OFFICIAL PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES

(in accordance with Chapter 33 of the Lee County Land Development Code)

Estero Community Park

The Estero Recreation Center

9200 Corkscrew Palms Boulevard

Estero, Florida

Meeting Date:                                                Wednesday February 11, 2009

Meeting Time:                               5:00 PM

Members in Attendance:        Nancy Cohen, Gordon Lyons, Bob Melzer, Joseph McHarris

                                                    Bill Prysi, Al O’Donnell,

                                                    Gerald Simons, Jim Wallace

Members Absent:                        Tom O’Dea,  

Chaired By:                                     Gordon Lyons

Minutes By:                                     Norma Reynolds

Meeting called to order by Gordon Lyons at 5:06 PM.

Opening Remarks: none

Meeting Minutes Approved:

Motion made by Bob Melzer moved, seconded by Gerald Simons to approve the January minutes.  Unanimous

Applicant 1:               Lakes of Estero Phase II

Location of Project                        Williams Road and River Ranch Road

Presented by:                                   Donald Slisher, Vice President of Barbot, Steuart and Associates

Fee Paid:                                             Yes

Mr. Slisher presented responses addressing the concerns outlined at their previous presentation.

• Plans have been revised where possible to comply with Chapter 33 and maintain congruity with the approved Master Concept Plan.
• Paver block walkways have been added where feasible to aid in internal pedestrian circulation.
• Estero Fire & Rescue has reviewed and approved the proposed layout.
• Dumpsters will have the code required enclosures which have been depicted on the revised site plans.  Dumpsters are located to provide adequate approach clearances and to lessen the visual impact to the development.
• An alternate color scheme has been implemented.
• A decorative wall has been added to the Williams Road frontage.
• Landscape plans have been revised to better depict the proposed plantings and enhance the buffer.  Spartina grass has been added to all detention areas.
• The development will provide a pool area.
• Mailboxes have been added to the plan.
• Bicycle Racks have been added to the plans.

 Committee Comments and Concerns:

• Landscape – Need to present a detailed landscape plan which includes all plants to be used and which will meet Chapter 33 minimums. In general more plants are needed. Plants need to be larger and surround the dumpsters. For aesthetics add trees showing the code minimums.  Consider growing vines or columnar plants to break up the garage areas (check the exterior of Pet Smart and Sports Authority).
• Move the proposed site of the sidewalk and add striping for cross walks.
• Proposed mailbox site needs better accessibility, separating vehicular and pedestrian area.
• Color scheme – Need to have a detailed rendering indicating the exterior elevations with colors to be used.  It’s acceptable to paste color chips on the board.
• Buildings – Ends of every building needs to be as attractive as the front. They lack articulation.  Consider adding windows, architectural details, band trim, highlighting the windows.
• Consider a 4 – 10 foot return on the front wall.
• Consider including an 18 x 18 inch island to break up the asphalt at the columns between the garage doors. 
• Architectural details are no longer on the plan which was previously approved. The details need to added back into the plan.
• Define both sides of the entrance with increased height, i.e., kiosks, similar to the earlier renderings.
• Signage needs to be included in the presentation.

CONCLUSIONS:

Return next month with a detailed rendering addressing these concerns.

Applicant 2:               ASAP Corkscrew Ministorage

Location of Project                        Corkscrew near Wild Cat Run

Presented by:                                   Joseph Kelley

Fee Paid:                                             Yes

Landscaping:

Presenter: Joseph Kelley

Several items have been addressed since the first presentation.

• Changed the roof line.
• Fire House asked for the buffer to be reduced so they have better visibility.

Suggestions and Comments:

• Wrap the landscaping along the side of the berm which would enhance the site plan plus meet the needs of the Firemen.
• For interest add Royal Palms for height and extra shrubs around the signage.
• Use Coco Plums on the north side of the building might be reconsidered.
•  Size of trees need to be increased to meet Chapter 33 specifications.
• Dry detention area needs to be 90% plants, not sod.
• Lights: consider using motion sensors; lower some of them; add more.  All outside lights need to be shielded by other buildings.
• Signs: all signs presented were unacceptable.  Signs need to conform to Estero requirements.  Ask the Landscape Architect to be involved in the design process.

             Use just 1 tasteful monument sign.  Perhaps an unlit sign tied into the architecture would       

             be permitted on the second story.

CONCLUSIONS:

Return with a detailed rendering reflecting the recommended changes.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• March 22  All Play No Work Party held at Angelina’s restaurant on U S 41 - $10.00 per ticket
• March 28  Arts of Estero 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM  Estero Community Park – need both volunteers and donations
• David Graham Award – committee members need to meet

Meeting adjourned at 6:14 PM.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, March 11, 2009 @ 5:00 PM

The Estero Recreation Center.

For the Estero Design Review Committee

These Minutes do not reflect a verbatim record of the Public Meeting conducted in accordance with Chapter 33 of the Lee County Land Development Code. However, reflect specific issues addressed and noted by each presentation. These Minutes are Official with the original signed copy as approved by the Acting Committee Chair or Designee. Unauthorized reproduction or alterations of these minutes are prohibited. These Minutes are the Copyright of the Estero Design Review Committee. All Rights Reserved.