City of Marco Island - City Council

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairman Harry Cowin. Council Members present were Councilwoman Ruth Schuler, Councilman Kjell Pettersen, Councilman Ed Day, Councilman John Soldenwagner, Councilman David Brandt and Councilman E. Glenn Tucker. Pastor Thomas McCulley, Marco Island Ministries gave the invocation. Also present were Attorney Ken Cuyler; and Pat Berry, Interim Assistant City Clerk.

The minutes of the November 10, 1997 installation ceremony were presented for acceptance. A correction was made to the date and the preparer will be noted. A MOTION was made by Schuler to approve the minutes of the November 10, 1997 installation ceremony as amended. Motion was seconded by Day. Motion carried unanimously.

Chairman Cowin noted that a speaker registration form is available at the front door for anyone wishing to speak during the meeting. The form is to be completed and returned to the City Attorney at the counsel table.

a) Attorney Cuyler reported on the difference between Resolutions/Ordinances/Motions. All Resolutions and Ordinances will be presented by Cuyler in advance of meeting. Resolutions and Ordinances may require advertisement.

b) Chief Dwyer asked for direction on the disposal of a surplus property ladder truck currently located at the Fire Station. This item was put on hold for one week until an acting City Manager was able to review this item.

Chief Dwyer reported on office space at the Fire Station. Dwyer noted that there may be a possible problem with using the space for the City Manager because the station was purchased with impact fees. Cuyler advised there would be no problem as long as the City of Marco Island personnel is not effecting fire operations or response time.

Chief Dwyer agreed to provide secretarial services and accounting services on an interim basis. The phone line has been installed at the Fire Station. The published City Hall number is 394-7040, fax number is 394-6956. Fire Station is also a mail drop for all City Council Members.

c) Councilwoman Schuler reported on Liability Insurance. Cuyler reported that an insurance binder was in effect as of November 11, 1997 through the Florida League of Cities. Chuck Wilde, Florida League of Municipalities gave an insurance presentation. Wilde suggested all insurance needs be reviewed by the City Manager. MOTION was made by Councilman Day, seconded by Councilman Brandt to approve the insurance liability coverage. Motion carried unanimously.

d) Councilman Day reported on the Interim City Manager search. Collier County has agreed to provide Skip Camp, Facilities Management, to the City of Marco Island for a three week maximum period until the interim position is filled. Camp is available to begin work on Friday. Day suggested that the Collier County Human Resources Dept. be authorized to conduct the nationwide search for the City Manager. He proposed a Selection Committee perform the pre-screening of potential managers with final approval by City Council.

Chairman Cowin reported on the Range Rider program which is available to the new City at no charge. Pete Knowles, ICMA, recommended Tony Shoemaker for the Interim position.

A MOTION was made by Councilman Pettersen, seconded by Councilman Day, to accept Skip Camp as Temporary Interim Manager for three week maximum period, until the Interim Manager is found, his compensation to be based on his present rate of pay. Motion carried. Opposed - John Soldenwagner, Ruth Schuler, Harry Cowin.

e) Councilman Pettersen reported on financial reserve status. At fiscal year end 9/30/97 - Fire Department surplus in reserves was $931,433.00- Impact fees totaled - $273,873.00

A MOTION was made by Pettersen to re-title all Fire Department bank accounts to "The City of Marco Island" with signers to include Chief Dwyer, Chairman Cowin and Vice-Chairwoman Schuler. Motion was seconded by Councilman Day. Cuyler advised no problem in re-titling of the accounts but advised the Council to pay close attention to Impact Fees. Motion carried. Opposed - Tucker

Councilman Pettersen discussed and proposed a rule be established regarding lobbying of Fire Department personnel. A MOTION was made by Councilman Pettersen that no City Employee will discuss work related issues with City Council Members. All issues will be discussed with Department Heads who will report to Council. The motion was seconded by Councilman Day. Motion carried. Opposed Tucker, Soldenwagner, Cowin.

Chairman Cowin reported on Public Meeting notices. A Public Meeting Notice of the November 17th meeting was placed in the Naples Daily News - Legal Section, and posted at the YMCA and the Fire Station. An advertisement for Advisory Committee members will be in the Marco Island Eagle. It was suggested that the Marco Daily News be used for all notices. A MOTION was made by Day that all public notices, and legal advertisements be published in the Marco Daily News. Motion was seconded by Councilman Brandt. Motion carried. Opposed - Cowin.

Chairman Cowin reported that Bill Harrison, Assistant Naples City Manager, will attend the Monday, November 24th, meeting to discuss temporary accounting services. He reported that two checks at $15,000 each are waiting to be distributed to the City of Marco Island from the Gas Tax. These funds will be electronically transferred into the temporary account at Barnett Bank. The annual estimated income from the gas tax is $1.7 million. The Gas Tax income is restricted for road maintenance, road service, lighting, drainage, signage and transportation items.

b) The time, place and location of the next meeting was discussed. A MOTION was made by Councilwoman Schuler for a workshop meeting Wednesday, November 19th, 1997 at 2:00 p.m. at the YMCA. The motion was seconded by Councilman Brandt. Motion carried unanimously. Notice of meeting will be posted at the YMCA, Fire Station and in the Marco Daily News.

c) Interim City Clerk. A MOTION was made by Cowin to retain Pat Berry as Assistant City Clerk. The motion was seconded by Councilman Pettersen. Motion carried unanimously.

a) Chairman Cowin explained that the Council serves as Planning Agent for the City. Bob Mulhere will be invited to the November 22nd meeting to explain the process.

b) Councilman Day reported that $250,000 is available to the City of Marco through cable franchise fees. This item will be discussed further at the Workshop meeting, November 19th.

William Gaston, President, Marco Island Cable, 1064 Fieldstone Court, Marco Island, spoke on this issue and asked for direction of the funds. This issue was tabled and both cable companies will continue to collect the funds.

f) Councilman Day discussed the "conflict of interest" issue. All Council Members stated their organizations affiliations in order to avoid any future problems.

g) Councilwoman Schuler suggested two representatives from the City Council fill the recently vacated seats on the TDC Board. Julie Burt, 163 Balfour, addressed this issue. The two Marco representative were forced to resign from the TDC Board due to their candidacy. The ordinance only allows the City of Naples a seat on the Board. All other seats are at-large seats and available for anyone to apply including Council Members. The City of Marco Island may request a revision to the present ordinance.

Dr. Biles, 1588 Heights Court, expressed concern over the new Hotel/Condo project along Collier Blvd., approved by the County Commission. Clarence Whitney, 751 Pelican Court, expressed safety concerns with current parking along Collier Blvd. at that site. Cuyler was asked to review this issue.