The people came and City Councilman Chuck Kiester listened.
Photo by ROGER LALONDE, Marco Eagle
Resident Al Musico makes a point during a workshop conducted by City Councilman Chuck Kiester on June 15. Some 60 residents spoke to Kiester about crosswalks, how city funds projects, South Collier Boulevard development and more.
Some 60 people attended his workshop on June 15 to talk with him about their concerns.
A major issue was where the money comes from to pay costs pertaining to the septic tank replacement program when bonds have not been issued.
Kiester found out and reacted at the City Council meeting on June 19.
Bill Harrison, city finance director, said the city has a $30-to $40-million pool of funds in cash and investments. He said funds for the septic tank program will be borrowed from the pool of cash and be repaid when the bonds are sold.
Kiester made a motion to halt payment for design services for three sewer districts until they could be funded by bonds that have been delayed because of a lawsuit filed by Citizens Advocating Responsible Environmental Solutions.
He found support in Council Chairwoman Terri DiScuillo, who agreed that funds should be available for a project, not be borrowed to pay back later.
Other councilmen, city manager Bill Moss and Harrison assured them that it has been a regular practice on other items where funding came later through bonds or other sources.
Moss urged the council to be allowed to move forward for fear of higher costs for the project should it be stalled due to the lawsuit.
Councilman Bill Trotter said by delaying the design work the project could be seriously delayed, stretching the project over many more years.
Photo by ROGER LALONDE, Marco Eagle
City Councilman Chuck Kiester held a workshop on June 15 to hears residents' concerns. Some 60 people attended to provide their input on issues important to them.
The issue passed, 4-2, with Kiester and DiScuillo dissenting, while Trotter, Mike Minozzi, Rob Popoff and Glenn Tucker voted in favor. Councilman Ted Forcht was absent.
Crosswalks, building sizes, beach access, development at the south end of Collier Boulevard and the Rose River Marina offer to the city to purchase the marina were among items discussed.
"I basically got what I wanted from the people," Kiester said. "I wanted to hear their concerns and I will get back to them."
He also will consider having future meetings.
"I think the people deserve to be heard in this kind of forum," he said. "It gives them a chance to be heard, something I have been told doesn't happen enough."
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Comments » 12
barfieldfly writes:
Are there any real heros on Marco?
In time where production, destruction and construction are the law of the land, comes a man who has stood proudly in the face of it all.
Chuck Keister has stood as a lone beacon of light in the face of powerful interests on Marco.
He has(and God bless him) withstood the blows of Development Attorney & Councilor Glen Tucker and his goon squad.
He has swam upstream in an never ending battle to question City Mismanager Moss and his 'dealings'.
Chuck you are Marco's greatest hero.
I hold you in the same regard as my father who almost lost his life at Omaha beach WWII (we're talking serious respect).
Chuck I only hope this message gets to you, and that many of my fellow blogger buddies light up this site with 'PROPS' to you my friend.
Hang in there Chuck help is on the way.
Councillor Keister, WE THANK YOU!
jwputnam writes:
Seconded.
lowus writes:
THIRDED!
Chuck stand strong! Jane is a great gal and you are a great guy. You have the respect of all TRUTH loving citizens of Marco. Barfielfdly has put it quite well, you truely are a hero for the unspoken.
A city where many fear the government, you give us strength.
Stick to your guns Chuck.
Thank you for you service.
7ate9 writes:
Chuck, I've been off the blogs for a while and have finally found a reason to post, YOU.
Chuck you are an inspiration for many people on this island who are being pushed off by the special interests. I think of you often and follow you proudly and with much interests.
You are a hero.
stopthedestructionofmarco writes:
Born in Everglades raised in Marco.
Seems like Lauderdale is coming here, and I can't afford the taxes to support future building.
Chuck Kiestewr seems tghe olny one up there who wants regulaton.
I cant afford marco no more and i make 78K a year.
chuck i'll send you $200 or so to fight the developers'
a;; I can afford\
Good night
stopthedestructionofmarco writes:
I must add:
\if you yankees with all you money cant see the expoyltation of this sw florida by fewllow yankkee developers-lead by Tucker and asoccistes.
Well then you blind.
corruption still lives.
rogerhall59 writes:
Thank you Chuck for your efforts. I applaud you willingness to stand up for the citizens despite the fact that you know you and they will be rejected by the arrogant majority on this council.
Roger Hall
strike3 writes:
Shouldn't voters be demanding answers from Moss? He and the other 4 are the ones with all the answers. They know everything. What is good for residents and what is bad for residents. Why is Moss urging the council to do anything? I thought the CM worked for the council? Who gave Moss power to tell the council what to do. Seems the city is working completely backwards. Moss tells the council how to vote, the council votes for what ever Moss tells them to, the CITIZENS have NO SAY at all. Seems to me that the citizens should tell the council what we need / want and the the council should vote, and then the CM should implement the plan. What do I know? I guess this is how it works here.
happy34145 writes:
Chuck Kiester - the councilor for the people and without special interest. Unfortunately, he can not do it alone - he is one vote against the majority no matter how right his votes are.
This next election is so important to get more Chuck Kiesters on the council - people who want to do the right thing for the island not for the developers and special interest.
Chuck has been steadfast and has not backed down to Tucker (who thinks a little too much of himself) or Moss. Trotter just goes along with whatever Moss wants, Moss just goes along with whatever Tucker, Arceri and Minnozzi wants, Popoff follows the majority, and Terri Deschuilo has blinders on and just wants nobody to yell. Forcht to be determined.
Thank you Mr Kiester and please know you have a whole community behind you!!!!
strike3 writes:
happy34145,
I am becoming pretty sure that Marco is full of people with no beach balls. Hate to say it but I think it's true. Other than THE FEW HERE THAT LIKE TO POST THEIR NAMES THERE ARE NONE. The rest don't care. Think they're wasting their time........Whatever? Hope KIESTER WINS AGAIN!
happy34145 writes:
Kiester the only one with b---- and character on the council.
barfieldfly writes:
Chuck,
I hope you get the picture, you have many people who admire you and count on you.
Job well done!
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