Web Search powered by Yahoo! SEARCH
During a recent stay at my condo on Marco Island my wife and I decided to ride through the residential neighborhoods. As this was an early morning ride we saw several lawns being watered. What was strange was that although set correctly we noticed most sprinkler heads were actually watering the street and not the lawns. We also had the dust washed off our car while driving through. We thought it strange that almost all appeared to have too much pressure and were missing any part of the lawns they were supposed to be irrigating. After reading the story above, we now know why. Seems like a waste to us but on Marco Island we have learned they have a different kind of logic. Maybe caused by the water they drink there.
Just checked in to see if anything has changed on Marco Island. So sad to see that Marco Island is still run by a bunch of crackers. I guess I'm not surprised that they named city hall after the former head cracker.
Who would have guessed? Not counting the more than 3,000 voters that voted against the current crop of politicos in Marco Island (most of whom have sold their homes or are trying to), this couldn't have happened to a nicer bunch of people. Hope this trend continues and you all get what you wanted for Marco Island. Glad to be gone.
Leroy, I like you voted for Waldack. Unfortunately for me, I failed to do my homework and learned about this fellow only after the election.
I really thought I would never write in these blogs again. But like all good intentions this one too must be dropped. Mr. Tucker, you are a real piece of work. You'r statement that Mr. Enman was "attempting to malign and smear Judge Garretson ... ” is incredible. How is it that a public document by the Florida Courts maligns anyone? Are you implying that the findings and opinion, published and endorsed by the Florida Supreme Court are false or contrived. There is nothing "personal" in Mr. Enman's actions. He simply gave factual documented evidence relating past behvior of a member of your firm to a group of elected officials trying to decide if they want to hire your firm. Unfortunatly for your firm, your partner's behavior was found to be serious enough to document and record in the Court's public records. That behavior was not Mr. Enman's doing. Mr. Enman is only the messenger. You should have known that this information would be made public again. After all, it was your decision to send the letter to the Council asking that your firm be considered for the job, not Mr. Enman. Take responsiblity and be accountable. Judge Garretson may have been rehabilitated by your firm but it was your action that led to the direct further disclosure of her past behavior not Mr. Enman's actions. You not only owe Mr. Enman an apology but also Judge Garretson. It was your action and desire to promote your firm that exposed your partner to further examination.
Fossil: Sorry, been out of town for awhile. Trying to catch up. I meant for this post to be placed on the article Ms. Williams wrote and published on Monday April 7, 2008 "Marco's Notable Dissent Groups Fall Quiet". Ms. Williams used John Arceri as an authority source for Marco's "dissent groups" formally known as CAVE DWELLERS. Just wanted to let both of them know that the CAVE DWELLERS have not all left town for good. We reserve the right to voice our concerns whenever our local government tries to take advantage of us. So far the current Council and our new City Manager have done well. Keep your fingers crossed.
What kind of relationship does Ms. Williams and John Arceri have? Do some background on him and you will discover that he is not what he seems. He may have served as a Councilman but he ran unopposed and served without any contiuency. When given a second chance to run for a second term, he showed no courage. He declined because even he knew, he could not win against another candidate. Now, you seek his opinion on numerous stories. Why do you perceive him as the grand old sage of Marco Island? This fellow wasted millions of our tax dollars buying a water treatment plant that was falling apart. Sewer infrastructure that was failing and continues to leak raw sewage. He let the previous owners of the plant rape and pillage the company without making any demands to recoup lost resources established for the plant's refurbishment and upgrade. To make up for his lack of due diligence he developed and promoted the STRP, a multi-million dollar program that was so ill conceived it caused three years of political conflict on our island. I ask again, who cares what he thinks? Send his opinions to the rubish bin where they belong. He is a retired municipal mid-level executive whose greatest achievement is becoming a Marco Island Councilman. Do a story on this guy and maybe you will learn something about him.
What the hell is Waldack doing sneaking around a residential neighborhood in the middle of the night? If it was my neighborhood and I had seen a strange vehicle with a little man sitting in it at 5.00 o'clock in the morning, I probably would have called the Police. This guy needs something to do. Maybe the city should hire him to police the loud short-term rentals some neighborhoods have been complaining about.
OldMarcoMan: You are right, $2,000 is insignificant and waterways ordinances do exist in Florida. Problem is, this $2,000 belongs to the people of Marco Island and our leadership is throwing it away because they cannot win this fight. The ordinance our City is proposing is poorly written and will never meet the test. There is a real risk that the ultimate failure of this appeal will offer opponents the means to challenge all existing ordinances in other cities. That would not be good and Marco Island and it's arrogance would be blamed. Instead of being negative, why don't you do something positive and volunteer to help write an ordinance that will survive the test of challenge? An ordinance everyone living in boating communities throughout the U.S. can live with.
MarcoAvenger: What was it that the above three posters lost? It seems they still have the negative uncivil posts of five of your identities to contend with. By the way, who made you and whatever you call yourself today, the decider of who gets to stay and who must leave this community? You need to get a life and stop trying to be so many people. Exhibiting multiple personalities is a sign ofa fundamental mental derangement characterized by defective or lost contact with reality. Time to get some help.
I give up!
I have no idea what this article has to do with the prior election. Please Leroy, explain it to us.
My vote is for LeRoy. He knows everything about the City, he knows all the employees, he knows all the Council Members and he obviuosly must sit in on all the City Manager's staff meetings. He also is the City's greatest cheerleader and has proven that he is relentless in defending the City's actions even when they are wrongheaded or unpopular. He also has identified and labled all of our citizens that hate the city and I am sure he would have them all rounded up and put on a garbage barge to dump 30 miles out to sea. Everyone would be happy again with LeRoy in charge. Until the next citizen dared to say something he didn't agree with.
veridicus, as usual you failed to consider what actually happened in this story. You obviously either didn't accept the explanation i gave or it didn't fit your view of the world. As I wrote above, the first day the good doctor blocked parking in his lot was NOT the day the city inconvenienced his patients and tennants. The infringment of property rights occured at the PRIOR early called City Council meeting which was conducted during WORK HOURS. That is the day that the handicapped were unable to utilize the spaces designated for them. The day you first observed his message (given quite effectively considering your interest), was during the FOLLOWING City Council Meeting. As for the handshake, we still do not know that it ever occurred. Only Rony Joel has made that claim and we have heard Rony bend the truth or attempt to place his actions in a better light before. One need only review past City Council video tapes to verify that behavior. Read the article again and you will see that even the City acknowledges that the City never intended to use the doctor's spaces during work hours. If the city is going to have City Council meetings during work hours, the City should have the courtesy to place signs up protecting the doctor's property rights during work hours. Take the city lights down if you like. The City benefits from their use or they would not have placed them there in the first place. I'm sure under this atmosphere, the doctor wouldn't care if the city closed up access to City property. That works both ways. Why am I even bothering with this? You never read these posts to completion anyway. Bottem line, never own property adjoining government owned property. The doctor's first mistake was donating the property to the city in the first place. Our City has proven to be a very bad neighbor in this case and also in the case of a water treatment plant elswhere on the island.
Isn't this the guy that said a ton of asbestos was planted by citizens? Isn't he the same one that said he had photos proving these allegations? Did he not then state in anger that he did not have the photos when he finally tired of our citizens asking to see the photos? I recall that he also showed his disrespect for our citizens by telling them that he does not read their emails. Should we appreciate this type of behavior? I don't think so. So, I won't be going. I won't be missed either.
Compare the value of the land to the value received (the lights). I think the City got a pretty darn good deal. A hand shake with Rony Joel is just a hand shake and has no value unless both parties agree it occurred. The first time I saw the signs was the meeting following a City Council Meeting that had been scheduled at 3:00 pm. The early City Council meeting did not make arrangements for alternative parking. The signs appeared at the following meeting. Dr. Guidry and his tenants utilize this parking lot for business purposes and for their patients. Expecting the lot to be available for the City, during business hours is unreasonable and inexcusable. I think the City owes Dr. Guidry an apology. I also think Rony Joel should be fired for not getting his "deal" in writing as would any prudent Public Works Officer. Furthermore, public officials wishing to get something for nothing should not be contributing to a story meant to demean the very person they want something from. After reading the quotes from the various City Officials in this story, I feel sorry for officials that may want Dr. Guidry's remaining property for future expansion. If our city ever wishes to make an offer for the remaining property Dr. Guidry owns, the City should be prepared to start negotiationas from a disadvantaged position or initiate eminent domain proceedings. This story paints the city in a poor light. It doesn't sound very appreciative of Dr. Guidry's good will. The City should have initiated immediate dialog with Dr. Guidry when the signs first occured. Instead it decided to send out the Police Chief. Now Forcht is kicking his heels and making matters worse. Let this story be remembered by those who may be considing donating property to our City in the future.
Ms. Williams:
Moss was not the only manager in Marco's ten-year history as a city. As I recall, there was a temporary City Manager who served before Moss was selected. I also understand that Moss was not the search committee's top ranked candidate, but their last. As you correctly stated, Marco Island currently has Tony Shoemaker serving in that capacity. That translates into three (3) City Managers during Marco's ten year history.
I was referring to the most recent election. Campaigning successfully on behalf of our new Coucilmembers, John Arceri used deceit and a city paid for report full of contrived data, to confuse our condo owners.
Issler, is it my moniker that motivates you to become personal or are you unable to read? Which is it? The point being, that the police have no jurisdiction in enforcing contracts between an owner and a resident. A clause such as the writer proposes would never be included in a contract nor would it be enforceable by the police. Why would a owner want to inhibit the very reason or the purpose his property may be attractive to a short term renter? Rental agreements are useful only to ensure payment when dealing with a transient renter that stays only for a few days and never intends to return. Use and behavior clases mean nothing to the transient renter who has no ties to the neighborhood or to the community. Shot term rental agreements protect only the owner. If this city honestly wants to deal with this issue, it will develop an ordinance to alleviate this abuse and empower our police to enforce it. Anything less is useless and a waste of time.
After John Arceri won the election by pushing a false report based on contrived data on the condo owners, don't count on the residents taking up the slack for local business. Haven't you seen the increase in for sale signs? Many residents have already left and now the homes are empty. Thanks, John for promoting the "resort destination" concept. That's what it took to change the demographics and now that we have this real estate slump, things aren't looking good. Maybe Mr. Arceri can be put in charge of a tourist board to bring in more tourists.
Whenever patton1 is around, Leroy is never far behind. Religious folks need to stay out of politics and concentrate on saving our souls. Booing a minister that indulges herself in hot topic political items is as American as American Pie. "History, I believe, furnishes no example of a priest-ridden people maintaining a free civil government. This marks the lowest grade of ignorance of which their civil as well as religious leaders will always avail themselves for their own purposes." -Thomas Jefferson to Alexander von Humboldt, Dec. 6, 1813.
Mr. Stenbakken, if the city adopted your recommendations the owners of large homes would be discriminated against. Unfortunately you and your family are the exception and not the rule. Just think, no more bar mitzvah celebrations, no more wedding parties, no more family reunions, no more super bowl gatherings, no more visits from college students during spring break. Any group that agreed to abide by such an agreement wouldn't have any fun at all. That wouldn't fair would it? Requirements such as yours would force the owners of mega homes to allow their homes to be turned into grow houses just to pay the mortgages. The city of Naples has an ordinance that prohibits transient rentals (less then 30 days), within neighborhoods designated to be residential. Recently, the police have been finding that many of the larger homes are being used for illegal purposes. We don't want that on Marco Island. It's better to disrupt those few residents then to stop the growth and opportunities we give to smart business people who have invested their money in large homes and make their living on short term rentals. Large homes attract big groups and mean fast money with limited overhead.
I see patton1 is conversing with his own self again.
Retired? Didn't they give him a parachute and a boot out of the coorporation when he lost an expensive lawsuit against the pilot's union? Yale or Jail? Did not our president and John Kerry both attend the humble school known as Yale? I wouldn't brag too loudly about that.
Ed, these fellows are dangerous and I wouldn't antaganize them further.
Es, if what you say is true why has the property damage committed upon our Council members not been reported in the press? If elected officials are being targeted, that's news and the police should be expending resources to protect the officials. If our police force cannot be depended upon to protect those citizens that have the highest profiles amongst us, who can they protect? As for your depiction of our council meetings, I disagree and believe you have embellished this as you likely did the threats against our elected officials. What did you think about the behavior of the South Seas Condo supporters at the last meeting? Were they disrespectful and threatening towards Councilman Popoff when he suggested their project go back to the planning board? Or when Councilman Forcht attempted to put forward one more additional hurdle after Mr. Woodward had made concessions? Thankfully, to all concerned Councilman Forcht soon realized what Mr. Woodward proposed was indeed the best solution for our City. Do you beleive our citizens should forever remain silent while in chambers even when our Council members fail to think things through?
maharg, your analogy is very appropriate and illustrates clearly why succesful democracies give equal consideration to minorities. I would go one step further and predict that the "informed" majority of 5,000 will diminish as their taxes, franchise fees, utility fees and service fees increase. Several of these fees are already approved to be increased during the next 12 months. I also pridict that there is now a strong possiblity that control of our public safety agencies will be turned over to some other entity within the next 8 years. We will witness another big fight over the replacement of the Jolley Bridge and a toll will be imposed as Councilman Minozzi has promised us. Paradise lost.
Such things are only possible north of Naples, FL. Our public officials cannot be corrupted by multi-million dollar public projects. We all go to church, belong to national organizations, do charity work, get our photos in the local paper and work hard to convince voters to keep us in power. I'm well informed and know this cannot happen here.
Frank, you are uninformed or you are painting a picture of something that South Seas is not seeking. Their proposal will actually result in a significant reduction in boat slips from what they had before Wilma. Also Clam Bay is not quite the small body of water you describe. Do they require a few 50 foot boat slips? Probably not especially if the bay is as shallow as you have described here.
Minozzi didn't "raise" taxes. That said, if Minozzi was an honest man, he would admit that the City of Marco Island has increased it's budget and expenditures proportionately for several years with consistant revenue increases resulting from property value increases. Tax increases were not necessary and tiny tax decreases actually reulted in our citizens paying more taxes,not less. Now that our property values are falling is he willing to stop spending or at least slow it down? No, because he has approved creative utility rate increases and new franchise fees to fill the gap. Reality is we the citizens of Marco Island are paying more and the City is spending more. The people have spoken, they like this type of government and they shouldn't complain when their utility rates continue to go up and existing and new service fees are implimented to pay for all the wonderful things they are about to get. Things that our city cannot do without, or so we are told. In addition Minozzi intends to replace Jolley bridge for us even though it has a remaining life of 40 years! Why? because Minozzi wants to. Besides it would be nice to have a new bridge to compliment our renovated Collier Blvd. How do we pay for it? Why with a toll of course. What a guy.
Was there something inaccurate in the above post? Or are you trying to somehow bait me into making the same recommendations as to Councilman Kiester's destroying/not destroying emails? If so, I'm holding judgment until the appeal process is completed. I read in an article that a deputy stated the emails were not "destroyed" only made unavailable by the computer they were written to. You also need to look at the motives, the Judge said that Councilman Kiester had done nothing ciminal. Next time you bring up a post make sure you do so in context. This particular post was in response to an Eagle story written by Mr. Ed Bania and emails written by Mr.Arceri that implied what I wrote above had a basis in fact. The story and the emails did appear to indicate that Mr. Moss was being used as a conduit. I admit that I am not an attorney or a judge and perhaps I was a hasty in my condemnations but then again, when a citizen reads something in the paper, they believe they are well informed. If you recall there were around 3,000 of our citizens at the time that also believed this to be the case.
Fossil, These posts represent only half of the story. If you want to know what really occurred during this period, search for stories reported in this paper by Ed Bania. He was the last reporter working for this paper that actually asked questions and reported both sides of the story. Mr. Dillon's stories also can assist you. He now works for the NDN. You might also ask the owners of the paper why these two reporters no longer work for the Eagle. You are mistaken if you believe the actors will soon be gone, John Arceri remains in the backroom pulling the strings.
Now MarcoFacts joins the haters. This will never end.
More hate from patton1 and veridicus. Useless posts.
LeRoy, responding to questions with more questions is not progess. There is plenty wrong with the special interests of our community. The Chamber cares about one thing. Maintaining power and enfluence in all levels of our country. They use tax payers money to fund an environment in which they may thrive. That is the nature of the beast. The Chamber is the most powerful entity in every community in America. With their money and influence, they decide who we should vote for, what is taught in our churches and now we know from a recent story about our very own CC Board of Education, what is taught in our schools too. Add the undue influence they hold via advertising over all the information our national media and hometown papers give us and you can see what is wrong with the Chamber. One day people will figure it all out and take this country back. I believe it won't take us too much longer.
Here, here, Elaine. So let's stop reacting and let's start moving forward. By "pro-unity" I suppose you mean that we work towards a Marco Island ALL citizens can benefit from? Not just the special interests. It's time we come together with the minority residential home owners to accomplish what we all desire. An all inclusive community in which we all benefit and enjoy. Let's work for that goal. Marco Island is so much more than Collier Blvd, the Beach, the Jolley Bridge and the commercial areas of our island. Let's start by asking the City to refund the power company for the funds the City took from our neighborhoods. You know that fee we pay on our utility bill that was included for the purpose of putting our power lines underground? If that is an example of what you mean by "progess" then I'm with you 100 percent. Let's start by hearing a positive suggestion like the one I just gave to move forward.
Barry, you are absolutly correct. I believe you did listen carefully to both sides. I also believe you when you say that you made an informed decision to vote for the four candidates that you voted for. That said, It is my opinion that what you may have heard one side tell you was based on contrived information. Nevertheless, you have made your choice and you should not be ridiculed for doing so. I sincerely hope you and I will not be disappointed. I also hope that our new Council will not be an embarrassment to us and that they will not be further enfluenced by the special interests on the island. So on that note, will you please join me in supporting this new council and stop with reacting negatively to those who disagree with us? For whatever reason? Can we now be adults and travel the high road? I sure hope so because I'm sick of these hateful comments.
Pay attention to patton1 he represents the pulse of the community. We will have respect. OR ELSE!
Add LeRoy, jc and lauralbi1 to the hate-slate of comments offering nothing posititive to our community.
Mr. Waldack, with all due respect do you deny that your candidacy was advanced by the business community of Marco Island? Will you promise to give equal attention to the concerns of the minority single family home owners on the island? Hopefully, you do not believe that working to the common good means the minority must pay for infrastructure that only benefits the business community and condo dwellers. Good luck with your term in office.
veridicus, patton1, Peterpan, and 27year: Not one of your posts have any relevance to the article. I do not see the phrase "I hate Kiester" anywhere in the article. Yet, that is all you four write about, the hate you have for a fellow neighbor. Poor Sal used and abused. Sal, it is not "good business practice" to carry water for anyone unless you are being compensated.
When is the Smokehouse Bay Bridge going to be replaced? Will Rony Joel give permission to the contractor to use this park as a staging area?
ej, either you are stupid or you do not even read what you write. What faults have you ever admitted to? Who made you, sailor, patton1 and para the police of people's opinions? Everyone that doesn't agree with you is a fool. What arrogance.
Mr. Waldack, just what do you mean by your statement to "bring back proper civility and mutual respect and solidifies and clarifies the will of the people"? Does that mean that you will have people arrested who clap their hands in approval to a vote that you initiated? Does that mean that you will order the Chief to lock up someone that boos a member of the Council that makes fun of a proposal you may bring up for discussion? Be careful of the words you use, they have meaning. The only reason we had so many people attending our council meetings was because the current council couldn't bring themselves to listen to anyone but themselves. Hopefully, your will keep your campaign promises and our citizens will feel so good about you that they won't feel a need to fill the chamber. Good luck to you.
Mr. Columbo, don't even try to reason with this man. Besides not being able to read he continues to submit statements that do not even come close to reality. Although a majority of the citizens of Marco Island voted against the minority to continue the STRP that does not mean that they agree that those against the STRP didn't have a real beef. Everyone on the island except these fellows know that the asbestos and hydrogen sulfide incidents occurred and that the Federal government had to intervene before the city acted properly. Everyone that has done any research knows that the only people that went to court are council members who used tax payers money to retain their seats during a recall or suits filed by the city itself. The only folks that were intimidated where those that had their lawns and property destroyed by some deranged supporter of the STRP. Alleged phone calls or missives to a councilmember cannot be supported as coming from any anti-STRP member. For all we know an STRP supporter could have made them to buttress their claim that anyone that didn't agree with their agenda was a member of the so-called "hate slate". Consider the source of the comments above. Just don't respond to them, you are on the side of the angels and just because John Arceri was so much better at gaining access to the condo owners and feeding them a line of crap does not mean the voters were as well informed as they could have been. You are right and 4,000 of our citizens know it. Unfortunately this fellow feels it is his mission to keep the other 5,000 of us that voted in the dark. The election is over and the people will get what they deserve. Time to move forward and work with the new council to preserve our small piece of paradise.
If the majority was well informed or not may be revealed in the future. We will see if the Condos will receive more than 14 percent in utility fee increases during the next five years. We will see if they are charged more for the reuse water they are currently enjoying. We will see if the sewer is overwhelmed by a storm surge. We will see if the new Council can get by without significantly raising our taxes. We will see if new mixed use buildings are built adjoining residentail units. We will see if our residents have to pay a toll to get off and on their island. The future has much to reveal to us.
patton1,The election had nothing to do with this. Are you always so negative? When are you going to pack up your useless self and leave town? Issler, we are soon to become a resort town. That issue was heard loud and clear. As for accepting free money, there are costs attached, nothing is really free. I was only addressing the continued inconvience and offerred a suggestion that could be discussed to slow down future construction during the high season. For your information the Restaurant Association of Marco Island has made a similar recommendation. Are you now at war with them too? Or do you just never have a posititive view towards quality of life issues in this community?
ej, your entire post is misinformation.
ej, how do you equate a large turnout with voters being very well informed? I recall two presidential elections in which an empty suit was elected not just once but twice! How informed were those voters?
If Coucilwoman DiSciullo is so disappointed that the sidewalks must be destroyed at this time of year, why did she agree for construction to occur now? To save money? Why not adequately plan for major projects so as to limit negative impact on our community? If that is not now possible, develop and pass an ordinance to prohibit ANY construction unless it is an emergency, from occurring during the high season? If money and not quality of life is going to direct how we schedule work on this island, then stop the charade, stop bringing projects to the Council for approval. Simply give Rony Joel his head and let him dig all year long. A review of almost all major projects approved by this Council will show that Rony Joel has used significant savings to manipulate the council to spend and schedule HIS projects when he wants to do them. Rony Joel has never left a dollar on the table as evidenced by his recent attempt to use 1 million dollars to make an unnecessary property acquistion recently. Planning is not difficult once you get the hang of it. Successful resort communities restrict periods of construction all over the world.
The writer of this letter and many of those who have responded should look in the mirror. They might find out that their comments apply to themselves.
Feels Like: 62°
Humidity: 84%
Precip: 10%
Feels Like: 69°
Humidity: 71%
Precip: 20%
Feels Like: 63°
Humidity: 94%
Loading...
Our radar shows current conditions and possible severe weather.
We want to see photos of your adorable kids and grandkids. Share your photos »
Pictures, info about recently sold single-family homes in Collier and Lee.
See photos from local anglers with their biggest catch of the day. Submit your photos.
Check out our galleries of editorial cartoons about current events or personalities.
Get your local news anywhere you go from the Marco Eagle. Download app »
Sign up to read an electronic replica of the Marco Eagle newspaper.
View a webcam of the Judge S.S. Jolley Bridge and other places on Marco Island.
Find movie showtimes, trailers, box office results and read the latest reviews.
Southwest Florida home sales: Feb…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group