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Rendering of Times Square redevelopment August 2020

Rendering of section of proposed Times Square Redevelopment August 2020

Three iconic redevelopment projects move forward

At the Town Council meeting on Monday, design consultant DRMP, Inc., gave a design status update on the redevelopment of Times Square, Bay Oaks Recreational Campus, and Bayside Park. Town Council gave direction to continue with plans for the redevelopment of all three facilities as follows:

Bay Oaks Recreational Campus will be a phased $5.5 million project
Bayside Park will not have an upland services facility for Mooring Field on site; focus will be on refreshing the landscaping and building a new concert stage with public restrooms as well as a veterans' tribute
Times Square design will continue as presented by DRMP, moving that design to the 100 percent stage.

Other agenda items related to the redevelopment of these iconic areas of Town included:

Approval of an interlocal agreement and property transfer with the Lee County School Board for land adjacent to Bay Oaks that has historically been part of Beach Elementary
Direction for staff to secure a loan for $10 million from First Florida Integrity Bank with a 3.15 interest rate amortized for up to 20 years
Direction for staff and the Anchorage Advisory Committee to continue to research and consider alternatives to Matanzas Inn as the upland services provider for Mooring Field, tabling the approval of a proposal from Matanzas Inn to continue these services.

For the agenda and accompanying documents from Monday's meeting, as well as a link to watch the video, go to the Town's website:http://www.fortmyersbeachfl.gov/68/Town-Council

Nuisance abatement board could be in the Town's future

The second reading and final public hearing on the creation of a nuisance abatement board for the Town is scheduled for the September 21 meeting. (That meeting will start at 5:01 p.m.) Town Council extended the date of this hearing after a risk management consultant hired by the Lani Kai Resort requested that Council hold off making a decision about the board for at least 30 days.The consultant requested this because she said that she believes that the Lani Kai is the "target" of the nuisance board based on comments at the last Council meeting, and that the owners of the Lani Kai would like to work more cooperatively with the Town.

Aerial Photo of Bay Oaks

Club Rec at Bay Oaks to start August 31

The Town’s Club Rec after-school program for children that operates at Bay Oaks will be back starting August 31, 2020.

Due to necessary safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID and maintain a safe environment for the children, capacity for the program will be limited. It will be offered to children of the Town’s tax payers first. If space remains after all tax payers who wish to attend have registered, registration will open to children who attend Beach Elementary.

To ensure that all applicants have an equal chance for the limited open spots, participants will be selected by random drawing starting with the entire group of applications from the families who pay taxes to the Town. If openings remain after this group is selected, a random drawing will be held with all applicants from Beach Elementary.

Registration starts August 21. Deadline for applications is August 27. Applicants will be notified of their application status on Friday, August 28.

To register, fill out the form that will be found on the Town’s website starting August 21 at https://www.fortmyersbeachfl.gov/997/Youth-Programs and return it to Bay Oaks, 2731 Oak Street, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931.

Forms can also be returned by email to Sarah Lisenko, Bay Oaks Youth and Teen Program coordinator, SarahL@fmbgov.com

Questions? Contact Bay Oaks at (239) 765-4222

Dune walkover lawsuit settlement denied by Council

The Florida League of Cities will represent the Town in a lawsuit with Bert Harris claim brought by the owners of Squeeze Me Inn and Texas Hold'em, LLC. The owners of these two properties had requested a special exception from the Town to build a dune walkover that was denied, and are now suing the Town. At Monday's meeting, Council voted to deny a settlement offer in this matter.

Picture of boats in Matanzas Harbor Mooring Field from May 2020

Matanzas Harbor Mooring Field May 2020

Town Council is in the midst of its Fiscal Year 2021 Budget process, which will continue in September with these two public meetings

THURSDAY, September 10 at 5:01 p.m. - Town Council meeting / 1st Budget Hearing

Monday, September 21 at 5:01 p.m. - Town Council meeting / Final Budget Hearing

https://www.fortmyersbeachfl.gov/970/Finance

Calling all Islanders: serve on an advisory board or committee

Citizens who are interested in serving as volunteers on various boards and committees that advise the Town Council on island issues are encouraged to apply now for openings. These openings will be appointed by Town Council in October. To be considered, citizens need to fill out and return this application on the Town’s website:

https://www.fortmyersbeachfl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/15304/Advisory-Committee-Application-Form

Deadline for applications is September 18, 2020.

Bid status

1. Town Council voted on August 17 to postpone acceptance of the bid proposal from Matanzas Inn to continue providing upland services for Matanzas Harbor Mooring Field. Council directed staff and the Anchorage Advisory Committee to continue to research alternatives, including having Town staff manage the services.

2. Town Council accepted the selection advisory committee's recommendation for technical support services (IT) to be provided by Valeo Networks. The Town Manager is authorized to negotiate an agreement for the Council's consideration.

3. BID SELECTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETS AUGUST 26, 2020
Various ongoing professional services related to water resources, architectural design, stormwater, water distribution including lift and dump stations, surveying services, landscape architect, community and neighborhood improvements, electrical and structural services, geo-technical analysis, civil engineering, development and building services, transportation planning and traffic engineering services, planning/zoning, historical restoration, archaeological services, environmental assessments, marine engineering, and geographical information systems

4. BID OPENING SEPTEMBER 29, 2020

Consultant to evaluate lighting conditions along Estero Boulevard from Old San Carlos Boulevard to Estrellita Drive and develop lighting alternatives for the Town to consider to enhance pedestrian visibility at crosswalks.

For more info: http://www.fortmyersbeachfl.gov/949/Current-Bids-and-Proposals

Keep up on the schedule of Town Council
and advisory committee meetings

View the Town’s meeting calendar on the website’s homepage: www.fmbgov.com

Upcoming meetings

Thursday, Aug. 27 - Cultural & Environmental Learning Center Advisory Board (CELCAB), 3 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 3 - Town Council Management & Planning Session, 9 a.m.

Thursday, Sept. 10 - Town Council / 1^st Budget Hearing, 5:01 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 21 - Town Council / Final Budget Hearing, 5:01 p.m.