Photo by ROGER LALONDE // Buy this photo
Marco Island Public Works Department employees took down new 30 m.p.h signs they recently put up and put back the 35 m.p.h. signs today. City Manager Jim Riviere had authorized the new speed limit signs without City Council or Planning Board knowledge. The 35 m.p.h. signs were put back up before the Council meeting tonight. Roger LaLonde/Staff
This speed limit sign at Marco Island's entrance, just over the S.S. Judge Jolley Bridge and after Buttonwood Court on North Collier Boulevard, displays the newly posted speed limit of 30 m.p.h., down from 35 m.p.h. Similar speed limits signs have been posted on all major thoroughfare on the island. Cheryl Ferrara/Eagle Correspondent
MARCO ISLAND — Changing Marco Island’s speed limits did not go as planned for City Manager Jim Riviere. He hoped to shed more light on the topic at tonight’s Marco Island City Council meeting.
“It was not a smooth implementation,” Riviere said on Monday. New signs recently installed reduced speed limits on the island’s main thoroughfares from 35 to 30 m.p.h.
The 30 m.p.h. signs were taken down and the 35 m.p.h. signs put back up this morning before the Council meeting.
At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, either in council communications or in the city manager’s report, several key city staffers will speak on the issue, Riviere said. Those include Tim Pinter, public works director, Police Chief Don Hunter and the city’s attorney, Burt Saunders.
Riviere confirmed that he was the person responsible for the change but acted on state mandates and under city ordinances. No other government agencies were involved or informed that the speed limits had changed, he said.
The new 30 m.p.h. speed limit signs were funded through the city’s public works department.
Riviere also did not inform City Council or the Planning Board prior to changing the signs.
Lack of communication surfaced on Friday when Planning Board member Monte Lazarus asked why the board, an integral part of zoning and development on the island, had not been notified about the change.
“How can we have changes in the speed limits without notice to the Planning Board and City Council?” he said. “We’re not the experts on it, but we are the Planning Board.”
After the meeting, Joe Batte, a Marco Island city councilor, said he was unaware of the change until he heard about it from a caller.
“The city manager is usually good about giving council a heads up, but he didn’t about this,” Batte said.
“I received about 20 calls when the speed limit changed, and I didn’t know anything about it,” he said. “It was embarrassing to have to tell callers that I’d look into it and call them back. I’m their representative, and I’m expected to know.”
Jerry Gibson, chairman of City Council, confirmed that he received no communications on the reduction in speed limits and only knew about the change from the first of many callers complaining about it.
On Sunday at the Esplanade, residents had differing opinions about the change.
“I can walk faster than 30 m.p.h.,” said Ed Adams, a new resident on the island. “I don’t understand the rationale. With divided highways like Collier Boulevard and two coming and two going lanes, just the set up should constitute 35 m.p.h. at least, unless the lower speed is just a mechanism for giving tickets.”
On Monday, Riviere confirmed there were no plans to set up speed traps on the island noting that such actions would be illegal under state mandates.
Eve Tschantz was OK with the lower speed limit.
“Now, I’d like to see the police enforce it,” Tschantz said. “I live on the north end of Barfield (Drive) and drivers are always speeding there. I wish they’d go 10 m.p.h. on my street.”
Some felt the problem was a lack of speed limit enforcement.
It doesn’t make sense,” said Steve Stefanides. “If we just enforced the prior speed limit (35 m.p.h.), it would work.”
May After Five, Marco Island Chamber
Catch of the Day: May 23, 2013
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 59
Throat_Yogurt writes:
NOTICED THIS SATURDAY NIGHT AFTER LEAVING MISSION. CROSSED SAN MARCO AND IT SAYS "30MPH" ALLLLLLLLL THE WAY TO THE BRIDGE. REVIERE, YOUR A POS
sailing writes:
San Marco rd. on the way to Goodland I drive it every day & the cops are always hiding right around the turn at Stevens Landing no speed traps ? lies lies lies 30 mph is total b.s. I agree with throat...... Reviere is a total p.o.s.
August8 writes:
Steve Stefandes is on target, enforce what we have. Who is this guy to decide in a bouble to lower this by 5 more mph, what? May as well walk where ever you want to go, standard shift cars and motorcycles stay in first gear, wheel chairs second gear.
Now, listen to those that agree wine when they get their 1st citation, wait!!
sailing writes:
Also, since when does 1 man have the right to change things whthout telling anybody , he sounds like Hitler and should be eliminated immediately!! the city of marco gov sucks!!
WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot writes:
30 mph is ridiculous! There was nothing wrong with 35. REVIERE, YOUR A POS!
RayPray writes:
This is happening in Naples too.
951 is a reasonable 55mph over the bridge, though parts are now 45.
But the refurbished section from 41 to Davis is 45mph, where everyone still drives 55.
When Livingston was opened it is posted at silly 45 mph.
Most sensible drivers seem to know what the most efficient speed should be and drive it unconsciously.
Still DOCTOR Riviera, PhD should also append the exalted POS distinction to the other breathless honors following his name.
ed34145 writes:
How arrogant to just change the limits on his own and without any notification to the public. But, what do you expect from a fake city manager? Have you ever seen his license plate? Geezzz.......
Time we hired a professional.......
happy6 writes:
reviere changed it on his own with input from hunter and tim p...i thought reviere worked/reported to council...how can he just dictate what the speed limit on this island should be...you can bet it was to generate revenue right at the beginning of season...hunter forgot to tell the police dept as well...what a bunch of bozo's...reviere is a pos....but so is council to allow him to run loose.
sailing writes:
5 comments on POS and counting
sailing writes:
then to top it off... he's a judge at the marco music fest judging burgers and dosent taste any burgers... just sticks a themomator in the meat......what a pos moron
MarcoberryRFD writes:
"Riviere, Hunter, Baer and Pinter are slated to meet this week to review the speed limit changes to determine if any adjustments are warranted" AKA:
Goober Riviere, Andy Hunter, Barney Baer and Opie Pinter are meeting at the Donut Shop to tell us what is good for us ! PRICELESS only on Marcoberry
GFonda writes:
Just wondering if this will raise the ire of City Council members who were left uninformed similar to when the last manager was dismissed over his lack of communications to our elected leaders.
spampam writes:
Maybe we can just go 10 or 15 mph on Marco Island. Who thought lowering the speed limit was a good idea? Certainly you did not question the working residents on Marco Island. It already takes me way too long to get off this Island to go to work in Naples. The speed limits were fine the way they were, and have been for the past 20 years I have lived here. Maybe the Bikers, not the professional group, but the casual biker, should stay on the sidewalk! The walkers and joggers also should stay on the sidewalks! Didn't the sidewalks all just get a makeover, and widened for the safety of the residents who bike, walk or jog?
mahiman writes:
First Baer says we don't have enough police to patrol the beaches regularly. Now the Chief stands by the City Manager at lowering the speed without anyone knowing it. I constantly see Marco Utility trucks with employees smoking in them. This City is so mismanaged and out of touch!
GorgonZola writes:
Be careful what you wish for or we could end up with the useless and overpaid city clerk managing the city (God forbid!)-- that is her goal, after all. Soon Herr Doktor will be on Market patrol -- what a great use of taxpayer $$ for him to sit there - so we can all tell him what we think.
So when is someone going to have what it takes to get a REAL city manager?
What a nice surprise for returning visitors some of whom drive poorly anyway - and who reads the signs? You'll know you're driving at the speed limit when everyone else passes you. We're surprised there aren't more speed traps - wait 'til city coffers are empty.
freedomofspeech1 writes:
Riviere needs to go! He continues to act like a dictator on this island. The city council as has been the case for MANY years allows their city manager to do whatever he wants whenever he wants. Something as important as changing the speed limit island wide should have been presented to and approved by the council. HE NEEDS TO BE FIRED!
maharg writes:
The frequent speed trap on the way to Goodlands is an abuse to rival the infamous speed traps of Starke and Waldo on Rte. 301 NE of Gainesville. The speed limit west of the bridge used to be 55 and should be at least 45 mph. Nothing along the road changed from when it was 45.
tnjessen writes:
Riviere provided a perfect example of the politics in this city. He made the decision to change the speed limit but didn't think it important enough to give council a heads up. This makes all of them look bad and adds to the lack of trust by the public.
Just because one has the authority to make a decision without input from others doesn't mean it's a good idea.
How many scenarios like this shall we anticipate??? Very disappointing to say the least. Thumbs down again.
KGee63 writes:
If his position allows him to make these changes without consulting the board, there is one rule that needs changing immediately. We are not talking about one small change on one street. There were widespread changes made across the island. Not only should the board have been consulted, but the chief of police as well. We have a board for a reason, that reason being that one person does not dictate changes that affect everyone. I am not saying that I necessarily agree or disagree with the speed limit changes. What I disagree with is the manner in which these changes took place. It is shameful and embarrassing to the residents of Marco Island that such things are done without communication to the city leaders, OUR ELECTED BOARD, and without communication to of all people our Chief of Police! I don't know what attempts were made to convey this information, but an email memo does not suffice as proper communication. Now a memo to inform the necessary parties of the need to schedule a meeting to discuss these changes would have been a good place to start. The blame for yet another egg in the face of Marco Island government lies solely on one person. The residents of Marco Island deserve better behavior from those in power. Remember, with great power comes great responsibility. We teach this to our elementary school students, do the adults need the same lesson plan as the children? Communication, education & respect. Oh, and one last comment.....for those who may relate better to sports analogies.....There is NO I in TEAM!
panola60 writes:
Everybody tends to hide what they're doing when they know they're doing something wrong.
marco826 writes:
Marco was just fine before city government came along.
"The inhabitants of a police state experience restrictions on their mobility"....well, we are not a police state yet but this is a sham...why not eliminate cars all together Bikes and Golf Carts Maybe? No, we just need to remove you from office Mr Riviere...Another expense unneeded. Keep raising our taxes to serve your petty ambitions for power.
KlausStoertebeker writes:
The bottom line i very simple. We are living in a community with many older people over 80 and 90. They can not react like younger people. Americans skills in driving are anyway very poor. The rate of deadly accidence s are world wide number one. I guess if we go to 25 mph it is the best safety decision we can do. And even if the police accept that and drives carefully we have a win-win situation. Marco Island will be a better spot to live. Thanks Mr. Riviere for this wise decision. And by the way. It is another big point to go rip of MIPD. They have less to do. Less speed = less accidents.
RayPray writes:
"Americans skills in driving are anyway very poor. The rate of deadly accidence s are world wide number one."
>>> Not true. Have you ever ridden a cab in Bombay? See here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_...
>>> There is an obvious solution to the terrible speed-demon problem here on Marco.
>>> Replace all cars with a fleet of rickshaws.
>>> This green pedicab transportation initiative should be available free to local homeowners.
>>> The rickshaws could be pumped along by porky DOCTOR Riviera, PhD, underemployed Jerry Gibson and any of the many surplus members of the MI Keystone Kops ordered to undertake a weight loss program.
August8 writes:
Listen,
In most jurisdictions speed limits are adjusted subsequent to professional traffic studies on current speed limits, accidents, complaints and enforcement. Normally a large part of the study is also prevelent road conditions.
One man, no matter who, should not be authorized to set or change speed limits like anything else that impacts on "All" residents, I am sure the Chief and his staff are aware of this protocol and are not in favor of a political answer, just may not be saying this?
woozygirl writes:
30 MPH is out of hand. It will create road rage. Drivers with little or no patience will not tolerate following cars doing 30 or a little less. Sad.
MarcoberryRFD writes:
At the Donut Shop
Andy Hunter and Goober Rivere;
ANDY: ya know Goober Opie (Pinter) was scared half to death, while riding his bike, when one of those horseless-carriages went by, ya recon we can do something about that Goob.
GOOBER: i got a role of duck tape down at da filling station Andy, we can go change them there speed signs.
ANDY: Great idea Goob, why dont you get Barney (Baer) to help ya.
GOOBER: ya know Andy i been saving green stamps down at the filling station I be fixing to take a home study college course.
ANDY: thats great Goob we can call ya Dr.Goober then.
marco97 writes:
This City is a joke, they spend all this money widening roads and sidewalks and then lower the speed limit to the same as our small side streets. Riviere has got to go.
KlausStoertebeker writes:
"Americans skills in driving are anyway very poor. The rate of deadly accidence s are world wide number one."
>>> Not true. Have you ever ridden a cab in Bombay? See here:
Bombay is a 12 million people city with less cars than in south west Florida. Bad comparison.
KlausStoertebeker writes:
Reduce the speed to 25 mph. City limit. With strictly enforcement. Like Waldo. That is the solution for the security mentality of our nice citizen. Nothing else. And Waldo has other good stuff for his citizen:
We are slowly making progress in our little community. The enforcement of codes is well on the way. We are currently working on abandoned vehicles and buildings. If you find any problem areas that we need to look at, please give us a call. We currently have complaint forms at city hall and will soon have them on-line as well.
VEHICLES
Vehicles are considered abandoned if they do not have a valid tag, current registration, that remain on property for more than 30 days, this includes inoperative vehicles, parts of vehicle, unusable mobile homes, trailers or any of the above that does not have a current tag and registration. The vehicle is considered abandon or unusable if it remains in the same spot for more than 30 days and is not in condition for immediate use for it designed purpose. The only exception to this is if you have a Vehicle restoration permit.
TRASH
It is unlawful to dump or improperly place upon any street, road, right– of– way, or vacant lot any litter, trash, garbage, debris, abandoned appliance, abandoned vehicle or any other such material other than that authorized by waste management under contract with the City of Waldo. If you have any of the above items that meet this category you can call city hall and make arrangements for pick up. There is a small fee for the service to cover cost.
OVER GROWTH
Excessive growth of weeds, underbrush, bushes, vines and similar growth that has not been maintained for a period of 30 days or more that harbors or is likely to harbor insects, rodents, snakes or other such pests is considered hazards. Weeds over 12” that is not in a tended, planned garden and horticultural is considered a hazard. Underbrush, bushes, and vines shall be considered excessive if they interfere with the ingress or egress to any door or window of any building, interfere with any utility access or provide attractive nuisance for vagrants, criminals or children.
KlausStoertebeker writes:
"Somewhere in waldo Waldo, Florida
Well I'm from SC just got home from a 7 month deployment was taking my daughter to Disney for her b day. I was going through Waldo around one am where the speed limit signs bounce up and down really fast from 65,55,45. The officer was behind local building with all of his lights off he pulled me over and issued me a ticket for 59 in a 45. He never checked any of my reregistration or insurance and he was very rude. Only reason he wrote me a ticket was because i am from SC and he knows I wouldn't show up to court to fight it. The biggest thing is how can you be behind a building a couple hundred feet in front of me and know when I cross the 55 to 45 sign unless they have magic night vision. Thanks Waldo for welcoming me home and messing my 3-year olds b day up. Also I am 30 years old and have never had a ticket in my life."
OK SC is covered by Waldo. Maybe we will be focused on cars from Wisconsin. World worse car driver.
OU8124me writes:
I think 30 m.p.h. is fine, if you don't like it, leave! Why are you all in such a hurry, half of you already have one foot in the grave. So, slow down and deal with it.
marco writes:
30 mph is the maximum speed limit in the open channels in manatee zones. That is why all of our manatee along the road are always out of the roadway.
KlausStoertebeker writes:
NO! Not a joke ----=reality. And that is good so.
blindguy2 writes:
How much do these new signs cost? I thought we were broke! Why was City Council not included?
And it is a joke
WatchingFromADistance writes:
I cant stop laughing reading this. You must write about what happens after Dr Goober puts the signs up, and he has to take them down.
WatchingFromADistance writes:
I have read serveral of your posts, and I find it disturbing that you are so critical of others opinions, you are not the only resident on Marco Island. You remind me of Dr Goober who thinks his way is the only way without considering everyone else. SHAME ON YOU!!
marco826 writes:
Somebody needs to be fired!!! You know who.
ohbrther writes:
First, I thought Mr. Riviere had half a brain, apparently he has no brain. That said...did anyone notice how many Soft Shoulder signs that were posted on Bald Eagle going towards the Snook Inn??? Really how many of these signs do you need...a little over kill like the ones that were by the 951 boat ramp for no parking. Has anyone checked to see if Mr. Riviere has a friend working for the sign company making all these new signs????? And why change the speed limit now,the speed limits are fine at what they were, since we have so many accidents, and have so many speeders...come on people...give me a break. And yes Mr. Riviere...you really need to get the opinion from the people who live here YEAR ROUND...we are the ones that support you and the other village idiots on the council.
woozygirl writes:
Very well said ed.
captnjimbo writes:
When I read the change I tried it. First the bridge is posted at 35 and when you come down the Marco side...down hill...your speed picks up a little as you entered into the 30Mph.
I tried going 30 and it was incredibly hard...plus I was threatened with a rear ender and given the bird!
The problem is not the 35...it was the 45 that people were actually going. Since everyone is sounding off I think 45 on most of San Marco would be fine...35 to 40 on most of Collier would be fine except at Bald Eagle and the crosswalks where 30 would probably be best because pedestrians have trained themselves to step in front of moving vehicles (dumb).
City manager had his heart in the right spot...but the universal speed limit should have been thought thru. No real damage done.
MarcoberryRFD writes:
Riviere said Tuesday that he (DR. GOOBER) and Tim Pinter(OBIE), public works director, and Police Chief Don Hunter (ANDY) had begun a “deliberate analysis” (MEETING AT DONUT SHOP) of the city’s roads and speed limits to determine if any changes were necessary.
DR.GOOBER: well GOLLIE Andy they got rules for them there speed signs, guess I missed that.
WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot writes:
Why is Bald Eagle still 30mph? The city was a huge mistake! and Riviere is still a POS!
KlausStoertebeker writes:
Are you really believe your opinion is not critical and not personal to me? I guess you never learned to discuss a subject. Poor guy. Middle school degree?
KlausStoertebeker writes:
I am agree. Bald Eagle is down-speed to 20 mph. But Dr.Riviere is the best city manager Marco Island had since the island is a city.
KlausStoertebeker writes:
You mixed up nautical miles with street miles. I forgive you. How shall you know? Americas education level is rated second last spot worldwide.
KlausStoertebeker writes:
"First, I thought Mr. Riviere had half a brain, apparently he has no brain."
I guess if you get a stroke it is just a hit in an empty hole. What a dump comment.
islandgma writes:
I agree that the reduction in speed limit will make more problems. Particularly as the snow birds arrive. If they need to slow drivers down then the original speed limits should have been enforced. The only places they gave tickets were on Barfield and San Marco on the way to Goodland. Who knew that just a little belly aching to Riviere could accomplish such a thing? Sounds fishy to me... Bring back the 35 at a minimum or let us get golf carts!
happy6 writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
KlausStoertebeker writes:
Just for information. The City of Waldo is in center Florida. Not an European city. And Marco Island is on the Golf of Mexico. Not on the Baltic sea.
KlausStoertebeker writes:
"Bring back the 35 at a minimum or let us get golf carts!"
For security reasons it is better go down to 25 mph. Like Waldo. The chance to write tickets is even much higher.
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