[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6485806,"mediaKeyId","5562749-ffb6698dc4020e26e71546127d22c23e","parentId",5562749,"title","Fort Myers details $147M central plant reclaimed-water conversion; council to consider $138M GMP next meeting","audioSeconds",1468,"startMs",4805290,"endMs",6273440,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5562749-ffb6698dc4020e26e71546127d22c23e&start=4805&end=6273","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5562749-ffb6698dc4020e26e71546127d22c23e/thumbnail_4805290.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6485806/Fort-Myers-City/Lee-County/Florida/Fort-Myers-details-147M-central-plant-reclaimed-water-conversion-council-to-consider-138M-GMP-next-meeting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6485806-99c253a4c373fac6a9ceee08f6816d4e/orig.mp4?Expires=1772722511&Signature=geBeGQn~hnvZEpcWYchbQyElV1FNIXefepIXbsMzq2~h2yi5SAcdwWxkv0K452Mov0nNP1FIatM2yta6iKeEC1pJEpmOXPIBQVQpHD0H49MU1axwF89DzdnG-B6iCqC7HQI25NG86UX4BFgVTU-hniSXN1GaF5bY8bUXk6VktfKlK0ERC3OE0VkmRHUEWviPhWYpSdOlyYYF2zUUdDKod9YX6n9edkxVruQv-E2g-zjgTj2NKWxIOjgR3IPtEU1gY8lSGKLdf29PyE-u-fPUWZu6J9dmCW33OQUPdtbcg48LxQRa8ooz-2qITpQiUhaktakbLmrx3pWgmHLPL4KffQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Fort Myers","date","2025-08-11T13:00:00Z","article","Fort Myers city staff described a major expansion at the central wastewater treatment plant that would convert plant flows to reclaimed‑water quality, meet a state consent‑order requirement and reduce or eliminate treated surface water discharges to the Caloosahatchee River.

Jason Shondre, assistant director for public utilities, told the council the overall program is part of a multi‑year consent‑order compliance plan. The central plant project began design in December 2023; the total project estimate is about $147 million, which includes roughly $9–$10 million already spent on design and early procurement and a negotiated guaranteed maximum price (GMP) for construction of about $138 million. Shondre said the city aims to have the project online by 2028 to meet the consent order’s timeline.

Shondre summarized the technical scope: advanced filtration (5‑micron filters), upgraded disinfection and reconfiguration of existing chlorine contact basins, new electrical and pumping buildings, ground improvement and protective berming for sea‑level and tidal resilience. The plant’s treatment would produce reclaimed water for distribution to customers, or when customer demand does not absorb the flow the city would use a deep injection well that is being installed at the central facility.

Shondre gave capacity figures: the project is sized for an average daily flow of about 11 million gallons per day and a peak hour flow near 40 million gallons. He said the city already completed a south plant reclaimed expansion in 2023 and a deep injection well at the central plant is due to be online by the end of the year.

Funding: Shondre said the city has $33 million in awarded funds so far — about $20 million in State Revolving Fund (SRF) principal‑forgiveness and roughly $13.5 million in a state water quality grant. He said staff has submitted larger funding requests (an approximately $90 million ask across programs) and is on the recommended list for Resilient Florida and Alternative Water Supply grant programs, but amounts and timing remain uncertain. Shondre said Lee County Utilities would pay 50% of the local share under existing interlocal arrangements.

Next steps and council options: staff will present a negotiated GMP (~$138 million) to the council at the next regular meeting and recommended approval to avoid a longer hard‑bid process that staff said could produce fewer bidders, a premium price and roughly a six‑month delay. Alternatives discussed were (a) reject the GMP and complete design for competitive hard bidding (staff cautioned this could increase final cost and delay start), or (b) request modifications or additional time from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to extend the consent‑order deadline (Shondre said only one utility, Jacksonville Electric Authority, has secured an extension and that was after multi‑year preparation).

Councilors expressed support for moving forward with the GMP to demonstrate commitment to the consent‑order timeline and to preserve competitive pricing. No formal vote occurred at the workshop; staff will present the GMP for council consideration at the next council meeting. Shondre and staff also said they will continue to pursue grants and principal‑forgiveness loans to reduce the ratepayer impact.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Fort Myers - CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP","oneSentenceSummary","Fort Myers city staff described a $147 million plan to convert the central wastewater plant to 100% reclaimed water standards, and told the City Council staff will present a negotiated $138 million guaranteed maximum price (GMP) for construction at the next council meeting.","taxTitle","Fort Myers City, Lee County, Florida","taxId",4535,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6485812,"Fort Myers council hears competing Midtown design proposals; staff to place finalist on next council agenda",4752,45165,4798010,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5562749-ffb6698dc4020e26e71546127d22c23e&start=45&end=4798","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5562749-ffb6698dc4020e26e71546127d22c23e/thumbnail_45165.jpg","/articles/6485812/Fort-Myers-City/Lee-County/Florida/Fort-Myers-council-hears-competing-Midtown-design-proposals-staff-to-place-finalist-on-next-council-agenda","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6485812-8b1c9ff84f919bbe65fe2f27ec497c60/orig.mp4?Expires=1772722511&Signature=AfeDAR707~Kesz9yVuo0AZ4m4H8A~jazU11bW-rYFxYamVV-Lss88YC7y1AysPMewHfw3J4BArj2JZIdemrm7dWs2ERRCEODLJYM3vaef4e8wmYYbXLRvXZZ8YDP0BgglsAH82MG2hrdeyTWqDEfKEbVhbdmYfRlGyqxwp-f9EmGORKZSW9aIgU4lSh9KkPGw4M7FC5yQgOmTPefS~rmDfhGqHH4o6wnDeuCFlrlx0ijMIvn5yWNIrcJ0S0UoZZktV9zLvCTHnkcOrHMvwNsTMitqIhaDsNdXUpiHGGOghY5HK8wrIEPnFfowtXszTAC2YArzAN8OxVFhxFJhhCvfA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Two architecture and planning teams presented competing proposals for Midtown design standards and a form-based code during a Fort Myers City Council workshop, and councilors directed staff to return the item on the next council meeting agenda for a final decision.

Dover Collin Partners, represented by Josh Frank, described form-based code work and community charrettes focused on predictability for developers and neighborhoods. Frank said the approach can be “dialed up and dialed down” to balance strict standards and flexible guidelines that help projects “pencil out.” Hoyt Architects (presenting with Gary Hoyt, Bob Gibbs and other subconsultants) emphasized visualization tools and technical capacity to produce interactive models, showing examples from Sarasota and other Florida cities.

Council members asked detailed questions about how prescriptive a Midtown code should be, how to balance incentives with standards and where stricter requirements should be targeted (for example, on key corridors or public spaces). Councilmember LeBlanc asked whether strict stylistic prescriptions — as used in Coral Gables — would be appropriate in Midtown; Dover’s presentation framed Coral Gables as an example of a highly standardized code while noting Midtown would likely need a less prescriptive approach. Hoyt’s team emphasized visualization and pre-permitted building types as tools to accelerate approvals.

Presenters and council members discussed public engagement methods. Dover described charrettes, visualizations and developer “boot camps” to translate design standards into projects. Hoyt emphasized interactive “digital twin” and model-driven public engagement used successfully in other downtown projects. Both teams cited extensive prior form‑based code and design‑standards experience in Florida.

After questions and council comments, staff said it would finalize the agenda for the next regular council meeting and bring the consultant selection back for action next Monday. Several council members said they preferred Dover Collin Partners; others said Hoyt Architects’ experience was strong. The meeting closed with direction to staff to list the top two firms and present the recommendation for a council decision.

The council did not vote on a contract at the workshop; staff will place a formal selection item on the upcoming city council meeting agenda for a vote.","Two consultant teams — Dover Collin Partners and Hoyt Architects — presented form-based code and architectural standards proposals for Midtown. Council members praised both teams and several voiced preferences; staff will place the item on the next council meeting agenda for a final selection vote.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6485801,"Fort Myers finance staff previews 2026 budget: proposed 6.5 millage, $2M reserve target and utility rate increases",1136,6290465,7426725,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5562749-ffb6698dc4020e26e71546127d22c23e&start=6290&end=7426","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5562749-ffb6698dc4020e26e71546127d22c23e/thumbnail_6290465.jpg","/articles/6485801/Fort-Myers-City/Lee-County/Florida/Fort-Myers-finance-staff-previews-2026-budget-proposed-65-millage-2M-reserve-target-and-utility-rate-increases","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6485801-dd733381b56d9b85260e6043d7b94a56/orig.mp4?Expires=1772722511&Signature=SMI0YYgbnv~MyG4TAQ6166wg7QRfhKM6TB-YtFqyGm58YzK21cHkY9DfAoo0WW0CQLmCi38KJykRmO5Hjd5vYYo56L3-0JJvxVIJ6Y4IbG62vsEGENwMe3JT5IB7DAW70Zwo~HcTeEjx-sLSo8uEy6bFW~mDsRX1P7di7eXSRumLt-u0MKPElrIfWCxYZ98TkfZRxfWJaoD-irBQKc4I-4G3qggtZsuQ3dLH7bIZC3bhHnbDl6Y8hHn3vn~AyBNEiBydNSNtxoyKxedBgFTVJEb7GLzz7cYyHRbNHgpPwbj~ZRYTKAZOQ2dpwmVwPcLU7DAg9r28I9RX2At6U9x8kQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City finance staff presented third‑quarter fiscal 2025 results and a preliminary fiscal 2026 budget framework at a Fort Myers City Council workshop, reporting general fund revenues above last year and overall departmental spending under budget while flagging large capital needs ahead.

Finance staff said the city's taxable value rose 6.49% to about $13.81 billion, producing additional property tax revenue. The administration proposed a not‑to‑exceed millage rate of 6.50 mills for 2026; staff said that rate would generate additional net revenue for the general fund after CRA pass‑throughs. The presentation noted a proposed one‑time contribution of $1 million to an Affordable Housing Trust Fund and other operating requests; department requests initially totaled 84 positions, which staff pared to 27 under consideration, with 8 positions included in the draft operating budget so far.

Staff proposed a 5% increase in water and sewer rates next year (estimated to generate about $4.3 million) and a 10% increase in reclaimed‑water rates. The solid‑waste residential assessment and the stormwater assessment rates were proposed to remain unchanged in the draft. Staff described a preliminary household impact example: an average residential property could see an annual net increase of about $104.60 under the draft (including property tax, water/sewer, stormwater and solid waste assessments) using the assumptions presented.

On capital, staff reported $67 million spent through June on capital projects and $189 million in obligated contract funds; multi‑year projects will roll forward. The central wastewater plant reclaimed‑water project (presented separately) was identified as a major CIP driver and the finance team noted that the city is actively pursuing grants and principal‑forgiveness loans. The city’s estimated unassigned general fund reserves were about $41.9 million (roughly 24% of operating expenditures) and an emergency contingency reserve of about 4% of operating revenues (about $6.8 million) was in place.

Staff outlined the remaining budget schedule: a CIP review at an upcoming work session, the first public hearing on the millage and budget on Sept. 3, and the second and final public hearing and adoption on Sept. 15. No budget ordinance was adopted at the workshop; the presentation is a preliminary plan subject to further council direction.","The finance director presented third-quarter fiscal results and initial budget proposals, including a proposed millage rate not to exceed 6.5 mills, a planned 5% utility rate increase, and schedule for budget hearings (Sept. 3 and Sept. 15). City staff flagged the $147M central plant project as a major CIP driver.","actionData","errors"]

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Fort Myers details $147M central plant reclaimed-water conversion; council to consider $138M GMP next meeting

Fort Myers council hears competing Midtown design proposals; staff to place finalist on next council agenda

Fort Myers finance staff previews 2026 budget: proposed 6.5 millage, $2M reserve target and utility rate increases