Council Discusses $136,167 Utility Conflict

Marco Island City Council quickly dispatched several of its normal housekeeping items at their February 22 regularly scheduled meeting, but when reviewing the “Consent Agenda,” they pulled off two construction overrun items before moving forward.

Council confirmed the Planning Board’s approval to vacate the utility easement between 215 and 219 Seahorse Court. This will allow the properties to merge for the construction of a new home on the lots. Council unanimously approved same.

Council quickly approved an amendment to our Comprehensive Plan, showing the 10-year sufficiency for water. It was considered a routine matter regarding wordsmithing and incorporating updated state requirements. This matter was also unanimously approved. 

During every city council meeting, time is allotted to allow citizens to speak about any subject they desire, so long as it is not on the agenda to be discussed as part of the council agenda. Time is allotted the beginning of the meeting and once again before the meeting is adjourned. 

Marco Island resident Ed Issler came forward to encourage council to take an active lead in the short-term rental (STR) controversy and get behind the registration initiative. Issler, along with others, have been the driving force petitioning council to place a referendum on this year’s ballot. “After the close of the February 19 workshop regarding the short-term single family home rental issues, I went home and reflected on the entire matter and came to the conclusion that it is you folks, our city council, that needs to be leading on this issue. The citizens are looking for leadership and we need to get over this bickering. There are 13,000 registered voters on the island and approximately 90% agree with the registration idea,” said Issler.

Issler cited information from Microsoft News, which pointed out that Marco Island was not included in the list of top 30 cities in Florida. He pointed out that of the group of top 30, 25 had registration ordinances in place, including six out of the top 10. No further information was imparted on the basis of that report. Issler proposed a referendum vote for a registration ordinance at the previous meeting.

“It is time we got off the dimes and think about those people that vote for you folks and live on Marco Island and think about their property rights,” said Issler. He stated that Naples doesn’t even allow short-term rentals and the report lists it as the #2 place to live.

Council approved a change to the Land Development Code regarding pet grooming services, as well as another ordinance regarding sea turtle protection. They reappointed the Special Magistrate for an additional two-year term following comments by Councilor Claire Babrowski commending her work.

Council approved a new permit fee schedule to be in line with today’s needs and recognizing the need to have fees cover expenses, as this is run as an “enterprise fund.”  Both Council Chair Erik Brechnitz and Councilor Greg Folley agreed that their reviews of the new schedules were fair and met the department’s needs.

The two items which were withdrawn from the Consent Agenda both dealt with city projects presently being done by Quality Engineering. The first, is the culverts being placed under San Marco Road to open the flow of water and help rehabilitate the area’s mangroves. Although the city was only managing the project for the State of Florida, and the additional $85,695.00 would be absorbed by the grant monies, it still drew the ire of Council Chairman Brechnitz, who was disappointed that inground utilities were not well delineated prior to the start of construction.

Councilor Joe Rola had similar concerns regarding the ongoing project at San Marco and Heathwood, where during construction another conflict of utility lines will cost an additional $136,167.98. This time it will cost the City of Marco Island, as this project is entirely the city’s responsibility. 

Public Works Director Tim Pinter explained there have been little “as built” diagrams provided before cityhood and showed those in attendance the depth at which the contractors are working. 

When questioned, City Manager Mike McNees responded, “The newer the infrastructure the better our understanding, versus the older. The new projects will pass along excellent ‘as built’ for future projects.” 

Councilor Babrowski commented that she would prefer that these overruns not appear on the Consent Agenda in the future, so the public and councilors receive explanations regarding the costs.

Council has a joint workshop scheduled with the Collier County Commissioners on March 1 at Commission Chambers in Naples at 9 AM to discuss several items such as Caxambas Park challenges as well as Tigertail Beach. Their first meeting in March will be on March 7 at 5:30 PM in Council Chambers.