City of Bonita Springs, City council meeting, April 1, 2026

The City of Bonita Springs City Council held a meeting on April 1, 2026, with significant focus on procurement and budget-related matters. Key discussions included a bond referendum election scheduled for August 18, 2026, to approve the issuance of up to $35 million in general obligation bonds to finance the acquisition and development of the Bonita Estero Rail Trail. Council members debated the bond amount and term, ultimately voting in favor of the $35 million bond with a 30-year term, emphasizing the importance of securing funds for acquisition, planning, and partial construction while anticipating additional grant funding. The meeting also covered a zoning ordinance amendment to allow a 149-foot monopole wireless facility at Hunter Ridge, aimed at improving cellular coverage and public safety, which received community support and was unanimously approved by the planning board. Additionally, staff presented options for updating transportation impact fees, discussing the potential shift from traditional road impact fees to more flexible multimodal or mobility fees to better support the city’s future transportation vision. The council provided direction to explore these alternatives further. Other agenda items included support for Lee County Opportunity Zone inclusion and various community updates. Public comments reflected both support and opposition to the bond measure, highlighting concerns about tax impacts and infrastructure priorities.