Minutes of the Alva Inc. BOD meeting, February 14, 2002

Those who registered attendance: John Payne, Sarah Gillim, Rob Andrys, Linda Kendrick, Maria Pagan, Jennie Taylor, Rosie Taylor, Mike Buff, Anita Buff, James D. English, Jr., Ronn K. Newson, Alice Washington, Carmen Pagan, Julie Moore, Gayanne Bennett, Martin Call, .Steve Brookman,  Roxanne Gause.

Minutes of previous meeting approved.

Treasurer’s report.  Filed with the minutes.   

                                                                                                Balance, 1/31/02:                                                         $5848.04

                                                                                                Outstanding checks:                                                          190.98

                                                                                                Deposits:                                                                              0.0

                                                                                                Balance, 2/14/02:                                                         $5657.06

Submitted by Lynn Fensterer, treasurer.           

            Proposal Drawings for Alva core. Some criticism was voiced because of the drawings’ style (Mediterranean rather than “Old Florida”) and color.   Sarah Gillim proposed that new drawings can be done by a Naples firm (A - Z Architects) for a fee of $150 which promise to be more in keeping with the desires of the Alva community.  After discussion of the cost of the previous drawings and concern that costs be kept to a minimum, the above was moved, seconded and passed without dissent..

            Roxanne Gause brought an update and recommendations regarding the plans for the expansion of State Road 80.  She reiterated her earlier report on the possibility of installing curbs on the median between Joel and Iverson roads.  In order for oak trees to be planted on the median, curbs are necessary.  The planned median without curbs would be too narrow and only smaller trees such as crape myrtle could be planted.  Oak trees are what the community wants on the median and for these curbs are required.  Because of the expense of installing curbs, the $200,000.00 (and possibly more) the state allocates for landscaping will be needed for curb installation.  State representatives stated that the substitution of curbs for landscaping is likely to be approved.  Thus, the cost of oak trees stock, planting and maintaining for the first year must be paid for with other funds.  Alva, Inc. would need to find ways to fund the purchase and planting of the trees.  This recommendation was approved without dissent. 

            Other highway concerns: the committee is working on traffic lights where feasible, and sidewalks at least at the Broadway and Hwy 80 intersection.   Concern was expressed to encourage curbs on 80 in the Charleston Park area and a cut so that left turns could be made.  Probably only limited cuts can be made as the state requires one half mile between turn cuts.  These recommendations were also passed without dissent.    

            Sidewalks: On Hwy.80 a five foot marked paved shoulder on each side is planned, but not full sidewalks.  Committee will ask for sidewalks at major intersections.  However, the state identifies Hwy.80 as an intrastate rural highway which at present makes it ineligible for sidewalks. It was suggested that perhaps the state would “prepare” the area for sidewalks.  It was noted that sidewalks around the school are on a priority list. $1,000,000.00 annually is set aside which provides about ten sidewalks for schools throughout the county.  Our school is included on the priority list for sidewalks but the installation is likely to be three to five years away.   

            Packing House Road:  Lee County and State representatives have each stated that the proposed Packinghouse Road changes to connect with Broadway at Hwy 80 is approved.  The committee continues to work for the traffic light at Broadway and request that a new survey to be made.  The group was reminded that Charleston Park seeks to be connected to the Alva Center by sidewalks/bike paths.  Thanks were expressed to Roxanne, Martin and the whole committee. 

            A meeting was held by various Alva Inc. officers to with larger property owners to address their particular concerns.  Our representatives emphasized that no change in land density is contemplated.  Afterwards, Boots Weathers, the representative for the property owners, wrote a letter to the commissioners which insisted that the Alva boundaries be limited to the Alva “core,” a four square mile area around the post office and bridge. 

            In consultations with planner Carol Cunningham and further discussions concerning Alva boundaries, these recommendations for policies regarding outlying areas beyond the Alva center were determined and approved without dissent.

            1.  Alva Inc. will not recommend any density changes to the Lee county Plan in our community plan.

            2.  Alva Inc. will suggest ways to preserve green space by transfer of development rights, setting up a land trust and encouraging larger developers to build “conservation communities.”

            3.  Alva Inc. prefers to leave boundaries flexible at this time.  However, our area of focus will be the Alva Fire District boundaries.

            4.  Alva Inc. recommends that County Hwy. 78 be designated a scenic highway from the county line west to Hwy 31.  We encourage Hendry County to make the same designation on Hwy. 31 as it continues east. 

            Sarah Gillim reported that we have worked with Jim Mudd, County planning coordinator, so that we may be on the agenda for a public hearing with the County Commissioners so that Alva Inc.can apply for the remainder ($17,000) of the funding for planning.  The meeting to consider the remainder of funding is set for February. 26 at 5 p.m.  Rob Andrys and  Carol Cunningham will make the presentation.  They hope to meet with the commissioners prior to meeting to prepare the way.  It is an open meeting and the community is invited. 

            Other concerns: bus service to the area continues to be a great need.. Access from Alva and Charleston Park to the branch library or shopping at Riverdale or Lehigh Acres is not currently available.  Linda Kendrick and others are working on this concern. 

Meeting adjourned 9 p.m.

Submitted by John Payne, secretary..