City Council

City of Marco Island Florida 51 Bald Eagle Drive Marco Island, Florida cityofmarcoisland.com Meeting Minutes - Final Monday, February 5, 2024 5:30 PM Community Meeting Room City Council Chair: Jared Grifoni Vice-Chair: Erik Brechnitz City Council: Rich Blonna, Greg Folley, 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 February 5, 2024 1. Call to Order Chair Grifoni called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M. 2. Roll Call Present: 7- Councilor Blonna, Vice-Chair Brechnitz, Chair Folley, Councilor Irwin, Councilor Palumbo, Councilor Rola and Chair Grifoni 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 Daniel J. Smith, Community Affairs Director Justin Martin, Public Works Director Jose Duran, Information Technology Director Jeff Poteet, Water & Sewer General Manager Martin Luna, Video/Broadcast Technician Angela Johenning, Purchasing & Risk Manager Jim Kornas, Recording Specialist Citizens and Visitors 3. Invocation Offered by Pastor Casey Nowlin of The Family Church. 4. Pledge of Allegiance Led by Chair Grifoni. 5. Approval of the Agenda MOTION by Councilor Irwin, seconded by Councilor Blonna, that the Agenda be Approved. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOICE VOTE: Yes: 7- Councilor Blonna, Vice-Chair Brechnitz, Chair Folley, Councilor Irwin, Councilor Palumbo, Councilor Rola and Chair Grifoni 6. Approval of the Minutes ID 23-3092 Approval of the City Council Meeting Minutes of January 22, 2024 MOTION by Councilor Folley, seconded by Councilor Irwin, that the City Council Meeting Minutes of January 22, 2024 be Approved. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOICE VOTE: Yes: 7- Councilor Blonna, Vice-Chair Brechnitz, Chair Folley, Councilor Irwin, Councilor Palumbo, Councilor Rola and Chair Grifoni 7. Approval of Consent Agenda City of Marco Island Florida Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 5, 2024 Councilor Rola requested that Item 7a. (Resolution - Appointing Mr. John Quinlan to the Beach and Coastal Resources Advisory Committee), and Item 7b. (Authorize the City Manager to Issue a Purchase Order ... in the Amount of $103,200.00) be removed from the Consent Agenda. [Editorial Note: the Council's action and record on Items 7a. and 7b. are now reflected in these Minutes under Agenda Item 13: Items Removed From The Consent Agenda] MOTION by Councilor Palumbo, seconded by Councilor Rola, that the Consent Agenda be Approved as Amended. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOICE VOTE: Yes: 7- Councilor Blonna, Vice-Chair Brechnitz, Chair Folley, Councilor Irwin, Councilor Palumbo, Councilor Rola and Chair Grifoni [Approval of the Consent Agenda Passed the Routine Items Listed Below] c. ID 24-3390 Authorize the City Manager to Issue a Purchase Order to Titan Concrete & Utilities, Inc., for the Installation of a New Outfall Pipe at 1149 Strawberry Court in the Amount of $90,396.40 Using the City Public Infrastructure Construction Services Contract 2023-029 - Justin Martin, P.E., Director of Public Works d. ID 24-3402 Authorize the City Manager to Issue a Purchase Order to Titan Concrete & Utilities, Inc., for the Installation of a New Outfall Pipe and Replacement of a Sidewalk at 1001 Inlet Drive in the Amount of $96,885.18 Using the City Public Infrastructure Construction Services Contract 2023-029 - Justin Martin, P.E., Director of Public Works e ID 24-3341 Three-Year Renewal of Contract with ESRI for GIS Software and ESRI/GIS Online Map Services in the Total Amount of $97,500 - Jose Duran, IT Director f. ID 24-3403 Award of Contracts to Four (4) Companies for Coastal Shoreline Maintenance on an As-Needed Basis (RFQ 2024-012) - Angela Johenning, Purchasing & Risk Manager 8. Proclamations and Presentations a. ID 23-3266 Employee of the Quarter Ms. Melody Gacetta, City Hall Receptionist with the City Clerk's Staff, was recognized and honored by Chair Grifoni, the Council, and the City Staff as Marco Island's "Employee of the Quarter". b. ID 24-3383 Presentation - Slidr Rides - On Demand Electric Rides - Michael Trombino, Founder & CEO, Slidr Mr. Michael Trombino, Founder and CEO of Slidr, a rideshare/microtransit service company, presented an overview of his company, its services, and its business model currently in operation in twelve cities and public universities in the south and southeastern section of the United States. Public Comment City of Marco Island Florida Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 5, 2024 Ms. Savannah Heimerl (Marquesas Ct.), co-owner of The Wave on-Island electric passenger cart transportation service, expressed her opposition to City support of any off-Island transportation company operating on Marco Island. Ms. Christine Dowell (Biscayne Way) expressed her opinion that government-endorsed transportation service always results in taxpayer-borne expense. 9. Citizens' Comments on Agenda Items Not Scheduled for Public Hearing and Items Other Than Those Appearing on the Agenda Mr. Rocky Cale (Beachcomber St.), Chair of the 20th Annual Marco Island Model Yacht Club RC Laser Mid-Winter Regatta, shared an overview of the organization's upcoming event on March 1 - 3, 2024 at Mackle Park. Ms. Sheelah Yawitz (N. Collier Blvd.) requested clarification regarding the applicability of Collier County's recently-enacted Health Freedom Bill of Rights to the residents of Marco Island. She also requested insight on any outreach by members of the Council to their Florida State Representatives prior to the passage of Florida Senate Bill 774 (Ethics Requirements for Public Officials) regarding the filing of Form 6 by elected municipal officials in 2024. Several members of the Council briefly shared the nature and result of their outreach in response to Ms. Yawitz's request. 10. Quasi-Judicial Public Hearing None. 11. Ordinances A. Public Hearings Ordinance - Second Reading Establishing the City of Marco Island as a Bill of Rights Sanctuary City Continued to February 20, 2024 Meeting with Announcement to this Effect As noted on the Agenda, and as noticed publicly prior to the meeting, the Council's consideration and action on the Second Reading of the Ordinance proposing the establishment of Marco Island as a Bill of Rights Sanctuary City was continued to the Council's February 20, 2024 meeting. B. First Readings None. 12. Resolutions & City Council Items ID 24-3392 Resolution - Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Locally Funded Agreement with the State of Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to Provide a Deposit to FDOT in the Amount of $265,371 for 25% of the Estimated Design Cost of the Replacement of the Caxambas Court Bridge (FPID# 445460-1-32-01) - Justin Martin, P.E., Director, Public Works City Clerk Joan Taylor read Resolution 24-06 into the record by title only. Public Works Director Justin Martin provided detail on the proposed funding agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), and he responded to several questions from members of the Council. City of Marco Island Florida Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 5, 2024 Public Comment Mr. David Rasmussen (Caxambas Ct.) shared his perspective on the condition of the bridge in question, and he encouraged the Council to consider alternatives that take into account the needs of existing residents affected by the proposed project, as well as the continued access for trucks and equipment engaged in new residential construction on the land mass connected via this bridge. MOTION by Councilor Rola, seconded by Councilor Palumbo, that Resolution 24-06 - Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Locally Funded Agreement with the State of Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to Provide a Deposit to FDOT in the Amount of $265,371.00 ... AND ... with an amendment revising the beginning of Paragraph 3 of the Agreement document to read "If the accepted design bid" (Note: the word "design" is added) ..." for 25% of the Estimated Design Cost of the Replacement of the Caxambas Court Bridge (FPID# 445460-1-32-1), be Approved as Amended. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: Yes: 4- Vice-Chair Brechnitz, Chair Folley, Councilor Irwin and Councilor Palumbo No: 3- Councilor Blonna, Councilor Rola and Chair Grifoni 13. Items Removed from the Consent Agenda 7a. ID 23-3369 Resolution - Appointing Mr. John Quinlan to the Beach and Coastal Resources Advisory Committee as Nominated by Councilor Blonna - Joan Taylor, City Clerk City Clerk Joan Taylor read Resolution 24-05 into the record by title only. Councilor Rola led the Council in a brief discussion of candidate qualifications for appointees to all volunteer City Committees. Council Blonna described his interview process that resulted in nominating this candidate for the open position on the Beach and Coastal Resources Advisory Committee. No members of the public came forward to offer comment. MOTION by Councilor Blonna, seconded by Vice-Chair Brechnitz, that Resolution 24-05 - Appointing Mr. John Quinlan to the Beach and Coastal Resources Advisory Committee be Approved. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING COUNCIL VOTE: Yes: 7- Councilor Blonna, Vice-Chair Brechnitz, Chair Folley, Councilor Irwin, Councilor Palumbo, Councilor Rola and Chair Grifoni 7b. ID 23-3367 Authorize the City Manager to Issue a Purchase Order to Trebilcock Consulting Solutions for the Pedestrian Crosswalk Evaluation Study in the Amount of $103,200.00, Using the City Professional Services Library RFQ 19-012 - Justin Martin, P.E., Director, Public Works Councilor Rola requested that Public Works Director Justin Martin provide insight on how the Marco Island Police Department's pedestrian safety data was applied in identifying the crosswalks for evaluation, and he sought understanding of State law regarding the identification and selection of professional consultants. Public Works Director Martin provided responses. No members of the public came forward to offer comment. MOTION by Vice-Chair Brechnitz, seconded by Councilor Irwin, that the City City of Marco Island Florida Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 5, 2024 Manager's Authorization to Issue a Purchase Order to Trebilcock Consulting Solutions for the Pedestrian Crosswalk Evaluation Study, in the Amount of $103,200.00, Using the City Professional Services Library RFQ 19-012, be Approved. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING COUNCIL VOTE: Yes: 7- Councilor Blonna, Vice-Chair Brechnitz, Chair Folley, Councilor Irwin, Councilor Palumbo, Councilor Rola and Chair Grifoni 14. Council Communications & Future Agenda Councilor Blonna advised the Council that former Marco Island City Councilor Charlette Roman, current Governing Board Member of the South Florida Water Management District and Chair of the Big Cypress Basin Board, will address the Council at its May 20, 2024 meeting. Councilor Blonna, in responding to an email that was sent to all members of the Council by a Marco Island resident, precipitated a discussion amongst the Councilors about density totals on the Island by zoning category, and whether the City Staff should provide the Council with regular reports on this subject. He asked that this item be added to the Council's Future Agenda. Councilor Blonna, in reference to a recent newspaper editorial regarding the affordability of property insurance, engaged the Council in a discussion about efforts at the State level to improve the number and competitiveness of insurers operating in Florida. Councilor Palumbo shared his perspective on the application of the new financial reporting requirement of elected municipal officials under Form 6, and he expressed his support of local entrepreneurs who develop transportation solutions that can help alleviate the Island's traffic and parking availability concerns without local government support. In his report as City Council Liaison to the City's Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee, Councilor Palumbo announced an opportunity for one or more members of the public or the business community to help support the continued activities at Mackle Park by donating toward, or replacing, the Community Center's pool table. He also advised the Council of a likely discussion item coming forward from the Committee regarding the sizing and location of a proposed Vietnam Veterans' Memorial statue/structure for Veterans' Community Park. While on the subject of honoring America's veterans, Councilor Palumbo asked City Manager McNees for an update on a citizen-proposed request regarding the recognition of men and women who have served in the U.S. Merchant Marine. City Manager McNees briefly updated the Council on his recent actions. Councilor Palumbo concluded his remarks by requesting insight on the County's timetable for improving the facilities and grounds at Tigertail Beach, as well as the reopening of Caxambas Park. Vice-Chair Brechnitz shared his knowledge on the status of the County's efforts. Councilor Rola spoke to the importance of the Council knowing and understanding how the City stands in the application of its density units as it considers workforce housing and its future redevelopment efforts. Chair Grifoni advised the Council of the April 21, 2024 expiration of his current four year term as the Marco Island City Council's representative on the Collier County Tourist Development Council (TDC). Given that his service as a Marco Island City Councilor ends in November, 2024 (due to the City's eight year term limit requirement), he requested direction from his colleague Councilors as to whether they would like to nominate another Councilor to succeed him on the TDC in April, or wait until he departs from the City Council in November. The Council directed the City Staff to provide a letter requesting the reappointment of Chair Grifoni as the Council's representative on the TDC after April 21, 2024 and through the remainder of his term as a Marco Island City Councilor. City of Marco Island Florida Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 5, 2024 ID 23-3093 Future Agenda Items Councilor Blonna requested that a discussion regarding density tracking be added to the Council's Future Agenda. The Council requested that a review of all self-nominating candidates for appointment to the Ad Hoc Business Development and Redevelopment Committee be added to the Council's Future Agenda. 15. Council Reports None. 16. City Manager's Report City Manager McNees advised the Council that five candidates have nominated themselves for appointment to the City's Ad Hoc Business Development and Redevelopment Committee. He noted that precedence exists for ad hoc committees of the City to consist of a few as five committee members. The Council requested that the City Staff bring forward a review of the candidates to an upcoming meeting of the Council. City Manager McNees also advised the Council of the City's application and selection to participate in the International City/County Management Association's (ICMA) Senior Fellowship Program for 2024. Under this program, the City will gain exposure to U.S. Department of Defense leadership instruction and an on-site training opportunity at the Pentagon in Washington D.C., as well as an opportunity to host a U.S. Military Garrison Commander for cross-organizational sharing of practices and perspectives here on Marco Island. Mr. McNees thanked Assistant City Manager Casey Lucius for her efforts in pursuing this opportunity, and he promised the Council additional information and detail as it is received. 17. City Attorney's Report Vice-Chair Brechnitz questioned City Attorney Alan Gabriel regarding his firm's approach for determining the appropriate stage at which to notify members of the Council of potential lawsuits against the City. City Attorney Gabriel outlined his firm's considerations and general approach on legal matters of this nature. 18. Departmental Reports ID 23-3094 Monthly Departmental Reports Councilor Blonna complimented Police Chief Tracy Frazzano and her team for the City's improved metrics regarding crime on the Island, and he recognized Water & Sewer Department General Manager Jeff Poteet and his team's creativity in applying a $250,000 software purchase to reduce the Department's operating expense base by over $1.0 million. Councilor Blonna also complimented Public Works Director Justin Martin and his team on their consistent, on-going effort to improve the effectiveness of the City's swale system. Councilor Rola followed up on Councilor Blonna's recognition of the Public Works team to address several questions to Public Works Director Martin regarding the replacement status of the swale inlet screens across the Island, and other related questions regarding the City's water quality improvement initiatives that were outlined in the Public Works Monthly Report. Councilor Rola also requested that Police Chief Frazzano investigate and report back on the number of citations issued, and code cases referred to the Code Magistrate, regarding violations of the City's fertilizer ordinance. City of Marco Island Florida Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 5, 2024 19. Citizens' Comments No members of the public came forward to offer comment during this portion of the meeting. 20. Adjournment There being no further business before the Council, Chair Grifoni adjourned the meeting at 7:45 P.M. ___________________________ Jared Grifoni, Council Chair ATTEST: ____________________________________ Joan Taylor, City Clerk PREPARED BY: ___________________________ Jim Kornas, Recording Specialist City of Marco Island Florida Page 7