Murdock Village - On Oct. 9 a major milestone was achieved with the signing of the Agreement for the Disposition of Property within the Murdock Village Community Redevelopment Area by the Board of County Commissioners and the selected developer, Kitson and Partners.  This agreement sets forth both the financial package the county will receive and identifies the components of the mixed-use community, including a town center, master infrastructure improvements, and the  mix of uses ranging from housing product types to educational facilities.

Phosphate Update - Phosphate mining and it's impact on the environment and water resources was a hot issue in October. The Board of County Commissioners  placed the proposed agreement between Mosaic ( one of the world's leading producers and marketers of concentrated phosphate) and Charlotte, Sarasota and Lee counties plus Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Authority on their October 23 agenda for the purpose of discussion.  The agreement was negotiated among the parties involved in the five year litigation.  Following approximately four hours of citizen input, the BCC heard from their outside counsel regarding different points of the agreement, then from representatives of Mosaic, concluding with representatives from the Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Authority. The Board shared their thoughts and concerns and concluded the meeting by directing their negotiating team to work through the items of interest, to incorporate them into the agreement and to bring back another draft agreement for a meeting on November 6.

Impact fees - The BCC voted to reduce residential impact fees in an effort to improve the local job market for builders and subcontractors.  The rates were rolled back to 1998 levels which re-established a flat rate fee of $2,510 per residential unit in lieu of a per square foot fee. The former fee was approximately $3.80 a square foot; the impact fee for an average home was approximately $7,600. the roll-back fees provide a significant savings. The BCC will have further discussions in November on commercial impact fees.

First Conservation Charlotte Purchase - Shell Creek Preserve is the first land purchase by the Conservation Charlotte Land Acquisition Program.  The Shell Creek Preserve is located in Punta Gorda, approximately 2 miles upstream (east) of and accessible by Hathaway Park.  This preserve will be open to passive recreational opportunities such as hiking, photography, wildlife-viewing, fishing, and canoeing or kayaking (non-motorized vessels).  No ATVs will be permitted. This 370 acre site is the largest area of unprotected native habitat remaining on Shell Creek.  The Shell Creek Preserve site contains extensive acreage of high quality, rare native habitats, as well as over two miles of frontage on both sides of the creek

The protection of this site will sustain and improve wildlife habitat and provide the opportunity for connectivity and wildlife corridors in the future.  For example, Shell Creek Preserve and several other properties being evaluated for Conservation Charlotte may provide the final linkages to a wildlife corridor that runs from Lee County to De Soto County.  This is imperative for long-ranging species such as panther and black bear. Shell and Prairie Creeks are the drinking water source for the City of Punta Gorda and parts of unincorporated Charlotte County. The Creeks provide 8,000,000 gallons of potable water per day to thousands of residents.  Protection of this site will provide for preservation of the water quality in Shell Creek, and therefore the water supply quality for the County residents.   

Community Survey - The County's community survey is complete and available for viewing on our website.  The survey addressed community and neighborhood issues as well as the programs and services provided by local government.  The information gathered will be used for benchmarking and improving programs and services. The survey results will also be used to guide the County in determining future priorities as we move through our next phase of budget reductions. Our survey was mailed randomly to 1200 citizens and we received a 43% response rate. This was well above the national average, but we are all aware that our residents are very vocal about their County services!  Some of the survey results were not surprising given what is occurring at the state level. Our residents are concerned about taxes and how their tax dollars are being spent. They are also concerned with unchecked growth and development.  Customer service was addressed in the survey and our residents found our employees responsive and knowledgeable.  Our residents indicated they loved our parks, libraries and Fire/EMS services. They would like to see more job opportunities and affordable housing. Other questions asked on the survey related to quality of life, transportation, safety and services to seniors and teens.

Charlotte LINK - Charlotte County Government has a new direct mail publication called Charlotte LINK. Direct mail is being utilized because our residents told us they wanted to know more about what we are doing with their tax dollars and why.  By direct mail we are assured that every Charlotte County household will receive our message.  The first issue will be distributed the first week in November.

Mosquito Control Division had a significant savings this year.  The aerial program experimented with a reduced pesticide application rate.  The revised application schedule used this summer saved $155,792.

2-1-1 Needs Volunteers - We all know that volunteerism builds both our communities and ourselves into more enriched places and people-- who wouldn't want that?  More than this, a volunteer increases his or her sense of self-worth because they are helping others.  As 2-1-1 call specialists, volunteers learn about local resources needed by individuals and families who are attempting to grow and change their lives for the better.  Listening and sharing over the telephone can be extremely rewarding-- ask any 2-1-1 specialist!  2-1-1 is a 24-hour service, so volunteers can serve around the clock at either the CARE site or on weekdays at the 2-1-1 call center in Punta Gorda. Volunteers must be 18 or older and have computer skills. All Volunteers must complete the Charlotte County application and pass a background check. To sign up or for more information, call 2-1-1 or 205-2161 today!

COMMUNITY EVENTS

MEETINGS

Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners holds its regular meeting at 9:00 a.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.  Land use issues are addressed on the third Tuesday and Commissioner's Roundtable is held on the first Tuesday of each month. These meetings are held at the Murdock Administrative Complex, 18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, Room #119.

To view the agenda for the Board meetings click here: Commission Agenda.  The meetings can also be viewed live on CCTV20, (Comcast Channel 20) or can be viewed via live stream on our website - Streaming Video 

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A variety of government meetings are archived for on-demand viewing. Check out our inventory here: On Demand Video

Charlotte County has dozens of official meetings and activities each month.  For an itemized listing click here: Meeting Calendars

Please recommend the Charlotte County E-News to your friends and business associates.  To either subscribe or unsubscribe click here:  Charlotte County E-News Subscription Services.