Rose Marina Expansion Discussion Moves to July

The Marco Island Planning Board’s June 5 meeting was expected to include a detailed discussion of the proposed Rose Marina expansion, but the item was continued to a special meeting scheduled for 1:00 PM on July 23.

City staff said the matter is complex and that the City did not receive all the necessary information from the petitioner in time to fully review it for the June 5 meeting. The continuance also allows the board to ensure enough members are present for the discussion.

Dan Smith, director of community affairs/growth management, also provided an update on the traffic study being conducted as part of the City’s broader Level of Service Study. Smith said results from the traffic study are coming in, but measurements in three traffic study areas were “cut,” resulting in incomplete information. The company hired to conduct the study will return in February, during peak traffic season, to restudy those areas and add several more.

The board also discussed residential fence heights, an issue that has become more pressing after FEMA revised its flood maps. Those map changes have created situations in which existing fences, such as those required for public safety around pools, may no longer comply with the City’s code because they are now considered too short. Board members agreed the issue needs to be addressed so the code does not unintentionally create compliance problems for homeowners.

Another discussion focused on the difference between pervious and impervious surfaces. Board members raised questions about which materials should be treated as impervious or pervious under the code and suggested the definitions need to be clearer.

A broader discussion followed about how changes to the City’s code of ordinances are initiated and reviewed. Board members expressed concern that the process is not being applied consistently. In some cases, residents follow the formal process and pay the required application fee, while others appear to be able to push for code changes through City Council or staff without going through the same process or paying a fee.

The board also discussed whether attendance rules place a heavier burden on Planning Board members than on members of other City boards. Because much of the Planning Board’s work is considered quasi-judicial, members generally must attend meetings in person, while other advisory board members and City Council members have more flexibility to participate electronically.

Vice-Chair Hayden Dublois said that creates an uneven standard, particularly when City Council later votes on the same matter with members participating remotely. He suggested council review whether Planning Board members could be allowed to participate electronically in appropriate circumstances.

Chair Jason Bailey questioned whether the current rules may discourage some qualified residents from applying to serve on the Planning Board, particularly residents who are not on Marco Island year-round. He suggested there may be strong potential board members in the community who would be willing to serve if they were allowed to participate remotely in appropriate circumstances.

It was suggested that Dublois send an email to City Council asking members to explore the issue.