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? ? It's
? ? 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. Thank you. Thank you.
and justice for all. Thank you. Thank you. 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.
?
down and will present that. ? ?
? ?
? ? ?
? ?
? ? Congratulations that. We have
a staff.
? 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.
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
Thank you
Thank you so much for your 5 years and we appreciate
guys
guys were
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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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
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
And may
And may I
And may I also know at 100 lodges and into the microphone, state of
Florida. She won. That's
Chief. It.
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.
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. 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. 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.
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.
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. 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.
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. 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,
Tom, thank you.
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
We are
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. 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 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,