Comments by marcofriend

Written on Letter to the Editor: Sad note:

Will be missed by all of us who enjoyed his unique talents. RIP

Written on Barfield Bridge repair underway:

in response to WMissow:

Who was responsible for the bridge inspections during the original process? Is it anybody who is still working for the city? What company did the original construction? Let us make sure this does not happen again with the bridge on Collier when it comes down to it.

Not sure who did the original work, but we can all feel good to know that QE (Quality Enterprises) is on sight. I saw two of their trucks on the bridge this afternoon.

Written on Barfield Bridge repair underway:

in response to JDonMarco:

Not so Marco friend. There was a story about closing it on the Marco radio station local news a couple of days before it closed and I think I read it on Bill Mcmellen's e mail a few days before hand too.

While I did not hear the radio announcement, I did read Mr McMullan's Eye on Marco and it basically took me to the article in the local papers, which didn't say what was wrong, only that maintenance needed to be done and it was to be closed for 2-3 weeks.
I was aware it was closing, but I'd like to know why a new bridge has this many problems and needs to be closed for so long. There is something wrong with this picture.

Written on Barfield Bridge repair underway:

in response to happyhorowitz34145:

The repairs are due to the construction company that the city first hired to build the bridge.
Poor attempts of trying to bond hot top to concrete on the approach ramps, shoddy concrete work causing spawling to occur and expose rebar, concrete sidewalks settling or breakin apart, and erosion on the sides of the sidewalks due to poor planning and engineering.
All this at a cost to taxpayers at a cost of 100K plus.
The seawall at the base of the bridge is also being repaired due to poor work.
Also, Barfield Dr. in the original bid (according to the city website)was to never be closed to thru traffic dduring the repairs.

Thanks for the information. No wonder the City doesn't want to be transparent with this project. It would be nice if they explained what went wrong and how in the future they will correct their procedures so major construction projects will not be completed using these shoddy techniques.

Written on Barfield Bridge repair underway:

This is a new bridge. Why is there nothing explaining what type of repairs it needs and why it will take 3 weeks before it is open for traffic? City has kept this very quiet until the very day they closed the bridge.

Written on Letter to the Editor: Weigh in on new city manager:

OK Larry -- What happened with your statement that since you were elected by the residents of Marco Island, you were totally qualified to make decisions for its people and didn't need any input from anyone? That type of arrogance is what got several of the people thrown off last time. Please remember, you are there to serve all of the electorate.
Glad to hear you are requesting input.

Written on Letter to the Editor: We can all make a difference:

Kids are a product of their environment. Obviously his grandparents and parents have influenced him in a way to care about the community around him. Congratulations to him and to his family for having raised someone who has made a difference.

Written on Some Marco Island councilors vexed about Capri fire district decision, plan full airing May 6:

Well, since Honig and Batte were the ones supporting Riviere with glowing high marks and such perfection, how the heck could this have possibly happened...................

Written on Letter to the Editor: MICA outdated?:

For a mere $0.356 per day, you can park at one of the nicest lots and enjoy the amenities of a great restaurant and restroom facilities anywhere. Should you desire to park at one of the county lots, you can get a free sticker at the library. What more do you want? MICA does a great service for more than 50% of the islanders. Sorry if you and/or your friend had trouble with his golf course. He didn't complain when he made money as an attorney working for MICA.

Written on Eye in Sky: FHP issues 137 citations Friday to I-75 motorists:

in response to MrBreeze:

Attention all! Do not challenge August8 he is better than any of us.

Legend in his own mind.

A#@hole in the mind of most others.

Written on Eye in Sky: FHP issues 137 citations Friday to I-75 motorists:

in response to August8:

One more Marco whinner, the city is runith-over with these charactors !!!

Ok, let's see how this works. You are a local police officer, I don't like speeders, and I'm the whiner (you should use spellcheck). Guess you win.

Written on Eye in Sky: FHP issues 137 citations Friday to I-75 motorists:

Wonder if they are ticketing the Sheriff Dept. I usually follow their cars as they are the ones moving along at 8 - 15 mph over posted speed limits.

Written on Storage wars, parking battle leave Marco Island Planning Board in center of scrum:

in response to WizeOlMarco:

The solution is for the business owners to provide their own off-street parking by reorganizing their existing parking, buy another property for parking, or moving the business to a property large enough to support the level of business they want to operate. The City's role should be to enforce the existing laws, not rearrange the laws/rules and streetscape to match a business owner's desire. Along Bald Eagle including Old Marco are other commercial properties including vacant land for sale. There is no role for the City to fix this private business issue.

I would agree with you had our previous City Council not changed the dynamic so that parking was defined by square footage as opposed to seating. They (the Council) created the problem. The business owners utilize what was given to them.

Written on Hideaway Beach dredging project for erosion control gets underway:

in response to OldMarcoMan:

,,, and yet the City can't control Flooding on 6th Street, curious?

yes and for some reason, my interest rate isn't 2.5% for the STRP that was forced down my throat. It would have been much easier to tolerate with a rate like that.

Written on Marco Island City Council takes on capital projects, code compliance and illegal immigration:

Comparing Smokehouse Bay bridge with Jolley Bridges is apples and oranges. Smokehouse Bay is actually 2 bridges that need to be built and not one. The new bridge will be higher than the original (the original bridge has a clearance on the Southbound side of 9.05 ft and 9.72 ft on the Northbound side). The new bridge will be 13 ft based on the meeting held 3 years ago. Much larger boats will be able to clear, especially without the obstruction in the middle of the waterway.

Written on Putting out a contract: Marco Island police union, management work to negotiate new labor agreement:

Hunter's plan must be working. They got rid of (lost?) another police officer, Stephen Mariani a couple of days ago. Doesn't that make 19 of the old guard in the last year?

Written on Marco Island City Council fleshes out community center capital project for Mackle Park:

Marco Island does need a new facility at Mackle Park. What they don't need is the grandiose project that was presented. Add to the issue that the residents are tired of City Council making decisions for the "good" of the people. The STRP is too fresh in many peoples minds and it has put a huge financial burden on so very many people. Add to that, there are many seawalls that need replacement and the homeowners will be paying for this important need. Lastly, we have a new $11,000,000 bridge that will be built shortly.
If you priortize the needs, the Mackle Park Taj Mahal will just have to wait. Of course the residents on Marco could prove me wrong and I will be happy to go with the majority.

PUT THIS UP AS A BINDING REFERENDUM - just as it was supposed to be and the people will have their voice heard!

Written on Guest Commentary: By Larry Honig - My city manger evaluation:

Honig's election is almost identical to another councilor elected a couple of years ago via bullet voting. Tell everyone what they want to hear and then all of a sudden he knows better than all citizens on the island. Unfortunately we have 1-1/2 more years of Mr Bullet Vote and 3-1/2 more years of Mr less than honest or transparent.

We also are stuck with a City Manager who is neither a professional at his job any more than he is a PHD. How disspointing that our new City Council chair is so naive as to think this man is an asset to our City.

Written on Gun resolution and city manager performance appraisal on the docket for future Marco Island City Council meetings :

in response to ajm3s:

There was a not only a heated discussion, but sadly there was a request by a council member to silence citizens clapping during public comment as a "point of order". Earlier, he includes in his rebuttal to the request for a resolution regarding the 2nd Amendment by stating:

"You guys are absolutely crazy" The discussion begins at time stamp 56:11, the quoted comment at 58:25:

http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndex...

Another sad day in America. Never ends, the quest to whittle away the 2nd amendment, and then asking the council chairman to silence the crowd during the community public forum: [time stamp: 1:10:00] or to counter "personal attacks" [1:23:00]

God, why is America so afraid of freedom and its expression?? And moreso, why are publicly elected officials to represent us wish to silence a crowd? Is it too unordered?

Thank you, Mr. Batte, council chair for allowing the folks to speak out, because in my estimation, the crowd was churning, but sometimes it was a direct response to comments by council members.

And for those charged with protecting the weakest in our society, I offer the following testimony to rebut Mr. Kiester's question:

"How many bullets does it take to kill 22 children?" Answer: Whatever it takes a mother to defend her children in an attack while on the phone to 911 requesting aid.

http://www.whatthefolly.com/2013/01/3...

Folks, I know this is heated but the 2nd Amendment was to protect you against overwhelming power, including the most overwhelming, tyrannical power.

Those that experience the direct hand of tyrannical power. Mr. Victor Rios provides a perspective of those who experienced it firsthand [time stamp: 1:01:00]

Its not about guns, its about your right to protect yourself with overwhelming power. And if you believe the government can protect you, then by all means we should eliminate the 2nd Amendment and create gun-free zones.

The Newtown school tragedy occurred in a gun-free zone,vand there was no overwhelming power to counter a citizen with the intent to kill in a school.

Its about overwhelming power, and if we continue down the path of removing guns from society we shall be victims of overwhelming power from those with criminal intent since laws are meaningless to them.

Mr Keister seems to have forgotten who elected him. As an elected official you don't attack the public who has elected you. He certainly managed to fool many people over the years and he misjudged the last election and tried to endear himself to those that had run against him in the past, thinking they would be re-elected. Now he sits on the council as an anomaly who makes little sense and has very little support. He may want to think of offering his resignation and move on before he embarrasses himself further.

Written on New Marco Island city finance director gets down to details; council hears suits facing city :

in response to ajm3s:

The city attorney was clear in his remarks to the council with regard to seeking public information. He was clear that a council member can ask a question to city staff, and expounded by giving an example in seeking public records from the police chief with respect to an investigation. Go to time stamp 12:00

http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndex...

But Mr. Magel tried to use the charter to blunt Mr. Pettrica position both as a citizen and now a councilor.

Thank God we have good legal council and some councilors that will stand against intimidation in its many forms.

I stand with Mr. Pettrica, and he very much does not quibble with words.

I will NOT stand for Bull$$it, and gladly repent if I have made an error in my comments or analysis, but we need to call out crap when we see it, otherwise, we will start believing in perpetual motion machines as the new solution to energy conservation or that density transfer will not lead to more congestion on this island to impact residents.

God sometimes things like this just urine me off to no end!!! Sorry for the rant!

Thank you so much for consistantly giving us a voice of reason!

Written on New Marco Island city finance director gets down to details; council hears suits facing city :

in response to dc5799:

Magel+Arceri+Issler= Honig

Your equation is excellent except you missed Riviere in it......

Written on Marco Island City Council names committee volunteers, questions response to public record requests :

in response to OldMarcoMan:

Im confused, how did Trotter get appointed to a committee ?? I thought you had to be out of Government for a number of years before you could serve again??

The City Charter reads: "No former Council Member shall hold any COMPENSATED City position until four years after the expiration of the term for which the Council Member was elected".

Written on Code Compliance: Replacing more than three boards on a dock requires a permit :

in response to laslic:

Mmmm..... Marco Island a coastal community, no building codes.. homeowner does what he wants to.. Hurricane comes in - total destruction.. Blame the building inspectors like in Punta Gorda for the devastation! Not the homeowner's responsibility to get licensed contractors to follow the standards.

Marco Island does not need building codes for cosmetic maintenance. Didn't the City Council just discuss colors for boat covers because the planning department wants to specify colors for people to purchase?
The man could have left his dilapidated decking in place and no one would have bothered him. Instead he upgraded, made it safer, and helped improve it.
We need to stop this "BIG GOVERNMENT" stuff now and quit harrassing the residents.

Written on Marco Council approves seeking bids for $8 million bridges project; moves ahead on fire boat :

in response to Hascle:

Me an gwiller3 have the same question. It seems impossible that the much smaller Smokehos Bay Bridge can cost almost half as much as the SS Jolly Bridge. I have been saying this for two years ever since Ronnie Joel spoke at our service organization breakfast and was talking about 10-12 million for the smaller bridge. What real actually need is just a bridge sidewalks.

I'm not supporting this big expense, but you do need to remember that the Smokehouse Bay Bridge is not one bridge but is acutually two bridges. Winterberry Bridge was over 4 million so if you multiply X 2 you will get to 8 million. We need a better gauge as to whether this has to be done at this time or can it be patched up and used for several more years.

Written on Guest Commentary: Paul Meyer – The tale of two cities :

in response to lauralbi1:

Paul: You do not get off that easy. You need to get involved and do your research. You need to study the budgets for Venice, Fl and Palm City, Fl

Your comments above demonstrate a total lack of knowledge and understanding of Civic issues and what it takes to run a City. I did not know that much about you before this LTE, but now I know enough to see that you have no idea about what it takes to serve our City.

Ed Issler

Gee Ed, to think your silent majority supported him and now you throw him in the dirt. Me thinks the others are correct in that you proved his point for him.

Written on Letter to the Editor: Stop the real insanity:

Thank you for your insight Ed! Now I know the correct people to vote for are Amadeo Patricca, Ken Honecker, and Larry Sacher. You've gotten very little right so far, so I think going in the opposite direction is definately the right way.

Written on Letter to the Editor: Smoke and mirrors:

in response to 20_Days:

Mr. Recker,

Please do not insult the intelligence of the population of Marco with your attempt to convince those who do not know the facts.

Did you, in fact, pay your delinquent taxes on property in the Collier Tax Rolls: Sec 16 TWP 52 RGE 26 which was due in the amount of $4,315.04? If you did not pay these taxes, why not? When did you pay them?

It is difficult to support someone who fails to pay his taxes, when due, and expect that person to be prudent with the taxes we, the Citizens of Marco, pay on time.

Come on now. He knows the election is only a couple of weeks away. He paid $4,537.04 last Wednesday 10-10-2012. They were just very late. He doesn't want the voters to think he's a deadbeat taxing the rest of us on Marco, while not able to pay his in a timely fashion.

Written on Letter to the Editor: Smoke and mirrors:

I too saw this on the City Website. How nice the city spends our money by using staff, hardware, and software to support certain candidates. Of course Larry Magel must have given the City Manager his OK for this type of slap at the rest of Marco's residents. And this is the type of candidate Magel supports and wants you to re-elect. Check www.collierclerk.com, read up on the incumbents, and then decide if they should be making financial decisions for you.

Written on Fiscal 2012 financial results released for Marco Island:

If only we could believe the fuzzy accounting by our city..............
One has to ask if they've ever heard of general ledger, since they can't keep track of any particular category.

Written on Letter to the Editor: Positive outlook for all citizens:

Sorry Mr Honig. You have chosen the path of "birds of a feather" and our city needs to change. You apparently are not the person to offer us that change. Your Harvard degree did not give you enough common sense to come before the people and explain what you have to offer. Instead you join two people with private agendas who do not care what the people of Marco have to say. We do not need another four years of the same. Actually Marco should look into term limits of just four years.

Written on Letter to the Editor: Response to Mr. Magel’s ‘Why I did it’:

Could it be that Magel is an a33hole? Probably too simple of an answer as I should have added hypocrite also.

Written on Letter to Editor: Why did I write it?:

I wasn't going to comment, but this letter infuriates me. I only wish Magel's term was up as I would take to the streets to see that he was defeated. Why? Because of his hateful spewing against 3 particular candidates. I have no problem that he is for the incumbents, but he once again is working very hard to divide the island. Not only did he get elected strictly by having people bullet vote for him, he has now decided to act like this is his city and no one else's opinion matters. My suggestion would be to tell all of your friends and neighbors that if Magel is for someone, then vote for someone else. Let those that are being supported by Magel inform him that what he is doing is just plain wrong!

Written on Guest Commentary: Larry Magel on city prep for Isaac; 'we should be proud':

in response to KlausStoertebeker:

You can call me "Your highness!"

The mayor is Magel, not you.....

Written on Marco Island voters oppose overnight walk-in clinic tax, subsidy:

Don't forget......Mr Magel said that it doesn't matter what the voters said. If City Council decides that the 24 hour clinic is best for the City, they can still vote it in.

Written on Letter to the Editor: Disappointed visitor:

It wasn't voted down. There was no second made for the motion to approve.

Written on Seawalls coming down? Marco Planning Board wrestles with marine construction issues :

Unfortunately this whole issue is because Mr Thomas demolished a house and dumped it on a lot so that he could "produce" rip rap. The ordinance only allowed for seawall panels that had been removed to be used for rip rap. Had the rules been followed, this issue would not have even went to the City Council who just dumps it back to the Planning Board (and the games go on and on).

Written on Prep football: Marco Charter gives Vanderjagt green light:

Abdounader should be the one that should be questioned as to whether he is fit to be the principal at this school. Mike has given more to the school than most even realize and was treated like crap. I'm surprised Abdounader was able to even make a decision. I'm sure he had to ask someone to help him with it.

Written on The big picture – Marco Island Budget Sub-Committee prepares report, proposes millage rate :

in response to marco97:

If Waldack and Gibson get reelected there is no hope for this Island. How can people who can't manage their own finances be expected to manage ours? Lets elect some people who want to hold the line on spending and possibly cut our taxes.

If you think it is only those two you need to look closer as there is a 3rd incumbant running whos personal finances are in no better shape. Check at collierclerk.com and see for yourself with the foreclosure status of our elected officials who can vote tax increases for us.

Written on Physicians Regional, NCH possible suitors if Marco voters approve 24/7 clinic tax:

Our new mayor Mr Magel says that it is a non-binding referendum, but the City Council can still vote to fund and tax us even if it is turned down. He's made this statement several times. We tax ourselves to subsidize a hospital and then pay for their redi-med service on top of it. How crazy is this. I hope there is no one on Marco Island foolish enough to see this as being a positive for anyone.
Now that we seem to have a mayor in place, why do we have a city manager. Let's save almost $200,000 in salary and costs.

Written on Guest Commentary: A breakdown of Sunday's storm event on Marco Island :

If all was well at 2pm, why was there a truck pumping sewage at the lift station in front of the Town Center by Dunkin' Donuts at 4:30pm? We now have more lift stations than any municipality of a city of our size and we still haven't added the Estates yet. God help us when we have our next hurricane...............

At least we got the new Sewer plant built no matter what the cost.

Written on Collier's assessed property values show increase, first time in 5 years :

and Zillow keeps telling me that my property value decreased over the last 1-1/2 years. Not sure who has the correct information.

Written on Firestorm: Marco Island City Council chambers packed for spur-of-the-moment meeting on inspections :

Hopefully our illustrous City Council members can now question themselves as to the perfect rating they gave to "Doctor" Riviere for his performance last month. Probably this will be used for a nice raise and/or bonus for him.

When you brought him in to clean up City Hall, it was fine. You should never have kept him on in a position where he is in way over his head. It is not fair to the residents.

Written on Contractors raise the roof on Marco Island city manager's decision to move building inspectors to Naples :

in response to lauralbi1:

Dear Editor: I respectfully disagree with this decision by our City Manager regarding Building Inspectors. The citizens living on Marco Island voted, long before Mr./Dr. Riviere was in his position, to become a City. Not one half a City, not 95% a City, but a City with it's own City services.
If the City Manager saw a problem with budgets and manpower, the fees could have been raised to cover the difference, no matter how much. Or, maybe a manpower reduction would have been appropriate, especially given the fact that there does not seem to be an issue of travel time, now that the tasks will be covered from Naples.
This is a VERY serious breach of the mandate that was given to City Leaders on what we define as a "City" !!!
I am very disappointed. I suggest we do the same with the City Manager position and let Mr. Moss conduct all City Manager day to day business for both Marco Island and Naples. We will call him a County Manager and pay him an incremental increase to cover the extra work. This will save much more money and would seem to not create much of a backlog.
The City Manager has chosen to rectify a financial issue by redefining the meaning of a City to all of it's residents. Is this even allowed by Charter ??
Ed Issler

Mr Issler,
While I agree with your post as it shows our City is out of control, it is hard to believe that you would be so vehement against this as you always say that our elected City Council who manages our City Manager speaks for all of the people and we should always agree to everything they do. All of a sudden they have made a bad decision and because you disagree, they are all wrong. Well, welcome to the real world with people not always happy with what our City does. I do agree that our City Manager has overstayed his welcome and should be let go with someone with City Government competency put in his place. Hopefully you are back into the fold and agree that everything done at City Hall is not right and just, with the only reasoning being that the voters have spoken.

Written on Prep football: Marco Charter School board says principal to decide Mike Vanderjagt's fate:

After Mike moved to Marco Island and got established, I wasn't sure what sort of an individual he was. While being aware of his one time issue, I kept my distance and watched Mike grow, both in his business and the community. Mike is younger than me and I'm glad to have gotten to know him a little, and I see how much he cares for the youth on this island. How disappointing that the principal decided to make a rush judgement against someone who has worked so hard for the shool and community. Mike will always be a winner in my book!

Written on Vanishing beachfront: County’s Coastal Advisory Committee denies emergency funds for Hideaway Beach:

I'll bet those at Hideaway Beach that complained about the Australian pines on Coconut Island wished those pines were never cut down now. Unfortunately, it is hard to justify using public money for that private beach. Open a road to the beach and you will have the support of the whole island.

Written on Speed limits studied, will change on some Marco Island roadways:

in response to happy6:

are you kidding...they have changed the signs 2 times...who ever heard of a speed limiot that is for 6 blocks...except a speed trap...and look at the geniuses that came up with this crap.

I couldn't have said it any better. Whenever our geniuses at City Hall put a plan together, everyone needs to watch their back.

Written on Letter to the Editor: Utility rates: Why?:

in response to Ocram:

Every property owner who was effected by the, apparent, outright lack of consideration that Tucker exhibited during City Council meetings, or may have been effected by the irresponible dumping of asbestos at Veteran's park, or were put off by his admitted lie regarding such, should sign a petition to remove his name from our City Hall.

It is an insult to the people of Marco Island to have to see that man's name on the building in which he carried out some of these activities.

Yes, I hope there is a substantial change in which our councilors took part in the way that the naming of City Hall took place. A quick, sneaky, vote when few others were aware, is not in the manner our Council should act.

A quick, sneaky, vote indeed. Anyone who attended that meeting remembers how a number of our local "attorneys" showed up even though there was no agenda item and our then Council Chairman Rob Popoff silenced a citizen for speaking up for the people and question why this renaming should happen, and then Rob had the police chief remove this man from the meeting. Unfortunately this has shown how "typical" the city's cronyism actually is. While I do not like to speak ill of the dead, we should not have named a building after someone who lied to the Council and the city residents about photos and asbestos.

Written on Marco Island City Council approves policy decisions that will shape water rate ordinance:

in response to chicky:

Wouldn't it just be easier to allow everyone to have a sub meter for lawn irrigation. What is wrong with these people?

The problem with this is that commercial, condos, and hotels would have to pay more as their real usage rates would then show up.

Written on Marco Island’s missing $4 million – uncovered during revenue sufficiency study – may be found:

in response to rolomokat:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Better yet, how can it possibly take 3 months to find the answer using 5 staffers and a County person to help? They then make it sound like they knew the answer all along. If all this is true, why didn't then just answer the question as to where is the money when the question was asked in January.
OK. They will review Riviere (and I can't imagine he deserves a good review). We have no open government and they make nothing easy and clear for the people. We have a Finance Director who is doing business the same old way as the past with no basic accounting principles in place.
Clean house and try again, even though it is a common theme at City Hall.

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