Naples projects list created to avert disputes

Lee has created a list of the projects the city is currently working on or plans to begin during fiscal 2004.

Lee worked with the city's departments to identify the projects, provide descriptions for each, list the project managers and the estimated cost and funding source for each project.

"We'll have some accountability for the work that gets done," Lee said.

The comprehensive list and timeline will be introduced to the Naples City Council during its 8:30 a.m. meeting Monday at City Hall.

The list is being introduced two months after two building officials, at the center of a growing scandal in the building department, resigned.

Former Building Official William Overstreet and former Deputy Building Official Alfred Hogrefe have since had name-clearing hearings that the city had to offer by law so both men could have a chance to refute the allegations. The information gathered during the city's administrative investigation has been given to the State Attorney's Office.

During the investigation, questions arose regarding the construction of the new River Park Community Center and the new pavilion at Lowdermilk Park. One of the problems discovered was that there was not one person in charge of either project.

Lee wants that to change to avoid any future problems.

"When there is a problem, it could lead to finger-pointing," he said.

The list and timeline of capital improvement projects, which were approved by the council last year, will be updated monthly, Lee said.

"This gives us a picture of where we're at and where we're going," Lee said. "It's a way that we can outline our responsibilities, make sure we're satisfying deadlines and making certain we're disclosing the status on an annual basis."

The list of capital improvement projects includes the Norris Community Center, scheduled to open across from City Hall in February, and landscaping, sidewalks, parking and lighting on 10th Street, which is scheduled to begin in spring 2004.

Other projects include the Pulling Property off of Goodlette-Frank Road, for which the city hopes to obtain a design by April, and street lighting and landscaping on U.S. 41, which should be completed by April.