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“This isn’t going to be solved in one workshop. This is why we likely need a separate utility board,” Steve Stefanides said.
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MARCO ISLAND — Significant water/sewer rate increases are heading down Marco’s pipelines this summer and have some residents wondering if the Island’s controversial sewer program will need to be put on hold.
Monday will be an impassioned day from the southern barrier Island up to the Cape. As the City of Cape Coral heads into one of their most controversial decisions Monday — whether to continue down the road of their septic tank replacement program to pay for their recent utility purchase — Marco Island may be looking at whether they need to delay their STRP, which is also challenged economically by Marco’s 2003 water utility purchase.
Discussions of proposed water rate increases, including a 13 percent increase Oct. 1, and similar increases proposed each year for the next several years, are to begin 3 p.m., Monday, during a City Council workshop.
Even the most staunch supporters of the Island’s capital projects are now questioning if things need to be put on hold.
“No one could have predicted this. I think we need to be prudent and question whether we need to put things on hold and give people a break during these tough times ... and that’s coming from a supporter of the STRP,” said Steve Stefanides regarding the impact he sees coming from the proposed increases.
Because the STRP was to protect the barrier Island’s environment, it probably should have been paid evenly by all residents, he added. However, STRP payment was set up in a relatively complicated manner, based at times more on political pressures than mathematical and economical sense, he added.
“An advisory committee should be set up to look at capital projects that can be reduced, deferred, delayed,” said John Arceri, a former council member, utility expert and a lead proponent of the city’s STRP when it began about four years ago.
He added that if the committee was non-political, he would serve on the committee if requested.
“There’s no question the council is going to need to address this problem. The question is do they need to address it as an immediate crisis or as a problem over the next few months?” Stefanides pondered aloud.
Among the issues likely to get residents on edge, is an anticipated 13 percent increase in water/sewer rates effective Oct. 1, followed by proposed cumulative annual increases; amounting to 53 percent in five years.
Arceri said he doesn’t believe the proposed increases being presented Monday include the increases already approved by council in 2007, including the 6 percent increase to pay for road repaving and the 8 percent to reduce sewer assessments.
“This is huge. This is going to become the most talked about issue throughout the campaigns,” Arceri said.
Questions posed by the reporter to Thompson and Finance Director Patricia Bliss since the first couple days in July regarding STRP payments, bonding and utility rates remain unanswered.
However, a presentation on a utility rate study by the consultant Public Resources Management Group, which wasn’t available at press time (check online for updates), is said to be about 200-300 pages and may answer several questions.
“This isn’t going to be solved in one workshop. This is why we likely need a separate utility board,” Stefanides said.
The increases total 28 percent between October 2009 and October 2010 when compounded, without even factoring in increases already approved, Arceri pointed out.
More information on how much Island residents will be paying and why is anticipated to become more clear in the next several weeks as the issue is scheduled to go before council again for a decision Aug. 3.
“This is being proposed as an immediate issue. If we don’t have these increases, then it’s believed the utility department will go bankrupt,” Arceri said.
He added that further examination of what factors are leading to this conclusion is needed.
Public Information Coordinator Lisa Douglass said the 2009 rate increase is to include a 5.8 percent cost of living adjustment (COLA), plus 7.2 percent to pay for debt related to capital construction. Capital costs include the bonding to purchase the utility from Florida Water Services in October 2003 and bonding for expansion and improvements to the system.
The 2010 increase is likely to be another 13 percent increase, with 3 percent of it being to cover COLA and the other 10 percent to cover capital improvement loan costs, Douglass said.
Ken Honecker, a member of the Marco Island Taxpayers’ Association, explained his understanding of the complexities leading up to the financial quandary the city is facing. Bonding for the STRP is based on how many people are paying either annually or up front versus deferring payment for 20 years or until their home sells.
Honecker said he wasn’t surprised by the proposed increases and had been suggesting during City Council meetings that the city look at restructuring their rates for more than a year.
Arceri says the situation is shocking and also suggested a rate study be done earlier.
Honecker had opposed the STRP on the grounds of a lack of proper financial analysis years ago.
“This rate study is five years too late. This should have been done when they purchased the water company,” Honecker said.
The water rates having only increased by COLA each year for the last five years, as agreed upon in order to get support for the water utility purchase, has caused some of the quandary, he says.
The rates weren’t high enough to pay for needed improvements to the system, the cost of acquiring the system, interest on those bonds and operations of the utility, Honecker said.
Then to further constrain the finances behind the city’s utility system, the STRP came in to play in about 2005, requiring the city to acquire additional bonds. Those bonds were to be secured based on the idea that many Islanders would choose to pay up front or pay as you go in the STRP payment options.
Douglass said the numbers of people paying up front were rather high the first few years. She did not have the data to support that or know how many people are still choosing to pay as they go or pay up front for the septic tank replacement.
Thompson and Bliss also did not supply the data requested from this reporter.
Honecker, Stefanides and Arceri, three residents who don’t agree on all aspects of the STRP or utility issues, agree that this data is crucial to deciding whether to halt the STRP or other projects.
Honecker said with fewer people likely paying up front and people saving on water by using less in difficult economic times, in addition to watering restrictions limiting income, the need for bonds has likely increased while the availability of such loans is decreasing. Furthermore, the city’s ability to show they can pay on those bonds is likely decreasing.
It all leaves few solutions — raise rates or halt construction projects, residents are saying.
Before raising rates, council is going to need to know how many people are paying for the STRP or deferring until the sale of their home or 20 years from now. Without that data, in addition to other analysis, knowing which projects to halt, if any, and how much to raise rates, appears nearly impossible to figure.
Marco Seafood Festival
Marco St. Pat's festivities
Marco council members sworn in
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Comments » 47
shadow writes:
so now all the chickens come home to roost...put the strp on hold...raise the water rates...you gotta' be kidding? take the 900k from the city mgr...stop all the wasteful spending and we don't have a problem...we doo not absolutely have to have veterans park right now...we don't need anymore rony joel buildings....we need to pull in our horns and stop spending...it's amazing that the closer the strp gets to south barfield...the estates...the more likely it wil be postponed...again...is this a joke...arceri is flipping? so's stevie?
playballonK writes:
So many people have been negatively affected by this corrupt project.
From the initial lame reasons given for the need, to the sketchy financing to the shoddy workmanship, this project stunk.
I feel we all owe Dana souza a great big Thank You! for it was because of him the audit committee was formed and because of the committee -- no more pilaging of funds to feed the pig known as the STRP.
We need to finally heal this paradise. put the STRP down the toilet.
shadow writes:
wait...it's shovel ready!!!! call obama's czar...maybe those of us that already paid through the nose for the hookup can get some stimulus money....surely there's enough to go around to those who pay taxes!
mhs513 writes:
You city morons! Let's become a city. Yeah! We have plenty of money right here on Marco. We don't need the county. Let's build sidewalks over the whole island (not done yet, ten years later). Let's have some policemen, we don't need the sheriff (wrong). Let's build a City Hall Palace. Let's buy a water company and save money (wrong). Let's put everyone on a sewer system even though the citizens don't want it (Moss). Hey! Let's buy an electric company and save even more money (Waldack)?! Great vision Mr. Stefinades. Thanks for nothing Mr. Aceri.
marcoredeagle writes:
Let's form a city and we can save money!
Let's buy a water company and we can save money!
Let's take over the eletrical company and we can save money!
TELL ME WHO HAS GOTTEN THE BETTER DEAL ... The politicans have made out and the citizens have suffered.
The citizen gives up power then someone smarter than them take overs.
America needs to realize it is NOT in their best interest to allow the politicians to have power. We all need to keep our individual rights and not give them to the government.
Government can NOT do a better job with my money. They will tell you anything to take the power/money away from you.
MrBreeze writes:
This is how you go broke by buying things that you do not need. We did not need the water company. The STRP was not thought out completly. The new buildings and wild spending have caught up and now the citizens are going to have to burden the costs.
But wait, the big one is coming the "new free bridge" we will see after it is all said and done how "free" it is going to be to the residents of the island.
JohninMarco writes:
If I remember right, most residents and a very few council members predicted this would happen. Now try and sell your homes.
playballonK writes:
Issler's famous '61%' majority mandate vote for the pro STRP canidates is a bunch of cra@p!
Aceri and his cronies promised the sky to the condo owners if they voted for his canidates(Waldack, Gibson etc.)
Aceri convinced the condo dwellers that their utility rates would skyrocket if the STRP wasn't completed.
Condo owners are THE ONLY reason those canidates won that election.
Condo owner now must realize that they MUST vote as the homeowner on Marco votes, its a taxpayer/assessment thing - get it?!
The currnet government and 40 or 50 of its cronies are trying to make Marco Island into Miami west, Do you understand???
Do you know what this is going to cost each homeowner/condo owner???
Do you understand condo owner??
Condo owner you need only to look at the finance practices of YOUR city government to understand things aren't right here on Marco.
SO next election condo owner when a friendly man comes to speak to your association about doom and gloom on Marco - go to the libary instead and read a book on ethics in government.
JoeFubietze writes:
“No one could have predicted this." said Steve Stefanides
You are KIDDING ME right? I think the real story is the history of this situation. NDN should dig up old articles about the STRP, the purchase of the water company, etc. The data that was used and the quotes should be the articles. Then the press should do interviews with the people on both sides of this ongoing fight. Start with Arceri. I strongly suggest that the interview take place in front of some area of the island torn up by this construction. He can answer where the cost savings to the rate payers are. The paper can take his picture with the disheveled streets in the background. Rony Joel can explain himself in front of one of his Rube-Goldberg-esque "Make the stink go away machines". The people that fought this craziness can have their pics in the paper with articles basically saying "I told you so". The unsuspecting people involved (past and present council, etc), their interviews could be about how they have been unsuspectingly had. In hindsight they can probably point out the deceit that caused them to support the wrong issues. And they would have history to support their contentions.
NDN can have an entire section of the paper dedicated to this, the "No one could have predicted this" section. Also known as "The people that we ridiculed while we ran the island into the ground were right" section. There is enough information here to have daily articles, all about the truth, for months.
And, lets not forget, all this needs to include an in depth article with Bill Moss explaining exactly why he did this to our paradise.
MarcoJimbo writes:
In May, the LCEC Board of Trustees voted to approve an equity payout. More recently, they said a rate hike is not an option. Now, Marco Island Utilities is seeking a 13% rate hike with more to come in future years. Like LCEC, MIU is owned by the customers it serves (us). I have never received an equity payout from MIU. Bonita Springs Utilities is a co-op similar to LCEC. Perhaps MIU should be restuctured as a co-op, responsible to stakeholders, instead of being a "cash cow" for politicos & their friends.
Smeg writes:
Is there any truth that there is at least one council member with possible foreclosures and government liens on a corp for non payment of some taxes? That type of pressure hospitalized me a while back.
“No one could have predicted this." said Steve Stefanides
==========================================================
Dare to make a prediction of what's to come from this date forward?
Predictions:
Waldick suggests a take over of the city garbage collection and relocates the city dump off the island.
Modify the North/South lanes of the Jolly bridge. Invite pedestrians and bike riders to gamble with their lives as they cross.
Huge sums spent on dog and people parks.(free milk provided)
Walter Pearson runs for City Council.
Island wide speed limit reduced to 25 MPH or less.
Local hotel posts signs with international symbols for 'no penetration' at all entrances.
Smeg
dc5799 writes:
I would vote for Walter. At least with Walter you know where you stood.Arceri want's to be on a committee, he is the one who brought us to this point.
Where is know everything Ed? nothing to say Mr 61%
lauralbi1 writes:
DC5799: We are all in this together. If you think one person is responsible for what is going on, you are living in a bubble. The economic slowdown, drought, water rationing, less houses being built, less water usage. What needs to be done is to look at ways to save money and not spend money. But less water usage means you need to meet some "bottom line" somehow. It is the bottom line that needs to be analyzed. This problem is NOT unique to Marco. Check out Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Cape Coral, Venice newspapers and you will see the same issues.
Ed Issler
JohninMarco writes:
And as per the norm, Mr. Issler enters and puts lipstick on this pig. Sir it's still a pig and what's more, it may be the start to far bigger problems.
marcoislandres writes:
Mr Issler,
The STRP should have been put on hold 2 years ago when the housing market collapsed. As I said before when the STRP was started everyone had equity in their home and a $20,000 City lien was not as painful as it is today.
How many people in the Mackle park district do you think will opt to pay the STRP bill up front?, not many I'll bet. These are modest homes and the City will need Bonds to pay for the construction, hows the Bond market by the way?
The only thing that will fix this mess is if a Cat 5 hurricane hits the island and we start over.
playballonK writes:
Issler had the 'Moss chip' planted WAY inside his tiny little brain.
Issler will be the last one in the bunker, holding onto his dream of the 'majority vote' and waiting for his 'pound of flesh'.
shadow writes:
ED...no one here lives in miami...you have to admit...surely..that arceri has had his hand in way more stuff than necessary...now he comes out and expounds a bunch of crap...the water utility was a cash cow...council and city mgmt took some of that cash and spent it...rather than save it for a non-rainy day...now they want to penalize the taxpayers for no rain and low water usage...the whole bunch of you are a joke..lazarrus,walduck,gibson,keister,ARCERI FOR SURE, joel the city mgr...need i go further...you people redefine the definition of stupidity.
pmichel writes:
I didn't like the STRP...or think it was necessary....still don't...voted for people who were against it...voted against it..and NOW people (who were strong public supporters) are saying "Maybe we did this wrong"..."It was never fair." "Maybe we should wait." AUGH!
They are probably done with my street (I am up north so I don't know) but hopefully they will delay my hooking up. It should have been stopped, put on hold etc. The overuse of the water system is not due to the single family homes that were not on sewer...it is due to hotels, timeshares, condo's....so I hate the fact that I am paying for their years of over usage (hotels should have paid the most for the upgrades...they benefit the most and use the most water/sewer etc.)....GRR.
One single family home on a single lot pays the same as a 6-12 bedroom mcmansion on multiple lots. None of it was ever fair.
It will be interesting to see what happens. I just hope they don't seriously reconsider owing and running the electric services....
ChuckKiester writes:
Shadow, not sure where you've been over the past 3 1/2 years, but please do not associate me with that crowd as I have opposed the STRP since its inception. I'm sure that you, if you care to investigate the facts, will find plenty of witnesses to that fact. Chuck Kiester
mhs513 writes:
The condo commando vote, along with the absentee owner vote, is what gave us cityhood. It only passed by 181 votes. The majority of precincts voted against cityhood but the commandos had more people in their precincts. The absentee owners are people who argueably don't live here half the year.
pmichel writes:
I wasn't for STRP...I don't think it was needed and stll don't...I voted for those who were against it (like Chuck Keister)..I voted against it.
And now, public figures who were very vocal in their support of STRP are saying, "Maybe we shouldn't have....it wasn't fair...it was poorly planned...maybe we should stop it." DUH! Give Me A Break! Those of us who have said that for years, are confused.
As I am up north I do not know if my street is finished yet (hopefully someone will delay hookup of they put a halt on the project). It was never fair..single family homes pay the same as McMansions with 6-12 bathrooms that were built for rental. The overuse of the water/sewer facilities was NOT caused by the single family homes that were not on it. It was caused by the Hotels, Timeshares, Condo's. The hotels...that use the most water...and financially benefit from it...should be paying the lions share. It has never been fair!
Let us just pray that our local government doesn't reconsider taking over the electric service and that they quit spending on the "nice to have" things we do not need and cannot afford at this time!
It is true that no one was planning on the economic situation...but let us not make it worse!
JohninMarco writes:
Mr. Kiester, you, as well as the other members of the City Council should be held somewhat responsible here. I can not believe that this problem with the utilities just happened. I know you were against STRP but the funding for this project NEVER added up. Most people at city hall as well as residences saw this problem coming. And if you allow Mr. Arceri to be a member of any advisory committee, we may as well let the fox guard the hen house!
dc5799 writes:
Arceri should not be allowed near City Hall much less appointed to serve on a committee. The decrepit waterplant was his idea and it just keep's costing more money. My water bill did not go down and yes I am deferring my strp payment
playballonK writes:
FOLKS---do your homework, why is Cape Coral only paying $4k for their STRP and we're paying $16 to $17k for ours???
We are paying for the complete refurb of the rusty old waterplant that Aceri bought for the bargain price of $100,000,000.00 AMERICAN DOLLARS.
It doesn't end there! our currnet rust bucket sewer plant is way past capacity and is falling apart.
You all can do the math and get back to me.
jwputnam writes:
Arceri pressed our council to award Moss a $16,000 bonus for his "excellent work" in purchasing the water and sewer utility. They did.
I remember Vicki Kelber smiling and laughing in council about how much praise they should all receive for lowering the mill rate repeatedly even though real rates continued to climb dramatically. I remember her stating that she was so surprised that her "modest" home "is now reportedly worth a million dollars" and that the council should take great pride in the increase in value that they had added Marco homes with their endless projects and proposals. (True idiot!)
I have been eviscerated for many comments that I have made in the past regarding Marco's leadership. I promised myself not to write on these pages ever again, but somehow I feel delightfully vindicated by this article. Unfortunately, this is likely just the beginning of our problems. The news to come will be worse and even more worse.
The Obama administration is a terrible disaster, no doubt, but WE are able to control our own destinies on Marco. Wake up people and take charge...NOW!
PS Kiester is your man. His record deserves your vote.
PPS Arceri is the anti-Christ. Don't blink.
PPPS As long as Liz is still on the payroll for $100,000 as a "communicator" for Thompson....NOTHING will have changed. It's your money people. Enjoying the ride? This is the EASY part....I promise.
As always.....John Putnam
playballonK writes:
JWP; one of the many ridiculed people who tried to save this paradise once upon a time... welcome back buddy!
ed34145 writes:
Putnam is an out right liar. What is he on that he dreams these things up?
jwputnam writes:
Please expand and be exceedingly clear. What is the lie? If I have "lied" about anything, I will certainly apologize. I am passionate, but I do not lie. Perhaps it is that you do not like the truth exposed?
You assuredly will not like the coming analysis of the rate study that will show that some groups have been favored disproportionately to an extreme. Political motivation?
Incidentally, calling me a liar and implying that I am using drugs does not make your point for you. You cannot dismiss me so easily. I suggest that you exercise your brain and come up with substantial arguments. I would listen to that.
It is comments like the above that keep people away from this very important avenue of communication. Those with low self esteem and lesser education find it irresistable to pick a secret moniker, grab a beer and type meaningless tripe into their computer. They can not substantiate their mean and senseless remarks and they fear being exposed for the fools that they are.
I do not agree with Issler EVER and I find many of his personal accusations repulsive, but I admire his courage of conviction. He signs his name.
shadow writes:
Been right here mr. keister...yes, you were against the strp..i'll give you that...but as others have stated, where have you been? you're on the council..you can sit and vote no all you want...and feel you have done your job...but your job is to convince someone on the other side to vote with you to stop this runaway train.i fault the entire council, not just you...and the city mgmt...
ChuckKiester writes:
Shadow, I understand from where you are coming. I admit, I am not the most eloquent person in the world, but as many people have told me (even those who did not originally vote for me), I do my homework and make very reasoned arguments for my view and position on all issues, regardless of politics. Finally, I take it that you are unaware that I had the votes to revisit the decision on the STRP which had been initiated by the previous council, but one former councilor did a 180 from his previous vote against the STRP when he saw that the pro-STRP side was going to lose should he vote in favor of my motion. In summary, I did not need the vote of one of our three new councilors at that time should this former councilor have held true to his previous vote---now that's politics. Chuck Kiester
sailingalong writes:
Arceri and his stooges on the council created this mess. Arceri will continue his manipulation of the government of Marco Island until we go bankrupt.
cromagnon writes:
The Real Truth - How 'the experts' try to revise documented history.
John Arceri - Special to the Eagle
Posted February 6, 2007 at 2:29 p.m. 'I have also worked on utility issues for some 40 years, have worked with the city on the water and sewer issues for some nine years and had been considered the utility expert on the city council. I worked closely with the city manager in using my expertise to help develop utility related plans. I had decided to be on city council to help in the purchase and transition of our water systems to city ownership'
Guest commentary: The real truth about utility rates
John Arceri
Sunday, January 13, 2008
A recent document, “The Truth About Utility Rates”, by Butch Neylon, inaccurately describes Marco Island’s utility operations as out of control. For a utility that has won State awards as “best operating utility”, fairness is essential. Neylon’s report has many misleading, contradictory and false statements that need correction. Let’s take them one at a time – first his statement, then the facts.
Statement: “A similar base rate increase for master meter accounts for wastewater services is on the horizon”
Fact: False and a typical scare tactic. This issue had been reviewed and there are no plans to adjust base rates for master meter wastewater services.
Statement: “The utility still intends to add another 10% in rate hikes by October, 2009, and continue the 8% paving hike indefinitely”
Fact: False. The only authorized future rate increases are 2% in 2008 and 2% in 2009. In addition, the presently authorized 8% “paving” hike is not “indefinite” and is eliminated in six years.
Fact:Utility rate making is a highly complex process that involves dozens of variables, professional projections, and an expert review of operating costs, revenue projections and required expenditures. The City asked Public Resources Management Group, a recognized leader in utility rate analysis, for an independent review of the rate impact of terminating the STRP. They concluded that up to a 33% rate increase in both water and sewer for 25 years for all users would be necessary to pay off the wasted investment involved in termination of the STRP.
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Why was this question never asked: If the STRP is continued, what rate increases are anticipated?
I guess some feel the 53% projected rate increase plus the cost of the STRP is a bargain over the 33% scare tactic used during the previous election campaign?
playballonK writes:
There are some new names and perhaps new citizens that I have noticed on these blogs.
Lets make one thing perfectly clear - Chuck Kiester has been on the side of the Marco taxpayer from day one.
He has been a beacon of hope for all those who seek to put an end to this citys cavalier spending habits.
If we had 7 Chuck Kiesters on the council, Marco Island today would be one of the few Florida cities that would be enjoying the black side of the ledger instead of the red.
And by the way he has endured way more cr@p and ridicule by the 'city pilagers'(AKA good ole' boy network) than any one man should be ever made to endure.
JohninMarco writes:
Ballon your are missing the point. While other cities have found themselves in the same problems, the city council has directed the city manager to cut costs. I have yet to read about city employees being cut or any job cuts. The city is building a utilities building, new bridge, and paying high salaries in this economy. This problem with the water utility was KNOWN for some time. When the city bonded the last STRP project, the tax payer group spoke out about the lack of monies to cover the project. All councilor should be helded accountable.
shadow writes:
that's all i was trying to say mr. keister...you have stuck by your guns all along, but you ran out of bullets with the new council controlled by arceri, issler and monte and others...call it guilt by associaiton if you want, but someone needs to reason with the entire council and remond them that they work for us/taxpayers and connot continue to run the city into the huge debt hole that they are running it into.
EdFoster writes:
I find it amazing that so much of this thread is about Chuck Kiester and that he didn't, single-handedly, stop the STRP in its tracks. His very first motion at his very first meeting as a councilor 3 1/2 years ago was to halt the STRP. (For the record, I advised him not to make that motion at his first meeting but he stuck to his guns and insisted on doing so because he had campaigned on that platform.) The motion (or a slight modification to it) would have passed had the newly elected (now Chair) Rob Popoff supported it as he had supported the idea of reinvestigating the technical need for the STRP during his campaign. A delay then would have cost nothing and provided time for the council to do an honest evaluation of the scientific evidence, pro and con, about on-site wastewater treatment on Marco Island. There was no evidence of pollution at the time and the STRP hadn't progressed past the planning stage.
Now some of you criticize Chuck for not "convincing other councilors" to support his motion. May I remind you that Florida's infamous (and I use that word decidedly!) Sunshine Law prevents councilors from communicating with each other outside of a public meeting. How do you convince anyone of anything if you can't communicate with him/her other than for 5 minutes at a public meeting? I submit that the Sunshine Law, as written, precludes any City Council from making collective rational decisions, decided by debate and presentation of evidence, and practically forces them to rubber stamp the plans of an unelected City Manager and his minions. It's no wonder that Marco can't govern itself.
Ed Foster
Former Marco Resident
dc5799 writes:
Ed,
As alway's I am impressed.I was at that meeting when Mr Popoff was bought and paid for after leading us all to think he was was on our side.
I will never forget that moment when he said no. I have believed one thing he has said since.
happy34145 writes:
dc; that where the term 'Popoffed' came from.
Marconian writes:
The same ol story every year at about this time I see! The traditional stop the strp bull that has plagued this island since its inception.
every year you anti sewer folks start stirring the stew no doubt you ll always hear this jumble at this point in the year! Its when the strp is in full swing (mid off season) and in such a small community every neighbor hood has 1-5 anti strp folks that are friends and buds with some of the past anti strp cave dwellers and they all get to gossiping on how bad they think it is and how its all a scheme and how its going to cause the fall of marco and hell maybe the fall of the whole United states why not that sounds good to go with your Soap box stories!
Get a life... The damage done by stopping this far into the thing is a much more fatal result! Over 3/4 of the island is on central sewer as you still bellow stop the strp.give it up and stop beating this dead horse there is plenty other projects that should be halted well before this one. Such as fancy bridges for the esplanade entertainment centers and a multi- million dollar park and the big fancy office building for utilities. Not to be stopped permanently but just long enough to allow a little financial recovery for the whole city not just the complaining individuals! these are what need to be focused on as a time for a breather not the strp this is of course just my opinion. why pick a scab when you have open wounds bleeding on the floor!
EdFoster writes:
Marconian,
I can certainly endorse some of your points: stopping fancy bridges for esplanade entertainment centers, multi-million dollar parks at this time of crisis, building fancing office buildings for utilities, etc. And, I agree that a lot of horses have already escaped the barn as far as the STRP is concerned. But, I also believe in not throwing good money after bad ... especially when money is so tight. I no longer live on the island so it does not affect me directly, but I do have friends on the island who have been royally scre-wed by the STRP and there are those who simply don't recognize that their anti-deluvian ideas about sewage treatment ... dating back to Jean Val Jean in Les Miserables ... are passe and dangerous to the island. I don't pick the time of the conflict; the council does. From what I see from afar, the City is on the verge of bankruptcy and is charging down the path with blinders on.
Ed Foster
playballonK writes:
I am gravely concerned about the financial condition of this city.
When they throw Stephanidies out there to get in 'in front' of this story you know there's some real bad news coming soon.
jwputnam writes:
It is far past time for some sanity...not only for Marco, but for the nation as a whole. To argue with zealots in this medium is meaningless. Put your idealism and false loyalties aside and stand up for the basic principles of our democracy.
happy34145 writes:
Marconian, why don't you walk through a few neighborhoods and ask the people what they think of the STRP.
Step away from the bong sir.
MrBreeze writes:
Like I have said before. It is time to focus on the future and the only hope is a new council.
The problem with Marco Island is everyone is looking to make money off the island. Until a time and mindset returns (which could be never) of the founders of the island the Mackell Bros. where the focus was Island living and peacefull lifestyle this place is doomed to fail. Until the residents stop looking at how much their property's are worth and start enjoying them. Again,failure. Until a time comes when the "true" homeowner steps up and shouts "NO MORE" by the power of vote then,and only then, the island has hope for change.
ChuckKiester writes:
First, I would like to thank all of you for responding to my comments, especially those of you who have acknowledged my contributions to the city. Quite frankly, I was hurt by those of you who lumped me in with those both on and off city council as having responsibility for our current mess (due to my inability to convince other council members to support my positions). I certainly have raised the need to slow down our spending on capital projects (including the so-called "Green Building" advocated by our public works director). My objections have not just been limited to the STRP. As to my ability, or lack thereof, to convince my fellow councilors to adopt my positions, it is difficult if not impossible to lead when they, like me, have adhered to their platforms on which they were elected and THEY ARE THE MAJORITY. I would try a filibuster if I thought that would do any good. I still think the STRP was a mistake for more reasons than I have room to elaborate here. Chuck Kiester
deltarome writes:
Stephanides should have been honest with himself and said "Gee, because I didn't do my homework, I never saw this coming".
Anytime I see Steph's, Trotter's and Arceri's photos attached to an article, I know there is going to be something that they want to spend other people's money on.
Marconian writes:
Happy, your reference to drug usage was uncalled for and quite childish. I'm not going to argue the fact that the strp are burdensome to the neighbor hoods and some people may have to sharpen there pencil to pay for it.
But my point was just revealed by Cape corals disastrous decision to halt there strp/utilities projects and the majority of the whole city just got screwed with a 92 percent rate increase! Point simple stop now and lose big!
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