Council Discusses Trees, Recognizes Local Law and Fire Departments

Councilors quickly moved through a relatively light agenda on Monday evening dealing with four items on their consent agenda, as well as three items on their proclamation and presentation section. 

However, a protracted discussion regarding the Army Corps of Engineers potential plans to mitigate flooding damage along the coast of Southwest Florida was presented. Public Works Director Justin Martin detailed the shortfalls of that plan at the end of the meeting. Martin’s presentation was in tandem with a white paper that supported his testimony.

The City Manager cautioned that the community should stay engaged regarding the ongoing discussions or risk not being included in the final product the Corps presents to Congress.

David Leaser, the Chairman of the City’s Beautification Committee, requested to have the $200 permit fee required to plant trees removed. Right now, the Ten Thousand Trees in Ten Years pilot program carries a $200 cost that goes towards planting and maintaining the tree. The $200 permit fee is in addition to that cost. In the end, councilors voted on a motion to consider the trees as donations to the city. The trees then become city property as they are being planted in the public right of way and so a permit fee is not necessary for the pilot program. The vote was 6-1 in favor.

A Proclamation in Recognition of Service to the Marco Island Police Department, Marco Island Fire and Rescue Department and the Collier County Sheriff’s Office was presented by Chair Folley regarding an incident on June 19th, 2023. Marco Police received a call that a 49-year-old man was in possession of a handgun and was threatening to kill himself. Upon arrival at the scene, it was discovered that the man had also threatened others. Marco Fire and Rescue closed down that section of Collier Boulevard and the Collier County Sheriff and SWAT and hostage negotiators arrived on scene. Over two hours later, the suspect left the building and was taken into custody. Chair Folley remarked on the great partnership between the city and the county and that cooperation allowed for a positive outcome to a situation that could have gone “very, very negatively.” Chair Folley also read a prepared statement from MIPD Captain Stoltenborg in recognition of Chief Tracy Frazzano, who took the lead from the moment police arrived and eventually established a rapport with the suspect while Collier County hostage negotiators were listening. “Had it not been for the Chief’s actions, patience and perseverance, this could easily have been a tragedy,” Folley read.

Later in the evening, Council chose not to enter into a contract with CM Creek LLC for the sale of the surplus property on Mainsail Drive, land they have discontinued using as part of the City’s Utility Operation.

The next meeting of the council is scheduled for August 21 at 5:30 PM in Council Chambers.