?
It's Monday, December 8th.
Welcome to the City Council meeting.
Joe, would you please call the Yes.
Councilor Henry here Councilor Kohler here Councilor back next year.
Vice chair champagne here Councilor on Air Councilor Gray and chair Palumbo here.
All accounted for guys tonight doing the indication reference Scot Kerns from the Marco Presbyterian Church right after that, we're going to the Pledge of Allegiance by Courtney Garwood.
I'll get a little more about Courtney when we get to that.
James chapter on.
Count it all.
Joy, my brothers when you meet chiles of various kind for, you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness and steadfastness have its full effect.
That you may be perfect, incomplete, lacking in nothing if you any of who is dumb.
But Ascot.
He generously get it.
To without it will be given him.
God, thank you for your word.
And we do see your word says that we can ask for wisdom.
So for tonight, father for this council who serves faithfully, we pray that you would give all of us wisdom, father, we pray for our city staff that you encourage them.
We pray for each of these issues that we will as a community address tonight from water quality to land management father, we pray that you would give us each wisdom but also father, would you give us kindness toward one another, help us to
deal?
Well with one another.
And father, we pray that this community would flourish and Sundays.
This name.
We pray.
If you come And guys, Courtney is from the charter middle school.
She enjoys civic last season.
Engage students.
She said her genetic.
She likes being a leader of her peers.
She's also a volleyball player.
She enjoys reading and she loves being around her friend group.
So according to happy to have could please lead us in the pledge.
I pledge allegiance to the flag.
The United States of America and to Republic for which it stands.
One nation under God.
And it is a goal with liberty and justice for all.
Thank you.
That's gonna get motion for approval of the agenda.
So moved.
Mister Chairman.
I if I can know when to to announce that the city's going withdraw item 15, see which is the John Jay Workers, compensation resolution.
Very news.
Is that the insurance carrier already paid the funds into our account.
And so that will be taken care of no need for the resolution to be approved.
We're going motion to approve as amended.
So moved.
we have a motion by council gray second the council Rechnitz.
All those in favor say Aye.
Any opposed motion passes 7, 0, Approval of the minutes as anybody have any changes to the minutes from the previous.
All right.
On to a motion to approve motion approve the minutes as presented second motion approve of made by a council gray seconded by Vice Chair Champagne.
All those in favor say Aye.
motion passes approval of consent agenda because before we get to that and any removals, Mister Chair, have a light on.
I apologize.
Please go.
Yeah.
I would like to 7 a for discussion and 7 E is the next month.
I was right where I was going with So thank you.
Would like to discuss.
Thank you.
so they become 16 16 E.
Anybody want to remove anything else from the consent agenda.
Can I get a motion to approve as amended?
Make a motion second motion by counselor a second by vice-chair champagne owl's.
Improves I and II post ayes have it 7 to 0.
Tonight, guys.
One proclamation, one presentation for employee service award Kathleen Belt.
5 Year award of counselors community over here and step down and will present that.
?
Congratulations that.
We have a staff.
Today.
We are proud to celebrate Kathy Bills 5 year anniversary with the city of Marco Island.
Kathy first discovered Marco Island back in 1992.
During yearly visits from her home town in northeast Pennsylvania.
She fell in love with the island's charm so deeply that she became a full-time resident 8 years ago.
Kathy began her journey with the city as a receptionist at City Hall during the height of COVID.
She often jokes several months.
She didn't realize people had a nose and a mouth.
Now, 5 years later, Kathy continues to be a valued member of the city of Marco Island.
Family.
We're grateful for her dedication.
Her positivity and her commitment to serving our beautiful community.
Please join us in congratulating Kathy on this.
Wonderful my milestone.
greatly appreciate your service to the community.
And I remember you from being at that window statement and that's going to be for you.
Thank you so much for your 5 years and we appreciate
guys were well ahead of time.
So we do have 6 o'clock.
Citizens comments or time certain.
So we're going to leave that for a moment.
Circle back and will head to item 10.
The city manager's report.
Thank you count.
Thank you, council.
I do have a written report on the agenda, but I would like share 2 pieces of good news with the council and the public.
And the first is to recognize our new HR director who you just heard from Diana Snover.
She's been with us for about 2 months now as a new employee.
I think it was a week and a half ago she was with her daughter at Paddy Murphy's playing trivia and gentlemen, passed out, had a seizure.
She was able to revive him using CPR and she was the first to respond.
And and for about 7 minutes, I believe until our EMS and firefighters arrived to then continue and transport her.
We have heard from the gentleman spouse who is thrilled that he's still alive.
And we're very proud of Diana and thankful for.
What a great story.
We're so lucky to have people like that could represent absolutely absolutely so.
Thank you.
The second piece of good news is last week we had a team of assessors who were here on campus and they were examining my PD policies and procedures as part of the Florida accreditation process.
We were accredited 3 years ago.
So this was a real credit ation process and what they found after 3 days their thorough examination was no corrective actions, know areas out of compliance.
They were very impressed with our agency and they recommended re accreditation.
And I want to recognize Chief Frazzano for her efforts.
But I also want to say this is an example of where many of our departments work together because not only was it just the police department, HR was involved.
The fire department was involved, fleeing facilities are involved.
It was involved.
And of course, I also want to recognize the Chiefs employee Lori Green, who is our accreditation manager.
they all just did a fabulous job.
It was an extremely smooth process.
There will be a formal report and the actual re accreditation ceremony will be in February.
So more to follow on a formal ceremony and report.
But I wanted to make sure I shared the good news and congratulate the chief.
Cases.
See no lights signs.
But thank you for taking the time to highlight those who are doing so on.
It's good that we hear this.
We appreciate you acknowledging such actual excellent service.
All right.
On to the city attorney's report.
Thank you, Mr.
Chairman Councils some reports before you, but I just wanted to bring to your attention since you remove the James J Workers compensation matter from the agenda.
I wanted to let you know that we are successful having a workers compensation, the mediation that occurred there where claimant had actually asked for over a million dollars worth of the of claim.
And that was settled behalf of the city for a total of $47,850.
So to the extent that when it was.
So thank you.
Council backed it.
couple of questions at on personal and the settlement that you just made.
Who pays your attorneys fees?
Everything is paid out of the insurance carrier.
Or insurance carrier pays your versus city for all funds.
Anything that relates to that matter.
The app.
So it will be reflected in rates.
And next time around, and you're right that I can't speak to kuz.
I have nothing to do with that.
Yeah.
Okay.
And paid the other side attorneys it's all part of the settlement.
It's all including that we pay for their ensure that we all court required in city was out of pocket 0 in this.
really this settlement of $405,000.
We definitely larger than that because of those are 4 7,800 That includes the attorneys attorneys fees, costs and everything.
Ok, thank you one other quick There are 2 other.
Really length the work that we're workman's comp issues still outstanding would be possible for you to send the council.
Recap of where those stand and what we expect to happened in those cases, cases I can attempt to.
But those are done by through the insurance carrier, but I can reach out to them.
Thank you.
That's Thank you for You know the questions departmental have reports.
Anything from counselors.
Right?
We're moving right along.
We're still 20 minutes before 6 o'clock.
So we have nothing under 13 cause.
I public hearings.
Nothing under 14.
Let's go right up to 15 resolution for utility easement a vacation.
I would like to read the resolution 25 dash.
57 by title in 2 record place.
Thank you.
A resolution of the city of Marco Island, Florida approving the vacation of the Chipley Street right of way more particularly described here in generally located between 3, 4, 8, Colonial Avenue and 3, 3, 6 Colonial Avenue, Marco Island, Florida,
making findings and conditions providing definitions approving the right away vacation, providing for failure to obtain other development permits, providing for failure to comply with approval and providing an effective date.
replaced.
Good evening, mayor.
hold in your planning manager.
Please excuse my voice.
I have a cold.
Before you is a request to vacate Chipley Street right of way.
It's approximately 6,877 square feet.
And it's basically it could not basically it dead ends into hideaway and it will never be built through unless something drastically happens to hide away and it goes away.
Which I don't see that plan happening.
That planning board considered this request at their October 3rd and their November 7th.
there was discussion at the October 3rd regarding whether or not easements for going to be needed along the new but outside lot side yard on.
And so we ran that down.
It is not.
Because there easements on the other side's and one that back.
So.
That was not needed.
And then there is discussion and ownership and the ability to.
Vacate that right of way.
There was some question about whether or not the city had the right to and we've done the research and we do have the right because those.
Roadway streets, alleys drives were dedicated for public use to the public with the original plan, which is outlined in underneath Project description.
And it was Marketbeat's unit 12 Platt recorded in plat book 6 page.
87.
So after discussion, the planning board is recommending that the city Council.
Go ahead and fake hate that ship lease to right away and half goes to.
One owner and half goes to the other owner and I'm happy to answer any questions.
Send second bar that was here representing the applicants.
see some light sun's counts of reckless.
Area.
Sorry that you're under the weather.
Hope you feel better too.
I drove by the property yesterday.
My
the weather. Hope you feel better too. I drove by the recollection erday. My
the weather. Hope you feel better too. I drove by the recollection is ay. My
the weather. Hope you feel better too. I drove by the recollection is that y
the weather. Hope you feel better too. I drove by the recollection is that in the original love Mackall plan that was supposed to be a road.
And of course, that didn't happen because I that correct?
that is correct.
I've never seen the original development only see the plat maps.
Yeah.
Okay.
And there finish.
This is a really large, large, large right away.
Is it customary for the city just to give away land?
Of that size?
It's not going comment because it was dedicated to the city for public use the city didn't pay for it.
It just rolled over to the city while the county first and then the city when we incorporated.
So.
It's not uncommon to vacate right away.
That is not being used.
know it's not that I've never seen one quite that big 4.
It's a 60 foot right of We have 60 foot right away throughout the city.
That is unusual right.
We have others.
I don't know about single-family.
I can't speak to that.
Kelso.
Henry.
I was going to move to approve.
second that.
We have a motion a second.
Still some life sign like signs on council.
Great.
Larry.
Would you like the halls meant I have super it trying to make an offer for it.
So the city on is part parcel with the city be signing that the so that the owners would then have sure title of this property.
It's it's the city, its public right of way that was dedicated to the city.
So that there's no deed.
Assigned to the right of way.
It's been dedicated through the plat through the subdividing and planning of Marco Beach, which is what Marco Island is primarily made up of is the Marco Beach various units locks.
So there assuming this for to be approved.
Their property lines are going to be different.
How does that get affected to protect those properties?
Owners under this agreement?
They will.
They will revise.
I will second part of the attorney.
I'm not.
Solid in answering legal issues, but my understanding is they will file a deed and that will become part of their property.
So that it will reflect on their deeds on the tax assessor site except Okay.
2 more quick questions.
So this really isn't a parcel we could use for any other purposes that.
Is there any other conceivable purpose for its part or, you know, I've not heard any discussion okay for for using this lot.
I've been here a year.
So thank Heard that assuming that these lots that acquire this additional property, will that be included, the assessed value.
And so we'll be collecting taxes off of that.
Yes, it will.
Thank you.
Councils want thank you.
So I was at the planning board meeting when they did approve.
This Senate is slated consult Ellen Gabriel today to in regards to weather and not this was abnormal.
And that question was brought up by Eric over there.
And it is not is something I folie deux support.
And thank you kind, sir.
Henry for making the motion.
I wil be voting.
Yes.
Thank you.
you know the lights and I have one quick question.
Look at these conditions.
And in my time I see we have a $25,000 bond required of the owners.
Is that correct?
That is correct.
Is that customer members haven't?
I don't recall seeing that Something we do often for homeowners or is it?
a city not.
And I will let Justin Martin chime in on this one.
If I if he needs to.
No, it is not customary because typically what happens is homes are built and the sidewalks are built in conjunction with the homes.
This is a right of way that is being vacated.
There is no home associated with it.
So they are requesting and requiring as part of a vacation that those that sidewalk in that swale be That's why they have in there.
Do we know the cost of these constructions when a chance I would defer to our public works.
Director Justin Martin.
do you know?
Maybe I'm just curious how the bond relate to the actual cost of the job.
Yes Council.
Good evening, Justin Martin public works director so yes, this is similar to other situations that we've had where actually they've had.
Demolition permits and remove sidewalks, us Wales.
And we've imposed a $25,000 bond in order for that sidewalk and swelled to be restored, which was not authorized to taken out in this case.
They're on Colonial Avenue.
You have sidewalks that are intermittent.
So there is no sidewalk on this land between these 2.
Lots right now.
So if if the right away vacation is granted and this is not required, then nobody will build a sidewalk connecting the venue would not have a continuous sidewalk.
So this is a mechanism that the city uses in order to ensure that that sidewalk is constructed, they have to pull right of way permit.
And construct a sidewalk within one year.
If they don't.
The bond allows the city to make a claim on that bond to actually have that sidewalk constructed.
Yes, the other thing I was doing, may know the cost of this project is what I was looking for.
the cost of the sidewalk and the swale is a slightly less net.
$25,000 that we've when the city has costs that are I know the the applicant is saying they got a cost for last, but this will cover the costs the sidewalk if the city had to drawn that van and get a constructed still.
Authorities seem like you want to speak.
Are you down with me thank Just back on Florida for the record, I do have the answer to that question.
Are costing out is on the overhead here at $13,975 to build the sidewalk and swell and I appreciate the discussion on this.
We're certainly not opposed to building sidewalk and swelling point out that in the letters of no objection that we received, which included all surrounding property owners, at least one property owner specifically said that they only not objecting
if the sidewalk and were being built.
And so we're acknowledging that and we're not pushing back on that.
I do think we would appreciate some consideration on the bond about since we have gone to the vendor that was pointed out towards us and its 13,009 75 south.
The bond could be less than 25,000.
I think be appreciated.
But if I don't, I was trying to ascertain.
Is there a standard operating procedure like it, for example, in your right of way handbook.
I didn't see this in their address to the costing and how are calculating casting.
So and that's why we thought if we have this conversation great.
But I don't want this to jeopardize the shovel and if necessary.
There are a series of questions about ownership that I would love to address, but also don't want to the labor issues that may not need to be discussed.
So got right was going to just quick question for a turnover.
Is there a sizable cost difference?
I see these names of owners.
I know them.
I trust them.
That should mean we don't follow rules.
see I see people that I know can do the right.
Things are big cost difference in this pond for 25,000 to 15,000 or that's what been trying to get that.
The bonds are fractional percentages of the total amount.
And so I don't know that there's a massive cost difference, which is why I don't want to create a huge discussion point Thank you.
Council grant.
Typically bond issuance costs around one percent.
Are these fixed price contracts and other words to your point, maybe the does not need to be 25,000.
How long is this price assured?
Can we get it done in time or is there are risks of cost overruns that were to to Mr.
Martin's Point, this is the estimate as to my clients.
And so I think Mr.
Martin's trying to plan for is my clients don't do this in time.
You all have to go get it done as opposed to my clients doing it.
And so I think that if it were more than the 13, but less than 25.
We appreciate the consideration.
are these vendors approved by the city?
This was the venue recommended by the city.
Thank you.
And other questions, John, anybody signed up for public comment on this.
No, no one has signed up for public comment.
You could call the roll.
Please.
councilor Henry.
Yes.
Councilor swan.
Councilor next.
Yes.
Vice chair champagne.
Yes.
Councilor Gray.
Yes.
Councilor Kohler yes.
chair plum yes.
Motion passes 7 to 0.
Thank you.
Ehlinger.
6 minutes before 6 o'clock and I go to public commenters at 6 o'clock time certain I guess you should ask and see how many people are signed up.
Thank you for that.
-
certain I guess you should ask and see how many people are So ned up. Thank you for that. -
certain I guess you should ask and see how many people are So many p. Thank you for that. -
certain I guess you should ask and see how many people are So many people k you for that. -
certain I guess you should ask and see how many people are So many people for u for that. -
certain I guess you should ask and see how many people are So many people for public hat. - comment.
There are 4 people signed up for public comment with actually take you into 6 o'clock.
So you should be fine.
All right.
Let's start with that.
Cool.
The first person place or thing.
So the first person to come forward is too nice.
Homes followed by Peter purring.
I-10 Congratulations on becoming our chair will thank you.
Enough like it's a quick we appreciate you coming in, guys.
Dennis is going to be still some compliments on our police force and a police chief.
Thank you right.
I'm here tonight representing Naples Elks Lodge 2010 in Naples.
I'm also the chairperson.
The drug awareness person the Elks Lodge Chairperson.
the the lodge every year.
Elks Lodge.
Has on riki Cameron drug Ward.
And if you all know about and Ricky Cameron, he was 8 DEA agent that was killed by the Mexican cartel.
So the else who's very red week, they go into the schools and they tried to educate kids about drug awareness.
So as chair person also family Gray's, I nominated.
Our police chief Tracy Frazzano for board.
And the reason I gave her that award was in 2019.
I personally went to as families Grace to the chief and asked her to please get Narcan sprays into our police department.
And of course, she has.
And in 2020, they saved the first person on Marco Island because of that.
So she is very well deserving of this award.
And I would like to present it to her tonight.
Chief, on behalf yourself and also your entire force that implement these programs doesn't phenomenal job.
Another Amir.
Of your quality leadership.
You want to come on up and accept this.
Please.
It's beautiful.
Don't break it I can't promise that because broke rating ones.
had to get think is a photo opportunity here, ladies and take that and turn around and say.
And may I also know at 100 lodges and into the microphone, state of Florida.
She won.
That's Chief.
It.
Well, first of all, that was just very, very kind of Dennis and to nominate me.
she knows that that nomination is really for the police department.
It's the the men and women that are out there that are actually deploying it that are making the difference.
So and it all started with her gut with her donation to our police department.
So thank you very much to to nice and to the Elks Lodge for everything that they did for this.
I really appreciate it.
And thank you to your force.
Thank Thank you so much to this.
We appreciate it.
His next, the next person is Mister Peter Purring followed by Mister Robber.
But right now.
Evening, Peter Green.
49 Street.
is relationship to the year in basketball court, rebuild.
Decisions who made decision for the timeline for the Year Project.
Who else involved who else was involved in the decision?
What project dates are in the project.
Contract.
As the project timeline stands now, it is a risky decision.
Considering number one.
Projects don't always begin and end on time.
This spring's risk to Bocce league season January to March and to Marco Island.
Winter season, the height of the bocce.
Court use.
This affects hundreds about you.
Players.
Impacts the high school.
Children and families that bring there children to play basketball.
Number 2 tariffs.
And supply chain issues.
Our problem everywhere.
This should have been factored into the decision of scheduling the project.
Number 3.
If a contractor availability for 2025 didn't allow for less risky timing to bocce court use.
Then the project should have been scheduled for 26.
On requesting.
A written response to these decision-making questions and issues.
I do want to appreciate.
Give appreciation to Casey's intervention in this matter.
Thank you.
Case even an e-mail chain with this back and forth and appreciate you taking point on this and continuing to answer those questions.
Thank you.
We have next.
The next person is Mister rapper.
But right now followed by Mister Dwayne Thomas.
Robert, that route 68 to erode my topic this evening as revenue.
While reviewing your capital workshop meeting, there was discussion that some of the proposed projects may appear on a referendum for vote in the near future.
I've also heard that property owners may not get a vote in these projects may get added to our tax bill.
Obviously, with the serious need for the infrastructure improvements here on Marco.
Something's going to happen rather sooner than later.
But the one thing I've not heard about is revenue producing ideas to help fund these massive infrastructure projects.
It does not have to be one great idea.
It can be multiple ideas provided they help reduce the revenue that's needed to pay for such massive infrastructure proposals.
Coming up with revenue programs is a perfect opportunity to show you as a council can work together and accomplish a revenue plan to help fund these projects.
Marco Island's a business.
And it should be run as a business.
A revenue producing business.
To fund these massive infrastructure projects that have a few men humungous cost to him.
Property owners shouldn't be expected to nearly fully fund these projects by added taxes.
These added taxes will decrease interest in our properties and they will increase.
Property taxes.
Obviously, you guys have some very important discussions ahead.
And once again, take this opportunity to show the residents of Marco Island.
This council can work together, stand for its citizens.
Keep Marco Strong and maintain its paradise charm.
Happy holidays.
Happy Holidays.
Robert, thank you.
John is next.
The final person to speak is Mister Dwayne Thomas.
Good evening going Thomas tonight said for appeal court, Marco Island, Florida.
topic tonight is a Marine staging lots.
Marco Island.
Back in.
June, July me and 3 other Marine contractors went in front of Collier County commissioners.
And asking them for permission news, the base of the Jolley Bridge for staging.
We got in front of the commissioners I representative for district one was not in favor of any of the Marine contractors using that area for staging.
They said the only way we can get that done is if got the blessing of Marco Island City Council and we can come back in front of Collier County commissioners and probably get their blessing.
We met with Mister Mcnees several months ago and he was trying to put a plan together to make some.
Alterations in our ordinances.
So to make it a little easier, more flexible for staging launch from for contractors here on the island as it is now we have to depend on private citizens use of they'll option order to do our jobs.
I'm sure we've all seen in the paper that there's been a big construction project that's going to be happening into Naples City Pier and they're going to be using the base of the Jolley Bridge for 9 months for demolition.
And for 18 months for construction.
So basically 2 and a half years.
In light of all And, you know, it's just really we need to take a hit the head out of this and realize that we have a staging lot issue for not just here, but everywhere in Collier County, I'm hoping the boy can take it this time.
Kind of come up with a permanent resolution for this.
Including not just a temporary situation at the base of the budget, Ali Bridge, but use Collier County tax dollars, city of Naples, tax dollars put up a prominent wall.
Some proper barricading with with horticulture to make it unsightly and possibly even a fishing pier that we used to have at the base of both bridges.
I hope you consider that.
Thank you.
They will tell you going to be bringing this up under council communication, some updates.
So if you're not here for that, you can watch it later on.
But I do have some notes.
I'm talking county commissioner Locastro on So spoke about detail later in the meeting.
Thank you.
Cho was at it.
Yes, sir.
That was last public speaker.
Very So we'll be moving on.
We are 15 of the I believe it is.
Utility This is from look properties located at one.
38 1.48 58 60 itself.
Barfield least yes, please.
Thank you.
I'm reading resolution 25 dash 58 by title in to record a resolution of the city of Marco Island, Florida approving the vacation of the utility and drainage easement along the common lot lines of Marco Beach unit.
5 buck 83 lot, 7, 8, 9.10 located at 1, 6, 8, 1, 5, 8, 1, 4, 8, and 1, 3, 8 South Barfield drive Marco Island, Florida making findings and conditions providing definitions approving the easement vacation, providing for failure to obtain other
development permits, providing for failure to comply with approval and providing an effective date.
Mary, welcome back.
And sorry, we need to use your voice up again.
fix, some I apologize before you Martin.
Can you pull that up?
remember use the power point this time.
This is for Barfield.
These are the lots right here identified that are highlighted.
There's 4 live through requesting easement vacations along the 3 common property boundaries.
That's the zoning.
It's C 3.
The applicant has been requested by the utilities department and then also Lumen.
I believe it was Lehman to keep, as you can at 10 by 12 easement in the front and then in the alley, the front is for public works and the rears for So that request is a vacate all the areas and Highland highlighted in yellow.
Staff.
I'm sorry, Planning Board considered this request that their November 7th meeting and after brief discussion, they approved at recommending the planning So I mean, the city council from this.
And I'm happy answer any questions in the applicant is here tonight.
2 very good.
Thank you for the presentation.
Counsel Henry.
have to approve.
I'll second that motion by counsel Henry a second by council Shrum.
Council records.
Your light is on.
Mary a got number of questions about this not really a question about the unity of title issue.
That's on the agenda tonight because I have no problem with with any of that.
But what I do have a problem with.
Is it in 2024 and October of 2024.
This project came before the playing board and also.
The city Council and the conditional use permit to use that for and out of storage project was approved our coach says that.
If if nothing has been done within a year.
That conditional permit goes away.
And the applicant has to start over again.
My question is, are, are we prepared to have them do that?
If they have to?
They will.
But they have been they have submitted building permit plans they in May.
And so they have been going back and forth.
so for that reason, they have started the project in trying to get building permits, but I would defer to our attorney to see if he sure Alan has been well versed on this and has an answer.
It's my understanding based on the ldc that.
You've got to do something more than just filed for a permit.
Well, that's the beginning stage of being able to come forward and get approval suffer develop purposes.
So they've started the process within a timeframe.
Then they satisfy that requirement.
As long as it as long as it diligently pursuing it.
And that would be satisfactory.
Okay.
If the Ldc doesn't say that, well, it would.
But that the law the law does provide for them.
And what was case.
Law and other development regulations would provide for that.
I have some doubt that that's the case.
They didn't come back to to the planning board with this particular issue until November.
And which is well after the 365 day period.
And really what they needed to do was to file for an extension.
Of the conditional use permit.
that wasn't done.
Growth management department.
Should know.
That.
That's the case.
This has been.
Decades ago.
But when I chairman, the plane board.
Our growth management Department wrote people with a conditional use permit 90 days before they're conditional.
Conditional use permit expired to let them know that they that it was beginning to expire and they had certain things they need to do.
I I suspect that current departments that do it.
I can't speak to that and I would I would encourage it to be done because I think you have to start over Zach.
That's my that's my opinion.
Read the argument.
Obviously, our attorney has been well versed in this.
And supporting the staff's position.
But I I strongly disagree.
Thank you.
That's accounts.
A great.
I'm just fine upon what Council productions just Are we certain of the determination, Allen, you're Wilson careful.
So we're council bucshon says brought up I'd like to know we're on firm ground.
Well as a land use zoning attorney.
I've been involved in these discussions personally and and and every jurisdiction I've been involved in whenever act of activity on the property based upon approval that would satisfy the least for the purposes of what we're talking about.
That work is being done.
Timely.
Now they have to pursue it.
They just can't file it and leave.
It said and do nothing who is that would it wouldn't be in good faith.
But however, in the conversation that I've heard so far, there's no indication or evidence that that's not the case.
one.
Thank you.
Yes, I would like to remind the counselors to heed the advice of the city attorney.
He's practiced in this area.
You know, we've gone down this road before Land Council does not watch the red flags that we are being advised by our city attorney.
So please heed the advice of or city Thank you.
Don't just want echo you know, the light side, some of the same.
Well, I appreciate the council's bringing this up and exploring it.
I do always listen City Attorney Mary, reapplied, if this had to happen with anything or been different with this approvals or any trigger mechanism that would have made this outcome of the different.
We've got the same.
And just so, you know, easement vacation is fair.
It's separate.
From the conditional use permit leather.
They have to go back through or not.
This can carry forward.
Very good.
Councilor Bettis policed well I started up my conversation, but and I have no problem with this unity of title issue.
It's not related to the issue that I brought up.
In it except in an indirect way.
I did look at the approval of the original conditional use permit.
I found it that the one-year it expired.
I saw nothing in the land development code.
That just say they didn't have to start over.
Obviously the city attorney is seeing something in the land development code that allows it.
I personally did not.
so that's just a that's what makes interesting around here.
Sometimes we don't always agree.
Thank you, council.
I may just one place for the record.
Zach Osborne on behalf of Marco Lux.
The one additional item I would put on here is that this application.
Was filed before that expiration deadline.
So addition of the permit being filed before the expiration when talking about this was also filed before that, and I want to just provide some additional context to file a vacation.
We have to go get.
Letters.
No objection from the utility companies.
That takes a substantial amount of time because they don't have to respond within a particular time frame.
And so when I when I write a letter to Luminance Century Link Comcast, we're sort of at their mercy on the review times in this particular case because there were facilities on the back.
We had to do site visits.
And so we're having this question about was were being diligently performed.
Even the filing date doesn't represent when this process was started because we had to go get all these approvals and work through it.
But you said, Jack, these are 2 issues.
They are 2 separate issues.
But what I'm saying, I'm not talking about your issue about unity of title.
I'm talking about conditional use permit.
I understand you've called in to question my clients ability to follow through the conditional use permits.
I would like to take this opportunity put on the record that this does go towards that effort of diligently pursuing the development of the site.
So in addition to the building permit, this is part of that process, however, because there are other permitted uses that could take place in the zoning district that could be built across the lot lines.
This should be able to stand on its own.
So I think we're in agreement there.
I'm just saying that because that was called the question around a public meeting.
I need to make it clear that this is part of my clients, diligent effort to make sure that that conditional use permit is being called through.
appreciate that consideration.
On the record, of course.
Thank you.
Joining the signed up to public comment on this.
There is not.
You know, the light signs, would you call the roll?
Please.
Councilor Henry.
Yes.
Counselors, Yes.
Cancer.
Back next.
Yes.
Councilor champagne.
Yes.
Councilor great.
Yes.
Council Agholor us.
Palumbo.
Yes, motion passes 7 to 0.
Thank you.
All right, guys.
15 see has been removed from the agenda tonight.
One less thing snow around to 15 day.
Award of contract too.
not going to try this one.
vocal water Technologies, LLC replay some of North water treatment plant filter oppress model.
Jeff, don't get any counsel for the record.
Deputy general manager of your water and sewer department.
Yes, this item is through request is to approve the replacement of the lime sludge press at the North Water treatment plant in the amount of $452,078.
A little background.
The North Water treatment plant uses the line softening process to remove hardness from the city's water.
This process produces a lime sludge, which is then thickened and the watering.
Before it is hauled off to an off-site location.
The watering is in Horton because it reduces our sludge, hauling costs.
The existing press was purchased in 2004 used.
And it is at the end of its service life.
It operates nearly 8 to 10 hours a day and it it.
runs continuously for the entire 365 they year.
The watering that sludge.
It now requires nearly weekly repairs.
The one or 2 departments, a long range plan.
converting the North Water treatment plant from lime softening to membrane.
Softening.
This transition is being considered because the current process needs major upgrades and still win that meet future regulatory requirements for this reason.
Staff has delayed replacing the press to avoid investing in equipment that will eventually become obolete.
the treatment conversion is still 3 to 5 years away.
the existing press can no longer.
Rely.
We support plant operations.
A vocal water technologies is the original manufacturer of the press.
The only supplier able to provide a fully compatible replacement.
In the plant.
Existing footprint staff have reviewed the turn.
Key proposal and determine the cause is fair and reasonable.
Normally this type a request would have come to city Council.
Through the water and sewer capital budget program.
we and then it would follow up as a single line item in the budget.
However, we were we differing replacing it and it wasn't until September that we determined that this Preston needed to be replaced.
Now to fund the replacement, we recommend using the water and sewer, renew, replace, and renew, renew, replace an improvement fund, which is provides $800,000 annually for an anticipated equipment failures in the water and wastewater systems.
This purchase will use approximately 56% of the funding with only 17% of the fiscal year.
Complete while we are not requesting the use of reserves at this time, additional unforeseen failures.
We're always possible and we may need to reprioritize other projects or ask counsel for the use of reserves if if unforeseen failures occur and we need additional funding.
It would have been remiss of me not to mention that right here.
So replacing this equipment is essential to maintaining reliable and uninterrupted operations at the North Water treatment plant.
And I hope you consider a motion to approve.
Council, but move.
I'll second that.
We have a motion by council pregnant a second, I think by council swan.
should've I signed up for public comment.
There is no one signed up for public comments.
You know, let's call the roll.
Please.
And counselor, next councilor Yes, Councilor Gray.
Councilor Agholor.
Yes.
Vice chair champagne.
Yes.
Councilor Henry.
Yes.
And chair Palumbo.
Yes.
Motion passes 7 to 0.
Thank you, Jeff.
All right.
Moving on the award of a contract to Douglas Higgins in for the Collier Boulevard, alternate like Lane Project in amount of 200 excuse me, 2 million, 929,000 $967.
Justin Martin, director of Department of Public Works to present.
Thank you.
Just anything council as mentioned, Justin Martin public works and you've seen this item here It is the alternate bike lanes for to Collier Boulevard and it's called alternate Collier Boulevard alternate because it's an alternate north-south
route.
On parallel roads to Collier Boulevard which allows bicycle traffic not to be on Collier Boulevard, but on the lesser used parallel side streets.
And the this this is part of the shared pass and bike lanes.
Master plan approved by the Collier County Mpo.
It's 100% reimburse.
The construction of it is 100% reimbursed by FDOT mine FDOT grant that has already been secured.
This received FDOT approval to proceed with the bidding and received FDOT approval to proceed with the contract award.
This project is the South segment of 8 to segment component Project.
And the South segment includes Peru Street, which is a length of street between Winterberry in.
And see great and includes the entirety of see great drive and the with the exception of the and cul-de-sac there at the North end and the entirety of Swallow Avenue which has a wide right away.
This project will not remove any of the newly planted trees on Swallow Avenue, which has what right away as mentioned, the future X filtration swells will also fit in the right away with a new bike lanes.
And the city will seek to rebid the North segment, which includes portions of Amazon Court castaways Court center court and Green Briar Street in the future pending FDOT approval.
The project includes water and sewer relocations as needed and driveway.
Accommodations.
The center portion landmark Street between San Marco Road in Winterberry Drive is existing.
This is constructed over 6 years ago.
So this is another the component to complete that alternate north-south bike lanes to Collier Boulevard.
And with that, I'll be glad to take any questions.
Thank you.
Justin Councils, one.
Yes, I'd like to make a motion to approve this as presented.
The most important thing we do is councilors is to keep our residents and our guests safe and the bike lane and getting people off from Collier Boulevard is key to this.
And this is being fully funded by FDOT.
And if we would accept this, this will put his to the back of the line with all these issues.
And as our and P o Board Council rep to I would highly recommend we approve and I hope we have a second time this second.
Thank you.
Concert tonight, we have a motion by council shore on a second by counsel.
see some more light Science Council Rechnitz.
I'm going by memory.
Which is always dangerous for me.
Didn't we have another grant on on this project some time ago.
may be 1.5 million.
We started off with that grant amount.
Yeah.
And as the design progressed, saw that there needed to be watermain new locations.
The costs went up.
we requested an increase to the grant amount from DOT.
They approved it.
We went out a bit.
The bids came in higher than That revise grant amount.
And subsequent to that requested another grant increase, DOT approved that grant increase.
And we went out to Ben again.
And here we are with the final product now, which has 100% grant funding to cover what's in this portion of the that I commend you for all Ish and it needs to be done what about original 1.5 million.
What has happened to that?
That's part of the 5.1 which is in this DOT grant.
So every time they got increased, it didn't go away.
It just wasn't there.
Also a grant back in 2023 at 900 and some $1000.
There was an original 1.5 And then there was an additional 2.3, I believe.
And now we're up to total cumulative.
5.1 million which covers is I drove the Swallow Avenue portion yesterday and got and and walked in, looked at this Wales, which are on the list to be.
To be fixed.
And the new trees that have just been put by the Beautification committee.
And they go most of the way, all the way down to.
To the end of the street.
But not quite.
What makes you think there's enough room to Putin about bike lane without affecting this?
construction and or affect the trees plants.
100 foot right-of-way and Swallow Avenue.
It's one of our white right of ways.
This added plan and that includes the where the trees are planted includes were the swells?
Are?
Yet the swells that are there now?
What's planned is and what you approved last month was the design for export ration swells right?
That design will take into account this project.
So those exit ration swells will be constructed in a location that already takes this project into account.
What about the trees?
The ex filtration did didn't take into account the trees because they work.
They weren't plant, right?
There's doesn't 27 trees and the this project can accommodate those trees.
Also, there's plenty of right away and swale area to be able to accommodate that.
Bush or look like it OK?
Vice chair shipping?
Yes, good presentation.
I happen to support the project of soon.
If we approve it, how soon can start and how long will it take to complete?
Well, the next step after this would be to submitted DOT for approval of the contract award.
Once we have their approval.
Then it is issuing a notice proceed to the contractor and based on their availability.
We established that notice proceed 8, which will then start the clock on the contract time for this to be constructed.
But the goal is to have this done this fiscal year because the grant funds go through this fiscal year.
Good.
Thank you.
Counselor.
Justin, thank you for your presentation.
Constitution pain just my questions.
My last question would be what would be the disruption for the roads on the clear Boulevard.
And Collier practically none.
This is not a well on this.
on swallow.
Again.
This is going to be on the roadsides existing pavement.
That's their We're adding pavement.
So we're adding bike lanes on each side and that that can be done without money without impacting the two-way traffic.
There may be some shifting temporarily as they do the construction there, but it will be able to maintain two-way traffic on swallow.
Thank Kallstrom 40 going take a step my real quick.
First of all, thank you so much for the work on this.
I appreciated.
I think this is a great idea.
Also counsels one.
Thank you for your time on the mpo your produce an actual tangible results.
When I run down the street and I see a speed limit and I see things.
So I greatly appreciate that, too.
I would have made a motion a second chair.
Not because this is such a worthy cause.
think with that councils want.
Yes, I did just want to remind all of us here in council and there are rules of procedure.
Section 7.
If you go to number 10 under be 10, just reminder to all of us to try to keep meetings moving quicker.
So we're not going into 4 hours.
So under 10, it encourages says as counsel to please ask many questions in advance to City Hall prior to these meetings because I think certainly these questions that were just bought out could have been asked previously because its past history.
So just to kind reminder, thank you.
Thank you.
Council on it.
They do have the right to ask him here in the public forum that they might want a reason for them to be brought to the public.
So that is their prerogative.
But we are moving along pretty good in this meeting, folks that Council Council great.
I just want respond to that.
There remains questions are for the benefit of the community because when you read this documents, it doesn't scream the answers and the perceptions and the reality a situation.
So I understand following the charter, but this is really about making sure that communities informed correctly about the decisions we're making.
Thank you.
Council.
fun place.
Quickly, Yes, quickly, I would say also we do have the duty to our citizens.
They are turning this off.
They're not.
They're leaving the room.
We have these for our meetings.
So we do have that duty to be fair facilitators and movies, timely meetings.
That's why bring it up.
But I agree.
I understand what you're saying.
Counterpoint and I agree with that as well.
There are actually some past councils that actually booked more meeting so they make meeting timelines sufficiently, respectable the community and still allowed for comprehensive conversation as we could follow something council communication.
If you like Jones, anybody signed up for public speaking on this.
There is there is one member of the public.
It's Mister Allen who would like to How are you use?
Go 15.
45 Serrano.
Socal probably a lifetime rose to chair the bypass committee.
I just want express support This particular.
Lane, the Poly open, very important to get the traffic Wolf of Collier Boulevard.
It was originally envisioned as one continuous Lane extending landmark to the north and to the South.
But I strongly support breaking it up.
Because when we did the traffic surveys in the bicycle surveys, we found out the traffic on that South segment is 5 to 10 times what it is on the North segment.
And that's just because you have so many condos down there and they will channel into that one little segment on swallow between.
See great and Collier.
anybody to go anywhere, you have to go to that little half block segment.
So all the costs go up.
See great little bicycles go up, see break.
So I strongly support this and we're not going forget about the North segment and there are multiple ways to follow up and try to get that done afterwards.
But it's worth while to get this locked in on the way because it is a dangerous area.
Thank you.
Thank you for all you've done for us.
Yes, they make one comment.
Police And none of the sidewalk projects.
What did pup would have been possible without al music?
Oh, yes, Doing it for years.
now we have we appreciate you and what you've done.
Well said, Mister Chair, a former Mister Chair for giving.
I just can't get past me.
Joe, would you call the roll?
Please?
Counselors tried s.
Councilor Henry.
Yes.
Councilor packed next.
Yes.
Councilor gray Councilor Kohler.
Yes, vice chair champagne.
Yes.
And chair Palumbo, yes.
Motion passes 7 to 0.
Thank you.
Your of 15 F a well, guys, put this at the end of the gender for a reason.
I thought it's going to take a bit of time.
So we have plenty of it.
Item 15 f review of the public private partnership.
He 3 proposal from still in development Corporation title coastal Habitat and Water Development Seahawk initiative.
As we all know it, it's going to be also presented just Martin.
Justin, please.
Or do we need John, we to read this into record?
No, there's nothing like it.
Justin, Again, Council just Martin public works.
And yet the item before you is the waterway stretching public private partnership proposal by Earth works and in Camp.
The water quality has been a constant topic of concern in the waterways Advisory Committee in 2018, the city hired to real whole to to analyze nitrogen levels in the city's waterways.
Results of that analysis.
Analysis was presented to city Council in March of 2019 during the first of 2 water quality workshops at that time.
In April of 2019 at the second Water Quality Workshop.
The the Waterways Advisory Committee chair recommended a nutrient source study in August of 2019 review.
The nutrient levels in the surface waters and issued a letter indicating that Marco Island that the marquam water body was added to the impaired list for nitrogen and requires a which is total maximum daily load limit.
The city then commission a nutrient source evaluation study the an rfq process and selected a consultant and awarded the $200,000 Study in December of 2019.
The study was completed in September of 2021, the study indicated that release of nutrients.
From the canal bottom sediments accounts for 70% nutrients in the water easement put up that a chart that was presented here in July at Water Quality Workshop.
So you can see there that the pie chart on the right is 70 an area.
Oops.
Is an area represent 70% of this settlement in the city's waterways, which is embedded in the nutrients of the canal bottoms.
The study, the nutrient Evaluation study, Justin, part of an image of Martin.
If you get a chance, he council fragments, the screen has gone down.
Maybe take a quick look at it.
Just give us a second.
I'm sorry about Turner.
It comes Marvel but the but the expert take take a stab at it.
Just if you could, please okay.
The study provided a comprehensive list of recommendations for implementation.
Number one was dredging to remove the embedded nutrients in the canal bottom sediments.
Or come out of and take care We got a big enough.
All right.
Justin will keep this moving.
We got a screen to share for the moment.
Sorry for the interruption.
So as as mentioned, the nutrient evaluation study had a comprehensive list of recommendations for implementation.
One of them being dredging to remove the embedded nutrients in the canal.
Bottom sediments.
Another once well improvements to detain runoff soil infiltration and do not nation, which that took the form of exploitation swells as what we're doing now.
Number 3 was in screens is what we're putting in our storm water in.
That's to catch that leaves grass clippings.
Any landscape, debris from work from being screened before it gets into waterways.
Number 4 was property owners stormwater management or what was then known as rain Gardens.
Number 5 was seepage management.
And this modifications that the seawalls to have been done by homeowners.
Number 6 was reclaimed water.
Reuse application rate management alternate disposals, an educational program, nutrient reduction in Overspray region reduction.
Number 7, improve Recirculation, also known as title Flushing.
So these are recommendations from that 500 page study, which was a nutrient source evaluation.
Number 8, fertilizer and landscape management application management of fertilizer, eliminate grass clippings and landscape debris going into the canals.
And number recommend that they recommended a stormwater utility to fund all the water quality remediation improvements.
The recommendations and quartered incorporated into our incorporated into a Matrix which is incuded in every public works monthly departmental report.
The city prepared and submitted the Category 4 E alternate water quality plan in Louisville ATM video where state mandate mandated water quality improvements, testing reports and spending would have been imposed by the state DP.
So the category for you plan includes the recommended actions from the nutrient study.
And the nutrients or study the hydrodynamic study for title Flushing in the evaluation of nutrients study as it relates reuse water is available online and city's website.
The city the city received an unsolicited public private partnership proposal for the dredging component of the aforementioned comprehensive water quality Restoration Action plan from Earthworks end cap initiative in the proposal is titled Seahawk.
The Public-Private Partnership Statute allows for the municipality to hire a consultant to review the proposal reimbursed by the Proposer.
The city hired subsequently hired Homestead and more to evaluate the proposal, send more and their team of experts are here, too.
Present the findings of the ripples valuation and answer any questions.
Earthworks an end cap are also here to present their proposal and answer any questions.
City Council is asked to listen to the presentations and participate by asking questions and then direct staff to for that for to further actions regarding any potential agreement for proceeding and with that, I'd like to turn it over to hot
Dr.
Mohammed Dabees of Homs.
That and more for the consultancy evaluation of the proposal.
Thank you, Justin.
Talk to the beach area today.
for the record.
Muhammad to be some Sunday morning, years had Justin's introduction and we the a similar view team here.
Debbie well.
Represent a brief presentation Fuller, our teams presentation.
And then then she and the rest of the team would be available for as we can to make for a nice place.
To become please identify yourself.
Yes, Debbie mad.
And then with the law from going stir.
Good evening Chair Vice Chair City Council.
It's a privilege represent you tonight and share our thoughts setting the table just a little background.
We're talking about the unsolicited Pete, 3 proposal that you all received the proposal in 10 students address water, quality improvements from nutrient rich sediments.
can now bottoms.
As you all know, there's extensive canal network on this island constructed in the 1960's and this project would involve dredging the center part of the canals, not seawall the seawall, but focusing on the center part of the canals and then
making beneficial reuse of the sediments from that dredging effort to build mangrove islands, which would be habitat for Birds and wildlife.
As Muhammad mentioned, this team here tonight, we have homes to more engineers, Mohammed dabees Terrell Phone associates covering the biology ecology aspects of this proposal.
Tim Hall and my real name Jean de La Tom and of Derby with cancer.
without going into lot of detail here, we review the 50 page proposal that you all received from the Seahawk team and sent our questions on the topics listed here on the slide, course, in much more detail.
But that's in our experience.
These were the topics that we would wanted to learn more about in evaluating the pros and cons of this proposal.
Following that we met with the Seahawk team.
And discussed our questions and their responses.
And then we received written responses from the Seahawk team.
Just last month we completed our review report sticking closely to the statutory mandate in section to 55 Point '06, 5, per in 3 per 5.
And so I'm gonna go over these bulleted items which are the statutory items and findings as to each one.
So the material quality standards were evaluated from what was presented.
And we found that the assurance was incomplete while the materials like vinyl seawall, rip rap and plant types are typical of these types of projects.
Questions remained about sediment, quality stability in volumes for the Mangrove islands and sources of outside material like sand and Rep Rep were not provided.
The team also had an answer questions about the mechanical dredging techniques proposed that would be used in conjunction with fluid canal sediments.
the concern was avoiding the spreading of find sediments in that process.
On the next item.
The budget estimate we were provided that the budget estimate was not to exceed 60 million dollars.
And that would cover permitting construction and 3 years of post-construction monitoring.
The team reviewing found that there was a lack of detail and how this budget was determined.
There was a somewhat lacking detail of how it how to establish the pre agreed.
City funding amount.
There was a discussion of grants and the proposal, but generally the team did not know which grants would be pursued and what requirements this would have.
What also on the budget topic.
They're the proposal included a one percent retention of payments until completion.
And the team noted that this was lower than the industry standard for dredging and marine projects.
And finally, long-term operation and maintenance costs would be the city's responsibility.
And those costs were not estimated in the proposal other than the Proposer told us that they were expected to be minimal.
However, we thought that the city could should consider the operation and maintenance costs of final seawall material, vegetation, maintenance, post-hurricane inspection and repair and the need for future canal maintenance.
Through dredging.
sorry, I have a couple more there.
go There we Thank you.
All right.
Moving on to the design and construction schedule.
The schedules left somewhat vague.
The proposal or a asked us to assume that there would be one to 2 years of design and permitting 2 years for dredging an island construction.
One year for planting of the islands and 3 years of post-construction monitoring.
In our experience, the schedule is optimistic, but feasible.
And given the location of the islands and the dredging happening at the same time, it could be feasible.
And then item of from the statute was evaluation of assurance of sustainable design and construction standards consistent with public projects.
The project design is to conceptual at this moment for U.S.
to opine on whether this is sustainable design and construction standards consistent with public projects.
The team raised concerns about potential deepening of canals that can make the low flushing capacity worse and the establishment of mangrove islands in the canals hasn't been studied to ensure the bio accumulation of sediment and nutrients in
the canals is not made worse.
The team also laid out some other considerations are risks to consider and we can do it.
Elaborate further.
If you have any questions, these centered on the design concept ensuring that the water quality objective is meant alternatives.
Analysis, which would be part of the permitting process was not provided in the proposal.
Also long-term costs, which I mentioned earlier, considering that the long-term operation maintenance with city's costs.
Acetic some public interests.
discussion the proposal was insufficient as to whether the Mangrove Islands would be excepted by the public and then the lack of precedent was a concern.
The proposal did not include similar projects of scale or a pilot success.
And so on that note, if you have any questions, we have the team here or I can turn it over to the next presenter.
Well, thank you for presentation to have one question for now.
Made love some after the next presentation Council Thank This might be for any one of the attorneys.
I'm under the impression an attorney.
So I can assure you of Deltona Settlement Agreement of 1982 prohibits creation of any new lands in this jurisdiction.
fact, the creations for all islands would violate that settlement.
Can anybody opine on that?
Let I don't have a full answer.
I know that there are state lands, restoration projects that there's a difference between spoil islands and restoration projects that are not developed land.
So I may be a Thanks Hi, Tim Hall, a trial Holland Associates and I was going to just expand with Debbie said there's.
That there's a differentiation between restoration or habitat enhancement versus development lands developed that Deltona Settlement Agreement precludes the creation of any new development plans, but it's not.
Clear there's no really definition in terms of whether or not land could be created for habitat enhancement.
The state has done that in other areas within the Deltona area.
So you know, it's it's a may go more of a legal issue.
But right now the the prohibition is specifically to develop plans.
It could be subject to litigation debate over whether or not he create it could that looking for.
Thank you.
10 suspects.
I agree with counselor agree.
I I took a look at that 1982.
Document as well.
And it does prohibit the creation of a a new land, dozen doesn't specify what kind of land.
So I think it's something that we need to be.
Riley concerned about.
Any thoughts on this before we proceed?
No, sir, I think you just keep we may come back to as I see no other Thank you for now.
I'm sure we'll have you back up for some more questions.
Thank Mr.
Chair.
Council now following will be the Proposer earthworks an end cap.
Mr.
Bartos here to represent them.
Good evening outside Dan Davies.
The principal for work.
So looking about.
Briefly on the Deltona Settlement Agreement, the certainly does on so compliance is going be demonstrators part of the project.
I think that that would be something that we would have to cross as part of the environmental permitting.
In fact, most DP level permitting in this area.
Brings into play that document.
And so that would come through in the process.
I think that is maybe the right way to set the table as far as the way we see where this is in them process.
This is a proposal at a conceptual level, too.
Get to design and get to permitting.
And so today and and really any proposal where you're going to be designing a full project, it's not typical for the engineering company to show up with the fully design project all the permits and say, hey, here you go.
Here's everything.
Let's move forward.
Instead, what we're doing is saying we've reviewed the history of the analysis of the problems that have been identified that I believe Mr.
Martin articulated very well and here's a concept way in which this could be done.
Third-party review is accomplished to look at what is the feasibility of the concept in the way that we're looking at?
A lot of the feedback there is more details needed.
And of course, more details provided in the engineering and permitting and Lamb pointed out here is I think it's important to back up and look at the proposed deal structure.
The proposed deal structure is that all of the design and permitting will be done at risk by the proposer and so and after that point after the completion of the actual permitting peace, the city will have the opportunity at that point to find
that it's not in the best interest to proceed and would be able to not proceed at that point.
And so the way that we're looking at this is you have invest and spend a lot of time and effort ends tax dollars trying to identify the problem.
Proposes.
Looked at that and said, okay, we can take this to the next step.
We can design a solution to this.
And and really at the current stage, the question is, should we let the proposer take that risk for the city to get to that point many times in the city's decision-making processes.
You will design a project all the way through and then did it and then decide whether or not you can do it.
But at that point, you've already paid for the design.
You paid for the permanent.
You've walked through all this and you've spent money and sometimes you decide not to move forward here if you decided not to move forward at that point, the city is not actually in Carney, financial obligations and that point.
And that's so what I'm seeing and what I see in that review is these are all good guide rails for what could be in the comprehensive agreement to make sure that all of the various concerns that we have are addressed by we I mean, you, the city
has can be addressed in a comprehensive agreement so that you're going to get the product that you won't hear.
I think when we look at the history of this discussion back to 2018 forward, the reason why it's hard to get because you all went to bid.
You did an rfq to try to solve this problem.
You generally get responses that work for the city in part because this is very hard problem and it's a very complicated solve.
And so the project proposal has to be scalable has to be able adjust to the real conditions, but get that those data points.
Real investment has to be made to figure those things out.
Every single canal is going to have to be analyzed individually for design.
Some canals will not need dredging.
Some will need more dredging than others.
And all of that can be done and what we're proposing.
And it's certainly there's any number of possible answers here.
But what Earth looks is proposing is that the negotiations continue so that they can get those answers to you at their risk.
The I think that is 8 really interesting offer.
I think it allows the city to get real data to make this decision.
I think it's putting you in a position.
It is unique because there is almost no other situation where a contractor comes to you and says we'll go figure this out for you and then you can decide whether this is in the best interest or not.
Typically you have to pay significantly well before that point.
And so I I share all that only to help try to frame.
What is the question today because inside of the statutory process where we are is you received the unsolicited proposal, which is part of Florida law, a 3rd party reviewer has taken a look at it and they providing very good feedback and very
good guide.
Rails for negotiation.
And the next piece of this would be moving forward to a potentially comprehensive agreement to actually get there.
But in a normal scenario, what might happen is you would do an interim agreement to design it and you would pay for the design.
What is making this a typical?
And I think worth your consideration is instead of doing that.
The contractor will designed permit.
Get your feedback and then they'll be a discussion about whether you plan to move forward.
also, as we discussed in the first couple meetings comes to funding plans to develop how to actually pay for the project.
And so I I want to pause there because I don't know.
want to belabor the point respectful of everyone's time.
But I think that the deal structure was is what makes this so interesting and worth considering?
I think that the team that you have hired to review this has proven to be very thorough.
And I think that there will be able to guide the negotiation of this so that the end of the day product is not something that earthworks that, hey, this is what you should do.
do it.
It's hey.
Here's what we think.
The answer is and your independent reviewers are going to help make sure that we provide objective guide rails to get to the right answers.
But at the end of the day, and I want to emphasize this, if the project is not profitable, if the court will not issue the permits, if the Deltona Settlement Agreement becomes an insurmountable problem.
If Fish and Wildlife Commission one issue the permits, then a project will not happen in the city, will have no financial obligation.
That is a large at-risk component to this proposal.
And I just want to make sure it's clear on the record that what we're saying is.
Arthrex understands that that's that's the pitch and Earth looks feels it needs to take that level of skin in the game approach to this because it's such a unique project there or not as the reviewers pointed out, they were not good comparable
projects that they were aware of.
And so it's fair to at for the for thrust to say, OK, we need to earn your trust by proving that this is a feasible concept, but we're not going to ask you to pay to prove it's feasible.
We just want to know that we can be partners in the operation to prove it to you.
I'm sorry, Dan Davies.
15 55 Jamaica Court that that's that's I've stressed all along.
But like?
Posing here is a true partnership.
We're not here to tell you how you should fix this.
We're here to to do your tool to to get answer.
If you see the can take action, we can get you to a point that we're confident we can get to.
And that's all I can stand behind is what we're offering to do.
And then still up to you to decide to do it or not.
So we're not adding any penalty to decide not to do.
I trust that you're going to do what's in the best interest of Marco Island.
All I'm doing is designing something that's the most.
Affordable.
And the most effective approach to your problem.
So we're starting from that standpoint, what's the most affordable and most effective to solve the problem.
It's still up to you to decide whether that's a path you want to take.
But we want to.
We want at least partner with you to show you that you can.
That's an option for you and we'll take the risk to Thank you because we for open up to questions.
John, I'm just curious how many registered speakers that we have on this?
There are 4 register speakers who are signed up for what I have a 5 registered speakers who are excited.
open up the council questions.
Guys are not just limited to a of art Mr.
Davies.
also a syringe.
And here's our staff council records.
couple of questions.
My recollection is that when we voted to give you the go ahead to begin this process.
Yeah, you want to die or consultant and you did.
must and more.
Who paid it.
Take that pursuant to the statute earthworks paid for the consultant cost didn't the And then you read the reimbursements.
I don't know what the actual mechanism was.
I can answer that Justin Martin public works how it worked is the city that is the city's consultant, the city selected that consultant with no input.
From the Proposer.
Yeah.
That that was the deal.
The Proposer provided the funds prior to the city.
Doing any purchase order to that consultant.
So they prepaid.
based on the press pozole that we got from the consultant.
They prepaid the total amount.
Then the city prepared to purchase water to hire the consultant to do that.
So they paid up front.
Next question.
For the expenses going forward.
Proving expenses further engineering design caused cetera.
Will you be paying those directly to that to the vendor?
The proposal is that in the pre in the design and permitting phase that Earthworks would be fully responsible in pale cause.
So we wouldn't be at new reimburses.
That's correct.
Okay.
I've got further comment, but I'll wait But it's like going a vacation pay.
Yeah, I'm a little surprised that you didn't address directly with the indicated where been pretty serious concerns from my standpoint, very to talk about concepts without getting into details and answering concerns.
Seems to me the concept.
Continues to fail to address the issue of water, quality and canals.
Are you going to improve the quality and canals?
I haven't heard that.
You been challenged by a consultant who said they can't cannot tell by what your answers were to them.
That you can improve the water.
Quality and canals.
So why no rebook to what they were saying?
It was pretty scathing report.
They just made.
Well, first to point out that the well, we have this written report.
not seen that slide before us.
I didn't see the individual bullet points there.
But as to the water quality piece the erd report makes the finding that the dredging improves the water quality and the largest possible contributing factor to the improvement of the water quality on the island.
But the consulting firm is indicating doing only the center dredge of a canal.
Leaves.
Both the seawalls untouched more likely than not.
think they were saying it's likely to fill the vacuum created in the middle middle of the canal.
Again, to me.
Your concept raises more questions than it answers.
I'm looking for answers I don't care if you're standing up here and say trust us, it's a concept and believe work some day.
How do you prove something like that?
I think the way that it's proven is to is to the permit process.
think that but that's fine if that's not acceptable.
But what it does is it ties the city up for years to go through this, proving the concept.
Unnecessarily.
It's already consuming too much time to perfectly honest with you, with no answers, no answers.
I'm very concerned that we're being.
Presented material with no solutions at this moment.
I mean, no.
The city would be hammered for approving any kind of deal like that.
And frequently you do as a community cameras for making better decisions in this.
Ask you a question.
Is that I love question.
We can't take the next step.
And invest that money unless we know there's commitment in a partnership that your along with us to do that week you have a very valid question, there's a lot of details and want answers.
We've got to do hydraulic studies of the canals.
We've got to We've got to do to got surveys.
We go to a local reports.
There's a lot of things that go involved in the process.
But once again, I can't invest that money up front and bring all that to you and then and then ask if you would like to pursue this project.
At least I have a commitment that we're in a partnership to pursue an end goal.
If we can't prove that to you at any time, then if you don't think it's a long best interest of Marco Island, then you just cancel the contract that no penalty Q and will say sorry, we can help you and hope we can be of service in the future.
But we're what I'm trying to do is what similar to what another resident maybe did when you build Veterans Park.
I think a resident donate close to a million dollars Veterans Park.
If I'm not mistaken and I'm sure we the our community appreciated that.
What I'm investing is close to 2 million dollars in services to help us solve a real urgent problem that we have.
And it's the water quality in our canals.
And this is a problem that's going on to this point.
That's going to continue every day to get worse and worse and harder to reverse.
So we're helping you take actions what we're trying to do and taking the risk.
We The reason that the partnerships were not tying you up with all these details.
We don't have to come for funding to go to national media.
fortunately, that's not the case.
Continuing to proceed on the basis that you're proceeding, ties the city up, our hands are tied.
We're devoting manpower, hours and time on a project that is totally unproven.
There's no proven concept here at all.
None that I can see.
And you pretty much agree to it.
It's a concept.
Well, if we're asked to buy a concept.
We're not asking why it's great team here.
not asking you to buy any.
There's no no topic facing this city that I have received more negativity from the community on this project and it's 99% against the project against correcting our water quality issues.
No, they know what they think.
They have solutions for that squall Awt.
Well, that has nothing to do with dredging canals.
So that's why we brought you back to the report that that's an ancillary addition to it without doing dredging of the canals.
You're not you can't you have to reverse what's been done it.
You can't prove they're dredging a canal cleans the water.
Of course we can.
We've done for 30 years.
Not with so.
you have with salt water with any water are are canal system.
You have not provided any documentation all guys question and answer, please.
Yes, not state.
You want to do a better pipe.
I'm sorry.
You want play back to I think what's important to understand.
The Marconi Canal system is not a natural habitat.
Okay.
It's part of our storm water system that utility.
Ok and like every utility, it requires maintenance.
Every utility does.
anyone knows what a catch basin is, when you have settlements in your water running down the street, they go into a catch basin that catch basin fills up eventually with the solids that are flowing through the water system right.
And you go in, you get your country sons in a city situation where you yearly multi 5 years down the road for years.
You clean your catch basin.
our canal system is our catch basin for the entire island of That's our canal system.
It's not a natural habitat.
It's essentially an alley way to the back of our homes.
And it's the worst environment we can try have clean Water shallow boxed in and just know move.
Okay.
That's the reality we have here.
So we're looking at this as utility problem, which is essentially maintenance, stretching your canal system.
But when we look at the cost of that, OK, to make this stretch of canal system, we're not going to get funding from the state to say, you know what, your wealthy community, but let us pay your maintenance costs for your infrastructure.
We're not gonna do that.
But with their with funding opportunities that the state has for water, quality projects.
We take the projects complete dredging project in the water Quality project.
Then it opens us up to that funding that the state has for water, quality projects.
Plenty of funny which we have preempted upstate in Tallahassee and gotten great reviews on the project for from them and from how it met the funding requirements.
We spent a lot of money and time setting this thing out.
We can't answer questions to your consultant in details until we start the design process for those details analyzing the materials.
And doing the surveys and doing a hydraulic studies.
That's all part of this process along.
This is a long, arduous design process.
So we can't we can't give you those answers up front.
But we know that our concept and I think your consultants, if you asked with the concept is doable, maybe them some questions like that rather than to detailed questions of all these construction and permitting details that were involved in
that we have to overcome.
If we can't satisfy the board that the community supports us.
Then vote to cancel the contract.
If we can satisfy the board that we've got permits and that we got regulatory body signed off on it.
Thank you there is no project.
If we can't get the funding for the project for the city and you decide that we can't get the funding for you.
Like we said, we could.
And you don't want to fund it.
There's no project.
But all along there is not one dollar that we're asking Marco Island put forward.
Not one.
We're asking a partner with you to help you come up with a solution to this problem.
What we propose is most economical.
Effective solution, ecologically anytime we introduce natural habitat into manmade environments when it comes to water quality.
We improve that water quality.
That's a proven fact.
The methods reusing she pollen rocket been used for 150 years.
We're just implementing it in a different way, Insider canal system because we have skill doing that making big things in a small area.
Okay.
Thank you.
Accounts are great.
Thank Coming up, 3 project City previously we've done 3 design constructs.
not peak 3 in different states.
So thank you.
because the city has never P 3 as well correct and the complexity of this project is monumental.
The amount of staff work would be monumental.
But just I look at this more as a joint venture and having confidence in the partners and not to go forward.
I do appreciate your your comment about conceptually.
There are things we have to do to address in the canals no doubt about it.
I saw Capital improvement plans going back to the early 2.
Thousands were.
This has been highlighted as a conversation point.
I just absolutely don't believe that we should be in and going and this type of scope of project this But the fte PA, there are preliminary conversations and I thought it'd been signal that there were serious concerns that they would actually
approved the spoil islands.
Can you give any perspective on that?
Not whatsoever.
Not in our communication with piano.
got no indication from Fte Pa anywhere in this process that they might be concerned about the spoil islands.
Now from our Yeah, not sure referring to.
There's been a conversation with the fte PA on creating spoil islands and whether in concept they feel that is viable.
propose our particular project to be the southwest Fort Myers.
And then we did have a meeting with the EPA in Tallahassee and show them our project.
got and both cases we had prix at preliminary discussions.
I'm unaware of there being any comments that indicate that it was not.
He's a possible.
So best indication us with more they're excited about.
So they're signaling to you that they are potentially willing to entertain this That's what brought us to this point.
And reading your proposal, which was attached to this agenda.
It continues to reference Naples, Botanic Gardens and the representation about their role in this.
That's very unclear to me what role they do or do not have at this point.
The process had submitted a revised proposal after the last discussion.
I don't know which proposal you're looking at, but the proposal is that they will be paid as a consultant to help consult on the specific plan types that will be used in the various islands.
The proposal that was attached again, reference them as a partner.
The last I have asked multiple times at that proposal be language replaced with the one that I resubmitted.
And I was told that we're going pass along the original one.
So I can't I apologize.
I don't want chase a bad information.
I have a lot more questions.
I have a great, great concerns about come forward with this project.
Thank you.
Council goal.
I'm going to make this very quick and I think you remember last time we've had this conversation, you presented your project front of us and I asked you that at some point we had the got Fiddler's credit.
Felix.
Remember, though, just in had a calm conversation.
There was a dump around that we could actually take sentiment from the bottom all our canals and dump over there.
And if you Creek residents just went absolutely.
Do not want the garbage on But the act and I'm going to repeat myself.
Why do you think I would want my constituents are residents to have that sediment.
Whatever trying to get it, you don't even know what's in there.
I think build the island in the middle of that.
Also to finish my another comment.
I specifically spoke with the Pete.
This specifically told me that there will not permanent floor island built in the canals.
I had the conversation.
I can give your name of lady as well.
So yes, I did have a conversation.
And this had that absolutely will They would probably approve dredging, but they will not permit to build islands in middle of the canals.
That's all I have so far and that they want to buy idyllic consulting for you.
Guys did a great job on that.
First piece of I can address the Fiddler's Creek.
I think the distinction here, what you proposing doing was using a former I wastewater facility for ad watering ground.
And so you're going to take the spoil pump it there and then let it dry.
what's being proposed here just for distinction purposes is that these spoil would be used to create the structures and then cap.
So we're nice, a different format.
So we're we're not.
We're not taking this dirt and just letting it sit on the ground.
These big giant pile chair mentioned now.
Kuala question, please your style.
You saying that you would put the cap over settlement.
Is the switch saying what I'm saying?
Is flash going on?
I add up.
There's mangroves that are going to be as vegetation on top of it.
That are gonna be part of the nutrient uptake.
And how does a member of take it to chilly to grow?
don't have Jonathan here, but and fully function.
So and how many anytime height?
It looked duking within a year.
not just the vegetation that keeps the that's an erosion control issue to the islands and a stability issue for the island.
It is it a question of stability or is it a question of the type of material we're using?
Well, both are both are answered in the regulatory process.
We've got to demonstrate to the record for We've got to demonstrate to the regulatory bodies.
The very questions are asked.
We've got to demonstrate that we're containing the sediment and it's not moving from the island.
We're doing that with our design.
We feel confident with our council showtime.
And I think if you ask your consultants, it's possible to contain the settlement in the design that our concept is sheet pile and rock Dallas design that simple math, it's been done for years.
This isn't any we're not using new techniques to do this, sir.
I'm sorry, Mister Chair.
think I'm I cannot I cannot approve this project.
Sorry.
Thank Thank the light side, guys, I'm gonna jump in and try to tie in a few questions.
I've heard a lot personal.
Thank you for presenting.
Thank you for being bold enough.
Try to solve the problem.
I know it's not an easy.
Thing to do and there's a bit of pushback because it's complicated and it's lately and he's confirmed lot of impact for the entire problem that's getting worse and worse.
And we are a little more confused than maybe we know where we're going and appreciate the engineering report.
We're left with more questions and answers now I realize or very early on in the process.
One of the challenges facing team is it.
I believe we're going to go with Awt first.
seems like he's going to be the first direction of I guess, right with the referendum in the citizens.
And believe even sent to it.
That's part of your questions or clean-up, but also clean up what's have?
Yeah.
So we move what's been put there.
So dredging does seem be a viable solution to doctor.
Harper mentioned it.
I think you mentioned it wasn't because of the cost.
That was one of the challenges.
Now we didn't get into creations of islands.
And that challenge.
And I do think.
That's going to be a tremendous hurdle, has to put something where it wasn't before.
And think our citizens are going up a good amount of pushback As I mentioned, I also think if they had islands and with the takeaway to be a lot of pushback, it's I don't want change.
Now.
Council shipping out agree I did receive more negativity here, but I don't 30 people.
I didn't receive hundreds of e-mails or comments.
I mean, very small microcosm of those who don't like the idea.
I approve this to go forward to this level because might always have to be open-minded and try to explore all options.
Also, you're paying for the bill and bringing us information so said, look, I you're going to retain studies.
We're gonna provide for you.
The thing so we're saying is I'm taking the risk to know that you're in you're looking at the best interest of Marco Island and I'm getting it me to tie this up So here's the challenge.
I have going forward and maybe it's guilt and I got to get to staff and men about their time committed to this.
I see this being the same conversation we had a while back.
You are willing to foot the bill for us to consider moving forward and I'm not even convinced they would move forward.
I'm very far off from a yes decision on this.
I'm trying to wrap myself my head around.
Is this still a viable enough conversation to keep going on your dime and your time to see where we might go.
And Holden this was I can.
Justin, can you give me an idea?
Is format to much time with the staff time involved is a big rain on you to move forward or are they doing most of the work?
Try to give us an idea.
So we know where we stand.
Okay.
Up until now, the staff time involved with this has coordination with the consultant to review the propose or proposes proposal going forward.
I can't quantify the amount of staff time that it would take, but I would suspect that all of consulting will be done by the proposer.
The permitting would be done by the proposer.
We would like any other project be doing coordination and making sure that things are submitted on time.
And looking at any reports that are submitted staff will have a valuation as far as those reports that get submitted.
They would.
Potentially be some.
independent review that the city would have to contract with its consultants independently.
If there's any question of what what is being presented?
I can't right now.
Quantify that and give you an estimate of staff time with, you know, I just don't have that.
This sounds promising it is a one of the things mentioned in the nutrient source evaluation.
That is, as I mentioned earlier, 70% of the nutrients are embedded in the sediments.
There have been.
Dredging projects elsewhere in salt water down in the keys.
There was a project that was discussed by the Waterways Advisory Committee where they did do dredging it did improve water quality, but dredging alone just like everything.
As I mentioned.
Water quality improvement has to be a comprehensive solution.
Not one thing alone is going to solve the problems, not awt alone, not dredging loan, not in that screens alone.
It has to be a comprehensive approach.
I mean, that's that's what I can share right now at this point.
I appreciate that.
And I appreciate your honesty, guys.
I'm going to fight turned over counter say I view this similar to our first capital workshop.
I don't expect there coming to us with all the answers I expected.
This was one of 6 or 7 meetings of detailed.
Conversation.
I understand it's it's not the maybe most popular approach amongst those who have been full color.
For the most part, our communities remain quiet.
So I'm torn with trying to cast aside Oran torn with asking these folks to keep moving forward.
When I know I'm fully not decided.
So that we've got we've got even according to Councilman Practice, we've got.
2 years of permitting.
You know, that's our point is you've got to it's your 4 years out having even though So going turn and we'll go back.
And after the round trip, more questions Councilor Henry, thank you.
Thank you again.
Thank you for your thorough review.
That was very helpful.
And as always, thank you guys for just being honest with thanks.
I agree.
I'm counselor Palumbo.
I I'm not quite sure.
My question for you.
Would you be willing to revise your proposal?
Do a mock up.
Is there a way that that can be that just one can now one?
just because one of the things that was not included in the paperwork was a schedule map or anything like that.
I didn't know if that's something cause.
I think a lot of these things that they need to beat and what we need to be able to see it and understand it.
The sketches.
little more detail.
And since this is hasn't been done anywhere else here in Florida Idol.
If that is an option, I know expense Wise, obviously to bring everything out.
That's significant.
But that also.
I think would be a way maybe for because I agree exactly.
what Justin said in the fact of it's more than one thing.
Awt is not going to solve the problems.
We need a lot of different factors.
So just feel like then once it if one or 2 canals are done.
can see what with the repercussions are in going forward.
So that's my question.
We're here to establish a partnership to solve your problem.
We're not here to force you into one solution.
I start off by saying we came up with writer right now.
Economical and effective solution.
doesn't mean it's a solution.
We have to use.
If we're going to move due out exterior islands to save costs room that didn't kill, then we would modify the project to the ice, but then we have to look into as well would be qualify for the funding we affect in our own water quality to qualify
for the funding.
If that's the case, we can move forward that direction.
We can't get you answers that you need until we take more steps forward.
We have to take some action to do that.
And to make it easier on the city of Marco Island to take action.
I was willing to front those cost to take that action.
I'm not here to try and make money on Marco Island.
We offer in low-speed place.
I'll be happy to offer in the contract that you can review our financial statements past and forward from this project in the margin to be authentic the same as they are in every other project.
I I'm resident Mike I love this place and that's why I'm giving my time and my treasure to try and do something about it.
So that's what were often do.
The pilot program, if that's part of our conference agreement, you guys, hey, we're all were on board.
This meet a pilot program.
Will least we know you're committed to something and that gives energy, say, OK, then we'll invest in a pilot program.
But we're trying to get the ball started.
We're just trying to take the next step in in.
Doing a public private partnership to explore these answers.
But we're here to offer help get those answers.
That's what we're here to do.
We're not here to force you on one particular project.
We started off with the most economical with the funding available to state.
That's why we designed it that we did.
Is it that way?
Because we thought everyone would love island's.
We designed it that way because he argues proposal said 190 million dollars, which I think is actually low to try and reg that much material in a local cloak Haitian like Marco Island, how far you have to get it and then dispose of it.
Now you've got to win.
You dispose.
You've got a classified.
You've got to do all these other expensive thing to do.
It.
I simply looked at were value engineering the projects every day.
We simply looked at it approach that is way more affordable and way more construct.
A bull than what was proposed in the yard.
You report.
And report starts off with 70%.
The main problem is dredging.
We they knew that that was so economically unfeasible.
They said you can start with these other things to make a dent in your problem.
But the reality is materials there.
Thank you.
Dr wishes.
Just in follow-up to what Justin was talking about and the city's role and someone can correct me if I'm wrong.
But I do believe that as part of the next steps you would be applying for permits.
But the permits would be in the city's name where the property owners we would be the permit holder, which means we're on the hook for permit compliance the same with grants next step grant applications.
But the grants would be in the city's name, which means we're on the hook for Grant compliance and Grant reporting.
And one of the things that we're learning as we learned from the audit is.
We have a short fall and you know, our grant reporting and grant staffing so forth.
I'm I'm not, you know, taking a are advocating one side the other and just adding an additional perspective that there's not a passive role for the city and this there would be a very active role for the city because ultimately we would be responsible
for grants and permits.
Yes, I did want to concur with what Justin said in regards to having a comprehensive plan.
And I also is going to point out what Casey just pointed out about his would-be permits and the city's names and the grants to.
But I do.
I I actually have signed Awt and as part of this comprehensive plan.
It's going to take a lot of different avenues for this.
And I think we all agreed that.
So I would like our chair pointed that out, too.
So we just need to decide what we're going to do them right now.
I make one comment before we get to that because I see it the same way.
I'm gonna take my second.
Go around its.
We have all vowed to solve water problems and it's difficult to quit.
When one has more questions than answers.
But it's also being touted as part of your solution.
I descended over the lakes are understandable.
Our citizens.
But we don't have that privilege.
And I just don't like I'm not gonna look anymore.
We need to try to look at.
Every solution.
Our own Department of Public Works one size will not fit.
All one's not going to cure everything.
If somebody here also trying to present an opportunity, whether it's for.
Good for Love Island are for-profit regardless.
The bottom line is it fits into an equation of part of the solution.
I I do feel part of me feels it's a little premature.
We have so many moving pieces and some of the solutions coming to us that once we're very early on the process, also.
And that's why state conflicted but I'm gonna leave it at that for a moment.
Council.
Great quickly that I go to public comment.
If you want to just what am I permitted to make a motion at this point, I suggest to public comment.
Okay.
government as we take a moment call the public comment.
Bring it back up between in.
Thank you, Joe, who's first on the list?
Yes, the first person on the list Doctor Bill Trotter followed by MS Julia Brenner.
Counselor Counselor, you.
I think approval of this.
My one of my major concerns is approval of this project.
We're going forward, at least to the permitting, really implies that it has a public benefit as part of it.
And that PPP approach very clearly says you need to establish public benefit.
I think one of the reasons to Mr, chaired that you said to run, but a lot of comments is because it had been very well advertised or publicized in terms of the public.
I actually asked for copies of the pictures.
If you remember getting getting enlarged and the back from the city is we don't want to we'll have those public workshops and comments to distribute after the approval.
I'm saying wait a minute.
The whole point here is to get public involvement.
And, you know, before the approval.
So you, you know, the course going forward.
So that's again, I think it's the public is, as you can hear from the audience is very much against this.
I think in terms of the FDP I submitted a in an email to you from the F D E P citing a meeting with the proposer and city staff that said basically they would not allow the subject summer.
The be called the Muck islands or spoil islands in our waterways there.
You know.
State or whatever is a real plans.
And they said absolutely not.
So if you want me re send that I would be happy to our staff.
Doesn't have that.
But they met that was never addressed and that the questions they came You know what, what they had gotten satellite.
That's important.
Again, I think it's a it's as I said before my previous correspondents, it's a high-risk project.
Hurricanes sediment and tidal flow navigation property values and my communication with that with the rest of the community, there's been real concerns and all of those areas that have been expressed and I think it's important it whatever next
step is to have more of a public type of thing where where the proposal is thoroughly explained and you get a discussion and dialogue with the public as opposed to, you know, and I don't know council meeting or something like that being discussed
before you make any decisions because I think again, it's it's ultimately the public benefit to establish a public benefit.
Uni, public input, public discussion and you need and you need this vetted.
Also the I was at the recent waterways committee with being discussed and they're still talking about alternatives to this in terms of bio type of mechanisms that can that can do something in terms of putting a hard surface on the bottom of
the canal, which would impede any any future activity.
And they also mentioned there was a discussion about this Florida key resident, the Florida Keys Restoration Project which is referenced.
And I think the discussion at that time was that the the Restoration Project head observed or at least in discussion with of the members of the Walk Committee that the central dredging, if you will, which is what this proposal is away from riparian
rights and that these t walls center that that dredging would they look at that as an alternative look at alternate said this is not a very desirable alternative because it would fill in somewhere around 2 years.
Naturally.
So you got number one is you're disturbing the whole bottom initially and the turbidity goes down, sediment get spread all over the place, including your your path for the artificial islands.
So again, it's they did not recommend this particular.
Form you know, as part of the project.
And again, there are alternatives and the whack we've used back in my day and on the council and on the waterways, the committee was used to really get more into the details.
Know yours.
That's why you appointed them to really get into this.
And they were to some degree unaware of December 8th meeting.
I had to mention it.
2 that all there is embrace meeting.
So my point is they need to you have to integrate this process and use the resources that we have in terms of the whack and also get the public, the public input on this in terms of alternatives.
Again, I think they're just a tremendous, tremendous risk.
And even as was was observed by the consultants, you know, looking at alternatives.
And you know, beginning to have a dialogue with the public.
And as they propose or said, you know, he but he needs a commitment to go forward.
Well, how can we have a commitment without better, without better input from the public and really betting this.
And again, this probably the most important issue for Marco Island or his a quality of our life and waterways.
Thank you.
I try to thank you for your past and continued service to the community next speaker.
Please.
The next speaker is Julia Brenner followed by Mr.
Richard Good evening.
Joya Brenner, Wayne Avenue.
I want to sincerely thank you for taking the important step of hiring an independent professional review of the Seahawk proposal that was responsible and thoughtful decision.
And I appreciate the council's commitment to seeking objective information.
It would also be my hope that if you're going to spend taxpayer dollars on that analysis, that you would actually listen to and respect the findings of that report.
After reading that report.
I came here tonight, assuming that we would now be on the same page regarding the concerns that raised in great agreement with Vice chair champagnes concerns and questions about this.
The review outlines significant uncertainties, a non answer questions about the feasibility environmental impacts engineering.
Details long-term costs of the judging and muck island building concept.
It also notes that many key components are missing here.
Such a settlement testing validated water, quality benefits and a clear operational plan.
There are gaping holes in the proposal as we've all discussed already.
From what I understand, there's still no evidence showing that this type of dredging would improve water quality in the canals and some environmental experts, even Warren.
That it could make conditions much worse.
By stirring up find mock and the pollutants buried there in.
Causing to bit turbid a And damaging the very ecosystems.
We are trying to protect.
Which could be potentially disastrous for marine life.
And the long-term health of our waters.
They're also open questions about future maintenance costs, potential impacts on canal navigation.
And the effect that constructing islands out of mock might have on property owners quality of life.
Those islands could smell awful.
Ruan water views and destroyed property values.
I can't even begin estimate what this could cost Marco and money and man hours in the future, especially given the destruction that we should expect with frequent hurricanes.
Because the independent review highlights so many risks and unknowns.
I came here assuming.
That we would all be on the same page.
With so much cost risk and uncertainty.
It's obvious to me that it would be foolhardy to move forward with this project.
I do want to express my gratitude for the council's wisdom and diligence and to share my hope.
That the conclusions.
Of independent analysis.
We'll guide you toward putting this proposal to rest.
Doing so would allow us to focus on more promising and genuine approaches for improving water quality, supporting marine life, protecting property values and enhancing the quality of life for everyone who calls Marco Island home.
Thank you again for your service and for your thoughtful consideration of this issue.
Thank you.
2 councilors tonight.
Former counselor counselor counts of one.
Good Evening Council thank you for your service.
Eric.
It's so good to see you back at the dais.
Thank you.
I'm going to be the.
On person out and speak in favor of this project.
I actually I don't have any of you have gone to Crystal River, but Crystal River had the exact same kind of problem and they had a multi-year project and they solve their problem.
They went from having poor water quality, poor turbidity lack shellfish and lack of regular fish and no seaweed to the bottom of their canals.
After this project, the water is clarified.
The shellfish came back.
Other fish came back and their tourism really improved as a result of that.
So I urge you if you haven't gone to Crystal River go, I could probably take up the name of the engineer.
couple of It was a different project in Okay.
The Crystal River project.
It was similar in that the dredge materials, they dredge material from the bottom, but they use barges and they use vacuum devices like huge vacuum cleaners actually was on the barge.
He's on a boat.
And and so this process.
And then they actually took the barges to land and they had these huge.
They look like big sausage casings to to to put it mildly.
They're about 9 in diameter and about 2030, feet long and they pump the slurry into the sausage, you know, skins and then the water was actually pumped into but was really a freight container that had chemicals that clean the water and then
from container, they pump it back into the canal.
So they went separate.
The bottom, put it into the sausage, separate the border, treat the water, put it back in the canal.
Now, the one thing they also did those difference, they planted seagrass after that and the seagrass took off.
So when I went there, it was incredible.
You could literally see to the bottom.
And you can see you can see the seagrass.
What word to dissimilar is they stored the sausage like containers on vacant.
Lots.
We don't have a lot of vacant.
Lots.
They had many, many vacant lot right on the edge of the canal.
So so that's that's a difference.
And they treated the water too late to Putin's before they put it back into the canals.
And it actually remove the nitrogen and other it south to of our problems, water quality and the dredging.
And they had such a problem with the sediment on the bottom that they're, you know, pleasure boats could navigate the canals.
So this also enhanced navigation.
Now, the other difference is once they had these big sausages filled with this material, they sold it to farms inland from from Crystal River area.
I guess, you know, two-thirds of the way up to state.
So they had farmers come in, put it on trucks and they actually sold it in.
That looks at some of the cost of the project.
So what's the uniqueness of our project?
Well, what Seahawk will do by going directly from the bottom to forming these little islands as we limit the whole need for barging.
We eliminate all the costs associated with transportation and eliminate all the costs associated with getting rid of this material.
Now, I've done a little research on my own and there are ways to.
Line the bottom of these collection islands and feel to them and it's not that's going to be they're going to dump the scrapping the the ONS.
It's going to be filtered going to be stones.
But you can enhance that filtration process.
So that's one thing we could They also use same.
We're going to use a judge material to build islands now what these islands will do is create additional habitat.
You know, we're going to have a detention.
We're going to have trees.
We're going to have stones.
They're going to attract shellfish and they're going to track questions.
Fish and birds.
Well, things that, you know, we value on Marco Island.
So I would look at them just the initial estimate.
Please okay.
I really taking the time to get a quick K all right.
I'm concerned as a homeowner who lives on San Marco Road.
3 of you live on the beach and you have absolutely you can see no benefit of this person in your own life.
I live in San Marco Road not on a canal.
And I think by cleaning up the waterways and creating these islands, I think we should ask for additional component to provide better access for non motorized boats like come to us.
Thank you.
And I'm available.
If you want to call me and to have an appointment to talk about the thank U Thank John is that next person up is Miss Cindy Shaw.
Pullman.
Followed by Mr.
John Martini.
Tom, thank you.
Sunday supplement.
Forget 1, 2, 3, 4 treasure court.
I've lived here full-time for almost 15 years I really I'm not for sure what to say, though.
I was ready.
And then as I listen all of you all of you to thank I guess I thought -
though. I was ready. And then as I listen all of you all of we to thank I guess I thought -
though. I was ready. And then as I listen all of you all of we were hank I guess I thought -
though. I was ready. And then as I listen all of you all of we were done I guess I thought -
though. I was ready. And then as I listen all of you all of we were done with ss I thought -
though. I was ready. And then as I listen all of you all of we were done with this. hought -
though. I was ready. And then as I listen all of you all of we were done with this. I ught -
though. I was ready. And then as I listen all of you all of we were done with this. I came - to that first meeting when the company that came from Chicago, I believe, told us all about it.
And then there was another meeting in the daytime.
And I thought that that was pushed aside.
Also that it wouldn't really work on the island because one thing I think the company and I'm sorry, I believe it's called.
Earthworks.
Is that how they say the company the Chicago McAuliffe.
They've never really worked on Salt water or they are from the Illinois from Central Illinois.
We have no salt water and my parents And so I think at the time it all sounded good.
And also at the time it was 60 million dollars that would have been their first meeting here prices have gone up, but it still be 60 million dollars.
I don't know.
The other thing would be if if we need to have, I believe this Henry said maybe we need to have like a pilot.
Pro pro program or a place to try it.
Well, is that going to be perhaps like on the river on the Marco River or Factory Bay.
I know a lot of fishermen, captains on the island.
They now tell me when I asked questions because ask a lot of questions on the island.
This.
How are the fishing going, guys?
It's not going good.
They have to go out a lot farther than they used to go out to catch.
And you have the fishermen that are closer, inshore fishing and then our shore fishing.
Allow those guys go up 30 out there going even farher out sometimes because of how awful our water is and what it's doing, you know, to our fish.
I do live on canal.
My canal I called a little can now.
yes, I did have a dolphin there once, but I think he was mistaken for where he was for I don't have show my canal anymore.
I don't really think that I believe that this is an idea that really will work on the island.
I know the gentleman, the talk before me that they did something at that other place in the Orlando area that seemed to But I also thought that there was one down in the keys that didn't really work.
And when the company talk to us that day, they said they would do this.
And again, I apologize with my wording that it would be like a 3 year deal.
And after the 3 years, then they would go away.
Well, after the 3 years of let's say the little islands that they put all around, who's going to be in charge of those islands.
I want to be in charge of those highlands and also some people have talked about.
Will it affect even my seawall?
place my see while this year, my insurance uncommon that and I'll be darned c*** certified and replace my seawall again.
You can all give me the money to replace my seawall.
But I'm not gonna do it.
I think th other thing we really need to think about as you are, you are were voted hear from the residents and I've talked to weigh more than 30 people that aren't into this like hundreds hence.
The reason sometimes I talk are too scared to talk.
I talk a lot even though I very well.
So please think about that.
Think about the residents.
Think why you're here.
I mean.
I think we're all here for a reason.
But our reasoning of this island, yes, it's changed.
And you're right, honey, and we know we have change.
We know we need change, but maybe sometimes this kind of stuff.
That's a huge change.
We know our waters crappie.
They've been talking about that.
One of the people said maybe since 2016, 2019 things have been, you know, this lawyer does this or this person research is that and those seem to just float away and nobody talks about what we're really talking about it right now.
So I just don't think this is the thing that is going to really work well for the island, at least until we know more about it.
And even if there is a place where they're going, try one, what does that try?
One mean, where would that be?
certainly think about you guys.
I mean, I think we all the residents in a so sorry, the residents.
That's why you're sitting in those 7 So, you know, really think about it.
And I promise lots of people are talking about it.
They're just too afraid to come to these meetings, kind of boring Joan, anybody else?
Yes, we have 2 more speakers.
Mister John Martini followed by MS Victoria Myers.
Because I tried to give you a little extra time to finish your thoughts.
Not to be rude.
It's a sensitive subject try to keep that in the 4 minutes.
If you could please.
Hello, Mister Martin.
Ready set, go.
John Martini, Nassau Court.
I'm a resident.
I'm a taxpayer.
I don't want the money tree.
There's no money tree in my backyard.
And I looked around the island.
I can't find any money.
Trees on the island.
And you folks it up there.
And I'm not politically correct.
So I'll say it.
You want to listen to snake oil salesman.
Anybody have a synod ridge work.
I happened to come up from come from Massachusetts and ocean.
We had 2 harbors these to get dredge periodically the dredges.
That's a big steam shovel.
It comes up.
It's got to bucket full and everything is streaming down at the same time.
So if you think this dredging is going to be a clean operation, you're all dreaming.
It's going to be messy.
It's going to stink because the bottom stink here on these canals, nobody knows what's under there.
You have no idea and you're not going know until they start doing this nonsense.
We need an advanced water treatment plant.
If you're going to spend the money, spend it to And then let these characters come back years from now because they're promising, you know, when I know there's nothing free in this world.
You're going to do this study for free?
No, then not.
One way or the other.
And counselor Champagne is correct.
We're going to be on the hook for this.
You can end this very quickly because Mr.
Martin got the report most and more.
You read And you still think this is worth pursuing.
You've done more than I ever thought.
You were.
Folks.
There's your answer out right here.
They're being very nice.
But they're saying I'm calling them snake oil salesman.
They're being polite about it.
So take Let's be photo be respectful to everything, guys.
He's entitled to his opinion.
There's nothing against his freedom of speech.
Whether you like it or not, gets nasty Certainly.
Councilor the chair Rechnitz said here and got buried in one day and took it like a man and smiled left us title to speak.
I want get to a point where you think it's approaching citizens rights.
Let me know.
don't think the gavel who's next in there.
The last person who's registered to speak his miss Victoria Myers.
Good evening, counselors, Victoria Myers, Bluebonnet Court.
I'm part of the 99% Club.
And terror plum bow.
If you haven't heard from in people, I invite everybody in the community.
He's watching tonight.
Spread the word Shater to let him know how you feel.
All right.
Just made all of us, correct.
But it seems like a lot the people have heard more.
So I'm just trying to help out.
This is an unsolicited 60 Million Dollar project unsolicited.
And I'm just going to briefly kept I learned here tonight.
We hired Homestead in more independently and my takeaway tonight is number one, there's no assurances number 2, lots of risk.
Number 3 lack of presidents.
This is not been done if you really wanted to do this, they should be able to tell us what the result is going to be, how they can measure how much it's improved.
Our water quality.
They've never once got near that.
I do find it concerning that the Naples Botanical Garden is still being referenced.
And apparently there was a meeting that they should or were part of that.
The EPA said no to these islands and they are not.
Voicing that.
That is their understanding.
Now, whether that's a lack of understanding or holding back, I don't know.
But that's a concern to me.
Also.
I don't know why our city would move forward.
It with this partnership.
I do think it's going to be multi-pronged and they do think Awt is a very important and probably first step.
So in that regard, all the citizens out there again, please sign the petition to put Awt on our ballot next November and one to spare vote.
Yes.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
Of month.
Any further comments?
There is no further public comment.
Guys, life-size cows again.
They want to speak.
This is a time to make a motion.
Absolutely.
It's acceptable with the grounds.
I moved to the climate proposal, not proceed with any agreement, either an interim agreement or a comprehensive agreement.
And that is based on the dramatic complexity, the incredible work hours that would be taken.
I think there be a great deal of legal effort to try even craft an interim or final agreement.
And I think our resources contained enough that we can even entertain this with the other projects we have to take serious consideration for cancer.
want to shorten that down to just a declining of it.
I moved to decline.
The proposal not proceed with an agreement avoid Mr.
please.
I don't think we can offer a the negative in the negative.
That of turnover effect by what we cannot do.
it's that the Finnish that's what our city attorney weigh in.
That is correct.
We are your your rules basically provide to be positive emotion.
Yeah, very good.
So other option is that.
The asked for a motion to approve and it doesn't get a motion.
Second, then it dies on the management go to next.
As I appreciate.
I just find that was going least finish up executive brief potential motions and or 2.
I read it the way it was put in the executive branch.
So I actually thought it was found the coaching of the city.
Of learning as before.
so the just any other light Signs Co counsels.
Business analysts thing.
I think we're dealing with this at some point.
Cleaning them up.
Seems like it's viable solution.
Our last 2 speakers might have hit the nail on the head with a city wt.
First we have a process clean up what's going in first and we have to look at what's in there.
Some of these and deal with this, whether be also something down the road, it's going to be unpleasant task and you're going.
If a list of the impaired you can get, please, please, please you're going you're going to we're going to deal with.
And now we're going to that down the road.
It seems to me.
That that there's a conflicting thoughts we have we know we're going to or we hear from our experts and they say it's part of this equation.
But as the part of the equation today, so that's rice.
They conflicted with that counsel.
I just want to clarify our rules.
So section 7 C.
Where he referred to that we cannot Motion shall be made in an affirmative.
But we do need to follow these rules.
I know there was negative motion made at the last meeting also.
So let's really keen and thank you.
Thank you.
Can I get a motion to approve?
Dies for lack of emotion.
Next on agenda item 16.
5 minute break.
Please.
We are all on 16 item.
items removed from the consent agenda.
I see it right here.
Ready to go most my mic Okay.
Just have to this the resolution approving the uniform method for collecting non ad valorem assessments I would like to read the title 4.
I would just like the room to be I would like to read the title resolution.
25 59 into record resolution of the City Council of Marco Island, Florida, electing to use uniform method of collecting non ad valorem assessments for more than one year levied in Marco Island, Florida stating in need for such levy providing
for the mailing of this resolution and providing an effective date.
Good evening Council Carol McDermott finance.
I really appreciate the opportunity to provide an overview of this resolution and they want to something straight Council asked me to be very clear that this resolution and the approval of this resolution for the non.
I say this ad valorem taxes.
Are have anything to do with the future referendums that we're working on.
This is a the adoption of this resolution is only for the purpose of complying with the statutory requirements that the city publicly announce to the public to the Florida Department of revenue to Collier County Property appraiser and the call
Collier County tax collector.
Before January.
First 2026, which I can't believe it.
It's coming up so fast.
We're talking about the on the calendar.
And I also can't believe the room cleared and we're talking about assessments.
just say that we do this before January first, 2026 sets a statutory requirement.
it's really that we may levy the non ad valorem assessments we do as a city have some assessments.
One is for your waste disposal.
So that's included.
And the other one is the sewer septic to sewer replacement.
That's a 20 program.
That's on the tax bills for the for the by region and some of them are rolling off.
And you know, so that's a rolling 20 years depending upon when that went into play.
So I can give you a brief overview of what these they are.
The assessments are special charges for specific services They will appear in the property tax bill.
These charges and not calculated based on your property value.
So it's not based on the assessed value of your property.
They're calculated.
That could be a flat fee per unit basis.
But its based on a what they call a benefit principle.
so they charged the owners who benefit from the specific services or improvements.
So again, it's on your tax bill that's not related to your property valuation.
These assessments are not part of what we're trying to do with the referendum.
Any referendum.
It's a standard fare.
This is really to fill us a statutory requirement that excuse me.
It's late.
You also provide the council flexibility as we move into Fy 27 for special assessments.
They It's ths is the first thank you questions.
Council Henry.
I move to approve a second that.
motion by counsel Henry second by Council swan.
Council, vice Chair Champagne.
Your light signs I have a question with regard to Assessment of well I guess the method of collecting Real estate assessments.
Is this something new or have we done this every year for last years?
We do this every year.
If you look at your tax bill, at mine.
Said education itself a little bit really now.
And I had to read my tax bill instead of blindly pay You'll see there's a section for your non ad valorem taxes and I'll show you, you're you right now.
My has waste disposal other part of Residents will have waste disposal and it may have something with the water sewer for those septic to sewer replacement.
All right.
Are there any guardrails, I assume under this authorization the city could assess any amount for any purpose of teams appropriate?
Is that correct?
That is correct.
But you'd have to to a vote that have to be another resolution.
You have public comment.
It's.
have to do it within a time frame to have all of that approved with public comment.
The resolution approved before you can get this on November tax bill.
Okay.
So Carol, thank you for that.
Those I think the community need to hear that this is the normal course improving this because we have ongoing expenses that we do pass through under this basis.
But there are strong safeguards that this would interest and other types of assessments that would put the community and some tax bill without those strong approval.
The council.
Thank you.
See no other light signs.
Do we have any public comment on There is no public comment for this item.
Very good.
Call the roll.
Please.
And counselor Henry.
Councilor Yes.
Councilor gray Agholor.
Yes.
Councilor Brecht next.
Yes.
Vice chair champagne.
Yes.
And chair Paul about yes, motion passes 7 to 0.
Thank you very much.
All right.
The other item removed from consent agenda which is now at 16 E.
I move this can from consent agenda.
Reason being it's spoke with Casey today weekly meetings.
I just want to know, Joe, this building is fairly new.
Wright told just knew.
I mean, the whole just as Bill Clinton, Chris, 2007.
don't know.
17, 17 are 17.
2019 at 7 years old.
Okay.
So I don't understand how we already having like almost $86,000.
So so just a question, what we're doing things.
So that proposal is worst-case scenario because the leaks inside the wall and we've been trying find this for quite some time now, the only thing that we can do is I got a proposal for a worst-case scenario where this week, as with all removing
all the drywall, it's in the apparatus Bay, that's underneath all the showers that we think the water is coming from.
So if we do that, that price, we will go down if they find the leak right away.
So that leak is encompassing replacing everything.
And that's worst case scenario.
And it's epc which or they can be more of a brutal plumbing.
So the spectrum packs which is a softer last longer supposedly.
So that is the don't like I said, that's the worst case scenario on there.
If they finally right away and the plumbing number would go way down.
However, the drywall number, which is the 42,400 that number will stay because then that's going entire lower area of the year.
Upper area of the Apparatus Bay needs to be replaced and that also includes drywall and mechanical area in the utility room, which is behind the shower areas.
So we can't pinpoint an area.
We've we've tried multiple times.
We even had a company come in 2 thermal scans and we tried to Clark and grout everywhere that they gave us locations of the thought it might be coming from.
And felt like it got a little bit better.
And then it just came back.
Do you do have an ideal cause of it?
Not until we will remove all the drywall so it could be a waistline.
It could be shower lines behind one of the showers and this is leaking and traveling water always finds the least point of resistance so it can come out 20 feet away from coming.
So we won't know until we start removing the drywall.
Thank you.
And number on the bottom, which is not included.
The 65,000 are sorry.
The 65,750.
That is in case we have to redo shower pans.
So the shower pans were installed incorrectly at the time of the building being constructed.
Then we will have to replace all those shower pens.
And that's a much larger project.
Did not put that in here because we're hopeful that that's not it.
If it ends up being that will have to come back in as counsel for more funds.
Thank you.
Joe counts of reckless move to approve.
Second.
We have a motion by council back just a second by a counsel.
Sean.
Kessler, a Jewish speak.
Just one quick question.
If their father to sharp.
And so the installation was impaired.
Do we have any recourse to the vendors or do we have to eat this?
So we did reach out to our insurance consultant to see.
And it seems like we won't have any recourse other than if it is the shower pans, then we might be able to do that.
So to to your point, shower pans.
Give We did need to get some reimbursement, not with anything else, Thank you.
I'll just make one quick comment.
I had the same thoughts Co counsels.
Why are we on the hook?
It's pretty new facility.
I trust you're looking at all options and all the viable solutions to keep the taxpayers obligation down.
But at the end of the day has to be done.
This is no way around And we have anybody signed up for public.
Speaking for the show.
We do not have anyone signed up for this.
You would please call the roll.
?
Councilor Breck next.
Councilor swan.
Yes.
Vice chair champagne.
Yes.
Councilor Henry.
Yes, Councilor gray U.S.
Councilor Kohler.
Yes.
And chair Palumbo.
Yes, motion passes 7, 0.
Thank you.
All right, Council communications, future agenda, items like science.
Councilor Henry up first.
I just wanted to throw out there.
That was a great time.
Its Christmas tree lighting on Saturday I know I saw counts.
The poem, though, and I saw council's fun and I all social media that Dr Lucious is there with her family.
So a big thank you to Christmas Island style for their hard So that.
We do have a fabulous Christmas on the island was a beautiful night and it just made me love living in this small town.
This coming weekend is the Christmas parade.
The parade starts at 6.30 The route is down San Marco Road from Balfour to Barfield.
So for the newbies out there, get your lawn chair out.
You'll start to see him showing off this week and secure a spot to enjoy this fabulous holiday tradition.
So basically, thank you, everyone have a wonderful holiday.
Merry Christmas.
Happy Hanukkah and looking forward to seeing you all next year.
Thank you.
Council wrecked it.
Yeah, I I just would like to 2, jet with a staffer just a moment.
Ed Henry, constant articles most recent want today.
By the governor of the state of Florida.
Relative to the elimination are greatly curtailing.
Property taxes.
And I see a number of potential proposals that floating around out of that introduced it to committee.
That there's lots of conversation as I'm sure.
You know, Casey.
I'm I'm really concerned that that limit the exemption that they they take their homestead property out of.
equation for assessing property taxes, which would have a profound effect on us.
And and how we go forward.
And I think it's important to start.
Communicate with their.
Legislative group through through Mister Booker, maybe directly.
As to what kind of alternatives are going to give us.
If that option is taken away because city is is constituted.
Cannot survive without that income.
8% revenue comes from property tax income.
And then we take a significant part of that away that that's going to have really difficult make it made it very difficult for us to proceed.
So yes, bring it Read another article where the governor said that last year.
In 2020.
A four-week elected 52 billion in property taxes for the state.
Then.
Now they've gotten this year over 70.
Anything that kind back.
And I'm afraid with another 2 years in office are more than 2 years.
just about 2 years that the governor will.
Well, also be pushing for that.
So do we have an option?
And and what to wear like that?
Officials say about what options there might exist.
Wars.
It's all to council right council, vice chair Champagne, thank I've had it covers a nation with our interim city manager.
with regard to the failure to review financial results for fiscal.
25.
Which I think extremely serious.
She indicated they will no longer never again occur.
There are reasons why it may have occurred my personal opinion is we should have had.
Review of the financial results at this meeting.
I was upset it wasn't on the agenda.
is it appropriate to ask questions of the director of finance?
There have been questions and passed as we were coming close to end of the fiscal year.
That perhaps the city was generating far more revenue than expenses.
And we might have generated as much 1.5 million excess of expenses.
What did occur?
I don't have the sheet with I remember that.
Yeah, I can.
I can give you a quick summary.
I don't have the sheet in front of me.
Carol has prepared it.
And she reviewed the year and financials with the audit Committee last week.
She's going to finalize that document and then we'll email it to all of the council.
So you don't have to wait until January to receive that.
But just to just to answer your questions.
So Fy 25 total General fund revenues were 32.6 million fy 25 total general fund expenses.
We're about 32.1 million.
So we had about 500,000 that work was able to go back to general fund reserves at the end of the year.
That aligns with That aligns with what every college has been trying to research.
Some of the variances actual versus budget year over year.
So that's where my focus has been is is cleaning that up so that they.
The explanations a cogent we can move things forward.
We did get feedback from the audit committee.
One of the things that's missing from report, which would into this right away.
So we have to do the math my head is adding that line to the report.
So that shows, you know, revenue minds expense actual versus budget where we stand.
You know, we are For the year and then how it looks versus the prior year.
And I know you're working on closing a lot.
It's absolutely upsetting that.
We don't close our books.
What I would classify as being on time.
And we're here.
We are.
You know, still.
Wondering about fiscal.
25 should never occur.
This is just I know that up to your hips and alligators here, it should never occur again.
And the sooner we can get the information and better.
I don't think anyone on this council has seen a balance sheet and 12 months.
That's a shame.
concur.
do agree, as I've stated to the audit committee, the short term goals are year end on it.
feel that the audit will be beneficial understanding where we can improve because we do need to turn around and get the information out faster.
So we understand it.
So I'm looking forward to being able to improve the process ease as we move into as we end this year.
Fiscal year, 26, please with the conversations I've had with you and Doctor Lucius.
I think we are going in the right direction.
I'm just making I'm upset about U.S.
I.
I do feel that the team is doing the best.
They're relatively green.
So it's a learning opportunity for everybody else.
But I do realize that at some point you have to stop learning.
You have to start delivering.
And one last point before turning it over those speakers.
I just want to remind the council.
Mr.
Kessler, Whoa, C l a during the meeting in which we significantly grilled him about the cost.
Pointed out to us up on someone's asking a question and don't recall who asked the question.
Someone asked what's fiscal 25 audit likely to look like.
I just want to remind everyone he cautioned us.
He pretty much said expect some problems.
He did say if we continue to work in cooperation with his that more likely not we would achieve a clean opinion, but don't be surprised.
If we have some citations so I point that out because I don't want anyone being I'm assuming he's going to get going in January.
Is that correct?
Work starts in January.
Rippling Howard documentation together as we speak to, you know, for the documentation requests, I would say, I will say you know, Chris and I have been in contact.
We're having an official kickoff meeting with the team's the audit team and my team this week.
So it's an opportunity for us to tell them where we stand as questions.
Get a feel for communication across the teams and how we want to manage that.
So Chris and are committed to communicating and keeping the lines open.
What I asked of him is as he finds things, bring them to our attention.
So that we can mediate.
So it becomes an observation versus a weakness.
So that's that's where we stand right now.
And I would hope you refresh his memory that if he does point out some citations.
That he let you know so that you can then begin to communicate with the interim city manager with the audit committee.
And the chair and the council.
We all need to know at approximately the same point in time to prevent what occurred previously.
This is committed to attending in-person the February audit committee meeting.
Very good.
That's important.
Very important.
That's it.
Thank you.
Thank Council I'm going to say a couple things short and sweet.
I want to thank every single one of you.
Our staff, our costs, ours residence aren't have beautiful We are going the right direction.
And I think all of us are united in working for good of our our residents and our beautiful community.
I just want to wish you the most beautiful, healthy Christmas and Hanukkah and wishing you the most beautiful, healthy and prosperous many years and all seal next year.
Council day.
Thank you.
I need to go back for sensitivity tree.
You 2 are wonderful with your holiday wishes of really impressed with that.
Thank you.
very Mr.
Chairman.
Yes, I don't believe we approve the consent agenda.
Somebody else can confirm that.
But I don't think we want to leave here with not having approve the consent agenda.
Could somebody confirm we approved what was left of up on the amendment?
did the night.
was.
We voted separately I know we lift it to him that I thought we moved down the down the agenda and had we approved as amended and then okay to prove as amended for and that was to move 2 of the items, of consent.
But I'm not above making a mistake.
just trying to be One more quick one.
The Pensacola Republican looks Andrea.
Is sponsoring a bill that changes the Florida clean air.
At the reason I'm bringing this up and you'll see the title articles in the Naples Daily News November was that they were going to ban smoking weed in public, making vaping in cigarettes, too.
The point bringing this up because I had mentioned get rid of boats on the beach meeting.
Cigarette butts and I got an education after having brought that up, that there are a couple of cross currents and actually executing that.
And I think one of them the the root of this is there's a great deal defense for cigars.
Nobody wants cigarette filters on the beach.
But I just I had mentioned bring it forward.
And actually think this legislation might help sharpen the conversation.
I am intrigued that this goes forward.
Why if we do want to smell marijuana on the patron public ones, cigars, but I won't be pushing that conversation.
So to see how this develops Pensacola, not that circle of Tallahassee.
Thank Council show up.
Thank you.
have 3 items that I was meant show.
The first one has to do with our rules.
Section 7 conduct of the meetings I just want has told us those just want to make sure that we're following all of it.
Here's another one that we need to improve on.
So section solving the chair show.
When you go to.
And then 7 allow interruption of the speaker only by consent and then also section be city councilors shell.
Number 5, avoid interrupting a speaker who has the floor without the consent of the speaker.
I know myself.
I was interrupted evening with that and I did not get my permission to go ahead.
The that person he did that just continued on.
It also happened at the last meeting to me twice.
And so chair.
I would like you to be sure.
you are the one who's been are up to I just one to To abide by our You noted.
Yes.
Thank you.
Okay.
The second line I want to go to our will start to climb, but think we all have a copy of agenda here.
So on the back of the agenda, it's state star Marco Island City Council rules of decorum.
If you go down to the second point, it talks about ring when recognized by the chair citizens participants.
just your comments speaking from the podium and no individual show makes lander U.S.
disparaging are I duly repetitive remarks and very concerning tonight that we did have a speaker who did call the council down?
He called a earlier presenters snake oil.
And that's just not appropriate under our rules of decorum.
And we have to enforce these rules of decorum and I I would like other councilors to weigh in on this, too.
How are we going to handle this issue with the rules of decorum?
Because this is not the first time the speaker.
He sees fala language up here when he's provided other citizens comments.
He also is a member of our parks and ice or a committee.
So these are important, you know, he's representing our city and I do feel he is in violation of our rules to crime as he presented today.
So I'd like some discussion on that.
Sure.
I'll be the first on the way.
And if you like or well, I agree with you.
That to me wasn't time or place to go to battle.
This has been dealt with this weekend.
Doctor Lucius was up and we're talking Saturday morning at 10 o'clock.
And I think it needs to absolutely be dealt with.
But I was able to live with those comments there because I didn't want to incite what would become a bigger challenge.
Now with that, there's going to be a conversation myself in the city manager.
City police chief, because this person is getting to the point where getting concerning for our safety.
And he can't control himself and his to strip.
He's he's beyond control.
His emotions.
So forgive me, counselors for not maybe banging the gavel and making it what I thought was worse at the time.
But it didn't go unnoticed.
a big note here.
And I tried to speak to Mister Martinez afterwards.
He was beyond speak is beyond having a rational We're going to speak about public safety and council safety and a great.
Detailed level.
That to me just maybe wasn't the place to bring it up.
But for that, I apologize.
If let it go too far for the fight, May I think I believe I get the point order.
I think that and it happens.
What other things happen.
So I think calling just a point of order and stopping someone despite their anger, I mean, that's why we do have police here.
my belief is that should have been stopped only for the reason is just escalating.
And did you know if the but but yet, no, I would asked that in the future that those type of out first I and this one, I think a systematic, a much bigger challenge that's going to be dealt with this a whole level.
So because the truth, the feedback and counselor talk about that.
Well, I think if the worst thing where recall is down, that would be plum I've been called so much worse reference that.
we'll have a different temperament that I can let pretty easily.
And But on larger, more philosophical note.
there such a thing is as freedom of speech.
And where rules of procedure Wright had a long into freedom of speech.
I rules of procedure can lose.
It in my opinion out.
Yes, the speaker got a little bit out of hand.
A says Ben was not.
The complimentary.
Down was not complimentary.
bordered on the line.
But the legend huge, an I believe that chairman, the Long Bull is correct.
That The civic individual has a problem.
That's got to be addressed.
But anyway, I I personally wasn't offended I've been called much worse.
agree the offense of what he said.
It's the the offense of his behavior.
for this particular because it's not the first time he's acted up, he can say whatever he wants.
My concern is the reaction of what he says may be at the body language, a he he's not someone I've to say.
There's many of us that feel safe in his company.
I would like to add part of our rules of current.
The very first sentence is the city of Marco Island is committed to the First Amendment principle of free speech and a full and open discussion.
So we do acknowledge that I'm just trying to make sure we're abiding by our rules of decorum.
And additionally, I would like to say to receipt as a few other people up here did too email from Mr.
Martini also where I I'm concerned about our staff.
And an e-mail that went out in the wording by Mr.
Martini in that e-mail.
So this is a very serious issue.
believe that I'm going to make one comment Mr.
Martin, me is my opening Tee on Parks are at and I have had a long discussion with him.
He means well, but he's too fiery.
And I take that actually, John Taylor brought it to my attention and we've had a good discussion about it.
I actually discussed with our interim manager as well.
I do take responsibility because I did appoint him and I will speak with again.
And I do apologize to everyone who has been offended by his, he will ease a firecracker.
And I'm going speak with him again and tried to, you know, calm him down.
80 years old, man.
I have a hard time too.
You cannot trying.
I mean, you cannot train me so, but I do apologize and I will make comment.
I will speak with him again.
Does my thought reasonable that missed But let me let me away.
And I thought missed the martini is the rest of the should be dealt with with staff behind closed doors.
I think we've said enough here with him individually.
We stated our case.
We can see in general.
But I think the rest of its between the city attorney city manager and a private conversation, I would like to add one likely specific talk to the city attorney about this today after that e-mail, I did talk to him about what is there as has
happened in the past.
What's an appropriate course action?
And I'm not saying that we call on this right now, but we do per our city attorney, the council can remove him from the Parks and Recs Committee advisory committee.
I just wanted to give you that recall.
Thank you.
Because I a list of things to go over.
I'm going to start and we're moving pretty quick aside.
Put that thing that the couple more.
And can you put up the oil petition that I emailed you today?
As we all received this?
This is time census want to bring it up.
This was a request.
For all.
Us to consider.
To write a letter of was a disapproval are concerns for offshore oil drilling in the Gulf.
I do.
If you recall seeing this came just maybe a couple days ago, quickly.
And because this time sensitive, I'm personally pursue this person is a citizen as a counselor and certainly gonna defend our goals from oil drilling.
I remember the Deepwater Horizon.
If you folks who are living here, that was that BP oil spill is just terrific.
And we didn't really have it here with the actual oil.
But the economic impact.
Was horrific and in the panhandle.
So I'm just curious, I'd like to ask my co-counsel, what are your thoughts?
see there?
Deal with it individually dealing with it as a council giving the staff some direction to reach out and the one of the 110 communities.
I think to hear that.
Voice their opinion against this.
Well, any 2 women individual counsel, Henry, I didn't get this e-mail.
Can I will be happy to send it to you.
Thank you.
We got one individual.
Does anybody want to do this is collective or we leave it up to each other to pursue this.
We desire, Mr.
City Attorney S.
I was just thinking to the extent of Joan should the city clerk should send a letter out to all of you councilmembers.
Make sure that they get that way.
Okay.
Very good.
I'm the individual camp of the 2.
Okay.
So we'll deal with that individual basis.
I recommend everybody take a look at it and decide on yourself.
What's best?
Couple quick updates few things all concerts want to appreciate the rules of procedure.
Appreciate help me stay on track as it insurance.
His position.
One of our rules, section 8 motions.
Each council shull limit his or her comments to 10 minutes with an additional 5 minute period.
If granted by the chair.
I understand some of these meetings were long in my first meeting room long because I what about us a little nervous.
And I was getting my feet wet.
However, this is our meeting.
And this is our time together.
That's going to run long.
Sometimes this isn't a TV show.
This isn't on a time limit.
This is our time.
The only time we have together to spend as much time as it takes to get things right.
And sometimes just in conversation like this, we want things.
So some of these meetings are going however, I will try to make sure we have to go around and we stay on topic.
There's a workshop be much more on point and I will try to limit.
the the chatter that's not conducive to us.
Getting from point A to point B, that's for sure.
We would yes.
I think if you re further on that, it typically point yes, rules of procedure.
I think the 10 minute and 5 minute time period apply only when there's a motion on correct?
Correct.
So if there's conversation prior to a motion being put on the floor.
There are no time.
correct.
And we still have to be conscious of that.
Also as a team.
But we are working well together.
We're getting a lot done and thank you, Mr.
Former chair appreciate guys.
Couple updates on the list give you before.
We should be happy.
Holidays.
Also seawalls spoke with a spoke with County Commissioner Locastro in great detail about the staging area on the North side.
The bridge.
I want to citizens understand this so that they could know where we're at.
First of all, we as a community to not control the north side of the bridge, although we have been elsewhere, opinion and our help.
There's been some courtesy involved in there.
But ultimately the county commissioners deemed this has the least of the worst choices.
Casey, what is this?
it's Wednesday, the 10th doing a trial run remember correctly where they're going to do this 3 point turn, tried to go through the median and see how it works.
Everybody can reach out to our commissioners individually.
Also community can do so.
But for now, this trial runs in to go forward and good attempt to see if the staging area works.
Also Commissioner Locastro is very adamant about he would be more than open.
So using this area as they are for public.
Benefit is considering the Naples Pier a public benefit.
When I mentioned the possibility of a fishing pier in different things, you consider that public benefit.
And things of that nature.
But he certainly not open at this point.
2 open that up to the seawall contractors at this point.
His belief system is the citizens do not want it there.
Enough of them have reached out.
So for that, if you are a citizen and you think you'll be benefited by your country, seawall contractors using the north end of the bridge, reach out to your county commissioners and say I think this is helpful.
I think it'll keep cost down.
I think the new staging area for now, that's not going to be in play.
And I recommend for now the council's not going to have.
Any success in my belief has led to believe in the conversation and drafting anonymous letter lobbying for that.
That's just my opinion.
If you guys feel differently could do.
But that's for now.
I believe it's going it's going to stay just the way it not open to.
Business is open for any type of public usage.
Any questions on counselor?
Sorry city manager.
was just.
No just when you're done.
I have an announcement.
Okay.
Start accounts of a joint.
Weigh in on raise great point I think are haunted by A strategic thinker, a strategic so aggravated that the city didn't buy that couple lots when they were cheap.
2 created a a staging area for seawalls into perpetuity.
thank you for the homework.
You're doing this to chairman the right direction.
You're having the right conversations somewhere.
We got seawalls.
In the long long futures.
Somehow we have to try and come up with the service delivery apps of to do with the seawall.
Guys need to get done.
So.
We got half of the focus time where we can't go.
I don't know how we try and arrive at where we can go, maybe drenching want to deal with the seawall to the same time could be an island.
Guys get to more of I got together with representative up in a row per our conversation.
I reached out.
I copied you on the email.
I got together for coffee.
I appreciate time together.
We spoke about many things, including the referendum.
And pretty much finality of the conversation, as you know, that she was willing to move on the.
A regional days, 60 days, 230, we're not going to get any movement on the governor being the trigger mechanism for us not deciding above and beyond just that there is.
A lack of for for counselors are not on the dais, meaning lack of a above and beyond that trigger mechanism still is next.
Council in her referendum is not pick and that time period in the governor's going to step in and pick.
I don't like that particular part of it.
However, this is going to a vote of the people and our citizens are gonna side of like it either.
They will forward.
But as far as I'm concerned, unless you want to lobby individually, this matter is closed with us on a representative and it will be going to the citizens for their vote some point.
Last thing on a positive.
Florida Trend magazine.
We all got one.
Guys get your mailbox.
If you haven't done something just piqued my interest.
Osceola counties.
Tuition Free College program is building a pipeline of talent from the region.
And I started reading it.
It's a good read.
But I connected it to another newspaper article that I just haven't have sitting on my desk and it was.
Marco Island -
newspaper article that I just haven't have sitting on my Academy it was. Marco Island -
newspaper article that I just haven't have sitting on my Academy has was. Marco Island -
newspaper article that I just haven't have sitting on my Academy has a s. Marco Island -
newspaper article that I just haven't have sitting on my Academy has a 5 Marco Island -
newspaper article that I just haven't have sitting on my Academy has a 5 time o Island -
newspaper article that I just haven't have sitting on my Academy has a 5 time matching - program.
Guys.
I love the kind of you know that I believe their colors.
And I thought how can I help this incredible institution of higher learning?
My my daughter saved a year of college because of the credit she received in the academy.
My son got tremendous.
Most scholarships.
It was the greatest at coaching.
Council should be new.
Jane want everybody involved to have done the heavy lifting from time.
Energy effort volunteering.
What greater cause than a kid.
So.
And Greg, you up.
You helped.
But uses to every time every month I take my council salary donated something.
Well, this particular month as the chairman.
And thank you for your support there.
My monthly income is $546.20 after taxes.
So $546.20 is going to the Marco Island Academy.
We're going to get them started company.
I do business with Steven to be from home pros funding a local lender had always supported by soccer teams.
And I was.
Having a conversation with him -
lender had always supported by soccer teams. And I was. today. a conversation with him -
lender had always supported by soccer teams. And I was. today. He onversation with him -
lender had always supported by soccer teams. And I was. today. He said sation with him -
lender had always supported by soccer teams. And I was. today. He said even n with him -
lender had always supported by soccer teams. And I was. today. He said even though him -
lender had always supported by soccer teams. And I was. today. He said even though are - charitable donations of clothes for the year.
I'm gonna donate $250 in school for those matching funds or other $250 coming in.
guys, if you do all this right, and if you benefit this incredible school, you get the greatest experience.
All right.
You get a team of some of the most forgiving.
Some don't.
Some of the most amazing woman in the world give you a Ward's and they give you great notes and they say, coach, we love you and it's incredible and you're living through their eyes.
But this all happens because schools because of health of this community and a gymnasium named after, you know, everything you do and everybody here.
And so the market Academy is a great cause on this island.
If you do it right, they give you give your coaches jacket and they call you coach for life.
And there's no greater job.
So these children of not just the school, but all schools are incredible worthy cause some of the brightest kids have ever met scene.
I employ them of coach them.
I'm honored to know them if anybody out there as one helped him out, please do so.
They're a great cause.
Councilor Henry, thank you for coming into the shop.
The ice cream shop and I never named by name but thank you for coming in and taking all the names off the giving tree for the UK been children.
What a rough deal would be displaced for the holidays.
And all you want is batteries or a gift card.
Think the biggest one.
It clearly sits at homeless child and all they want.
It was a wild card.
Encounter.
Henry took every name off and you came back and said I'm going to give you 5 more if you like.
I took them all.
But I got a clear the tree again, when you load it up again.
And this isn't just everybody here does amazing deeds on this council.
I'm so proud.
Honored to serve with all of you.
And I Echo Merry Christmas.
Happy New Year.
Happy Hanukkah and guys, I think when you get right in the New Year.
Finish Strong, had a little rough start.
Some of those.
Councils.
I know we we took off the agenda to go every meeting through and P o through League of Cities as we didn't always have something.
There was tdc meeting.
Does anybody have anything they want to the organization's of so light side and go for it?
a swamp mpo will be meeting.
The Collier County Mpo will be meeting on Thursday and we are interviewing the top 3 candidates to replace our current executive director.
So in our file and our next meeting in January said, haven't you Mpo executive director, of the legends that.
Thank you.
Appreciate your efforts.
Cases are there for about you.
Police that's okay.
Just this is for future agenda for the council's information.
And also in follow-up to counselor Rechnitz concern.
I did speak to run a Brown today from run books office and we were talking about a couple local pieces of legislation.
But I ask her if Ron would be willing to zoom in and give us an update at one of our February meetings that will be right in the be right in the middle of session session.
Search January 13th and goes through March 4th, though.
So I thought to be nice to get just that.
Give you all a short update of what's being proposed he's willing to do that.
One of your February agendas.
That would just be via zoom.
Quick update.
But hopefully at that point he can also address some of the concerns that council pregnant brought up that absolutely concerning.
So thank you.
Snow.
The lights signs.
Don't anybody signed up for the final citizens comments?
I yes, there is one person and that doctor rich Welcome back.
Ridge.
Hello again, rich up on a 15.
41 Marco Road.
So you just defeated that one item regarding clean water.
And I wanted to throw out a question that advanced wastewater treatment, which conceptually I support.
Is there any guarantee that we spend all this money and clean our water with a W t that it just won't get polluted again because of the muck that remaining on the bottom.
So are we kicking the can down the road spending millions of dollars on the process that doesn't solve the root.
The other thing I have again, I'm gonna bring up again.
There's a lot of us that don't live on canals.
Those of you who live on the condos on the beach, you don't want a canal.
Those of us who live in center island.
We don't live on a canal.
And we don't have access to the canals in the past.
When I've asked this council to think about public access for non motorized vehicles for kayaks, canoes paddleboards things that if you want to take your grandchild out for a little gentle paddle in the canal, you have no access.
So you're asking people to spend millions of dollars to clean water that they don't even have access to.
So I really want you to rethink about this.
If you're going to spend millions and millions of dollars and a W t how about spending a couple 100,000 to drop a couple of docks and public access spots like Veterans Park like the new park by the assisted living community.
Even If you if you attempt to launch a canoe or kayak out of Caixin Biz with all these power boaters, you're really taking your life in your hands.
Believe met, done enough times to know.
So again, if it were going up, spend all this money on trying to improve our waterways, we really need to think beyond this immediate were suppose media awt fix and we need to think about better access.
Thanks and happy holidays to all of Thanks for your service.
Happy out as rich.
with that,