Parks Problems Take Center Stage at Marco Island City Council 

The Marco Island City Council voted Sunday to end the City’s longtime state lobbying contract, approved the purchase of two new fire trucks, and heard concerns about conditions at Winterberry Park as well as heat created by newly installed sound barriers at the Marco Island Racquet Center.

The August 17 meeting opened with a remembrance of former Councilor Joe Rola, who served on City Council from 2020 to 2024 and previously served on the Planning Board. Rola was remembered as a thoughtful, independent voice who cared deeply about Marco Island’s character, waterways and quality of life.

Council Ends State Lobbying Contract

The most divided decision of the evening involved the City’s $82,500 annual contract with Ronald L. Book, P.A., who has represented Marco Island in Tallahassee since 2014.

City Manager Dr. Casey Lucius said the firm has helped secure approximately $10 million in state funding for Marco Island over roughly a decade. However, the City received no state appropriation in the most recent legislative cycle, adding to questions from several councilors about whether the expense remains justified as the City looks for ways to reduce spending.

Book appeared remotely and defended his firm’s record, noting that the most recent cycle was the only year in more than a decade in which Marco Island did not receive an appropriation. He argued that the City still needs representation in Tallahassee and offered to negotiate a lower fee.

Chair Darrin Palumbo favored giving Book that opportunity before ending the relationship.

“I think losing our voice in Tallahassee is a mistake personally,” Palumbo said. “I think we need to keep it, and I think this year we need to scream loud and clear. You forgot about us last year, so don’t do it again.”

Councilor Bonita Schwan moved to terminate the contract at the end of the fiscal year, with Councilor Kevin Dohm seconding.

The motion passed 4 to 3, ending the City’s lobbying contract at the close of the fiscal year. 

Winterberry Park Draws Complaints

Several residents raised concerns about deteriorating conditions at Winterberry Park, describing the softball field as unsafe.

One resident, who said he has played there for 14 years, described the condition of the field as the worst he has seen and offered to have league members help with maintenance.

Tom Polston, commissioner of the Marco Island Senior Softball League, said softball representatives have been raising concerns for months and questioned why improvements were made at other parks while Winterberry continued to deteriorate. He also criticized recently installed sod, saying it was improperly placed and amounted to “putting a Band-Aid on a bigger problem.” 

The discussion continued during Lucius’ report on the Marco Island Parks Foundation, which is being dissolved. She said the foundation has approximately $1.09 million, but about $900,000 from one donor is restricted by contract. Approximately $185,000 is unrestricted and could potentially be directed toward projects such as Winterberry with City Council approval.

Pickleball Players Raise Heat Concerns

Residents also asked City Council to reconsider sound mitigation panels recently installed around pickleball courts at the Marco Island Racquet Center, saying the panels are trapping heat and creating potentially dangerous playing conditions.

One resident said the court surface had measured approximately 130 degrees and that she experienced dizziness and nausea while playing. She asked the City to evaluate temperatures and airflow and consider modifications that would improve ventilation.

Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee member John Aguis said the City has spent $88,484 on the sound panel project and noted that concerns were surfacing before installation was even complete. He reminded Council that he had previously provided information about similar situations in other communities and had cautioned against using sound barriers as the solution. Aguis also pointed out that other alternatives, including quieter balls and paddles and designated playing times, had been proposed, but were not accepted by the pickleball player group.

Schwan then asked Lucius to clarify where the changes ultimately approved by the City had originated. Lucius said the sound panels, fencing and gate changes were recommendations brought to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee by a representative of the pickleball players. The committee forwarded those recommendations to City Council, council approved the funding and staff implemented them.

Her explanation highlighted the difficult position the City now faces: The City recently spent money implementing recommendations that came through representatives of the pickleball community, and players are already expressing dissatisfaction with the results.

Lucius said staff would implement a different direction if City Council decides to change course.

Council Approves Fire Truck Purchases

Council unanimously approved financing for two replacement fire trucks after Fire Chief Chris Byrne described significant reliability problems with the City’s fleet.

A new Pierce Enforcer pumper will cost slightly more than $1 million, with a $350,000 down payment and the remainder financed through a 10-year capital lease. Byrne said the 2010 truck it will replace was out of service for 72 days in fiscal year 2025 and has already been out of service for 55 days this fiscal year. It will be 18 years old when its replacement arrives.

Council also approved approximately $2.5 million for a new 100-foot ladder tower to replace a 2018 truck that was out of service for 160 days in 2025 and another 67 days so far this fiscal year. The new truck will be financed through a 10-year capital lease, with the City owning it at the end of the term.

Both purchases passed 7 to 0.

Financial Oversight Concerns Raised

Resident Rick Woodworth urged the City to seek more detailed financial information through its upcoming audit process, saying recent problems demonstrate the importance of identifying financial issues before they become costly.

Woodworth cited the recent water and sewer billing error that resulted in more than $112,000 in refunds and called for closer examination of billing accuracy, rate classifications, revenue controls and the transition to the City’s new meter system.

He also pointed to recent concerns about the City’s police and fire pension plans, including a shortfall identified in the police pension fund. Together, the two pension funds now hold more than $75 million. City ordinances require the pension plans to be fully funded, with the City ultimately responsible for covering any funding shortfall. With more than $75 million now held in the two funds, Woodworth argued that detailed oversight of their funding, performance, and long-term obligations is increasingly important.

Woodworth encouraged the City to establish more detailed audit expectations now, while planning for the next audit is underway. “The greater cost is not knowing the facts about where our money is being spent and how it affects the future of the island,” Woodworth said.

Other Updates

Council unanimously approved a new fee structure for the City attorney’s firm, setting the hourly rate at $325 and the monthly retainer at $13,500 beginning October 1.

Staff also reported that the City’s AWT project is moving forward, with a request for qualifications scheduled to be advertised before a firm is selected and brought back to council for approval.

Residents should also note a change to the upcoming City Council schedule. The meeting originally scheduled for September 8 has been moved to Thursday, September 10 at 5:30 PM. 

Gray said he has received a number of questions about when the Rose Marina redevelopment proposal will come before City Council. He said his understanding is that the proposal is currently expected to be considered at the September 10 meeting.