Staff report finds priority safety repairs done, seeks $4.8 million for resiliency hub

City staff reported facility-assessment results to the Bonita Springs City Council in a workshop, saying priority life-safety repairs at the recreation center have been completed while other projects remain on hold pending direction on a legislative funding request.

Laura Teller, the presenting staff member, told council that corrective projects at the old library (roof, HVAC, interior repairs) are complete and that a security assessment at City Hall and Riverside Park is underway with final reports expected in January or early 2026. Teller said the city expects to solicit design-builder proposals this spring and has a legislative request of $4,800,000 for a new building and a resiliency hub; staff expect a proposal late winter or early spring 2026.

Teller emphasized that staff are prioritizing work required to keep facilities safe and open and that nonessential projects are being deferred until funding is secured. "We're very careful to not spend any additional money unless it's absolutely required," Teller said, describing a conservative approach to capital spending while larger renovations are planned.

Council members asked which priority items remain; staff said the recreation center will go under a major renovation beginning in 2026 and that the maintenance facility still has unresolved significant electrical issues. Teller also noted a proposed relocation of the Lee County Sheriff's Office mobile office to the former library site, which staff said would occur by January 2026 if council approves the relocation on the agenda.

Why it matters: The $4.8 million legislative request and the timing of major renovations affect budget planning and the sequence of repairs across multiple municipal facilities. Staff will return with scope and fee details related to design-builder procurement and with updates tied to the legislative funding effort.

No formal action or vote occurred during the workshop.