NORTH FORT MYERS DESIGN REVIEW PANEL

Meeting Minutes

MARCH 2, 2010

I.      Call to order

MIKE LAND, SECRETARY, in the absence of SCOTT J. BRENNER, PRESIDENT, and Jim Lattmann, V. President, called to order the regular meeting of the NORTH FORT MYERS DESIGN REVIEW PANEL at 6:05 p.m. on March 2, 2010 in the Theatre Room of North Star Yacht Club, N. Ft. Myers, Fl.

Attendance:  The following Board Members were present:  Alec Mylan, Jack Howerton, Maynard Houston, John Gardner, Gregg Makepeace and Mike Land.

The following additional persons were present:  Bonnie Makepeace, Ron Wilder, Dick Thomas and Debbie Jackow

Approval of minutes from last meeting

  The minutes of the previous meeting, which had been submitted by Mike Land, Secretary were approved as submitted.

OFFICERS’ REPORTS

Mike Land announced that there would be no presenters at this meeting.  He discussed the presentations made on February 8^th, first by Joe Beck on “Complete Streets” and then by LaRue Planners on their updated study. He reminded all that elections by the NFMCPP were coming up in April to fill the Board positions on this Panel for 2 and 3 year terms, and that those seeking election or re-election should make their feelings known to the Community Planning Panel members.  He relayed a message that Scott Brenner would not be seeking re-election as President due to a change in his office location from North Ft. Myers to Gladiolus Blvd. in South Ft. Myers, but that Wayne Daltry had indicated that he would serve as President if elected.

OLD BUSINESS

Mike asked if those Panel Members present were interested in serving another term and all responded in the affirmative.  Gregg Makepeace informed all that The NFMCPP had voted him in as a full member, instead of as an Auxiliary Member.  Ron Wilder and Dick Thomas both indicated they were interested in serving on the Panel.  Debbie Jackow also indicated that she was willing to serve if the NFMCPP determined that she was eligible.

It was reported that there was nothing new regarding the application of the Car Wash and convenience Store on Bayshore- they were awaiting funding.  It was also reported that the Publix on Bayshore Rd. had some new renderings on file with Lee County, but they were reportedly nowhere near ground breaking.

NEW BUSINESS

There was a discussion about the new Valero gas service station on Rt. 41 and Hancock Bridge Parkway that was approaching an opening. There apparently is no way to get in from Hancock Bridge and no way of getting out on Rt. 41.

Gregg Makepeace suggested we discuss what we do and how we operate. Debbie Jackow suggested that we revise the way in which we announce our decisions on applications bought before us. She observed that usually upon completion of the presentation Scott Brenner immediately announces our decision on the application, with rarely a vote, based on the consensus discussion.  She pointed out that on her Bayshore Panel, they discuss the decision among themselves after the presenters leave the meeting, and send a letter at a later date with the reaction to the presentation. This gives the members time to walk the property and observe how it compares to the plans and exhibits submitted.  She also observed that an applicant should not be allowed to do any site work such as removing trees until the developer has the funding and they are ready to build. She opined that the lee County Tree Ordinance needs to be strengthened in this regard.

Gregg Makepeace suggested that we check into the Bayshore Gas Station project to see if they had the right and approvals to remove all the trees that they did.

Mike Land suggested that this Panel prepare a “Position Paper” stating our position regarding removal of trees prior to commencing development, and that we disseminate it to all present and past applicants and post it to our blog and let all county planners know our position on this subject.  A short discussion ensued on how to get our visions across to developers.

Gregg Makepeace reminded all that the hometown democracy issue is coming up for a vote in November, and that although the intentions were good, the consequences could be bad.  If passed, none of the communities could effect a land change without approval of the voters. Every community is scrambling to make changes to their benefit before the election.

A short discussion took place regarding the old, vacant buildings along Business 41. Many are For Sale and apparently none are in compliance with current building code regulations.

Mike Land stated that he recently attended his first meeting of The NFM Civic Association and was very impressed with the attendance, the wide range of subjects covered, the amount of information disseminated and the masterful way Gregg Makepeace conducted the meeting.

Upon motion by John Gardner and second of Jack Howerton, and unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned at 7:22 p.m.

Minutes respectfully submitted by:  MIKE LAND, SECRETARY, with thanks to Dick Thomas who made copious notes while Mike conducted the meeting.

NEXT MEETING APRIL 6, 2010.