Marco Voters to Decide on Short Term Rental Ordinance

Marco Island City Council began its recent meeting on a positive note before sliding into a debate on short term rental (STR) registration. 

The meeting began with the recognition of Utility Manager Jeff Poteet for his 30 years of service to Marco Island. Poteet, who oversees the Water/Wastewater Utility Department operations, began his service to Marco citizens before the city acquired ownership of the utility. 

Poteet was joined by his wife as he received his award from Council Chair Erik Brechnitz. He was supported on Monday evening by many of his fellow employees who joined in celebrating his milestone.

Chairman Brechnitz then welcomed JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort’s General Manager Sharon Lockwood to the podium for a ceremonial presentation of $10,000 towards fireworks for the island’s July 4th celebration. The funds will be combined with other donations from local businesses, collected by the Marco Island Chamber of Commerce, to help support the annual fireworks display.

Council then switched gears to the STR controversy, which has swept through the State of Florida like a western wildfire. 

Councilor Rich Blonna questioned how and why the item was added to the agenda. Chairman Brechnitz explained that it was added to the agenda at the request of Councilor Becky Irwin, in accordance with council rules. “Contrary views should be heard, that is how we do it in the United States. The fact we are here tonight to do business is a testament as to how we do business in this country,” said Brechnitz. 

Council heard a presentation by the Florida Alliance for Vacation Rentals’ Executive Director Denis Hanks. Hanks spoke about the financial benefits of STRs to a community’s business base and the advantages of having a healthy relationship with his group.

Hanks stated that STRs provide communities with economic benefits and opined that STR registration would present communities like Marco with a “behemoth task” logistically.

Councilor Becky Irwin stated that Marco Island does not have many of the problems that can be found in larger metropolitan areas, such as a high crime rate, numerous noise complaints and other issues. Therefore, a larger city staff would not be necessary to manage an STR registration and there would be great benefits from the tourism.

Council thanked Hanks for his presentation and moved on.

Later in the evening, council discussed the request to place a referendum question on the August ballot regarding the creation of a short-term rental registration ordinance. The proposed STR ordinance, a citizen-driven initiative, would require all short-term rental properties to be registered and inspected by the city and meet upgraded safety standards.

Council heard from both sides of the STR issue, and in the end, voted 4-3 in favor of placing it on the ballot for the voters to decide on August 23, 2022.

Councilor Blonna attempted to have council exercise its right to approve the proposed STR ordinance that evening, but failing to obtain a required second, ultimately voted against placing it on the ballot in the August election.

Council Chair Brechnitz and Councilors Babrowski, Greg Folley and Joe Rola voted in favor of the initiative. Vice Chair Jared Grifoni and Councilors Blonna and Irwin opposed.

The STR issue will now appear on the August 23, 2022 ballot.