City Council

City of Marco Island Florida 51 Bald Eagle Drive Marco Island, Florida cityofmarcoisland.com Meeting Minutes - Final Tuesday, September 5, 2023 5:30 PM Community Meeting Room City Council Chair: Greg Folley Vice-Chair: Jared Grifoni City Council: Rich Blonna, Erik Brechnitz, Becky Irwin, Darrin Palumbo, Joe Rola City Manager: Mike McNees Assistant City Manager: Casey Lucius City Attorney: Alan L. Gabriel City Clerk: Joan Taylor City Council Meeting Minutes - Final September 5, 2023 1. Call to Order Chair Folley called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M. 2. Roll Call Present: 7- Councilor Blonna, Councilor Brechnitz, Vice-Chair Grifoni, Councilor Irwin, Councilor Palumbo, Councilor Rola and Chair Folley (Note: Councilor Rola participated remotely via telephone and was present at Roll Call) Also Present Michael McNees, City Manager Casey Lucius, Assistant City Manager Joan Taylor, City Clerk Alan L. Gabriel, City Attorney Tracy Frazzano, Police Chief Chris Byrne, Fire Chief Guillermo Polanco, Finance Director Daniel J. Smith, Community Affairs Director Justin Martin, Public Works Director Jose Duran, Information Technology Director Jeff Poteet, Water & Sewer General Manager Miguel Carballo, Fleet & Facilities Manager Melissa Raynor, Budget Manager Angela Johenning, Purchasing & Risk Manager Mary Holden, Senior Planner Sonia Iszler, Water & Sewer Engineering & Operations Manager Martin Luna, Video/Broadcast Technician Jim Kornas, Recording Specialist Citizens and Visitors Motion to Allow For Remote Participation by Councilor Rola MOTION by Councilor Blonna, seconded by Vice-Chair Grifoni to allow Councilor Rola to participate in, and vote on, all matters coming before the Council at this meeting. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOICE VOTE: Yes: 6- Councilor Blonna, Councilor Brechnitz, Vice-Chair Grifoni, Councilor Irwin, Councilor Palumbo and Chair Folley 3. Invocation Offered by the Reverend Thomas McCulley of New Life Community Church. 4. Pledge of Allegiance Led by Chair Folley. Announcement of Marco Island City Council Rules of Decorum Chair Folley publicly announced the implementation of the City Council's Rules of Decorum for City Council Meetings as unanimously adopted by the Council at its August 21, 2023 session, and he encouraged all present to take and review one of the many copies that were available in the Council City of Marco Island Florida Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final September 5, 2023 Chambers. [Editorial Note: A link to the Marco Island City Council Rules of Decorum document is also available under the "Meeting Details" record for this meeting on the City of Marco Island website at www.cityofmarcoisland.com > Our Government > Agendas and Minutes > City Council > 9/5/23] 5. Approval of the Agenda City Manager McNees requested that a Proclamation to terminate the August 28, 2023 Declared State of Emergency for the City of Marco Island be added to the Agenda as Item #13e under Resolutions & City Council Items. Mr. McNees also proposed that Consent Agenda Item #8a. (Extension of the Contract #19-034 with Ronald Book. P.A.) be reviewed and discussed by the Council as Item #14a. under Items Removed From The Consent Agenda. MOTION by Councilor Brechnitz, seconded by Councilor Blonna, that the Agenda be Approved as Amended. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOICE VOTE: Yes: 7- Councilor Blonna, Councilor Brechnitz, Vice-Chair Grifoni, Councilor Irwin, Councilor Palumbo, Councilor Rola and Chair Folley 6. Public Hearing - Adoption of Tentative FY2023-2024 Millage Rate & Budget a. ID 23-3007 Resolution - Adopting the Tentative FY2024 Millage Rate - City of Marco Island - Guillermo Polanco, Director, Finance City Finance Director Guillermo Polanco noted that to comply with the TRIM (Truth-in-Millage) regulations, City Council is required to take separate actions in a specified order. At each of the public hearings, the public may speak and ask questions before the Council adopts any measures. Council must adopt a millage rate before it adopts a budget. The millage rate and budget must be adopted by separate votes at the advertised hearing.The final millage rate adopted at the second hearing cannot exceed the tentatively-adopted millage rate. The proposed tentative millage rate is the rolled back rate of 1.3137 mils for City operations. Any change approved by City Council will be reflected in the resolution adopting the final millage rate. At the hearing, prior to the adoption of the millage levy resolution, the following must be announced: 1. The name of the principal taxing authority is the City of Marco Island, Florida. 2. The current year aggregate rolled-back rate is 1.3818 mils. 3. The current year proposed aggregate millage rate is 1.3980 mils. 4. The change over the aggregate rolled-back rate is an increase of 1.17 percent. 5. The millage rate to be levied is 1.3137 mils for the City of Marco Island. 6. The City also has a dependent special district, and the Board of Supervisors of the Hideaway Beach Special Taxing District at its May 9, 2023 meeting recommend a tax levy of 1.600 mils for district operations. Mr. Polanco concluded by reading Resolution 23-40 into the record by title only. Councilor Blonna advised the Council of his intention to not support the proposed rollback rate, citing the opportunity to bring in an estimated $3.0 million to address currently unfunded City initiatives if the millage rate was to be adopted at the appraised property value rate. No members of the public came forward to offer comment. City of Marco Island Florida Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final September 5, 2023 MOTION by Vice-Chair Grifoni, seconded by Councilor Brechnitz, that Resolution 23-40 - Authorizing a tentative tax levy and millage rate of 1.3137 mils for City operations for the City of Marco Island, Florida, exclusive of dependent taxing districts, be Approved. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: Yes: 6- Councilor Brechnitz, Vice-Chair Grifoni, Councilor Irwin, Councilor Palumbo, Councilor Rola and Chair Folley No: 1- Councilor Blonna b. ID 23-3008 Resolution - Adopting the Tentative FY2024 Budget - City of Marco Island - Guillermo Polanco, Director, Finance City Finance Director Polanco, prior to reading Resolution 23-41 to adopt the tentative fiscal year 2024 budget, updated the Council on the Phase I Pickleball Conversion project funding plan that was originally discussed at the Council's June 19, 2023 Capital Budget Workshop. City Finance Director Polanco then read Resolution 23-41 into the record by title only. Councilor Blonna raised several implementation considerations regarding the proposed pickleball facility renewal/renovation project, and the application of artificial turf at one of the City's two major playing fields (i.e. Mackle Park and Winterberry Park). Chair Folley confirmed with Finance Director Polanco that the implementation and funding sources for both projects remain flexible and subject to additional Council review and direction. Public Comment Mr. Thomas Polston (Seaview Ct.), as Commissioner of the Marco Island Senior Softball League, requested that representatives of the League be included in, and consulted with, regarding any planned Winterberry Park softball field improvement plan that would affect its regular and post-seasonal use of Winterberry Park during its 2023 - 2025 softball seasons. MOTION by Councilor Blonna, seconded by Councilor Palumbo, that Resolution 23-41 - Adopting and approving the tentative fiscal year 2024 budget for the City of Marco Island, exclusive of dependent taxing districts, be Approved. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: Yes: 7- Councilor Blonna, Councilor Brechnitz, Vice-Chair Grifoni, Councilor Irwin, Councilor Palumbo, Councilor Rola and Chair Folley c. ID 23-3009 Resolution - Adopting the Tentative FY2024 Millage Rate - Hideaway Beach Special Taxing District - Guillermo Polanco, Director, Finance City Finance Director Polanco advised the Council that the tentative millage being considered for the Hideaway Beach Taxing District is 1.600 mils for District operations. Required public hearing announcements will be made prior to consideration. 1. The name of the taxing authority is Hideaway Beach District. 2. The current year rolled-back rate is 1.3079 mils. 3. The Hideaway Beach District is a dependent special district of the City, and the Board of the Hideaway Beach Special Taxing District at its May 9, 2023 meeting has recommended a tax levy of 1.6000 mils for district operations, an increase of 22.3% above the rolled back rate. Finance Director Polanco then read Resolution 23-42 into the record by title only. No members of the public came forward to offer comment. City of Marco Island Florida Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final September 5, 2023 MOTION by Councilor Brechnitz, seconded by Councilor Blonna, that Resolution 23-42 - Adopting the tentative fiscal year 2024 tax levy and millage rate for the Hideaway Beach Special Taxing District of 1.6000 mils for district operations, be Approved. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: Yes: 7- Councilor Blonna, Councilor Brechnitz, Vice-Chair Grifoni, Councilor Irwin, Councilor Palumbo, Councilor Rola and Chair Folley d. ID 23-3010 Resolution - Adopting the Tentative FY2024 Budget - Hideaway Beach Special Taxing District - Guillermo Polanco, Director, Finance City Finance Director Polanco read Resolution 23-43 into the record by title only. No members of the public came forward to offer comment. MOTION by Councilor Brechnitz, seconded by Councilor Blonna, that Resolution 23-43 - Approving the tentative fiscal year 2024 budget for the Hideaway Beach Taxing District as outlined and recommended by the Hideaway Beach Special Taxing District Board, be Approved. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: Yes: 7- Councilor Blonna, Councilor Brechnitz, Vice-Chair Grifoni, Councilor Irwin, Councilor Palumbo, Councilor Rola and Chair Folley 7. Approval of the Minutes a. ID 23-3022 Approval of the Special-Called Closed Meetings Minutes of August 21, 2023 MOTION by Vice-Chair Grifoni, seconded by Councilor Palumbo, that the Special-Called "Closed" Meeting of the Marco Island City Council on August 21, 2023, be Approved. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOICE VOTE: Yes: 7- Councilor Blonna, Councilor Brechnitz, Vice-Chair Grifoni, Councilor Irwin, Councilor Palumbo, Councilor Rola and Chair Folley b. ID 22-2614 Approval of the City Council Meeting Minutes of August 21, 2023 MOTION by Councilor Irwin, seconded by Councilor Palumbo, that the City Council Meeting Minutes of August 21, 2023, be Approved. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOICE VOTE: Yes: 7- Councilor Blonna, Councilor Brechnitz, Vice-Chair Grifoni, Councilor Irwin, Councilor Palumbo, Councilor Rola and Chair Folley 8. Approval of Consent Agenda Council Palumbo requested that Item #8d. (Resolution Approving the Appointment of Mr. Phares Heindl to the Waterways Advisory Committee) be removed from the Consent Agenda. Vice-Chair Grifoni requested that Item #8e. (Letter to the Collier County Board of Commissioners) be removed from the Consent Agenda. [Editorial Note: Given these removals from the Consent Agenda, the record of the Council's decision on both items is reflected in these Minutes under Item #14 (Items Removed From The Consent Agenda)] No members of the public came forward to offer comment. City of Marco Island Florida Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final September 5, 2023 MOTION by Councilor Irwin, seconded by Councilor Palumbo, that the Consent Agenda be Approved as Amended. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOICE VOTE: Yes: 7- Councilor Blonna, Councilor Brechnitz, Vice-Chair Grifoni, Councilor Irwin, Councilor Palumbo, Councilor Rola and Chair Folley [Approval of the Consent Agenda Passed The Routine Items Listed Below] b. ID 23-3005 Approve a Change Order for TranSystems Corporation in the Amount of $23,750 - Angela Johenning, Purchasing and Risk Manager c. ID 23-3004 Authorize the City Manager to Issue a Purchase Order to Tom Evans Environmental in the amount of $116,963.30 for the Purchase of a Peerless Pump Model 16HXB-2 Vertical Turbine Pump with 200HP Motor for the City’s North Water Treatment Plant (NWTP) High Service Pump Station (HSPS) - Jeffrey E. Poteet, General Manager, Water & Sewer Department f. ID 23-3023 Revised Letter of Objection to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regarding the Collier County Storm Risk Feasibility Study - Mike McNees, City Manager 9. Proclamations and Presentations ID 23-2747 Employee Service Awards: Shane Kelley - 5 Years Jennifer Williams - 5 Years. City Manager McNees recognized and called forward the following City employees to receive their appreciation of service recognition and pin as presented by City Council Chair Greg Folley: 1) Ms. Jennifer Williams - 5 years 2) Mr. Shane Kelley - 5 years Both individuals received a warm round of applause from all present. 10. Citizens' Comments on Agenda Items Not Scheduled for Public Hearing and Items Other Than Those Appearing on the Agenda Mr. Darin Spindler (Royal Marco Way), in an update to the Council following his original "Citizens' Comments" appearance on August 7, 2023, advised the Council of his Condominium Association's progress in pursuing a zoning variance and conditional use request to offer paid parking opportunities for beachgoers accessing the beach via the City's public beach access point across from 291 South Collier Boulevard. Ms. Megan Greer, Worksite Lead for the Blue Zones Project SWFL, presented statistics regarding the effects of cigarette butt pollution on Florida's beaches, wildlife, and water quality, and she proposed that the City of Marco Island consider the implementation of an ordinance banning cigarettes and smoking on Marco Island's beaches. Mr. Dmitry Shoutov (3rd Ave.), as a long-time, tennis-playing member of the Marco Island Racquet Center, requested that the Council pursue an upgrade solution for the facility that does not unjustly disadvantage City of Marco Island Florida Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final September 5, 2023 the tennis members who play there. Ms. Nicole Esch (East Hilo St., Isles of Capri) requested that, if the City pursues appropriations for the Isles of Capri water and sewer service, it should have the award transferred to Collier County or, alternatively, Collier County should be listed on any application by the City of Marco Island. 11. Quasi-Judicial Public Hearing ID 23-2997 Resolution - Variance Petition Request (VP-23-000181) to Sec.30-245. (3). c., Sec. 30-441. (g). and Sec. 30-485. (d) of the Land Development Code for the Property Located at 790 and 800 Bald Eagle Drive, Marco Island, FL 34145 - Mary P. Holden, Planning Manager, Growth Management City Attorney Alan Gabriel swore in all parties who indicated an intention to provide witness or testimony, and each Council member conveyed a verbal ex parte disclosure relative to the Applicant's petition and appeal. Growth Management Department Senior Planner Mary Holden outlined the nature and history of the Applicant's appeal through the Marco Island Planning Board process and, together with Robert Mulhere of Hole Montes, Inc. on behalf of the Applicant, responded to a number of questions raised by members of the Council. No members of the public came forward to offer comment. MOTION by Councilor Palumbo, seconded by Councilor Irwin, that Variance Petition Request (VP-23-000181) to Sec 30-245.(3) C, Sec 30-441 (G), and Sec 30-485 (D) of the Land Development Code for the Property Located at 790 and 800 Bald Eagle Drive, Marco Island, Florida 24145, be Approved. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: Yes: 7- Councilor Blonna, Councilor Brechnitz, Vice-Chair Grifoni, Councilor Irwin, Councilor Palumbo, Councilor Rola and Chair Folley 12. Ordinances None. 13. Resolutions & City Council Items a. ID 23-3025 Resolution - Appointment of a City Councilor to Serve as Chair of the Audit Advisory Committee - Guillermo A. Polanco, CPA, Director, Finance City Finance Director Guillermo Polanco outlined the anticipated responsibilities that the City Councilor appointee serving as the Chair of the Audit Advisory Committee is expected to bear, and City Attorney Alan Gabriel read Resolution 23-45 into the record by title only. No members of the public came forward to offer comment. MOTION by City Council Chair Folley, seconded by Councilor Palumbo, to Approve Resolution 23-45, and appointing Councilor Erik Brechnitz to serve as Chair of the Audit Advisory Committee, be Approved. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: Yes: 7- Councilor Blonna, Councilor Brechnitz, Vice-Chair Grifoni, Councilor Irwin, Councilor Palumbo, Councilor Rola and Chair Folley City of Marco Island Florida Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final September 5, 2023 b. ID 23-3029 Discussion - Award of Contract for Planning Consulting Services to Create a Redevelopment Master Plan for the Old Marco area to Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. in the amount not to Exceed $65,500. Stantec Consulting Services Inc. Submitted the Highest Rated Proposal - Daniel J. Smith, AICP, Director, Community Affairs Community Affairs Director Daniel Smith outlined the rationale for the Master Plan, briefly summarized the results of the vendor selection process, and responded to a number of questions raised by members of the Council. City Manager McNees noted that the funding for this effort will be drawn from the remaining Fiscal Year 2023 City Contingency Fund. No members of the public came forward to offer comment. MOTION by Councilor Blonna, seconded by Councilor Palumbo, that the award of the contract for Planning Consulting Services to create a Redevelopment Master Plan for the Old Marco area be awarded to Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. in the amount not to exceed $65,500, be Approved. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: Yes: 7- Councilor Blonna, Councilor Brechnitz, Vice-Chair Grifoni, Councilor Irwin, Councilor Palumbo, Councilor Rola and Chair Folley c. ID 23-3030 Discussion - Award of Contract for Planning Consulting Services to Create a Parks and Recreation Master Plan to Perez Planning + Design, LLC. in the Amount of $90,000. Perez Planning + Design, LLC. Submitted the Highest Rated Proposal - Daniel J. Smith, AICP, Director, Community Affairs Community Affairs Director Daniel Smith outlined the rationale for the proposed contract, and he outlined the key steps and the results of the City's vendor selection process. Mr. Smith also addressed a number of questions raised by members of the Council. No members of the public came forward to offer comment. MOTION by Councilor Palumbo, seconded by Councilor Irwin, that the award of the contract for Planning Consulting Services to Create a Parks and Recreation Master Plan be awarded to Perez Planning + Design LLC in the amount of $90,000, be Approved. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: Yes: 5- Councilor Blonna, Vice-Chair Grifoni, Councilor Irwin, Councilor Palumbo and Chair Folley No: 2- Councilor Brechnitz and Councilor Rola (THE MEETING WENT INTO RECESS AT 7:14 P.M. IT IS NOTED FOR THE RECORD THAT ALL COUNCILORS WERE PRESENT WHEN THE MEETING RECONVENED AT 7:21 P.M.) d. ID 23-3024 City Manager’s Performance Evaluation Chair Folley opened the discussion by referring to the materials that were included with the agenda packet City of Marco Island Florida Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final September 5, 2023 for this item, and he invited the members of the Council to provide additional insight and perspective on the written inputs that they provided to Mr. McNees in the evaluation of his performance this past year. All members of the Council participated in providing input. Following the Council's comments, Chair Folley invited City Manager McNees to offer his thoughts, and Mr. McNees conveyed appreciation and shared several observations for the Council's consideration. No members of the public came forward to offer comment. Chair Folley concluded the review of Mr. McNees' performance evaluation by proposing that the Council convene a near-term Workshop session to discuss a Mr. McNees' compensation, priorities, and goals for the upcoming year. He requested that the City Staff gather relevant historical salary data for the City Manager and the City's employee population in preparing for the upcoming Workshop session. e. Special Agenda Addition: Marco Island State of Emergency Review In line with the request that he raised during the Approval of the Agenda portion of the meeting, City Manager McNees provided the Council with a proposal and a Proclamation to terminate the Declared State of Emergency for the City of Marco Island that was declared on August 28, 2023 in anticipation of the potentially destructive effects of Tropical Storm/Hurricane Idalia which passed west of Marco Island on August 29 - 30, 2023. No members of the public came forward to offer comment. MOTION by Councilor Brechnitz, seconded by Councilor Irwin, that the Proclamation terminating the August 28, 2023 declared state of emergency within the jurisdictional boundaries of the City of Marco Island be Approved. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: Yes: 7- Councilor Blonna, Councilor Brechnitz, Vice-Chair Grifoni, Councilor Irwin, Councilor Palumbo, Councilor Rola and Chair Folley 14. Items Removed from the Consent Agenda 8a. ID 23-2998 Extension of the Contract #19-034 with Ronald Book, P.A. for Lobbying Services on Behalf of the City of Marco Island, Florida, before the Florida Legislature for a Three-Year Term, Expiring on September 30, 2026 at an Annual Amount of $75,000 - Angela Johenning, Purchasing and Risk Manager City Purchasing & Risk Manager Angela Johenning brought forth a proposal to renew the City's three-year agreement with Legislative Consultant and Lobbyist Ronald L. Book P.A. The Council engaged in meaningful discussion regarding the contribution of Mr. Book and his team in securing State funding for a number of City projects over the past nine years. No members of the public came forward to offer comment. MOTION by Vice-Chair Grifoni, seconded by Councilor Irwin, that a one-year extension of Contract #19-034 with Ronald L. Book P.A. for an amount not to exceed $75,000 be Approved. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: Yes: 7- Councilor Blonna, Councilor Brechnitz, Vice-Chair Grifoni, Councilor Irwin, Councilor Palumbo, Councilor Rola and Chair Folley 8d. ID 23-3034 Resolution - Approving of the Appointment of Mr. Phares Heindl to the Waterways Advisory Committee - Joan Taylor, City Clerk City of Marco Island Florida Page 8 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final September 5, 2023 City Clerk Joan Taylor read Resolution 23-46 into the record by title only. Councilor Palumbo raised a number of specific issues and concerns regarding the proposed candidate, and all members of the Council participated in a serious review of the candidate's background and history in considering his nomination to the Waterways Advisory Committee. No members of the public came forward to offer comment. MOTION by Councilor Blonna, seconded by Councilor Rola, that Resolution 23-46 authorizing the appointment of Mr. Phares Heindl to the Waterways Advisory Committee be Approved. MOTION FAILED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: Yes: 2- Councilor Blonna and Councilor Rola No: 5- Councilor Brechnitz, Vice-Chair Grifoni, Councilor Irwin, Councilor Palumbo and Chair Folley 8e. ID 23-2975 Letter to the Collier County Board of Commissioners Requesting Reinstatement of the One-Cent Discretionary Sales Tax - Guillermo A. Polanco, CPA, Director, Finance Vice-Chair Grifoni proposed a re-drafting of the subject letter to the Collier County Board of Commissioners requesting that the continuation of the recently-expired temporary 1% sales tax be brought forward to the citizens for a vote, and that the subject letter point out the benefits of the continuation of the sales tax increase in offsetting the City's reliance on property taxes, and in advancing the diversification of the City's tax base. No members of the public came forward to offer comment. Chair Folley directed the City Staff to re-draft the letter in alignment with the recommendations proposed by Vice-Chair Grifoni. 15. Council Communications & Future Agenda Councilor Brechnitz advised the Council that the City's proposed agreement to purchase the North Marco Utilities Company should be ready for Council review at its September 18, 2023 Meeting. Councilor Brechnitz also indicated that his white paper and related proposed Ordinance and Resolution to initiate a review process of the City's Charter will also be available for discussion at that same September 18th Meeting. Councilor Palumbo reiterated his intention to bring forward his white paper on the Trash Can Ordinance for review at the September 18, 2023 City Council Meeting. Councilor Palumbo, later in the discussion of Council Communications, precipitated a discussion regarding the possible "fast-tracking" of the paid parking proposal raised by the President of the San Marco Residences Condominium Association during Citizens' Comments at the August 7th and September 5th City Council Meetings. [Editorial Note: City Manager McNees indicated that the City Staff was already in the process of bringing forward a recommendation for the Council's consideration on this issue] Councilor Palumbo also raised discussion among the members of the Council on the effectiveness of roundabout on Yellowbird Street at 6th Avenue. Police Chief Frazzano was asked to provide recent vehicle collision statistics data for this location. Vice-Chair Grifoni added background and insights on this topic from his early years on the Council. City of Marco Island Florida Page 9 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final September 5, 2023 Councilor Irwin supported Councilor Palumbo's interest in finding a way to allow condominium associations near beach public access ways and other high-visitor density areas to charge for temporary parking. She challenged the Council and the City Staff to approach the Island's ongoing parking issues in a fresh and innovative manner. Councilor Irwin also referenced the Marco Island Police Department's Month of July data for reported and verified noise cases on the Island as compared to the same month during calendar year 2022, and she pointed out the Police Department summary of this data and other incident statistics that was recently published in the Coastal Breeze newspaper. Later during Council Communications, Councilor Irwin asked Fire Chief Chris Byrne to update the Council and the public on the Marco Island Fire Rescue Department Strike Team's assistance to other municipal and county departments that were directly affected by Hurricane Idalia. Councilor Blonna noted that two breaches of the recently-completed Tigertail Lagoon/Sand Dollar Island Ecosystem Restoration Effort occurred as a result of the passing of Tropical Storm/Hurricane Idalia off the coast of Marco Island, and he urged the City to actively engage with Collier County and the Hideaway Beach community to identify and implement more effective storm damage mitigating approaches for this portion of the Island. Councilor Blonna also expressed his dislike for the Police Blotter in the Coastal Breeze newspaper. Chair Folley complemented Councilor Irwin and the Marco Island Association of Realtors for honoring and entertaining the City's first responders at its First Friday of the Month gatherings. City Manager McNees reminded the Council that Marco Island's emergency first responders include members of the Public Works, Code Compliance, and Water & Sewer Departments. Chair Folley also directed discussion toward the concern raised by the Isles of Capri resident who addressed the Council during its Citizens' Comments portion of the meeting earlier in the evening. The Council and City Manager agreed that soliciting and bringing in funding resources from Collier County and elsewhere to facilitate a solution for the Isles of Capri Water & Sewer District is in the best interest of the residents of Isles of Capri. Chair Folley continued by engaging the Council and City Staff in discussion of the concerns raised by the members of the Marco Island Senior Softball League during the Citizens' Comments portion of the meeting regarding the application of artificial turf at Winterberry Park, and he indicated support for considering the Tobacco Free Beaches & Parks proposal raised by Ms. Megan Greer of the Blue Zones Project earlier in the evening. ID 22-2615 Future Agenda Items No new Future Agenda items were proposed at this meeting of the Council. 16. Council Reports None. 17. City Manager's Report None. 18. City Attorney's Report None. City of Marco Island Florida Page 10 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final September 5, 2023 19. Departmental Reports ID 22-2616 Monthly Departmental Reports No members of the Council commented on the Monthly Department Reports. 20. Citizens' Comments Mr. Paul Nussbaum (Seaview Ct.) shared his perspective on the value of the Marco Island Senior Softball League to the City of Marco Island's residents' overall health and well-being, and he spoke of his concern safely handling faster-moving infield hits as a shortstop should the City decide to install an artificial turf softball field at Winterberry Park. 21. Adjournment There being no further business before the Council, Chair Folley adjourned the meeting at 9:15 P.M. ___________________________ Greg Folley, Council Chair ATTEST: ____________________________________ Joan Taylor, City Clerk PREPARED BY: ___________________________ Jim Kornas, Recording Specialist City of Marco Island Florida Page 11