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

Volume 13 † Issue 8 † August 2007
[In The Keys] [Kitty Talk] [Internet Stuff] [Poetry Corner]
[Hockey Puck] [Twins of the Dark Star] [The Dull Stuff] [Advertising]

Marathon Florida Keys Journal proudly presents our 13^th year of quality publishing services. We continue 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! Please do us a favor and sign up for our monthly reminder of the next upcoming issue of Marathon Florida Keys Journal. Please click on this link marathon_journal-subscribe@topica.com. When you get a return email to confirm your choice, sign up at Topica, but bypass all those solicitations. Thanks!

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

[Council 26th] [Gecko Lizard] [Frank's Grill] [Murray's Market]
[Collectors Corner] [Save-A-Turtle] [Pet Food Recall 8th] [Steelwerks] [Council 10th]
[Code Board] [Parks & Rec] [Pet Food Recall 13th] [Andy & Dave's] [MKCLT 14th] [Wet Cats]
[MKCLT 15th] [Tom Willi] [Hudson] [Budget 17th] [Turtle Nest 2] [Council 24th]
[Marathon Airport] [Wastewater Issues] [Endemann Email] [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.~

June 26, 2007 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: The Marathon City Council met at Marathon Government Center EOC Room. Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm.

Citizens' comments: Fred Endemann Coco Plum Avenue I Coalition talked about the city’s wastewater and storm water projects. He made a detailed presentation of what he thinks is wrong and right about the city project as a whole. Sam Piedra thanked the council for addressing the Dodge Lake Boat Ramp adjacent property parking problems. John Whalton from Grassy Key suggested that the city charge a fee for use of the city’s boat ramps. He brought up the Marathon Yacht Club not paying taxes issue as well.

Mayor Chris Bull presented Bruce and Sherry Popham a city plaque for FDEP awards, one of which was clean boatyard designation.

City Manager Mike Puto's report:
1. The council rescheduled the July 9th Special Call Wastewater Meeting for July 25 at 6 PM at the Sheriff’s Aviation Hangar Second-Floor Training Room.
2. The council scheduled a Boot Key Bridge Workshop for July 6 at 9 AM at Sheriff’s Aviation Hangar Second-Floor Training Room.
3. The manager announced the Collective Bargaining Team for the unionized firefighter/EMS personnel.
4. Puto announced the Council Budget Liaison, Vice Mayor Marilyn Tempest.
5. He also requested guidance on how to address the budget requests for non-profits organizations.
6. July 4th celebration equipment needs work. Former Marathon Mayor Randy Mearns, who is the lead pyro-guy, reported to the council. Storage containers cost $10,500 from council contingency fund.

Chairman Josh Mothers made an Affordable Housing Task Force presentation. The task force proposed a workforce-housing landlord subsidy. This proposal would assist workforce-housing landlords to keep their units in the affordable range based on the HUD median income. The task force along with staff has worked hard on all the details. This promises to help in one area of the workforce-housing crisis. The council decided to meet with the task force, the Planning Commission, city staff, and the public on July 6 at 11 AM at the second-floor training room at the Sheriff’s Aviation Hangar.

Other New Business Items and Information
1. Consent item, the council granted the Marathon Rotary a waiver for the alcohol beverage sales and fee.
2. Councilman Vasil led a discussion on boating safety.
3. Community Services Director Susie Thomas announced the creation of the Wastewater Outreach Program, which will answer factual questions on existing policy and regulations.

Ordinance 2007-14 amended and restated Chapters 103, 104, 106 and 107 of Marathon’s Land Development Regulations.

Ordinance 2007-15 amended Marathon’s entire Land Use District (Zoning) Map, which provided for a revised City Land Use District (Zoning) Map. Grassy Key Subdivision Inc. representative said that his clients want one dwelling per lot. Linda Berrigan Coco Plum representative clarified the change to the map about Bonefish Tower. Donald Craig spoke to the issues at hand and representing D & G property on Coco Plum. He wanted to ensure the FLUM change goes through to make the subject lot to Mixed Used from Mixed Used Maritime. This will be fixed by the passage of this ordinance. Worthington voted no, because he thought the above change should be on the next amendment cycle. He and others are worried about the loss of maritime and affordable housing properties.

Ordinance 2007-13 amended City Code Chapter 106 creating Section 106.05A authorizing the establishment of a Restoration Fund.

Resolution 2007-90 approved an existing Development Agreement modification between the Marathon and Key Colony Bay Development for property redevelopment located at 13351 Overseas Highway Fat Deer Key. Since the Development Agreement was not attached, this was continued to next meeting.

Resolution 2007-91 amended a Major Conditional Use for the redevelopment of an 80-unit resort known as Key Colony Bay Resort, located at 13351 Overseas Highway Fat Deer Key. Since the Development Agreement was not attached, this was continued to next meeting.

Resolution 2007-92 amended a Major Conditional Use to construct boat dockage for use as temporary mooring of boats by restaurant patrons. The subject property is located at 12648 Overseas Highway Fat Deer Key nearest mile-marker 54 bayside.

Consent item, Resolution 2007-93 approved the Keys RV Mobile Home Condominium Association Development Agreement for the redevelopment of the property located at 6099 Overseas Highway between mile-markers 50 and 51.

Consent item, Resolution 2007-94 waived procurement procedures and approved the Pride Enterprises purchase for furniture and fixtures for Fire Station No. 14 for $55,052.96.

Resolution 2007-95 authorized the City Manager to prepare, execute, and file Declarations of Official Intent as required by U.S. Treasury Regulations. This action is about reimbursements from note and bond proceeds of temporary advances made for payments prior to issuance and related matters.

Consent item, Resolution 2007-96 waived procurement procedures and approved the purchase of a new city pumpout boat and the refurbishment of a current city pumpout boat for $127,154.

Informational items and reports (No action required) 104th Street Affordable Housing RFP (Piggyback from Monroe County) - Planning Director Fred Gross handed out a rough RFP package requesting individual council input.

Citizens' comments: Joanie Nelson ranted about affordable housing.

Council comments: Tempest thanked FIRM for lower insurance rates.

Adjournment: 7:52 PM.

July 5, 2007 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: Gecko lizard narrowly escapes two hungry, ferocious cats. Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm.

Tommy and I live at the Middle Keys Community Land Trust's rental apartment complex called Seacrest Apartments. We are supervised by the queen cats, Ebony and Abby. Ebony is all black and eleven-years-old, while Abby is all white and ten-years-old. These felines are expert gecko lizard hunters.

It is not uncommon to see the lucky and smart gecko lizards without tails. They have escaped to tell the younger ones that the cats have a zone they hunt. You need to stay out of that zone. One stupid bird a few months back lost its life by being in the zone. All of the rest of bird-kind are smart enough to stay out of the cat zone.

Tommy was doing his laundry, when a particularly smart gecko lizard decided to jump on his hand. Tommy came around the building and into our apartment telling me, "Take a picture, quick!" I grabbed the camera and got two good photos out of the four taken. We had to be quick, because Ebony and Abby can smell stuff while in a deep catnap. Fortunately, we let the friendly gecko lizard go out of the zone. The photos are really good.

July 6, 2007 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: Frank's Grill looks great and serves delicious food at a moderate price. The service is high-class and friendly. Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm.

Steaks, seafood, and pasta for a decent price is what Frank's Grill is all about. Tommy and I had a great lunch at the restaurant. The food was delightful, simple, and satisfying. The service was quick and checks on you often. The extra-clean restaurant is located at Town Square Mall, first floor, in the corner. There is an outdoor section that feels quite breezy and has a Caribbean atmosphere.

Frank's Grill is located at 11400 Overseas Highway in Marathon and near 113th Street Ocean. Their telephone number is 305-289-7772. Frank's Grill offers Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce members a 10% discount.

July 7, 2007 - Summerland Key - L. E. Shaffer: Murray's Food Market is a neighborhood grocery store that is clean, friendly, and well-stocked. Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm.

Murray's Market specializes in gourmet deli, specialty foods, and fresh meats. They service Summerland Key that is neighborly, friendly, and typical Keys-laidback. Customers shop here for their groceries and to socialize a bit as well.

Murray's Food Market is located at mile-marker 24.5 in fabulous Summerland Key. Now, isn't every key in the Florida Keys great? Each key is unique as well. Summerland Key has the neighborhood store called Murray's Food Market. Their telephone number is 305-745-3534. You will find this grocery store and more listed at several addresses on the web. Here are but a few: www.florida-keys.fl.us/ypages/ypgrocer.htm, www.nuevacocinafoods.com/where.htm, www.keysweb.info/Recreation/baitntackle.htm,  www.leonardosfrozenpizza.com/locations.cfm, and www.bestkeysagent.com/about_the_keys.html.

July 8, 2007 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: Collectors Corner is an amazing place where you can get a gavel and sounding block to tall trophies of all types. Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm.

Middle Keys Community Land Trust President Debbie Love needed a gavel and sounding block to attempt to gain control over an unruly board of directors who think they all must talk at once. Not me, of course, but all them others, you know. Anyway, she asked me to go get one before the next meeting of those unruly directors.

Heck, I had no idea where to go. But, I know Marathon City Manager Mike Puto knew everything and everyone. So I drove over to the City Hall, the one in the trailer on the Events Field. I asked Mike where he got all the city gavels. He told me to visit Stan Haines at Collectors Corner. Wow, Mike does know everything!

Mike told me to tell Stan that he recommended Collectors Corner to me. I barely had time to think about possibly being setup for one of Mike's pranks, and I was there at Town Square Mall on the east end of Marathon before Vaca Cut. I told Stan that Mike told me that Stan had gavels and such. Boy, did he. He had gavels, trophies, plaques, engraving machine, and about anything else you can imagine. I got the Land Trust their gavel and sounding block. The next board of directors meeting went quite well. Debbie Love just needs to use the big end of the gavel though!

While browsing all the "stuff" Stan has in his shop, we noticed all the renovations going on not only in his store but all the shops in the mall. The new look is not quite done, but what is completed so far looks very good. There are suites still available for rent too. When we took the photos, Stan demurred and asked a female customer and friend to pose with one of the many trophies he has created. He told us that he doesn't have the looks to promote anything. Whatever the heck that means. Anyway, Stan is fun, talented, and a great professional.

Collectors Corner is above Frank's Grill in the corner of the Town Square Mall Suite 216 located near 113th Street Ocean. The address is listed as 11400 Overseas Highway in the great City of Marathon. Collectors Corner has autographed sports memorabilia and custom signs and engravings. Their telephone number is 305-743-4456, fax is 305-743-2211, and cell is 305-731-3883. They even have an email address. It is StanHaines27@hotmail.com.

July 8, 2007 - Marathon - Jeri Sears: Save-A-Turtle August President's letter is presented below.
Dear Supporters of Our Marine Turtles:

The Save- A-Turtle meeting was held at the Turtle Hospital in Marathon on July 2. The board meeting was scheduled to start at 6:30 with the general meeting at 7:30. Since we had several board Members on vacation we used the time to prepare for our August meeting.

We went on our summer guest schedule starting in July. At the July meeting we viewed a DVD titled “The Last Journey of the Leatherback”. The DVD was very well done. In August we will be showing a DVD produced by Sea Turtles Forever. The DVD shows the work of this group in Costa Rica.

You are all encouraged to join us for the board meeting at 6:30 and the general meeting at 7:30 at the Turtle Hospital.

I would like to remind the Beach Surveyors to keep in contact with your coordinators. Coordinators don’t forget to update Pat Wells on your survey information. It is imperative for all the information we gather to be passed along.

Have a safe month and we hope to see you in August!

Jeri Sears
President
jermax_1@msn.com
http://www.save-a-turtle.org/

July 8, 2007 - Georgia - B. J. Darnell, VMT, CKO from Animal Notes: Mea Culpa.
When something good comes out of this I would be remiss in not mentioning it. We haven’t heard or seen a lot of good stuff since this dreadful chaos started. A really big “atta-boy” goes to the Kroger Food Stores.

Kroger on March 23, prompted by concern for pets and their well-being expanded their recall to include all wet pet food manufactured by Menu Foods in cans and pouches, including Pet Pride and IAMS brands in pouches and cans, and Mighty Dog pouches. Kroger took this additional step as an extra precaution until they are satisfied that Menu Foods can assure their customers that these specific products are safe for consumption by your pets. Again, this elective recall did not include dry dog food products. Kroger's decision to recall all wet pet food produced by Menu Foods went beyond the initial recall announced by Menu Foods.

Exper-Tox is still standing by its original finding on the pet foods submitted to them for testing by both manufacturers and private individuals. They contend that they found acetaminophen and cyanuric acid in the submitted samples. The contaminants were found in foods that are not among the more than 150 brands recalled since March 16, according to Exper-Tox. The highest level of acetaminophen was found in a dog food sample submitted by a manufacturer. They declined to identify the company because of “privacy laws” but said its officials were given the results "well over a month ago."

That company should have -- but did not -- notify the FDA! The FDA first learned of the acetaminophen findings after pet owners posted their lab reports on the Internet. The amount of acetaminophen which is still-unmeasured plus cyanuric acid were found in cat foods submitted by an owner, whose 6-year-old cat, Chuckles, died in January. The owner stated he was suspicious of two flavors of Pet Pride food because his other two cats refused to eat it and because Chuckles, strictly an indoor cat, had been healthy up until this time. So he sent the samples to be tested at his own expense. . These cat food samples were from Washington State. Pet Pride made by Menu Foods said court order prevents them from commenting on this announcement.

The pet food recall has certainly undermined the foundations of our modern day "branding" of consumer products. Rarely if ever has so many apparently different brands been exposed as being in essence not substantially different at all, thus destroying brand loyalty and the main ingredient public trust. Why has not one pet food company CEO publicly come forward to discuss the matter and try to rebuild consumer trust? That is the question many people are asking. Why?

Unfortunately major companies in any field are now facing what is a key shift in how consumers will treat marketing information from consumer product companies in the future. No longer is the public going to rely or trust ad campaign propaganda or mea culpa Pubic Relations schemes.

On July 13 - A National Candlelight Memorial For Pet Food Victims - will be held at 7:30 pm at the West Los Angeles Federal Building. Everyone can participate by planning your own vigil, protest or march in your own community on July 13th. For more info about vigils, protests, marches go to www.thekittyliberationfront.org or contact info@thekittyliberationfront.org.

Attention if you missed the notice: All tooth paste made in China has been banned. Unsafe additives!

July 9, 2007 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: Steelwerks is an online specialty jewelry store and more. http://www.steelwerksextreme.com/ is their website. Over the years, they have really expanded their products and the scope of their web pages. They have rings to put on your finger and Prince's Wands to slip inside your urethra. Of course, everybody is different and to each their own. Still, you can find some interesting things on their website, even if you would never try any of their products. Be warned though that some may find the content a bit more than racy.

Chris Myers and his minions create some superior products. The workmanship displays the talent on their staff. Only the best materials are used, surgical steels and tubing. On top of all that, you become friends rather quickly. They really take care of their customers. Many unusual products were designed on paper by the customer. Their clientele encompasses a wide spectrum to chopper dudes to artistic types of both genders.

Steelwerks was established in 1992. Quoting the website, "Chris Myers, founder of Steelwerks, has taken his skills as a machinist / body jeweler in a different direction using the same superior quality Surgical Stainless Steel and Titanium to produce custom designed wedding bands, engagements rings, earrings and necklaces.

"All pieces are carefully handcrafted with time and precision making each one truly unique.

"Surgical Stainless Steel and Titanium far exceed the durability of the more conventional jewelry materials like gold, silver and platinum. As medical grade materials Stainless Steel and Titanium will not discolor or irritate people with allergies or sensitive skin. Originally Surgical Stainless Steel and Titanium were used in the medical industry for dental fittings and surgical implants. Approved by the ASTM as standardized implant grade."

Everything offered or imagined is custom designed and created. There is a genuine artistry to these pieces. There are a wide assortment of rings and necklaces. If you go to their extreme side of the website, be prepared to be amazed, amused, and even surprised by all the various possibilities. Their contact information follows:

Steelwerks Jewelry Ltd.
357 Villeray Street
Montreal, Quebec
H2R 1H1
CANADA

tel: (514) 286-2606
fax: (514) 286-1428
info@steelwerks.ca

July 10, 2007 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: Marathon City Council met at the Marathon Government Center for its regular meeting. Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm.

Citizens' comments: Marathon Chamber of Commerce Executive Director David Wharton read a resolution requesting not funding the Vandenburg sinking. Daniel Samess and others spoke on not continuing the sewer project without state funding. Gioia Perkall spoke on Grassy Key fire/rescue issues. Joanie Nelson bemoans that workshop meetings are not televised. 

Councilman Pete Worthington moved to take Resolution 2007-076 off the table. This resolution addresses taking over ownership of Little Venice sewage treatment facility from the FKAA.  This item was moved to the end of the agenda for appropriate action.

City Manager's Report presented by Deputy City Manager C. J. Geotis:

                1.  Annual Ambulance Inspection – passed.

                2.  Community Services Director Susie Thomas and WEC Mike Hatfield made a report on the wastewater/stormwater project. State Representative Ron Saunders press release addressed funding of the project. Finance Director Pete Rosasco read portions of that press release. Resolution 2007-98 authorized Mayor Chris Bull to contract with Globetec Construction for Service Area # 4 and 6 Wastewater Collection Systems construction for $28,916,180. Fred Endemann spoke on wastewater/stormwater issues. He stated that residents would pay a maximum of $10,000 per EDU, which can be paid over 20 years if requested. FDEP has already sent out warnings to comply with 2010 standard or face fines. William Wilkinson said that the sewer system has to be economical. Dick Conklin said don’t do sewers until state pays their share up front. Gail Kenson spoke in favor of sewers. Sam Bacari said the city needs to get more state and federal funding before starting construction. Joanie Nelson spoke against sewers. Dick Ramsey said that you couldn’t spend money without adequate funding. Dolly Sadowski was not in favor of construction until more funding is obtained. Morgan Hill was not in favor. Karen Wilkinson was not in favor. Bill Snowberger said that it needed to get it done. Rick Servais wanted the city to slow down and get answers to the public. URS Steve Lienhart working with FDEP stated residents will get FDOH notice if you don’t have your system in compliance. If don’t proceed, residents bear the consequences. Vice Mayor Tempest: pay less now or more later. Councilman Cinque: if we proceed, we could lose many residents. Mayor Chris Bull: Have to do this. Vasil: [Marathon Florida Keys Journal’s observation is that he is running for reelection and has no courage whatsoever] Of course, he is against sewers. Worthington: there are lots of people for moving now on sewers not at this meeting; have to move now. Tempest moved to continue July 25^th. Worthington second. Passed 5 - 0.

Other Reports, Announcements, and Presentations

                1. Legal Monthly Report presented by City Attorney Jimmie Morales.

                2. Affordable Housing RFP details presented by Planning Director Fred Gross.

                3. Quay property update presented.

Consent item, City Council Meeting Minutes for 6/5/07 and 6/12/07 approved. 

Consent item, surplus property bid award (Skyline Trailer). This is the new city hall trailers slated for the Events Field between 98^th and 99^th Streets.

Ordinances for Second Public Hearing and Enactment

Ordinance 2007-14 amended and restated Chapters 103, 104, 106 and 107 of the Marathon Land Development Regulations of city code. 

Ordinance 2007-15 amended the entire Marathon Land Use District (Zoning) Map.  

Resolutions for Adoption

Resolution 2007-90 approved a modification to an existing Development Agreement between the City and Key Colony Bay Development for the redevelopment of the property located at 13351 Overseas Highway, Fat Deer Key. 

Resolution 2007-91 approved an amendment to a major conditional use for the redevelopment of an 80-unit resort known as Key Colony Bay Resort, located at 13351 Overseas Highway, Fat Deer Key. 

Resolution 2007-97 approved Williams Scotsman, Inc. lease agreement with Marathon for City Hall trailers on the Events Field. 

Consent item, Resolution 2007-99 approved Amendment No. 1 to DEP Agreement No. LE 404 to update the DEP and Marathon audit procedures and the points of contact. 

Informational items and reports (No action required)

A.      RFP presented for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services. 

Resolution 2007-076 moved off table and then continued to next meeting. Meeting adjourned.

July 11, 2007 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: Marathon Code Board met at the Sheriff's Aviation Hangar second-floor training room. Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm.

The Code Board approved June's minutes. The chair swore in the witnesses.

Hearing on affidavit of non-compliance, Case No. C2006-0376 cited owner Mark Hurnevich for not completing permitted sewer connection work at 10801 6th Avenue Gulf. Inspector Michael Storm stated that the case has been non-compliant for 39 days. Storm reported that the owner is in compliance now. The city recommended that the case be forgiven and dismissed, as the owner did work hard to comply. The board forgave the violations and non-compliance and dismissed the case.

Hearing for further action on lien, Case No. C2006-0069 cited owner John Cassidy for property and home in disrepair, yard needing maintenance, and an abandoned vehicle at 215 Guava Avenue. To date, the case has accrued a total of $30,050. The board ordered proceeding with foreclosure on the lien and having Public Works to bring the property into compliance, because the property presents a risk to public safety, health, and environment.

Assistant City Attorney Joe Jimenez reported to the board that case updates would be discontinued to avoid ex-parte communications. The Code Board adjourned at 7 PM.

July 12, 2007 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: Marathon Parks & Recreation Committee met at the Marathon Public Library conference room. Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm.

The committee approved the May minutes. Board of Education member John Dick attended along with Deputy City Manager C. J. Geotis, community activist Tina Belotti, and Councilman Pete Worthington.

The Jessie Hobbs Park improvements are moving along okay. New equipment is being procured for about $24,000. Equipment from the old Marathon High School Gradick Gym might be used as well.

Parks and Recreation Supervisor Jimmy Schmidt reported that electric has now been run to the batting cage.

Skate Park improvements generated the most discussion. The cabinets for the sound system are done. The VCR/DVD player will be in the shed. The shed needs cleaned and organized. The television in a cabinet will be under the ramp.

The issue of kids having to wear all the safety gear besides a helmet came up again. The Key West park only requires a helmet, while the parks at Marathon, Islamorada, and Key Largo require all the safety gear. That safety gear includes elbow and kneepads. The committee passed a motion to recommend adopting the Key West skate safety-gear rule. Another issue is expanding park hours, which requires an increase in budget dollars in a tight budget cycle.

The summer programs are a hit. Soccer for 5 - 8 year olds is Tuesday and Thursdays. Camp Adventure is yet again another annual success. The meeting closed out with the report of hand dryers going into the bathrooms to prevent stopped up toilets from paper hand towels. The meeting adjourned at 7:13 PM.

July 13, 2007 - Georgia - B. J. Darnell, VMT, CKO from Animal Notes: There Should Be Laws. These are the continuing stories about the fallout from the pet food recalls.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a new advisory committee designed to counsel the agency on how to strengthen the communication of risks and benefits of FDA-regulated products to the public.

The Risk Communication Advisory Committee will:
* Help FDA better understand the communication needs and priorities of the general public;
* Advise FDA on the development of strategic plans to communicate product risks and benefits; and
* Make recommendations to FDA on what current research suggests about crafting risk and benefit messages, as well as how to most effectively communicate specific product information to vulnerable audiences. 

This means they hope to eliminate informing the public after the fact on many of the growing lists of recalls. Is it any wonder we have problems when the companies notify FDA on Fridays and then it doesn’t surface until Monday or Tuesday? It may or may not appear in major newspapers, network news or as a crawl on CNN. Gone in days never to surface again unless there are further complications. Out of sight out of mind as the old saying goes. 

Just how stupid do they think American’s are? We can read, write, and get on line. We can vote and really make a difference in the way this country is run. The government has no teeth to do anything because they cannot stop what is happening to our food supply. Why aren’t they working on laws to protect us and our pets from life threatening additives and diseases that are being found in our foods on an almost daily basis? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Science Board held a public meeting on, June 14, 2007. Members of the board addressed food protection, and the agency's interim safety/risk assessment of melamine. I’ll have more on this committee’s findings when the minutes are published. 

The main problem is that congress is not paying attention to what is happening here in our own country to our own citizens. They are so tied up in what is going on with the war that they are not listening to the American people. Why are we not getting answers to the dangers we face every day here in our own backyards? Why can’t congress pass laws that will force the food growers, manufacturers, and producers to place healthy safe food on the tables and in the pet food bowls in the U.S.? 

Our anguish is that there are no remedies by law to punish the people who are responsible all the loss and heartache. There is nothing that can be done to these people. They can keep on doing business as usual without recourse. The government has no control over big business according to them. There are no laws under which they can be prosecuted or fined. Well it is about time that the criminals who are allowing our foods to become contaminated pay the piper. 

Once again, I ask that you call or write your local as well as national congressmen and women. We need to help the few in Washington who are on our side get something done. We are tired of listening to the same old promise of relief because there is an election coming up.

July 13, 2007 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: Andy & Dave's Garage is that throwback business of old where the customers come first and workmanship is above and beyond. Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm.

Last week, while delivering The Conch Color throughout the Middle and Upper Keys, I noticed the car floating. That, from my experience, usually indicates a low tire. I pulled over to a service station. Sure enough, the right rear tire was almost flat. These are brand new tires, top of the line too. I imagined some giggling kids playing a trick on me and letting the air out. I plopped in the quarters and aired up the low tire. I checked on it for the rest of the delivery trip. The tire stayed aired up. I figured I had the thing whipped.

This week, while doing deliveries, I had the same floating feeling. I pulled over and the tire was low again. I had myself a slow leaker. I turned around and found 20th Street in western Marathon. I turned down the street and arrived at Andy & Dave's Garage. The service technician filled the tire for me and suggested I try to get in a soon as possible. Andy & Dave's Garage is by appointment only, because they have jobs stacked up for weeks. When I checked in with the office lady, Lisa, she checked with the tech. They took me right in. I went to lunch and came back to find the tire fixed up good as new, even though it was new to begin with.

Andy & Dave's Garage is the best place around. You pay for what you get, outstanding, guaranteed service, and timely and complete repairs and maintenance. They have always taken care of my vehicles from a finicky Ford F350 dually truck to my Ford Focus. I have never been displeased, quite the contrary.

They service everything from automotive to marine, gas, and diesel. They do tune-ups, complete car service, front end alignments, brakes, tires, batteries, and air conditioning. Andy & Dave's even rehabbed my portable air tank, that I called an air pig. This fine mom-and-pop business is located at 220 20th Street Ocean. They were established in 1974. Their telephone number is 305-743-6327.

July 14, 2007 - Islamorada/Marathon - The Middle Keys Community Land Trust discussed workforce landlord incentives years ago, before city councils even thought there was a workforce housing crisis. Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm.

Recently, Marathon City Council, the Planning Commission, and the Workforce Housing Task Force met to consider the idea in more detail. Marathon landlords who are struggling to keep their rents affordable for workforce personnel have a hard time with increased taxes and insurance payments. To mitigate the workforce housing crisis will take great effort, expense, and many different ideas.

This idea is to pay workforce landlords to help them keep their rents affordable. The affordable housing fund would clearly pay for this. To keep workforce rentals affordable would be one result-producing expense from that fund. The landlord would have to abide by certain rules to ensure Marathon workforce qualify and the rental stays affordable for a number of years.

Tamara Lundstrom, one of the Land Trust directors, has been following this discussion for a long time as well. She is the Executive Assistant to Monroe County District 4 Commissioner Mayor Mario Di Gennaro. She is the Land Trust's secretary handling elections, documents, and meeting minutes among her other many board secretarial duties. Lundstrom was recently on the board of directors of the Overseas Village Homeowners Association. She is a hard working, steady, unpaid volunteer advocating for saving workforce families in the Florida Keys. The Land Trust and Monroe County are both lucky to have such a talented, strong woman.

July 15, 2007 - Florida Keys - Cats are never happy when wet. The following photos with captions captures that sentiment quite well. These types of funny photos circulate the Internet quite often and is usually more SPAM than cute and funny. Still, once in a great while, one such email hits the right spot and is good enough to share with everyone. We don't know who created this list of photos and smart captions, but we will provide proper attribution if a proper claim is made to us.

 July 15, 2007 - Middle Keys - L. E. Shaffer: The Middle Keys Community Land Trust has hired a fantastic new employee that will enhance the Land Trust's ability to save one workforce family at a time. Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm.

The Middle Keys Community Land Trust hired Venus Brown recently. She is a Marathon professional with qualifications that fill two pages of her resume. Venus Brown is good with people and details. These are two qualities that fit in with the Land Trust's commitment to excellence.

Venus Brown will work with Rick Casey to save workforce families. She has the flexibility and agility to tackle any task. She was brought onboard to develop outreach and education programs. She will improve public relations and track project details. Brown will also be able to cover the entire spectrum of tasks required to make the Land Trust even more successful.

Stop by the Land Trust office at unit number 14 at the Seacrest Apartments on 91st Street Ocean to introduce yourself to the newest professional on the Middle Keys Community Land Trust.

July 16, 2007 - Monroe County- L. E. Shaffer: Monroe County Manager Tom Willi eliminated Marine Resources Department, the one department that has done the most for our near shore waters. This department and its department head George Garrett has positively affected every city and unincorporated area in Monroe County. After the hurricanes, George Garrett and his department ensured the wrecks were removed. Any time a marine project needed help like the Boot Key Harbor mooring fields, his department was there. The Marine Resources Department is action and project completed personified. They get things done. And Monroe County Tom Willi fires the whole department and wipes it out of county government. Something doesn't make sense here, and that something is Tom Willi's feeble effort to save money by doing away with the invaluable Marine Resources Department and its personnel.

Marathon City Councilman Pete Worthington stated in a recent email, "This has got to be the worst decision I have heard Tom Willi make! That department is crucial to Monroe County in maintaining channel markers, derelict vessels, grants, hurricane clean up of traps and debris, pump out grants, boat ramp maintenance, and the latest issue working waterfront. With that department gone who will address these issues? Public Works? Marine resources works for every municipality, and every registered boat owner in Monroe County. How can that entire department be eliminated. This needs to be addressed by everyone affected."

Bruce Popham, Marathon Boatyard owner, also wrote in a long email that he is upset over all the work and time invested in improving waterfront and near shore waters areas has been lost. Bruce is the chair of the Florida Keys National Sanctuary Advisory Council.

Islamorada's Jim Trice expressed dismay in his email. He has invested seven years working closely with Monroe County's Marine Resources Department. Jim listed pages of benefits that will be lost to everyone in the boating and marine communities.

Bruce Popham expressed it best, "It is time for the voters who boat in this county to stand up for what is right!"

July 17, 2007 - Boot Key Harbor - Jeri Sears: U.S. Coast Guard Inland Construction Tender Hudson installed a replacement marker in Boot Key Harbor. Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm.

The Cutter Hudson arrived in Boot Key Harbor yesterday afternoon.  She is awesome.

The Coast Guard deploys three classes of construction tenders. They construct, repair, and maintain fixed aids to navigation in inland waters. "Their equipment includes pile drives, cranes, and jetting equipment." The Hudson is home ported in Miami Beach. This information was gleaned from various Coast Guard web pages.

July 17, 2007 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: Marathon City Council met at the Sheriff's Aviation Hanger second-floor training room to consider the proposed millage rate. Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm.

The millage rate for last year was 1.7896 per $1,000 of assessed Marathon property. Finance Director Peter Rosasco stated that the proposed millage rate for this year is 1.5035. The roll-back rate is 1.5826 that is the rate that would equate to the same taxes collected from last year. The gross taxable value for Marathon is $3.147 billion that is up slightly from last year. New construction accounts for most of that increase. Without homestead exemptions the amount would be $3.8 billion.

The state mandated that Marathon reduce its taxes 5% this year. The proposed millage rate of 1.5035 does that. Usually, the final rate is less than the proposed rate due to budget cuts garnered at meetings scheduled into the near future. The budget schedule is on the city's website at http://www.marathonflorida.org/.

July 23, 2007 - Smathers Beach - Russ Draper: Results of Survey of [Turtle] Nest #2 [Submitted by Jeri Sears]
Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm. At 7 p.m. Saturday, July 21, 2007, Mike and Sue Matus, Chris Stone and friend Anthony, Susan Leser, and I surveyed Nest #2 at Smathers Beach between Gates #13 and #14, with the following results:

128 hatchlings emerged.

2 were alive in the nest and were named Brooke and Hope. They are doing well and are currently at the Turtle Museum at Turtle Kraals. 1 was pipped dead (he broke the shell but wasn't fully developed). He's in the freezer at the Turtle Museum and will be shipped to the State of Florida for study. There were 6 infertile eggs and 4 unhatched fertile eggs, for a total of 141 eggs in this nest. Unfortunately, no one was present when this nest hatched, and the hatchlings were disoriented by the street lights. A "Turtle Hatchling Disorientation Incident Report Form" has been generated and will be sent to the State of Florida and a copy to City of Key West Code Compliance.

Since South Roosevelt Boulevard (U. S. A1A) is a State road, and the State is responsible for the lights, the above report will hopefully trigger some response from the State.

We had 6 confirmed road kill and 2 confirmed deaths of dehydration. I've received reports of people finding hatchlings in the sea oats and releasing them into the ocean -- unknown numbers. If you have any information on this, please advise.

Our next nest is due to hatch this Wednesday, July 25th. Keep in mind, the 25th will only be Day 50....our first nest hatched on Day 55, and our second nest hatched on Day 52 We need to carefully monitor Nest #3 (which was actually Crawl #4) at Smathers Beach Gate #7 starting the 25th. We have installed a "runway" so the hatchlings have no choice but to head for the water. I also plan to install a temporary light barrier to hopefully protect the hatchlings from disorientation from the street lights. Keep in mind: If you are there during hatchlings.. No bright, white lights from flashlights or cameras!!!! Infrared or green lights are okay. As a matter of fact, a flashlight with red lens would be recommended to help locate disoriented hatchlings.

I'll send an update of all of our nests soon. So far, we've had 12 crawls with 9 nests!!! A record for Smathers Beach. So far, no action on Higgs... but don't give up!

July 27, 2007: The turtle "runway" we installed on Nest #3 at Smathers Gate 7 really worked!! The nest hatched Monday night, a day early, unobserved. At first light Tuesday morning, all tracks led to the ocean. You could see tracks around the back side of the cage -- within the "runway" -- the hatchlings had no choice but to follow the runway around to the ocean.

See photo at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm.

We surveyed this nest yesterday, July 26th, at 7 p.m. It was determined that 110 hatchlings emerged. There was one unhatched, infertile egg in the nest, for a total of 111 eggs.

Nest #4 at Smathers Gate #11 is due to hatch around August 1st (Day 50). We have installed a runway on that nest; however, it's much further up the beach, and we're going to have to get some extensions.

Russ Draper

July 24, 2007 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: The Marathon City Council met at the Government Center. Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm.

Citizens' comments: John Bartus spoke elegantly and succinctly for wastewater/stormwater projects.

Proclamations and Awards
Mayor Chris Bull presented the ADA Anniversary Proclamation to a representative group.

City Manager's Report
1. Coco Plum Zoning Workshop Request – Council members will email Mike Puto with a preferred date.
2. Monitoring and Debris Removal Update
3. Ordered a John Deer tractor to do right-of-way mowing and cleaning for $24,995
4. Quay property update – demolished soon.
5. 215 Guava Avenue cleanup ordered by Code Board and a lien was slapped on the property.
6. Camp Adventure was success for the fourth year.
7. Summer soccer league is a success for the second year, 66 kids enrolled.
8. Sombrero Beach Road FDOT project starts in the middle of August.

Other Reports, Announcements and Presentations
Parks and Recreation Committee member Gioia Perkall made a skate-park-safety-equipment policy presentation. She requested approval of the new policy. New policy is about the same as the Key West policy except for hours, location, and other minor items. Primary change is helmets only, pads optional. Risk Manager Susan Funk reported on the insurance that strongly suggested wearing helmets and pads. City Attorney Jimmy Morales confirmed legislature passed sovereign immunity. Kids spoke in favor of new policy.

Other New Business Items and Information
Consent item, 1. Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes
2. City Council meeting location discussion in preparations for Fire Station #14 construction completed.
3. Permit fee waiver for Carlisle’s affordable-housing Sea Grape Project. This will save $80,000. Building Official Bob Welch explained the details. Community Services Director Mike Puto doesn’t want certain fees waivered. Cost recovery needed to pay for certain required items. The council moved this to the next meeting.

This item was moved up earlier in the agenda to accommodate participants in the issue. Resolution 2007-104 approved an amended and restated Marathon Yacht Club Lease. City Attorney Jimmy Morales advised on certain minor points. Yacht Club member Clyde Burnett spoke to their concerns. Over $54,000 back taxes are owed. Vice Mayor Tempest wanted a default paragraph, an attachment B on the upland lease, and a redefinition of the bay bottom portion. John Whalton wanted this item finished. The council passed this resolution with legal changes.

Ordinances for First Public Hearing
Ordinance 2007-19, amended the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) from Residential Low (RL) to Mixed Use Commercial (MUC) for property nearest 101st Street. Planning Commission recommended US1 portion to be Mixed Use Commercial, center Residential Low, oceanside Conservation. Donald Craig, agent for owner, made a presentation. Neighbor Bill Shaw objected.

Ordinance 2007-29 amended the city’s Comprehensive Plan Policy 4-1.2.10 “Regulate Development in wetlands through KEYWEP” by changing the score of certain wetlands. DCA requested this change.

Ordinance 2007-30 amended the city’s Comprehensive Plan Policy 4-1.3.1 “Protect, Conserve, and Enhance Coastal Resources, Wetlands, Water Resources, Living Marine Resources, Wildlife Habitats and Other Natural Resources and the Environmental Health of Florida Bay, the Atlantic Ocean and All Surface and Ground Waters”. This differentiates between isolated stands of mangroves from shoreline mangroves. The Grassy Key isolated stands do not apply. The DCA requested this change.

Ordinance 2007-16 amended the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) from Residential Medium (RM) to Mixed Use Commercial (MUC) for property at 152 23rd St. Ocean. Planning Commission recommended denial. Donald Craig, agent for owner Brian Schmitt, made his presentation. Council denied it 4-1.
 
Ordinance 2007-17 amended the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) from Residential Medium (RM) to Mixed Use Commercial (MUC) for properties at 525 & 777 23rd St. Gulf.

Ordinance 2007-18 amended the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) from Residential Medium (RM) to Mixed Use Commercial (MUC) for property at 250 43rd St. Gulf.

Ordinance 2007-20 amended the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) from Residential Medium (RM) to Mixed Use Commercial (MUC) for property at 106th St. Staff recommended denial. PC recommended approval. Passed 4-1.

Ordinance 2007-21 amended the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) from Mixed Used Commercial (MUC) to Industrial (I) for Property in the region of 107th St. and Shark Ave. John Whalton favored passage.

Ordinance 2007-22 amended the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) from Public (P) to Industrial (I) for property owned by FKAA on Overseas Highway.

Ordinance 2007-23 amended the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) from Conservation (C) to Mixed Use Commercial (MUC) for property on Banana Blvd. Ocean in Grassy Key. Planning Commission recommended the western portion MUC, while the eastern portion remains C. Donald Craig, owner’s agent, agreed with staff and Planning Commission recommendations.

Ordinance 2007-24 amended the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) from Residential Low (RL) to Mixed Use Commercial (MUC) for property behind the Holiday Inn.

Ordinance 2007-25 amended the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) from Residential Medium (RM) to Residential High (RH) for Bonefish Towers Condominium. This is a 14-story building with 75 real estate numbers 00363610-000100 through 00363610-007500.

Ordinance 2007-26 amended the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) from Residential Low (RL) to Residential Medium (RM) for property at the end of Coco Plum Drive Ocean, last wooded lot. Joel Reed agent for owner spoke in favor.

Ordinance 2007-27 amended the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) from Public (P) to Industrial (I) for FKEC property on the Overseas Highway.

Ordinance 2007-28 amended the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) from Residential Low (RL) to Residential Medium (RM) for property on Avenue L, Coco Plum. WITHDRAWN BY STAFF.

Resolutions for Adoption
Resolution 2007-76 authorized the city to enter into an asset purchase agreement by and between Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority and Marathon. Community Services Director Susie Thomas stated that FKAA needs an interlocal agreement first and then consider the asset purchase agreement. Resolution 2007-76 tabled.

Consent item, Resolution 2007-101 approved the continuing services agreement between the city and Beacon Construction for demolition of unsafe Structures, the repair of dilapidated and unsafe structures, and general repairs for city owned or leased properties.

Consent item, Resolution 2007-102 approved the continuing services agreement between the city and Keys Contracting Services for demolition of unsafe Structures, the repair of dilapidated and unsafe structures, and general repairs For city owned or leased properties,

Resolution 2007-103 approved the interlocal agreement between Marathon and Key Colony Beach to provide fire rescue and EMS services to Key Colony Beach. The council discussed the percentages of just values and taxable values, 3 years versus 1 year, and $314,000 was not was expected. Opt out language allows city to get out of the agreement next year if needed. Worthington voted no.

Consent item, Resolution 2007-105 approved an agreement between the city of Marathon and the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority for installation and maintenance of fire hydrants.

Resolution 2007-106 authorized a memorandum of understanding, utility easement, and lease agreement by and between Monroe County and Marathon for the installation of the city’s force main sewer line along the Florida Keys Marathon Airport (FKMAP). Sewer fire station but county wants the city to pay for the airport and its existing residents.

The meeting ended a little after 10:00 PM.

July 25, 2007 - Florida Keys - L. E. Shaffer: Florida Keys Marathon Airport Task Force met at the Sheriff's Aviation Hangar second-floor training room. Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm.

Some of the notable attending the meeting were Marathon Chris Bull, former Monroe County Commissioner David Rice, the Boyd Group Consultant Mike Mooney, county representatives Peter Horton and Reggie Parros, and Marathon City Manager Mike Puto.

Peter Horton welcomed the task force and made introductions. He provided the screening partnership program update. There are no problems, and screeners are slated to take over at Key West in August.

The clearway/stopway extensions need to be certified for use to accommodate heavier aircraft. The first application was denied. There is 5,800 feet of runway, not all of which is certified for use. The application will be submitted again with the additional information on Delta service suspension and upcoming NOAA survey of obstructions and those past obstructions that aren't there.

Mike Mooney explained why Delta suspended service for the summer. Because of the runway situation and the heat, Delta can't make money using the current aircraft. Delta has promised to come back in the fall. Mooney also spoke about other airlines interested in starting air services.

Kelly Zarvas and Ren Crete from Vintage Props & Jets Air Service made a presentation for starting local air service from Marathon to Fort Lauderdale and back.

The next meeting was scheduled for September 26 at 11:00AM at the Sheriff's Aviation Hangar second-floor training room. The meeting adjourned at 2:54 PM.

July 25, 2007 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: The Marathon City Council met to discuss wastewater/stormwater issues at the Sheriff's Aviation Hangar second-floor training room. Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm.

Community Services Director made introductions of all the key players and their professional backgrounds. Then URS Corporation representative Steve Lienhart made a slide presentation explaining Total Maximum Daily Load [TMDL] and Florida Keys Reasonable Assurance Document [FKRAD]. He further reported that Keys waters are definitely impaired. Homeowners have until June 30, 2010 to raise their sewage and stormwater treatment to 2010 standards. If that doesn't happen, homeowners will be fined and suffer other criminal penalties. That is why it is so important for the city to complete their treatment systems.

If Marathon signs up with FKRAD, the expense will be less. The city must join the program before the end of July. Layton, Key West, and Key Largo have already opted into the program. Key Colony Beach and Islamorada have voted to do so as well.

State House Representative Ron Saunders spoke to the capacity audience of over 60. He explained that different government agencies have given the Keys over $48 million so far with promises of more. Marathon got $8 million of that. Of course, that is not enough to sewer the Keys. He estimated that $500 million is needed. The state have promised 40% of that. Saunders is working toward that objective along with bonding for the state portion of the total amount. He also stressed that the Federal government promised $100 million as well. He then reiterated that the city can't refuse to obey the law and meet the 2010 sewage treatment standards.

WEC representatives Mike Hatfield and Ed Castle reported on the city's progress thus far. Tony Hairston, Camille Park, Cindy Lawson, and Peter Rosasco explained various parts of the finances as well as assessment methods. Two methods won out above all others. One is the split assessment methodology that has one part system infrastructure and the other part flow. The method was a combination of historical usage and property taxable value.

Public input was provided in part by Gail Kenson, Phil Snoberger, Bob Myer, Dolly Sadowski, Fred Endemann, Marjie Mearns, John Bartus, and several others. The speakers seemed to accept, finally, that Marathon must sewer the city. The assessment methodologies were discussed in detail. People were all over the place in what they desired.

After a long back and forth discussion from the council, another meeting was scheduled for August 8 at 6:00 PM at a location to be announced. Cinque made a reasonable argument for exploring all the options and studying all the financial details. Vasil still adamantly refuses even to consider obeying state and federal laws.

Resolution 2007-98 authorized a contract with Globetec Construction for starting systems for Service Area # 4 and 6 for $28,916,180. The council voted to continue this item to the next meeting.

Resolution 2007-107 pertained to the development and implementation of the Florida Keys Reasonable Assurance Documentation. The council voted for City Manager Mike Puto to sign the FKRAD stakeholder's agreement supporting the continuation of staff participation.

Resolution 2007-108 authorized the negotiation of a $11,500,000 loan from the Florida Rural Utility Financing Commission for wastewater and stormwater system improvements.

The workshop adjourned with no further progress and another delay.

July 27, 2007 - Marathon - Fred Endemann: An open email to Marathon Councilmen Vasil and Cinque is presented below.

Gentlemen:

As we approach a possible Council vote on this resolution at the August 8 Special Call meeting, I would like to share some thoughts with you.

Both of you have voted against proceeding with Areas 4 & 6 in the past, arguing that we must have guaranteed 40% minimum grant funding, preferably in hand, before we proceed with any aspect of the project beyond planning. I think you will admit that those votes have been cast with the certainty that you will likely be outvoted 3-2 on this issue. We have all experienced a very detailed reality check at the July 25 Special Call meeting, on the need to complete our sewers project by June 30, 2010, on the low likelihood of getting additional grant funding in the short term, and on the implications if we don't proceed.

It is easy to vote against proceeding and get cheered by those who believe we should/could opt out of the overall project of sewering the Keys, or believe we could delay until the Feds and State cough up all the cost. Easy when you know you will be out-voted. A cheap way to gain or maintain popularity with some.

However, you cannot legally KNOW that you will be outvoted. What if another Council member changes his/her mind and joins you, abstains or cannot make the meeting? Can you accept the responsibility for further delaying and possibly killing the Marathon sewers project? Can you accept responsibility for the serious repercussions for Marathon citizens, now that you must understand them?

Don't make the mistake of believing that the majority of citizens are so gullible. I will not judge your vote against the resolution less harshly just because you fail, and I doubt others will either. I will see it as your failure to adapt to new information and a lack of courage to change your mind. Neither are characteristics we want to see in our elected representatives. I urge you to vote your support for Resolution 2007-98 on August 8. It should be unanimous.

Sincerely,
Fred Endemann

What's Happening! The first week of August will be very exciting. My oldest son, his lady, and 4, count them, 4 grandchildren from 7 to 12 years old. I have saved up a bunch of dollar coins to give to the grandchildren in the effort to spoil them more rotten than ever before. If I had known how easy and fun grandchildren were, I would have had them first. Well, my ex-wife would have had the originals. I am not into squeezing nine pounds of baby out of my body. Anyway, grandchildren are the best thing since sliced bread. I also got them snorkel gear, summer sleeping bags, sun block, box of hamburgers, lots of hot dogs, large bags of potato chips, and gallons of iced tea. I have other things to get them as well. Future articles will be about grandchildren and grandchildren.

Miscellany: And speaking of grandchildren, did I say there would be lots of stories and photos of grandchildren? I might have them write some stories from their point of view. We are planning to hit Sombrero Beach, Coco Plum Beach, Anne's Beach, Bahia Honda State Park, Veterans' Beach, Key West, Dolphin Research Facility, Theatre by the Sea, Sombrero Reef, Coffins Patch, Rachael Key, Molasses Keys, and so on.

Finally: Did you know that Pennsylvania's state bird is the Ruffed Grouse? The flower is the Mountain Laurel. The tree is the Hemlock. The capital is Harrisburg. Statehood was granted December 12, 1787. Yellow, yellow let it mellow; brown, brown flush it down. Good words to save water. Shower with friends. That can be fun. Use bathwater to keep plants green. Dance with some local natives to entice rain to fall from the skies. Rain, where art thou? Lake Okeechobee is getting lower. We need the rain up that way and how. Dance longer, harder, rain...

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, & the like will end up in the litter box! >^..^<

Ebony: Wow, Abby was captured in the camera wearing a loud human bean tie. I always knew that she was just barely a cat. Now, I been hunting and catching hot lizards outside. I meowed loudly that I caught one, and out comes Abby to steal it from me. I do all the work, and she do all the stealing. Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm. >^..^<
Abby: Eb, human bean son put that tie on me and took photos. Those photos are on the Press Photo section. I think I make the best of an uncatlike situation. There be pictures of you hanging onto the side of the bed with human bean son. We both like him, but I think you trying to steal heat from any hot body you find. Then, you always meow for me to come and play with the lizards you catch. So, I come out to play, and then you accuse me of stealing your catch. I think that you are full of catnip. >^..^<
Ebony: I am a professional catnapper. I have to teach all human beans how to catnap properly. If I get close to their hot bodies to heat my old body up some, that can't be a bad thing. Ab, you just smell like dog breath. >^..^<
Abby: Me have sweet tuna breath that all cats and human beans like. They always go oohhh and aahhh. Also, I can out catnap you any old time. You just a catnip addict. By the way, human bean bought a new cat toy we ignored, until catnip was smushed all over it. Then you and I come running to get all catnipped. So, you need to stop acting all high and mighty and like a deranged chow wow doggie. Besides, Ebony, we got lots of important cat stuff to report. We been months not ever getting to the really important cat news and issues. >^..^<
Ebony: Ab, I think that it really important to discuss your biting and jumping on me. I got so mad that I scratched your nose. Since you so mean, I not even feel sorry or meow sorry either. And, you just as addicted to catnip as me, maybe, more so. You drool like a dog in heat and what been knocked on the head. On top of that, you can't teach human beans anything except feed me, let me out, let me in, and stop that. >^..^<
Abby: I am pretty sure you can teach human beans all sorts of things. They get me food. They even give me extra special yummy nummies when I meow for them. You enjoy the efforts of my human bean training by eating my yummy nummies. I patiently let you have my nummies because you are so old and decrepit. >^..^<
Ebony: Abby, you are old, decrepit, and smell funny too. You only nose how to insult me and all of catkind. Why even them dogs that come to the window to tease you and make you yeowl are insulted by your insulting behavior and insulting meows to me. Why I used to be the queen cat until you got mean and took over! >^..^<
Abby: Ebony, you can meow whine all you want, but you not really want the job of queen cat no more. You got hunting lizards oozzing out of your ears, you do. You sleep and hunt, hunt and sleep. You drive me and the human beans crazy with your cat stuff. >^..^<
Ebony: What in the world are you meowing about? I think you should go to the vet to have your little itty bitty brain sucked out of your ears. While you are there, they should shave you bald so you can look as silly as you act. Use are like a little, shivery chow wow dog type of yucky things us cats not like at all. So there! >^..^<
Abby: You're full fleas and lick your stomach bald. >^..^<
Ebony: Well, I have you to thank for that! >^..^<
Abby: I have to catpologize to all you out there, for we ran of space to talk about the really important stuff like grooming and tall tails and such whatnot. You all come back, and, maybe, next month we do better. >^..^<

1. Subscribe to our calendar, go to webcals://calendars.office.microsoft.com/pubcalstorage/tn7rzq5z82741/L._E._Shaffer_Calendar.ics.

2. www.steelwerksextreme.com has unique jewelry of all types. Their service is outstanding.

3. http://www.topica.com is the service that hosts our mailing lists.

4. http://www.charbroil.com is the place where I registered my charcoal broiler.

5. http://www.papajohns.com is where I get my pizzas online. Yum.

Poetry Corner
"Bitter & Blue"
June 27, 2007

Traveling the long road
Suffering the freezing cold
Managing a repeating tune
Remembering when we were young

And you were there too
Warm and sweet
Bitter and blue
Winter all day long

Cold nights way
On out of town
Traveling on through
Remembering all night

When we were young
Alright living that
Morning cold frosty
Air whirling wisps

Frosty blue but
If we don’t forget
Life will get you
Before we are through?

Singing along alone
In my head just
Barely ahead on
This long history

Getting farther along
But not for long
Cause these memories
Are when we were young

© 2007 L. E. Shaffer

Hockey Puck
NHL: The Ducks won the Stanley Cup, who would have thunk?

PGA: Tiger Woods finished the 12th in the Open Championship.

NASCAR NEXTEL: At Loudon NASCAR NEXTEL Cup race Jeff Gordon finished 2^nd and is still 1^st in points. Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished 4^th and is still 12^th in points. Bill Elliot finished 36^th and is way down in the points. Bill doesn’t run every race though. At Daytona, Jeff Gordon finished 5^th and remains 1^st in NEXTEL Cup points. Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished 36^th and is 12^th in points. Bill Elliot finished 25^th and is 42^nd in points. At Chicago Jeff Gordon finished 9^th and stays 1^st in points. Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished 19^th struggling with a car that had lost its power steering. He is still 12^th in points. Bill Elliot finished 28^th and is 38^th in points. At the Brickyard NASCAR NEXTEL Cup driver Jeff Gordon finished 3^rd, and stayed 1^st in points. Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished 34^th due to a blown engine, and remained in the chase at 12^th in points. Bill Elliot finished 23^rd and is 39^th in points.

NBA: The Miami Heat are putting together pieces to make another run at the championship.

NFL: Indy Colts are still the chumps, oops, champs, but football will be gearing up again soon.

MLB: Florida Marlins are mired in fourth place just near the 500 mark. O, well.

WTA: Venus Williams advanced to the next round in Wimbledon and will now face Maria Sharapova. Serena Williams was ahead of Daniela Hantuchova when she got a severe cramp. She stayed in the game, and was then saved by rain. The sisters are competing in the doubles as well. Venus Williams beat Maria Sharapova to advance to the Wimbledon quarterfinals, while sister Serena lost her match to Justine Henin. Venus Williams beat Svetlana Kuznetsova to reach the Wimbledon semifinals. Venus Williams reached the Wimbeldon finals. Venus Williams won her fourth Wimbledon title. Venus Williams is one win away from the US first final since 2000.

 

Book Three 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 and will most likely take a while as the complexity of the Ao series increases. 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. We currently are at an impasse.

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
Shaffer Internet Publishing Company
Merchant Occupational License #48210-0076151
PO Box 501833
Marathon FL 33050-1833
(305) 743-9648 voice/fax
(305) 289-4180
(305) 289-4167

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: July 28, 2007
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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