Greater Pine Island Civic Association Meeting Minutes, May 2, 2023, Pine Island United Methodist Church
Board Members Present: Deborah Swisher-Hicks, President; Helen Fox, Co-Secretary; Mike Sweeney, Treasurer; and Board Members Shari Perkins, Scott Wilkinson, Tim Heitz, Sue Dahod. (Excused: Connie D’Alessio and Nadine Slimak)
35 attendees signed in. The 27 current GPICA members in attendance were given voting cards. An additional 15 people attended virtually.
President Deb Swisher-Hicks opened the meeting at about 6:40PM. Members voted to approve the minutes and Treasurer’s report for April 2023.
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Mike Sweeney gave the May Treasurer’s report:
- Money Market $16,763.52
- Checking: $6,720.76
- Cd Investment*: $76,370.54
**CD to roll over again in early May
May Income: $208.22
- Online memberships: $48.22
- Cash/check memberships: $160
May Expenses: $1136.40
- May Church Rental: $300
- D&O Indemnity Insurance: $836.40.
Swisher-Hicks made several announcements:
- Resilient Lee Task Force will hold a meeting on May 3 at Pine Island Elementary School. The public is invited to contribute ideas about unmet needs after Hurricane Ian and planning for future emergencies.
- The Little Pine Island Bridge will be replaced next year. Drivers can expect about four months of one-lane traffic.
- FEMA has plans to install a large group of trailers near Pine Island Center. There is no firm date for occupancy yet. Trailers will be available for 18 months.
- The Lee County Charter Review Commission, which reviews the County Charter every eight years, invites public participation. See the county website under “Charter Review” for more information.
- A public meeting to request a zoning change of three parcels from CN3 to C1 will be held on May 4 at 6PM at 10488 Nikkis Lane.
Public Information Session
Swisher-Hicks introduced Pine Island resident, Jim Overhulser, who is requesting a variance setback of 4’6” on his property at 2782 York Road, St. James City, for a two-car carport. His neighbors either are in favor of his request or have left the area. A motion to approve was made and seconded. Attendees unanimously approved the request.
Chiquita Lock Funding Request
Swisher-Hicks introduced Cape Coral Interim City Manager, Michael Ilczyszyn, who explained that in Cape Coral’s view, the removal of the Chiquita Lock would not cause substantial environmental damage to mangroves or area waterways, and would, in fact, improve the environment by providing safe passage for manatees and additional habitat for the endangered smalltooth sawfish.
After Ilczyszyn’s talk, GPICA Board member Sue Dahod gave a power point presentation on the history of impaired water flow in Cape Coral, the various attempts to improve it, and the harm to the environment that would be caused by the removal of the lock despite the planned improvements. A lengthy question and answer period followed. (You can view both presentations here on our Facebook page. )
Dahod explained that the Matlacha Civic Association has formed a coalition to request an administrative hearing against the removal of the lock and has asked the GPICA to join. The GPICA board has voted not to join the coalition as a named petitioner, but agreed to spend up to $12,500 to financially support the legal fight against the removal of the lock. This would be done in two parts: through an expenditure of $2,500 from the GPICA treasury, and a campaign to match GPICA members’ contributions up to $5,000. Per GPICA bylaws, both expenditures must be approved by the membership.
Board member Helen Fox moved:
that the GPICA approve a one-time expenditure in the amount of $2,500 toward the Chiquita Boat Lock legal fees. The motion was seconded and a members-only vote was taken.
The outcome was 24 in favor; 0 opposed.
Fox then moved:
that the GPICA approve a fundraising campaign, “Chiquita Boat Lock Matching $1 for $1” where the GPICA will match the donations collected up to a maximum of $5,000. All funds raised will be put toward the “Chiquita Boat Lock” legal feeds. The motion was seconded and a members-only vote was taken.
The outcome was 26 in favor; 1 opposed.
The meeting was adjourned at about 8PM.
—Minutes respectfully submitted by Helen Fox, Co-Secretary