do have Mr. Mullins here to talk to you a little bit about
the 250th of the United States and our thoughts on some -- some
festivities.
MR. MULLINS: And for the record, John Mullins, your
director of Communications, Government, and Public Affairs.
As the County Manager mentioned, we're coming into the
Semiquincentennial of the country, and we are looking to participate,
like many jurisdictions across the land, in celebrating America at 250.
But we want to start out with a little bit of a preamble here.
Number one, the list we're about to show you is a partial list of
programming, and more items will be added throughout the summer
as other things are scheduled. The goal will be to absorb the cost into
existing program and event budgets where possible, and there will be
a focus on reuse of items. We do a lot of red, white, and blue around
here, and we have several other holidays that we can use many of
these products for, so we'll make sure, where possible, everything
that we purchase can be reused.
Now, looking at this list, again, a partial list, you can see some
of the prominent players, the divisions within the County agency that
will be doing some programming. Parks, of course, has their summer
camp program. The Paradise Coast Sports Complex and FC Naples,
there happens to be an FC Naples game on July 3rd, as well as FIFA
World Cup game scheduled that day, so we'll be working with the
sports complex and FC Naples on trying to jazz that up even more for
February 24, 2026
Page 48
the 4th of July in celebrating the Semiquincentennial.
Sun N Fun will be looking at reduced rates for entry; 2.50 seems
to make sense. DAS, maybe 2.50 adoptions. We will probably have
our pets up for adoption promoted using historical names. So you
can adopt Lincoln, Jefferson, Washington, and if we have a problem
child, potentially Benedict Arnold.
Museums, of course, they are very big into history, so they
already have a slate of things programmed, including presentations at
the main museum at Marco Island and here in the boardroom.
Libraries, the same way, the repository of many historical documents
and books. They actually have a Lincoln performer this morning at
the headquarters library location that's speaking right now and will be
speaking again this evening at 6 p.m., and tomorrow at the South
Regional Library and at Marco Island in the afternoon. They also
have lecture series that will have patriotic themes throughout the
summer.
We also have community partners. We have a military museum
on campus now. We will probably look at doing something in
partnership with them.
I believe all the commissioners were provided an email from
Lois Bolin recommending the Freedom 250 Mobile Museum. We're
going to try to reach out to that organization to see if one of -- I think
there are five or six of these buses. One of them can make a stop
here in the Collier County region. Though I will tell you having
looked at the schedule already booked, that might be a tall order, but
we'll do our best.
And also, we will have a groundbreaking this summer for the
state veterans' nursing home, and what better time to celebrate the
opening of this facility for our veterans than during the
Semiquincentennial. So we should be pulling out all the stops for
that.
February 24, 2026
Page 49
The Board of County Commissioners, of course, we're going to
decorate your dais, I think appropriately, for this event. We'd also
like to cut some video pieces with you-all to use on Collier TV, at the
sports complex on the JumboTron, and also on our social media
channels commemorating America's 250th. We'll have some
revolutionary-era character reenactments that will probably take
place in the spring and summer at the beginning of Board meetings,
probably a proclamation or two, and of course, the Artist of the
Month for July will be an art exhibit following the theme of Star
Spangled.
Following on with the decoration ideas, we will probably do
commemorative pins similar to how we did the Centennial, which
were provided to your office as kind of little tokens and keepsakes for
the community.
We'll be looking at vehicle emblems, magnetic ones that are
temporary to kind of adorn our vehicle fleet during this
Semiquincentennial.
We're looking at the potential for a wrapped CAT bus, a special
250 bus. We're looking at adorning Building F with a very large flag,
which has been done in the past, and that will be supplemented by
other campus decorations.
Now, there's one thing at the bottom there, photograph of the
Board in powdered wigs. We considered that, and we weren't exactly
sure how that was going to work out. We didn't know if you would
really sit for a portrait like that --
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: No.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: -- so I decided to go ahead and check
and see if that was something that you should do.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Burt's already in powdered
wig.
MR. MULLINS: And I would wholeheartedly recommend that
February 24, 2026
Page 50
you do not sit for a photograph in powdered wigs, with the exception
of potentially Commissioner McDaniel, who looks quite natural.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Yeah. The curls don't do me
justice. The gun, on the other hand, that's a nice --
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: My hairdo looks like I'm going to the
guillotine.
MS. HALL: I need a copy of that.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: I like when you -- I want a
raccoon cap.
MR. MULLINS: Gotcha.
And, of course, like I said, the dais will probably be decorated
with buntings and the emblem, and that emblem was created by our
graphic designer, Santiago Arenas, who also did the County logo
refresh a couple years back and did the Centennial emblem as well,
and we will make these available on SharePoint pretty soon for
everybody to access and use as needed.
And with that, I am open to any questions or additional
suggestions from the Board.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: My only suggestion is at
every opportunity we light this place up with red, white, and blue
every -- every storage tank. I mean, I drove by the wastewater/water
facility, the new one out in -- on the back side of Big Corkscrew
Regional, and there's great big tanks that are just there. And so my
thought would be, obviously, managing expenses, but light them up.
MR. MULLINS: Noted.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: I saw the chiller tank was red, white,
and blue the other day.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Yes.
MR. MULLINS: Nearly every day, I believe, right now.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Commissioner LoCastro.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Yeah. I would just say, John,
February 24, 2026
Page 51
when -- whatever you decide to do to sort of make things look
patriotic, don't miss the opportunity to explain to taxpayers we're not
just frivolously spending money. Like you just said in here, we
already have some things in the warehouse that -- from 4th of July or
Memorial Day or what have you, Veterans' Day. And then if there's
anything additional -- you know, lighting up a water tower with a
couple of spot -- you know red, white, and blue spotlights isn't a
billion dollars.
And so -- but you know, keep us from getting deluged with
people who said, you know, "Oh, he spent a billion dollars to put up
three Charlie Kirk signs. You know, you spent a billion dollars on
beach restoration and all that." And, you know, anything you can do
to separate rumor from fact and say, you know, we're trying to be part
of an incredible celebration and do it -- you know, we have a lot of
unpaid bills in the County, so we're not, you know, dipping into our
coffers to, you know, not restore beaches so we can buy banners, but,
you know, we're trying to do a little bit of both to be, you know, part
of an important, you know, one-of-a-kind celebration.
Sometimes it takes a little bit of that extra sentence in your
announcement to, you know, make sure that, you know -- the same
way we're doing a deep dive into the budget to see where we have
savings, we're not frivolously spending money. And I know you
aren't, but sometimes people don't have a crystal ball to know that,
and they immediately attack us as being a bunch of, you know, spend
quickly, you know, commissioners kind of thing. But I know you're
going to come up with some great ideas.
MR. MULLINS: Absolutely.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: Except for the wigs.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: All right. I see no other comments.
Well, thank you, John, for the report.
MR. MULLINS: Thank you.
February 24, 2026
Page 52
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Thank you, John.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Look forward to it.
Item #15C
STAFF AND COMMISSION GENERAL COMMUNICATIONS
MS. PATTERSON: Commissioners, that brings us to Item 15C,
staff and commission general communications.
I have nothing today.
County Attorney.
MR. TEACH: I just have two comments for the record today.
The Board was moving fast on the public comment items, and
the Board followed its policy and the practice that you have
previously followed and implemented.
With respect to the summary agenda items, I just wanted to note
for the record that those items were previously unanimously
approved at the Planning Commission and no member of the public
came forward to speak on those items.
So today you had one speaker who had concerns regarding those
summary agenda items. You let him speak his three minutes. You
could have pulled the item, heard it, and had three minutes, and it
would have been the same result.
So I just wanted to put on the record that you followed your
process, and your procedures, and there was nothing irregular about
what happened here today.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Thank you, sir.
Commissioner Saunders.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: Mr. Chairman, I don't have
anything to add. I will say that this was a pretty quick meeting. Your
record now is an average, you know, with -- we had one nine-hour
meeting, your first one, and now you're down to an average of --
February 24, 2026
Page 53
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Well, we're not done yet.
COMMISSIONER SAUNDERS: -- a couple hours.
Congratulations.
No, I have nothing to add. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Thank you.
Commissioner Hall.
COMMISSIONER HALL: I have nothing to add, thanks.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Commissioner LoCastro.
COMMISSIONER LoCASTRO: For those of you that may not
have heard, the Marco Island Historical Society, obviously on Marco
Island, which is run by their CEO Pat Rutledge, was just recently
selected by USA Today as the No. 3 small-town museum in the
United States. So that was a pretty big deal. For those of you that
know, they have a lot of unique things there. You know, they
call -- they have an artifact that was found a long time ago, in an
archeological dig on Marco, and they call it the Marco Cat. It's called
all kind of other things. It's on display there now. It's been sent to
the Smithsonian museum before for, you know, permanent display,
but it's back on Marco Island. It's about to go back. They have a lot
of very unique things there.
And Pat does a great job rotating all of the exhibits. So it's not a
museum that you visit once, and then you've seen it. And she's very
proud of the partnership that she has with the County. I mean, she
works really hard to keep the museum self-sustaining on her own.
We supplement a little bit, but she never asks for much. But I think
that's a pretty big accomplishment, No. 3 in the entire country.
So that's a nice little shout-out to her and her team. And we
have County people, County staff that are part of her team as well.
So it's a real team effort. And I know they were very proud of the
award, so I thought I would just mention that. Congratulations to all
of them.
February 24, 2026
Page 54
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Commissioner McDaniel.
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Yes, Mr. Chair. I have two
things. Number one, on that item with regard to the public speakers
and so on, maybe -- there was a time in our agenda where it was in
print that, under public comment, it specified not on today's agenda
or future agendas. It doesn't say that anymore on the agenda that I'm
looking at. So maybe we ought to come out and say that. I mean,
it -- I agree with the County Attorney that we followed our normal
process and procedures today.
So I would maybe -- and if it is somewhere, then great. I would
also ask that either the County Manager or the County Attorney,
when someone does come and unintentionally speaks on an item
that's not on this -- that's on this agenda or on a future one, that you
kindly interrupt and not cause -- I felt that didn't need to go on for
nearly as long as it did. So please step in if there is a process issue
just to -- because we're up here -- we're all up here doing a lot of
different things.
And so feel free, County Attorney and/or County
Manager -- anybody -- you know, either one of you to speak up and
to share with the folks and the Board that this isn't the time nor place
for that.
Number two, I've been asked to bring up under commissioner
comments the developer at the Town of Big Cypress has asked for
utilization of their municipal bonds for the subsurface infrastructure
that they're utilizing as collateral for the -- for that development.
Typically, a developer would have to go buy a surety bond to insure
over and above.
I'm not asking for any approval of this today. What I would like
to do is bring forward, with your positive head nod, an agenda item
so that we can explore the security instruments that are going to be
utilized being proposed. But it's a fairly substantive savings for the
February 24, 2026
Page 55
developer to not have to go buy that surety bond.
So with your -- with your approval, I'll bring forward an agenda
item next month, and we'll have a chat about it so that you can see all
of the data. I've looked at it a lot, so -- and I feel comfortable with it,
but I just wanted to give direction today to be able to bring that
agenda item forward.
And other than that, I'm -- I have nothing else.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Okay. Mr. Teach, real quick, though, I
think in Paragraph 3, doesn't it address that? It says, "General public
comments on non-agenda topic registered to speak before has three
minutes and cannot yield minutes to" --
COMMISSIONER McDANIEL: Where?
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Paragraph 3 on the cover of the
agenda.
MR. TEACH: It does say that.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Okay.
MR. TEACH: And, Commissioner, when -- pardon me. When
the speaker first said 11A, then they started going in a different
direction. And I thought they were going to speak on something else
and not 11A; that's why I didn't interrupt, because they mentioned
11A, but then they started speaking about other projects. And just
out of the abundance of allowing the public comment to continue,
that's why I didn't interrupt. But you were -- you were appropriate to
act in that manner.
CHAIRMAN KOWAL: Thank you.
I have nothing further, so we'll see you guys next meeting. This
meeting is adjourned. Thank you.
*******
February 24, 2026
Page 56
****Commissioner Hall moved, seconded by Commissioner
McDaniel and carried that the following items under the consent and
summary agendas by approved and/or adopted****
Item #16A1
COMMERCIAL EXCAVATION PERMIT PL20200002201 TO
EXCAVATE AND REMOVE AN ADDITIONAL 4,200,000 CUBIC
YARDS OF MATERIAL FROM THE EXPANSION OF THE
EXISTING APPROVED IMMOKALEE SAND MINE (THIS ITEM
IS A COMPANION TO ITEMS #17A AND
#17B)
Item #16A2
RESOLUTION 2026-45: RESOLUTION FOR FINAL
ACCEPTANCE OF THE PRIVATE ROADWAY AND DRAINAGE
IMPROVEMENTS, AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE PLAT
DEDICATIONS, INCLUDING THE DEDICATION OF TRACT
“K” AND THE 4TH STREET N.E. ROAD EASEMENT, FOR THE
FINAL PLAT OF RANDALL AT ORANGETREE, APPLICATION
NUMBER PL20210002196 (PPL) AND RANDALL AT
ORANGETREE – PHASE 2, APPLICATION NO. PL20230002794
(FP), AND AUTHORIZE THE RELEASE OF THE
MAINTENANCE SECURITY IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,482,372.3
Item #16A3
FINAL ACCEPTANCE OF THE POTABLE WATER AND SEWER
UTILITY FACILITIES AND ACCEPT THE CONVEYANCE OF
THE POTABLE WATER AND SEWER UTILITY FACILITIES
February 24, 2026
Page 57
FOR OPUS STONE, PL20250009443 - A FINAL INSPECTION
WAS CONDUCTED BY STAFF ON NOVEMBER 13, 2025, AND
THESE FACILITIES HAVE BEEN FOUND TO BE
SATISFACTORY AND ACCEPTABLE
Item #16A4
RESOLUTION 2026-46: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING
EXEMPTIONS TO THE FORMAL COMPETITIVE PROCESS
FOR THE PURCHASE OF VETERINARY MEDICATION AND
MEDICAL SUPPLIES FOR DOMESTIC ANIMAL SERVICES
AND APPROVE EXPENDITURES ON THESE EXEMPTIONS UP
TO A MAXIMUM OF $1,500,000 PER FISCAL YEAR THROUGH
FISCAL YEAR 2028 TO ENABLE DOMESTIC ANIMAL
SERVICES TO REMAIN IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE COLLIER
COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE AND TO
CONTINUE PURCHASING REQUIRED PREVENTATIVES,
MEDICATIONS, AND VETERINARY MEDICAL SUPPLIES
Item #16A5
AWARD INVITATION FOR QUALIFICATIONS NO. 25-8393,
“TREE MAINTENANCE AND ARBORIST SERVICES FOR
PARKS AND RECREATION,” TO THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT
COMPANY, SUPERIOR LANDSCAPING & LAWN SERVICES
INC., E-SANTOS TREE SERVICE, INC., R & N LAWN
MAINTENANCE, INC., AND SHERLOCK TREE COMPANY,
INC
Item #16A6
DIRECT STAFF TO ADVERTISE AND BRING BACK FOR A
February 24, 2026
Page 58
PUBLIC HEARING, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE LAND
DEVELOPMENT CODE, TO ESTABLISH DEFINITIONS FOR
TRANSIT STOP AND MAJOR TRANSPORTATION HUB, IN
ORDER TO COMPLY WITH SECTION 125.01055, FLORIDA
STATUTES [PL20240005299]
Item #16A7
RESOLUTION 2026-47: RESOLUTION FOR FINAL
ACCEPTANCE OF THE PRIVATE ROADWAY AND DRAINAGE
IMPROVEMENTS, AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE PLAT
DEDICATIONS, INCLUDING THE DEDICATION OF TRACT “R-
1” AND TRACT “R-2,” FOR THE FINAL PLAT OF ARGO
LIVINGSTON, APPLICATION NUMBER PL20200000146, AND
AUTHORIZE THE RELEASE OF THE MAINTENANCE
SECURITY IN THE AMOUNT OF $333,744.90
Item #16A8
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE BOARD OF
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND NORTH COLLIER FIRE
CONTROL AND RESCUE DISTRICT FOR THE LIFEGUARD
MANAGEMENT PROGRAM FOR LIFEGUARD STAFFING AND
MANAGEMENT AT BIG CORKSCREW ISLAND REGIONAL
PARK AND NORTH COLLIER REGIONAL PARK, SUN-N-FUN
LAGOON
Item #16A9
RELEASE OF A CODE ENFORCEMENT LIEN WITH AN
ACCRUED VALUE OF $122,850 FOR A REDUCED PAYMENT
February 24, 2026
Page 59
OF $4,736.60 IN THE CODE ENFORCEMENT ACTION TITLED
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS VS. THEODORE
CANALES, IN CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD CASE
NO. CESD20150024661, RELATING TO PROPERTY LOCATED
AT 1402 ORANGE ST., FOLIO #30681960005, IMMOKALEE,
FLORIDA
Item #16B1
RESOLUTION 2026-48: CHAIR TO EXECUTE A REAL ESTATE
SALES AGREEMENT WITH THE NORTH COLLIER FIRE
CONTROL AND RESCUE DISTRICT IN THE AMOUNT OF
$72,000 FOR A SALE OF A VACANT 1.49-ACRE PARCEL HELD
BY THE GOLDEN GATE ESTATES LAND TRUST, F/K/A GAC
LAND TRUST, TO EXECUTE THE STATUTORY DEED, AND TO
AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY MANAGER OR DESIGNEE TO
TAKE ALL ACTIONS NECESSARY TO CLOSE THE SALE; AND
TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SALE
PURSUANT TO SECTION 125.38, FLORIDA STATUTES
Item #16B2
GRANT AN EASEMENT TO FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT
COMPANY, FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, INSTALLATION AND
MAINTENANCE OF UNDERGROUND ELECTRICAL LINES
AND RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE AT THE SITE OF "THE
GATE" MAINTENANCE FACILITY LOCATED AT 4150
GOLDEN GATE PARKWAY, NAPLES, FL; AND AUTHORIZE
THE CHAIR TO EXECUTE ANY ADDITIONAL UTILITY
EASEMENTS FOR WATER, SEWER, GAS, POWER, OR
February 24, 2026
Page 60
COMMUNICATIONS, NECESSARY TO SERVE "THE GATE"
PROJECT
Item #16B3
LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN COLLIER COUNTY AND
GREATER NAPLES FIRE RESCUE DISTRICT FOR THE JOINT
USE OF STATION 74 LOCATED AT 99 DESOTO BOULEVARD
SOUTH, NAPLES, FLORIDA 34117 (INTERSECTION OF
GOLDEN GATE BOULEVARD EAST AND DESOTO
BOULEVARD)
Item #16D1
GRANT DONATION FROM THE POINT HARBOR FUND
THROUGH THE MAINE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION DONOR-
ADVISED FUND GRANT PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF
$1,500.00 FOR GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE COLLIER
COUNTY VANDERBILT BEACH LIBRARY LOCATION AND
AUTHORIZE THE NECESSARY BUDGET AMENDMENT.
(PUBLIC SERVICES GRANT FUND 1839)
Item #16D2
CHAIR TO SIGN AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO THE STATE
HOUSING INITIATIVES PARTNERSHIP (SHIP) SPONSOR
AGREEMENT BETWEEN COLLIER COUNTY AND HABITAT
FOR HUMANITY OF COLLIER COUNTY, INC. TO DECREASE
FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $125,000.00, UPDATE
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS, CONTACT INFORMATION,
RECORDS INFORMATION, PURCHASING REQUIREMENTS,
February 24, 2026
Page 61
CITIZENSHIP REQUIREMENTS, AND EXHIBIT
INFORMATION. (GRANT FUND 1053)
Item #16D3
CHAIR TO SIGN TWENTY-TWO MORTGAGE SATISFACTIONS
FOR THE STATE HOUSING INITIATIVES PARTNERSHIP LOAN
PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $137,950.00 AND TO
APPROVE A BUDGET AMENDMENT TO RECOGNIZE
$27,950.00 IN REVENUE FROM LOAN PAYOFFS. (SHIP GRANT
FUND 1053)
Item #16D4
CHAIR TO SIGN SEVEN MORTGAGE SATISFACTIONS FOR
THE STATE HOUSING INITIATIVES PARTNERSHIP LOAN
PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $80,000.00 DUE TO THE
DEATH OF THE BORROWER(S). (SHIP GRANT FUND 1053)
Item #16E1
RATIFY AN AMENDMENT APPROVED BY THE
PROCUREMENT SERVICES DIVISION IN ACCORDANCE
WITH PROCUREMENT ORDINANCE NO. 2025-34 AND
AUTHORIZE THE TIMELY PAYMENT OF INVOICES IN THE
AMOUNT OF $28,530
Item #16E2
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT BY THE PROCUREMENT
SERVICES DIVISION FOR VARIOUS COUNTY DIVISIONS’
February 24, 2026
Page 62
AFTER-THE-FACT PURCHASES IN ACCORDANCE WITH
PROCUREMENT ORDINANCE NO. 2025-34 AND THE
PROCUREMENT MANUAL, AND TO AUTHORIZE THE
TIMELY PAYMENT OF OUTSTANDING INVOICES IN THE
AMOUNT OF $51,195.56
Item #16E3
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT PREPARED BY THE
PROCUREMENT SERVICES DIVISION FOR THE DISPOSAL OF
PROPERTY THAT IS NO LONGER VIABLE AND REMOVE
CAPITAL ASSETS FROM THE COUNTY’S CAPITAL ASSETS
RECORDS
Item #16E4
AWARD REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL #25-8398, TEMPORARY
CONTRACT EMPLOYMENT SERVICES, TO KEYSTAFF, INC.,
AND AUTHORIZE THE CHAIR TO SIGN THE ATTACHED
AGREEMENT
Item #16F1
CHAIR TO EXECUTE A LANDING AGREEMENT
BETWEEN COLLIER COUNTY AND NCH HEALTHCARE
SYSTEM, INC. FOR THE NONEXCLUSIVE USE OF THE
GROUND HELIPAD LOCATED AT THE NCH NORTH NAPLES
HOSPITAL CAMPUS
Item #16F2
February 24, 2026
Page 63
COLLIER COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (CCEM) TO
DONATE ONE (1) SURPLUS PROPANE-POWERED
GENERATOR TO THE GUADALUPE CENTER IN
IMMOKALEE, FLORIDA, TO FURTHER SUPPORT THE
COMMUNITY DURING COUNTY EMERGENCIES AND
AUTHORIZE ONE-TIME LOGISTICAL SUPPORT FOR THE
RELOCATION OF THE NON-CAPITAL ASSET, ABSORBED
WITHIN EXISTING OPERATIONAL RESOURCES
Item #16F3
RENEW THE ANNUAL CERTIFICATE OF PUBLIC
CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY (COPCN) FOR JUST LIKE
FAMILY CONCIERGE MEDICAL TRANSPORT DBA
BREWSTER AMBULANCE, TO PROVIDE CLASS 2
ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT (ALS) INTER-FACILITY
TRANSPORT AMBULANCE SERVICE FOR A PERIOD OF ONE
YEAR
Item #16F4
RESOLUTION 2026-49: RESOLUTION APPROVING
AMENDMENTS (APPROPRIATING GRANTS, DONATIONS,
CONTRIBUTIONS, OR INSURANCE PROCEEDS) TO THE
FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 ADOPTED BUDGET
Item #16F5
AN AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT NO. 12-5957, “FINANCIAL
ADVISORY SERVICES” WITH PFM FINANCIAL ADVISORS
LLC, EXTENDING THE AGREEMENT THROUGH MAY 31,
February 24, 2026
Page 64
2028, AS AN EXEMPTION TO THE COMPETITIVE PROCESS IN
THE NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $150,000 PER FISCAL
YEAR
Item #16J1
TO RECORD IN THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS, THE CHECK NUMBER (OR OTHER
PAYMENT METHOD), AMOUNT, PAYEE, AND PURPOSE FOR
WHICH THE REFERENCED DISBURSEMENTS IN THE
AMOUNT OF $60,389,545.52 WERE DRAWN FOR THE
PERIODS BETWEEN JANUARY 29, 2026, AND FEBRUARY 11,
2026, PURSUANT TO FLORIDA STATUTE 136.06
Item #16J2
BOARD APPROVE AND DETERMINE A VALID PUBLIC
PURPOSE FOR INVOICES PAYABLE AND PURCHASING
CARD TRANSACTIONS AS OF FEBRUARY 18, 2026
Item #16K1
CHAIR TO EXECUTE A SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT IN THE
LAWSUIT STYLED JOSE CANCIO V. COLLIER COUNTY BOARD
OF COMMISSIONERS (CASE NO. 25-CC-3166), NOW PENDING
IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE TWENTIETH JUDICIAL
CIRCUIT IN AND FOR COLLIER COUNTY FLORIDA, FOR THE
SUM OF $6,000.00
Item #16K2
February 24, 2026
Page 65
COUNTY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE TO REJECT PLAINTIFF’S
PROPOSAL FOR SETTLEMENT AND, IN RESPONSE, FILE AN
OFFER OF JUDGMENT (SETTLEMENT OFFER) TO PLAINTIFF
MERSINO DEWATERING, LLC IN THE LAWSUIT STYLED
MERSINO DEWATERING, LLC V. COLLIER COUNTY BOARD
OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, (CASE NO. 25-CA-1782),
PENDING IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COLLIER COUNTY,
FLORIDA
Item #16K3
CHAIR TO EXECUTE A SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT IN THE
LAWSUIT STYLED AMONNON LOUIS V. COLLIER COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS (CASE NO. 25-CA-345), NOW
PENDING IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTIETH
JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR COLLIER COUNTY,
FLORIDA, FOR THE SUM OF $17,500.00
Item #16K4
RESOLUTION 2026-50: APPOINT ROBERT MARSH AND SARA
ESTRADA TO THE COLLIER COUNTY CODE ENFORCEMENT
BOARD - ROBERT MARSH BE APPOINTED TO A THREE-
YEAR TERM EXPIRING ON FEBRUARY 14, 2029, AND SARA
ESTRADA BE APPOINTED TO FILL THE REMAINDER OF A
VACANT TERM EXPIRING ON FEBRUARY 14, 2028
Item #16K5
STIPULATED FINAL JUDGMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF
$217,000 PLUS $42,186 IN STATUTORY ATTORNEY FEES,
February 24, 2026
Page 66
EXPERT FEES, AND COSTS FOR THE TAKING OF PARCEL
1369FEE REQUIRED FOR THE VANDERBILT BEACH ROAD
EXTENSION PROJECT NO. 60249
Item #16K6
STIPULATED FINAL JUDGMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF
$120,000 PLUS $23,008 IN STATUTORY ATTORNEY FEES,
EXPERT FEES, AND COSTS FOR THE TAKING OF PARCEL
1308FEE REQUIRED FOR THE VANDERBILT BEACH ROAD
EXTENSION PROJECT NO. 60249
Item #16K7
STIPULATED FINAL JUDGMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF
$190,000 PLUS $30,226 IN STATUTORY ATTORNEY FEES,
EXPERT FEES, AND COSTS FOR THE TAKING OF PARCEL
1293FEE REQUIRED FOR THE VANDERBILT BEACH ROAD
EXTENSION PROJECT NO. 60249
Item #16K8
STIPULATED FINAL JUDGMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $92,000
PLUS $24,606 IN STATUTORY ATTORNEY FEES, EXPERT
FEES, AND COSTS FOR THE TAKING OF PARCEL 1288FEE
REQUIRED FOR THE VANDERBILT BEACH ROAD
EXTENSION PROJECT NO. 60249
Item #16K9
February 24, 2026
Page 67
AMENDED STIPULATED ORDER OF TAKING AND
STIPULATED FINAL JUDGMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF
$230,000 PLUS $56,514 IN STATUTORY ATTORNEY FEES,
EXPERT FEES, AND COSTS FOR THE TAKING OF PARCELS
1316FEE2 AND 1316DE REQUIRED FOR THE VANDERBILT
BEACH ROAD EXTENSION PROJECT NO. 60249
Item #16K10
MAKING OF AN OFFER OF JUDGMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF
$160,000.00 TO RESPONDENTS, CHRISTIAN SILVER,
JASMINE CALDUCH, AND SAWGRASS CONSTRUCTION
GROUP LLC, IN THE LAWSUIT STYLED COLLIER COUNTY,
FLORIDA V. CHRISTIAN SILVER, ET AL., CASE NO. 25-CA-237,
FOR THE TAKING OF PARCEL 1359FEE2 REQUIRED FOR THE
VANDERBILT BEACH ROAD EXTENSION PROJECT NO. 60249
Item #16M1
WORK ORDER WITH APTIM ENVIRONMENTAL &
INFRASTRUCTURE, LLC TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL
ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR 2027-2028 LOCAL
GOVERNMENT FUNDING REQUEST UNDER CONTRACT NO.
18-7432-CZ FOR LUMP SUM NOT TO EXCEED $28,462 AND
MAKE A FINDING THAT THIS ITEM PROMOTES TOURISM.
(FUND 1105, PROJECT NO. 90065)
Item #17A
RESOLUTION 2026-51: RESOLUTION AMENDING
RESOLUTION NO. 2010-224, TO AMEND AND EXPAND A
February 24, 2026
Page 68
CONDITIONAL USE FOR EARTHMINING WITH EXCAVATION,
ON PROPERTY ZONED RURAL AGRICULTURAL ZONING
DISTRICT (A) WITH A MOBILE HOME OVERLAY WITHIN
THE RURAL LANDS STEWARDSHIP AREA OVERLAY (A-
MHO-RLSAO), PURSUANT TO SUBSECTIONS 2.03.01.A.1.C.1
AND 4.08.05 OF THE COLLIER COUNTY LAND
DEVELOPMENT CODE, ON 896.7+/- ACRES. THE PROPERTY
IS LOCATED AT 3625 SR 82, IMMOKALEE, IN SECTIONS 6
AND 7, TOWNSHIP 46 SOUTH, RANGE 29 EAST, COLLIER
COUNTY, FLORIDA [PL20240012171] (THIS ITEM IS A
COMPANION TO ITEMS #16A1 AND #17B)
Item #17B
RESOLUTION 2026-52: RESOLUTION APPROVING A
VARIANCE FOR AN EARTHMINING OPERATION FROM THE
COLLIER COUNTY LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE RELATING
TO LANDSCAPE BUFFERS AND ELIMINATING THE FENCE
AND LANDSCAPING REQUIREMENT AROUND OUTDOOR
STORAGE AND EQUIPMENT ON APPROXIMATELY 896.7+/-
ACRES ZONED RURAL AGRICULTURAL (A) WITH A MOBILE
HOME OVERLAY (MHO), WITHIN THE RURAL LANDS
STEWARDSHIP AREA OVERLAY (RLSAO), LOCATED AT 3625
SR 82, IMMOKALEE IN SECTIONS 6 AND 7, TOWNSHIP 46
SOUTH, RANGE 29 EAST, COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA.
[PL20240012172] (THIS ITEM IS A COMPANION TO ITEMS
#16A1 AND #17A)
Item #17C
February 24, 2026
Page 69
ORDINANCE 2026-09: ORDINANCE AMENDING THE
COLLIER COUNTY LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE RELATED
TO FLOATING SOLAR FACILITIES AS A LAND USE.
[PL20250000235] (SECOND OF TWO HEARINGS)
Item #17D
RESOLUTION 2026-53: RESOLUTION APPROVING
AMENDMENTS (APPROPRIATING CARRY FORWARD,
TRANSFERS, AND SUPPLEMENTAL REVENUE) TO THE
FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 ADOPTED BUDGET
February 24, 2026
Page 70
There being no further business for the good of the County, the
meeting was adjourned by order of the Chair at 10:17 a.m.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS/EX
OFFICIO GOVERNING BOARD(S) OF
SPECIAL DISTRICTS UNDER ITS CONTROL
___________________________________
DAN KOWAL, CHAIRMAN
ATTEST
CRYSTAL K. KINZEL, CLERK
These minutes approved by the Board on ___________, as presented
February 24, 2026
Page 71
______________ or as corrected _____________.
TRANSCRIPT PREPARED ON BEHALF OF VERITEXT BY
TERRI L. LEWIS, REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL COURT
REPORTER, FPR-C, AND NOTARY PUBLIC.