 Marathon Florida Keys Journal
City of Marathon, Florida Keys, Paradise
Volume 12 † Issue 3 † March 2006
[In The Keys] [Kitty Talk] [Internet Stuff] [Poetry Corner]
[Hockey Puck] [Twins of the Dark Star] [The Dull Stuff]
Marathon Florida Keys Journal proudly presents our 12th year of quality publishing services and continues to focus on the Florida Keys. The lead article is the In The Keys section that offers opinions and even some editorializing. There are also articles concerning the local political beat. These articles may be published in The Marathon Weekly, The Marathon Free Press, The Key West Citizen, and occasionally The Keynoter. They might edit them to suit their needs. The most popular part of the magazine is Kitty Talk. We appreciate your visit and patronage. Please enjoy and come back soon! In The Keys {for current news, see our Daily News Queue}
~Some articles have photos, go to http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm.~ ~Acronyms are explained after the last article in this section.~ City of Marathon City Council Election Endorsements:
We have provided each city council candidate the opportunity to submit a write-up, explaining their stance on the issues. Click on any of the following links to access their submission, if any: [Nelson] [Woodland] [Miller] [Bull] [Tempest] [Vasil] [Worthington]. On February 1st and again March 1st, we announced our endorsements below and on the February 2006 edition of Marathon Florida Keys Journal. So far only Pete Worthington has not a submitted candidate write-up. I am not sure how much endorsements help, but let us see. Some candidate write-ups used the Keynoter and/or Free Press format of questions and answers. ENDORSEMENTS: Joanie Nelson means well, but she can't really claim to represent "the little people" as she is so apt to say. When she took money from Mike Cinque's 2005 campaign, she lost some credibility. Nelson, if elected, would certainly shake things up, but realistically that possibility is remote. After following the money trail of Don Vasil's campaign, we had to withdraw our initial endorsement. Marilyn Tempest is the best choice for seat 2. Kevin Woodland seems to have one issue, which is important but not the only issue. Chris Bull is about all the issues in the right priority. Chris Bull is the best choice for seat 5. Pete Worthington is a very nice guy, but he would represent a return to the failed policies of the John Repetto and Mike Cinque crowd. Bob Miller is the best choice for seat 1. Endorsements are not as important as actually getting out to vote. Thanks to everyone who is running for Marathon City Council. Running a campaign isn't easy; being a council member is way harder! As a city council member, you find yourself always being wrong no matter what you do or not do. Art Smarts at the Tropic Cinema, Eaton Street in Key West
On Friday, March 24th from 5:30 to 6:30pm, the public is invited to join students from Marathon and Key West High School as they culminate a day of writing, sharing and getting to know both the common and uncommon in each of us.
Working with nationally known poet and performer, Elizabeth Thomas, 40 talented young people will use creative writing and performance as a doorway to self expression, an exploration of who they are in relation to the world around them.
The public is invited to share in this celebration of self and beyond!
This event is sponsored by the Florida Keys Council of the Arts. Elizabeth Thomas The Marathon City Council convened a special call meeting to discuss Land Development Regulations [LDRs] January 31st. The Planning Commission joined staff and the Keith and Schnars consultant, Debbie Love, in the details discussions.
The first item of business was the Faro Blanco at 15th Street Ocean development agreement. Through an oversight by the developer’s agent, the 20 affordable units quoted should have been 15. Since this still meets the council’s requirements at the time of the development agreement approval, the change was approved. Owner Bill Spotswood thanked the council.
Debbie Love presented the latest version of the Building Permit Allocation System [BPAS] that is slated to replace ROGO. This version was in ordinance format. An item that was discussed was the definition of affordable housing. The Middle Keys Community Land Trust proposed a definition that was broad and less exclusive.
Love outlined some changes to “Adjust Gross Income” to reference US Department of Housing and Urban Development and Florida Statute method for calculating income. Dwelling unit for public purpose was deleted per DCA. The timeframe to pick up building permits was revised to 90 days as requested by city staff.
The Transfer of Building Right ordinance was discussed. Some minor changes were made. There were several members of the public that asked that this be fast tracked. The next Planning Commission meeting February 6th.
Debbie Love then reviewed sections of the LDR. The following sections were presented with minor changes: Administration; Appeals, Variances, Vested Rights and Beneficial Use Determinations; Conditional Use Permits, Vacation Rentals, and Zoning. All the debate was rather routine, boring, and minor.
One item that was a sticking point was the DCA’s insistence of a vacation rental cap. Since this was agreed to previously by the city to gain other concessions, the cap was finally set at 450. Further discussion followed that determined that the number could be adjusted if necessary.
The meeting wrapped up with a timeline chart presented to the council to outline progress on the LDRs. The next meeting date was set for February 23rd. Council and staff agreed that a public address system was needed as well. The Marathon City Council held another special call meeting February 1st. Besides city staff of Mike Puto, Susie Thomas, Peter Rosasco, and John Herin, there were Ed Castle and Mike Hatfield from Weiler Engineering. Cindy Lawson is a financial consultant who works for Peter Rosasco’s firm, Rosasco, Reasin & Company. A fair number of citizens, representing the public was also in attendance.
The council had several wastewater/stormwater issues to discuss and make decisions on at least 6 of the 9-item list. As always, Project Manager Susie Thomas was well prepared. She provided a handout that the clearly and concisely outlined the choices, making the process easy and simple.
City Council approved extending collection systems up to the property line. Property owners would possibly be able to get the city contractor or a private one to connect to the collection system at the property line.
The next decision was to design the wastewater/stormwater system to be the lowest cost overall.
The council decided to supply just vacuum stub instead of buffer tanks. Individual owners of certain properties would install the buffer tanks if required. Buffer tanks may be needed for some large users such as restaurants and hotels. There can only be a certain number of buffer tanks in the overall design.
City council discussed the encroachment of private properties onto the right of ways, which will complicate the design and drive costs up. The decision came down to taking back the city’s right of ways.
Council adopted the availability of service breakpoint at 1000 gallons per day. They also directed staff to prepare a wastewater utility ordinance based on the Key Largo model and borrowing salient points from the county ordinance.
The question of what to do with the few private roads in the city was debated. The council decided not to buy any private roads at this time.
Cindy Lawson, who Susie Thomas says is awesome, presented the financial aspects of the wastewater/stormwater system. Of the several options for the cost to build the system, the council leaned toward a split charge method of assessing taxpayers. Treatment plat costs would be allocated by flow based on the infamous equivalent dwelling unit. Equivalent Dwelling Unit (EDU) is a measure where one unit is equivalent to wastewater effluent from one home. The other part of the charge would be collection system costs allocated based on the number of connections. This split charge method would be more equitable across the board.
As far as when to capture the above assessment fee, the council leaned toward capturing as much of the fee as soon as possible. Then capture the rest once development starts.
The last item of discussion was how to come up with a rate for monthly operating and maintenance costs. The rate structure that the council was leaning toward was where the base costs are a fixed amount, and the variable costs are based on the gallonage used.
City Council also directed staff to cancel the Municipal Services Taxing Unit [MSTU] and the special assessment. The Super Bowl played February 5th, and our little neighborhood had a Super Bowl party. The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Seattle Seahawks. Even though the weather was bit chilly for outside television, that was the setup along with grills and smokers cooking delectable food. The table was full of covered dishes of delicious grub. Here are a few photos from the neighborhood event: The Marathon Planning Commission met at the Garden Club on February 6th. Morgan Hill, Don Vasil, Tracy Holder, Robert Maison, and Mike Cinque sit on the commission. These volunteers mean well, but the commission is redundant. Therefore, Marathon Florida Keys Journal didn't attend this meeting. Reviewing the agenda provided background on what will be discussed and passed onto the City Council for final decision. Marathon Partners, LLC, owners of the property located at 4590 Overseas Highway, submitted a development agreement to the city. The property is located at mile marker 49.5. The developer wants to replace the existing Banana Bay Resort hotel complex with a new one going from 65 units to 58 with 1 employee housing unit on site. The developer will be required to provide 6 affordable units or cash in lieu of. An amendment to a Major conditional use was considered for the same property. The Marathon Planning Department staff recommended conditional approval for Marathon Partners, LLC to redevelop an existing hotel, existing commercial floor area, and a marina on property. Of course, the Planning Commission will recommend approval to the City Council. The Planning Commission was presented with Ordinance 2006-04 on Transfer of Building Rights. The ordinance reads in part as follows: Section 9.5-121(e) exempts from the residential dwelling unit allocation system [ROGO] the redevelopment or rehabilitation of residential units which replace, but which do not increase the number of residential dwelling units above that existing on a parcel of property prior to redevelopment or rehabilitation. The City desires to establish a procedure for the off-site redevelopment of existing transient units, residential dwelling units and commercial floor area within the City. The intent and purpose is to provide for the transfer of existing residential dwelling units, transient units or commercial floor area, as defined in the building permit allocation system, from their existing locations to other locations in the City in order to preserve environmentally sensitive lands, encourage appropriate redevelopment, preserve existing and encourage additional affordable housing, result in a reduction of negative environmental impacts from development; and protect private property rights. Of course, most on the Planning Commission are going to recommend approval of this ordinance to the City Council over objections of the same groups opposed to this idea from the beginning. The Marathon City Council met at the Garden Club February 7th. They needed to discuss options for the Sombrero Beach Road parking and beach improvements project. This is required to properly place the wastewater/stormwater piping.
All the city council candidates for the March 14th municipal election were there. Joanie Nelson was a bit late, but Don Vasil, Bob Miller, Chris Bull, Marilyn Tempest, Kevin Woodland, and Pete Worthington were on time, gripping and grinning. Of course, Bob Miller and Chris Bull are the incumbents.
City Project Manager Susie Thomas provided an overview. She cited the right of way issues surrounding this project from the 8 adjacent property owners.
On June 27, 2004 City Council decided to reclaim their right of ways. Side road access would be required if such side roads exist.
On January 30, 2005 certified letters were sent to all affected owners, along with hand-delivered letters delivered by the Code Department later on. Susie stated that she had a signed document to that effect.
At a February 2005 scoping meeting with FDOT a suggested design was proposed, meeting all city, state, and federal requirements. A double-lane road was designed on the north right of way with parking on the south next to the beach. The parking would be slanted and have an entrance west and exit east.
On January 24, 2006 City Council decided to hold a workshop in an attempt to mitigate the requirements of the project with the desires of the neighbors affected.
Weiler Engineer Mike Hatfield and city attorney John Herin both spoke to the city, state, and federal standards in place on such projects as to ingress, egress, right of way, parking, safety, etc. One issue was vehicles backing out from their parking space into the roadway, which isn’t safe and against regulations.
Susie Thomas stated that the force main will go down the north side regardless and the wastewater/stormwater schedule or funding was not in jeopardy. Still, a design concept was necessary to properly place the infrastructure. If the project isn’t done to proper standards, the funding could be withheld. The council decided that was not an option, but proposing alternative designs couldn’t hurt.
Mayor John Bartus suggested an alternative drawing. This drawing shows a center-divided road with parking on each side. There were raised walkways that are traffic-calming devices. A bike path would be located as best suit the needs of the community. A hedge would go along the north side to provide some privacy for homeowners. Pavers would line the north side, while pavement would be on the south or beach side.
Susie Thomas stated that something similar to the Bartus drawing was originally presented to FDOT. Then FDOT suggested a design placing the roadway in the north right of way with double-sided parking on the south or beach side.
The public input session commenced with Ms. Aldermin suggesting that the center-divided road be broken up to allow turns in either direction from the side roads. James Mann flatly thought the original design with the roadway in the north right of way was very bad. Tom Jones still wanted access to his existing driveway even if it is on the city’s right of way.
Betsy Snow wanted the council to understand that everyone in Marathon needs to be served by the beach. Bettye Chaplin said that the council should do what is “best for Marathon.” She went on to say that “Sombrero Beach was an incredible gift.” She wanted the council to consider the long-term ramifications of their decisions in this matter. Parking for the beach is very important according to Chaplin. Morgan Hill supported Chaplin’s assertions as to the property owners knowing the right of way issues.
Joanie Nelson wanted the council to go very slowly. She spoke several times as the public comment session continued.
Marilyn Tempest wanted to ensure that flooding is minimized. She also stated that the project must move quickly. Rick Servais requested to keep pavement to a minimum. Pete Worthington liked the Bartus design and suggested pavers for both sides. Don Vasil wanted to remind the council about the bigger issue of public access and considering the unintended consequences of upcoming decisions on the project.
John Whalton worried about the precedent of allowing exceptions to right of way uses. Mayor John Bartus then closed the public input portion of the workshop.
City Manager Mike Puto summed up the workshop by proposing that city staff try to accommodate the community without losing any funding. He also stated as an aside that anyone could park on the north right of way. He then told council that 3 different designs would be tweaked for consideration at the February 13th council meeting on Monday. The Marathon Land Acquisition and Conservation Advisory Committee met at the City Hall Conference Room on February 8th. This first meeting was an organizational get-together.
Committee members are Stacey Kidwell, Frank Greenman, Steve Williams, Derrick Johnson, and Kevin Woodland. Derrick Johnson was a no show. Gail Kenson, Wendy Dyer, Jimmy Morales, Arla Tanner, and Beth Bergh were present for city staff.
Dee Lloyd was also in attendance, representing the Middle Keys Community Land Trust.
Beth Bergh is the city’s Land Steward. She handed out agendas and suggested the election of a chair and vice chair. After some discussion, Kevin Woodland was elected chair and Steve Williams, vice chair.
City Attorney Jimmy Morales outlined the legal overview, regarding the Sunshine Law and so forth.
Beth Bergh then provided a review of the guiding policies of the committee as contained in the Comprehensive Plan. The Capital Investment Plan is funded each year with $1.5 million through fiscal year 2011.
City Biologist Wendy Dyer explained the proposed Land Acquisition Map.
The committee outlined a general strategy to buy up environmentally sensitive land, which will make the acquisition of affordable housing land easier.
The next meeting is scheduled for March 9th at 11:00 AM at Marathon City Hall Conference Room. The Marathon Parks and Recreation Committee met at the Public Library on February 9th. There were no public attendees, and the agenda was very short. The items of discussion were still important though.
The Coco Plum Beach grant would address sea oats enhancement on the dunes, a compost restroom, grade parking, and a boardwalk through the salt pond with signage. Hurricane Wilma actually improved conditions at the beach. The overall emphasis will continue to be the maintenance of a completely natural beach.
Phase II of the Community Park has the construction completed. The city has not accepted the work yet, because of several concerns that will be fixed. The amphitheatre has some spider cracks due to settling. There is a potential drainage problem. There is an asphalt problem that needs addressed as well. Vending machines will be installed once the city chooses either Coca-Cola or S&H as contractors. The committee is leaning toward Coca-Cola. Scoreboards are up. There was some discussion of possibly fencing in the park except for the parking areas to increase security at night, when the park is closed. The skate park is open Monday through Friday from 4 – 6 PM, Saturday 12 – 6 PM, and Sunday 1 – 6 PM.
The committee would like to revisit the pool design after the March elections. Members think that a simpler concept would work better.
The Alumni Athletic Association is willing to fund batting cage equipment, if the city will provide the location. The committee wanted to move on this idea.
The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for March 16th at 6:30 PM to be located at the Public Library. The Marathon City Council met February 13th at the Government Center.
The City Manager’s report followed the Pledge of Allegiance.
Susie Thomas reported on the status of the $19,841 amphitheatre electric upgrade. The work is being done under a change order. The additional work should be done in less than 30 days. The park status report included the fact that the skate park is now open. The amphitheatre cracks and the asphalt problems are currently being addressed. Jeff Pinkus wanted a policy developed for-profit use of facilities. Staff was directed to draft such a policy. Chris Bull wanted to know if under or over budget. Susie said that they were under budget in two different areas totaling $75,000.
The Planning Commission requested that their meetings be held at the Government Center and televised. The cost of that would be $1000 per night. Mike Puto suggested that they not televise these meetings, since they are so cost prohibitive. When city hall gets built, then the city will have its own channel and chamber meeting room. The council denied the commission request yet again.
Planning Director Gail Kenson presented the Planning Commission report on the proposed Transfer of Building Rights [TBR] ordinance. She first reported that the Florida Department of Community Affairs [DCA] no longer requires nutrient credits. At the February 6th special call council/commission meeting, the TBR ordinance was discussed at length with public input. The commission has a concern that the ordinance was not ready to move forward and needed further work on certain details. The commission further reported that the proposed ordinance was not clear and concise. The Planning Director does not necessarily disagree. The council decided to send the proposed ordinance back to staff. Then the commission will get it on February 20th. Lastly, on February 28th the council will take up the ordinance again. Former Marathon Mayor Randy Mearns wanted another workshop. Councilman Bob Miller agreed. Essentially, everyone agreed. The February 23rd meeting may be moved to March 1st to accommodate further work on the TBR ordinance and take up other Land Development Regulation issues.
The City Manage wanted to renew the lobbyist contract for another 2 year. The contract is still a good cost. City council passed a motion, allowing Puto to sign the proper documents.
Weiler Engineer Mike Hatfield gave a wastewater/stormwater status report. He said that the “project is moving along nicely.” They will advertise the project March 4th. They will receive bids April 4th. They will notice the project May 8th. Shovels should be in the ground June 1st.
The City Manager reported that 27 FEMA trailers arrived. The FEMA Memorandum of Understanding [MOU] needed council approval. It was explained that FEMA was self-insured governmental agency. That was the substantial change to the MOU. A resolution was required and approved.
City Attorney John Herin asked council for direction on the Bott lawsuit. The City Council moved to direct the City Attorney to continue defending the city’s position.
Under citizen’s comments, Grassy Key resident John Whalton was critical of the worsening public boat ramp situation. He said that the city needed to do something. Project Manager Susie Thomas reported that the city was working on getting the contractor on the Dodge Lake ramp renovation project located off Aviation Boulevard.
Ordinance 2006-03 changes the zoning from Suburban Commercial [SC] to Mixed Use [MU] on the old Seaward Hotel property. Brian Schmitt owns Seaward LLC. The old hotel will be replaced and a restaurant will be added. Barbara Mitchell, Craig Co., is the owner’s agent and made a short presentation.
Ordinance 2005-14 was approved upon the second reading. The Marina Siting Plan was changed to satisfy DCA concerns. Consultant Four Gates Co. explained the changes. This is the first Marina Siting Plan in the county with little changes. The DCA had one objection and three comments. Variance to shoreline setback requirements was the single objection, which was rewritten to satisfy DCA. Joanie Nelson commented to go slow because the municipal election was just around the corner.
Ordinance 2005-16 increased the annual Rate of Growth Ordinance [ROGO] allocation rate to 30 and recovered 65 affordable unit allocations.
Ordinance 2005-17 amended the Comprehensive Plan Table 6-1, Capital Improvement Program, with the current list of projects.
Ordinance 2005-18 amended the Future Land Use Map [FLUM] from Residential Medium [RM] to Mixed Use Commercial [MUC] for the Konrath Marathon Garbage Service [MGS] lot on 43rd Street. DCA did not object. Frank Greenman is the lawyer. A zoning change is coming next.
The Seaward LLC Development Agreement for property located at 8700 Overseas Highway was approved. Barbara Mitchell, Craig Co., is the owner’s agent. Brian Schmitt is the owner. The project will include 13 hotel units, which will be 8 two bedroom and 5 three bedroom units. The development will be a condo hotel. The developer is required to build 3 affordable units with 1 attached to the lobby/office and 2 freestanding single-family residential dwelling units. There will also be a restaurant. Tracy Holder commented that the number of transient units is static; there won’t be anymore. If council allows the reduced density units to be converted to affordable, then the hotel/motel industry would lose transient units. There are only 1100 units. That could affect the city’s tourism economy. Holder is the President of the Marathon Hospitality Association. The density reduction requirement originally came about because DCA wanted to mitigate the impact on hurricane evacuation times.
The Banana Bay Resort Development Agreement for property located at 4590 Overseas Highway and an amendment to a major conditional use was approved. The project will include 58 transient units with 1 employee affordable housing unit on site and 4 more on adjacent property. 1 affordable unit would be cash in lieu of building a unit. A restaurant, pool and tiki bar, and 34 wet slips are also part of the project. Councilman Pinkus recommended 20% not 10% or 12 affordable units not 6. Councilman Miller agreed. Mayor Bartus said that he hated changing the rules in midstream. John Wolfe, owner’s agent, said the application was submitted before the 20% rule. Marathon Key Beach Club had problems with ingress/egress and trailer park issues; their agreement solving those problems was submitted to the clerk. Wolfe thinks requiring 20% would be grounds to a lawsuit. Developer Robert Boykin, CEO of Boykin Lodging Company, said that they relied on existing rules. Councilwoman Mearns said the impact of this development would put burden on the community. Barbara Mitchell presented the site drawing. She requested a year on permitting. This project ended up approved 3-1 with Pinkus voting no and Bull abstaining, because he owns adjacent property.
Resolution 2006-13 approved a Sombrero Beach Road and parking improvements design. Weiler Engineer Mike Hatfield presented 3 designs based on a previous workshop with public input. The three designs are the Florida Department of Transportation plan, the Bartus plan, and the Pinkus plan. Most residents favored the Bartus design. Council candidates Pete Worthington and Joanie Nelson favored the Bartus design.
Resolution 2006-16 considered no net loss affordable housing land development regulations. Until such a time that the LDR would be approved, this resolution would prohibit processing development applications and issuance of development approvals for redevelopment or conversion of 5 or more units and requests for zoning until new affordable housing LDRs approved or 270 days from Jan 24, 2006. Residents of Keys RV Park want to be exempt to improve their lots. Residents of Jolly Roger Travel Park need the resolution to help save them from eviction. Keys Boatworks had a large outpouring of support to be exempted as well. A number of developers and real estate agents were not in favor of the resolution. Sandra Walters, agent for the owner of the Jolly Roger Travel Park and the former Gulfstream Trailer Park and Marina, was not in favor, of course. Councilman Miller framed the discussion toward a goal to protect Jolly Roger and create opportunities to build affordable housing. Councilman Pinkus refined the resolution by specifying using Chapter 723 definition, narrowing the focus, refining the administrative relief, and provide exemptions. Council sent the resolution back to staff. They also wanted to exempt flood-damaged homes. The resolution was dated as of February 13, 2006. The Middle Keys Community Land Trust presented a sales presentation for Unit #4 located at the Overseas Village. Administrator Rick Casey made the presentation February 15th at the Marathon Garden Club to 21 interested individuals.
The original owner improved their finances and is moving to a bigger place. The Land Trust bought the unit back from the original owner. The current sale price is $142,800 for a 2-bedroom, 2-bath townhouse built in 2005. A typical monthly charge for the sale price listed would be about $1300. That includes the mortgage payment, taxes, insurances, water utility charge, land trust lease fee, and homeowner association fees.
Rick Casey encouraged everyone to become a Land Trust member, because 7 units are coming in Islamorada, 12 units in Marathon, and near the end of the year another 12 units in Islamorada.
Casey explained the Land Trust model. The homeowner owns the structure, while the Land Trust owns the land. The land is rented to the homeowner forever under a 99-year renewable lease. Resales are limited to income restricted and qualified buyers. Essentially, a homeowner can expect an annual 3% appreciation.
The Land Trust Administrator answered a number of questions. He then explained the family selection process. He ended the presentation by inviting everyone to an open house scheduled for February 18th from 9 AM to 2 PM. The Overseas Village Home Owner’s Association held its annual meeting February 16th. The meeting was held at Unit 4A, one of the new units. There are 4 new and 9 historic units in the community.
The 2006 budget was approved. Secretary Rick Casey reported that the list of action items couldn’t be addressed, because of some shortfalls in funds. Unexpected expenses like hurricanes caused havoc in more ways than one.
The board of directors was elected. Derrick Johnson was reelected. Gina Hipson wanted someone else to take her place, if someone would volunteer. Kevin Eich was volunteered, but graciously accepted. The Middle Keys Community Land Trust reappointed Rick Casey and Larry Shaffer. Someone from the Land Trust board of directors will replace Morgan Hill.
The By-Laws were amended to allow for audits every three years.
Other items discussed were water sub-meters, fence repairs, landscaping, and real estate tax assessment recovery strategies.
The next meeting is scheduled for March 27th at 6 PM with the location to be announced later. The Middle Keys Community Land Trust held an open house for Unit 4 February 18th at the Overseas Village. The unit is on the end towards the north. It has two bedrooms and two full baths. Those are upstairs. The living room, dining area, and the kitchen are on the first floor. The unit has a stove and refrigerator. The refrigerator has an ice maker. There is central air and heat. The hot water is provided by a small on-demand system. A washer and a dryer come with the townhouse. Several land trust members showed the home to friends, neighbors, and interested public individuals from 9 AM to 2 PM. About 20 members interested in purchasing the home showed up. The Land Trust will chose a qualified family soon. Those not chosen and qualified could have a shot at units being built this year, if they stay qualified and remain members of the Middle Keys Community Land Trust. The Marathon Planning Commission met at the Garden Club on February 21st. Morgan Hill, Don Vasil, Tracy Holder, Robert Maison, and Mike Cinque sit on the commission. While this commission is quite unnecessary and redundant, they did consider the following items:
1. Evaluations and Rankings of NROGO Applications for Period 2, Year 1 (March 1, 2005 to July 13, 2005)
2. A variance from the LDRs regulating the minimum side yard for a principal structure on property located at 958 East 105th Street
3. A variance from the LDRs regulating the minimum side yard for a principal structure on property located at 960 East 105th Street
4. A variance from the LDRs regulating the minimum setback requirements for a principal structure on property located at Coco Plum Drive and uninstalled Avenue N The Middle Keys Community Land Trust held a luncheon meeting at Annette's February 22nd. An abbreviated agenda was considered. The Land Trust tax returns were reviewed. Account signature authority was revised to meet the needs of the Land Trust office support staff. The board reviewed and discussed the Islamorada Motel project proposal. The board of directors authorized President Debbie Love to record correct deed restrictions for the 73rd Street Marathon properties. Seacrest Apartments had moderate incomes removed from the deed restrictions to relieve the Land Trust's tax burden on the property. The annual meeting details were discussed, including nominating a slate of candidates for expiring terms for several board of directors. Those currently serving indicated that they would be willing to be nominated again and serve if re-elected. The Florida Keys Council of the Arts Middle Keys Arts Alliance held its annual poetry reading at LeighAnn's Coffee House February 23rd. There were free-form poems, some Shakespeare, and even performance poetry. Everyone had a great time. A photo collage is available for a couple of months at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm. What's Happening! Like many the past hurricanes have had ramifications that have reached far into the future. I've always loved boating. After two swamping events and a ton of cash lost, I have had to give up my beloved boat. Sombrero Beach has become my temporary substitute for boating, except when I see my boar out beyond the beach boundary markers. When school lets out for the summer, we should expect a mass exodus of valuable workforce. Hopefully, I am wrong about this, but all indications support that assertion. Miscellany: We've suffered Valentine's Day along with President's Day with a little Lincoln and Washington. What the heck, a holiday is nice regardless. What happened at the Olympics? Exactly, my point is made. The Marathon City Council elections are coming up March 14th. You know that you can't really complain or have any input without voting. Early voting is going on now at the county's 63rd Street facility. Just please and go vote! Finally: Did you know that Michigan's state bird is the Robin? The flower is the Apple blossom. The tree is the White Pine. The capital is Lansing. Statehood was granted January 26, 1837. Selections from the Florida Keys Council of the Arts Who What When and Where brochure: On second and third Wednesdays, the Marathon Garden Club presents the Wonder Garden series of Keys friendly gardening classes. Marathon Garden Club, 5270 Overseas Highway [MM 50 bayside], Marathon. Call 305-743-4971 for information and required advanced registration. http://www.keysy.com/mgc. On Friday, March 10 - Sunday, April 9, The Florida Keys Watercolor Society presents 24th Annual Judged Exhibition. 20% of sales go back to the Marathon Community Theatre as a gesture of "Artists Helping The Arts." Free Admission. Daily 10 AM - 5 PM. Marathon Community Theatre, MM 49.5 oceanside, Marathon. 305-743-0994. Middle Keys Arts Alliance meets the last Thursday of each month; call Alison at 305-743-7869 for locations and times certain. ACRONYMS: FEMA is the Federal Emergency Management Agency. FDOT is the Florida Department of Transportation. RV stands for recreational vehicle. MUC is Mixed Use Commercial. UR is urban residential. ROGO is rate of growth ordinance, and the Non-Residential Permit Allocation System or NROGO is the commercial side. RFP is request for proposal. DCA is the Florida Department of Community Affairs. GIS stands for Geographic Information System. SR equals Suburban Residential. UR equals Urban Residential. SC equals Suburban Commercial. MU equals Mixed Use. LDRs are the Land Development Regulations required by the Comprehensive Plan. BPAS stands for Building Permit Allocation System. TBR equals Transfer of Building Right. HUD stands for US Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Kitty Talk
These journals are dedicated to Kitty GreyCat's spirit. She is at RainBow Bridge now along with her human friends, Leo and Doris. We all loved you, Kitty! Click the cat graphic to visit her Memorial page. Kitty born June 6, 1982. Died July 9, 1997. Please use our email form linked below to make suggestions or offer praise. Now, really, the cats have thoughts and meows that are badly interpreted by a human for publication here. So believe what you will, but enjoy nonetheless. All complaints, flames, and such like will end up in the litter box! >^..^<  Ebony: Us cats don't care if we make sense with our meows or not. We don't care if we meow in a rambling sort of cat way. We just meowing. And English is NOT our best meows. Not Spanish neither. Like I meow; we just meowing about all sorts of cat stuffers. So there! Abby likes her cheese. I is still trying to get outside by hook or crook. Human bean came home from the council meeting last night. He noticed, after a while, that I was missing. He went to the main bathroom, and there I was. I was mad and flipping my tail. I had been accidentally locked in that place. I obviously wants for the bean to talk to “them” main bathroom people again. Abby wants up on stuff, knocking things down and getting into trouble. She has hotspots around her ears, fleas most likely. She gave human bean two kitty kisses, but she wants something, I bet. That Abby is a porker and a ham! >^..^<
Abby: I not either piggy or fat. Use fat! Ebony escaped on the bean and made him climb the Hawkins fence. He had to walk all the way around to return with Ebony tucked under his arm. She protested just a wee bit, but she came home. Ebony is sleeping close to the pillows again. I was in bit of a mood. Ebony and I were outside for a while. Human bean put spray-on flea stuff on us, before he let us back inside. And, actually, Eb is fat! >^..^<
Ebony: Ab is a meow liar. But I was on bean's bills folder one day. Abby has been sleeping on the sink counter. Abby wanted out very badly for some reason. Bean gave her some catnip. Later, I was sleeping with bean on the bed now. I like that. >^..^<
Abby: I like sleeping at his feet. Human bean came home to see Ebony and I sleeping together on Toni’s bed. I had my ears cleaned by several q-tips. Ebony doesn’t like the flea comb. >^..^<
Ebony: I not like use most times. I did try to get outside for a while. Abby has been sleeping in the bathroom again. I don’t think she feels good. Human bean flea-combed me and Abby. Abby was okay with it more than me. I complained a little, well, a lot really. >^..^<
Abby: That right, Ebony a big complainer. Ebony and I still have a few fleas. Human bean flea comb us. He should put some flea stuff on us. Bean had to get the cats some cat food or suffer our wrath. We was almost out of food! Bean put spray-on flea stuff on me and Ebony. I behaved okay, while Ebony protested loudly and clawed human bean. >^..^<
Ebony: Abby is evil. I and Abby purr when human bean sling us over his shoulder. He sprayed flea stuff on I and Abby once again. We were not too excited about that. Abby likes to sit on the tub, while human bean take a shower. I let bean pet me today without any growling. Abby is crazy, acting all lovey dovey. >^..^<
Abby: I has been very amorous toward Tony the last couple of nights. Ebony has been sprayed a few more times, now that she can visit the birds again. The foam inserts by the west bedroom air conditioner has been replaced by something sturdier. Now us cats can’t escape. >^..^<
Ebony: I and Abby were both chased out of Tony and Rhonda’s bedroom by the squirt water bottle. Bean took me in the truck with him and let me roam the Land Trust office. Abby felt hot to me. I cleaned her ears out again, but she not like my sisterly act. >^..^<
Abby: No, I didn't. Ebony escaped on the beans again. Toni, Rhonda, and I chased her down. I was in the shower, when bean started it. I ran off quickly. Bean groomed me all over and no fleas. Bean have yet to catch Ebony. She is being wily. She escaped on the bean's last night. I think that I said that already up above. >^..^<
Ebony: Bean sprayed flea stuff all over I and Abby again. Abby took it quite well. I made a big fuss. As you all can tell, we all been having a bad time with nasty fleas even with FrontLine Plus stuffers we not like. >^..^<
Abby: I don't have anything else to meow about, except there is a catnap with my name on it. >^..^<
Internet Stuff
Here are the latest DVD films from http://www.NetFlix.com: Inside Deep Throat is a documentary about the porno movie. The lives of all those involved were deeply affected. What could have been an art form became just another moneymaking business. Porn is now just one series of repetitions without any quality. Heights is a tangled romantic drama that at times was tedious and boring, while the acting and cinematography were excellent. The film was a mixed bag. I am not sure if I liked it or not. Red Green’s Duct Tape Forever the movie based on the whacky television series lives up to all the hype and is totally funny and even down right hysterical, a must see! The Brothers Grimm is a fantastic, fanciful, and very fun film. The fictionalized account is more story than truth, more adventure than real, and quite entertaining. Zathura is an excellent Science Fiction/Fantasy film with great actors and out of this world action. Two brothers learn about each other in an attempt to survive the game of Zathura. The Fantastic Four was a great film with plenty of action, special effects, and even some outstanding action. This film was entertaining and downright fun to watch. Agent Cody Banks was a bit juvenile, but still some innocent fun. Lord of War is a run at evil. The deception of power plays out on the world. Dealing in bullets and weapons is intoxicating, but destroys the dealer in the process. The film is preachy but entertaining just the same. You can’t stop the bullets, the guns, the killing. Stuart Little 3: Call of the Wild is an animated version in the series. The animation is crystal on purpose and helps to enhance the film. The story is fun and the character interaction cute. While a children’s movie, I was entertained on an adult level as well. The Weatherman is a movie about events strengthened by the interaction of characters. Slowly, the tapestry of life is brought together in a final acceptance of life in general. The Dentist was pretty gruesome but weirdly entertaining just the same. Proof of Life displayed Russell Crowe’s acting abilities. The movie itself is action packed and quite well done. Yes is a film about a love affair, but the movie is way too deep for any entertainment value. I’m not even sure the film had a point beyond two people who are so very different yet fall in love. Actually, there was no point. The movie tried to hard to be too deep. Interesting websites we visited recently: Our subscription to PC Magazine came recently. This magazine is much better than Maximum PC. PC Magazine has a website at http://www.pcmag.com. Our SunPass works great and saves us 25% on most tolls. We manage our account at http://www.sunpass.com. We renewed our AAA membership at http://www.aaasouth.com. We just got more photos from http://www.photoworks.com. We ordered and received pet supplies at 50% off normal prices from http://www.canadavet.com. There is a Florida Keys Naturists website at http://floridakeysnaturists.net.
Poetry Corner
"Sensation"
March 2, 2006
Sensations run rampant
Inhibition gone awry
As a moment cries
For a time distant
And but a memory
When all seemed
Right with life
Yet now is now
Life must be lived
Regardless of feelings
Emotions wild
Sensations overwhelming
Bodies enmeshed
Tangled but free
But a moment
And everything gone
Then the night
Wraps around us
As the close air
Settles like dust
And the memories
Return of hate
And love, all
One and the same
Life is but
The next
Wild and wooly
Sensation
© 2006 L. E. Shaffer
Hockey Puck
The NHL Florida Panthers beat the Atlanta Thrashers to edge closer to a playoff spot in garnering their 21st win of the season. They beat the Washington Caps for victory number 22. The Panthers beat the defending NHL champions Tampa Bay Lightning. They won their 23rd game. PGA Tiger Woods won again this year in a playoff with Ernie Els at the Dubai Desert Classic. Carl Edwards was penalized a pass-through for supposedly passing below the yellow line. The Daytona Speedway Bud Shootout television replay clearly shows that was not the case. NASCAR blew it. Dale finished 8th, Bill Elliot 19th, and Jeff 28th in the Daytona 500, the Super Bowl of racing. The NBA Miami Heat beat the Cleveland Cavaliers for their 29th victory of the season. The Heat beat the Boston Celtics for win number 30. They stayed with the Detroit Pistons all game to win their 31st game at the last second. Miami beat the Orlando Magic for their 32nd victory. They beat their upstate rivals the Orlando Magic for their 33rd victory. This game was hosted in Orlando, while the game before was last night in Miami. The NBA All-Star game was on television, but I forgot who won. The game was entertaining though. Sorry. The Miami Heat beat the New York Knicks for victory number 34. The NFL Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl. The NFL All-Star game was played in Hawaii, but who won? And do you care? The Olympics were happening all week or so, but I can't recall an exciting moment. Again, sorry.
Twins of the Dark Star
Book One Tears from Ao and four poetry collections, Pages of Life, Visions of Life, Moments of Life, and The Book of Kalian Mysticism are available electronically at http://RunesofAo.com/aobp/. The Runes of Ao project, Book Two The Mountains of Ao novel is currently in final edit. Book Three Twins of the Dark Star novel in early stages and Falling Star poetry collection are works in progress. A collaboration with K. Young on a novella called Dragon Embers is now published on the fan site known as Runes of Ao.com. Other dragon artwork is available as well. Finally, in collaboration with K. Young and Linda Hall, a group novel project is in progress and currently titled Starsongs.
The Dull Stuff
All opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of this magazine, company, or its advertisers. Inputs, email, suggestions, and letters to this journal are subject to approval by the Journal Editor. Submittals may be edited for content and length and become the creative property for the one-time nonexclusive publication of: Shaffer Novels/Poetry Company
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www.RunesofAo.com/LarryShaffer/ Publication date: February 28, 2006
Author: L. E. Shaffer
Company: Shaffer Novels/Poetry Company &
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