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Engage Estero Inform Engage Impact
An Important Update on the Septic to Mains Sewer Conversion for Estero Residents

Introduction

On August 28th, a public meeting updated the Estero Village Utilities Expansion Program (UEP). Steve Sarkozy, the Village Manager, and David Willems, the Village Public Works Director, presented.

The project was initiated in 2021 following the investigation of the source of contamination in the Estero River. The study results indicated that a major cause of the contamination was the leakage from septic systems bordering the river. Thirteen communities in Estero have septic systems affecting the Estero River.

Terry Flanagan

Terry Flanagan

Chief Business Administrator

Current Funding for the Project

Sarkozy presented a summary of the grants solicited for state and federal funding of the UEP project.

  1. The August 28th meeting focused on seven of 14 communities, primarily West Broadway, Estero River Heights, and Cranbrook Harbor. East Broadway was mentioned as a future project.

  2. The total grant funding requested amounts to $32.2M. This covers the seven West Broadway locations, where 72% of the septic properties are located.
  3. Future grant requests from the Village amount to a further sum of $28.7M.
  4. The total Village Septic-to-Sewer project cost is $60,9M. The West Broadway communities account for 53% of the total project costs and connect 72% of properties with septic systems.
  5. Depending on the type of grants and the funds being requested, while some grants can pay for planning, it is impossible to start work in all cases where the Village requests funds. For most of the Utilities Expansion Project (UEP) cost, the Village is funding the planning and design. It is requesting Grants and Funding for the construction.It should be understood that while the Village is doing its utmost to request funds wherever they can be secured, construction cannot occur until the grant has been secured. This is frustrating not only for residents but also for the Village Management. It appears that “every stone is being turned” to optimize the grants that can be obtained to minimize the costs of this conversion to residents.
  6. The Village has received or has State approval for appropriation grants as follows:
    • $1.73 in financial year 22-23
    • $7.5M state funding in financial year 23-24,
    • $2.5M state funding in financial year 24-25
      • This amounts to a total of $11.7M in funding received or budgeted for the three years from financial years 22-25
    • Unfortunately, Gov. DeSantis vetoed $5.9M ($4.6+$1.3) for financial years 24-25.
  7. Sarkozy outlined that grant applications connected to Hurricane Ian could significantly impact these projects. No details were available on when the grants would be approved or denied. The Village continues exploring other sources for grants for this project alongside what has been promised.
  8. The Village’s objective is to optimize the value of the grants that can be obtained before execution begins.

Current Grant Status

  1. The grants discussed in the meeting were only those currently applicable to Estero River Heights and Cranbrook Harbor. However, the Village has submitted applications for several other grants.
  2. Solving environmental pollution is the driving issue for grants and minimizing the cost for residents.
  3. Three significant grants are in process:
    • FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) is $16.5M (the Village is confident they will be receiving these funds)
    • Non-point Source $0.8M

Grants Pending

Several pending grants would involve Estero River Heights & Quarterdeck Cove, Cranbrook Harbor, Sherrill Lane & Luettich Lane. These will be identified when secured.

Discussion on potential resident cost implications

In other municipalities, the situation has been resolved as follows:

  1. Cape Coral has identified a potential construction cost between $15K and $25K, a connection to Lee County utilities cost between $2.7 and $3.7K, and unknown septic decommissioning costs. They need to develop a total cost concept.
  2. Bonita Springs outsourced their project to a separate utility company.

After accounting for the grant, the Village of Estero will also contribute to the cost, leaving a net amount for the property owner to pay. The net cost would include construction, connection, and estimated decommissioning costs. So, there are no other connection costs to have to pay; it is a total inclusive figure.

Homeowners can select services as needed. This allows an owner to opt out of some of the work the Village would undertake, but if the Village doesn’t do it, then the homeowner would have to undertake those tasks.

Currently, an estimate of assessments for Estero River Heights and Cranbrook Harbor is as follows:

  • The 50% share proposed for residents in Estero River Heights Residents is $34.3K, 25% is $17.1K
  • The 50% share proposed for Cranbrook Harbor residents is $52.9K, 25% is $26.4K
  • Naturally, these figures will be reduced if additional grants are secured.

Additional Items of Interest to Residents:

Several residents were concerned about poor stormwater discharge in the West Broadway area.

Conclusion and Recommendations

  1. The project is complex, especially the grant application process. Homeowners face complicated engineering and funding challenges. Given these difficult circumstances, it appears that Contractors and Village management are doing their best.
  2. James Root, consultant to Engage Estero, suggested that questions about certain aspects of the project could be sent to Brianna Smith, Cella Molnar & Associates. She will try to get answers and post them on the FAQ page.
  3. Improved communications are needed with directly affected residents and the rest of the community. The affected residents are understandably concerned about the potential costs to them for the conversion, what will be the options for paying for it, and when they can expect the conversion to be finalized,
  4. Non-affected residents are concerned about the implications for their property taxes. However, the levels of contamination in the Estero River and its impact on Estero Bay need to be addressed. These issues require a detailed explanation.
  5. A recommendation was made to the village to establish a “task force” comprised of citizens from affected communities and the rest of the community. This task force could serve as a “sounding board” for upcoming issues, allowing for quick determination of attitudes towards these issues to be discussed.
  6. Jim Gilmartin, Engage Estero’s President, and Allan Bowditch, Chief Communications Officer, met with the Village Manager, Steve Sarkozy, on October 1st to check the facts of this report:
    • It was clear that the village was making every effort to secure the best financial result for itself and its residents.
    • Securing grants for the project requires considerable effort and good working relationships with the various organizations and government authorities that are in a position to consider them. Residents should be aware that we are in a very favorable situation.
    • All the project details were explained in the interest of full transparency.

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