Councilors and City Staff Urge Second Look at Proposed Ordinance

In a surprise turn of events at last Monday evening’s city council meeting, what some believed was merely a “symbolic vote” two weeks ago turned into more than an hour’s debate on what all those words might lead to once they were read and digested. 

The legislation being proposed would have established the City of Marco Island as a Bill of Rights Sanctuary City. The Collier County Commissioners recently passed similar legislation establishing the County as such. It was unclear whether this piece of legislation presently before council was exactly as written by the County Staff.

Several councilors commented that although the intent brought forward by Councilor Gregg Folley was well intended, the unintended consequences might not be in the best interest of the city. Usually silent during council discussions, City Manager Michael McNees chimed in on the side of caution, as he saw some problems with the legislation drawn up by the councilor, enough so to recommend some revisions be made. City Attorney Alan Gabriel had similar concerns and agreed with the city manager. 

“At the end of the night and you go home, I’m left to have to implement this, and I’m not comfortable with this as drafted,” said McNees during the debate.

At the end of the debate, it was agreed to have Councilor Folley, City Manager McNees and City Attorney Gabriel meet and address the number of issues raised during the debate. That motion passed 6-0.

Later in the evening, Ms. Janet Green, a concerned citizen, came forward to ask for council action to protect the Burrowing Owl population from the danger of ingesting rat poisoning.  Nearly 26% of the Burrowing Owl population die from that issue, while predators and car strikes account for another 31% each and 12% are victims of unknown origin.

She requested that “rodenticides” be eliminated from the food chain on the island to protect all creatures. She suggested that the city residents adhere to better trash management and city codes are enforced to ensure trash issues, whether residential or commercial, are adhered to. She also suggested that non-poisonous humane traps be used, as well as ContraPest or Wisdom Good Works, which render rodents infertile and therefore controlling the population, be employed.

As she left, she invited councilors to enjoy a cake developed to look like a Burrowing Owl as she appealed to councilors’ sweet tooths as well as their passion for protecting a species.

The council also agreed to spend $5,661,342 to construct a new building to house the Collection and Distribution personnel and provide covered and open storage facilities for their equipment. On a separate matter, Councilor Brechnitz asked Jeffry Poteet about the value of the contract that would enable administration staff to be moved into the Annex Building. That contract is valued at $800,000, but issues may still have to be addressed within that building.

Council also awarded a contract totaling $2,105,419 to replace the Potable Water Line as well as sewer line and reclaimed water mains attached to the Collier Boulevard Line which runs over Bluebonnet Waterway.

Council will meet once again on February 5, starting at 5:30 PM in council chambers at 51 Bald Eagle Drive.