Greater Pine Island Civic Association General Membership Minutes
Note: Minutes are draft until approved by membership
Date: January 6, 2026
Location: First Baptist Church of Pine Island
Board Members Present: Christine Blum, Nadine Slimak, Steve Eldredge, Deborah Swisher-Hicks,
Sue Dahod, Kathy Chumley
Call to Order & Approval of Previous Minutes
The Membership minutes from the December meeting were presented. A motion was made,
seconded and the minutes were approved.
Treasurer’s Report (as of December 31)
December Financials:
Total Income: $419.51, Total Expenses: $143.18, Net Income: $276.33
Year-to-Date Financials:
Total Income: $5,628.84, Total Expenses: $3835.95, Net Income: $1,792.89
Investments and Cash Balance:
The current cash availability is $14,191.40, which is above the board’s target of $10,000.
A CD ladder is being established to have funds mature monthly, allowing for lower targeted cash
levels.
A $20,000 CD matures on January 21 and another $15,241.87 matures on January 28. These maturities will be split into three or four CDs of differing maturities to further build out the “maturity ladder.”
Mr. Eldredge informed the membership that year-end financials are scheduled to be provided for an independent review by the end of March. This process is a basic review to ensure the records are reasonable, accurate, and true, but is not a formal audit.
The Board approved using the U.S. government’s Treasury Direct program for investments, in
addition to existing relationships with Truist and First Horizon. A formal Investment Policy Statement was written by the Treasurer and approved by the Board to
codify the investment strategy.
Key areas of the Policy include:
o A maximum investment term of 13 months.
o Investment dealings are restricted to Treasury Direct, Truist, and First Horizon.
o Only certificates of deposit and treasury securities may be purchased.
Development Committee Update
Mr. Eldredge then provided an update on all the various development and zoning issues being
tracked by the development committee team.
Upcoming Board Elections
The next month’s meeting will include the election of officers and board members.
Vicki Werner, a resident of nearly 25 years with prior board experience, has accepted a nomination.
- To vote in the election, individuals must be a paid-up, current member in good standing.
- To be nominated for the board, a member must have been in good standing for at least six months.
- Self-nominations are welcome.
Open Discussion on Priorities and Programs for 2026
What can we do as an organization to improve the water quality around our Island?
- Research and present to the Membership an accounting of the $1.1 Billion received by Lee County from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to support long-term recovery efforts following Hurricane Ian.
- Have one of our U.S. Representatives come in and speak to us.
- Speak before the Southwest Florida Delegation on topics of concern to the GPICA and the Island.
Traffic on-and-off the Island and an updated traffic study (particularly because of one-way on and one-way off) with particular emphasis on hurricane evacuation. - Single-member district representation (electing Lee County Commissioners by district).
- Lawmaker’s proposals to significantly cut or eliminate property taxes for homestead properties.
Upcoming Island Activities
“Show Pine Island Some Love” seedling giveaway event is planned for Valentine’s Day.
While the seedlings are free, food donations for a local food pantry are requested but not required.
- RSVP to info@gpica.org to volunteer for potting seedlings in the morning.
Other Upcoming Events
- A roadside cleanup event is scheduled for tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. starting at the Bokeelia Post Office.
- The Art Walk in Matlacha was reported to be excellent and well-attended, featuring multiple bands.
- The next meeting of the GPICA is on February 3. A speaker from Parks and Recreation will be present.
- A public information session is scheduled on the conversion of a house on Avenue B into an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) facility.
The speakers for the March and April meetings are currently being finalized.
—Respectfully submitted by Steve Eldredge, Secretary/Treasurer