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There are available slips for boaters to use while at the Tiki and the Tiki is open to the public

Regarding the Beach Renourishment, similiar work was done about 5 or 6 years ago at the same location. None of the counselors asked what time of year that work was done; and couldn't remember if it was particularly disturbing. Is it possible that it was done just before or just after the "season" when fewer people would be affected? This time it will be during the "season" requiring 24/7 disturbance of the peaceful enjoyment of nearby resident's properry. So, do the work around timeframes that do not disturb turtles and people.

Is the Eagle going to publish the "scarlet letter" written by Mr. Magel as he promised in his response to the appropriate criticism raised during citizens forum? And just how is the "collegial" council going to function if the "bad guys" win seats? Should be entertaining! Anyone for a recall petition against Magel? And why weren't Trotter and Keister speaking up over this debacle. They had nothing to lose.

Yes, BUT if the millage rate is based on the budget, doesn't there need to be clarity as to just what is exactly in the budget. Seems to me there are questions that need answers like:

1. Is there a 6% utility rate hike included or not

2. How is the extra $950,000 in additional operating expenses being funded; and why almost an additional $1 million can be justified in this economy

It was apparent that there were no answers to these questions that were agreed upon and this raises the issue of "transparency".

Additionally, the question raised by Ken Honecker relative to the cash flow problem in STRP collections versus debt payment was brushed off by the City Manager who stated - come to my office and I will explain it to you. That is NOT transparency and I think all of us are owed an explanation in open forum.

One has to wonder at the "judgment" of Council Chairman Magel for even proposing subsidizing a major hospital complex for non-emergency care. Also, proposing a dedicated MI ambulance does NOT merit consideration without cost figures to MI taxpayers.

Well, for the vast majority of lots used to "cure" or stage panels for sea walls, there have been NO problems. Marco Island was built as a waterfront community consisting of canals and bays that are contained by reinforced cement sea walls. There are hundreds of miles of them and they are now failing after 40 + years since their installation.

This island infrastructure (unlike roads) is required to be maintained/replaced by lot owners at their expense.

It is a little disturbing when some councilors who do not have to bear this sea wall responsibility/expense because they live inland can all of a sudden stop all permitting (even if for only 30 days)because of this incident in which one councilor was injured.

What on earth were they thinking in halting the issuance of permits? Someone said at the council meeting it was like "throwing the baby out with the bath water".

Why, after several WEEKS was there no article in the Eagle addressing the "non-binding" referendum being placed on the ballot in AUGUST addressing spending $750,000 for an additional number of hours in the evening at the NCH walk-in clinic on Bald EAGLE? I believe the only way the vast majority of part time residents can be made aware of this issue is by timely reporting and thoughtful commentary about the pluses and minuses of this proposal; and this paper is not providing that. Lets see how long it takes for the EAGLE to publish this letter that was submitted June 9th.

My position is that non-emergency, after hour demand for this service is NOT supported by what was stated as statistics at the Council meeting and that it's an outrage that we would have to contribute any funds for this unneeded service. NCH will benefit financially from the fees they charge treated patients without our adding to their coffers.

GFonda writes:
Well, the Planning Board approved moving the petition for HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGES to the City Council; but eliminated the Bald Eagle staging area from the operation. Watching the presentation put on by the owners of the operation, there was some inconsistency as to where the pick-up and drop off points will be. At one point they spoke to being able to pick up at a person's house for a surprise anniversary; then stated that the pick-up and drop off points would be fixed. Also the routes seemed to be fixed, but left uncovered drop-off/pick-ups at the Island Country Club and the Yacht Club. Those two locations are apt to be popular reception sites (or even wedding sites). So there is some question as to whether the whole island could be used by the Company.

Operation on the island would only occur when there are firm reservations; if no reservations, then they wouldn't be doing any staging. What was not addressed is what happens if there are two reservations for the same day but hours apart. Would the horses and carriage return to the staging area to wait? Also, I found insufficient consideration being given to the HORSES. They need WATER periodically if they are used for extensive periods of time.

Just some thoughts.

So, while we react to the Bear, the EAGLE has yet to write an article recapping the Council meeting held on the 4th of June which would result in a referendum to increase our taxes to provide funds to Naples Health Care facility. It's an outrage that our local paper doesn't address this issue - since many of our voters rely on the "local" newspaper on-line to keep abreast of the issues.

I agree that we should not encourage off-islanders to invade our beaches; BUT the beaches in Florida are public and we should not put our heads in the sand and ignore the fact as is plainly evident that non residents will come. The article is correct about the Tigertail "Beach" access. The "Beach" is a long trek from the parking lot; and there is a charge for non Collier county residents to use it. The article is incorrect in that there is NO "pull-off" to drop beachgoers next to the Madeira. That is one of several poor planning decisions made in the recent Collier Blvd construction.

I wrote a letter to the editor recently about MICA and the need to consider its future. MICA's existing parking lots are not fully used and there is significant room to expand parking in them.

As I stated before, we cannot stop off island people from using our beaches; and the volume of these beachgoers will increase.

Here are several suggestions:

1. Take over Resident's Beach and Sarazen Park parking by "eminent domaine". (It will never happen!!!)

2. Since the City owns the swales in the affected areas (by South Beach and Madeira),pave them over and install parking meters.

3. In jest, turn Marco Island into a gated community with controlled access onto and off the island at the two bridges. Therefore, only certain "acceptable" people could dip their little toes in our elite waters.

Not much of a story. Where are the details?

And on top of this, there is a proposal afoot for horse drawn carriages on Marco roads. I kid you not!

It's time for Marco Island to secede from Collier County and form the "calusa republic".

If one calls 911, what ambulance service/company comes?

Please get back on subject. Do those of you that stand before the City Council at "community forum" think that your concerns are being addressed properly?

This is sooo confusing to us resident taxpayers (God know how the non-resident taxpayers can figure it out). The property taxes should NOT be raised higher than last year - whatever the millage rate turns out to be. In fact they should be lower to compensate for the worsening economic situation Marco Island taxpayers are facing. I've never understood the rationale for tying road resurfacing to the STRP. I thought there was always a line item in the operating/capital(?) budget for road resurfacing and that the schedule of its completion be tied to the STRP zones being torn up.

Use the Farmer's Market profit to reduce Veteran's Park debt

As I stated over 6 months ago, the debt costs should NOT be buried in the base rate, but should see "the light of day" and be visible - preferably on our property tax bill which may be tax deductible. I also believe all property owners should pay for the debt - probably equally.

It would be helpful for the beautification committee (Sydney and others) to establish several planting/landscaping designs and costs to pick from and that also would be acceptable for improving the appearance of the cul de sac on our streets. My guess is that the ones that would participate are those that actually live around the cul de sac. I would, if I knew that I was complying with an overall acceptable plan.

Stef is my neighbor and one could not be a better one. I do think that because we apparently do not have facilities on the island to hold and process individuals involved in these types of incidents, that it is risky to have one police officer transport multiple actively belligerent individuals to Naples without backup; or at least put them in a "paddy wagon" where they are caged in a separate compartment. Perhaps such a vehicle is available from the Sheriff's department in which case the Sheriff should be called in to do the transport to the Sheriff's facility in Naples. From what I remember of the incident from the original press reports, Stef handled the situation as best as could be expected under the circumstances. I am a big supporteer of our local police officers who do a fine job. I am curious if the young men were in fact convicted of something - maybe underage drinking, disturbing the peace, resisting arrest, etc.

Unfortunately, the sound was off on the TV transmission for the first hour or so of the Council meeting yesterday. I would like to know why! Anyway, it appears that during that time, the Council approved a millage rate of 1.89 and also an add on for the Veteran's Park of .11. So, the total millage rate is now 1.99. Isn't that above the statutory rate of 1.98 that the Council originally approved that could not be exceeded? I am wondering why MITA is in favor of this based on Fay's comments as reported in the Eagle.
George

Margie,

You Rock!!!!!

She has a point, in that the "parking" lot section in question is not being used as a prking lot, but rather as an apparent permanent construction/maintenance site for the hotel complete with porta potties, and construction trailors. This is NOT neighborly on the part of the Marriott to its northside neighbor who has to endure the noise, dust/dirt, and ugliness; remedial action should be taken immediately. The masonary wall the Marriott as erected for the other sections (East side) of the parking lot should be built on the north side between the "parking" area and San Marco Residences.

Good job guys. Keep it up.

The City faces a serious shortage of parking spaces near the beach. The Easter Sunrise Service and 4th of July fireworks held on the beach are just two examples. Also, the two recently opened beach access pathways near the Marriott have no public parking facilities. I would like the City to negotiate a benefit from this Marriott proposal in the form of up to 100 (free or minimal cost/parking meters) parking spaces in the proposed Marriott garage for beachgoers. (The City would receive the revenue from these meters). After all, that is how we got the beach path from Mass Mutual.

Chuck,

Perhaps City Council could recognize these two guys.
George