October 2023 City Newsletter

October 2023

A Message from

Mayor John Gunter

October 1 represents the beginning of the new fiscal year for the City of Cape Coral.

Cape Coral City Council adopted the FY 2024 budget on September 21 following two public hearings and months of preparation. This budget, which is slightly over $1 billion, maintains the millage rate of 5.3694 mills. These new positions will help reduce response times and be utilized to staff the new police and fire training facilities

Most of the growth in our budget is the direct result of our need to expand services to keep up with the needs of our growing City.

Read more from the Mayor-->

Respectfully,

John Gunter

Mayor

City Council Appoints Ilczyszyn as Cape Coral City Manager

Cape Coral City Council appointed Michael Ilczyszyn as City Manager at a City Council Meeting on September 20, 2023. As City Manager, Ilczyszyn will continue to oversee the day-to-day operations of the City of Cape Coral.

Michael Ilczyszyn was appointed as Interim City Manager in February of 2023 and previously held the role of Public Works Director. He began his career with the City in 2002 as a Water Treatment Plant Operator. Read more-->

Council Approves FY 2024 Budget

Cape Coral City Council voted to approve the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget at the final budget hearing on September 21, 2023.

The budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which is slightly over $1 billion, outlines a strategic plan to support the community while enhancing the City's services without increasing the existing property tax rate of 5.3694 mills.

Click here to view an informational video with FY 2024 Budget highlights.

City Initiates Commercial Corridor Task Force

One of the goals of the city's strategic plan is community beautification, with objectives of strengthening commercial landscaping standards and compliance and promoting the appearance of commercial properties. A task force approach involving several departments and divisions was created to help meet this goal.

The Commercial Corridor Task Force includes five Code Compliance Officers assigned to inspect the city's commercial corridors and educate residents and business community members on the city's standards. Site checks are performed to inspect the commercial properties for landscaping, parking lot conditions, sign permits, exterior maintenance, etc.

During the first 90 days of the program, the team performed 861 inspections, with 65 commercial properties receiving a comprehensive inspection, which required the efforts of other staff, including landscaping, fire, pre-treatment, and stormwater inspectors.

Example: BEFORE

Issue = Obnoxious overgrowth onto the adjacent sidewalk

Example: AFTER

Obnoxious overgrowth cleared after contact was made with the business

The top five issues found along the commercial corridors during the first 90 days and the number of cases for each were:

Health and sanitation (309) - ie. Obnoxious overgrowth, litter and debris, trash cans overflowing, dumpster enclosures damaged, junk and non-compliant waste.
Sign issues (243) - ie. Illegal signs in the city right-of-way, view obstruction, and unpermitted signs.
Vacant lot issues (60) - Businesses encroached on an adjacent property to store materials, parking vehicles or equipment, or illegal dumping.
Parking issues (43) - parking on the grass or a nearby vacant lot and Properties with multiple code violations (43).

View the City of Cape Coral Strategic Plan

Take the Economic & Business Development Public Survey

The City of Cape Coral has launched a public survey that aims to drive economic growth and enhance the quality of life in Cape Coral.

The City is conducting an Economic Development Public Survey as part of an effort to establish an Economic Development Strategic Plan. Open until Friday, October 13 at 5 p.m., the survey is collecting public input to help identify the strengths of Cape Coral and determine how to leverage these advantages to foster economic growth while addressing the pressing needs of our community.

Read more-->

Take Survey Now

Sharing Visuals During Public Input

During the Committee of the Whole Meeting on 9/13/23, the City Council clarified a rule about sharing visual information during public input.

Broadcasting and displaying materials on the overhead projector will no longer be offered. To share visual information (spreadsheet, slides, pictures, etc.) with the City Council at a public meeting, bring nine copies (one for each Council member and one for the Clerk's office). Any documents received by the Clerk's office will be made part of the record.

Residents can also email Council members and attach files or submit an E-comment. Questions regarding this change may be directed to City Clerk Bruns at 239-574-0417.

Be Wary of Unlicensed Contractors

The City of Cape Coral reminds residents to confirm that contractors are operating with the correct licenses before hiring them.

In Florida, engaging in contracting work or acting in a contractor's capacity without a valid contractor’s license is a criminal offense. Working with an unlicensed contractor is a dangerous practice that can leave you with faulty work that may not be constructed correctly. Read More-->

Pay Attention to Fire Prevention

Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9, commemorating the Great Chicago Fire in 1871.

Each year, the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) creates a fire safety campaign for the week to engage the public. This year’s is “Cooking safety starts with YOU.” Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Follow these key safety tips to help reduce the risk of a cooking fire:

When frying, grilling, or broiling, stay in the kitchen. Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stovetop, and turn off the stove when you leave the kitchen, even if it’s for a short period of time.

When simmering, boiling, baking, or roasting food, stay in the home and check on it frequently; use a timer as a reminder if necessary.

Create a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food and drinks are prepared or carried.

It is important for everyone to take some time during Fire Prevention Week to make sure they understand how to stay fire-safe in the kitchen all year long.

Follow These Halloween Safety Tips

Make sure your Halloween season is spooky and fun, but also safe by following the tips below:

When choosing a costume, stay away from long trailing fabric. If your child is wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so they can see out.

Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costume.

Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters.

Use a battery-operated candle or glow-stick in jack-o-lanterns instead of real candles.

Remember to keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes.

Make sure all smoke alarms in the home are working.

Fire Station Open House Coming November 4

On Saturday, November 4, the Cape Coral Fire Department will host their annual Open House.

From 9:00 a.m. until noon, the public is invited to visit any of Cape Coral’s twelve fire stations for the opportunity to meet firefighters and learn about the fire apparatus, equipment, and services. In addition, various fun and educational activities and displays, many from our partner public safety agencies, will be available at each station.

For a complete list of all activities and locations, visit capecoralfire.com/open-house. Also, follow the Cape Coral Fire Department on social media (@capecoralfd) for details and updates on this fun family event.

Did you know the Cape Coral Fire Department, in partnership with the CCFD Community Foundation and American Red Cross, offers free smoke alarms and home safety walkthroughs? See details at www.capecoralfire.com/smoke-alarms.

Cape Coral Police Department News

The men and women of the Cape Coral Police Department work hard every day to help keep our City safe. Follow CCPD on Facebook for regular news and updates.

Follow CCPD on Facebook

Cape Coral Increases Public Waterway Access

The City of Cape Coral has added five new freshwater canal access points to give residents more access to the waterways they live on.

The freshwater access points are on grass lots with a gravel or dirt ramp. Parking is minimal, and there are no public facilities on site. Boat trailer parking fees apply for all improved boat ramps. There are no parking fees to utilize canal access points. Read More-->

City Awarded Tree Planting Grant

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) selected the City of Cape Coral to receive a $1 million grant for urban reforestation throughout Cape Coral. The grant is part of a larger USDA project, Investing in America, which invests money to expand access to trees and green spaces in communities and neighborhoods nationwide.

The USDA selected Cape Coral because the City is working to increase equitable access to trees and green spaces and their many benefits. Read More-->

Cape Bike Night to Kick Off Special Event Season

The City of Cape Coral Special Events Division is kicking off event season with the return of Cape Bike Night on Saturday, October 14, from 5-10 p.m. on 47th Terrace. October's Bike Night will feature live music, over 40 vendors, food, giveaways, and fun! For more details, visit www.CapeBikeNight.com.

Later in the month, the community is invited to join in on some "spook-tacular" fun when the City hosts its Second Annual "Trunk or Treat" in front of Cape Coral City Hall on Friday, October 27, from 6-8 p.m.

Also coming this fall is a free "Concert in the Park" at Jaycee Park on Thursday, November 2, plus the annual Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 11, on 47th Terrace. Make plans to join the fun!

See Citywide Special Events