Orientation for new Cape council members set for today and Friday

Orientation for new Cape council members set for today and Friday Sessions are open to the public Nov 11, 2026 By MEGHAN BRADBURY 2 min read The winners in the Cape Coral City Council election won’t take their oaths of office until next week but they are expected to get work on Thursday. The three newly elected officials – incoming mayor Rick Erickson, incoming council members Dave Newton and Annette Warren, and re-elected Councilmember Jennifer Nelson-Lastra — are scheduled to attend orientations set for today and Friday beginning at 9 a.m. each day at the Public Works Operations Center, 815 Nicholas Pkwy. E. The first day schedule includes 12 presentations with the first being a welcome and introduction by Mayor John Gunter and interim City Manager Maureen Buice. Presentations also include the City Attorney’s Office; City Auditor’s Office; council meeting procedures and public records request; council-manager form of government, interacting with staff, and overview of the City Manager’s Office; Office of Economic & Business Development; Community Redevelopment Agency; Office of Communications; Charter School Authority; police department; fire department and emergency management. The second day includes presentations regarding legislative advocacy; information technology; human resources; financial services; city clerk; development services; public works; utilities; and parks and recreation. The sessions are open to the public and both days include time for citizen’s input and the end of each orientation. The four incoming officials will take the oath of office during the regular Nov. 18 City Council meeting, which will begin at 4 pm. in Council Chambers, 1015 Cultural Park Blvd. Before the oath of office, a special plaque presentation will honor the outgoing council members for their dedication and service to the city — Gunter, who lost his re-election bid in the primary, and council members Keith Long and Bill Steinke, who did not seek re-election. To reach MEGHAN BRADBURY, please email [email protected]