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I think the Academy should be more concerned with paying the teachers their salary, as they promise them, instead of only being able to pay half of what was promised.All the meetings and negotiations seem awkward as this school is mainly run from Public funds and all activities should be Public. Maybe it is time for the School Board, which thought the Academy was under financed from the start, to look into how the school is being run.Ed Issler
DC5799: Get the facts. Read the report. This has nothing to do with MIFD. Rather it is between NCH and the County. What "follow up" should MIFD do ?? They are not the "Overseers" of NCH and County EMS.They take care of what they take care of. They have plenty to do.In fact, for the other naysayers, I would specuulate that MIFD was not legally allowed to do transport in this case.Ed Issler
Marcofriend: It is great to know what 2,000 people are thinking, I agree. But the Council is elected by a majority of the registered voters on Marco Island. 2,000 represents only about 15% of these voters and of the 2,000, a percentage disagrees with much of what you want the Council to do.
The Planning Board members are appointed by members of City Council and are supposed to reflect the visions of the Council person that appointed them, in theory.
I cannot help but think back to the 2,000 people that signed the Recall Petition and cannot help but associate that 2,000 number with the 2,000 MICA number. As it turned out, the 2,000+ number was also the number of people that voted for the Non-STRP Slate as opposed to the 6,000 that voted for Council candidates that voiced a favorable vote for the STRP, in the last election.
That 2,000 number just keeps going and going. The problem is that it does not comprise anywhere close to a majority of our Electorate.
Ed Issler
I am VERY interested to know the true, accurate figures regarding the total number of responses received from MICA SURVEYS. It would mean a lot to not just myself, but we can use the information to make statements to Council in the future.
The only issue I have had with past surveys is that the last time I checked for true, accurate numbers, 6,000 surveys were mailed out and only 2,000 came back. That response does not make up enough of an opinion to be meaningful.
I question the 4,000 to 6,000 figure used above just because it is not a definitive number, but rather a range. I would like the exact number.
Ruth ??
ThanksEd Issler
Finally. Dr. Uhler proposes the question that is relevant. What will the MAJORITY vote for. History has shown that most voters are happy with the way Marco Island has been run, including the STRP (as far as voting for Councilman that supported it).We can only encourage everyone to vote !!!Ed issler
Dear Mrs Enman: Please make every effort to not fall into the same pattern as Dr. Uhler. You state in your letter about 100's of surveys from MICA and MITA. We already have analyzed these results in the past and MITA does not even represent a double digit percentage of voters and MICA survey results usually come from 2,000 MITA members of which many are not even registered voters on Marco. So certainly we are not talking about a "majority of voters". Your points will be more valid and accepted if you state the truth and obvious facts that a minority opinion is not being heard or is not getting throuigh to Council due to improper communications.Ed Issler
Dr. Uhler: here you go again mis-using terms and mis-quoting facts. You should know better, but continuously do it.
You certainly do NOT represent a majority of Marco Islanders. The Marco Island Tax Association CERTAINLY does NOT come close to representing even a minute portion of Marco voters. And the Marco island Homeowners Association, while a great organization started to represent the Homeowners of Marco, does not represent close to any sort of majority and certainly all of it's members do not agree on each and every Budget issue.
Once every so often yoiu have to be reminded that your letters represent only a small, small percentage of Marco voters. Every four years, this is proven at the polls.
Please try to refrain from speaking for anybody that you do not represent!!! If anything, refrain from the use of Majority when referencingf your opinion.
Jimbo: Totally agree. More detail is required. More importantly, we have fellow citizens that back up to the proposed location for this structure. I know this is a VERY SENSITIVE issue to those friends of all of us on Marco.I would hope that any design and/or proposal that Marriott would bring forth would first be reviewed by those directly affected. Then and only then, we, as Islanders, can review and comment on the design and concept.Based on past negotiations and outcomes, I would say that the neighbors and the Island as a whole, will be more than satisfied with the final results.Faye, I repeat that if you look at this proposal, long term, I cannot help but think that you would come around due to the TAXES it would bring in. Again, assuming that the neighbors are not affected in a negative way by the Center.Ed Issler
After reviewing the facts, this appears to be a PROPOSAL for a Convention Center add on to the Marriott. Reading some of the past articles and quotes, it would appear that this Convention Center would increase the revenue of the Marriott, increase the occupancy, increase job opportunities and increase Collier and Marco Tax revenues.Nowhere in the PROPOSAL is there any possibility of increasing "density".
There is already a corridor effect on Collier and a 4 story structure, as mentioned in the previous Eagle article on the subject certainly does not represent a corridor effect.Faye: When and if this issue does become more of a reality, I really believe that if you analyze it, it might just be a good thing to assist with Tax revenue for the City and County.Ed Issler
It never ceases to amaze me how, when unchecked, the bloggers actually believe that they represent the "citizens/voters" of Marco Island. Every election, every one, has proven that NOT to be the case.So, please continue to rant and rave and believe that past City Council members are responsible for your woes, but our Council (and past Councils) is running things just the way the MAJORITY of voters want them to be run.I guess it is a good thing that this site exists for those FEW that need an outlet for their frustration.Looking forward to 2012 and our next local election.Ed issler
I can explain the math. The surcharges and assessments are the same. When the home is occupied, the usage goes up by 20%. If he does not irrigate, his bill will not go to zero, but will be greatly reduced. But that is not possible either.So the conclusion: Enjoy life and stop complaining. Every City that is NOT rural in Florida is going to Sewers and replacing their Septic Tanks.Ed Issler
When I first started reading this I should have realized it was from Dr. Uhler. I was saying "What____?" as I was trying to understand the LTE. It is really something that Dr. Uhler confirms that he has an oversized lot (as do I) and that his irrigation use is 80% of his water bill.Nothing strange or unusual about that. The 80% statistic is a National average of the breakdown of residential water use.So I am trying to figure out if there is anything important to note in this LTE. As usual, the answer is nothing.Ed Issler
TO MARCO EAGLE: YOU HAVE THE FIGURES IN YOUR OWN ARTICLE, BUT FAILED ON YOUR MATH. You stated that last years Mileage Rate was 1.89 and this years was 2.0733. That is NOT $.75 higher, as you state in your article. Rather, it is $.1833 per $1,000 of assessed value higher. And, since many homes have been appraised at lower values, some citizens of Marco may, in fact, see a reduction in City and County taxes.
That has been what has caused such a major task to the Planners.
That is not to say that additional reductions should and could be achieved. Rather, please just get the facts correct.Ed Issler
"I say flood the election with like minded candidates. Remember, the target voting which allowed Mr. Magel to gain a seat on the council. Well, let's see how is one to approach, filling seats with common sense candidates."
I could not agree more !!! I cannot believe I stayed away from blogging this long. I forgot how much humor and personal satisfaction I received from responses like the ones above.There are 4 (four) good candidates that I know of that are running next year. Please, flood the Ballot with the Sayres, Butch's and others. Better for the other side !! How many elections is it going to take for the few of you above to understand that the majority of Voters do NOT agree with your vision for Marco's future. And more importantly, they do not blog on this site.Ed Issler
I am so happy to see comments that reflect the attitude that bloggers actually think that they represent a significant portion of the voting Public. That attitude even permiated to Butch, et al and Mr. Foster et al, and the actual voters on the Island disspelled that belief in Landslide numbers. But, in keeping with past election results, I encourage those of you that feel that Mr. Uhler actually has good ideas, to continue to do so.Ed Issler
I have not read them yet, but keep in mind that 2,000 responses from MICA is probably less than 1,000 registered voters or less than 10%.I only say this as really no conclusions can be drawn from the survey as it applies to City Council elections and policy.
OldMarcoMan: We'll be watching for your car and trailer as you leave.Ed Issler
The program has NOTHING to do with the Middle School. Right now it is a pawn in the MIA's tactics to gain enrollment for the Charter High School. An excuse for parents that want their kids to play High School Football to not go to Lely.Let's not forget that the Coach was hired by MIA. We have not seen anything about the Coach being hired or paid by the Middle School. He is "on loan" or a "tool" right now. Everything you read and what is developing is geared for the future of MIA, which is looking bleak as far as enrollment right nowEd Issler
I think the sizes (9000 to 15000) refer to lot size and not home size as the size relates to landscape water usage. Is it possible that this number was misunderstood as it is notg defined in the article ??
The big difference to those of you that talk about choice and the greatness of this program is that the Middle School runs partially on donations and fund raising. The Public supports the running of this scholl, not by taxes only.Now, while I have donated in the past, I will "choose" not to support a school that chooses to take on a sport that takes money away from education.Ed Issler
What is even more interesting is that for the first time in it's history, the Charter Middle School had to draw from it's reserve fund and fire teachers in order to make budget. This is the first time that reserves went down instead of up and they have enough money to spend for Football ??I see this as a Marco Island Charter High School Master Plan to try to boost enrollment for what currently is a paltry 40 students for next years curriculum. And if it isn't, somebody tell us why the already successful Middle School is taking on a money losing, dangerous sport when it does not have to !!!Ed Issler
Did the middle school hire the coach or the MIA ?
I just have one question. I remember reading that Coach V.... was hired by the Marco island Academy to coach football. Has ne been hired by Marco Island Middle School to do the same ?? Is he volunteering his services to the Middle school ??I am no expert, but I have to believe that the MIA cannot fund the salary for a Charter Middle School teacher.Anybody know the answers to these questions ??Is this something we need to have the CCSB look in to ??Ed Issler
MarcoDefender, et al: Their Petition will not be the only one on the Ballot next year. There will also be a Neighborhood Buffer Amendment Petition Drive starting soon.This Amendment (to the City Charter) will require a 300' Buffer Zone between any Public or Charter High School and a residentially used lot (single or multi-family). This Amendment is designed to define the Buffer already called for in the Marco Island Comprehensive Plan filed with the State of Florida.I am certain that after passage of that Amendment, the Eagle Sanctuary will live on and continue to protect the Eagles and their nets, irrespective of the fact that no School will be able to be built there anyway.By the way, we are starting the process shortly and welcome your assistance. We are not against a Charter High School, we just want to make certain that a decent Buffer Zone exists to protect our neighborhoods from noise, cars, traffic, vagrancy, etc. That is why the Buffer was specified in the first place in the Comprehensive Plan.Ed Issler
I would have thought by now that all Islanders would have a grasp on the plan and methods of Jane Watt and the Marco Island Academy. The concept of a Charter Middle School Football team has nothing to do with what the kids want or what is good for the Charter Middle School.This is a long range plan by the MIA to generate enrollment and exposure for the Charter High School. Why do you think they hired Vander... It is all hype and all just to try to make the Charter High School viable.In fact, the parents that are behind this are obviously the ones that plan on sending their kids to the Charter High SchoolEd Issler
As long as it is not used for Charter School classrooms, we can look at itEd Issler
Dear Jim: I am one of your most fervent supporters. But for you to question the clout of the MIA, when they have the support of the entire Council, is really absurd. I know you don't read this, so we, the citizens, will make it easy for you and Council.
Soon there will be a Petition, for a vote in 2012 on the Ballot, that will eliminate this possibility and establish parameters for the school, should it become permanent.Ed Issler
Did anyone notice the use of terms like "Classrooms" and "soecialty and Teacher Kitchens". My only concern is that this facility is not used for a Charter High School at taxpayer expense. If anyone from the Committee rreads theae postings, I would feel a lot better about this if it excluded use of the building for a permanenet Charter or Public High School for any reason.Ed Issler
Marco97: Obviously you are biased to Marco island having a Charter High School, as is Klaubautermann. That is fine.What is wrong with giving the citizens the right to vote on how they want their City property utilized.I am certain that has occurred to everyone but yourself, that the proposed, expanded Mackle Park Community Center could potentially prov ide a location for the Charter High School.A majority of the citizens may not be in favor of paying for the expansion to use it for that purpose. I know many are not in favor of the expansion at all, given thne economic conditions. But let's have a vote.And yes, maybe you did not see the e-mails between our City Planner and Jane Watt offering Parking in Verteran's Park for an older alternative for the Temporary Charter High School.Yes, that is an unacceptable use of Veteran's Park.But again, it is not for you and I to decide. let the people vote. That is what is going to happen next year.Ed Issler
Look everyone, things have been delayed due to Business Travel, but we will have a Referendum on the Ballot in 2012 for your vote. It will include a 300' Buffer between any Residential Lot and a Public or Charter High School and will include statements that a Public or Charter High School cannot use any City owned property, including Parks, for any purpose.We expect this to pass. It is being proposed as an Amendment to the City Charter so it cannot be changed at the whim of any City Council.There is no other reson for this Petition other than to provide the Referendum that so many citizens have been demanding.I, for one, do not care how it turns out, but am more interested in seeing just how the majority of Marco Voters feel about this subject.Please support getting signatures on this Petition when we finally have it released.Ed Issler
Ray: I guess what you are saying is that a view of Winn Dixie is not worth as much as a view of Crazy Flamingo.Ed Issler
I would trust the results more (not necessarily agree with them) if the survey had been done by an objectivegroup and not one that has a stake in the results.Ed Issler
40,000 square feet. Big enough for a Charter High School to use during the day ???Has anybody asked about this ??Ed Issler
I agree totally. We are in the process (it is a slow one) of getting a Petition together for circulation to gedt an Amendment to the City Charter on the Ballot in 2012. It will be to establish a Residential Buffer Zone for High Schools (Public and Charter). It will place a 300' Buffer between any residential used lotg and any property used for a Public or Charter High School. This Buffer is referenced, but not defined, in the Marco Island Comprehensive Plan right now.Be patient, it will be out for your signature soon.Ed Issler
Fossil: We all know that you are an expert on controversial figures in the Public spotlight.Ed Issler
We will have a Petition soon that will stop this in it's tracks. A Residential Buffer Amendment to the City Charter. I hope that all of you participate in getting this on the 2012 Ballot.
It just takes awhile to get all the preliminary items done.Ed Issler
I certainly hope that all of you are willing to sign and circulate the new Petition that will be available soon for placement on the Ballot next November. It will be called the "Residential Buffer Amendment" and will provide for a 500' buffer between any Public or Charter High School and a Residential Lot that is being used for Residential purposes. We need 10% of the Registered Voters on Marco to sign this Petition.The wording is being copied from current Ordinances and from the Marco Island Comprehensive Plan.Please, I will announce when we have everything in place. We appreciate any effort any of you can give to getting signatures.Ed Issler
Not to worry. We are filing our PAC papers, and doing all the busy work and will be circulating the Residential Buffer Amendment shortly. We expect over 3,000 signatures to get this on the 2012 Ballot. It will provide a 500 foot buffer between any Public or Charter High School and a Residential (single or multi-family) used lot. We are doing this as an Amendment to the City Charter so that it cannot be changed other than by vote of the people.
This is to define the buffer already included in the Marco Island Comprehensive Plan. We look forward to anyone inteersted in maintaining their neighborhoods to sign and circulate our petition.
We, as a Community, will finally get to vote on this issue.Ed Issler...
We, as a Community, will finally get to vote on this issue.Ed Issler
There seem to be comments and opinions that Tract K is an option for a school. That is NOT a given. The Collier County School Board owns Tract K and does not have to do anything with it for some time to come. In fact, I do not know if they ever have to do anything with Tract K. It is a valuable asset to all the Taxpayers in Collier County. Twenty years from now it may be worth a lot of money and if declared surplus 20 years from now (after the MIA is either running or failed), may bring a lot of money into CCSB funds.By the way, in a few months, there will be a Petition circulated on Marco entitled "Residential-Public/Charter High School Buffer Zone Ordinance". Please be sure, whether you are for or against the school, to sign this Petition to get the issue in front of all the voters. This new Ordinance will provide for a 500' Buffer Zone between any Public or Charter High School and a residential (single or multi-family) lot.Ed Issler.....
There seem to be comments and opinions that Tract K is an option for a school. That is NOT a given. The Collier County School Board owns Tract K and does not have to do anything with it for some time to come. In fact, I do not know if they ever have to do anything with Tract K. It is a valuable asset to all the Taxpayers in Collier County. Twenty years from now it may be worth a lot of money and if declared surplus 20 years from now (after the MIA is either running or failed), may bring a lot of money into CCSB funds.By the way, in a few months, there will be a Petition circulated entitled "Residential-Public/Charter High School Buffer Zone Ordinance". Please be sure, whether you are for or against the school, to sign this Petition to get the issue in front of all the voters.Ed Issler
We decided to do our own PAC and Petition to amend the Zoning Ordinance about a buffer for locating a Public/Charter High near a residential neighborhood. Whe you see the Petition in the next few months, we hope you sign it to get this issue in front of all the voters.Ed issler
LandoftheFree: Be careful what you wish for. All of the Polls and Surveys done to date show a vast majority of Marco Citizens OPPOSED to any High School on Marco Island. And based on the fact that a PAC has already been formed and registered (not by me), it appears that you are going to get that wish for a referendum on the subject. I look forward to it.Ed Issler
The frustration regarding the MIA and the arrogance of Jane Watt (you should be opening at the YMCA) has reached the boiling point. We will all have our chance to weigh in as a Petition drive for a Ballot Amendment is starting up early 2011. We anticipate not having any problem getting the required signatures and we hope that everyone, whether for or against the High School, will sign the Petition and bring this to a vote by all Marco island Registered Voters.Happy New YearEd issler
Klaub____: Not that I have any interest in responding to your nonsense, but the MICA survey that was done when the MIA was NOT going to use the YMCA was 69% against. I extrapolated the 1% to come to my conclusion.I have to think that based on your comments, that you would fully supoort a vote on this subject. After all, that is the Democratic way. We will ask for your signature on our petitions when they are ready.Ed Issler
That is a great idea. We will do that. We were thinking more of a Marco Mandate, even a Code Amendment, not allowing zoning changes for the school or not allowing the school at all.It will definitely be a factor in the voting for candidates in the next City Council election. I can guarantee that every candidate running will be asked, many times over, about their position on a Charter high school. With 70% of the voters opposed to the school, the results will be resounding.Ed Issler
Ocram and Islandeye: You are absolutely correct. I have a recent e-mail from City Planner Kris VanLegen where he is offering MIA parking at OUR PARK, I repeat OUR PARK, at a cost of $1.00 per year.We will do what we have to in order for this not to occur. Even Klabber___ would have to agree that $1.00 is not a very good return on OUR $10 million.We are organizing a Ballot Initiative for 2012 where everyone will have a say in a binding resolution regarding this school. So when asked for your signature, we expect everyone to sign to at least get this on the Ballot.Watch for it.Ed Issler
This is a move to get the Board to "give" Tract K to the MIA. We are putting a large financial offer together to the CCSB for that property as we speak to make an Eagle Sanctuary and develop 10-15 home sites.That will stop all of thisEd Issler
To All Citizens: You are finally encouraged to attend tomorrow night's Council (12-6-10) meeting and express your opinion about a Charter High school being located on Marco Island. This is in response to, and opposed to, the ridiculous position expressed in the e-mail below:From: ChairMarcoAcademy To: Undisclosed-recipients: Sent: Friday, December 03, 2010 11:40 PMSubject: URGENT-CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY!!!!!!!!!!IF YOU WANT HIGH SCHOOL ON MARCO PLEASE ATTEND-Wear Green!
After searching appx 18 properties on island for a temporary location for the high school, we have run out of options. I have asked the district for the property they own on island and they have denied it to us. Every property I have investigated on island has:
1. MICA deed restrictions2. Zoning restrictions3. Neighbors who don't want it4. Not affordable for a school.
I am going to ask the council if they are willing to give us a solution. I have spent the last 18 months trying to find a location but have been blocked every single time. Either the City, MICA, etc. makes an exception and sees the value that the school will bring and finds a location for us or they will force us off the island.
PLEASE SHOW UP MONDAY NIGHT. I WILL BE THE 1ST SPEAKER. 5:30 p.m. at the Community Room, 51 Bald Eagle Drive, Marco Island
I CANNOT EXPRESS HOW IMPORTANT THIS MEETING IS-IF YOU WANT THE SCHOOL PHYSICALLY LOCATED ON MARCO YOU NEED TO SHOW UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jane Watt, ChairMarco Island Academy239-249-0004
Talk about a "spoiled brat" syndrome !! This e-mail is written with the assumption that Marco wants this school, and that Marco island has any responsibility to this School.Please show up and express yourself. You have been doing it in the blogs, now it is time to let the City know how you feel.Ed Issler
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