ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD

MINUTES - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD April 3, 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, April 3, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Present were: Chair Dennis Landfried, presiding, Vice Chair Orie Lee Ford, Regular Board Members John Kakatsch, Ken Pariser, Jerome Miller, Gladston Clarke, and Alternate Member Nannette Maxson. Also present was Grant W. Alley, City Attorney. Absent: Alternate Board Member Duane Dyar and Steven Weathers, Economic Development Director. 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 Minutes of the March 6, 2025 meeting MOTION: Board Member Kakatsch moved to approve the Minutes of the March 6, 2025; seconded by Board Member Clarke; motion carried unanimously. 2. Update on the Comprehensive Plan progress by Anthony Palermo, Community Development Assistant Director Anthony Palermo, Community Development Assistant Director reported that the update to the Comprehensive Plan initiated in October 2024 with the consulting firm of Calvin, Giordano and Associates, Inc. The consultant has been working closely with the Planning Board and a steering committee of professionals to update the plan. The plan revision is to address outdated elements from 2007-2008, including future land use, transportation, and housing. The Comprehensive Plan is a growth management tool used for planning and zoning decisions, affecting development, infrastructure, and quality of life and includes 14 elements, with the future land use and transportation elements being particularly important. Three community meetings have been held to gather public input, with a fourth meeting scheduled for April 28, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. at Fire Station #15, 9700 Treeline Avenue. The next steps include summarizing public input, drafting future land use and other elements, and seeking feedback from the Planning Board and City staff. Discussion ensured regarding housing size, commercial zoning around residential development, parking regulations, costal high hazard areas, open space/parks, affordable housing, Midtown development, infrastructure, public transportation, and riverfront development. Mr. Palermo stated that he will share the Board’s comments with the consultant and City staff. Board Member Millers requested inviting Councilperson Bochette to a future meeting to discuss a potential performing arts center.

MINUTES - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD April 3, 2025 2 | P a g e STAFF COMMENTS (NONE) BOARD MEMBER & CHAIR COMMENTS Board Member Miller suggested the Board consider items to recommend to Council during a presentation at a Council work session in June. The Board discussed the following potential items for recommendations: • Fowler Street improvements reprioritization with Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) • Economic Development Office yearly budget of $50,000.00 to be used for business attraction outreach, promotion, and retention • Old Police Station redevelopment • Vacant City parcel development incentives such as pre-permitting selected sites • Edison Ford Estate Botanical Library • Hall of 50 States • City of Palms • Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program/Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) Program promotions • Film Office Chair Landfried conveyed that he will review the list of recommendations with the Economic Development Director and there can be further discussion at the next meeting. Board Member Miller requested an update by Staff on the City Signage progression at the next meeting. NEXT MEETING – May 1, 2025 ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Board Member Kakatsch moved to adjourn the meeting at 3:39 p.m.; seconded by Board Member Clarke; motion carried unanimously.