Council Takes on a Wide Range of Issues

The Marco Island City Council met for their second September meeting on Monday evening. The first order of business was the proposed 2023-2024 budget for operational needs and capital expenses. In addition, council voted on the approval of a budget proposed by the Hideaway Beach Tax District.

The Tax District is the funding source for the renourishment of the beaches within Hideaway Beach. It is a tax upon their residents and property owners specifically for the renourishment of the beaches within that private gated community.

There was little discussion on either the city’s budget proposals or budget for the Hideaway Beach Taxing District as both passed by 7-0 votes.

There was a proposal to offer a single change to the City Charter to allow for an amendment that would change the title from “Chairman” to that of “Mayor.” The discussion was brought forward by Councilor Erik Brechnitz who felt that such a change would help strengthen the city’s bargaining position when meeting with other governmental agencies and during meetings in which the person in question is in attendance.

After considerable discussion, the proposal failed by a vote of 5-2, with only Chairman Greg Folley and Councilor Brechnitz voting to approve.

The council next addressed the possible ordinance change to allow for the use of commercial parking facilities in Multi-Family Residential Districts and churches located along the Beach Corridor. Al Musico and Howard Reed spoke in opposition. They both questioned the need for more parking for non-residents.

Councilor Rich Blonna questioned where the “need data” came from. Councilor Darrin Palumbo called for a pilot program to determine its feasibility. In the end, it passed by a vote of 4-3, with Vice Chair Jared Grifoni, Councilors Becky Irwin, Blonna and Palumbo approving and Chairman Folley, Brechnitz and Councilor Rolla opposing.

Update on Hideaway Beach Recovery from Hurricane Idalia

City Manager Mike McNees stated that Hideaway Beach came to him to explain that they believed much of the recovery of the sand moved during Hurricane Idalia could be recovered if they acted quickly. Costs would escalate by waiting to recover the sand before it naturally moved to other areas.

The cost to recover sand and repair the beaches is estimated at $47,000 and the Hideaway Taxing Authority requested that the city give a “bridge-loan” of sorts as their monies will not be available from the ad valorem tax levy that council approved just that evening. The City Manager has discretionary power to spend up to $50,000. This evening he came before council to advise them he was about to do so but sought their concurrence. 

The equipment necessary was being mobilized and should be in position by September 19th as would the protection for any wildlife issues. 

The council concurred and voted unanimously to support the manager’s decision.

Earlier in the day the council met in a workshop session to discuss the goals and objectives for the City Manager during the next year. After an extended discussion, it was apparent that consensus may not be achievable between the seven councilors, and it was suggested that Councilor Brechnitz tackle the chore and bring back a suggested list after sitting with the City Manager at the second meeting in October.

The next meeting of council is set for October 2 and will convene at 5:30 PM in council chambers.