Chris Byrne

The Planning Board meeting agenda was approved. Key discussions focused on several proposed amendments to the Land Development Code (LDC). The board voted to recommend approval to City Council for an ordinance amending Section 30-222 to add specific health-related office uses as permitted uses in C-3 Zoning Districts. Regarding an ordinance on Solid Waste Disposal (Section 30-1012) requiring dumpster enclosures, the board approved an application allowing commercial businesses generating less than two cubic yards of waste per week to use rolling curbside containers without screening, and voted to continue the broader ordinance discussion to allow staff time to integrate suggested changes. Finally, the board recommended approval for an ordinance amending Section 30-62 concerning Amendment procedures to require Neighborhood Information Meetings (NIMs) for rezoning of land, and also recommended approval, with specific amendments regarding when NIMs are required, for an ordinance concerning Site Development Plan Submittal Requirements (Section 30-673). Board communications included an inquiry regarding the size criteria for landscaping plants shown in site plan submittals.

The meeting commenced with a special motion allowing the Chair's remote participation and approval of the agenda. The Council approved a consent agenda, which included authorizing a purchase order for storm water pipe replacement, an MOU with the American Legion for fundraising pavers, and awarding the contract for the 2023 4th of July Fireworks. Proclamations recognized the 40th Anniversary of the Calusa Garden Club, and an update was provided on the Tigertail Lagoon/Sand Dollar Island Ecosystem Restoration Project, noted to be nearing completion in May 2023. During citizen comments, topics included traffic congestion, FEMA 2.0 discounts, and the Used Flag Deposit box. In a quasi-judicial public hearing, the Council approved a request for a Boat Dock Extension at 1143 Kerr Court. Discussions on Old Marco Parking included directing staff to audit Site Development Plans and prepare information on a potential Master Plan, with a future agenda item planned to consider banning parking in swales. The Council also approved Option 3, "Engineered Conversion," for converting two tennis courts to pickleball courts at the Racquet Center. Councilor Brechnitz's reappointment to the Coastal Advisory Committee was approved. Future agenda discussions involved an update on the city newsletter, the status of the Charter Review White Paper, and the need to investigate FEMA 2.0 discount questions. The City Attorney provided an update on the Marco Club FLUEDRA mediation rescheduling request and confirmed that an amended complaint regarding the traffic camera lawsuit has been refiled.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and previous meeting minutes. Key discussions included selecting a vendor for fertilizer information cards after the initial choice failed to respond, and gathering more research on insecticides for Black Olive Trees that might harm bees and fish. During public comment, a resident proposed ideas for island cleanup, including enforcing business frontage cleanup and establishing an adopt-a-road program. The committee reviewed the current content on the City website and decided to schedule a special workshop to address it. Old business items covered the distribution plan for fertilizer cards, prioritization of website content, and next steps for public murals and seasonal light displays, including necessary electrical repairs for lighting. For new business, the committee discussed the Fiscal Year 2022 Budget projections. The meeting concluded with a confirmation of availability for the next meeting on July 7, 2021.

The meeting addressed old business, including an update on the Comprehensive Plan, noting that Phase I ended on September 30, and Phase II awaits Council approval. The Board approved proposed changes to the City of Marco Island Code of Ordinances Chapter 38 concerning amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, specifically requiring a super majority vote for City Council on density or land use increases. New business involved the approval of a Site Development Plan Amendment for a restaurant at 844 Bald Eagle Dr. related to interior remodel and patio rebuilding following Hurricane Irma damage, with a condition to follow the 2001 landscape plan. A Utility Easement Vacation request for 161 Channel Ct. was approved. A request for a Boat Dock Extension at 1071 Old Marco Lane was continued to the November 6 meeting. A Site Development Plan Amendment to add mezzanines to a commercial warehouse at 921 Windward Drive was approved with conditions regarding no overnight parking and no residential use except for a caretaker. Finally, the Board did not support a proposed Stormwater Ordinance change regarding construction standards for single-family homes until a broader look at the issue is taken.

The meeting began with a special motion allowing a board member who participated via telephone to actively participate and vote. Key discussions focused on Old Business, specifically an update regarding the Tigertail/Sand Dollar Island ecosystem restoration project from Humiston & Moore Engineers, which included a summary of permitting compliance and coordination with Collier County for vegetation control services. A motion was approved for Coastal Zone Management to provide compliance raking services. The Board also reviewed the Financial Report as of January 31, 2024, and discussed reserve funds for future projects, including the impact of the sand trap and berm maintenance on funds, and the importance of regular maintenance for FEMA funding eligibility. No New Business was addressed.