Bonita Springs: City of Bonita Springs, City council meeting, April 1, 2026
Summary. The Bonita Springs City Council held its regular meeting on April 1, 2026, addressing several key agenda items including a cell tower proposal, comprehensive plan amendments, and a significant bond referendum for the Bonita Estero Rail Trail. The council unanimously approved moving forward with a $35 million, 30-year bond referendum to be held on August 18, 2026, for acquiring railroad corridor property and developing the rail trail project. The meeting also included first reading approval of a cell tower amendment for Hunters Ridge and transmittal of comprehensive plan amendments to extend the planning horizon to 2050. Additionally, the council received presentations on transportation impact fee alternatives and provided direction to staff to explore mobility fee options. The council demonstrated strong support for the rail trail project, with multiple speakers during public comment advocating for the initiative.
Agenda Items
1. Hunter's Ridge Cell Tower Zoning Amendment
First reading and public hearing on zoning amendment to allow a 149-foot monopole wireless facility at Hunters Ridge
- Tower designed as monopine style to blend with environment
- Two anchor carriers (T-Mobile and Verizon) with capacity for four total users
- Located at golf course maintenance facility on disturbed land
- Planning and Zoning Board recommended unanimous approval
- Public safety benefits for emergency communications
2. Comprehensive Plan Amendments
Transmittal hearing for amendments to update planning horizon from 10/20 years to 20/50 years as required by state law
- Updates required by 2023 legislation extending planning horizon to 2050
- No density or intensity increases required - city has sufficient capacity
- Updated future land use and transportation maps
- Compliance with Senate Bill 180 post-hurricane building restrictions
3. Bond Referendum for Bonita Estero Rail Trail
First reading of ordinance calling for $35 million bond referendum on August 18, 2026
- Debate between $30M and $35M amounts
- $35M equals approximately $4.75 per month for average household
- Funds for acquisition, planning, and initial construction phases
- Bonds to be issued in tranches as needed
- Strong public support with safety and economic benefits cited
4. Transportation Impact Fee Study Options
Presentation on alternatives to current road impact fees including multimodal and mobility fee options
- Three types: road impact fees, multimodal fees, and mobility fees
- Mobility fees offer most flexibility for transportation improvements
- Can fund transit, technology, and alternative transportation modes
- Council directed staff to pursue mobility fee study
Motions & Votes
Motion to approve consent agenda
Moved by Not clearly stated, seconded by Not clearly stated
Passed 7-0
Motion to transmit comprehensive plan amendments to the state
Moved by Derek, seconded by Not clearly stated
Passed 7-0
Motion for $35 million bond referendum for 30 years
Moved by Council member Carr, seconded by Council member Purdon
Passed 7-0
Motion to provide letter of support for Lee County Opportunity Zone participation
Moved by Not clearly stated, seconded by Not clearly stated
Passed 7-0
Action Items
Prepare final bond referendum ordinance with $35M amount and refined ballot language
Assigned to Derek (City Attorney) and staff · Due Second reading
Conduct mobility fee study as alternative to road impact fees
Assigned to Doctor Banyan and community development staff
Prepare letter of support for Lee County Opportunity Zone application
Assigned to Mayor Gibson to sign, staff to prepare
Create sponsorship package and donation fund for flagpole project
Assigned to Arlene and staff
Frequently Asked Questions
What was decided at this meeting?
The Bonita Springs City Council held its regular meeting on April 1, 2026, addressing several key agenda items including a cell tower proposal, comprehensive plan amendments, and a significant bond referendum for the Bonita Estero Rail Trail. The council unanimously approved moving forward with a $35 million, 30-year bond referendum to be held on August 18, 2026, for acquiring railroad corridor property and developing the rail trail project. The meeting also included first reading approval of a cell tower amendment for Hunters Ridge and transmittal of comprehensive plan amendments to extend the planning horizon to 2050. Additionally, the council received presentations on transportation impact fee alternatives and provided direction to staff to explore mobility fee options. The council demonstrated strong support for the rail trail project, with multiple speakers during public comment advocating for the initiative.
What was on the agenda?
This meeting covered 4 agenda items: Hunter's Ridge Cell Tower Zoning Amendment; Comprehensive Plan Amendments; Bond Referendum for Bonita Estero Rail Trail; Transportation Impact Fee Study Options.
How many motions were voted on?
4 motions were voted on during this meeting. See the Motions & Votes section above for each motion and its result.
What action items came out of this meeting?
4 action items were identified. See the Action Items section above for details and who they were assigned to.
Who attended this meeting?
7 members were recorded as present: Mayor Gibson, Deputy Mayor Purdon, Council member Bogas, Council member Carr, Council member Corey, Council member Follick, Council member Fitzpatrick.
Where can I watch the full recording?
The full video recording is available on YouTube or embedded at the top of this page.
What county is Bonita Springs in?
Bonita Springs is located in Lee County, Florida. Browse other Lee County meeting summaries to see what local governments across the county are working on.
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