City of Bonita Springs, City council meeting, August 5, 2026

The City of Bonita Springs City Council held a meeting on August 5, 2026, which included significant discussions on the BERT Trail project, a multi-mile rail-to-trail infrastructure initiative. The council reviewed appraisal reports for the land acquisition related to the project, with an independent consultant from CBRE confirming the appraisals were compliant and recommending moving forward. The council voted to accept the CBRE appraisal review report. There was also discussion about the fiscal viability of the project, environmental contingencies, and the importance of the trail as a transportation corridor and community asset. Additionally, the council approved a $335,659.90 contract with Ajax Paving for asphalt overlays on Kent Road, funded within the fiscal year 2025 capital improvement budget. Updates on the fiscal year 2026-27 draft budget were provided, including state revenue projections and incorporation of a $15,000 road closure cost for a Halloween event. Other agenda items included impact fee adjustments related to a development project and ongoing coordination with Lee County on traffic management. The meeting emphasized infrastructure investment, budget planning, and community development projects.