Greater Pine Island Civic Association (GPICA) General Membership Minutes
Note: Minutes are draft until approved by membership
Date and Time: 6:30 p.m. Feb. 3, 2026
Location: First Baptist Church of Pine Island
Board Attendees: Christine Blum, Nadine Slimak, Deborah Swisher-Hicks, Kathy Chumley and Sue Dahod
Call to Order & Approval of Previous Minutes
- A motion was made to approve General Membership meeting minutes from January 2026. The motion was seconded and approved.
Board Elections
- A call for nominations from the floor was made. There were no new nominations.
- Christine Blum was running again to fill her expiring term, and Vicky Werner had been previously accepted to run for an open Board seat.
- A motion was passed to accept the existing slate of candidates as presented on the ballot. Both Christine and Vickywere then elected to the Board by General Membership acclamation, without dissents.
Treasurer’s Report
Steve Eldredge presented January 2026 financials.
- Monthly Income: $917 (memberships + interest income)
Expenses: $178 ($100 (church rental, $78 annual postal box rental) - Net Income for the month: $739
Year-to-date net income: same as January monthly at $739
Investments: Mr. Eldredge will be recommending that the minimum cash balance of $10,000 requested by the Board should be lowered now that the portfolio maturity ladder has been built out. - Steve Eldredge reminded the Membership that a new investment policy was written and approved in December.
- He also indicated that the 2025 financial review is under way.
Development and Zoning Update
- The following projects were reviewed: Bokeelia Pointe, Upper Captiva Carriage Club, Bokeelia Tower, Betsy Parkway MFD and Atlas Lakes.
Guest Presentation — Lee County Parks and Recreation Update
Hurricane Recovery Projects:
- Galt Preserve: The boardwalks are completed. The observation platform is expected to be finished in Spring 2024.
- Matlacha Park: The community center and arts association buildings are complete and awaiting final inspection for a soft opening in March.
- Phillips Park: Repairs to shade structures are underway, with an anticipated completion by the end of 2026.
Capital Improvement Projects:
- Lavender’s Landing: The parking lot and boat ramp opened on November 21st. The building renovation is expected to be completed in February 2026.
- Pine Island Community Pool: The entire pool area and building will be demolished and rebuilt. The project is phased through 2027.
- Matlacha Park: Mangrove trimming will begin this year. Construction of three pickleball courts is in procurement and expected to be finished by Spring/Summer 2024.
- Pinewood Trails Park: Removal of invasive plants is scheduled to occur this year.
Conservation 2020 Program Update
- The resident-funded program has acquired 31,700 acres across Lee County, creating 52 preserves since 1996. On Pine Island, it has acquired nearly 2,300 acres, creating 6 preserves. In total, 27% of Lee County is conservation land.
- Three properties on Pine Island are in the acquisition process: two contiguous properties across from the Winn-Dixie Plaza (58 acres) and a 10-acre infill parcel in the Flatwood Preserve. The Calusa Land Trust has offered $80,000 towards developing the 58-acre property.
Public Information Meeting-Lee County EMS Operations and Relocation
- Adrian Carujo, Deputy Chief of Operations for Lee County
EMS, provided an update on their services and relocation plans. - EMS is currently operating from a temporary single-family residence at 5525 Avenue B under a three-year lease with extension options.
- A new, permanent EMS station is planned for construction on Schoenfeld Road.
- The new station will have the ability to land helicopters for medical transport.
- The move will not negatively impact response times or cooperation with the fire department. The county exceeds its statutory requirement, responding to 95% of life-threatening calls within 8 minutes and 59 seconds. For non-primary unit availability, another station is immediately dispatched.
- A Membership vote was taken about the relocation after the presentation by Mr. Carujo. All members were in favor with no dissent.
Community & Island Updates
- Cleanup Event: Scheduled for February 4 in the morning.
- Roadwork: Pine Island Road will be resurfaced, and work on Burns Store Road will begin in the spring.
- Tax Assistance: Beacon of Hope is offering free tax return assistance.
- Seedling Giveaway: February 17th, 1-4 PM at Garden Clubs Park.
- Fuqua Land Trust Anniversary: A barbecue will be held at Quist Park on March 7th, 12-3 PM.
- Fishing Seminars: Free “Fish Talk” seminars are held every Saturday in February at Eagle’s Nest, with a ladies’ seminar on March 7th.
- Art Association: The Pine Island Art Association has moved into its new building at Matlacha Park.
- Single-Member Districts: A Zoom call will be held on Saturday, February 7th.
Upcoming Guest Speakers
- Dr. Randy Wells will discuss dolphin research -March 3.
- Next Meeting Date: March 3 @ 6:30pm
—Minutes respectfully submitted by Steve Eldredge, Secretary/Treasurer