The Fort Myers City Council convened on November 4, 2024, to address several pressing issues, including a new local ordinance aimed at managing homelessness, budget amendments for utility projects, and various city contracts.

The meeting began with a significant discussion regarding a proposed local ordinance intended to enhance enforcement against violations related to homelessness. The ordinance would empower the police department and other city employees to issue citations, with the first citation serving as a warning before potential arrest for repeat offenders. Council members expressed concerns about the implications of this ordinance, particularly regarding the city's capacity to manage a growing homeless population. Councilwoman Watson highlighted the need for more comprehensive solutions beyond citations, suggesting that the city should collaborate with the county to establish facilities that could better serve the homeless community.

In response to questions about the county's role in addressing homelessness, it was clarified that while the county may establish shelters, the city’s options remain limited. The council acknowledged the necessity of finding effective solutions to support individuals who resist available services.

Following the discussion on homelessness, the council moved on to budgetary matters. A resolution was passed to amend the budget for the fiscal year, reallocating funds from various utility projects totaling over $18 million. This adjustment was necessary due to changes in project funding sources and the completion of certain projects, allowing the city to redirect resources to ongoing initiatives.

The council also approved a purchase order for $240,000 to cover rental fees for city record storage and authorized a $950,000 contract for staffing services at local golf courses. Additionally, an interlocal agreement was established with Lee County for downtown trolley services, funded through a combination of developer contributions and general fund allocations.

In other business, the council discussed a corrective quick claim deed related to affordable housing development, ultimately denying a request for a one-year extension on a property due to a lack of progress in construction. The council emphasized the importance of timely development to avoid hindering the city’s housing initiatives.

The meeting concluded with the approval of several supplemental task authorizations for engineering services and a lease assignment related to the Lee Health System, ensuring continued collaboration on urban planning and redevelopment efforts.

Overall, the council's discussions reflected a commitment to addressing homelessness, managing city resources effectively, and fostering development within Fort Myers. The next steps will involve ongoing collaboration with county officials and further exploration of solutions to support the city's homeless population.