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? ? All right. Good afternoon. It
is 1 o'clock Thursday, August 27th and welcome to our Collier County commissioners
in Marco Island City Council Joint Workshop. As the Laundress a few things. Rules
of decorum are in effect for counselors, for commissioners, for staffing, for attendees.
If you could, please silence your phones and and vibrate. Also a reminder for the
commissioners and for the counselors or makes a tournament. The comment not
only hot meal here, everything some tournament ready speak. Their thumbs if anybody needs
to my left inside here. We water coffee, tea cookies and some snacks in the kitchen.
Over here to my front right? So please. Commissioner made as I did, they beat your
approval or the cookies are not any good. I think there's a little joking going on
there. I suspect I 2 of And would you please call the roll? Counsel Henry here
Councilor Kohler. Councilor don't Care. Vice Chair Champagne Council Councilor
Gray Chair Palumbo Year. Commissioner Locastro here, Commissioner Hall Commissioner
Saunders. Vice Chair McDaniel here chair Koegel. If you are able please stand,
commissioner, look at going to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge
allegiance to flag and United States of America and to the Republic for which it One
nation indivisible, with and justice for all. All right, guys, we're on to item for the
business. We're here for couple of thoughts as this is informal, right. And for those
watching or attending, this is a workshop. We don't vote. We don't give consensus. This is
a conversation. This is a thought on some directions and basically brainstorming and
sharing ideas. County commissioners, manager Patterson, I appreciate
everybody else. You should appreciate coming down. The market's been a while since we
got together. So we've been looking forward to this for for a while. Hands little
raised. If you want to talk or just jump right in, but we don't just give us a wave of
will make sure we get A and the list topics. Discussion of topics. morning. Before
thoughts or ideas before we get started. ride was just go ahead and dive right into it.
Like we had discussed previously. There's a couple items that we might want to
bring county manager up Give us some more insight on procedural because my come up
against things that. The county and the local city don't have really jurisdiction
to address on our own might have bring a 3rd party and like the state of the Fed so
they can kind bring us up to speed on some of those items when we come across them that
not wasting a lot of valuable time discussing something. We can't really work out
ourselves here. But they can then brief us on what we can do how we can bring other
parties in to help shade it. Heads up on that. And we have both of our managers here and
we know thing could be remiss if I didn't say that the backbone, both of these
commissions and councils without them, things will be difficult us. Police absolute.
appreciate it. You know, as a district, one commissioner and I mean, I can walk here from
my probably had the shortest drive. I make a few opening comments. First, I want to
thank our county manager and city manager for working so closely together. We've been
discussing this joint session for quite some time. And although I've read like, you
know, whose idea was it? It's often been said there's no amount of good you can do if
you don't care who gets the credit. And I think we deserve the credit or maybe nobody
does. at the county, not only were we looking forward to meeting we have on the
calendar joint session with the city of Naples, possibly meeting with the city of
Everglades or even meeting with Lee County Commissioners. Something I had said to the
chairman of one of you all may want to get together meet with the city of Naples, even
though you know, you might not have that much overlap. I'm a separate municipality's
comparing notes on how you work with the county how you do things could be a great, a
great idea. So that might be something to take a look at I really welcome this gathering.
And when I was talking Commissioner Cole because we'll obviously be doing this
with the city Naples. This is a good opportunity for us separate rumors from facts,
but also for I know that I'm mark a lot of citizens. Watch this on TV sometimes I can
tell by the e-mails I get and I'm sure by the ones that City Council gets even citizens out
of lived on the island for a really long time off and are confused by the separation of
responsibility is, you get an email saying you should do You do this. You should do this.
And I said, well, that's actually 7 elected city Knox also, I appreciate when the
city council or city manager pushes me a note and says, hey, this is all county. So I
think we do a great job, you know, and I wanted to really voice my appreciation for how
well I believe that we are working together. I did want to
we can't answer it here we're not here to have a big, long debate as as chairman of the
Colombo said, we certainly can take some things as I as homework assignments. But, you
know, a close race thank the Katy City Council how they enter interact with me and
with the county as a whole. And I think, you know, we've had I know we've had an awful
lot of success. Is that I'm uonversation. I want to jump in are quick and sign. If
you want to comment on this. Police Commissioner Saunders. The quick comment I think I
have is turned on now. When this tax passed in 2018 is a little bit of history that I
think important. Gonxpert and M if Chris has anything chime in, but when he and I were
speaking about this because this was has been on our agenda, was any kind of big
surprise. One of the things he said it is commissioner. We've actually emails or some earlita
But no, it's it's this is a tax that will go on for a long time. And the first priority
in terms that, 60% portion is going to be complete the Harris Co Sports Complex. But
this is going to go on the money for advertising to money for other types of beach
projects and things? Well, I think that would love to have more of that conversation to
understand that because that's for the reason if we're going to put that one percent tax on
now, knowing. How the plan of distribution. Their decisions you guys make. Our citizens
pay a whole lot of taxes to Collier County. The one percent tax will be paid by
our citizens as well as tourists. But we need to know what's coming to us in order
to know to support it. Okay. That salute would correct. Please. Here's the citizens of
Marco Island. The citizens of Marco Island. They stay at hotel worry that the
restaurant where the TV taxes collected. is the work and that this is that's purely
nights. Not a one percent sales tax. Purely on the head tax for hotels and session and
it's a tdt textures development. Okay. And so and then we are relegated by
statute is too where those funds go. So that's that's direction now. And I think
that needs to be clarified because I think most people are thinking this is a one
percent sales tax once again as big microphones working think that's something that
needs to be projected to the public. And then I and on the one percent sales tax is I was
one of the 2 dissenting votes when that came through the last time it did pass by less
than one-half of one percent of people that showed up take early vote that year. I concur
wholeheartedly with Commissioner Saunders with regard to the impetus behind
it. If we're going to do it, there has to be a plan and then investment. The in fact
is made. I have to share out loud. I am not in favor of it. I am not in favor. I wasn't in
favor of before. It did do an enormous amount of good for our community because of the
dedication of those funds. That was stipulated where those funds were going to be.
be invested. But I I I. I think with the climate that we're currently in right now,
the unknown that we're all about the face coming here in November. Whether or not that
referenda that's on the ballot this fall passes or not. We have to wait. See number the
week later in Tallahassee to put the bumpers on to say it could they have to write
legislation after this constitutional amendment passes or doesn't then
legislation has come out of legislature as to how that money's going to go. What
cause of they've obligated to assist municipalities and special districts withdrew
regard to potential revenue funding shortages. They could transpire. If that if that
referenda, in fact passes. So before I'm going to commit to any kind of additional
taxation have to wait and see with with regard to what's going in fact, transpired
here. The Saunders had his hand up first. We'll come back here. It just just real
quickly that's think what you just said really points out. The difficulty that we do
have, as you mentioned. The citizens of Marco Island and the Commissioner McDaniel
mentioned restaurants. Restaurants collect this tax list. They have to be sure
less they happen to be having a room that they right now. So point is that I'm making is
that this is a tax on short-term rentals that sit Airbnbs and the difficulty
were the folks that really know what's going on. And still this confusion. The we
have a campaign to educate public that this is attacks on tourist only pours. The
citizens of Marco Island are good paying less. They stay Airbnb. And so. That's a
critical message. Get out that also going back years ago. I think Marco Island collected
about 25% of tourist tax collected counties is a big number. I don't know what
percentage goes back Marco Island directly, but you're right, collect a lot lot. A
lot of it. And hopefully Marc was getting its fair share. I don't know the answer to that.
We needed. We need to educate public we have a campaign going on now. For November
ballot. I'd like just are little more clarification on it, too, because it's we don't
collect that actually. You understand the hotel industry collects tax, then their
responsibilities distribute to the state and then everything is backup like you said,
Commissioner Saunders is we don't know. You know how division comes. I don't know
personally know what Marco gets back from that, you know, directly but I know we get a
portion and we've been we have were handcuffed on. What part we can spend on what this and
And is. probably needs to be looked at in the future by Tallahassee. You know, some of
these strings attached to it. But that's something that for a later date. lot of people in
climber Ms understood that. I think we collect that tax. date that's collected by the
industry, not So just let you know. Thank you. Commissioner Locastro is going to be next.
And I get to I think the other clarification isn't just for citizens, but it's to the
media. You know, to your your comment. I I've seen articles that say that Khalid basically
the sports complex tax and as Commissioner Saunders said it's could be if it was if it
passes in November for many other things, but also too, even if one to all of the
commissioners here. Thank the sports complex. Should be the key benefactor say of this
tax. We don't have to decide that. So it's not like it's passed in November. And all of
a sudden millions are automatically thrown in the sports complex. I can tell you
that might be one or 2 of us here. That aren't quite convinced. So we'll wait and
see what happens in November and that money would get collected. But how it is spent
still needs to be presented, agreed upon. It's not an automatic. So there's been a
lot of news media articles make it just sound like automatically. If it's passed,
millions just don't get siphon to the sports complex. And that's not true. It'll be a
pot of money. Commissioner Cole explained it perfectly. That doesn't immediately come
to us. And then if we want chip away at that or utilize in some way, I'm sure they'll
be a lot of presentations, not just from the sports comlex, but follow up with an outgoing
vice with just a clarification. county commission passed a resolution
indicating that the first expenditure for tax would be the sports field facility. Now
I asked the board to do that because I needed the tourist industry to support this tax
because of that because of our commitment to the Paradise Coast Park and those sports
fields too. Provide diamond sports for the summertime. The Florida restaurant Lodging
Association campaigns for because they know that will generate tourism in the
summer. So there is a commitment on the part of commission and it's been
distributed to the public that we're going to build those fields with the first portion
of that, the first 60%. But again, that other 40% goes to everything else. So we do have
that commitment. When that first portion. Council shipping that. Thank you. I
think my basic question is, is Marco Island. Sure there will be in the allocation of this
6. $0.06 tax when it is assuming the positive that passes. We automatically a
beneficiary or do we have to apply for each and every opportunity that we can
identify? I would prefer obviously is is he city councilor that we're one of
the Dana 5 beneficiaries of whatever money is collected and allocated. Is the island
or dramatically. Who is the money allocated to account here she comes kind good
morning or good afternoon. I'm Amy Patterson. I'm the county manager and thank you so much
for having us first. Just a matter of housekeeping on your questions about where people
can find out more information on this initiative. We have a full schedule. In fact, sheet
at Collier, Tdt dot com. We have 12 informational meetings going on. Actually, the second
one is tonight at the South Regional Library. There will be one on Marco Island on the
30th of September. So folks that are interested, we're having these meetings
throughout the county so that people can come and find out the factual information on the
tourist development tax and the uses of this proposed $0.06 So the answer to your
question is both. There are things that automatically come to Marco and opportunities for
Marco to receive supplemental tourist development dollars. So our beach renourishment
program and some of the navigable passes are in our coastal zone program. And
those are regular recipients of tourist development dollars for those for for those
projects. You recall Tiger Tail Beach and Sand Dollar Island is a new one that's
made its way onto that project. Listen, has been supported by tourist
development dollars. Beach renourishment, the dune plantings and some of the
other inlet dredging is however, similar to the city of Naples. We plan to work
with your staff on some of your other needs. That may be coastal related or tourism
related and you have the opportunity to come through the tourist development
process to request additional dollars. So the answer is is both there are there's money
that is in the program for Marco and the potential our coach or quest additional
dollars from the And you do receive marketing dollars that indirectly via the hotels that
received those dollars down here on Marco Island. Thank you for that answer. But
continuing along vein. We'll assume continue Newseum, the positive that it passes. 2
eventually published the allocation list. Item by project by City. By Prof every
year we go through our annual budget process, which includes that process for the award of
the tourist development dollars to the various entities, both public and
private, as well as the work plans for the county. So that's through our coastal
zone county museums in any other recipient. So, yes, this is an annual. So when you
publish that data. Re free as a city to further publish it to make sure people are fully
aware where there's money is being allocated and what projects and yes, certainly is
around. are all public records for informational meeting you're going to be holding and
say thank you for doing that. More information is better than less. Will you produce a
document on what? Put what you're going to be discussing orally so that we can put it
on social media. people can read it. Yes, sir. again, we have the full schedule enough
actually currently at Collier Tdt dot com. So you could either pull that information
down for as the city or you could link to it, OK? Very good. Thank you. You're
welcome. I can give you a quick example of the but with the county managers told
there's certain programs that automatically your money generated from the Tdc. Now, a
quick example. A few years back. The Naples Pier Project. Then a little bit of shortfall
going into it. They've documented in the request through loss to get an
additional moneys. And we got their money's granted through grant through PVC was and a
3 million dollar grant towards the project because you can articulate. That is definitely
tourism item. So that way state, they're okay with that. But you can't. So you just
want to resurface the road or something. Understand you can dip into spots. But that's a
perfect example how they got an additional 3 million dollars for take. project is
death to definitely related to tourism. That typically is not in the bubble. They get on a
regular basis. Just give you an idea. Just the council voted to end. I long question
about the tourist development tax. I know we cut that percentage that goes amount
that goes 2 for a furnished taking care of the beaches.
needs Is that a local okay. All right. So I want to be too loud there. so what is the
process that we can actually as a municipality come and ask for more funds? I understand
that where tear that comes from the we love the help our economy without a doubt and
keep our businesses grow and prosper. But the same time we have a lot of wear and tear as
well. And I know day infrastructure perhaps is not part of the tourist
development tax. Is it any other way, any other foster we can ask for from as a re font
to the our municipality. Amy Patterson again. So for tourist development, there
specially can such a tightly controlled dollars so it's prescribed what they can be
spent on typically. We understand the tourism promotions and marketing.
That's that's one section. We understand those direct benefit, the beaches inlets
and those other direct tourism's tourism. However, there is the ability to use
towards development dollars on some types of infrastructure. For certain amount of money
provided that there is a study commissioned that proves that that infrastructure benefits,
tourism. So it's not an absolute answer. However, each project has to be evaluated on
a case-by-case basis. And so if it's not specifically prescribed like the like the
promotions or like our beach activities. Then there's different process that you
would go through to make that request. It requires an independent study and other
things so we can certainly work with your staff on on that as well as any of your
projects that have direct relationship. I can give another example. The city of
Naples had a project at Lowdermilk Park that they were going to use one funding
source for and we chatted with them and said this may be a more appropriate use for
tourist development and were able to get them through that process. Used tourist
development taxes for that project. So this is really a collaborative effort between
the staffs of the cities and the county to evaluate these projects and try you get them
into the right lane for funding. And the Thank you very much. my follow-up
question is Marco Island used to have 2 representatives on the tdc board. Right now.
We're down to or Chair Darren Service on it. Did a second. Let me from at all merry. It
is PC that side of it. Yes, because the market resident. Okay. Okay. Because that's
something that's very important that Marco Island representation. Thank Thank
you, sir. the hands commissioner. Look I'm going to volunteer Commissioner
Locastro to come to one of your future city council meetings with our staff, Chris
Johnson and go through the statutory requirements. How that money divvied up by
statute. Where can go what can be used for so on and so forth. Better clarified for
some of it is as a muse said, can be used for infrastructure project to delineate the kind
they don't just throw it at you. And so it's a rather involved. It's not that
complicated. I actually figured it out. But it. May may be recalled. Volunteered
missed Commissioner Locastro volunteered. We appreciate your volunteer would like to
see outbreaks within what I wanted address. Champagnes question about, you know, what
can we do? The best feedback I can give you as couple things have the city manager and the
county manager work together. The biggest mistake that I've seen and I sat on the TV see
as a board as a board will take turns on the board so we don't get elected. We take
turns every every year. So we can we can learn a lot. But the biggest mistake that I see
is different different groups municipality's and others jumping the gun a little bit
too quick. We want this amount of money for this one thing. No details, no background, no
nothing. And so, you know, it really needs to come as a as a package and it has to be well
thought out. And that's where our county manager can help somebody. And sometimes my
advice is you're not ready yet to submit. So I'll see a draft of something. I'll be like
compared to other packages. I've seen. This is one of the thinnest things asking for the
most money. And, you know, it's not going to come before the board 15 different times.
So that's where I don't know that I need to come to us. A city council meeting, I will
tell Chris Johnson sent back there every time I in the direction of somebody is like,
hey of call their cell phone number right now, he's somebody that could be very
helpful. our county manager can certainly, you know, the county staff is there to also
help Miss apologies. we see multiple inputs from across the board. We might have. We
definitely a lot more visibility into the best strategy submit something and
what a lot of times when something doesn't have enough meat on the bone that doesn't
meet with with approval and the details. Were there just the right person related and
package it or didn't have experience doing it and you're competing with a lot of
different other entities are all asking for for money. So having something that's really
complete. Well thought out and maybe has been vetted a bit by the county staff beef before
it makes its formal, you know, turn would be the best advice I can get. I can always help
with that. If it's for Marco and I would pull our subject matter, experts on the county
to make sure that it got every every set of eyeballs on it so that it got strong look. sir.
I see a commissioner Saunders and then we'll get to commission a great to one more
go-round for this topic missions on This is request the city Mark will get behind
this tourist tax side. Ask the board to put this on the agenda on ballot. I guess 6 or
8 months ago, the figure was going to be a tax that's going to pass. This is one that can
pass. The message is that it's it's on our tourist. Our citizens benefit from this
between harassment advertising to more tourist, the Philae restaurants hotels. But I also
want to point out one thing. I understand that the Marco Island Civic Association is
opposed to this. I don't know why they would be opposed to it. But that's what I've been
told. So I would urge city councilor folks in the audience that may be for they
with civic Association, perhaps they need to be. Brought up to speed as to what
this tax can do. But Marco Island, generally a large voter turnout. Marco Island.
expected that November. It's going to be 90% turnout. Everybody gets to vote on
this. And it would be a shame that Marco Island comes out opposition to this and fails
just simply because the Civic Association perhaps doesn't have enough information. I can
think no reason. Kind of thought this through. get somebody come up with a reason
to vote against it. like to hear I can't think of any reason hope with Civic
Association Change your position. Well, so it was category one. Thank you.
couple clarifications. The tdc money goes to Tallahassee someone in Tallahassee. Who
then decisions that allocation. It's a purely by stature. get it all. Okay.
Okay. And so to the other point, it would help to enlighten the community as to
what kind of dollars come back and the application of those proceeds. I'm not entirely
clear what all qualifies as a potential application for the use proceeds and having that
menus. So I'll test one just as a concept. We have a very active tourist boardwalk,
Winterberry boardwalk. We're in the process doing some renovations to they to about
ballpark 150,000 repairs at this point. Why wouldn't that be a very attractive in
eligible application? Councilor Greg? That's actually in the works. Casey J
Tulsa from the Tdc are talking about that. I'll say it looks good, not definite, but that's
our agenda speak about that. council meeting. I think the answer, the other question,
TPC tax. Any tax that hits or visitors and comes back to the community clearly has
attractive profile too. I think one of the challenges that Marco Island been
wrestling with, which is ask for an increase in the sales tax and that sales tax is
higher and many counties in Florida is because we do have increasing burdens to service
that turns community, whether it's law enforcement, infrastructure, cetera. we are
challenged by increasing need to service a tourist community and little or no offset. And
so we as a a municipality are looking at how can we try and bring some parity of Thank
you. Mister Chair was to pick up where Mister McDaniels left it. I would like it would be
OK to invite. Mister Johnston. Would it be? That what what is the chain of command? Is there
any way that we can invite him? To explain stuff? Yeah. You all college home. told I
like that. That's a good. All right. So because we we would let down and staff as well. So
and especially the statutory explanation o what are the cons we can use for perhaps
infrastructure. Let's win us that that was spoken about see the 2 managers are already
writing notes. The second it was I mean before Chris. Pete, one thing that I'm in just a
and you're so you give example of the winter very boardwalk.
Just assuming it has has a tourist attraction, us talk about what it To sticks and
maybe sometimes things are a little But used think, you know, because a lot of times
when people live in this area, specially marked as example, I think everything is Torres and
it might mean. really has explaining. That's probably the biggest missing piece that
ice and packages that come to me as droughts or that get voting on that connection
isn't made. Jaap well, you know, there's a bunch of things probably missing. then
sometimes money. So that's where that that connection. for that package bombs. And
also to sometimes people take leave and make that connection for tourism. It's a stretch.
It makes that package look very. You give an example of something that definitely
could be considered. Thank you. Commission council eye for the record. Christopher
Johnson. I'm the director of corporate financial management services for the county. Can I
get these slides up by chance? I actually put and looks like you guys have the packet in
front of you, but I can quickly run through the uses of tdt how perfect that I'm
just looking at myself. back so let me just get started here. When I can go through
hears I'll go through the tdt uses by each individual. Penny as as the commissioners and
the county manager have stated, we currently have 5 pennies that we charge for
Tdt. We're looking to enact the 6 penny for the high tourism counties in that'll be
on the November ballot. So all the authorized uses of tourism development, tax writer,
revenue are outlined in Florida State statute. One 25 Dot 0, 1, 0, 4, And I'll start
with the first second and the 3rd pennies. So the first second and 3rd pennies all
have the same uses and they're outlined here on this slide. They can be used for paying
debt service and operating certain facilities, including convention centers, sports
stadiums, arenas coliseum's or auditoriums aquarium, aquariums and museums. They
can promote zoological parks. They can promote and advertise tourism and convention
bureaus. They can Finance Beach park facilities. They can be used for beach
maintenance, re nourishment restoration erosion, control and shoreline protection. And
finally, this is a new use that's been had recently that can be used for public
facilities or infrastructure. That's pennies one through 3. The $0.04 has a little more
restricted use. The $0.04 can be used for professional sports facility that operating
costs of convention center's finance with tourism tax and to promote and advertise
tourism. The 5th cent can be used for professional sports facility and convention Center
debt and also to promote and advertise tourism. All right. And this is the penny right
here. The 6 penny that will be on the ballot for the election up upcoming election in
November. And the uses of this the same as the first through 3rd Penny. So you have your
paying debt service and operating certain facilities promoting to was logical parks
promoting and advertising tourism financing Beach Park facilities, Beach maintenance,
re nourishment restoration erosion, control and public facilities. This slide just
shows what you what we had to achieve to qualify for high impact $0.06 TT sales
exceeding 600 million or 18 per cent of total taxable sales over 200 Million. rtd
tea sales in the county are currently right around a billion dollars. So we collect
right around 50 million dollars in in tdt tax. And then this was what has already
happened here. There was an ordinance approved for the referendum by our board of
County commissioners. Moving into this is just a brief history of the tdt pennies you
can see here in August 1992, the county levy, the first and second penny in October of
1995, we Levy 3rd Penny. And I in July of 2005, the 4th Penny was levied in July of 2017,
earlier, the referendum in ted - November 2026, is for the 6 penny or the high tourism
penny. Moving on to the allocations. So the allocation is outlined in our tdt plan.
This plan was approved by the board updated in 2017 with if the new penny is to be
approved by the voters. This TT plan would have to be revisited as the commissioners
were stating earlier. So here's the beach category here. And if you kind of go
across this, you can see I have I have a column for the first 3%. The 4th penny, the
5th penny and then the overall allocation. I won't go through these one by one. But if you
go to the bottom you see 70.9 to 9% of the first 3 pennies or al Qaeda beaches overall.
42.5, 6% of the total current allocation. The next category is promotion. This category.
You have 5 pennies involved in this category. There's 2 separate sections here. You
have destination promotion and admin and then the amateur sports Complex is also under
the promotion category. And you can see here Penney, one through 3, 13.0, 0, 8, 6%.
Penny is 100% allocated. And the 5th Penny is currently 100% allocated to the
promotional category. Our final category is museums. We have county museums at 12
point 809%, of pennies, one through 3 or 7.6, 8% of the overall. And then on county
museums, which are grants that go out to our non county partners. So you have they're
about 3, actually 3.1, 7, 6, s not about. That's pretty exact or one point. 9, 1%, of the
overall allocation. And this here is the exhibit A from TC ordinance, which shows that
those allocations I just ran through. Any questions on that. Would you please explain
that kept the 2 million excess to promotion fund 11 on certainly that. And that's a
that's a really good question. So when when the board adopted this, this tdc out allocation
plan for the pennies, they kept them use the county museum contribution at
2 million dollars. So once we collect the percent that that 12.8 9% of the first 3 pennies
that. Gets us to 2 million dollars. The rest of the money goes goes up into the
promotion. Bucket. Instead. Thanks, You're very welcome. I've been asked by some of the
folks watching 7 hard time hearing. Make sure your Mike's or make sure you second here.
Don't be afraid to be allowed. Council gray. 16 Million. See a ballpark number that comes
out of this. If you add the additional penny, okay, what type of growth in tourism to
try and target with that deployment of capital. I mean, how much more tourism are we
hoping to bring and how do you try and measure returns on the investment that money? I am
the money guy I can. I can maybe pull up the marketing person if you'd like to.
answer that question. Let's get different question. Why since you're the money guy? I
like we have a couple of parks and Marco Island that could really use some refurbishment
ball fields, cetera, with one of those ball fields of the medical park work tours, do
come visit and find a prized destination, be qualified for consideration. it sounds to me
like that would be under the process of the county manager was describing earlier where
you have to do a study to determine that it does benefit tourism prior to allocating
tdt and that would go through our grant process. Sorry, I'm using the wrong button here.
So essentially there be an application we have to verify eligibility through study and
then go to the tdt and then finally for BCC approval. But it would you have to do the
study first to determine that's starting trend track the activity level from the
tourist community and to those correct resources, correct? Thank you. You're very
welcome. Surrendering. Actually, not present. Thank you very much for all that.
But it's actually more of a statement going back to the sports complex and such. We
have our nice little bubble here on Marco. I've been to I think now 5 different athletic
events at people coming from out of Sunday pulls I'm for $1.01, 2 weeks. But even just
with all the kids coming from all around the country, playing lacrosse of soccer,
I've been in numerous things there and I think on the market bubble, we don't
realize the intensity of tourism outside our island. you could have 4,000 families.
They're playing lacrosse from all over the country. And I don't think maybe the folks on
Marco recognize the intensity more than just people coming to go to the beach. But the
people coming to get hotel rooms to go to athletic events because you can play lacrosse
in January, February March. That's absolutely lovely. So I I think that's something for
the Marco, to recognize that it's not what the money that's being spent is in per se how
to bring more people, more tourism to Marco. Because of the tourism through count.
Collier County, we can benefit. From that money. If that makes sense to that, I
don't if I could follow-up. I get the privilege of sitting on the tdc, not she said with
many of chairman commissioners excuse me. But I have Naples City Council member coach Bill
Kramer. You guys know Mesa High School would winning state champion coach. I know
him as a man of faith and a man of the children and Naples City Council member, of
course. He talks about the sports complex in great detail as to the benefit brings to
the community to the local kids. The people visiting. It's one of number one, now
sports complex that leave the country. If a member of the stats correctly. This was an
incredible. Example of government. That's you commissioner stepping in and
doing something that the private sector could not have done alone. And it brings
tremendous amount of people, the right type of people, families, people that benefit
the community. So that's a perfect example of life outside of Marco. And I'm glad
you mentioned that. Thank you. Councilor shipping it. Something it. Thank you. You
mentioned that the sum of money can be used for debt repayment. Is that correct?
Corrected debt repayment related to a qualifying item. currently we utilize it for
the debt repayment of the sports complex. Okay. Could it be used for any debt repayment
on Marco I would have to look into that and console question. The attorney the
media to answer is no. Why seems to me that this should be applicable so long as we
can put any business plan justifying why that debt repayment. That's the
requirements of DDT. I would have to look into that. I apologize. I'm not prepared
for that question, but we can get we would appreciate a response to that because we do
have some debt. Some final Commissioners on please. The sports complex. We approve
that back in 2017, there were 2 purposes for this one was to promote tourism. It does that.
You just mentioned that. And of course, is this 6th petty will promote tourism in the
summertime, but an even more important aspect of this really the reason that I
support of this more than the tourism was affected, provides these facilities for our
community. So when we don't have visiting teams from all over the country using those
fields, we have our kids use those fields and we have a desperate need for employer.
Those field. And this is filling that need, especially baseball diamonds in the
summertime. Lot of our diamonds being refurbished in the summertime. So we need
build the 2, 2, 2.1 was for tourism, but also to provide meals for our community. And
then in terms of the amount of tourism, I do believe that number 25% sticks in my head
for some resist to tourist taxes generated on Marco Island. That means it. The
other 75% comes from someplace else. So it's it's it's a big pool. And that may give you
some idea the difference. At a closing for community chair. If you have a closing thought.
But for my city council members, I've been talking about tdc initiatives. What
are we going to do? What are we going to ask for? type of skin in the game? And we're
going include for so this would be a great, I think a launching point, Dr. Lucy, so
myself, we can talk about putting on an agenda. Fishel talk about what type items we
think would qualify, how we set it up, set it up for success with our county
commissioners. That's one thought. And the thing I want to just clarify. The tdc now
we take a lot of tourist tax money and we can connected to a lot of things that also
benefit the public. I use the word I think some of does anybody somebody all in it
together. It's a big circle. So there are a lot of things that will benefit the
community. But you cannot forget. One of the jobs of the tdc is to promote tourism.
That's its purpose to bring more tortoise and thriving economy. So that's my fault.
But to close out the county sales tax, here's what I'm hearing would be clear. County
commissioners, appreciate. It's not that you're against the idea. It's has to be a
well backed and supported ideas set up for success. That'll be our job counselors
to convince our community to make sure that we are reaching out to the county
commissioners and 4 in favor of this, asking the conversation to keep moving
forward for a later date when we might when the county commissioners will consider it
Mr. Chaired anything to add before we move on to that. All right. With that Beach
management plan next on the. I just paraphrase this currently 4 major coastal management
projects are underway. Collier Creek dredging permit expires December 20 27 led by Collier
County, U.S. Army Corps dredging Naples to Marco federal navigation channel
planned for the late 2027 Sandrine Embarassment of South Marco Beach led by Collier
County. Number 4, Tiger Tale Lagoon. Sand dollar restoration. We notice and
dollars spent here in Marco planned for late 2027 led by the city. Marco and Hideaway
Beach taxing district. Does anybody want to lead offer any thoughts? Any of this? I'm
assuming our county commissioners are going to. Give us a little bit of
education and that we appreciate that commissioner. Look after him. I would just
offer that to set the table before. We also are jump in with varied comments. We have
attorney Scott here much like Chris and give an overview on these things because some of
these things are are related and some aren't. So I think before we start just jumping
in, it would be very valuable of Trinity can come up and do just like with Kristen and
give a quick overview. Separate room are some facts. my guide discussion a little
bit better. Excellent idea. Thank you, Trinity. Come on up. Better start to claw. At
least it wasn't. Hold on to your That's next. Well, a little inside joke here. I
went the wrong way. How about that? How about your transportation person going
the wrong way?
Thanks to other baby. Are you waiting for slides? Yes. Yeah. I think I'm
on the runway. The people who are running this slide show. Find me. The beach management
plan. For the Trinity Scott and the Transportation Management Services Department
head for Collier County. And obviously I don't know my direction So we don't believe
that. To Looking for that. I'll just real eye opener with the questions the council
asking. Anybody's newer to this commission or counselor public running for office. You
start to realize, but listen to this. How much? You don't know what you don't know and
how no particular elected official could know everything. And it's really
the staff, the management that are behind us that. Run the conversations, help us learn
and understand. Bring us onboard, educate us in the beginning and they were
tremendous and it works. appreciate that. Some shout out to the staff while waiting
for first light show. I'm going to go ahead and start. So I'll just talk a little bit
about the Collier Creek Rehabilitation Project. This is a a dredge to improve the
navigation and extend the time in between the required maintenance stretching we just
received the Army Corps of Engineers. In August of this year and don't let this baby
face fool you. We have been working to get this permit for years. So getting this permit
was quite the feat. And and we anticipate starting that project next year. And it will
be a lengthy one. it will extend over into at 2028 as well. So there you go. So
there you go. This is our first light here and this is funded part partly with the
tourist development tax funds as well as our Florida partnership with our Florida
Department of Environmental Protection. I did not touch anything for the record. So
someone can get back to those slides. Yeah. I up.
Commissioner Helena are obviously on the same page. There you go. Okay. then the
South Marco Beach re nourishment. Am I free to click touch? The clicker,
please. Okay. Set it down. This is the design permitting and construction of the South
Marco Island Beach during nurse and widened the beach for storm protection. We
received our permits march of this year. We anticipate started construction on that
in January. That will go January 2027 through March of 2027. And once again also
funded partly with our tourist development in partnership with the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection Funds. And along with that project, we will also be doing
some FEMA mitigation plantings along the dunes. We just at a long time. At our Naples
Collier County beaches and the northern part of the county. re-establish the dunes and
replanted the for. Better long-term resilience against future storm events. So as
part of the project, we will also be doing that as well. So we we'll start that in March.
And that will finish up in June of 2027. And that is being funded with FEMA funds.
And that concludes the 3 projects that we have. Councilor, please. the talk
into the microphone, you know, we'll get to that you want Commissioner? Look at Police
to Miss Scott said even though some of those projects are are are coming up and in the
future, I'm really proud of the staff and I'm sure the bite mark or as well,
especially people that live in Cape Marco. But after in little tip, sort of at the end
of South Beach was really And a lot of the sand basically was in the lobby of a few of
those condominiums and I mean, I was out there personally with lot of people from
Trinity Staff, Andrew Miller oversees our beach restoration and quite a few others. it's
been a multi-phase project. So that may not have been on the slides. But there's been an
awful lot of sand and support that has come to the market beaches landed by saying
sometimes the misconception on Marco from from people that may agree or disagree or they
have a better idea on how replace and, you know, maybe we're not doing it and way
they think it's smart because sand just washes away. So, you know, maybe ship at sea walls.
I've heard, you know, all of Tiger tell should be surrounded by rocks. So
doesn't have to be addressed every year. But as I sort of often say, turtles have a hard
time climbing the rock. So, you know, we don't just do this in a vacuum. We work with
a lot of different organizations. But the main takeaway is when there's folks
that see that we do beat restoration on Marco, which is a very susceptible. Obviously,
it's different. All beaches are are quite a bit different. This one takes takes a major
hit and storms and folks say, oh, my God, they were just out there, you know, 6 months ago
or year ago, and there they are, again having to replace all the say on the reality is
that across the Jolley Bridge and went to any of the other beaches where we're doing that
12 months out of the Iran, every beach. I mean, no you know, gets truck load of sand
and then it sustained for 10 years. So, you know, turn. And he has a really big team
that's out there. 24 7 commissioner halls got a lot of beach area in his district
and make a mistake. They're they're getting, you know, plenty of support. even when
we don't have a hurricane, even if it's just a king tide and a little bit of wind,
we're out there. So beat restoration is a regular thing that is regularly budgeted.
It's not, you know, one time thing. And if it doesn't last for a year, none of them last
for a year, especially if we have these big major storms. But there's an awful lot that
goes on on the other side of the Jolley Bridge. That is very similar to Marco.
sometimes that gets forgotten, you know, as well that these restoration is part of our
regular maintenance of keeping all beaches. We have a little bit of an extra challenge here
on Marco, depending on how a storm answer, how tides flow. And, you know, we have some
areas that maybe don't have as much protection from wind and hurricanes and whatnot. So it
might be a little little bit more robust restorations here, but make no restoration teams
are every single beach all throughout the year. Absolutely. We do. Annual
surveys all of our Collier County beaches and pre storm event. A lot of folks don't
know this, but we go out and we actually tried to get a survey pre storm of that event
and post storm. So we know how much Sam weight loss pre and post. So we can get on it and
and try to get grant dollars back to our area. We like other people's pm. If I you
want to end or did it cash cover your? I looking to Commissioner Locastro says he
Representative 0, 1, of my personal concern is that Tiger Tail Florida, move it over
closely. One of my concerns is and I think many of our residents concern is when are
we going to have our Tiger tale parking restored? that reaches of Collier County.
There's full parking lot that's been open. men open, you know, from sunup to
sundown a time. So I don't know what your question are we talking about when it's going
to be the best interest or and that's not the most of any good so. So a clarification is
not the parking lot. You love There it So you got here, the purse, the parking lot. What
improvements are planned for the parking not and because the parking lots and in great
shape if you think it is under there, something that we're missing, let us know. As for
the bathrooms and I can ask James Cameron stepped forward from our parks and rec as we
just talked about this give the short answer. But, you know, you might want to I want
to miss any any details or Jamie French might want chime in here from growth
management, the main restrooms and I put this and every newsletter as clear as I can,
the main restrooms by the snack bar took a major head to end and even previous storms
and not just the restrooms. But what makes restrooms were car left stations. So when you
flush the toilet, it actually goes somewhere and much like stoplights on a street. It's
not the bar in the light that cost money. It's all the computers that are underneath
the ground. That makes a brand new stoplight when it's installed and at an
intersection million, a million multimillion dollar investment. So underground,
older left stations took a big, major hit. But having said that, when I've got a
note saying there's no bathrooms on Tiger tale, what are you gonna restore the
bathrooms several years ago, brand new bathrooms were built at the south end of the
parking lot. So if you have to go to the bathroom, you can do it in an almost a brand new
facility that's out the south that it might take a little bit longer of a walk. And one
of the things I had asked Mister French a while ago and we've done it is put a little
bit better signage to people who only know the bathrooms by the snack bar go. They're
closed. There's no bathrooms. And it's like, you could throw a stone and hit and it's a
multimillion dollar facility that was just handful of years ago because lift stations and
all the things that are required for a brand new bathroom needed to be built.
So that's a pretty big undertaking. Not only that, that we put a VIP trailer,
tiger tale immediately when the bathrooms were destroyed. And of course, you know, we've
had challenges with Even though we clean them 3 times a day. You know, we have some
some folks that maybe take care of them as best as possible. And we've been
trying to counter that know what Mister French, you know, chime in and then you have 3rd
on here that vendor what we have 5 different marine stores that all lost vendors for for
or another Mr. French will have some good news here that first of all, the snack bar,
Tiger tale is a heavy lift for for any vendor. Even though I know that a lot e-mails I get
are people who want go out to Tiger Town. They want the snack bar available. We have
several contractors out there since Tony Smith, who was there for many years and they
left in short order because they said I council to chicken sandwiches a week and 3 sodas
and make money we have we encourage food trucks to go out there. And this is during
season and they state a very short amount of time. What we find is a lot of people come
to Tiger Town. They might want those those food resources, but a lot of Tiger tale
visitors and lined up good know there's a lot of them come south self-contained.
There are more sort of environmentally focused. So they have a cooler. They have
food doesn't mean we're not going get somebody out of the snack bar, but we can't make a
contractor take that contract. And when it's probably not the most lucrative and we've
offered contractors to bundle it into. you take the more lucrative, Marine stores and
other locations that also don't have vendors. So it's not just Tiger tale. You know,
we like to bundle Tiger tail in there, but we've also offered all the snack bar
separately as well, trying to get you know, anybody in there. I want still Mr.
Francis Thunder, but we think finally have somebody may be interested in Tiger tale as
well maybe even all of the snack bars. And then he can tell you the timelines of
those. But, you know, we have put a lot of a lot of effort into Tiger tell. I know that
some citizens maybe don't think so. But if you walk around a little bit there, you
know, you'll see that millions of dollars have been invested and not. Park takes a big hit
when their storms and also too, you know, we can we can spend money on everything, but
we can spend, you know, on anything. But we can't spend money on everything. And so
the estimate, I think for the tiger tale snack bar restroom. If we wanted to bring that one
up, correct me. If I'm wrong, you're talking about 5 to 7 million dollars. And so when
we have other priorities are a lot higher. Doesn't mean we're ignoring that bathroom. But
when bathrooms already exist on Tiger tale, it is an especially in the offseason.
One of the more visited locations, spending 5 or 7 million dollars as a top
priority to restore another bathroom. Entire you know, oftentimes isn't on our top 2
list. But, you know, Mister French's here prepared to fill in the Thank you,
commissioner. Good afternoon. My name is Jamie The department head for Growth
Management community Development. Thank you for having me. Appreciate being
back and seeing all your smiling faces so I wish I could give you better but I do
serve. Carter County's the chief resiliency officer and the and the floodplain
administrator for Carter County. This bathroom sustained more damage beyond
the 50% rule which is set forth under 49 5, 5, through the Florida statute which
adopts the community rating system right from federal code. So it's beyond 50%
damaged as a result of the storm. So therefore, it must meet the new requirements of
the Florida building code, which includes elevation. We're going to have to look at
ADA, accessibility to include either a chair left like we like you would see in our
community center attacks and us or perhaps even a ramp. And those ramps typically run one
to 12 rise overrun so that it accumulates a great deal of space in order to meet those
ADA requirements. If the opinion of probable cost, we have not received an official
opinion of probable cost, but likely that will be north of that number. Commissioner
Locastro was speaking of probably to the upward some of somewhere around 12 million,
the 15 million dollars to restore that facility. So we are currently using a
third-party vendor to provide that service. And that is very costly to the county. It's
it's an budget operating clearly that we've had to absorb on top of which is
within a coastal environment. So it's exposed to salt element as well as an awful
lot of sand that people like to use are that they that they bring in off their feet? I
would tell you that that part generate last year we we saw almost approximately $370,000
in parking fees. So we are tracking the parking and if you've noticed, we got rid of
that. The payment portals, the payment stalls and we went to the QR code and it has made
that much more convenient. And then those parks such as in Tiger Tale, where we struggle
with cell phone service, we've asked actually looked at working with the cell phone
providers as well as putting repeaters and ourself so that we can ensure adequate
tracking of the parking as well as collection of payment. Now Beach Park in, of course,
if you have a beach parking pass and a resident Carter County to include city of
Naples City of Marco, that's free parking. And so we know a lot of families enjoy it. I
just happened to be on the site, probably about 10 days ago. So I do get out about
parks has been under my purview for just about 2 years now. So hopefully you're
seeing a great deal of difference in the cleansing. This the customer service and
the just the appreciation we have enjoying and also protecting this amenity along
with Mrna and our parks director. But ma'am, that that is that's going to be a costly
effort and which case we can look at how we work with Mister Johnson to see what
type of FEMA funds may be available. But the good news is is that we are in final
negotiations with a current vendor that's providing services to the state of
Florida. That should be coming up coming to the board of county commissioners for
consideration for the concession. Stand to reopen right now. We've got about a
$728,000 project tied up between the lift station and the I'm sorry, the concession
area to clean it up. Playgrounds are still in really good shape. And the
boardwalks are are fantastic as well. So we are out there as Commissioner Locastro said
those bathrooms get cleaned 3 times usually per day and we ought meant on top of our
contract because contractor is out there 3 times a week. We have staff there that actually
goes through there. Looks at your South Beach as well as your caxambas community center
bathrooms and we make sure those are open. Thank you, Thank you. The council's
commissioners, any please? Well, Mister, Fresh Eyes to see you again. So my question
is about vendor at Keck samples. Can you update us have I wish I could. We are.
And what the what Safir first it was the cone of silence and final negotiation. I would
tell us that this I learned this working a little bit the it field. This is not a a
child and a dog type of a business where somebody just thought of a great idea. This
is a legitimate b***** that's currently providing services to to the state parks of the
state of Florida. Well, we certainly look forward to getting that funding back very
to our residents, supportive of that. As the way. Thank you. Speaking of Qasem us
while we're waiting for negotiation finish up. There's a group of gentlemen on the
island that would love to volunteer to get that thing open before she can somebody
could entertain. We believe will be open before But if not, I would tell you is that
if you work directly there with my office for Mister Han, make sure I give you my card.
will be happy to help Thank you. I see no other hands or comments on adjusted down to
the bottom of one's important Marco additionally, other big Marco pass recently
experienced showing. And this sustaining the relocation of the channel markers to ensure
safe navigation. The city proposes that monitoring and managing of the Big Marco pass
being corporate into the Collier County Project List. This is something that's
important for us. it's a little controversial amongst the community. When we start
talking about cruise ships and why we want to do this. This is safety. This is a time
markers buoys and this is making this is pretty routine with all of Collier County
that this work is done, maybe for the commissioners for the staff. there be any push back
a hesitation to incorporating this into the project list or any votes? Yes, we can.
Currently this area doesn't fall within the county's jurisdiction for inlet
management. It falls under the Army Corps of Engineers in the U.S. Coast Guard for the
channel markers. We wouldn't recommend volunteering to take the initiative initiative on
utilizing local funds, however, working together with our legislative delegations
and lobbyists to ensure that the needs the importance of this channel are conveyed to
them and make for them to be able to make it a top priority is prudent. Where our teams,
both the city. And the county, I believe, are planning on meeting with the FDP in
September to see if they're able to assist us. So we're trying to bring the state in
knowing that the feds are sometimes, you know, it's harder to get higher on their
priority list. So we're we're trying to bring the state into. Maybe we can get them
in, get higher up on their party lists in an effort to be able to manage the sand
throughout. Not the big Marco pass, but also the Collier Creek and the Capri areas. So
that is kind of how we're we're trying to tackle that from a staff perspective. But
certainly I think keeping that on our our priority list and maybe having those a
legislative priority allows us to. Have you all take those and initiatives back to our
legislative delegation and try to to push those further. Appreciate the clarification
will go to help in any way that we can, Stephanie. But anything to add to this.
council great, please. You mentioned the Army Corps of Engineers, Coast Guard, the
county. Is the Army Corps of Engineers done a complete assessment Collier County from
a vulnerability standpoint. What is viable to protective work isn't and changing
environmental. Footprint. Because I love to believe the part of this discussion was
routed It really had been clearly assessed. And then the other related question would
When you look at something like dredging this do we have data that says what the return
on investment or how much the demand is for something like this and how do you rate
allocating money for this for says your other choices? Well, we would not rate anything
towards this because it's currently not our responsibility dredge this in.
And that's my point to that is we this is not currently our responsibility to do that.
This would be the Army Corps of Engineers responsibility to do that. And so my
recommendation is, is that we get this on our legislative priority at this and we pushed
them to bring this up to the top. If this is a priority for us and we get them to utilize
their funding to do so. And we have done this in other areas. And I'm Gordon passes is an
area where we have done this where we've had and commissioner Cole last
district where it is the Army Corps of Engineers responsibility to dredge that
area. And we have put this on our legislative priority list and are Collier County
commissioners as well as our lobbyists have pushed to get that higher up on the Army
Corps of Engineers priority list. And if I'm not mistaken, there, it's getting ready to
up pretty soon. too, to get that stretch. So it's going to go it's not unheard of that.
We've done that in the past. So instead of us putting our very limited, we've had a lot
of discussions about we all have very limited tax dollars. So instead of taking an
additional burden on ourself, let's go back and try to get the news that are responsible
for doing it. Try to get them to allocate those dollars. Or we needed to coax the Army
Corps of Engineers to take a hard look at this. think that that's what we're hearing is
that. like this, for example, we go myself and my 4 colleagues every year make the
trip to Washington we meet all these different entities. You know, we bring these things to
them and say hes a priority for us. It's a priority for the community. It's a
priority. You know, just, you know, our lobbyists and all that work is as far as the
other, you know, 67 counties and the 50 states and you add them all up. The guard are all
for their hand out, trying to get these organizations motivated make them think that
we're the most important project. But the Army Corps historically has hurt us. They
have done things like I said, the project Gordon are going to do that. don't. If you're
good news the other day, but put the sand where we out giving me this and the gun or
very great because I use the same through our benefit the other thing we've had 2
attempts for the court to do resilience study and twice its on budgeted and ran out of
money because Washington, D.C., just whatever reason included moving forward. So,
you know, that's always those stop so I think, case-by-case and we bring these to them.
And when we do our for one permanent, all these layers of process we do with these beach
renourishment projects. We look at it. smaller pieces, but we're still get feedback
on. going right a wrong. And usually they partner up with Stephen, One big umbrella.
Studies say this is what Carter County needs to do. You smell it and still get the
same result by bringing these projects and these ideas to them. You know, piece by
piece, sometimes it's even a better way because they don't feel like they're getting no
help to the fired. Have to say one big report. We actually get result of what we want.
Our beaches are all of that. Our we get a point just done piecemeal. So I think in a way
that's probably a better way to do it. Anyways. commission holds wait patiently
Christmas. Just as an idea. National candidate Casey Askar. This probably looking
forward to favorable outcome in before he gets there, you might want to drop this in his
ear. Get a commitment from him. And then because he looking for support and Markle
as well. He's he can be very instrumental in Wasington, just as Mario Diaz-Balart was
reporting for us. Congressman Donalds. Being very active in our veterans nursing home
situation. So they got some punch up there it wouldn't be a bad idea to establish a
relationship with that. It is here for the election. Commissioner Locastro. I just
wanted to add musket brought up our legislative priorities, commissioner calls and we go
to DC once year. We also go up to Tallahassee. Once you're all 5 of us and that that
that's critically important. One homework assignment here that I can tell would help is
if your legislative priorities matched hours in certain areas, if we say and I don't
jump ahead, but use real world example. Isles of Capri septic to sewer. So we had it as one
of our legislative priority said it was, you know, huge showstopper due to
environmental concerns. And we put all the meat on the bone to make sure we could get
about $200,000 for an initial study before you can start converting from septic to
sewer is a whole bunch of a preliminary steps. So we had have it front and center with
all of the meat and potatoes and then and talked about how this was a joint venture
between us and Mark. And I'm not here throwing stones. We're going to take to to do
things better. If the Marco legislative priority list would have even mentioned it.
And it might've been many may be felt a lot. But I can tell between, you know, case in Amy
working much closer together. I think those things are going to be a thing of the past. We
actually did get the money, I think because we we had it on ours and maybe it didn't. I do
want to say it didn't matter if it was on Marco's, but if we would got the money I might
have been sent here, Marco would put that as one of their top things that would have
been side by side. And when something like a bat better roaches up in Tallahassee and
she's trying to, you know, function on our behalf or whoever the congressional
people are in DC talking in the Army Corps, they they look at those things and there's
got to be center G or it looks like a big disconnect. So we did get lucky. I want to far
had been on. I I was a around. I great when it comes to septic to sewer, we finally
got to step one and we got we got some some money to start. The study. But those
legislative priorities matching in the areas where we've got we've got some
cooperation center G really, really need to to match in a way that gives us the best
chance. And then our elected officials up in Tallahassee and even in Washington, C, D C
copies of our legislative priorities go everywhere. So sometimes we're talking of the
Army Corps in Washington, D.C., and I got a copy right in front of them. And if if
what we are saying doesn't perfectly matched the script, it looks like, you know,
right, left-handed know what they're doing kind of thing. So that's a little piece of
improvement that we're all aware of in here. But just, you know, to go on the record,
we need that. We need to continue to do that as best as possible to you know, take
advantage of of those funds. You know. lastly, I'll just Trinity worked really h*** the
AIDS to navigation help voters across all of our waterways. Lot of them destroyed, damaged
faded that disappeared during storms. People saying affects all those things much like
this pass. Some belong to the Coast Guard. Some belong to us. Some belong to you. Some
belong to the city of Naples and we actually got our act. And I don't know if it was by
mistake or we were just trying to help. But correct me if I'm wrong, I believe we replaced
one that belong to the Coast Guard and it was ours. And we heard from them very quickly
saying, you know, that's that that's ours. That's our responsibility. You can't go
out there and just sort of do do your own thing. So there's definitely a division of
responsibility. So this one is particularly the Coast Guard's. But make no to your
point, we can still squeeze them pretty hard, but and inclusion all say remember
when over the last couple years the Army Corps was here doing an assessment on the
vulnerability of Collier County. I was really outspoken saying when some people were
sent off, they've been working on it for 2 years. You know, I'd and then we saw some of
the cartoon drawings that we know of of the Game of Thrones walls that need to be built
all the way across Collier County. I worked with the Army Corps a lot my time in the
military. They always think out of the box and the report is always super PAC and 80% of
the stuff. And there's just crazy ideas they have, but it. But you know, you've got to
you've got to weed through that and figure out the things they say that a 50 foot wall
to be built on the beaches of Naples to protect every home. The main takeaway is what?
We're not going to do that because it would cost a trillion dollars. But with the
Army Corps telling us is that is a very vulnerable area. So my take-away is those people
need to be evacuated immediately when we almost sent the signal to the Army
Corps saying you're moving to slow, you're not paddling in the right direction, giving us
all these crazy ideas that don't match anything that we want to do. And then we want
them to come back and help us with now something being good team partners with the Army
Corps and we did write that ship and in our trip to DC that was one of the first
places we stop with the Army Corps saying, you know, we appreciate everything you've
done you know where we are. Definitely. We definitely need your services. So, you know,
you know, you know, they're a valuable organization but are stretched beyond unbelievable
means. And so like Commissioner Kohl's. And when everybody's sort of trying to
grab at them for different things and we want to be. The way you get their attention is
our legislative priorities all match. And also we are very appreciative for anything they
can do for us. And that's the way you know, they sort of juggle their priority list and
go, hey, you know, if we go down in Collier County, we can do some good it's our goods
going to go a long way. And so is appreciation for, you know, our expertise. So, you know, I
don't how much you all interface with the Army Corps, but if you get that chance you
know, you want to make some good contacts there. And and partner with them closely. If
there was a short list of coaching tips from the county and how we cordinator play
nice on the playground or help coordinator activities. I believe we would welcome that
member of those. Just so thank you for take that as a homework assignment and get
you some ideas that you know, you guys can put in your hip pocket of things that we're
doing. So we're both doing the same thing and work we're pulling or pushing. That's how
we get what we want. Thank should because before we turn it back over to the council's
the commissioners, just a martyr depended department public works. you want to say
something, doesn't yes, thank you, Mister Chair, just Marcel. Thank All the quirks
director city of Marco Island about a year ago, September of 2025, we did have a virtual
meeting between the city, Collier County, Coastal Management Corps of Engineers.
The Coast Guard and D P and we discussed this issue because the reason that the court
doesn't maintained his pass and by the way, this is the only pass within all of
Collier County that is currently not being maintained. Even caxambas pass
is being maintained. You all know about Wiggins pass. Doctors Pass Corden's Paso
from Gordon's Gordon pass. There's an inner coastal waterway behind Keewatin that
comes all the way down. 2 where it meets up with isles of Capri. That is where the
U.S. Army Corps of engineer federal waterway stops. So this is not in the Corps of
Engineers scope to be to to maintain this past. I welcome need the opportunity of a
joint effort and the city of Marco Island happily participate in that. And what
deep he told us at that meeting a year ago in September is that they will be
happy to. B the in the driver's seat to coordinate this issue. But it needs
buy-in from county. The city somebody to drive this in order to come up with an inlet
management plan for this in that which is sorely needed, as was mentioned earlier here
we we have the city even went to the extent of paying for a survey of the Bath Metric
survey of this into that. Because we know that the conditions change. Everybody
knows that the sands shift in an inlet. And so your deep water changes. And we've had
we had lots of instances of vessels running aground because they were going in in
the waterway. But the sands have shifted. So we paid for it. A a a survey of the inlet
and then we were able to convince the Coast Guard because it is it is the Coast
Guard's jurisdiction for the markers. The ASA navigation and as channel, however, it's
not their jurisdiction to do any dredging. So we're able to convince the Coast Guard and
to move those markers to the deep water at that time. But this has been like neglected
stepchild than it needs to have that stewardship. And the push through these multi
agencies to be able to come up with an inlet management plan and our consultants have
looked at that. The are the ones that coordinated this, this meeting, this joint
meeting with with all parties I mentioned here. But that's what's needed here. And we
can't just sit back and think that the court's going to take care of it because it's not
even in there in their scope of work. Commissioner, look, actually, I mean, maybe up
respectful varying opinions. I want to highlight something you said moving away from this
for one 0nd. The reason we're literally sitting here is because of 2 great managers
that put this together and got us together for these conversations. I don't expect
an answer. I don't think it's proper in this, but this make sense of But it's something
that part of the synergy. Perfect. I just knew they had not. We're good to go. any
other thoughts on this topic. And the city hands ready. All right, Stephanie thing to add.
All right. Thank you. All right. We can move on. Then great conversation. I think we
touched upon a bit of this use of tourist development, tax funds. For the one 25 Dash, 0,
1, 0, 4, coming up in November. 26 the Tdt revenue but everything they want to
answer any other questions. I know we've covered a lot of it, the previous conversation,
but any other thoughts, counselors, commissioners, Steph. All it's like a good
council meeting or a county commissioner meeting. We can move right on. Caxambas Park
in South Beach parking lot operations. This is one that comes up a lot and Morgan
start this off. I talked to Commissioner Locastro let's first elected keeping campaign
promises. Hey, Rick. You want to give us those 2 parks and it was a great conversation of
a maturing. If I could share honestly, you may not fully want them until you know what
you're taking on, what the responsibilities are. And that's how started with. And
we bounce the ideas around a bit over time. You want to start this one at all. As we
turn over? Well, and I and this is one that Mr. French and I met on says I saw it on
topic list. This was another complicated But in some cases not too complicated. And I'll
stand by what I said initially. Be careful what you wish for, because, you know, I
mean, I live on Marco and there's some things that, you know, you've all brought up
that you've got some debt you want, you know, got some ball field. You've got this. You've
got that. If if if we could just hand you the keys, the CAC Sam bus, you know, you may
not want that now. Number one, especially you would have wanted it prior to Hurricane
Ian because if you had the keys, you would have had to do an unbelievable amount of
heavy lifting as the county had to do, not only to get FEMA dollars and whatnot, but
even at some of money in the pot. So I don't know that that would have helped your debt,
the parking and even the marina stories, giant cash cow that's going to feed Marco
Island. All this incredible profit. And you've got a facility like that, that takes
major hits from storms. And even just, you know, regular use citizens expect parking
lots to repaved and all those other things. you know, the dollars and cents. So it's not
any of us at the county holding on to it for nefarious reasons on the flip side and
that's where asked Mister French to come in here. There's some legalities. One
state money is used first for certain things when county tax dollars are used for certain
things, you can't just sort switch the keys afterwards. And so doesn't mean it's
something we couldn't explore. We certainly I certainly look at facts and this is the most
unique park in the county because when you look at all the other parks, we their own
it for somebody else owns that. This one sort of this handshake from 100 years ago
ever sort of decided. And it's definitely not managed in the most efficient way. There's a
little bit of overlap. You guys get complaints at times we get complaints times and it
sort a shared responsibility. Other on the flip side, I would now it's it's probably
is the nicest best newest park because of the work that was done by huge amount of people
to not only fight for FEMA dollars and whatnot, but make sure it was fully funded it
wasn't repaired. It was totally rebuilt. And and we still have a few more things
to do. Jamie, if you can give us a short version, has to the legalities than anything else
you want to touch on. But how it's not as easy as just hey, would you give us the park and
we'll we'll take it from there. There are some long poles in the tent when it
comes to that, even if it was something we thought was a good idea, we may not have the
full authority that just transfer ownership per share ownership in a different way.
But I still think there and also and with that, that there. is some uniqueness of
of what we can continue to explore so that it's more efficient operation out there
and maybe it still remains shared. But in a different way. thank you Virginia. Jamie
French for the record. And I just wanted tell you that we're so excited about Tiger
Tale, but I did get notice that we actually scheduled to go in from the board of County
commissioners, probably the first or second meeting to finalize a contract with a
vendor. So it has been through legal review famous clock scales office. So we just got
that done right now. So the I'm getting. So I'd like to start off with with South
Beach. If that's okay so year, the South Beach parking lot. I believe that's right. On
swallow that hours of operations are from sunrise to sunset. We do maintain parks,
recreation. We do maintain the Boardwalk Beach access and that is open. 24 hours now as
a cab yacht, the hours of operations for any Parker at the determination of your
parks and recreation director, which essentially means your county manager or designee. So
it may be my officer could very well be Miss Patterson's office or of course, the board
of County commissioners. So there are times that we do it just park hours based on
activity, repairs or perhaps if we've with we've seen a high amount of vandalism
unique opportunities to close those during season, the parking can says the 64
parking spaces. This is all heart skate. So it is not your permanent parking Michelle.
The Cesar paved parking lots with for handicap spaces. It does have a single stall
restroom facility for both men and women. It we see north 100,000 visitors to this
location annually for that beach access again, Free Beach parking passes can be utilized
here and then the parking is $10 and that's for the fall Day operating expenses on this
location are just north of $17,000 a year and we do patrol those through our code
enforcement I'm sorry, our park Rangers, which is we we took a consolidated effort in
last 2 years to bring all of our enforcement or code our parking revenues that we see
in Fy 25 are just shy of $360,000 Fy. 26, we were just a little lower. The South
Marco improvements. We are doing a redesign. We're doing some improvements on the front
gates where we were having in the evenings. There are some activities going on on the
beach and we have cameras all over the place. Unfortunately, some folks got some tickets or
maybe even got trespassed and we will enforce that to the to the full extent of the letter
of the law. We want to be able to provide the service. But there are guidelines. We keep
the rails up in. Our board has encouraged us that held us accountable to make sure these
parks are safe and they're operating as a designed to do so. Those Gates will be
redone. They are currently in design. We're working Dan Smith of your group. We work
very well with Dan. And so we'll take that through the permitting process. And that's
about a $31,000 venture. And we're going to upgrade those fences or lease that those
gate entrances and it will be on a timer at to coordinate with those hours. So no one
will get trapped if you're already in there and you're past the closing time, you may
have a park ranger that would come by and just say the parks close time to leave or if the
vehicles kept there overnight, the board has enhanced our parking violations. They
hadn't been visited in nearly 30 years. And so it's a $75 ticket. Now versus $30 it goes
the one 50 on the second violation in the 3rd even escalates more in your vehicle
could be towed and you would have to pay that impound fee as well as the towing costs.
And so we have done that at Both our boat ramps and at our parks. And this isn't about,
quote, it's just simply about maintaining the hours and ensuring that people are
following the rules. So that the park is available to everybody. This is the park
location. As you can see, this is the area that's in the yellow hash. This is what's
maintained by your parks to include if you notice on the sides, garbage facilities. And
we empty those on a daily basis. Parks recreation takes care of that as well. And this
is the way the park looks. And these are recent pictures in the last 2 days. Were jealous
because y'all got rain and we just got it today. Caxambas Park and I can't really speak
on the legalities of not yet worked with Mister Class Kells office. Caxambas Park is a
very unique park. It was part of the Deltona Settlement where the where the land was
given a as a settlement between the state and the Fed to Collier County. But part of
the part of the title work on this is that it's got a river clause that it can only be
used for beach and boat access. It cannot be used for anything else and anything
that you plan to change. You have to take back through the Department of Interior for
those changes. Also, the county participated in 1983. with a $23,000 Grant. The
grant seems small, but the obligation was very large. And so it holds it in perpetuity
that it can only be used for what it's being used for today and ownership of the county.
Now, it's not to say that that ownership may not be able to be transferred, but the county
has worked with both the federal and the state government on this on any
improvements that we've done and it is subject to a 5 year inspection by the Department
of Interior. So we do have a ship store. The ship store is open 7 days a week, 365 days.
A year. We run those hours from 07:00AM until 05:00PM. The marina and boat ramp is
open 7 days a week, 365 same thing. 07:00AM to dusk. There is a gate. There are some
burnout on the site and we do participate with the Florida Fish and Wildlife to make sure
that those areas are marked and protected. The amenities provided are 31 boat trailer
parking spaces, 16 vehicle parking spaces boat ramp. It's a one to 2 launch area. And
then we see north of 25,000 visitors annually, the facilities we have 1098 Square
foot ship store in office for retail sales. There are public restrooms. There is a
community center building as well few offices that we lease out to the Coast Guard
auxiliary. That project was completed in 2022. and it was right around 2 million dollars
for that community center which was paid for by your regional parks, impact fees.
So that was an expansion that is a community center that is available. And again, I was
just there. I I had my lunch in my cooler and I ate lunch in the community center and
we've worked very closely have recently met with the Coast Guard auxiliary the new
administration that's and their in their wonderful they're great partner and
where we're looking to actually offer some classes that they're interested in
expanding, perhaps the sudden on water safety, especially in those open water environments
are encouraged about that. Parking launch. Revenue was for 25. We saw $52,000 and
just last year we were just shy of 100,000 at $94,000. Fuel service did reopen part
of the hurricane in cleanup. We completely replaced all the feeling facilities. We updated
the site. Everything was permanent. The Marco Island as well as the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers and the E P. But we were we were opening your staff, by the way, was great.
We they worked very close with us. So thank you for that fuel revenue. We're starting to see
that fuel as well as the pump out services. We're we're north $340,000 a year in fuel
revenue. And we know that that is a convenience, although you may pass 17 gas stations on
the way here. If your trailer in a vessel, I know it is a major convenience for your
residents because often best clients are the ones that have have vessels right behind
their homes. The improvements included seawall dock repairs, which was 3.2 million dollars
concession building repairs, new above ground fuel system. As you see there. This is the
footprint of the park location. The only thing I did not include is that there is a
nother docking facility that will be that's currently through the permitting
process. 4 car County Sheriff's Office boat. I know Marco Island is currently has
a footprint there as well. This is the current facility. I will tell you that I when I
was down there, I did notice because of the harsh environment, although it's a
newer building on your community center. Well, we did have some some rust coming up
to some of the conduit. Believe it or not under the pain. So all of that has been
pressure washed and repainted. fact, the painting was just finished today. Any questions
for me? And counsel Henry one could question. And I looked I started to look into it. And I
I feel to have the answer right today. How much just the Coast Guard auxiliary pay in
rent? They pay us. I think their overall for a 30 year was about $700. Okay. So they
acquitted and then what they do and they but they they cost share for the electric and the
utilities to very small amount. I would tell you that they get more use out of that
building than anyone are. So I would encourage Marco Island residents. You can schedule
are any county resident. You can schedule rental of this community center and it's
fabulously decorated with all sorts of Coast Guard member billion there. It's very nice
and keep it very clean. We do have an office that's in there for park Rangers. We've also
extended that to our car County Sheriff's office. If they especially if they needed
to escape the weather. We do that at Koka Hatchee and we would certainly extend that to
Marco Island just to get out of the weather just to have a place to plop down with your
computer so that if you need to run a reporter, if you're helping somebody, we certainly
want to make facility available to you as well for public safety. We think
enhances our public safety. We've noticed that attacks and bus. We're having a lot. A lot
fewer vandalism, aunts and students by having the sheriff's office there. And so
it it really doesn't. You'll see from time to time, we do have a park ranger that lives
here on the island that's where he parks his vehicle. So you may notice a park ranger
vehicle parked there off and it may be his days off or when he's not on shift. So we we.
We make that available for staff parking as well. And he's not in a boat ramp space,
a promise will be in a car spaces. And one other question because actually Dr Lucius and
I have been working on this for a couple of years trying to determine the parking
numbers which you provided here, which is wonderful. We've been asking for them for
quite a while. And actually, I spent a lot of time this past weekend reading Collier County
budgets. Great job, everybody. But going through the line items and it's never broken
down on any of the Collier County parking lots. What the revenue is how are these
numbers determined suddenly when we've been trying to get these breakdown for years? So
part part of the thing when we went to that he too system, it's very transactional and we
break it down actually by park, if you believe or not. But talk our codes, look very
similar, but they are different. Some of the indicates where you're parking
now, it's not to say that somebody to pay for parking it. Tiger Tale couldn't go to
Kak Sam bus because it's for the full day of any Carter County park. But I would say
that's a very low margin of error. But we actually track it by facility to include part
of the aisles. Goodland, Coca Hatchee a case a prior to the QR codes. That's where there
was a lack of information. There was and also through our Marine management contractor,
previous one often they would they would be able to receive. The parking fee. And perhaps
they didn't always give us good day, OK? So there's excellent data from 25 on.
Yes, ma'am, got yes, ma'am. Thank you. So some of the council right? South parking.
Why would we raise that to $15 a day from 10 was the last time we change that price? So
the fee was updated just around 2023 It was $5 and it it was brought. I think and I
can't speak for the board. Clearly are the manager's office at the time? I
certainly was. group was not within my purview. We are currently in a fee study with
ref. Tell us to look at it. We recognize any of our facilities we we run somewhere
between a 20 to 30% deficit. And that's just even on a break-even model. And it's one
of the things that the board of County commissioners has challenged me to go back and
look, and we work with a company called Resource Acts and we look at beyond the
efficiencies on what does it take? And we actually look at also what are other
communities pain. And we also take into consideration everything from am I Acosta
live everything like to include cost the house to see what that impact would be.
Thank Do you have a breakdown of the visitors? Is cats and park? Is it mostly residents?
And there are any private vendors permitted to operate out of there with are the
rules of who can get access to that utilize hurt. So one of the things because I work in
the regulatory environment for the last 20 Joe. And and so I would tell you is that the
first thing that I did is I looked at are submerged land leases with the state of
Florida. The submerged land lease is actually tiger use be on zoning. That is a
recreational facility. And it is something that I actually spoke with Mr. Smith, about
with your previous city manager many years ago. As far as we may have a potential
violation. And we're also revisited ours. Now it's not to say you couldn't go to the
state of Florida and expand upon that. But when you go to a commercial marina to allow
for inspected vessels are certain types of activity to go on. There are requirements,
some of the FWC as well as the DP that those captains and they're very well aware of
based on their captain's license based on their classification. A captain's
license on what those in need now, I'm very lucky because I was able to recruit him a
gentleman by the name of fees in the back of the room, Mister Andy Murray now Mister
ending Andy Murray now as a retired federal law enforcement officer through
the Park service. And he actually did this for better than 20 years for Everglades
National Park and director to get so many of the captains that run in the Tom, they
probably ran into Tom before in a different and a different aspect. And so Tom has been
instrumental in helping us. He's got very good contacts with our star state federal
partners on this. So last question as a rather intimidating statement that
Marco Island may not want all of this because of future repair risk, environmental
risk in that cetera. Why would we want to If we're trying to make this decision one way or
the other, they respect economics. So it is for residents. We've got a pretty
well. Structures seem to have been cleaned up. Thank you for the work you There. And I'm
inclined to leave the future liability with you. Why would I want to move that to Marco
Island? Your idea or not going asking this. So it's really on If I might jump in. This is a
conversation we started with. We don't know what we don't know. What are the thoughts?
County commissioners are great stewards of this park by no means we're the local
Stewart's could be better as a local presence police fire presents right here. We don't
know the answer. We're only asking for permission to asked if he might make a
presentation. Ask a few questions at some point, maybe make a formal presentation.
guess the lesson County commission is if at some point brought up a presentation,
would you be open to look at it or should be? I do want to move forward staff time.
managers, if it's just that that issue. But if you say open-minded, we might
certainly do that. It's going to I took as a homework assignment. The key word on
here what's the possibility of a potential transfer. Not to do a deeper dive into this.
But there are some legal issues that even if it was a great cash cow and you say,
hey, we want to we want it might not be as easy as just giving it is given you. The
key is based on how much the county has invested in it and where we got the funds from it
may not be ours to give away. We don't have a for sale sign outside of Caxambas or the
South Beach parking. It was an idea that all were thrown out. I I got as a homework
assignment. We could we can definitely provide even before you come up with the idea that
we wanted her down. I think we should give you sort of, hey, here's the numbers Mr. Frank,
just one over. But here's some long poles in the tent. And one of the things we talked
about as it might not even be possible. So rather than have, you know, 10, 3, our meetings
about it. That's really the first thing. Hey, if if we did want you know, a passive to
Marco and for whatever reason, could that happen? If it couldn't all the other stuff
really doesn't matter. And we think there are some things that would would would make
maybe not possible. But let me take that as a homework assignment. Give you guys more
details. We got legality of Apple Award winner again. Just the conversation starter right
counsel shipping question. Thank I think the reason why we're expressing some interest
is because we are frequently blamed by the community for things that are not being done
and we have no control over it. What I learned today is Caxambas Park is actually
designated for. Access to beaches and whatever the other thing was and can't be used
for any other purpose. One of the most frequent comments is why can't I bring my mechanic?
The Caxambas park help work on my boat? Well, now we've found out today can't do that.
That's not what NE to do. Says. I think we need to know more information like that so
we can publicize it to our community because clearly they think we even though we don't
own it and run it, they think we have the authority over it, which we do not clearly. So I
think the better. Source of information we can get the better source of information
we can provide to the community. And I agree we need to be cautious on what we hope
for because we have other issues probably bigger than managing caxambas or part. And
in the immediate short term. But the more information you can provide to us actual
specifications that dictate what can and can't be done. The better would be for us.
Yes, I would if I might. I would tell us that future technologies will bring that
forward. Wewill continue to work with Dr Lucius. We've worked that. Gosh, I've known
Casey a very long time. So good. I would tell you that we're happy to be able provide
her your staff with any data that we have as well as tying it back to because we are also
regulated much like a any other agency to these permits. I would also say with regards
to the permanent activity. The property is zoned for recreational use. Only much
like most of our boat ramps and they are not commercial marina. So it does bring into
question it's a level playing field for a reason. We also have to follow it.
Commissioner I think part of your question was with the commissioners be interested
entertaining the thought. Before we get into launching an investigation as to the
legality of it. Want to be respectful of staff time and what by take to get to that
point. I will tell just from my perspective, I would have no issue whatsoever voting to
turn these over to the city. Marco Island. They're on Marco Island there in your city.
think you We do a great job running but I certainly wouldn't have any problem
myself entertain that thought. obviously the Devils in the details. So I know you are
asking that specific questions. I appreciate I appreciate Commissioner It's
not something you just looking to offload to us are also give us the numbers, the
background. We all represent the same county counsel. Henry, you head up. I did I
just it for the legality question. in Apple Park use these phrases. It was
intergovernmental Asset Transfer Resolution negotiated incrementally between county
staff and city administration. That was in 1997. And the same thing happened in 1998.
Between the county the city for our Reckitt center. So they were 2 situations where
things that were managed by the county we're in turn given to us and that. So just want
to make a point that we're not recreating the wheel. This has something done before. We have
to just make it's apples to apples what we're talking specifically about I think all
of us would entertain the idea. But if we heard initially, it's not possible
due to league alleys doesn't matter if we would entertain it. So it's likely I would
just say, let's not put the cart before the horse agree. I got as a homework assignment.
we all agree exploring the conversation and it ight go further if it looks like there
was a legal possibility. And if there wasn't, probably would come to a as kind of a
shorter discussion trade wilt review the record. Senator. Yeah, I know, get So know we
all go to we are going commission and you had something like we have to see
the net income and expenses on rec center. Before we start doing tree. I did. And in the
comment that I have has to do with making brief expansion moment, Commissioner Saunders
says about devil's in the details. These are county wide facilities available for all
county residents and sometimes people get possessor E when assets like this are brought
in by a municipality and then the municipality just thinking is just for them and their
citizens. And so as we're moving, if in fact this moves forward, just you please
assure that these these assets can and will be open for the entire residents Collier
County. You would have some say so that right? Just like a rocket Some conditions on it
for free play and use that. So certainly all open anybody else on this. All close it out
with? I think we in the business Commissioners, counselors road conscious of
staff time, right? What it would take to put something together to have a yes or no.
So like what you're saying. First little homework. First of conversation opener. Then
if it gets to the heavy lifting. Well, as on our daughter, we owe the answers
and the white paper, I guess guys, didn't I see a few people got the better of it.
The quick four-minute break or anybody need if not just taking yourself, will keep
fortune All We have a couple additional topics and we got a great time here.
Commissioners, anything on your list. You want to throw out to counselor slash
commissioner communication topic of us are before I go into a few ancillary items
here. All right. Maybe talk a little about the isles of Capri septic to sewer
conversion. We touched a little bit about it. Commissioner Locastro. This is
something you deeply invested in. Can you speak to that in a spot? Yeah, no, I speak it e -
through it in detail. In just reiterate, we had some great success in of the for the
first step is isn't taking up the septic tanks. You have to do a study I've said it
several town hall meetings, especially and I was looking pretty and elsewhere. And even
some people on Marco Island who had some concerns about it, it's not a matter Marco
divesting sort of like Caxambas Marco divesting Isles of Capri. You know, I believe
that it always be some sort of of cooperative effort may be less Marco. More on the
county, but to determine that have to do the study and other communities where we have
converted them from septic to can be a 5 to seven-year plan. So when I have people that
think it's a a great idea, they want to know why we have an array started working the
genesis of it of aisles of Capri. And it probably took me 2 or 3 years just to people in
aisles of free to talk about this because they were fighting it for so long in
other areas where we've come, that converted septic to sewer. Like I said, took 5 to
7 years from start to finish. We finally got over the first big hurdle, which was it's
great to do the study. But does anybody have an extra 250,000 in their pocket to
fund it before we use county funds to do it. There are several different avenues you
can go through. Maybe it takes a little longer. But if we can get 250,000 from another
source rather than come, haven't come out of our budget, we thought it was
worth pursuing and we have had that success trying go through, you know, maybe the
short version of the of what what's the next steps? What's the timeline? And most
importantly separating rumor from fact on on a couple things. So as I was briefing
yesterday, and I think Lancer lot of questions, thank you. Once again, Trinity Scott
Transportation Management Services Department. So out of unincorporated area south of
Naples, but north of Marco Island an area that is a community served by aging
septic systems. We experience subject failures during rain events that contribute to
nutrient loading to the adjacent Rookery Bay National Estuary and research reserve.
The community lies within the city of Marco Island, Sanitary Sewer service area. So it
requires city County joint Coordination. Collier County provides some water service to
the area. So this. I I'm working with Matt McLean, who's our public utilities
department head for Collier County for the the water portion of it. We'll be
working city of Marco Island for the for the Sanitary sewer portion and then myself for
the for the stormwater portion in 2025. We had a meeting with the county and the city of
leadership just kind of discuss the and Commissioner Locastro actually spearhead of
that to discuss. You know. How we can kind of take that project forward. the county
requested $250,000 Legislative Appropriation to fund a feasibility study for the
conversion. And that feasibility study. Develop a phasing schedule for how a
project can be laid out. It's going to look at, you know, do we need right of way things of
that nature? It's not going to get into detailed design drawings, but it's going to
really kind of set the stage for how the project will move forward. What will come out of
that obviously will be a plan. And this isn't the first time Collier County has done this.
We've done this with the city of Naples and the West could what? Phase one and phase 2,
we just finished a very similar study for Golden Gate City septic to sewer
conversion. That one is probably going to be a a the 20 year conversion or 10 of 10
plus years at least conversion. And that one this will be a shorter time frame
because we're dealing with a much smaller area. but the anticipated study duration for
this is about 2 years and it's going to I'm incorporate public engagement with the
residents and in the isles of Capri area. And certainly we're going to the folks your
your staff from Marco Island as well engaged but we will work through this and come up
ultimately with a plan and then the study. Sets us up for being able to go after future
grants as well. That is one of the benefits of the study. We have done that without the
West could We utilize that study them to go after grants, particularly on the sanitary
sewer side because the conversion from septic to sewer is something that
typically the legislature does look at favorably. And and we look at that the other benefit
of being able to do this project together is. One. We're tearing up the
infrastructure one time to the road gets torn up time. And then we share those costs of
putting it back together and then also the residents are inconvenienced one time. Thank
you. Before we open up for questions, Commissioner Locastro sorry. Can you there
seems to be when I talk to the citizens of isles Capri, there's some will to do this.
But there's some concern that Marco. Is interacting because we have the rights to plant.
We didn't make it that way. The Deltona Corporation did. And then they ask questions as
to welcome the county take care Could you run your own with a cup? Can you speak
tonight? A little just as a public service announcement about it? number one, the
study is going to tell us a lot of those questions. I get a lot of questions as well.
And I was one of repeating the same answer, which is we don't even have a study. So the
study might say an idea that everybody thinks would be the greatest thing in the history
of the world. The study is going to say it's not. So that's number one. Number 2, I
will say that citizens that are concerned this is somehow being force fed by either
Marco trying to give it up for the county trying to pull it big part of can come in
diverting any community from septic to sewer community engagement and also will part
of the reasons why I think this can kick, you know, down the road, maybe it wasn't as
aggressively discuss what the citizens there was. You know, it was sort of fifty-fifty and
that it was, you know, it fell off of the list of priorities, you know, so I don't know if
I'm answering your question perfectly. the timeframe, a lot of it is directed by
citizen engagement involvement and not just and not at all. The city of Marco and the
county have been meetings behind closed doors and force-feeding, you know, some
sort of conversion. But we need to study first, which will tell us a lot. And then
we move forward, you know, from there. So I don't know. Maybe might not of answer your
question perfectly of trendy as if the clarity end and if I may in and I'm sure Mr. Martin
will correct And actually it's not Mister Martin, probably if I'm not mistaken, you already
provide sanitary sewer service to Hart to at least a portion of the island already. So it
would make sense. And it's within your service area. And there's so there's
infrastructure there. So and we don't have sanitary sewer infrastructure in that area.
So it would make sense that that Marco too. my point, not by any of our design. This was
famed long before we were sitting at it is in the city's sewer service area. Also go
and up. Yeah, my question would be for testing and this is also our for a plan,
correct? It's one of the components within the 4 you plan to develop a septic to
sewer project out Given the proximity. Of septic trained fields to the waterways.
Obviously have nutrients going into those train fields which is connected to the ground
directly connected to the waterway. So, yes, this is a component of that alternate
water quality plan that the city has with the FDP. Just that the infrastructure that
you have on Marco that supports isles of Capri. I mean, we'll wait for the
studies. But some of the questions I feel from citizens are their expectation that
we're going replicate and build all that infrastructure on the county side and then
shut the door to Marco and then you will be out of the isles of Capri business. First
of all, I don't think financially that that's going to be feasible. And I think
the studies are going to point that out and say they're would maybe maybe need to some
changes, some that this that or the other, but to basically shut off the valve on Marco
and we're going to build an entire infrastructure on the other side to support Isaac
Brady. That's not realistic. I don't think, but we'll let you know what we'll get. We'll get
those ideas from the analysis on And the cost estimates things like that. parks, we
have septic systems. What is a lot to talk about? I do actually have one questions.
Thank Scott. I I I was lucky enough to attend that meeting. that 25 with representatives
from the Isle of Capri Commissioner Locastro our previous city manager and our
present city manager just a map. This is what we've got to do. So with that being stated
with our location and I guess the next question Goodland. Is that even in a conversation?
Does it and I'm not sure the mapping does that come to Marco? Does that go somewhere
else? Because as we know, this is E a long process that if a conversation were to be
started, should start now. So a 10 year plan. No, again, 50 mail, some good by tomorrow.
I'm just curious B of commissioner. Locastro said it has to be a community will for
starters or the state has the force on Sunday. That's really the 2 directions. If there's
no community. Well, I'm not looking to go to somebody else's community and impose my
will on him if it becomes a necessity through the state due to water quality and
larger pictures that we all have to sit at the table. But that's my thoughts on the
unity. Can correct me if I'm wrong, some of the serious issues we're concerned about
on isles of Capri. Obviously, they're a very environmentally sensitive area because every
of the waterways around and not that Goodland isn't. But some of the leaching and some
of the air. It shoes that we haven't house of Capri. Alright and Goodland. I mean,
and I'm not an engineer. I don't have the study here, the they're not they don't seem to
be as prevalent on on Goodland. So there again, you know, we can do anything but
we can't do everything. I was a Capri is really the focus right now. And I think that's
why we were successful in getting the 250,000 because we were able to spell out with
photos, picture everything. The serious concerns. And to your point, you know, the
citizens of Goodland are blowing up. My inbox is saying, you know, to pull out
our septic tanks, I'm not saying people on isles of Capri are, but even as said,
we just have like that. Rain storms on isles of Capri. We see some serious septic
issues, not so much on on Goodland, but you know what will Goodland be enough and
the and the rotation at some point? a lot of places that are on septic tanks right now
that are out in the middle of rural areas, where of septic probably going to be there for
a while. But these communities that they're going to be in the rotation at some point and
things that we learn on isles of Capri, then will, you know, help us with the unity and not
that we can't walk and chew gum at the same time and attacked multiple different
communities. But it is a big, heavy lifting expensive projects. You don't want to
get out ahead of your headlights and have all the studies done and then just put
it on the shelf and not do anything because and things obviously changed. So isles
would say right now and that's - why we're focused on it. like you said, there is a community
will there and the state may have a say so eventually and septic and coastal areas might
be a bigger conversation than us. Councilors commissioners. Anything else accounts? A
great place. Later this conversation. I would you how to begin to assess I woke up
reason incorporated. Correct? Yes. When and where and why might isle of Capri and or
Marco Island consider annexing Capri? And would that have any favorable impact on the
management of are? I'm just trying to look at how you move forward. Credit I say
everything out loud, which is why I travel under the cover of darkness because I guess
you're white paper on. That's going to about 600 pages long. please absolutely for all
please we we couple of years ago approved development on isles of Capri with a
commitment from the developer to extend bigger lines to his facility and also enhance the
cold numbers from Santa's for the flush, which huge environmental improvement. And
so the necessity for the annexation isles of Capri is portion of that to offset
those expenses. The major expenses running a larger sewer line out there in order
to facilitate the ultimate hook up 2 of the residents that are there along the way
for the septic to sewer conversion. Just tell you what I hear, you know, Marco, but
was it 6 referendum votes to become the city? Didn't happen quickly. Right? Isles of Capri
of a ton of people that move their from Marco because they like that. It looked like
Marco, 30, 40 years. like the vibe. Community will would be needed. And don't have any
idea if this even an inkling the there for that. But that's it's best. I can figure it
out. You know, I did because like in my district for city of Naples is it. We don't have
a natural barrier. You water around your island unit separate you from these closed
jurisdictional parts of the unincorporated Collier County. You don't know where my line
between the city and district 4 is there's a lot of shared utilities to go cross lines
back and forth with half your portion of my district. It's on a corporate on city water,
Maple City, water authority. And then we have once we have shared offer Bayshore and some
of the communities. Right now we're talking about expansions that we have to share. A lot
of these 30 talked about the West projects. So there's no like definitively land very
like you guys have that would you know separate you. So it works is nothing. We're not
reinventing the wheel here on this project now and do it on a regular basis, especially my
my district. for clarification, the residents would pay connection fees to
to offset the cost. You know, for the capacity that they would be utilizing. So I don't
know if that was the reason that you are asking that question for the annexation
too. Perhaps offset those costs, but they they would be required to pay a connection
fee and it's not. Typically a cheap connection fee for which is another thing that we
actually worked in the West Village project. We worked to get grant funds to be able to
buy that connection fee down for the residents. We were able to get grant funds to be
able to buy that down, too. Reduce that cost burden on the residents. So thank you. And
want to to anybody who's watching where we are aggressively looking to do
that for hours of Capri. So we're not trying to force feed this if we look like we were,
we would have success to get the cost. But down for residents. But it might delay
the project were willing to wait as long as there isn't some sort of major
environmental type of issue. But this isn't we're making a command decision. Here's your
bill. And the county hasn't really done that. Anyone. I'm not saying citizens haven't
incurred cost, but the cost has always been significantly less than what it actually is
because of the different processes. The county has gone through to get grant some
things that can move sort of slow. That's why we needed the study probably several years
ago. So right now we might be in the seeking grant, you know, window to Joe to buy
down some costs. But, you know, it is what it is, but definitely moving forward more
aggressively now. So but we know we're not looking to pass the costs of blindly to any
residents of isles of Capri and they're concerned about that. Even the ones that that
are in favor of the conversion. big question is how much is this going to cost
me? And our focus is as little as humanly possible. And that's that's our going
position. But at some point, you know, those so those septic tanks are going to last
forever. And just to add that you know, Commissioner Hall as he was on our first meetings,
we attend 4 years ago. If you guys did it on purpose. we were to one in the morning, I
believe. And that was part of the deal. developer would have had to put a mainline from end
of the line and all the way up to where your lift station was and increase the size that to
handle all the homes as it passed their properties. So that was a cost that they're
not going to get passed on to this. The residents there because developer has to pay
that portion of So that a benefit for the community. Maybe if they didn't see it at
the time, eventually it will be help with the cost. When time comes to do the frontage
fees for that happen. So. So one of the morning here, call a follow up on something you
said Commissioner. market was a unique entity. We feel like, we're not, but we definitely
feel like it. functional a bit like it. We have 2 bridges rate were geographically
separated from everything else we have in an odd evolution from the developer who
financial challenges, environmental challenges. So we're certainly a unique
entity and there's not a lot like us out there. So we don't have the shared systems. Like
you said, we don't we don't experience it be a little bold and say we're blessed in a lot
of ways. Police force or citizens hard to get to mark or 2. We also have some
challenges, not that this workshop hard to bring people to work here, hard to get
people to be able to live here are working class. So we have a unique set of challenges
that come with the benefits of our. Well, a little unique homeowners association feeling
like community, even though we're not. But we certainly we certainly have touch of that
as anything else on the isles of Capri to septic sewer conversion. Counselors staff.
Anything. Alright, tremendous. We're moving along with great time. And if we get to this
one. This is not my favorite, but I foster this one on the list. Commissioner Locastro,
you know, I've been on it for this one for a while. So just be open-minded. A little
pitch. My case. Yes. It's called a so we meet up budget. You got that energy I know
this one's a little bit of a touchy subject. Let me just. Pitch my ideas. I've been at
this with see will school construction are staging a drop-off and pick-up point
since about 2005, when I was. First appointed to the market Waterways Association. Back
then we were using Watts vacant lots where passing ordinances where contract you
can use a vacant lot to. Poor and stage rules and pick-up and drop-off. We have rules
and regulations, you can only do it 3 times a year particular while we don't want
them becoming a business. But we knew were going land scarce, which is a challenge.
We're still land scarce and we saw some challenges. Others, new technologies is vital. See
was us things that make it much easier. Poor one on top of the other one. But one want
us to be ripped out, replaced, which is going to be about. Estimating 70 miles of sea
wall in Marco Gonna come here to the end of its useful life. So when experience some
challenges with this, so commissioners, here is my thought. As a conversation
starter and commissioner, will you actually helped put this in my mind our time on the tdc
you said think big, bring us some ideas, bring initiatives. So I look at the staging area
has not as a staging area possible. Maybe just drop off and pick up. or 2 days a week.
Could we make the gateway to Marco look more beautiful with a permitting fee? Could it be
screened off? Could you landscape could have a big wall picture of a manatee?
Could a park be incorporated in that with the fishing pier in conjunction with the tdc? I
don't know all the answers. I know that we in the city could possibly patrol police do the
enforcement. We have a lot of options being closer geographically near it. Now,
one good question. wanted to come on your own side. The bridge. We have a little land
looks directly at single family houses that's never going to get traction. This is
a little bit less of a civil that county property. So guess what I'm asking, would anybody
be opposed if I put? Myself and the counselors, if they want to be involved, public
meeting, put a plan together with our sea wall contractors and made a simple presentation
open-minded presentation. It might go nowhere, but I'm willing to do the time energy
effort. To see if we can better beautify the gateway to Marco, bring some money and
will doing it may be making a pocket park have a fishing pier. Who knows and make it a
showpiece that only allows possible drop-off and pick-up. Maybe a couple days week. Just
my thoughts. commission, a look at you want to start. You have any thoughts on that? I
mean, and I don't think this is to be a big, long debate. Much like some of the things.
You know, Commissioner Saunders said, I think we're open anything. You know, my
initial concern is when I first moved to Marco Island and I wasn't a county
commissioner. Every time I came home from work from physicians, regional drove
over the bridge and I saw the big giant pile you know, construction debris that's out
there for 3 months in an unsafe way. It was and fenced off. It was nothing waiting
for a barge that never came to take it out to the Gulf to turn into a a fish the into
into a reef. And I thought, wow, this is the front door to Marco Island. As you said, you
know, the citizens on the other side of the bridge would never entertain a staging
area, a guarantee a prominent senator or congressman. Our governor lived on Marco Island
that they that they would shoot just downright right away. coming back to the
initial statement, would we entertain it? Sure. Some of my pushback has been when we
removed all that construction, debris cleaned up that area and allowed the front door of
Marco Island to look like the way that it should. And then if you drive by there at any
given time, not now because we letting the city of Naples for one time type thing. And it's
a it's it's a government has it has public. Value to get the bridge rebuilt. That's a
little different. Then giving county property away to a private business so they can
construct cheaper, faster. Better. I mean, was being built all over the island. A
barge pulls up to my finding to seawall right now in Bucaneer court barge would
pull up to the back of my can now build the wall port. And so they're there is a way to
do it. Do we want to give the keys to a private business of county property and every 2 to
white twice a week. Based on your proposal. Also blame it on, you tell here's the days
where you wouldn't be able to access this county property because contractor a B or C is
pouring see, was there to save some money or to, you know, have a more efficient
construction process. When we talked about it previously, I didn't think that was a great
idea only because when we cleared out all the construction debris there and
made it a nice open area. The cheers we heard from citizens so we've got some citizens
here. If they would like 3 days a week for that era to be rubbed off and then I did get
some of the proposals from some of the companies, as you would imagine, they've said to
to sort of sweeten the pot will build a park will put a fishing pier and everything.
Yes, but then you'll still lockdown. Your business there and have a convenience cost
savings and all that that I'm not sure they would pass on necessarily to the customer. I
mean, if you add water access at Mackle Park, would you like to take a big chunk of parking
and give it away to a private company let them, you know, do whatever they want their 2 or
3 days a week. So I always saw it as a as a bad idea. You know, we let the Marco Island
Yacht Club is that area as a staging area? Because if we didn't, then I would. They
also presented us with a map that would have shown trucks driving all over the island to
get material so that just made sense. And they also had a very tight timeline of when
they needed that area right now. And I will tell you, we had a lot of conversations
with the city of Naples to make sure that if we did allow them to use the base of the
Jolley Bridge is staging area which they're using now. And it's not the only one. staging
areas all over the county. So Commissioner Kohl's got a big one and one of his county park
areas as well. But we wanted to make sure that it was for minimum time. It was kept neat
and tidy. But the difference their building appear that has community impact. So a
civilian company being able to use county property to more efficiently, build seawalls.
It does have county impact the Marcos. It is an impact because it's assisting
citizens and may be getting there seawall spill. You know, I'll just say rather than sit
here and custom discuss and debate this one back and forth. I you know. I think we
would take up a proposal, you know, and if it's there we don't have a for sale sign in
front of caxambas. But if you think you want us to explore, you hand the keys over to you.
I don't know that any of buddy at the county has an appetite to 2 or 3 days a week the base
of the Jolley Bridge be closed to citizens when it's their county property. And quite a
few people now now utilize it. And I also felt that some of the proposals that I had heard
from businesses who would benefit from it if we used it it seemed like they sweeten
the pot by saying, you know, of a bill to $30,000 fishing pier. But return on
investment. Back to me when you let me leaves that area. You know, let's not get
suckered by by you know, commercial businesses who respect. greatly. They provide
a service. But it's it's not like they're not able to build seawalls unless they get this
footprint. The Naples pier will not be able to be reconstructed unless they get
half-a-dozen lay down areas across the county. That one's a no-brainer. The Marco Island
Yacht Club couldn't be upgraded the way it is without getting that lay down area
because if we would have said no, you would had trucks driving all over our island,
which made no sense from a safety standpoint. You know, I wear and tear on the roads and
things like that. This one to me seems like it would be 80% good for the for the for
civilian, you know, business and 20%. You know, good for us. If something could be
presented, that was legal. It it was it may that area better for citizens and all of that.
So I guess that'll be flushed out and maybe the kozel. But I've been really A supporter
of preserving that area and keeping that front door of Marco Island clean only
because there are other options when there hasn't been options. Like I said with the
yacht Club or with the Naples Pier. Okay. I hated it last and then we all did partner.
The city was very helpful to work with us on making sure that the plan was as tight as
possible on that the way the city of Naples no longer needed the Jolley Bridge, they
would restore it even better than what they found it. But making it a permanent. Spot
and a dual use type of a would be would be open to the proposal. But I know I would
have issues with continued issues unless sites are read something that was amazing and
wonderful and, you know, the citizens Margot think it's a great, wonderful idea. But I
can tell you it wouldn't be something that would coming from the county saying why we
really want to. Allow businesses to go there. So, you know, this would be
something Marco would present to And my Commissioner Saunders would say what will
consider anything. But there are some long close in the tent on that one. And we want
to make sure, too, that we're not taking away a benefit from citizens to utilize like
county area because we gave, you know, the keys to a private business heard and
understood. I'm not saying is possible, but if there's a will in a way, we'll see if we
can make it better than it is and function for everybody. Council shipping, isn't it? I
read the. As a business would not discount concept Let's make it business plan. Someone
wants to get a benefit for free. Well, we removed the word free and there you need
to put skin in the game so that no one loses anything. And we do have a public
benefit. I would. I would suggest that the plan has to be both a business. For
construction of seawalls and a benefit for the public. The county should not absorb
losses nor should the city. people benefiting from should be paying some sort of fee,
some sort of investment. Can be made to work so long as those who benefit. Put skin in
the game. Make some payments pay fees on a annual basis on and on and It's an area that
could use upgrades quite frankly. And in the public could benefit at the same time
as businesses But everyone should have skin in the game. That'll be a homework
assignment on your side because this the oldest I would only say considered the
aesthetics because when you have, you know, it's not like they're going to be operating
out there and visibly. So if they build a fishing pier and put a covered parking area and
plan a few flowers, but 3 days a week, there's going to be a giant crane there and barges
coming in and out and a big area fenced off. That's extremely visible. So it looks
like a permanent construction of, you know, George or lay down site. You know, that's
that's part of it as So, you know, has to be under review was put up absolutely. And
please bring the podium and she has a comment on this. And I just I just want to say when
you when you do bring the plan and I hear you're going to bring us a plan. And I really
afraid to bring a plane down. But I would like be afraid. Don't be afraid. I what we are
when I also want to hear is what? Because you drive by it every single day. I drive by
it every 6 months from a broad rock, the boat on 9.51 right by on the on the river. So
shared with us. Some of your thoughts as to what could be done to make the USTA Dick's
Better. For the community for your commute as the gateway to Marco Love. Let us know what
those things are. And then a business proposition with regard to the shared use. How
that could benefit the residents of Marco as well as the county. Trinity Scott of
Common Pleas and 2 things. One, this is only a half acre site. lot of folks get this
confused with FDOT also has property adjacent to it that they utilize for their bridge
maintenance and they're not going to allow us to encourage in on that. So and then the
other thing that I would say is in the end, we have talked with several folks who have
come together with a proposal in one of the things that we all have to take into
consideration. Is that coastal zone will be utilizing this site when just talked about
the Collier Creek, a dredging this will most likely be the staging area for the Collier
Creek. Judging we worked with Marco Island previously when there was a bridge project
where they needed to deploy their bring their barge from the site. So for those
municipal projects, this municipal projects need to take precedence over any of
the private business, you know, and I believe your referendum just passed by one
vote. And I think that there was considerable bridge work in that. I would expect that
you're going to be coming to me to talk to me about this site. So I don't I don't I
would like that to have the sighting come bird when you come to me by by private I
just take that into consideration. I tried to hold this site, you know, sacred
for those type of municipal type activities. I understand that there's other private,
you know, thoughts about it as well. But I know when our coastal zone folks need to do
a dredge. This is in this particular area. This is the site that that we need to
utilize as well. So taking that into consideration when you're thinking about those
plans and like I said, your future bridge workers. Well, I know that that's going to be
important. Appreciate the would say also looking at the zoning on it. I believe it's
deemed right of way. You know, other thing was correct me if I'm wrong, where we we're in a
lot of deep conversation because of NFL allow us to look a couple through or it's
not an easy thing to navigate when you're coming one way, especially got a big truck.
You almost have to go find somewhere to do you turn to come back to utilize the
entrance because you can't turn trucks directly across it. They will allow us to put
a cups so you are correct wait with a city of Naples and appear project, they're
actually going to have to stopped traffic to a little to do you turn and and all that.
Now they are utilizing oversized vehicles as well. But yes, it it's going to
involve Florida Department of Transportation to because it is their roadway anything with
with regard to the access, appears that are coming in half to actually be s quarter.
And sheriffs closed traffic down momentarily. But they know exactly the time. Within
the minute when it arrives to for that So but standard, 18 wheeler bring in. And what
they bring a kind of materials for the walls are concrete trucks. And still be an issue
we gave Our own right something in your in the city of Naples. They do business of
the one of the park's of a 3rd in direction I see the cranes are by the talk in that
direction of House are, well, no, we have a we're using Bayview Park. Maybe park is
waste material from them here. That's coming off offshore on shore for landfill. It's not
being used for. Our fisheries and then they're pretty much finished up with that. That
was one of the other park accesses they needed for the commissioners. I'm not sure
it's solvable, but I appreciate the ability to poke around and see if it could be
least brainstorm. Some ideas. I think I'd ask our staff to explore. If there other
options. talk about that half acre. It was that was that small. Understand that was the
problem. Understand the state be reluctant to. Work out things. But that doesn't mean
it would be impossible. So I don't know the state think I would be a possibility. I
would she just that I uld be. Willing to at least take a look options. But maybe
there's other options than that. Just that half acre. Appreciate that. Thank you.
Listen, nothing's off the table. When years Lance Care says we are you trying to
bring any idea? Can for the last pick. Because any other thoughts or comments on this.
Any closing Counselors, before we open up to public comment, anything. All To do it more
frequently. There you go. Us. I will have a few. We could have a few closing before we
adjourn. many people are signed up for public comment? We have 4 registered speakers,
one of which wishes to conceive time to another speaker. So look at 6 minutes
for that. Speaker that if you please call up, okay our first speaker who wishes can see
time as Diana And she wishes time to Miss Sharon Lockwood. Their income on that. Good
afternoon. Commissioners City Council industry partners residences, just name for the
record share Lockwood. My name is Sharon Lockwood and I have the privilege of erving as
JW Marriott, Marco Island. The - largest resort in Collier County and one of the most
significant economic drivers in southwest Florida. Hospitality landscape. I
appreciate the opportunity to speak to you today about 2 opportunities. That are vital
to the continued strength competitiveness and long-term sustainability of our tourism
economy. We spoken about that first, which is the addition of the 6th sense of the
tourism development tax. And I'd also like to speak about the privatization of the
Collier County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Let me begin with us. Except. Tourism is
the lifeblood of Collier County. It feels are small businesses supports thousands
of jobs and provides the resources that allow us to maintain world-class beaches,
parks and infrastructure. But the expectation of today's travelers and the realities of
maintaining a premier destination have changed dramatically. We are competing
not just with other Florida counties, but with global destinations and visitors and
a global destinations that are investing aggressively and marketing beach preservation
and visitor experience enhancements. This 6th sense is not paid by the residents,
although I do know that Commissioner McDaniel said unless they wanted to book a
whole room or an Airbnb on in the county or in Marco Island. But their pay by the tourists
to visit our county and city each year. The 6th sense is not simply a tourist tax
increase. It is an investment in Collier County and Marco Islands. Future. And
importantly, it will deliver both immediate and long-term benefits. In the near term.
The $0.06 may allow us to complete the sports complex expansion. Most Rick, the
first focus is on the new baseball fields as mentioned earlier. Thank you,
Commissioner Saunders, appreciate that. And it will bolster what very important,
which is summer demand and tourism. If, as you know, there is a disparity between
the visitors that we haven't season and the visitors that we have in our second and 3rd
seasons of the year. And this project will also strengthen our community support you
sports and expand event capacity. It is a tangible, visible, visible improvement
that residents and visitors will benefit from right away. But the true value of the
$0.06 far is far beyond the initial project. It gives us the ability to protect our
beaches, strengthen our tourism infrastructure and ensure that our destination we
mean remains resilience in the face of storms, erosion and rising operational demands. As
the general manager of resort that welcomes hundreds of thousands of guests each year.
I see firsthand how essential these investments are. Our visitors expect pristine
beaches, reliable amenities and a seamless experience. And they notice when those
expectations are met. The 6th sense allows us to meet those expectations. It ensures that
we that the burden of these investments is shared by the visitors who enjoy them rather
than falling solely on our residents. Now turning to the second opportunity
privatization of the convention and Visitors Bureau. The tourism landscape
is evolving at a pace that govern government structures often struggle to match
marketing trends shift overnight traveler behavior changes rapidly competitive
destinations are nimble, data driven and highly strategic remain competitive. Collier
County needs a tourism organization that can operate with the same agility.
Privatizing this evening. The cdb would allow for faster decision-making, more
innovative marketing strategies and stronger partnerships with our private
sector. It would enable us to leverage industry expertise respond quickly to market
conditions and invest in campaigns that reflect real-time travel trends,
flexibility is no longer a luxury. It is an SS a necessity. And in closing
Marco Island, a Collier County are world-class destinations, but world class status must be
earned protected and invested in. The 6th sense and the privatization of the CVB, our
commitments to the future of our community. Our workforce and our economic vitality. And
I strongly support both of these measures. And I stand by to partner with each of you to
ensure Marco Island and Collier County continues to thrive as one of the most
exceptional destinations in the world chair of Columbia. You said we are all in this
together in paradise. And I agree with that. Thank you. Thank you. Our next
purchasers, speakers, Mister David Box. Good afternoon. Commissioners and wonderful
Marco Island City Council. I just wanted to your neighbor, David Boggs, Marco Island.
Talking about Tiger Tale. Recently, we had ambitious debate about fishing on the
beaches in season is coming soon. Sometimes there's a conflict when fishermen and
beachgoers on the same place. And councilor Champagne had recommended. counselor Palumbo
said, why don't the fishermen go to Tiger tale? And one of the up obstacles and going to
a Tiger tale is accessibility. It's difficult for us to get there with year equipment. And
season approaches. But I'm learning now the government takes so long it could be
decades before we could even get this resolved. So but is there a way that the Collier
County could look at putting in some type of a boardwalk, a floating dock or something to
help us get across the lagoon so that we can actually reach the beach without having to go
10 miles. That's what it feels like anyway. But in doing this, you would accomplish a
lot of good for everyone for beachgoers on South Beach. It would avoid so many conflicts
that are there and it also open up opportunity for us fishermen to enjoy the beach
without interference. A birds with one stone just by providing access. And so all I
think you would be something that we can look at I would encourage you to look at it.
And the reason I even think of this as day during last season. There was like 15 or
20 fishing poles during the day. And luckily I wasn't fishing that day. I just
happened to walk to be like man. This is crazy and it's Marco doesn't have a
designated fishing zone like Naples. You have the fishing pier. You have designated area
where fishermen can go and get out of the way of out of beachgoers. So can we look at
that as we develop Tiger tale of revamping bring it back to find a way that we can access
so that we could get out of the way of swimmers and go fish without having their
conflicts seem to come during season. So appreciate your time. I'm thankful for Marco
Island City Council and if we could find a way to bridge that again, we can solve a lot
of problems together and use lot of good for our city. So thank you for your time. Thank
you. Our final register speakers, Mister Brian Gilmore. Ryan Kamana. Welcome.
And if you just a name for the record, please. Brian Gilmore callers who on dock.
Councilman Commissioners appreciate the opportunity to a few words today. Thank you
for the public to tear and for those watching, I don't prepare statements when I
speak. I just like to speak from the heart. I have on the waterways committee here. We
follow our company's been in The owner. 22 years in business here on Marco. You
know, 5 start cool rating 100 reviews. Plus, I mean that a business bureau, we just not
perfect, but we try to do things right. The best of our ability. And we feel like. We
always try to partner with our customers and with the public and with the city and the
county and everyone involved. You know, if anybody ever need anything, you know, we try to
help out. And when working for people, we see it as a partnership. So just here of
thank Commissioner Locastro for his comments about that purchase site we have I met
with them privately to talk about it and he's super smart and he explained everything
about, you know, how things have to, you know, have a common ground swell of of
support. And and that's Councilman Palumbo. Talk to him also. And he was open this
idea because without the ability of the ordinance that we have now for staging on
private vacant. Lots around the island. You know, would be pushing barges back and forth
to Naples to the landing because Naples has a site there and you pay and you pull
up your truck and you offload and that's all would be looking to do you know, over
by the purge, you know, but we do have the vacant lot ordinance than, you know, when
the property owners agree to allow to use their land, you know, we have to no give them
all of our charts information. Obviously, do we have to pay them so forth? And we have to
respect the property and take care of it. We don't make candles on lots anymore
because ordinance we'e able to do that. But now we end. The trucks are coming over the
road anyways. The trucks are just going to vacant lot somewhere in the neighborhood
which we still need. Even if we had the bridge site, it would alleviate maybe a little
bit of that in the neighborhoods. So, you know, to get a truck over to that
bridge site. huge drop, something off or pick up a load of debris of material. It
would just probably go over the other bridge and just come around. And then over the
joint production and to that site. So not saying anything perfect appreciate, you know,
the fact that you be open to listening. Just everything I've heard. I've been here for
2 hours with y'all and it's amazing what you guys do. Okay. Like I couldn't even
like scratch the surface of at you guys all have to deal with. And everybody in the
public, every single person here has their own agenda, their own interest. But you
guys have to do it all so so hats off to you guys just want to let you know that we
appreciate, you know, any opportunity to be part of something that could help the
residents because you got to think you're on an island. Let's not forget Ron Island.
So barges are needed walls fall down. They have to be fixed you know where to do it.
Councils commissioners any we're great time there. Any final thoughts? Quickly,
anybody. you're anything you want just think is a thought out venture between our 2
organizations here to governments. And I think it was probably. Needed a few
years we don't know. I heard a rumor was probably a decade ago made the last time we did.
We can better shortly after we were elected 16, it 10 years. When I got the chair. When I
got the opportunity to chair this year, kind of wanted to. Have this type of olive branch
with the city of Naples. And I know talked to Amy boat. It's getting with the different
incorporated. Cities within our footprint of the county's. So kind of glad this happened.
And I think it's and I think it is important the citizens see like the gentleman from
the wall company to see welcome ISIS. There's a lot of moving parts, lot of moving
parts and as you move up. in the in the in the hierarchy of government, the part of just
gets more moving parts. But I think like commissioner cashiers said that. It helps
if are all grown in the same direction. We all want the best thing for our citizens as
we're all here for, you know, we just want to do the right thing and the best thing and I
think we can kind of get our has to go. We don't need official meeting for
councilmember to reach out to one of the Mister Blitzer, MR. Commissioner Locastro because
he represents this district. They got an idea project are some of thinking about. that's
why the voters and Marco Island vote for him. You know, he might not directly
represent them. They still vote So that's what we're here for. And that's what I tell
people. City of Naples. not? Why not represent you on every aspect of a building permit or
anything like that. That's yours. Your government has to handle that. But I'm still
here to represent you anywhere can through the county. And I try to express to them. So I
think it's important that we all. Have that mindset move forward. I want to thanks to
are manager City Manager Casey Lucious. Thank you for. Arranging this wonderful
event. And one more thing that Mr. Le Costa has the longest in the longest newsletter
every month. And it's extremely know, actually. It's extremely informative. But the
difference between reading this come, commissioner Story Commissioner La CA shows
detailed they dot and presentation. I think this is so much better. The heat is
the reason why that we actually really killing a lot of miss Miss. Can you nice
representation or lot of wrong and not right. The information. so this is very
important. I'm asking to do it all the time, but I think Mr. Low-cost or should I think he
is a newsletter said incredible. And I think this open communication is still
much better. I stand. And everyone of you commissioners, thank you for being here. Good
luck So one day I just say about the newsletter, it's it's for the citizens and I
have over 80,000 subscribers. And, you know, we had 4 people at the podium. So I think, you
know, it serves both purposes. I get a lot of positive comments. Let me just throw
this out there. Commissioner McDowell is gonna hate this statement. But when we have
public comment at our commissioner meetings, he hit a low is whispered to me,
especially somebody says something where we could provide an easy answer to that
person, right? Or maybe they say something that is so egregious that we're all
leaning forward you know, it's totally up to the chairs here. But when something was asked
about Tiger Tale on the boardwalk, I do have a 2 sentences that would at least
answer that if anybody is curious, if not of just send you the details, but it's up
to you. so so that that ideas is is an old one that has been addressed even before I was a
county commissioner in order to build a boardwalk across target, elegant, you would
need permits and approvals by a lot of different environmental organizations.
And I floated the idea so I could make sure that the answers that were a bit dusty
that I had heard. We're relevant and the answer that comes back from the
environmental groups that would have to be part of you know, making access easier for
title. Tell was that such a fragile area? We're not looking to make make access
easier for people to cut through the lagoon, cut through the mangrove so they
can get to the beach easier and quicker. Also to it, you made it more convenient. It
would bring more people to Tiger tale. And so there would be other issues. So I'll just
leave it at that. It's asked and answered multiple times and that's why it has never
been approved or explored. Do the environmental impact. like I said, the vehicle inclusion
know is that the end we're not looking to make access easier there to cut through that area
because of how sensitive it is that we would need the approval of multiple
organizations and you know who they are, fish and wildlife and soe others. And they are
they've asked and answer that question multiple over the years that you guys trying
where where air. But then when I just thought I was sitting on a quick answer, it's an
e-mail to you all we had out. If you I think Dr. Lucia said one thing. Sure to say, Casey,
enough finished. Let's let's yes. Thank First, I'd like to thank the commissioners for
making the drive down here and meeting our elected representatives. I like to
thank the county manager for her partnership as well as the county staff who attended and
they're always very responsive and cooperative with our city staff and then finally, we
would like to get a picture of all the elected officials who are here today before you run
out. If you'll just meet in the lobby get a photo. Thank you. He I was going to finish
with some of the same political just say quickly echo what you said.
Commissioners, thank you for coming down. Thank you for coming to our area. We
appreciate it. Mister Chair, thank you for letting me about a media conference and
appreciate your meant and lets hope to do it again sometime very soon in the last, let's
say, said it's not just what Collier County can do for us. We are part of cake. if we do
something for you, please don't hesitate to reach out. Also. Yes, sir, please. Love
said this out of the meetings, sort of a call to action. I'd like for the city Council to
take a position in support of tourist development tax and that get try to get the vote
out because just a benefit Marco Island. the distant future. But we have to get we
have to get a positive vote. we miss anybody? commissioners counselors had one more thing?
You know, it was great to get us together here, I'm always at your disposal. So if you're
trying to speak to all the commissioners much like I told Mike a that if they have an
issue, they need to speak to their elected officials. I'm your elected official here. So
if you want to pass a message to the county commissioners or what have even if it's
something that maybe I don't agree with. It's not my job to filter it out and keep it from
my peers. So rest assured that if if something came through the proper channels and the
sunshine law issues or whatnot, but it was a topic you wanted to streamline to
the county and eventually possibly develop commissioners. You know, I'm
not I'm not a speed bump at all easily accessible, as you know. I think you represent as
well, guys. 3.58, excellent, 2 minutes and to extend anything. No other thoughts,
journey. Thank you