City Council

City of Marco Island Florida 51 Bald Eagle Drive Marco Island, Florida cityofmarcoisland.com Meeting Minutes - Final Monday, June 7, 2021 5:30 PM Community Meeting Room City Council Chair: Jared Grifoni Vice-Chair: Greg Folley City Council: Claire Babrowski, Rich Blonna, Erik Brechnitz, Becky Irwin, Joe Rola City Manager: Mike McNees City Attorney: Alan L. Gabriel City Clerk: Laura Litzan City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 7, 2021 1. Call to Order Chair Grifoni called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M. MOTION by Councilor Irwin, seconded by Councilor Brechnitz, that Vice-Chair Folley be allowed to telephonically participate in, and vote on, all matters coming before the Council during the course of this evening's meeting. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOICE VOTE: Yes: 6- Councilor Blonna, Councilor Irwin, Councilor Brechnitz, Councilor Rola, Councilor Babrowski and Chair Grifoni Abstain: 1- Vice-Chair Folley 2. Roll Call Present: 7- Councilor Blonna, Councilor Irwin, Councilor Brechnitz, Vice-Chair Folley, Councilor Rola, Councilor Babrowski and Chair Grifoni (Note: Vice-Chair Folley participated via Zoom remote teleconference connection) 3. Invocation Offered by Reverend William Fisackerly of the Wesley United Methodist Church. 4. Pledge of Allegiance Led by Chair Grifoni. 5. Approval of the Agenda MOTION by Councilor Brechnitz, seconded by Councilor Blonna, that the Agenda be Approved. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOICE VOTE: Yes: 7- Councilor Blonna, Councilor Irwin, Councilor Brechnitz, Vice-Chair Folley, Councilor Rola, Councilor Babrowski and Chair Grifoni 6. Approval of the Minutes a. ID 21-1435 Approval of the Budget Policies and Assumptions Workshop Minutes of May 17, 2021 MOTION by Councilor Irwin, seconded by Councilor Blonna, that the Budget Policies and Assumptions Workshop Minutes of May 17, 2021, be Approved. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOICE VOTE: Yes: 7- Councilor Blonna, Councilor Irwin, Councilor Brechnitz, Vice-Chair Folley, Councilor Rola, Councilor Babrowski and Chair Grifoni b. ID 20-1229 Approval of the City Council Meeting Minutes of May 17, 2021 MOTION by Councilor Blonna, seconded by Councilor Irwin, that the City Council Meeting Minutes of May 17, 2021 be Approved. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOICE VOTE: City of Marco Island Florida Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 7, 2021 Yes: 7- Councilor Blonna, Councilor Irwin, Councilor Brechnitz, Vice-Chair Folley, Councilor Rola, Councilor Babrowski and Chair Grifoni 7. Approval of Consent Agenda MOTION by Councilor Irwin, seconded by Councilor Rola, that the Consent Agenda be Approved. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOICE VOTE: Yes: 7- Councilor Blonna, Councilor Irwin, Councilor Brechnitz, Vice-Chair Folley, Councilor Rola, Councilor Babrowski and Chair Grifoni [Approval of the Consent Agenda Passed the Routine Items Listed Below.] a. ID 21-1488 Committee Appointments to the Beach & Coastal Resources Advisory Committee, Beautification Advisory Committee, and Waterways Advisory Committee b. ID 21-1590 Award of Contract for the Construction of the San Marco Road Sidewalk Shared Use Pathway from Vintage Bay to Goodland Drive Project to the Lowest Responsible Bidder, American Design Engineering Construction, Inc., in the Amount of $573,563.33 8. Proclamations and Presentations a. ID 21-1559 Employee Service Awards City Manager McNees recognized and called forward the following City employees to receive their appreciation of service recognition certificate and pin as presented by City Council Jared Grifoni with the support of the entire City Council: 1) Detective Lorenzo Smith (5 years); 2) Mr. Michael E. Snyder, Jr. (20 years), and; 3) Mr. Mike Ehlen (35 years) b. ID 21-1607 Planning Board Update to City Council - Jason Bailey, Planning Board Chair Planning Board Chair Jason Bailey provided his report and engaged in dialogue with the members of the Council. No members of the public came forward to offer comment. c. ID 21-1592 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Preparedness Presentation Fire Chief Chris Byrne presented an overview of the City's preparations for the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season, and he addressed several questions from members of the Council. No members of the public came forward to offer comment. 9. Citizens' Comments on Agenda Items Not Scheduled for Public Hearing and Items Other Than Those Appearing on the Agenda Mr. Phillip Kostelnik (Channel Ct.) referenced the increase in violent crime in major cities across the United States, commented on various efforts to weaken order and stability in many parts of the country, and proposed that revered monuments and institutions be relocated to Florida for safe-keeping. City of Marco Island Florida Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 7, 2021 Ms. Linda Goslee (Treasure Ct.) registered her disappointment with comments made by a sitting member of the Council at its most recent meeting on May 17th. Ms. Teri Sommerfeld (San Marco Rd.) noted certain comments and questions raised at the most recent Planning Board Meeting on June 4th in review and discussion of the City's Comprehensive Plan, and she expressed her belief that the process in developing that Plan has been "rushed" and needs more development time, citizen attention and input. Ms. Christine Dowell (Biscayne Way) thanked City Fire Chief Byrne for his presentation on hurricane preparedness and noted her experience following Hurricane Katrina. She added her support to Ms. Sommerfeld's comments regarding the Comprehensive Plan, and she shared her assessment of the City's efforts to date in regulating problem short-term vacation rental properties. Mr. John Whitman (Galleon Ave.) expressed very serious concerns regarding the impact of red tide on public health, and he noted a dearth of information available at the City and County level to inform residents and visitors of the dangers posed by this phenomenon. (Note: For the benefit of Mr. Whitman and those present, Chair Grifoni confirmed with City Staff that the link for red tide information is still active and up-to-date on the City's website). 10. Quasi-Judicial Public Hearing None. 11. Ordinances None. 12. Resolutions & City Council Items a. ID 21-1587 Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Memorandum of Understanding Regarding Opioid Litigation City Clerk Laura Litzan read Resolution 21-24 into the record by title only. City Attorney Alan Gabriel provided the Council with a brief background and history as to the reason for the resolution, and he addressed several questions from members of the Council. No members of the public came forward to offer comment. MOTION by Councilor Blonna, seconded by Councilor Rola, that Resolution 21-24 - Authorizing the Execution of a Memorandum of Understanding Regarding Opioid Litigation, be Approved. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: Yes: 7- Councilor Blonna, Councilor Irwin, Councilor Brechnitz, Vice-Chair Folley, Councilor Rola, Councilor Babrowski and Chair Grifoni b. ID 21-1591 Award of Contract for the 2021 Annual Street Resurfacing Project to the Lowest Responsible Bidder, Preferred Materials, Inc., in the amount of $1,570,369.31 Public Works Director Timothy Pinter provided a brief history and background on the 2021 Annual Street Resurfacing Project bid solicitation process, and he addressed questions from two members of the Council. City of Marco Island Florida Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 7, 2021 Public Comment Ms. Christine Dowell (Biscayne Way) raised question regarding the budget associated with this Project and expressed her belief that the allocation of City expenditures devoted to roadway improvements is improperly allocated. MOTION by Councilor Blonna, seconded by Councilor Brechnitz, that authorization to the City Manager to award the contract for the 2021 Annual Street Resurfacing Project in the amount of $1,570,369.31 to Preferred Materials, Inc., be Approved. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: Yes: 7- Councilor Blonna, Councilor Irwin, Councilor Brechnitz, Vice-Chair Folley, Councilor Rola, Councilor Babrowski and Chair Grifoni c. ID 21-1596 Employee and Citizen Survey Proposal Assistant to the City Manager Casey Lucius reviewed the proposed survey plan and vendor selection process for the organization-wide employee and community satisfaction surveys currently under consideration. Questions were raised by members of the Council on several procedural and data integrity elements in the survey plan, and Ms. Lucius provided background and additional detail to address the concerns raised. Following Council discussion and input, Council decided to move forward with the employee survey portion of the proposed plan in the immediate term, with the direction to re-consider a revised approach for the community survey at a later time. Public Comment Ms. Teri Sommerfeld (San Marco Rd.) felt that it was "quite telling" that a community survey had not been undertaken previously, and she cautioned the Council in assuming that what it hears at Council Meetings, social media forums or through emails is representative of what the residents of the Island truly think about its evolution and growth. Mr. Phillip Kostelnik (Channel Ct.) shared his experience on the Ad Hoc Bike Path Committee in conducting surveys, and he recommended that the utilization of open-ended (vs. yes / no) questions could yield more information and insight in the City's proposed survey effort. Mr. Justin Dowell (unknown street address) indicated his experience in marketing and direct mail surveys, and offered a number of recommendations in the execution of the proposed survey plan to address several of the concerns raised by members of the Council. MOTION by Vice-Chair Folley, seconded by Councilor Brechnitz, that authorization to the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Polco National Research Center in the execution of an organization-wide employee engagement survey, be Approved. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: Yes: 6- Councilor Irwin, Councilor Brechnitz, Vice-Chair Folley, Councilor Rola, Councilor Babrowski and Chair Grifoni No: 1- Councilor Blonna 13. Items Removed from the Consent Agenda None. 14. Council Communications & Future Agenda City of Marco Island Florida Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 7, 2021 Councilor Blonna congratulated and complimented Human Resource Manager Leslie Sanford and Assistant to the City Manager Casey Lucius for their efforts in assisting the City of Marco Island in obtaining recognition as a 'Blue Zone Employer', and he encouraged all present and those viewing the meeting remotely to take the Blue Zones Project 'Real Age' survey at bzpsouthwestflorida.sharecare.com. Councilor Irwin asked the City Staff to review the adequacy of roadway cross-over walkways for pedestrians on North Bald Eagle Road, and she suggested that the City investigate the feasibility of establishing a means to sell carbon offset credits. Councilor Irwin also reported on her weekend-long participation in the Florida League of Cities educational program for elected municipal officers by sharing several demographic statistics of interest. Chair Grifoni polled the Council on its ability to meet for a closed session relative to the City's collective bargaining negotiations, and the Council agreed on the date and time for Monday, June 21st at 11:30 A.M. ID 20-1228 Future Agenda Items No new Future Agenda items were added by members of the Council. 15. Council Reports ID 21-1588 Gopher Tortoise Preservation - Councilor Richard Blonna Councilor Blonna reviewed a brief presentation highlighting the need for City-wide action to preserve Marco Island's Gopher Tortoise population, and he thanked a number of citizens and community leaders for their efforts in protecting this unique species. Among the proposals that Councilor Blonna indicated that he would like to have the Council consider during its fiscal year 2022 budget development process include: 1) a 'safe harbor' incentive program similar to the burrowing owl safe harbor initiative aimed at residential homeowners and undeveloped lot owners, and; 2) the creation of an open-space preservation fund to attract matching grants from individuals, organizations and governmental entities. Public Comment (Via Telephone) Mr. Richard (last name unrecognizable) thanked Councilor Blonna for bringing this issue forward and he offered his perspective on areas of the Island where protective preservation efforts might best be focused. Chair Grifoni received Council consensus in support of Councilor Blonna's recommendations, and he encouraged Councilor Blonna to continue pursuing the proposals and next steps that he outlined. 16. City Manager's Report a. ID 21-1595 Discussion - Letters from the Marco Island Historical Society and the Board of Collier County Commissioners City Manager McNees reviewed the requests embodied in the letters from the Marco Island Historical Society and the Board of Collier County Commissioners. Public Comment Mr. Michael J. O'Rourke III, President of the Marco Island Historical Society, encouraged the Council to enter into an interlocal agreement with Collier County to review Marco Island's historical and archeological City of Marco Island Florida Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 7, 2021 assets prior to reviewing and approving future development projects. Chair Grifoni, with the consensus of the Council, asked City Manager McNees to engage with the Historical Society as requested and bring back specific recommendations for Council action. Re: The Board of Collier County Commissioners' Letter and Request: After brief Council consideration and deliberation, Councilor Brechnitz volunteered and was appointed by consensus as Marco Island's representative for the Stakeholder Task Force that was described in the Board of Collier County Commissioners' letter. b. ID 21-1606 Waiver of Residency Requirement for City Manager as Required by the City Charter After considered discussion by members of the Council, City Manager McNees withdrew his request for a waiver of the Marco Island residency requirement for himself and his family. Public Comment Mr. Howard Reed (Bald Eagle Drive) proposed that the Council re-evaluate the City Manager's compensation plan to include a market allowance to facilitate his ability to relocate his family onto the Island. Ms. Christine Dowell (Biscayne Way) likened and compared the City Manager's situation to that of her son who left the police force of his local community to pursue a career with the National Guard. By consensus of the Council, Chair Grifoni was asked to draft a proposal that would facilitate the City Manager's ability to procure appropriate family housing on Marco Island. 17. City Attorney's Report No report was provided by City Attorney Alan Gabriel. 18. Departmental Reports ID 20-1227 Monthly Departmental Reports Councilor Blonna commended the Public Works Department for its quick response in providing extra trash receptacles at several locations around the Island, and he recognized the contributions of the unpaid reserves and auxiliary police officers of the Marco Island Police Department. Councilor Irwin queried Police Chief Tracy Frazzano on the number of vehicles that were recorded as coming over the Judge SS Jolly Bridge during the extended Memorial Day weekend. City Manager McNees provided a brief observation from his attendance at the recent Florida City and County Management Association Annual Meeting. Chair Grifoni confirmed with Public Works Director Pinter the timetable for the City's Annual Street Resurfacing Project in the area around Tommie Barfield Elementary and Marco Island Charter Middle Schools. Councilor Brechnitz commented on the perceived effectiveness of the recently-installed roundabout on Yellowbird Road. City of Marco Island Florida Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 7, 2021 19. Citizens' Comments Mr. Bruce Merklinghaus (San Marco Rd.) expressed his concern and suggestion relative to the newly-completed improvements on Yellowbird Road. 20. Adjournment There being no further business before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 9:03 P.M. ___________________________ Jared Grifoni, Council Chair ATTEST: ____________________________________ Laura Litzan, City Clerk PREPARED BY: ___________________________ Jim Kornas, Recording Specialist City of Marco Island Florida Page 7