Lehigh Acres parish council held its first face-to-face meeting since the pandemic began with Lee County Commissioner Frank Mann to answer questions and provide updates on the county’s projects and address a sensitive issue – Florida’s mask lifting.
After Governor Ron DeSantis lifted COVID-related restrictions, community council members at the June 7 meeting were divided on how to proceed with the mandatory, face-to-face council meetings.
Some members called for mandatory masking for the public and board members to protect those who have not been vaccinated, those with compromised immune systems, or underlying health problems. Other options discussed were the possibility for certain board members to remain virtually present.
Commissioner Mann pointed out that the Council did not have the power to impose mask requirements.
“The council cannot prescribe masks, but it can say that it is strongly recommended.” Man said.
Council President Chuck Edwards and the council will hold a board meeting later this month to discuss a solution – like Zoom – for those who want to donate their time and attend the council but are uncomfortable with face-to-face meetings.
In other stores:
• Second Vice President of the Council, Mohamed Yasin, reported on the Lehigh Street Lighting District, FDOT street repairs and the Lehigh Acres Architectural Zoning and Review Board.
“For some reason, all LCEC work orders have been canceled. When I asked why they said they are reviewing the work done in the past and investigating some issues they encountered. We’re way behind budget and work done. I asked them to send literature to residents through the local newspapers and inform them of the status of street lighting. They said they will work on it. “ said Yasin.
“The ARB did not meet last month, but there is a project planned for review at our next meeting, the rezoning of 5 lots from residential to commercial. Lee County also recently approved a hiking trail – a five-mile trail that circles the Abel Canal near Joel Boulevard. This is going to be a really nice attraction for us here in Lehigh. Great thing for the area “, said Yasin.
Yasin also reported on the county road budget for road repairs in Lehigh.
“The road expansion is making very good progress. If you look around, you probably won’t find many roads that haven’t been renewed or backfilled. If a resident sees a road that needs to be repaired or re-paved, they can call the FDOT and emergency services will be sent to fix the problem. “ said Yasin.
• The recruitment of new members was also put up for discussion.
“The council is looking for dynamic, voluntary, energetic people who can help the council.” said Yasin.
“This is a 50 year old grassroots organization” Edwards added.
• Range
Under the agenda item “Contact with local charities and non-profit organizations”, Councilor / Secretary Vanessa Ouimette suggested setting up a local initiative with the schools to provide fresh fruit to the children during the school year and during the summer holidays.
“It’s amazing how many children go hungry every day. I think we could take a step closer to the children in our community and start an initiative to plant fruit trees in our local schools. This would offer these children healthy snack options over the long term. “ said Ouimette.
For more information on board membership of the Lehigh Acres Community Council, please contact the Facebook Lehigh Acres Community Council or the LACC website: http://www.lehighacrescommunitycouncil.com/
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