Outdoor display approved by council but subject may become discussion item
By CHUCK BALLARO
A new business owner’s request to display an outdoor kitchen was approved Monday but also put in motion the possibility of outdoor displays becoming a topic of debate in Cape Coral down the road.
The issue came up Monday as a consent item on the Cape Coral City Council agenda.
John D’Angelo, owner of the new Outdoor Kitchen Outlet on Cape Coral Parkway, sought approval to allow an outdoor display of merchandise in front of the building.
However, the item was pulled by Councilmember John Gunter, who expressed concern that such a request doesn’t happen often. Further, the businesses nearby were not notified.
“What is the process for this?” Gunter asked. “I don’t blame the owner, but the city, in regards to the process. I won’t support this. We have an obligation to notify the other owners.”
Councilmember Jessica Cosden said she would support, but added that Gunter’s concerns had merit and that there needed to be a change in the way such things are done.
Councilmember John Carioscia was concerned about the possibility of allowing a propane tank outside, and that allowing a kitchen display to be set up all day and night would open a Pandora’s Box to allow other, less attractive things to be displayed.
“Are we going to allow toilets to be displayed outside, or used tires? This becomes a slippery slope. Where do we draw the line?” Carioscia asked.
Eventually, a compromise was reached. The resolution would be approved for one year, to be brought back for renewal if all goes well. In the meantime, there will be a discussion on the matter, perhaps in time for the Nov. 26 Council workshop meeting.
That was enough to convince Gunter and Carioscia to come on board and pass the item unanimously.
In other business, City Manager John Szerlag had Stantec give a presentation on the annual Utilities Rate Sufficiency Analysis, which indicated favorable rates with neighboring cities and utility providers.
Current projections did not show a need for increasing rates over the next five years, or even 10 years, as no borrowing is anticipated except for the Utility Expansion Project.
The City Council also got an update on water quality. As of Nov. 2, Lake Okeechobee’s water depth decreased further to 13.65 feet, with water flow averaging about 1,000 cubic feet per second. Salinity levels in the estuary continues to creep upward.
The next City Council meeting will be Monday, Nov. 19, at 4:30 p.m. at City Hall.