Membership Meeting June 9, 2008
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those present, following
the Call to Order by President Ruby Daniels. In attendance were
about 32 people.
Guest Speaker:
Ms. Rae Ann Wessel was our guest speaker. Ms. Wessel is the Natural
Resources Policy Director of the Sanibel Captiva Conservation
Foundation. Ms. Wessel’s enjoyable and informative talk described
a new, hi-tech river-water quality monitoring system, RECON (River
Estuary Costal Observing Network). A privately-funded project,
RECON welcomes anyone to visit www.recon.sccf.org where one can
read real-time and historical data (e.g., nitrate and chlorophyll
levels, salinity and temperature) from sensors placed in the Caloosahatchee
River and the adjacent Gulf area. Go ahead- conduct your own science
project! While your project may conclude deplorable river conditions,
knowledge is the first step toward improvement. Ms. Wessel encouraged
members to call her at 239-731-7559 if algae blooms or other undesirable
conditions are observed. Our thanks and commendations to Ms. Wessel,
SCCF and the donors for implementing and operating this useful
project.
Secretary’s Report:
Minutes of the May meeting were summarized and accepted.
Treasurer’s Report:
Beginning balance of $6,350.24, receipts of $345.00, expenditures
of $306.70, ending balance of $ 6,388.54. Report accepted.
President’s Report:
1. Fertilizer Ordinance: Adopted! President Daniels commended
Marti Daltry and Commissioner Mann for this significant accomplishment.
Commissioner Mann, present at the meeting, silently blushed as
the praise was voiced.
2. Toxic River: President Daniels reported Mr. Phillip Flood of
SFWMD did not respond to Alva Inc.’s April 23 letter. Mr. Bill
Gross mentioned the Federal Clean Waters mandate, and that perhaps
we are requesting response from the wrong person or level. The
consensus was to follow-up with Mr. Charles Dauray, SFWMD Governing
Board Member, and to bring the issue to the attention of appropriate
incumbents and candidates for political office at the county,
state and congressional level. Mr. Gross offered to prepare related
questions for the Alva Inc. August Candidates Forum.
3. Candidates Forum: On schedule for Monday, August 11, 7PM Alva
School.
4. Broadlands: President Ruby intends to meet with Lee Staff to
review the latest submission. Please contact her if you would
like to attend.
5. Conservation 2020: 23 Acres of Dr. Brown’s property adjacent
to Hickeys Creek remains under consideration. The family wishes
to retain the remaining 7 acres.
Vice President’s Report: Vice President Gerald spoke with admiration
to the community of Alva people helping each other - whether one
lives on Duke Highway, Bateman Road or Persimmon Ridge, the unity
and assistance to each other brings warmth to her heart. And what
a delight to pass another vehicle with the same Keep Alva Green
license plate! Mr. Bill Gross echoed her comments, giving a kudo
or two to the level of Alva’s organization, adding his statement
of the significant challenges facing Alva: Water and over development.
Caloosa 80: Ms. Connie Dennis is in the process of canvassing
the Bateman Road area regarding Caloosa 80 concerns/opinions.
Those expressed so far are the same as at the May general meeting.
The intent is to continue on Snyder Road and the adjacent areas,
followed by a neighborhood meeting to discuss. President Daniels
noted the developer is open to suggestions, and has already made
some plan changes based on expressed concerns.
Bonita Bay/North River Village: Ms. Denise Houck was invited to
a wine and cheese party at the Verandah where Bonita Bay presented
aspects of their North River Village proposal. (Sec. note: After
sending his RSVP to the same party, Mr. Steven Brown, Certified
Planner with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, stated he was
un-invited and received a further call to make sure he understood
he was not welcome at the meeting.) Ms. Houck reported the presentations
were the anticipated Bonita Bay high quality, and quite naturally
stressed the good points - as do beer commercials, without addressing
the negatives - the hangover afterwards. The threat of what would
happen to the property if density increase was not approved was
also presented.
Mr. Rob Fowler of Duke Highway then spoke. Mr. Fowler is a former
member of the Lee County Smart Growth Committee and a respected
developer in the Lee County community. He is opposed to the Bonita
Bay density increase request. He discussed developer’s rights:
Regarding density, he said his development right is the density
in place when he purchases the land. He described the Smart Growth
concept that promotes, among other features, the clustering of
dwellings to provide for open space. He shared that Smart Growth
does not promote density increase. Water and sewerage: When you
double the density, you double the problem. Regarding Bonita Bay’s
threat of what would happen if the density increase was not approved;
Mr. Fowler said it is important to understand it is just that-
a threat. Poorly planned properties will not sell, and therefore
will not be developed.
Well, Mr. Fowler’s words brought down the house. He was surrounded
by grateful North Olga people as he and Mrs. Fowler slowly made
their way to the door midst the roaring applause. Mr. Fowler,
Alva thanks you for your reinforcing words and wisdom.
Mr. Ed Kimball, President of ELCC reported the following regarding
the ELCC petition against any density increase and adoption of
the River Village Land Use Category: Bonita Bay conveyed to him
Alva requested the category include the area from I-75 to the
county line. When he challenged the statement, Bonita Bay said
the Lee Staff requested it, which Mr. Kimball also challenged.
Bonita Bay told Mr. Kimball they will send a letter to Lee County
with a change to the land use category wording. Mr. Kimball stated
his petition drive continues. (Blank petition forms are available
on the Community Planning Page of www.alvafl.org)
BOD Meeting: Wednesday June 25, 7 PM, MOGHOP. Alva Inc. board
meetings are open to the public.
Meeting Adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jim Green
Secretary
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