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Bonita Springs council approves West Terry Street irrigation; funding would require a budget amendment
Summary
After public comment opposing the plan, the Bonita Springs City Council voted to proceed with irrigation and landscaping work on West Terry Street but was told the project would require a budget amendment and a formal resolution.
The Bonita Springs City Council voted to move forward with irrigation and landscaping work for West Terry Street after debate and public comment during its meeting.
City Manager Arlene Hunter told the council the project would provide “additional landscaping and irrigation along Terry Street” and estimated an initial cost of “approximately $24,000” with an annual maintenance cost of about “$12,000.”
The item drew objections from residents during the public-comment period. Aria Cole, a resident, told the council, “I do not think we should be doing the landscaping on West Terry because I think that it will cost too much money and is a tripping hazard, and it can also be a health hazard to people who are allergic to the plants that we are using.” Jana Hassell, another resident, said the area in question is “already pretty much, like beautiful over there” and questioned spending to further beautify it.
Council members debated cost and timing. One council member said the plan represented “too much money,” while another said the new landscaping “will look pretty” and could attract more visitors. Mike Sheffield, the city clerk, reminded the council that changing the budget would require a formal resolution: “I would like to remind you that in order to amend the budget… you will have to pass a resolution.” The council discussed tabling the matter but ultimately considered a motion to proceed with the irrigation.
On the final roll call for the motion “to move forward with the irrigation,” the council’s recorded votes were: Council member, District 1 — no; Council member, District 2 — no; Council member, District 3 — yes; Mayor Johnson — yes; Council member, District 4 — yes; Council member, District 6 — yes. The motion carried by a recorded tally of four yes and two no votes. The council did not adopt a budget amendment or resolution during the same meeting; those steps were identified as required before spending could occur.
No timeline, contractor, or source of funds was specified during the discussion. City staff said a budget amendment would be required and that adopting that amendment would need a subsequent resolution before the work could begin.
