Small Town Charm Big Bright Future

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1 Bonita Springs July 1, 2011 City News July 2011 Picture submitted by Chris Griffith Greetings: It is great to be in the City of Bonita Springs! I am excited to be here and I am looking forward to the opportunity to work with staff, Council and the residents as we progress towards the future. In my first weeks as your City Manager, one thing is clear: This community is much more than just a City where people live. To the residents of Bonita Springs, this is home. It s a home in which residents are fiercely proud and invested. I ve had the opportunity to meet with some residents that volunteer on the advisory boards and see their commitment first hand. Our volunteers really care, and it shows. These volunteers help make the City be the best it can be. The core of any growing city or municipality is its citizens, workers, leaders, volunteers and residents. Bonita Springs couldn t be the City we are without you! The City of Bonita Springs slogan is, and a. The validity of our slogan was evident as I toured the City. I could see the pride our residents take in preserving the history and natural habitat. I believe it is the preservation of that small town charm that distinctly sets us apart from other cities. It is my belief that while the City has significant potential for economic growth, it is the very heart of the small town charm that will continue to define us. As I look at our community and its economic needs, I see enormous possibilities and opportunities to tailor the economic development to suit our City, by maximizing the assets we already possess while preserving our history and environment. Economic development is key to Bonita s future and the City is preparing for and fostering economic growth through partnerships and methodical, planned progress. Based on what I have seen, I believe that Bonita Springs will lead the rest of the county in the coming economic recovery. While I talk about progress, development and preserving who we are, there is truly no greater time to celebrate being an American, with our related traditions and values, than America s birthday. I hope you can join us for the July 4th festivities. Come say hello at the parade or enter your favorite pie into the pie tasting contest. I m looking forward to being a part of the parade and most especially, being a judge in the pie tasting contest! Whatever your plans are this holiday, please take a moment between the picnics and the fireworks to send a thought of thanks to our servicemen and women who are willing to spend the 4th of July away from their families so that we can be with ours. We are all grateful to each and every one of you who have served to support the vision that became a reality over 200 years ago. Have a wonderful and safe holiday honoring and celebrating the anniversary of our country! Please be SAFE this season. Bonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue District s primary message this season is to leave it up to the professionals- it s the best way for your family to be safe around fireworks. However, if you re planning on purchasing fireworks, please make sure to visit the City Website and view the press release on how to take precautions to prevent injuries. Very few newsletters are printed. Please sign up to receive city documents at and the city newsletter will be ed to you monthly.

2 city calendar Meetings Date Time Location Meeting Type 07/04/11 CLOSED 4TH Of July 07/06/11 5:30 P.M. City Council Chambers City Council Meeting 07/07/11 12:00 1:00 Rm# 118 Code Enforcement PRE Hex Meeting 07/07/11 1:00 P.M. City Council Chambers Code Enforcement Hearing 07/11/11 4:00 P.M. City Council Chambers Tree Advisory Board Meeting 7/12/11 6:30 p.m. City Council Chambers Local Planning Agency Workshop 07/12/11 5:30 P.M. Rm# 118 Art in Public Places 07/14/11 5:30 P.M. City Council Chambers Veterans Advisory Committee 07/18/11 9:00 A.M. City Council Chambers City Council Zoning 07/18/11 5:30 P.M. Rm# 118 I.T. Committee Meeting 07/19/11 9:00 A.M. City Council Chambers Zoning Board Meeting 07/20/11 9:00 A.M. City Council Chambers City Council Meeting 07/21/11 5:30 P.M. Rm# 118 Street Light Committee Meeting 07/25/11 9:00 A.M. City Council Chambers Budget Workshop 07/26/11 9:00 A.M. City Council Chambers Budget Workshop-Tentative 07/28/11 10:00 A.M. City Council Chambers Local Planning Agency 07/28/11 5:30 P.M. Liles Hotel Historical Preservation Board Meeting July 4th Parade 9:00 a.m. Downtown Bonita Visit for more information on the parade. Party in the Park begins at 6:00p.m. with a laser light show and firework finale! Collection for the Troops July 9th from 8:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. at City Hall The following items are requested for the troops: Non-perishable snacks such as sunflower seeds, candy (no chocolate as it melts), beef jerky, etc., drink mix packets, playing cards, magazines, shampoo, soap, bath towels, paperback books, toothbrushes/ toothpaste, baby wipes, razors and men s socks to be distributed to our Troops serving in Afghanistan. You may also drop off items to City Hall during business hours Monday Friday leading up to the collection. Thank you for supporting our Troops. Pool Safety Day Community Pool July 9th 10:00a.m.-1:00p.m. Free admission, refreshments & water safety presentations Call for more information. Out of School Skate Bash & Grand Opening of New Plaza July B-3 Skate Park 4:00 p.m. check in. Competition starts at 5:00p.m. Deadline to register is July 15th. No registration the day of the competition. Call for more information. $10.00 to register/$2.00 for spectators Ages: 12 yrs. and under & Young Guns Category 13yrs.-15yrs. Hurricane Prepardness Workshop & Expo Sunshine Ace Hardware located at 9100 Bonita Beach Rd. Saturday July 23rd. 10:00a.m.-12:30p.m. Hear from a panel of experts who will answer your qustions regarding protecting your home and businesses during a natural disaster. Register online at or call for more information.

3 Exero 01, 5555 BLA BLA BLA 3 New Classes martial arts class ADULT MARTIAL ART Starts: Thursday, July 11th Classes meet on Monday and Thursdays Time: 6:00pm to 7:00pm Age: 13 and Up Six weeks long/cost is $50.00 Get in shape, stay in shape and have fun! Learn personal self-defense, traditional karate Katas, and martial art skills. Wada Ryu Karate is recognized as the first truly Japanese style of Karate. Wado Ryu remains one of the world s leading classical ryu multi-level vinyasa YOGA YOUTH PROGRAMMING KIDS MARTIAL ART Starts: Thursday, July 11th Classes meet on Monday and Thursdays Time: 5:00pm to 6:00pm/Age: 5 to 15 Six weeks long/cost is $50.00 Our all new traditional karate is based on traditional family values like respect, courtesy and discipline. Traditional values that help build our youth into tomorrow s successful leaders in their homes, schools and communities. VINYASA YOGA Starts: Tuesdays, July 12th/ Time: 8:00am - 9:00am Six weeks long/ Cost is $50.00 Designated to help restore your body, calm your mind and free your spirit. Relax and unwind from your day with Vinyasa Yoga followed by meditation. Instructor Rosemary Uzzi will help you to reconnect through mindful movements and postures to bring the body, mind and spirit in joyful union. Instructional Basketball Instructional Basketball Starts: Tuesdays, July 13th/ Practices Wednesdays 5:30pm - 7:30pm 1 hr. per group Games Saturdays 8:00am-12:30 p.m. Five weeks long/ Cost is $65.00 Ages: 3 to 5/ 6 to 8/ 9 to 11/ 12 to 14/ 15 and up You must pre-register. Register today!

4 4 BLA BLA BLA Exero 01, 5555 Doing Business with Bonita Springs Bonita Springs is a business friendly environment. Encouraging community revitalization and promoting economic opportunity for all segments of the population is a key component in ensuring a high quality of life. It is essential to retain, attract, and maintain the type of businesses that contribute positively to the local economy. The City leverages public incentives and assistance to promote community revitalization, and to attract and induce investment in local businesses. The City of Bonita Springs not only assists individual businesses, but also focuses on strengthening business organizations and improving business districts throughout Bonita Springs. We have several programs that strengthen Bonita Springs small business communities. Recent Accomplishments to Encourage Business Retention and Expansion: City Council Voted to support the establishment of the first Economic Development Council for Bonita Springs in Partnership with the Chamber of Commerce with $25,000 investment, followed by up to another $75,000 in matching funds. City Council Passed Impact Fee Waiver to help bring business to Bonita Springs. Bonita Springs City Council unanimously approved a resolution providing for changes in the requirements for the assessment of impact fees for changes of use in existing commercial buildings. Starting in August 2010, the City of Bonita Springs began a two year program in an attempt to stimulate occupancy in empty commercial space. City Council Passed Impact Fee Waver to help bring business to Bonita Springs. Bonita Springs City Council unanimously approved a resolution providing for changes in the requirements for the assessment of impact fees for changes of use in existing commercial buildings. Starting in August 2010, the City of Bonita Springs began a two year program in an attempt to stimulate occupancy in empty commercial space. The ordinance has a dual purpose, to help fill the over-supply of existing vacant commercial space and to bring new year round businesses to Bonita Springs to help diversify the economy. City Business Friendly Resolution proclaims the City of Bonita Springs a Business Friendly environment. Bonita Springs Economic Development Council was incorporated in the state of Florida on February 14, Amendment to the Bonita Springs Land Development Code Chapter 4 (Zoning), amending certain provisions so that special exceptions and variances can be processed by resolution instead of ordinance. The amendment is for the City of Bonita Springs to decrease the process time for approval or denial of special exemptions and variances by upwards of sixty(60) days.

5 Exero 01, 5555 BLA BLA BLA 5 Doing Business with Bonita Springs City Council, Bonita Springs Utilities and Bonita Springs Fire and Rescue District have committed to: Develop and carry out comprehensive and coordinated permit and plan review processes to facilitate the timely issuance of building permits and plan reviews. Facilitate an initial coordinated meeting with business owners to answer questions pertaining to rules, regulations and procedures. Set up a coordinated inspection procedure for all building permits, sites plan inspections and reviews Establish a staff designee from each entity to be the EDC contact person. Examples of Local Success: Retina Eye Care Center-Dr. Patel saved $26,000 on his first tenant due to the waiver of impact fees for change of use. As he adds more tenants, his savings will grow. Dr. Nicholas Marciano- Local Dentist saved more than $40,400 on impact fees. Medical impact fees would have been $58, compared to office space which is $17, In addition, he will bring a new business, a Dental Lab to town adding three to four additional jobs. The Downtown Bonita Springs Merchants Association Inc. Still in its infancy, the Downtown Bonita Springs Merchants Association was formed in 2010 and is dedicated to: Promoting cooperation in all matters of interest to the business and professional owners of the Downtown Bonita Springs Business District area; Stimulating awareness of the businesses and services available in the Downtown Bonita Springs Business District; Participate in shaping the current and emerging business environment to promote high-quality products and services; and Attracting additional businesses to the Downtown Bonita Springs Business District. For more information please visit the Downtown Bonita Springs Merchants Association Website: Community Development Update: Daily Permit Status updates are now available online!