Council Honors Longtime Employees

The Marco Island City Council breezed through most of its first meeting in April without too much controversy, beginning with employee recognition awards.

Council recognized three employees for their longevity; the three collectively represented 40 years of service to the citizens of Marco Island.  Additionally, council awarded the city’s Employee of the Quarter.

Council Chairman Erik Brechnitz often comments that the recognition of city employees is probably the best part of the council members’ job. This night they got to do it four separate times.

First on the list was Sergeant Mark Haueter, who was celebrated for his 10 years of service with the Marco Island Police Department. City Manager Mike McNees listed a number of Sergeant Haueter’s accomplishments, including his work reviewing and implementing a safer school environment for children attending Marco Island schools, following the tragic Parkland school shooting in February 2018.

The second employee recognized was Brandi Garwood, who works in the finance department and has 15 years of employment with the city. City Manager McNees jokingly referred to Garwood, who handles the city’s payroll, as the “most popular employee” every two weeks, drawing a round of applause from those in attendance.

Lisa Lee Loewer, also with the city for 15 years, was the third employee recognized for longevity. Loewer was involved in modernizing the permitting process of the Community Services Department, as the department’s manager. She played an integral part in launching the online permitting process, which reduced permit wait times.

In addition to the longevity awards, a fourth special recognition was made for the Employee of the Quarter, Jim Kornas. Kornas is a Recording Specialist with the City Clerk’s Office and is responsible for assisting city council during meetings. He also oversees and trains others in a similar function for the advisory committees, while ensuring that information is transferred into the Granicus System. Kornas serves in other capacities as necessary on special projects, and as assigned. 

Attention turned to the Marco Island Academy (MIA), which is in the process of constructing their athletic fields on their new school campus located at 2255 San Marco Road. As such, MIA sought four variance petitions, now that they have a clear understanding of the field lighting needs and other issues that will allow the final phases of the project.

Councilor Joseph Rola inquired about any issues concerning the lighting, including potential light pollution and impact to surrounding neighbors. Rola’s questions focused on the technology being utilized by the contractor/vendor, and his inquiries were addressed satisfactorily. Council was unanimous in its approval of all four of MIA’s petitions.

Council unanimously approved a Conditional Use Permit to construct a Recreational Vehicle Garage with a door height of 12’ for a property located at 1751 Ludlow Road.

Council also unanimously approved a purchase order for the replacement of a city “outfall” for storm drainage at 224 Landmark Street. The aging outfall has failed and caused damage to the existing seawall. Replacement is required, including 130 feet of the 54” diameter drainage piping, as well as the storm box. The cost for the project is $249,850. 

Marco Island City Council’s next meeting is on April 18, which will begin at 5:30 PM in Council Chambers. Meetings are open to the public.