Dan Tomac from the FEMA team provided an overview of the recovery plan, which covers resilience considerations and prioritizes recovery projects based on community input. The plan also features a social vulnerability index and environmental justice considerations to help in grant applications and funding opportunities. The FEMA team has been working closely with the town since June through meetings, workshops, and surveys to gather community input. They also supported a socioeconomic impacts analysis and identification of potential funding needs. The town council expressed gratitude for the assistance, particularly highlighting the importance of stormwater projects.

Another topic was the proposed ordinance for expedited variance review. Questions arose about the language regarding owner-initiated requests and the distinction between residential and commercial properties. There was a debate on prioritizing unanimous votes from the local planning agency and announcing the opportunity for appeals at meetings. A proposal to direct the ordinance to the local planning agency for input before a formal change was considered.

The meeting also reviewed ordinance 2305 concerning temporary housing in specified zoning districts. The council scrutinized the ordinance’s language for clarity and debated the intent to allow commercial landowners to operate businesses while considering residential properties first. The impact of Senate Bill 250 and a certain timeframe for residents to initiate rebuilding processes were topics of discussion.

Regulation of residential and commercial properties in the aftermath of the storm was a point of contention. Council members debated setting deadlines for property owners to act, particularly regarding trailer removal and business rebuilding. The possibility of designating areas for food trucks was discussed as a solution for new businesses entering prime commercial locations. The council acknowledged that reaching out to property owners to understand their intentions and extending assistance was important.

Regarding mobile vendors and food trucks on the island, concerns about government overreach and the impact on property owners were voiced. Balancing the interests of established businesses with the needs of new ventures, especially in the off-season, was a central issue. The council debated the local market’s impact and the government’s role in shaping the business landscape.

The council deliberated on the town’s actions during disasters and their potential effects on flood insurance program eligibility. Ensuring FEMA regulation compliance and the conflict between temporary use permits and ordinances were extensively discussed. The need for temporary structures for property owners rebuilding was considered, along with the possibility of allowing food trucks in certain areas, despite concerns about zoning conflicts.

The topic of mobile food trucks and temporary businesses on town property was also discussed, with the council considering business taxes or permit fees for mobile businesses to contribute to the community. The timeline for moving forward with commercial properties was debated, emphasizing the need for a clear plan for new developments and the differentiation between existing and new businesses on town property.

The council addressed traffic congestion concerns, particularly near Margaritaville, and the need for better traffic control during events such as the farmers’ market and shrimp fest. The Public Safety Committee requested more guidance from the council on community policing contracts, crosswalk safety, and improved communication with the fire department and sheriff’s office. Concerns about unsafe buildings and unpermitted construction were also raised.

Finally, the council discussed pedestrian and biker safety on Estero Boulevard, emphasizing the need for education and enforcement. The lack of authority to enforce on Estero Boulevard, a county road, was noted, and the responsibility of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office was acknowledged. The need for a strategic planning session in April and potential acquisition of Crescent Park were mentioned, along with a legislative update from a guest speaker at the next meeting.