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“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead.

Henry David Thoreau, poet, writer, philosopher, once wrote, “One is not born into the world to do everything but to do something.”

Contributing something to the City of Marco Island may not be too difficult. Now is a great opportunity for residents to become informed, get involved and take action by serving on an advisory committee.

Volunteering for a local advisory committee is a great way to shape the future of Marco Island. Each of the advisory committees helps the City Council understand important issues, advise the Council on the committee members’ thoughts and provide suggestions for consideration by Council.

Here is a quick summary of the committees:

Arts Advisory Committee. The Arts Advisory Committee recognizes that art is a valuable asset to the community just as any other financial asset or investment. The Committee sets a framework for creating opportunities for the community to experience art. Committee initiatives include civic projects involving art, private art in public places, public art in public places, and performing arts in public places. Meeting: Second Tuesday of every month at 8 a.m., City Hall, 1st Floor Conference Room.

Beach Advisory Committee. The Beach Advisory Committee is charged with identifying short and long term issues that impact the beach environment, evaluating potential solutions and recommending policy and practices to City staff for administrative or Council action. Meeting: Third Tuesday of every month at 9 a.m., City Hall, 1st Floor Conference Room.

Beautification Advisory Committee. The Beautification Advisory Committee, was established in 1981 through a MSTU (Municipal Service Taxation Unit) voted on by the citizens of Marco Island for the sole objective of renovating roadway medians and landscaping. The MSTU was specifically designed for beautifying the community’s landscape character in a way that is consistent with the tropical character and natural beauty of Marco Island. Meeting: First Wednesday of every month at 3 p.m., City Hall, 1st Floor Conference Room.

Code Enforcement Board. The Code Enforcement Board is a quasi-judicial board responsible for hearing violations of the City Code of Ordinances. The Code Compliance Division will present cases to the Board when violators fail to comply with a Notice of Violation, for repeat or recurring violations, or when violations are irreparable or irreversible. Meeting: Second Tuesday of every month at 4 p.m., Community Room, 51 Bald Eagle Drive.

Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. The purpose of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee responsibilities include soliciting and evaluating public input on Parks and Recreation needs; review of facilities, their usage, and their adequacy in the short and long term; review existing programs and contractual services; review and recommendations regarding the financing of Park and Recreation programs; encourage coordination of programs among other organizations providing recreational opportunities; and foster programs for teens, youth, and children appropriate to the specific needs of Marco Island. Meeting: Third Tuesday of every month at 3:30 p.m., Frank E. Mackle Jr. Park; 1361 Andalusia Terrace.

Planning Board. The Planning Board’s focus is to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors on Marco Island while managing growth and development and protecting the island’s tropical small town character. As the Land Development Regulation Commission (in accordance with Florida Statutes) the committee reviews the Land Development Code to address areas of concern identified by the City Council, the Planning Board, other City Committees and/or community organizations to determine the appropriateness of proposed code changes, to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors of Marco Island. Meeting: First and third Friday of month at 9 a.m., Community Room, 51 Bald Eagle Drive.

Waterways Advisory Committee. The goal of the Waterway Committee to assure that our residents property values are protected by maintaining the integrity of our canal systems while servicing the needs of the boating activities central to our community. Meeting: Fourth Thursday of the month at 9 a.m., 1st Floor Conference Room at City Hall.

Veterans Park Development Board. The Veterans Park Development Board first responsibility will develop a master plan for the future park. The master plan will serve as a long-term guide for developing the park and set goals and objectives. The City staff liaison is Dana Souza, Parks and Recreation Director.

Each of these committees are shaping Marco Island one recommendation at a time. Through citizens involvement the small achievements are noteworthy.

To be considered for these committees e-mail your resume to Sandy Schildhorn at sschildhorn@cityofmarcoisland.com or fax it to City Hall at 393-4359.