Marathon Florida Keys Journal
_{City of Marathon, Florida Keys, Paradise}

Volume 12 † Issue 7 † July 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 12^th 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 other media outlets. They might edit them to suit their needs. We appreciate your visit and patronage. Please enjoy yourself while you are here and come back soon!

In The Keys {for current news, see our Daily News Queue}

[Special Call 30th] [Near Shore Waters] [Marlin Bay] [Charter Amendments] [LDRs 7th] 
[MKCLT] [Council June 13th] [OVHOA] [H4H] [Valli] [Planning Commission]
[American Legion] [Budget Time] [Council 27th] [LDRs 28th][What's Happening!] [Miscellany]
[Finally] [ACRONYMS]

~Some articles have photos, go to http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm.~
~events scheduled to be covered, go to http://runesofao.com/schedule/index.htm.~

Marathon City Council met in a special call meeting to consider more LDRs May 30th at the Sheriff's Aviation Hangar second-floor training room.

The one-item agenda grew to several items. Resolution 2006-077 approving a Monroe County interlocal agreement for the city's share of the local option gas tax revenues [$273,733.38] was continued to the June 13th council meeting. Councilman Worthington is concerned that Marathon is not getting its fair share. If the city can't get an adjustment, he wants the contract to be only 1 year vice 3. Finance Director Peter Rosasco reported that he thought the city was getting its fair share based on his preliminary analysis. City Attorney Jimmy Morales warned council that this needs resolved before the end of June.

Deputy City Manager C. J. Geotis reviewed contracts for Acting Planning Director Wendy Dyer and 4 Gates Planning Consultant Annie Kimbal-Murley, which were approved by council. Council also approved the $310 overage on the Boot Key Bridge repairs. The total amount of repairs was $25,310.

City Council decided to keep the fireworks on July 4th, even if that day is a Tuesday.

4 Gates Planning Consultant Annie Kimbal-Murley provided a staff report on the LDRs under consideration at this meeting. She explained that DCA would be willing to extend the time limits on the LDRs for 6 months. She then introduced section 103 Zoning Districts and 104 Uses Regulations.

Kimbal-Murley reported that the Master Plan was a visioning document based on public input. The Master Plan is considered the blueprint. The Comprehensive Plan is the framework. LDRs are the implementation of both the Master Plan and Comprehensive Plan. The intent of the LDRs are based on what Marathon wants.

Keith & Schnars Consultant Debbie Love laid out the process with meeting's purpose, introduction of the team, explanation of the project approach, implementation of easy-to-understand language, establishment of a localized plan tailored to Marathon, explanation of alternative compliance, and introduction of the revised, simpler layout.

Senior Keith & Schnars Planner Jim Kahn presented and explained the details of section 103 Zoning Districts. Each portion was introduced and explained. Then council discussed that portion. Mayor Chris Bull took public input after each portion.

This back and forth went to almost 11:30 PM. While quite boring, this process will structure Marathon's future. The next LDR meeting will be at the Sheriff's Aviation Hangar training room June 7th at 6:30 PM.

Marathon's Near Shore Waters Committee met at the public library June 1st to consider a short agenda.

The minutes from the last meeting were approved.

Harbormaster Richard Tanner presented the reports to the committee. His first report was very good news. The governor and cabinet approved the mooring field lease for the additional 164 mooring buoys. An ordinance must be passed by the city to detail the rules and regulations. The 64 city buoys will continue to be for permanent liveaboards with a new third-tier pricing coming soon. The other 164 on state bay bottom can only accommodate transient liveaboards at a two-tier rate for season and off-season. Anchoring will only be allowed in designated areas.

Tanner also reported that FEMA wants a re-bid on the harbor cleanup contract. FEMA wasn't happy with the original contract. He explained that they needed some room to stage the boats, traps, and other storm debris.

Councilman Worthington added his two cents saying that this effort to craft Boot Key Harbor into a crown jewel of Marathon has taken over 18 years.

The next meeting is scheduled at the public library for 6:30 PM on July 6th.

The new Marlin Bay Yacht Club perpetrated upon an unsuspecting Marathon citizenry and lowly evictees by the nefarious Sandler at Greater Marathon Bay is finally under construction. A brand new black-caped fence surrounds the property that used to be home to good citizens of Marathon. Seawalls are being constructed. Attempts for an interview still go unanswered. Photos will be available for a short period at  http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm.

Marathon City Council conducted a special call meeting on charter amendments June 6th at the second-floor Sheriff's training room. Of course, a few extra agenda items were added.

One Joseph Cucci complained about the placement of a vacuum pit in front of his driveway. This pit for the sewer system is on the city's right of way. Cucci apparently missed all the numerous meeting about wastewater and stormwater systems. Weiler Engineer Ed Castle explained that to keep overall costs to the taxpayer at a minimum, the system was designed for maximum efficiency. These pits are load bearing, and can be covered. The council discussed this for a while, and then directed that citizens should be accommodated, provided the overall project costs don't go up significantly. While this wasn't quite a specific answer, it did get the council onto the next items on the agenda.

The next two items were charter amendments. City Attorney Jimmy Morales explained the process to the council members. Public hearings will need to be scheduled, and the amendments sent to the Department of Justice.

The first charter amendment would extend council member terms to 3 years vice 2. The consecutive term limit would remain at 3. The new terms would begin at the next regularly scheduled city elections in 2007 and 2008. 2009 would be an off year with no city elections. This charter amendment seemed an easy one to discuss.

The next charter amendment would eliminate seat designations. Council members would be elected at large with the highest vote getters winning, one year 2 council members, the next year 3, and then an off year. Then cycle would repeat. This could see candidates winning with less than 50% of the vote. If there was a tie, the City Clerk would have the candidates in a tie draw lots. This would prevent runoffs. This would also eliminate candidates winning unopposed.

After some discussion of the pros and cons, the talk moved to possibly moving the city election date to November. Most council members seemed agreeable to that. The thinking was that more people showed up to the polls at those traditional dates. Plus additional savings to the city could be realized.

The last item was whether or not to put the swimming pool issue to a vote. Most council members felt that a scaled-down community pool would work with the funds existing. Grants totaling nearly $1,000,000 could be in jeopardy otherwise. The Finance Department has reported that there is over $750,000 in specific grant money set aside to build a pool. A community pool could be built for that at an operating cost that could be paid for by fees and rentals. The aquacenter now appears to be a dead option. With grant money, possibly private donations, and a much less annual operating budget, the prospect of a community pool seems quite realistic. This was the direction the council went after a lot of back and forth between the council and Councilman Pete Worthington.

Old Pete ran on a platform of reformed ideas, but the Repetto clone came to the forefront once again. He talked about issues and figures that applied years ago. The issue has matured since his stint on the council. Council members tried to reason with Worthington, but he was adamant that the city is not capable of building and staffing a new fire/rescue station and city hall plus addressing workforce housing issues. And at the same time move the community swimming pool project along the process began years ago. Councilman Worthington must think the staff incapable and the citizens about to riot. Frankly, city staff is more than capable. And the Master Plan is full of consistent requests for a community park and a community swimming pool.

Many of us had hoped that Pete Worthington had changed his colors, but sadly that doesn't appear to be the case. Let us hope reason prevails at future meetings.

Marathon City Council Special Call meeting on LDRs June 7th at the Sheriff's Aviation Hangar training room considered Chapter 104 Uses Regulations.

4 Gates Planning Consultant Annie Kimbal-Murley gave a preliminary report to the council. She informed council that the DCA's Rebecca Jetton was agreeable to an informal 6 month extension to implementation of the LDRs. Kimbal-Murley wanted to put that agreement in a letter and will pursue that action. She then went on to review the LDR review process. After the review, then the adoption phase kicks in. There was some discussion on getting the Planning Commission in on the review early to prevent unnecessary changes contrary to the council's wishes. The Planning Consultant said the the design guidelines would be presented at the next meeting.

The next meeting was scheduled for June 28th at 6:30 PM at the Sheriff's training room, if available. Checkout the website for current details.

The rest of the evening was taken up by reviewing Chapter 104 Uses Regulations section by section.

The Middle Keys Community Land Trust met June 12th at the Marathon City Hall Conference Room. The minutes were approved. There was no President's Report as Debbie Love couldn't make it from work.

The Administrator's report included the acceptance of Islamorada's Family Selection Committee headed by David Purdo. He presented a report on the Overseas Village Home Owner's Association. The financial details were discussed on the Islamorada Woods Corner project. Other possible acquisitions were discussed both in Marathon and Islamorada.

The City of Marathon has yet to contract with the Land Trust for workforce housing.

Information Technology issues were presented to the board for review.

The Marathon City Council met June 13th at the government center. Mayor Chris Bull presented former Planning Director Gail Kenson an award. She now has the same job at the city of Key West.

Under the City Manager’s report, Mike Puto presented a sewer update. Project Manager Susie Thomas and Weiler Engineer Ed Castle made the report. Design efforts continued. Weiler and staff are working on rules and regulations. Survey data is still coming in. Construction has started on Sombrero Beach Road. Land acquisitions are progressing. Grant submissions are ongoing.

Fire Chief Hans Wagner reported on the upcoming hurricane drill. Mayor Chris Bull, Vice Mayor Mears, and selected staff will conduct the drill at the city hall conference room on June 20th from 9 AM to 1 PM.

A Grassy Key commercial lot will likely be the location for the hurricane debris site. Acting Planning Director Wendy Dyer reported on the proposed site. Florida Forever Program would be interested in buying back 25 acres leaving about 10 acres for the city. A burrow pit could be filled in from wastewater construction fill, which is clean fill. This location would allow for a Grassy Key fire station that is required. There is also potential for affordable housing use. This lot is located ocean side just before Jo Jo’s and near Jolly Roger’s RV Park. The cost would be $2.4M. The total acreage is about 50 acres with hammocks.

A budget timeline was emailed to each council member. The process has started internally. July will start public process.

Harbormaster Richard Tanner and the city marina will host Boy Scout. The vessels are Heritage of Miami, Conch Pearl, Yankee, Endeavor, Ciao Bella, and Misty Shoals.

Boot Key Harbor cleanup went well. Residents of Boot Key Harbor were thanked, including staff and council members. The effort filled 2 20-yard roll off dumpsters. Dockside, Overseas Lounge, Smorgasboat, and others helped as well.

Deputy City Manager C. J. Geotis gave a mooring field update. New mooring field is coming soon. The state bay bottom lease was approved. Bid invitations for installation of new mooring field have been sent out. The project should start September and complete in November.

Geotis also did Human Resources Department update, saying that interviews are ongoing. Fred Gross is the new Planning Director, well qualified. Diane Clavier is the new City Clerk, extremely qualified and personable. Walter McDowal is the new Public Works Manager.

Draft charter amendments resolutions were passed out with suggestions from Monroe County Supervisor of Elections. The next step is the public hearings.

Closing on 104th Street will be on June 14th.

Chairman Jerry Coleman of Monroe County Affordable Housing Committee made a presentation about what their efforts have been in addressing workforce-housing issues.

Carlisle Group Ken Nielson reported on the status of their affordable housing project. The first phase will include 56 units contained in two buildings. Site plan and conditional use submission will be coming in next 30 to 60 days. Hopefully, they can break ground before the end of the year and people in units before the end of 2007. The next phase will include 28 units in a third building.

Under citizen comments, Joanie Nelson talked about the residents of Jolly Roger RV Park. She wants the council to accept that the ROGO belongs to the unit not the ground.

Glenn Robinson asked some pointed questions about the proposed scaled-down swimming pool. He questioned the Finance Director Peter Rosasco’s assertion that the cost would be the same to build a pool as to not build a pool. About $750,000 is the figure discussed. Robinson maintains that it still costs a lot to build, maintain, and operate regardless the size of the pool. Mayor Bull explained that this would likely go to referendum.

Council considered a development agreement and an amendment to a major conditional use for Knights Key Corporation. Craig Company Donald Craig talked about the 199 condo hotel with 3 single family dwelling units and 40 workforce housing. They would sewer all Knight’s Key and provide an area for the city fire station with a dedicated boat dockage. The developer would also provide space for Pigeon Key unit. There were various complaints about the project from the placement of the sewage plant and who owned the road. Project Manager Susie Thomas said the right of way was abandoned by FDOT to the previous owners, never has been city road. John Wolfe, developer’s attorney, stated that the owners would maintain the road. The council continued to this to June 27th for more information.

The Sea Dell Motel Inc development agreement and amendment to a major condition use was approved. David deHaas Consulting and Design presented a play for 18 2-bedroom units and 3 workforce housing. Owner Harry Caplan is going to call the new motel Sidney’s @ Marathon. Several residents were concerned about the entrances, safety, and future plans at the end of the street. They didn’t want a marina at the end of their street. Acting Planning Director Wendy Dyer said that the marina language was in documents improperly. The project will not have marina. Council approved this conditioned on traffic calming and not connected to other off-site property.

Ordinance 2006-10 amended the Land Use Map from Improved Subdivision to Mixed Use for property owned by MGS, Ronald Konrath. Agent was Frank Greenman.

Council approved a letter of intent to purchase Little Venice Wastewater Treatment Plant from the FKAA. Approved.

Regarding the local option gas tax, Monroe County extended all municipalities for 3-year period. To come up with a fair distribution will require all parties to negotiate a new agreement. Staff recommended approval, and they will pursue a fairer system. The council approved Resolution 2006-077.

Resolution 2006-081 authorized a professional services agreement with Government Services Group for the development and implementation of wastewater assessments.

Resolution 2006-082 amended the policies and procedures for city employee travel, non-travel meals, and refreshments.

Resolution 2006-083 amended the ambulance mileage charge.

Resolution 2006-084 authorized an agreement to reimburse the county property appraiser for wastewater assessments.

Resolution 2006-085 was a consent agenda item that approved and accepted a land dedication from J. Scott Korff.

Resolution 2006-086 authorized an agreement to reimburse the county tax collector for wastewater assessments.

Council gave permission to City Manager Mike Puto to negotiate an extension to the M. T. Causley Inc building department services contract.

The city manager needed permission to pay the recent powerboat racing security and safety costs. Approved.

The 33rd Street boat ramp renovation needs to be scheduled to least affect residents and tourists. Staff will come up with those dates.

City Attorney John Herin gave a litigation update. The Botts have appealed their affordable housing deed restriction case. The city will defend the issue aggressively.

Informational reports contained an item on the invitation to bid for Coco Plum Beach improvements.

The Overseas Village Home Owners Association held its monthly meeting on site June 14th. President Derrick Johnson reported on the ongoing efforts to repair the fence damaged by last year's hurricanes. He missed out  on getting some plants at the free giveaway, but next year should hopefully be different. Other concerns were addressed.

Land Trust staffer Dee Lloyd gave the Treasurer's report. The minutes were approved.

The fence repair should happen this weekend. The website will no longer be maintained, but a web page on the Land Trust site might be doable. Water sub-meters and the front gate punch lock will be investigated as to cost.

The association will go out for two more bids on the wastewater maintenance agreement and then decide on which local company to use.

The common property has been conveyed to the association from the Singh Company.

Recycling efforts were encouraged by resident Cindy Ecklund.

The next meeting will be on site at 6 PM on July 19th.

Habitat for Humanity met June 15th at San Pablo's in Marathon. The Land Trust and Habitat are the only organizations putting actual workforce into real housing for low, affordable prices. When is the City of Marathon going to partner with the Middle Keys Community Land Trust and Habitat for Humanity?

Our very own former Free Press managing editor, Valli Finney, was down from the wastelands of Tallahassee doing business for the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission [FWC]. Valli now works in the Community Relations Office for the FWC. While she was here in Marathon, she was visiting friends and catching up on all the local news. She was hugging turtles, before treating this reporter to lunch at Burdines June 17th. I had completely forgotten that she owed me lunch. She is doing well, misses Marathon, and hopes to hear from all her old friends. Marathon and the Free Press haven't been the same, since Valli Finney left us for the cold, northern climes of the FWC. Thanks, Valli, and don't be a stranger!

The Marathon Planning Commission met June 19th to consider a full agenda. Of course, most citizens could care less. The city council will make the decisions. The commission takes public input and dispenses advice. The public input is good, when the commission listens and includes it their report. They don't do that well though. The advice they give is more of a hindrance than a help. Frankly, there is enough evidence to conclude that 2 or 3 commissioners directly benefit monetarily from their supposed advice and input to the city council. This conclusion is supported by information from very highly place, reliable sources. The commission is corrupt. Thank God, they are advisory only!

Marathon's American Legion Post 154 held its elections June 20th. Both sides sent letters. Never before I have seen such disharmony among folks who should know better. Let common sense prevail. We shouldn't be tossing members out on a whim and a prayer.

Everyone should follow the rules. My niece, Toni Lee, wasn't allowed at the bar area and can't stay past 8:00 PM. That's the rules. The manner in which it was enforced hurt her feelings very much. She volunteers her time to the American Legion and is a member in good standing of the Auxiliary. We need to treat all members the same. There are some who donate a lot of time and effort to the Legion, but that doesn't mean their little boy can be at the bar and stay beyond 8:00 PM. If you want to play by the rules, we all must die by the rules.

I am a lifetime member of the American Legion. I don't go to all meetings, but I have been there often. I did 25 years in the Navy. I retired as a Chief Warrant Office moving up the ranks from E-1 to E-8 and was about to become an E-9, when I was commissioned a naval officer. I have fought in Viet Nam and Persian Gulf War I plus little asides like Haiti, Lebanon, and the Balkans. I find the action of some members appalling, but I don't want them tossed out. I would prefer that we all use some simple common sense and all abide by the same set of rules regardless who is who and who does what.

If there is anything that would benefit any veterans and their families, then the American Legion is obligated to do so in a fiscally responsible manner. Now let us get back to boring meetings and be compatriots!

The City of Marathon's budget cycle starts July 1st. For the city to provide the high, quality services demanded by citizens, taxpayers must pay for it. There is the rub. If you want the budget just to stay the same, services go down. If you want to reduce the budget even more, safety, life, and welfare issues will pop up. There is a balance for citizens demanding high, quality services and taxpayers wanting to keep their tax bills low. One final thought, the City of Marathon's slice of the overall tax pie is very small compared to the school board, mosquito control, and the other agencies setting their rates. If you want to have an effect on your taxes, you must go to all the budget hearings not just the city's.

• July 1 Property Appraiser certified assessment of all property value
• July 5-7 Budget reviews by the City Manager with departments
• July 11 6:30 PM council meeting and discussion of fiscal year 06-07 budget millage rates
• July 21 Submit proposed millage, date, time, and place for public hearing to the Property Appraiser
• August 15 6:30 Council workshops and review of City Manager's recommended budget
• September 5 6:30 First public hearing on tentative budget and proposed millage rate
• September 9 Advertisement of final budget hearing
• September 12 5:30 Final budget hearing to adopt the final budget and millage rate
• September 15 Millage levy resolution is forwarded to the Property Appraiser and Tax Collector
• September 22 Certification of Final Taxable Value (DR-422) will be hand delivered by the Property Appraiser's Office
• September 26 Certification of Final Taxable Value due to Property Appraiser's Office
• October 6 Certification of compliance with Florida Statutes to the Florida Department of Revenue
  

The City of Marathon City Council met June 27th at the Marathon Government Center EOC Room, 2798 Overseas Highway.

Mayor Chris Bull presented an Honorary Mayor certificate to Rick and Linda Hale.

The Florida Press Association Better Weekly Newspaper competition resulted in 12 awards to the Keynoter, and reporter David Ball got 3.

Under the City Manager's report, Fred Gross is the new Planning Director, Diane Clavier is the City Clerk, and Susan Funk will be the HR Director, while an advertisement has been posted for a new Fire Chief. Dale Beaver will be acting Fire Chief. Dodge Lake boat ramp is almost complete. Puto addressed concerns from the MHS construction noise and dirt. He outlined July 4th fireworks, parade, and events at Sombrero Beach.

City council had authorized Government Services Group (GSG) Professionals Services Agreement task #3 to provide a citywide assessment roll and an alternative means for collecting the planning and design funding. The Wastewater MSTU used to provide this. The county repealed the MSTU. The city could do a special assessment or borrow money from the State Revolving Fund [SRF]. Staff recommended that the city borrow $1M, which would cost about $25K in interest vice extra costs to do assessment. The citywide assessment will start next year. Council selected the loan option.

Planning Commission Appointment was made between the candidates Mark Bartlett, Steve Powell, and Rogel Prieto. Candidates were offered a chance to speak. Steve Powel was absent. Mark Bartlett was voted in by 4 to 1.

Ordinance 2006-010 amended the Land Use (Zoning) Map from Improved Subdivision (IS) to Mixed Use (MU) for 43rd Street property owned by Marathon Garbage Service.

The council continued to July 25th a development agreement and major conditional use for Knights Key Corporation, Inc., for the redevelopment of the property located at 1 Knights Key Boulevard near mile marker 47.

The council considered an appeal filed by David Addison and Carolyn Gautreaux regarding Marathon’s decision granting a request to applicants Publix Supermarkets, Inc and property owner Biosphere Properties, Inc. to obtain a 3APS. This package only includes beer, wine, and liquor alcoholic beverage license. A large crowd was present on this issue. A court recorder was also present. Publix agent Don Craig was on conference call. Staffer Wendy Dyer presented the staff report. Mayor Bull rents from Publix and therefore had to recuse himself. Vice Mayor Mearns took over temporarily. Staff recommended denial of the appeal, while the Planning Commission voted to advise approval of the appeal. Attorney Jim Hendrick represented Addison/Gautreaux. He said that they believe the traffic will increase detrimentally and adversely affect the surrounding neighborhood. Carolyn Gautreaux spoke against the license. Captain Bob Peryam spoke against the license. Dave Addison spoke against. A vote was taken by council not to allow testimony by conference call. Publix attorney Ed Scales made his presentation. He said that parking is not a factor in the decision according to LDR. Store Manager Nancy Bean gave testimony. Council granted the appeal and denied the license.

The IPGP Food and Services Corporation development agreement for the redevelopment of the property located at 12685 Overseas Highway, Mile Marker 54 was continued to July 11, 2006 at 6:30 PM.

The council approved a modification to the Marathon Hotel Partnership, LLC, development agreement and an amendment to the Key Colony Bay Resort major conditional use for the redevelopment an 80-unit resort located at 13351 Overseas Highway. The modification is a request to increase the per unit square footage to 1500 square feet.

Ordinance 2006-011 amended Chapter 5.5 entitled "Boats, Docks And Waterways" by adding Section 5.5-231(C) relating to anchorage in Boot Key Harbor. The changes were to certain titles and adding definitions. This was brought about by the lease to state bay bottom. The major impact is that anchorage is limited to the designated areas in the mooring field, except during storm events when non-designated areas can be temporarily used for anchorage. C. J. Geotis made the staff presentation.

Continued to July 11th resolution 2006-087 about the Harry W. Caplan development agreement fort the Redevelopment of the property located at 5000 Overseas Highway, mile marker 50.

Continued to July 11th resolution 2006-088 about the Harry Caplan request for an amendment to a major conditional use permit, authorizing the redevelopment of a hotel at 5000 Overseas Highway, mile marker 50.

Resolution 2006-094 authorized the city manager to contract with either the Haskell Company or Biltmore Construction as Construction Manager At Risk for the City Of Marathon Fire Station No. 14 Project. Each company made a presentation. Council will score each firm and announce their decision at tomorrow’s LDR meeting.

Resolution 2006-095 approved addendum #4 to the Florida Communities Trust contract and authorizing the city manager to extend the reimbursement deadline.

Resolution 2006-096 approved agreement Cz719 with the Florida Department Of Environmental Protection and authorizing the city manager to accept $50,000 in grant funding for Coco Plum Beach improvements.

Resolution 2006-097 authorized the city to contract with Bat Construction, Inc. for the demolition of the abandoned Fire Station No. 14.

Resolution 2006-098 authorized the city to enter into the Weiler Engineering Corporation project agreement for engineering and related services for the construction of Avenue K.

Resolution 2006-099 awarded by consent 1 affordable FOGO allocation to the Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Recreation and Parks.

Resolution 2006-100 provided for a binding referendum to length the term of city council members. This would appear before voters the general election on Tuesday, November 7, 2006. First reading August 29th.

Resolution 2006-101 provided for a binding referendum to eliminate separate city council seats and elect members at large corresponding to the number of council position up for that year. This would appear before voters the general election on Tuesday, November 7, 2006. First reading August 29th.

May 30, 2006 minutes were approved by consent.

CAMP fee waiver was approved.

Partial hurricane permit fee waivers were continued.

The rest of the agenda was tabled for the meeting scheduled for tomorrow. The council adjourned at 1:00 AM.

The Marathon City Council met in a special call meeting June 28th to consider LDRs. They met at the training room at the Sheriff's Aviation Hangar.

Resolution 2006-094  authorized the city manager to contract with Biltmore Construction to demolish the old Fire Station No. 14.

The council discussed the Events Field and the newly acquired 104th Street property. 4 council members were predisposed to place the new city hall/library facility at the Events Field and possibly use the 104th Street property for workforce housing. The 104th Street property is so named after a road not built yet.

The council named a Budget Liaison to monitor the city staff's budgeting process. That liaison is Marilyn Tempest.

City Attorney Jimmy Morales requested direction from the council on whether or not the city wants to file an amicus brief supporting the county's position on its vacation rental ordinance appeal. The county's ordinance is being challenged on minor changes being made without going back to a first reading. If the appeal is granted, it would significantly slow down the approval process for ordinances. Council directed the attorney to pursue such support of the county's legal efforts, as long as it doesn't cost anything to the city.

Resolution 2006-115 approved an interlocal agreement with the county regarding the expenditure and reimbursement of MSTU funds for the city wastewater projects.

There was a short discussion on 20 piles of Grassy Key trash. MGS will pick that up for free.

Contracted Planner Amy Kimball-Murley updated the progress on the LDRs overall and presented a schedule that would see all of them implemented at the beginning of next year.

Keith & Schnars Debbie Love went over Chapter 101 Administrative Mechanisms in detail. She presented a draft set of development guidelines based on the Master Play, which was the citizens' vision of the city's future.

The next meeting is tentatively scheduled July 13th 6:30 PM at the Marathon Garden Club.

What's Happening! Finally, the second novel of the Ao trilogy will soon be published and available at our bookstore. Book Two The Mountains of Ao has received rave reviews from all of our proofreaders. The science fiction and fantasy novel takes over from the last novel with pirates, a dragon, and a galactic war.

Miscellany: Hello everyone this is an update on Jaci. Everything is better with her hands after surgery, but she still can't type.

Some great news and she has asked for prayers. Tomorrow morning her Mom is having surgery on her knee (just arthroscopic).

Jaci is meeting with QVC about her products. They want to see her demonstrate it live. HSN has also shown a great interest and keeps asking question. Also Whole Foods Catalogue has picked up another one of her food items from her Granny's Natural Goodness line.

http://www.about.com has listed her book, "Winning Points With The Woman In Your Life One Touchdown at a Time - How to Score for Men and Women" in the top six of the best love / dating / relationship books. She is up there with some of the biggest authors. Here is the list:

http://dating.about.com/od/datingadvice/ss/RelateBooks.htm 
6. "Winning Points with the Woman in Your Life One Touchdown at a Time"
Jaci Rae uses football analogies to help any man score big points with his woman.
5. "Body Language Secrets: A Guide During Courtship and Dating"
Don Steele shares "how to find, meet, talk with, and date the right kind of person."
4. "Falling in Love for All the Right Reasons: How to Find Your Soul Mate"
Dr. Neil Clark Warren
3. "The Everything Dating Book"
Leah and Elina Furman
2. "Dating for Dummies"
Dr. Joy Browne
1. "Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus"
Dr. John Gray

She's tapping me on the shoulder and asking me to tell you the most important thing and that is she sends her love and thanks for all the calls and letters. She is trying to catch up, but it's going to take her awhile. So she apologizes. I want to say thank you as well. All our best and love. Bruce.

Finally: Did you know that Mississippi's state bird is the Mockingbird? The flower is the Magnolia. The tree is the Magnolia. The capital is Jackson. Statehood was granted December 10, 1817. 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. Middle Keys Arts Alliance meets the last Thursday of each month; call Alison at 305-743-7869 for locations and times certain. Ballroom and Latin dance party open house first Friday of the month. Free. 8 - 10 p.m. Theo & Ganine's Dance Center, 11450 Overseas Highway, Suite 203, Marathon. 305-743-0660.

ACRONYMS:

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: Human bean and his friend that other human bean took pictures. Use can find them at our press photo page, but only for a little while. See paw this link to see for yourself. >^..^<
Abby: I not not like my picture took. I not like going for rides in the car either, but human bean insists on making me stressed and all pinkified. Ebony likes to ride, but she a nasty cat, I meow. She not nose cats not like to ride in anything at all. She stranger for sure. >^..^<
Ebony: Abby, you are full of stuff. I seed you playing with cat toys. So that make you stranger than me. You is strange for sleeping on top of the bedroom walls. I sleep on futon bed with pillow on my side. It was nice and comfy. And use is strange for liking cheese and salami too. >^..^<
Abby: I rather meow about how us cats have become official greeters at the front door. I got one side with the long window, and use got the other long window on the other side. But Ebony is not good at greetings. She always want to swat at people as they come in or go out. Now that is really stranger. I am a good, cute cat. >^..^<
Ebony: Abby, actually use is very stranger. Human bean let you wander around not on a lead. Use trample the next door neighbor's plants and stuff. I not nose why those human beans not come out and sweat at you. >^..^<
Abby: Human beans not swear at a cute kitty, you foolish kitty. Now use and I sweared at Sophie dog, when she and her human bean come to visit. I like that human bean girl, but that dumb dog gotta go, I meow. >^..^<
Ebony: Abby, we agrees on that one for sure. Our human bean like to chase us and pretend it a fun game. It fun for him, any ways. He hugs us, but that is only okay for a few seconds of purrs. And I really not like when human bean uses us for pillows. I am a cat not a pillow. >^..^<
Abby: Ebony, you are not a pillow, but you are a silly cat! Use so silly that you not need your claws trimmed. I get my claws trimmed, because I am really cute and very cool cat. I not stranger causing I like the bathtub, while use like the toilet. Stranger than fiction, I meow. >^..^<
Ebony: I got to admit that I might be stranger, but not the way you meow. I wake human bean up in the morning by climbing on his chest and settling in for a little catnap. >^..^<
Abby: At least use got protection from the lawn mower man and the weed whacker man. It sounds like a thousand hounds of hell. It always scare both of us. >^..^<
Ebony: I was rolling in one of your dust pits outside, when the hellish sounds started. I run inside and hide, after human bean let me in. So you got your facts wrong yet again, you stranger cat. >^..^<
Abby: Ebony, use full of catnip. The worst part of the month was the annual vet visit. We got shots. Ouch. We got weighed. Ice 10.5 pounders. Use 12.5 pounders. I got nasty ear mite medicine for ten days. Use got nothing. There ought to be a cat law where you get the ear mite medicine and I get cat treats. Maybe next month! >^..^<

Internet Stuff
Here are the latest DVD films from http://www.NetFlix.com: Nanny McPhee is an inspirational, traditional tale of naughty children, their distraught father, and the nanny who seems to magically solve every problem, eventually. There is something here for everyone from child to adult. The film is funny and rich in characters. The Thief Lord is a warm, funny kid’s adventure. Orphans run away from a fussy aunt, who is not cut out to be anyone’s parent let alone an aunt. The Thief Lord takes them with the rest of his so-called family. The Thief Lord wants out from under his father’s unloving domination. Two quirky, unique adults join in the adventure and eventually form their own family. The film was warm and loving, a good watch. Just Like Heaven is a one-of-a-kind romantic comedy with a few twists along the way. This man who has lost his beloved wife moves into an apartment apparently haunted by a woman. They fall in love in the pursuit of the mystery that surrounds them. Corpse Bride is a funny, romantic, and quirky story, an entertaining film. Valiant is a good animated film that was a good watch, but didn’t quite measure up to similar movies. Tristan & Isolde is a fantastic love story set between two enemies, filled with history, portent, and love. The film sounded and looked authentic and tugged at the heart. The claymation film Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit is a funny, down-to-earth movie. The first two films in this series won awards, and this latest feature-length film is heading for yet more awards. There is entertainment for all members of the family. End of the Spear follows an Amazon tribal family with the family of missionaries. In a horrific act of total misunderstanding four men from the missionaries are killed by the spear. The women and children of both sides come together to change an entire culture. Deep Blue is an extraordinary documentary examining the oceans, the teeming life, and the struggle of survival. The accompanying music was superb and the message subtle. The Boys of Baraka is a good movie about a special school for boys in Kenya. The boys are at risk. Their lives change, and their education improved dramatically. Just 18 years into the US Open in the movie entitled The Greatest Game Ever Played, golf came of age in America. A caddie became an amateur who did the impossible and beat the world’s best and win the 18^th US Open. His 10-year-old caddie became lifelong friends. Francis Ouimet is considered the father of US golf. Bambi II picks up from the classic original. The mother is dead, and father and son must somehow go on. At first Bambi’s father tries to find a doe to look after his son. Through some adventures and a few misadventures, father and son become inseparable. This is another classic Disney film. North Country is the fictionalized account based on a true story. The film explores the courage and grit of women fighting sexual harassment of the worst kind from a Minnesota mining company. The trial set a precedent for future sexual harassment policies required of companies ever since. The movie shows the personal trauma of a single mother trying to raise two children. The mother comes to grips with a traumatic memory of rape that produced her son. They reconcile the secrets between over this event and resolve their lives for the better. Annapolis is a fine movie, but not much is about the Naval Academy. The film is a boxing type of movie, well done, but one would have liked to see more of the Academy integrated into the movie. Still, the film was a success and entertaining, even if formulaic.

Interesting websites we visited recently: http://www.keysweekly.com premiered recently to bring The Marathon Weekly to the Internet. http://www.comcast.com is the place to go for the cable stuff, but cable still sucks and costs way too much for what you get. http://www.bullsballs.com was a great place for a birthday gift for my brother. https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp is the place to go for your free annual credit reports from each of the big three: TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. http://www.marathonwildbirdcenter.org contains valuable information on the Marathon Wild Bird Center. http://lists.topica.com/ is now our listserv provider.

Poetry Corner
“Sleep with Me”
June 7, 2006

Will you sleep with me
When the willow dies
And is upon the wind
Gentle heartache and kindness

Borne of a desire
Long ago in the ages
Dark and dire
Swords drawn

And all but sleep
Is what one desires
Till meet again
Love’s lost flame

Will you sleep
When the willow
Comes back one
Bright moon

And fire of sun
Breaches horizon
Blue and darkens
Skies canopy of stars

One long kiss
Memory serves
As heat of day
Warms chilled heart

And lights the
Dimness of
Bloodshot eyes
Will you sleep then

© 2006 L. E. Shaffer

Hockey Puck
NHL: The Carolina Hurricanes won the the Stanley Cup Finals in an exciting 7-game series with the Edmonton Oilers. Game 7 Stanley Cup Carolina Hurricanes beat the Edmonton Oilers 4 games to 3. The greatest emotional spectacle in sports is skating the cup.

PGA: Tiger Woods missed the cut at the US Open by three strokes.

NASCAR NEXTEL: Dale Jr. finished 10^th and Jeff 12^th at Dover. At Pocono, Dale Jr. 14^th finished and Jeff 34^th. Dale Jr. finished 3^rd and Jeff 8^th in a rain-shortened race at Michigan. Jeff won Sonoma, and Dale Jr finished 26^th. Dale Jr. won the summer Daytona Busch race.

NBA: The Heat beat the Detroit Pistons in a thrilling 6-game series. The Miami Heat lost 2 games to the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA finals. Then they came back to win 4 games in a row to become world champions. Dwayne Wade won the MVP award for the finals series.

NFL: Ricky scored a touchdown in the Canadian Football League. It was his third game. He will return to the Miami Dolphins next year.

MLB: The Florida Marlins have been winning a lot lately. They are now in second place in their division.

Twins of the Dark Star
Book One Tears from Ao, Book Two The Mountains of Ao and four poetry collections, Pages of Life, Visions of Life, Moments of Life, and The Book of Kalian Mysticism are available at http://RunesofAo.com/aobp/. The Runes of Ao project is ongoing. Book Three Twins of the Dark Star novel is in the outlining phase. Falling Star poetry collection is a work 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
Merchant Occupational License #48210-0076151
PO Box 501833
Marathon FL 33050-1833
(305) 743-9648 voice/fax

Internet URLs: www.RunesofAo.com
www.RunesofAo.com/roa/
www.RunesofAo.com/aobp/
www.RunesofAo.com/ebony/
www.RunesofAo.com/abby/
www.RunesofAo.com/LarryShaffer/

Publication date: June 28, 2006
Author: L. E. Shaffer
Company: Shaffer Novels/Poetry Company &
Shaffer Internet Publishing Company
© 1995 - 2009, 2010 L. E. SHAFFER
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED WORLDWIDE
PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
FIRST PRINTING; ELECTRONIC & PRINT MEDIA

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