ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD

MINUTES - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD August 7, 2025 1 | P a g e The Economic Development Advisory Board of the City of Fort Myers, Florida, met in regular session at Oscar M. Corbin, Jr. City Hall, 2200 Second Street, a meeting place in the City of Fort Myers, Florida, on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Present were: Chair Dennis Landfried, presiding, Regular Board Members Ken Pariser, Jerome Miller, Gladston Clarke, and Alternate Members Nannette Maxson (Arrived at 2:07 p.m.), and Duane Dyar (Left at 3:57 p.m.). Also present was Grant Alley, City Attorney, and Steven Weathers, Economic Development Director. Absent: Board Member John Kakatsch and Vice Chair Orie Lee Ford CALL TO ORDER Chair Landfried called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair Landfried led the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENTS (None) REGULAR ITEMS 1. Approve the June 5, 2025 meeting minutes MOTION: Board Member Clarke moved to approve the June 5, 2025 meeting minutes; seconded by Board Member Pariser; motion carried unanimously. PRESENTATIONS AGENDA REORDERED 2. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard (MLK) Plan Update by Mellone Long, Community Redevelopment Agency Assistant Director Mellone Long, Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Assistant Director gave a brief overview of the project team, study area, public workshops, Redevelopment Plan, Master Plan, victories and progress made, and expansion. The Plan includes new projects such as the Blue Way, Athlete's Walk, Heritage Trail Walk, and a pedestrian trail. There will be a City Council public hearing on September 22, 2025 and the public is encouraged to attend the final community meeting at the Quality Life Center tonight at 5:30 p.m. Board Member Pariser asked for an update on McCollum Hall. Michele Hylton-Terry, Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Executive Director, replied that the City Council decided not to provide funds requested by the developer therefore the developer agreement regarding McCollum Hall will be terminated, and a special meeting will be held to discuss the next steps. The community is encouraged to contact the CRA with any development proposals. Lynn Dillinger, RMA Director of Economic Development, replied that McCollum Hall is an important project for the CRA and asked for patience as the right developer will be found.

MINUTES - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD August 7, 2025 2 | P a g e Board Member Miller commended the CRA website and inquired how the MLK Plan could spur development in the community. Ms. Long replied that the MLK Plan will encourage development by focusing on infrastructure, amenities, and beautification along with the CRA increment rebates and commercial property improvement matching grant program. Chair Landfried requested an update on the CRA legislative development. Ms. Hylton-Terry replied that there were several CRA proposals in the last legislative session, but none passed. Advocacy will be necessary as some lawmakers are opposed to CRAs therefore, a diverse marketing program has been launched to highlight CRA projects and community impact by the Florida Redevelopment Association. There will be professional training programs and outreach efforts aiming to educate legislators, city officials, and the public to demonstrate CRAs value. Board Member Miller asked for a status on Gateway Garden. Ms. Long replied that the project has met some challenges with permitting by (FDOT) Florida Department of Transportation. 1. City Utilities Update by Jason Sciandra, Public Utilities Assistant Director Jason Sciandra, Public Utilities Assistant Director, gave a brief overview of the utility system background, population, Well Expansion, WTP Expansion, and septic to sewer conversion program. The utility system is expanding to meet growing demand, with new wells, treatment plant expansions, and a significant investment by the City to maintain and upgrade the pipe infrastructure. The utility system is using advanced technology and data analysis to improve efficiency and planning. Discussion ensued regarding water conservation, infrastructure challenges, and reclaimed water. AGENDA REORDERED STAFF COMMENTS Steven Weathers, Economic Development Director, introduced Martin Byrd, Enterprise Center of Southwest Florida Operations Manager, to provide an update on the Southwest Florida Enterprise Center. Mr. Byrd gave a brief update on the Southwest Florida Enterprise Center’s recent activities, current projects, and facility upgrades. He noted that the Center is evaluating tenant programming to attract more aligned clients, such as manufacturers and medical companies. Discussion ensued regarding tenant financial performance, fee structure, occupancy rate, and operational budget. Mr. Weathers provided updates: • Edison Marina and Legacy Harbor development projects are expected to start in 2026. • The Culinary District is moving forward with continuous meetings and City Council has recently approved retaining a firm for marketing and branding. • The City is planning a three-day event on July 3, 4, and 5, 2026 for the celebration of the 250th Independence Day Anniversary. They are planning high end entertainment

MINUTES - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD August 7, 2025 3 | P a g e with a projected budget of $250,000.00 in which funds will be raised through private contributions and sponsorships. • The SPIN Micromobility Project launch has been delayed due to engineering questions. • The City of Palms Park was discussed at the July 28, 2025 Council Workshop regarding potential costs and challenges of demolishing the stadium and the potential benefits of a clean site for development. The upcoming Council workshop on August 11, 2025 two architect firms will be presenting on form-based code for design standards in Midtown. Mr. Weathers noted that Boards and Committees’ voting policies are being reviewed for consistency. He explained the Board’s current voting procedures outlined in the Ordinance and asked whether the regular board members want to allow alternate board members to vote. Discussion ensued regarding the merits of alternate board members. City Attorney Alley stated that some feel that alternates cannot vote unless they are filling in for an absent regular board member. There is another view that alternates go through the same application process therefore they should be allowed to vote along with the regular board members. This Board is in an advisory capacity and has been acting lawfully, however, if the Board prefers it can restrict the alternative board members. MOTION: Chair Landfried moved that alternative board members and regular board members all have the ability to vote on anything that is presented in question with this body; seconded by Board Member Miller; motion carried unanimously. BOARD MEMBER & CHAIR COMMENTS Board Member Miller provided a list of the City of Cape Coral’s existing incentive programs and suggested that the Board Members review the incentives to discuss at the next meeting recommendations for the City to create its own incentive policy. Mr. Weathers outlined a generic research list of typical economic development incentives and economic development incentives available in Fort Myers and noted that he will provide copies to the Board. He mentioned the challenges of financial incentives and the benefits of time- based incentives. Board Member Millers questioned whether the City has a third party to review bids to ensure the procurement process is getting the best deals possible and suggested having this discussion further at a future meeting. City Attorney Alley conveyed that the City Manager discusses getting the best possible deals with the department heads regularly. Mr. Weathers recommended inviting the Public Works Director to discuss the process of negotiating goods and services with outside vendors as Public Works has extensive involvement in the process of buying services and goods. OTHER BUSNESS

MINUTES - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD August 7, 2025 4 | P a g e Board Member Pariser advised that Board Member Kakatsch has proposed hip surgery and will be unavailable to attend meetings until he gets well. NEXT MEETING – September 4, 2025 ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Board Member Clarke moved to adjourn the meeting at 4:05 p.m.; seconded by Board Member Miller; motion carried unanimously.