February 25, 2009 - Florida - Charmaine Ladd: Your Anchoring Rights in Jeopardy: Florida's Proposed Pilot Program.

This is for those who still think Florida cruisers' anchoring rights are not in jeopardy; for those who think the Florida FWC's proposed statute changes recently submitted to the Florida Legislature are mainly aimed at cracking down on derelict vessels; and for those who think full-time cruisers are not being targeted... just maybe Florida's liveaboards.

Think again. 

This is also for those who may be none of the above and are just plain confused about the entire matter.

First, a little background:

Florida Statute 327.02 (17) defines a "liveaboard vessel" as: (a) Any vessel used solely as a residence; or (b) Any vessel represented as a place of business... or a legal residence. 

Cruising vessels are therefore classified as non-live-aboard vessels. As such, we are protected from local anchoring ordinances:

Passed into law on July 1, 2006:

Section 6. § 327.60

Local regulations; limitations.—

(2) ...makes it clear that local ordinances cannot:

(f) Regulate the anchoring of non-live-aboard vessels outside of the marked boundaries of mooring fields....

By omission, it is currently on the books that "liveaboard" vessels are indeed subject to local anchoring ordinances when outside of mooring fields.

So what's the problem with the final proposed changes submitted to the Legislature?

The problem is the last two pages.  Seemingly added at the final hour prior to submission to the Legislature, it introduces an evil entity.  One that serves solely to take away the anchoring rights of non-liveaboard vessels outside of a mooring field without changing § 327.60, the very statute that protects non-live-aboard vessels' anchoring rights.

Had s. 327.60 been revised, all who were following each FWC draft and its revisions would have been aware of this threat. Instead, this surprising final draft revision was placed far away from where anyone would expect to find changes regarding anchoring rights. It is this writer's opinion that the placement of "The Pilot Program" was at the bitter end for obvious reasons.

THE PILOT PROGRAM

Proposed to the Florida Legislature is the making of a Commission (which includes both the FWC and EPA).  Five geographically diverse "Pilot Program" sites for the purposes of comparing anchoring to mooring with respect to impacts on the environment will be selected by the proposed Commission.

The chosen sites would be exempt from Florida law Section 327.60 (which prohibits local ordinances against anchoring for non-live-aboard vessels).

It reads:

Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 327.60, a county or municipality selected for participation in the pilot program may regulate by ordinance the anchoring outside of a mooring field by  vessels other than live-aboard vessels as defined in s. 327.02.

The exemption would allow Pilot Program sites the right to pass and enforce ordinances to severely limit or even ban anchoring of non-live-aboard vessels (that's we cruisers, folks!). 

Early January, Sarasota announced a 72-hr. anchoring limit in their waters.  Under Florida law, they cannot make or enforce such an ordinance. It has since been contested and dropped.  But it proves that Sarasota clearly jumped the gun and let the proverbial cat out of the bag.

How Sarasota knows it is to be one of the five sites to be chosen is beyond me.  Proposed legislation at this point has distinct parameters:

Any ordinance enacted pursuant to this pilot program shall take effect and become enforceable only after approval by the commission.

The proposed legislation, if passed, would become law October 1, 2009. The Commission would select the five sites no later than July 1, 2011 and turn in their findings by January 1, 2014.  The Pilot Program would then expire on July 1, 2014 (unless reenacted by the Legislature). It is much more likely that prior to its expiration, more Pilot Program sites would be in the works.

Sarasota, Marco Island, Miami Beach... ring a bell?

The thin disguise of a need for the EPA and FWC to form a commission to create and oversee a "Pilot Program" for environmental study with regard to mooring fields is now clearly seen for what is really is: A pet project by those who not only want to own Florida's coastline, but want to own all the waters along its coastline as well.  Maritime Law and the rights of a boat in navigation to anchor stops them. Thus the "Pilot Program" to get around Maritime Law and Florida s. 327.60.

Do not be misled.  Some say, "Well, if Florida doesn't want my boating dollars I'll go somewhere else."  If this ridiculous ruse is given the green light, our entire Nation's coastline waters are in jeopardy of becoming strictly pay-to-play.

Pilot Programs have a way of becoming National Policy. They are the easiest legislative changes to get passed because they are experimental, done within a time frame, and usually have some environmental or human impact study as its basis.  Even if the basis is bogus.

Let your voice against this travesty be heard by contacting any of the major organizations below. They, among many others, continue to fight and protect our rights to anchor freely under Maritime Law:  

The National Marine Manufacturing Association www.nmma.org; The Seven Seas Cruising Assoc. www.ssca.org; and Boat U.S. www.boatus.org.

Journal Ed. - Over a certain length of time I have been amazed that Marc Phelps and his staff have beat me to the very editorial that I was going to do. More amazing is the closeness of topic between us and the Free Press. I called Marc to ask him if he was physic - oops, I mean psychic. Whose the editor anyway? I was so taken with this latest editorial I asked to republish it in the Journal. That way I would not have to do the very same kind of opinion piece. Yes, I'm lazy. Here is the editorial on workforce housing issues that are critical to Marathon's future.

Protect the Marathon workforce.

This simple — but vital — precept seems to have been crushed under the weight of any program labeled a development incentive in recent months. More and more, we are seeing local government officials make proposals that would gut affordable housing prospects in the present and future based on the illogical premise that these sacrifices will grow local business and spur positive development.

Marathon Mayor Mike Cinque lofted three such rule changes for the approval of the Planning Commission at its last meeting, and the board’s non-binding opinion came back mixed.

First, staff withdrew a rule seeking to eliminate the affordable housing density bonus in areas zoned residential medium due to several errors. It will be back, and the net result of the city incorporating the change would be a depletion of the number of feasible locations to build affordable housing. When the number of units able to be placed on a parcel is reduced, the cost of each remaining unit rises until the price goes beyond even the Keys’ stretched definition of what is considered affordable housing.

Habitat for Humanity, for one, would be greatly impacted. The group strives to provide affordable housing in neighborhood settings, but under this proposal every project in the residential medium zone would help half as many families for the same cost as incurred now.

Next up was a reduction in the amount of money that must be contributed to the city’s affordable housing fund when a building right is transferred. Currently, the contribution is $60,000 for every transferable building right used unless that person decides to rehabilitate a proportionate amount of affordable units already on the ground. Cinque would have that reduced to $20,000.

Since the current ordinance’s creation a little more than two years ago, only two people have paid into the system — not as many as some officials would like to see. But blaming the lack of transfers — and therefore development — on the $60,000 cost is disingenuous. Construction projects did begin to stall shortly after the original ordinance was passed, but the same could be said of development nationwide. Even in Marathon, it’s hard to believe what amounts to a $60,000 drop in the bucket in terms of multimillion-dollar development would be the stumbling block obstructing progress at any of the many vacant work sites.

It would clearly mean three times as many transfers would be needed to make the same impact on our affordable housing shortage. Three times as many projects would have to be completed, likely requiring that many more members of the workforce to service those projects — many who would probably need affordable housing. Even if the ordinance works as intended, the affordable housing problem worsens.

Two of the five Planning Commission member apparently found fault with this proposed ordinance and
voted against it.

Finally, there was the matter of codifying the consideration given to the Holiday Inn redevelopment project not so long ago. The short story on that project was that no affordable housing needed to be built, or inkind donation made, since the one-for-one redevelopment wasn’t seen as having an impact on the workforce.

We voiced concern when this was approved by the council that this consideration would set a precedent, and it seems the concern was valid. Codifying this process locks us into the status quo — at best — of a lack of affordable housing. Rather than treating this as a special circumstance and a
temporary incentive to bring needed hotel rooms back online, this ordinance locks us in for the long run.

Presumably, some of the workers at this and similar hotels will have a need for housing they can afford, and it’s not as if it existed before the redevelopment was set in motion. The requirement to provide for affordable housing, even on redevelopment, was put in place to amend for past oversights and provide for a need as we move forward. Let’s not turn to a rule that cuts out half of that process.

The planning board passed the later two of these three proposed ordinances on to the Marathon council, but its recommendations are nonbinding. Hopefully council members will fight temptation to make unnecessary concessions in the name of economic recovery, and will consider the clear present and future need for workforce housing.

Our large workforce is a vital part of the community and economy. In the shortterm and long-term, affordable housing must be an integral part of responsible growth.

http://pdf.keysnews.com/weeklys/marathon.pdf

February 27, 2009 - Nashville - Jaci Rae: Amazing Journey & General Updates. Ed. - Jaci Rae is a singer, writer, perpetual student, and a major success in everything that she attempts. She's famous!

It’s me!

Sorry it’s been so long, but as usual, life is full of surprises, bends in the road and unusual fun!

All the updates and please tell me yours!

School has taken over much of my life and my school is the most amazing school with the most amazing teachers and staff. I am very blessed. I will miss it greatly.

Academically I am still a 4.0, actually a 5.0 because I have A+’s, but my school doesn’t measure to 5.0. Amazing! I am taking Calculus right now, which I hate. Up until now I have loved math, but I hate Calculus. I even loved statistics, it was a blast. I hate Calc!

I graduate with my first degree in Psychology in June and then I have been recruited by several colleges including Duke, Columbia and several others I cannot even think about right now, sleep deprivation hahaha!

I am hoping for Yale, but it will depend on who gives me the best deal. Right now, I have a full scholarship at UCSC, but I have been offered scholarships at the others as well, except I don’t know about Yale yet. I know that ¾’s scholarship is there, but I want a full one because I already have a full one.

Yale is my first choice as I said, but of the 5,000 people that have applied, they are only taking 24 -48 transfer students this year total. That’s double digits, not triple into the hundreds etc. Just 24-48. Do I have a shot? I don’t know.

I am up for Valedictorian I was told, but that will depend on if I can get an A in Calc hahaha! And of course I am up against very stiff competition. It was accidentally told to me that I was a candidate. I am stunned. I knew I was in the top of the class, because they asked me to sing the National Anthem, and you can’t do that unless you are one of the top students.

I was one of the two people nominated from my school of 15,000 students to compete for the All USA Academic Team. I finished my application, essay and all the requirements as did Justin and we both one for the state of California. They will be having a ceremony to honor the California team, give us our plaques, medals and money in Sacrament in three weeks. Our schools send us and pay for the entire trip.

Then it’s nationals. Those people who win are flown to Philadelphia and then to Phoenix by their schools in April. That would be amazing. But There are so many more intelligent people, I am just so honored that I won this. It’s the first time my school has won the honor.

I was picked for the Competition team for my school for SIFE, but I had to bow out due to over commitment, but I am working hard on the speech for them. I had to bow out of the trip to Los Angeles in two weeks and the trip to Philadelphia in May because I already have several trips the school is sending me on, which means, missed time in Calculus and I cannot do that!

I was also picked as one of the finalist for a very HUGE scholarship for my school. They only send three representatives for each school. I was picked as one. But now I compete against quite a large number of people from around the world for this scholarship.

I was also nominated for the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship. Each school is only allowed to nominate two people and I was one of the two they nominated. That’s also a huge competition from around the world. That’s an even bigger scholarship.

As far as personally, my book went number one 5 Meals for $5 last summer, that was really cool. The London Times called me up to comment about pop culture’s role in our relationships today and put a big blurb on it. E! also called me again and used me.

I will be in Prevention Magazine on the stands April 7th around the world, which is really cool as I have been reading that since I was a child. It was a favorite of my Grandmother’s and my mom’s. It’s just a small blurb about how to make smoothies.

After graduation, a move is eminent, but will depend on which college I am privileged enough to attend.

I hope that you are doing well! Please let me know how you are. There is so much more to say, but I just can’t remember. It’s been a long week of Calculus, at least 5 – 8 hours a day of homework just for that class and I have four other classes! We had 306 problems we had to do this week alone. 111 last week. And problems can take hours to solve and pages. It’s horrible!

Bruce is amazing as always and so talented and smart. I just love him to pieces. We plan on being married in December, 2009. Very exciting. Many of you have expressed a desire to be there and I will let you know more details this summer. Additionally, many people have expressed a wish to go to the awards ceremony, who found out from my mom, I will give that information when I know for the All USA teams. Thanks. That’s really an honor and a blessing to me.

Love to everyone! Me.

March 2, 2009 - Monroe County - provided by David Purdo from Barbara Neal: Workforce Housing Crisis Getting Worse. Linked data no longer available. This is a Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation. You may open or save. The presentation will appear in Microsoft PowerPoint. When the presentation appears in PowerPoint, click the slideshow button located lower right hand corner of the window. 

Ed. - This data reflects the situation in the Middle Keys as well, and less so in the Upper Keys. Still, the recent editorials and this data serve notice to those in power that workforce housing is getting worse despite falling housing values. The affordability gap is growing not shrinking. This gap is the money that some agency like the Middle Keys Community Land Trust must overcome to make housing affordable for the various income levels from very low to middle income. We are seeing now the workforce housing crisis starting in the upper middle income as well. Peripherally, this also answers the constant question of what is affordable? Some think slums and dense housing, but Monroe County is different because of the median income as set by HUD is so high. Professionals, managers, cops, government workers, teachers, firefighters, EMS, hospital workers, and service workers make up the workforce housing communities. They fit in any neighborhood and many times enhances other communities surrounding them. We cannot stop working this crisis. The value of saving one workforce family at a time is double what it was two years ago.

March 3, 2009 - Florida Keys - Laura Fowler: New Healthy Aging Programs offered by FL Keys AHEC. Below is a press release and then short blurbs on the new Healthy Aging Programs offered by AHEC throughout the Keys. Thank you for including these important classes in your publications. Regards, Laura Fowler
 

Free Healthy Aging Programs
Offered Throughout the Keys

The Florida Keys Area Health Education Center (AHEC) is excited to offer three free or low-cost classes for adults 55 or older. The classes, with locations throughout the Keys, are: Enhance Fitness, Living Healthy & Matter of Balance.

Enhance Fitness is designed to meet the physical needs of seniors. It is a socially stimulating class that focuses on stretching, strength training, low-impact aerobics and balance, and “is a whole lot of fun,” according to participants.

Enhance Fitness classes are one hour, three days a week for 16 weeks and are currently offered Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays at 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at Pirate Wellness Center on Cudjoe Key and at 10 a.m. at Keys Senior Plaza, Key West. A new class starts on Monday, March 23rd at 2 p.m. at Keys Senior Plaza.

Living Healthy is a workshop series focusing on self-management of ongoing health problems such as diabetes, arthritis, heart disease or high blood pressure. Living Healthy focuses on individual goal setting and step-by-step ways to improve the health and life of yourself or the person you care for. “The workshops put me back in charge of my life, and I feel great. I only wish I had done this sooner,” said a recent participant.

Living Healthy workshops are two and a half hours, one day a week for six weeks and are currently being held Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. at Pirate Wellness Center. New workshops start at Keys Senior Plaza on Tuesday, March 24th at 1 p.m. and Fisherman’s Hospital on Wednesday, April 1st at 9:30 a.m. Pre-registration for Living Healthy & Enhance Fitness classes at Keys Senior Plaza will be on March 9th and 16th at noon.

Matter of Balance is designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults. Classes teach participants to change their environment to reduce fall risk factors and set realistic goals for increasing activity, strength and balance. Classes are two hours, one day a week for eight weeks and are currently offered at Plantation Senior Center on Tuesdays at 2 p.m. “It changed my life,” said one enthusiastic participant.

These programs are offered at little or no-cost and new classes and locations are being added weekly. Please contact AHEC if you are interested in a class but one is currently not offered in your area. For more information and/or to pre-register, call AHEC at 305-743-7111 x206 or email lfowler@fkahec.org. 

Living Healthy – Improve your Health & Life
Free Six-Week Workshop
Tuesdays, March 3rd thru April 7th at 9:30 a.m.
Located at Pirate Wellness Center, Cudjoe Key
To register call (305) 744-3348 or Florida Keys AHEC at 305-743-7111 x206
------------------
Living Healthy – Improve your Health & Life
Free Six-Week Workshop
Tuesdays, March 24th thru April 28th at 1 p.m.
Pre-Registration on March 9th and 16th from 12 – 1 p.m.
Located at Keys Senior Plaza, Kennedy Dr., Key West
To register or more information, call Florida Keys AHEC at 305-743-7111 x206
--------------------
Enhance Fitness – Instructor Training
Friday, March 13th and 20th from 12 – 4 p.m.
Located at Pirate Wellness Center, Cudjoe Key
To register or more information, call (305) 744-3348 or AHEC at 305-743-7111 x206
------------------------
Enhance Fitness – Free Senior Exercise Program
Mon, Wed & Fri from 2 – 3 p.m.
New class begins Monday, March 23rd
Located at Keys Senior Plaza, Kennedy Dr., Key West
Pre-registration on March 9th and 16th from 12 – 1 p.m.
For information, call Florida Keys AHEC at 305-743-7111 x206

March 3, 2009 - USA - provided by David Purdo, author unknown: Stimulus Bill Explanation -- I don't know whether to laugh or cry.

Shortly after class, an economics student approaches his economics
professor and says, "I don't understand this stimulus bill.
Can you explain it to me?"

The professor replied, "I don't have any time to explain it at my
office, but if you come over to my house on Saturday and help
me with my weekend project, I'll be glad to explain it to you."
The student agreed.

At the agreed-upon time, the student showed up at the
professor's house. The professor stated that the weekend
project involved his backyard pool.

They both went out back to the pool, and the professor
handed the student a bucket. Demonstrating with his own
bucket, the professor said, "First, go over to the deep end,
and fill your bucket with as much water as you can."
The student did as he was instructed.

The professor then continued, "Follow me over to the shallow
end, and then dump all the water from your bucket into it."
The student was naturally confused, but did as he was told.

The professor then explained they were going to do this many
more times, and began walking back to the deep end of the pool.

The confused student asked, "Excuse me, but why are we doing this?

The professor matter-of-factly stated that he was trying to make
the shallow end much deeper.

The student didn't think the economics professor was serious,
but figured that he would find out the real story soon enough.

However, after the 6th trip between the shallow end and the
deep end, the student began to become worried that his
economics professor had gone mad.

The student finally replied, "All we're doing is wasting valuable
time and effort on unproductive pursuits. Even worse, when
this process is all over, everything will be at the same level it
was before, so all you'll really have accomplished is the destruction
of what could have been truly productive action!"

The professor put down his bucket and replied with a smile,
"Congratulations. You now understand the stimulus bill."

March 8, 2009 - Marathon - Jeri Sear: Unofficial notes from the Near Shores Water Committee meeting. The following information is from my meeting notes taken on March 5, 2009- I make no claim to the correctness of the information.

1. Curtis Tookes, City Grant Writer, spoke in regards to the 45' boarding dock at the Quay Boat Ramp. He is going to apply for grants to cover part or all of the cost of the dock and installation. Rich Jones stated the county might have funds available to assist. The NSWC voted to endorse the dock at the Quay.

2. Stan Mayfield Grant - George Garrett was not able to attend the meeting because of other City commitments. Curtis Tookes suggested we define the need for the grant and the impact on the city for the grant money. The Stan Mayfield topic was moved to the April meeting.

3. Working Waterfront Discussion - the county is working on a revised comp. plan to address some of the issues of the protection of the WWFs. The NSWC discussed the potential to retain WWFs through increased density allocations if the WWFs would protect their current WWF. The WWF will be discussed at the next meeting.

4. Mooring Field and Leased Anchorage Perimeter Buoy Project Update - Rich Jones reported that the project has gone out to bid and he expects the contract to be awarded with 2 weeks. He said the buoys have to be specially made. Hopefully, the project will be completed in 3 months.

5. Seafood Festival - Bennett Orr reported that the Seafood Festival was to be held on March 14 and 15 at the Marathon Community Park. The Festival has been dedicated to the Armed Forces. On Sunday the 15Th at 1:00 PM, while the national anthem is being sung the military is going to have a color guard and NAS at Boca Chica will perform a jet fly over. Please come out and support the troops at the Festival.

6. Pete Worthington attended the meeting and was very helpful in making suggestions as to the importance of protecting our remaining WWFs. He also had heard of potential properties that might be available for the Stan Mayfield Grant. Pete requested the NSWC consider the role of the city when Cuba is opened to travel.

Our next meeting will be at the Marathon Fire Station on April 2, 2009 at 6:00PM.

Sincerely,

Jeri Sears
Chairperson of the NSWC

March 10, 2009 – Marathon – L. E. Shaffer: Marathon City Council held its regular meeting at Marathon Government Center EOC Room. Photos are located at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/.

The council approved the agenda. The consent agenda is marked by an asterisk [*]. All such items are approved as routine items requiring no public input.

City Council Items:
*Council approved the minutes.

Councilman Pete Worthington led the boat ramp and land purchase discussion. Councilwoman Ginger Snead detailed specific items that stand in the way of a boat ramp near the Holiday Inn. Councilman Dick Ramsay spoke about other areas like Coco Plum Beach. He spoke about a possible boat ramp city owns in Grassy Key. Vice Mayor Don Vasil was worried about the costs. Council did not take up this item officially. Staff directed to bring back more information.

City Manager’s Items:
City Manager Clyde Burnett addressed several routine and minor items.

WEC and Community Services Department provided a wastewater update. The report is available online. Most of Marathon’s wastewater/stormwater systems should be completed during 2010. Councilman Ramsay wanted BAT standards used where possible as it is much less expensive, but that consideration is determined by the size of wastewater treatment plant and load per service area. BAT is best available technology.

Public Resources Management Group, Inc. presented the Wastewater and Stormwater Financial Feasibility Study. City Finance Director presented the report details.

The Lobbyist Report contained several workforce housing proposals to reduce tax and insurance burdens including proper property valuation.

The city presented Bridge Tender Service Awards to Wayne Herr, Peter Kouris, Lee Stevens, and Howard Hubbard. The bridge is locked upright, now bridge tenders are out of jobs. How is that for years of faithful service to the city?

City Attorney Jimmy Morales presented his monthly report. He also spoke about conflict waiver regarding Peebles Corporation.

Citizens' comments:
Chuck Neuderman spoke about sewer system component placements in the wrong spot. Richie Moretti spoke about advertising on garbage cans. Mark Smith spoke about operate and maintenance of sewer system. John Whalton spoke about sewer problems and costs. Richard Elders praised the contractor doing difficult sewer work.

Ordinances for Second Public Hearing and Enactment:
Ordinance 2008-31 repealed Ordinance 2007-034 and amended Comprehensive Plan Table 6-1. That table is the Capital Improvement Program, which reflects proposed capital projects over the next five years.

Ordinances for First Public Hearing:
Ordinance 2009-04 amended the Zoning Map from Residential Medium (RM) to Mixed Use (MU) for property located at 152 23rd St Ocean, nearest Mile Marker 48.5.

Ordinance 2009-05 amended the Zoning Map from Residential Low (RL), Residential Medium (RM), And Residential-Mobile Home (R-MH) to Residential High for property located at 7003, 7005, & 6973 Overseas Highway and two vacant parcels to the east, nearest Mile Marker 51. Three neighbors spoke against the change to the zoning map.

Ordinance 2009-06 amended the Zoning Map from Residential Low (RL) to Residential Medium-1 (RM-1) for property located Coco Plum Drive & Ave L, nearest Mile Marker 54.

Ordinance 2009-07 amended Land Development Regulation Section 107.09 (B) (1) providing for revised evaluation criteria for the Residential Building Permit Allocation System (RBPAS).

Ordinance 2009-08 amended Land Development Regulation Section 107.09 (B) (2) providing for revised evaluation criteria for the Commercial Building Permit Allocation System (CBPAS).

Ordinance 2009-09 amended Land Development Regulation Section 107.07 G of the providing for temporary procedures for BPAS Allocation Awards.

Ordinance 2009-10 amended Land Development Regulation Section 107.08 allowing for the recapture of a BPAS Allocation or Building Permit in the event the allocation or permit expires or is voided.

Ordinance 2009-11 amended Land Development Regulation Section 103.12 A. allowing RV Park in Residential-Mobile Home Zoning District and Table 103.15.1.

Ordinance 2009-12 amended Land Development Regulation Section 107.18 C concerning the Affordable Housing Program Fund reducing the cash in lieu payment percentage from thirty percent to ten percent. Reduction of workforce housing mitigation will not stimulate the local economy. In comparison to a multimillion dollar project, workforce housing mitigation is very small. If the city does this, then the reductions should be targeted and specific and not broadly applied. Each item reducing workforce housing mitigation should be subject to a sunset provision reviewable annually by the Planning Commission and the City Council. Considering workforce mitigation reductions should really be on a case by case basis. The same opinion applies to the ordinance below. Councilwoman Ginger Snead proposed an amendment by adding a sunset clause and annual review by council. Councilman Pete Worthington and Vice Mayor Don Vasil voted no.

Ordinance 2009-13 amended Land Development Regulation Section 104.25 adjusting the affordable housing requirements. Amendment codifies Resolution 2008-125 concerning the employee housing living space requirements identified in Land Development Regulation Section 104-25, “Hotels or Motels.” The only and first use of this concept was the Holiday Inn Express project. Councilman Pete Worthington and Vice Mayor Don Vasil voted no.

Resolutions for Adoption:
Resolution 2009-28 approved a Marathon letter to package plant owners. Florida Department of Environmental Protection requested an order to extend wastewater compliance deadlines. They agreed to a form of agreement to be entered into with the package plant owners.

*Resolution 2009-30 requested ownership transfer of properties located Grassy Key from the Monroe County Land Authority. These are lots that were not transferred to the city after incorporation, apparently an oversight.

*Resolution 2009-31 authorized the City Grants Coordinator to apply for and administer a Florida Boating Improvement Program Grant.

Withdrawn by staff - *Resolution 2009-32 updated the Five Year Capital Improvement Program line item for Events Field amenities if awarded an FY 2009 Recreational Trails Program Grant for the project.

Resolution 2009-33 approved Work Authorization # 1 with the Craig Company for landscape architecture services for a beautification project for $7,975 plus reimbursable. Claude Halioua objected to the cost. City Manager Clyde Burnett stated the cost is the least amount possible.

Resolution 2009-34 revised Resolution 2005-108 which established the Land Acquisition Advisory Committee. Committee rules and procedures were modified

*Resolution 2009-35 authorized OAC Action Construction contract for Service Area # 5 Vacuum Construction of Station for $1,109,235.

*Resolution 2009-36 authorized AIRVAC contract for Service Area # 5 Vacuum Station Equipment purchase/construction for $320,000.

Resolution 2009-37 approved United States Coast Guard Lease Agreement and Memoranda for a sub-regional wastewater treatment plant site.

Resolution 2009-38 authorized Change Order # 4 for $247,730.12 to Globetec Construction contract dated August 8, 2007 for construction of Service Area 4 & 6 Wastewater, Stormwater, and Water Re-Use for $28,916,180.

Citizens’ Comments:
None.

Council Comments:
Vice Mayor Vasil congratulated the KAIR organization for a successful event.

Councilman Ramsay spoke about airport issues.

Councilman Worthington spoke about the Seafood Festival.

Councilwoman Snead commented on the KAIR walk success, National Pig Days, and the upcoming Seafood Festival.

Mayor Cinque spoke about upcoming Seafood Festival this weekend, March 14 & 15.

March 11, 2009 - Canada - Ruth Thompson: At SAGA BOOKS we service our authors on a contract basis and this contract is available for viewing upon request. We require a brief outline of the MS plus at least three chapters of the book, preferably the first three but at least the first one and then any other two.

The author should provide cover art or in the circumstance of that not being possible Saga Books does have an art department, which will work with the author to produce a cover.

We are open to reviewing; general fiction, faction, romance, Celtic, historical, fantasy. as well as non fiction. Any work sent without due care to editing will be rejected. Please have your work edited and grammar checked before submitting. We feel not only a responsibility to the public but to the dignity of our other writers. This is the reason we have stayed so selective.

The criteria we request are listed below.

• MS must be well edited and grammatically sound.
• Please present in this format:
• MS Word document Times New Roman font .10
• No section breaks or Headers or Footers (except for essential footnotes and page numbers)
• The story must have interesting theme, plot etc. If historical the references to the period must be factual in language as well as context.
• Sexual content must be in context and not graphic for the sake of graphic.
• No pornography.
• Non-racist.
• No hate against individual groups resident today.

To view our contract click here

For further information or submissions please email: Ruth M Thompson at Saga Books  

March 12, 2009 - Monroe County - Kay Thacker: Letter to Editor 6 Cent Gas Tax Hike.
Dear Editor,

The article in the Key West Citizen “*Gas tax concept is back, Commission to consider 6-cent hike to fuel cost.” * County Commissioner DiGennaro expressed in the same article it will hurt many small businesses and then said... “I don’t buy that the tourist are going to pay half.” “Most of them fill up in Homestead and drive down.” I have to agree with Commissioner DiGennaro comments. In the article Commissioner Neugent has also been critical of former Commissioners Spehar and McCoy for agreeing to split the gas revenue with Key West ($1.2M), Marathon ($561,000), Layton ($45,000), and Key Colony Beach ($105,000). Yet Commissioner Neugent would not support taking the gas tax revenue away from the cities if they have already put this money into their budget.
What city, municipality, or local government agency has not already put these funds into their budget or even spent that money?

Commissioners of Monroe County, Monroe County taxpayers are facing the same difficulties of foreclosures on their home or business, lost jobs, trying to make ends meet, and feeding their families. Monroe County has already cut 73 jobs directly affecting local families; cut services to the sick and elderly and cut library hours. Yet Key West has not cut jobs and Marathon has not cut services to the sick and elderly?

Please consider your constituents here in Monroe County. It is hard enough to make a living and paying your bills in these difficult times. We all have to adjust to less money. Taxpayers of Monroe County, let me jog your memory of why we have less money in the County budget and again are faced with a 6 cent fuel tax hike. “Willi reveals $20 million shortfall; Hickory House costs mounting; Six figure public salaries on the rise; New county job added in lean times; County to pay $3 million in airport contractor debt, Sinking of the Vandenberg". These are some of the reasons we are lacking funding for bridge and road repair.

“Property taxes could be the next target, stated in this same article.” Here are some thoughts on this particular item. There are many properties within the County that are undervalued and paying little or no property tax. A home off of Summerland Key that is listed for $18.5 million dollars has paid no more than $7,000.00 in property taxes since 1995. County Appraiser, we need you to look at these properties */NOW/*! Real Properties that are undervalued should be examined immediately to help pay for road and bridge repairs.

“In these difficult economic times the budget should be reviewed and appropriate actions taken *monthly.* “*It is call fiscal responsibility”.* We taxpayers will and are paying the consequences for the votes taken by former Commissioners and a former County Administrator.

Please do not support this increase for a 6 cent increase, do not put another tax on the very backs of the people who voted for you and support you. Look for other avenues for revenue. (Like $40,000.00 for Higgs Beach taken out of our *reserve funds*) (an ACLU legal action just waiting to happen)

Kay Thacker
Key Largo
451-3929

March 13, 2009 – Marathon – L. E. Shaffer: Yes, it is Friday the 13^th once again. The Marathon Flat Earth Society [MFES] is actively involved in all areas of our fair city. Petty politics is the cause of all the doom and gloom that apparently will destroy us all. Talk about apocalypse. The most important consideration is what is best for all Marathon residents. Getting re-elected comes a close second.

I used to be anti-incumbent, until I got to know the players as real people. Over the last 13 years, I have seen how the municipal government process really works. It is all about “process” as Marilyn Tempest used to say. The public, rightly so, complains about how long many things take to get to some actual result. Yet we should commend and applaud councilpersons and all the volunteers who care so much about all Marathon residents to chew on an issue way beyond what most of us find appealing. Seriously, it takes at least 6 years to even get a few things accomplished. Note the change of my opinion of incumbency above.

Graft and corruption makes for a marvelous story. Yet that is hard to find. You cannot go off half cocked making accusations without absolute proof. Are there biases at work in politics? You betcha! If you are little right of center, then most likely that is how you will conduct yourself as a councilperson or committee member.

The more important story is the petty politics encouraged by the MFES. It is all about serving all of Marathon’s residents not ego or self-aggrandizement. While we have a diverse, dedicated set of councilpersons, there are the few Flat Earthers fully embracing petty politics. While most board and committee members are hard working and committed to all Marathon residents, the Flat Earthers find it fun and useful to heap abuse and torture on all those doing the good work of the city.

I often find it amusing to state that I will not run for elective office, because getting abused and tortured on purpose seems a bit counterproductive. I’ve been asked lately what happened to my appearance. They are referring to my long hair, mustache, and beard. I just tell them that I decided not to run for elective office anymore. You see, councilmembers are always wrong no matter which way they vote. The ability to get good things done takes a long time and requires patience and consensus building. That is why on a councilperson’s to-do list is first to serve all Marathon residents and second to get re-elected. If elected or re-elected, it takes time to get up to speed even if you know everything. It takes a year at least. No, I am positive that I do not need such abuse and torture, thank you very much.

Former U. S. House Speaker Thomas “Tip” O’Neill stated a most important truth that stands for the success of our democracy, “All politics is local.” That is how municipal governments form the foundation of our democracy. Flat Earthers dedicated to petty politics do not get it. They hate the messiness of democracy. It is that exact reason that democracy works. It serves everyone at the pleasure of Marathon’s voters and all of the residents.

I am a stubborn sort of cuss. I cannot stand by while Flat Earthers, the few that there are, use petty politics to degrade, abuse, and torture good people. Those good people, public officials, and volunteers ethically serve Marathon residents despite petty politics. I and many others serve with honor, integrity, and honesty. We love Marathon, and that is the way it should be.

March 20, 2009 - Florida - Valli Finney: Maybe all state employees who are getting their wages cut should read this. http://flarecovery.com/ Attention all state employees:

You should read this article and go to the tracking that the Governor rolled out. Anyone who may lose their job or get a pay cut should especially read it. I have heard that most state agencies are planning on a 20 percent in budgets if the state Senate refuses to vote for the stimulus package to receive it from the federal government. The state House is thinking along the lines of 15 percent.

You might want to send it to others who you know. The media hasn't brought out the huge cuts yet as far as I've seen.

Good luck. I'm thinking of all of you.

http://www.nbc-2.com/articles/readarticle.asp?articleid=27262&z=3

March 21, 2009 - Marathon - Max Sears: Spring Showers over Boot Key. The Florida Keys has 2 seasons - "Tourist and Hurricane".  As the tourist season draws to an end the skies beginning to change.  The full force of nature is shown in the storm clouds that move through Marathon.  When we are lucky we are able to see the rainbows that accompany these spring storms.  Max Sears

March 25, 2009 - Marathon - Chris Bull: MHS Varsity Girls Tennis Results March 24th vs. Westminster. MHS Girls Varsity Tennis Tuesday, March 24th at Marathon Community Park, the Lady Dolphins showed continue to roll over opponents with a resounding 7-0 win versus district opponent Westminster. Every player improved upon their previous result versus Westminster and Sophomore Alana Vasil won her first match as a Dolphin starter.

Girls Coach Chris Bull – “The Lady Dolphins continue to improve upon early season results. We have a tough test Friday against Carrollton, our only loss, but our players are committed to improvement and love showing their progress off on match day.”

Next match is against district foes Carrollton Friday at the Marathon Community Park at 4:00 pm. The community is invited and encouraged to watch the matches.

Girls (8-1)
Won 7-0

Marisa Brossard     def    Jessica Forbes   8-0
Angela Farello         def    Stephanie Golik 8-0
Kelsey Wonderlin    def   Ashley Mendez  8-3
Michelle Bellevue   def    Ana Cardenes    8-1
Alana Vassil             def    Carolina Lopez  8-1

Marisa Brossard     def    Jessica Forbes   8-1
Angela Farella                  Carolina Lopez

Michelle Bellevue   def    Stephanie Golik 8-0
Marina Kay Wiatt            Ashley Mendez

MHS Girls Varsity Tennis Tuesday, March 27th at Marathon Community Park

The Lady Dolphins lost to district rivals Carrollton in a closely contested match in Marathon. In two losses, Marathon was up 6-5 only to end up losing 8-6. It was a great match between two good teams with great showing of sportsmanship in competition.

Girls Coach Chris Bull – “Carrollton just beat state champions Ransom last week, so we knew we were in for a battle. The matches were so close that everyone there was on the edge of their seats the last hour. We look forward to a great battle with them at the district tournament in a few weeks!”
Next match is Monday against Saint Brendan at Tropical Park at 3:00 pm.

Girls (8-2)
Lost 3-4
Marisa Brossard                    def      Rebecca Pole             8-6
Angela Farello                        lost to Lauren Fields             5-8
Kelsey Wonderlin                  def       Victoria Loredo         8-4
Michelle Bellevue                  lost to  Alexandra Fields       0-8
Michaelle Rose Bellevue      lost to  Alejandra Rovirosa   6-8

Marisa Brossard                    def        Jessica Forbes          9-8   (7-3)
Angela Farella                                     Carolina Lopez

Michaelle Rose Bellevue       lost to  Emily Wilde               6-8
Marina Kay Wiatt                              Alejandra Rovirosa

March 27, 2009 - Marathon - Nature Conservancy commends Cong Ileana Ros-Lehtinen for leadership in protecting Florida Bay and the Everglades.

The Nature Conservancy applauds passage of Historic Public Lands Act

WASHINGTON, DC — March 25, 2009— The Nature Conservancy applauds the passage of Omnibus Public Lands Act.  This historic and bipartisan act supports many crucial efforts at the local, state and national levels to protect and conserve natural places and wildlife.

“From our great coasts of Florida, to the mountains of Idaho, to the scenic rivers of Utah, the Public Lands Act offers great hope for the future of our natural areas,” said Robert Bendick, Director of US Government Relations for The Nature Conservancy.  “I am especially heartened by the bipartisan support the Act received.  There is great commitment from both sides of the aisle to protect our lands and waters while continuing to provide for recreational and economic opportunity on our public lands.”

Key elements of the legislation included:

The Forest Landscape Restoration Program (FLRP) will provide new authority to manage treatment of fire at greater scales across lands managed by the Forest Service and Department of Interior.  This important shift in scale and approach will reduce costs by focusing funding on large-scale, collaborative, science-based projects where wildfire risks are high.

The Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP) along with Title XII (Subtitle e) of the Omnibus Bill will protect coastal areas with high conservation, recreation, historic and aesthetic value while also providing important support for coastal/marine mapping and climate change adaptation.

The Owyhee Lands Management Act, supported by Senator Crapo, will designate more than half a million acres of Idaho’s Owyhee-Bruneau Canyonlands as wilderness along with 315 miles of  National Wild and Scenic Rivers and other environmental protection.

The Washington County Utah Bill will designate more than 260,000 acres of land in Utah as Wilderness and 166 miles of Virgin River and its tributaries and National Wild and Scenic Rivers.  This legislation, championed by Senator Bennett, also creates two national conservation Areas in Washington County, creating protections for the desert tortoise and recreational opportunities on 140,000 acres.

Under the leadership of Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, the Everglades National Park Expansion provision will assure the protection of a key resource in the Florida Bay.

Internet Stuff
Here are the latest DVD films from http://www.NetFlix.com:

1. The Express is a heartwarming film about the great football player Ernie Davis. He just wanted to be the best football player that he could be. After being selected by the Cleveland Browns as they number one draft choice, Ernie learned the life is more than football. There is inspiration, example, and living life to its fullest. Ernie died of leukemia at 23 years of age. Having not played one pro game, the Cleveland Browns retired his number 45 jersey.

2. Merlin and the War of the Dragons is a low budget film. I did not expect much, but I like dragon stories. The story is timeless, and the characters do quite well. The dragons and other such special effects were not top notch, but they made do with what they had. The title says it all. Overall, this was a good entertaining movie.

3. What Just Happened starring Robert Deniro and peripherally Bruce Willis and Sean Penn follows the frenetic pace of a top produce. He juggles his ex-wife, daughter, clients, money specialist, studio exec, eccentric stars, and the whole Hollywood scene. The film attempts to encapsulate what it is like for real in the movie business. That attempt is questionable, but depends on the audience and their quirks.

4. Beverly Hills Chihuahua started out a bit dated. The story told repeatedly. The lost one saved by the good of others. Then after the first ten minutes or so, the film got lively. You felt at once sad for the situation, laughing at the characters and their antics, and emotionally satisfied with the results. This feel-good movie is worth a family viewing often on a rainy afternoon.

5. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is a chilling tale of two sides of a fence. Bruno is the small son of the camp commandant. He tries to understand what is happening to his friend on the other side. His friend is the same age. Neither one really knows what is going on, except for Bruno’s father. And that father pays a terrible price and now is aware of the horror before him. The movie is hard to take, but we all must share this story.

6. The Alphabet Killer is a chilling, gut-wrenching story based on true events. Detective Paige becomes obsessed and haunted by a serial killer and his victims. In her relentless, uncompromising pursuit of the killer, she drives herself over the edge. Her hallucinations gain control. After a number of attempts, she finally figures it out. Now, she headed toward oblivion from a mental institution. Her only purpose and thought is to get out before her nemesis kills another girl.

7. The Children of Huang Shi is set in the turmoil and panorama of World War II China. British war correspondent George Hogg rushes to the front for his story. He witnesses the cruelty and horror of war up close. He narrowly escapes. Hogg ends up at an orphanage of boys without adults except for an old cook. Slowly, the boys and the foreigner draw closer enriching each other’s lives. Then they must escape over the months, a three-month journey that saved their lives. Today, the survivors pay homage to the foreigner that entered their lives and changed them forever.

8. Swing Vote is nothing new, a simple story told adequately. The acting is average. The presidential race is down to one vote. Bud and his astute daughter become the center of world attention, as Bud has 10 days to pick a president. What is meant as a comedy does not fare well in that department. The redeeming factor is the last part of the movie, when all the silliness is finally over. That was the best part of the movie, that one serious moment. If you can stand the beginning and the middle, this movie might just be good entertainment.

9. Nobel Son starts out a bit slow gathering speed to a fine conclusion. Professor Eli wins the Nobel Prize for work he used from his best friend’s ideas. Barkley the erstwhile son and graduate student was kidnapped by his half-brother. There is a ransom demand for the exact amount of the prize. Both sons of Professor Eli band together to obtain the 2 million dollars. Only Barkley is setup by his half brother by being framed for the crime. Then momma finally realizes what is going on. She and Barkley turn the tables on the half brother and his father. From the slow start to the rushing end, the movie pleases with its twists and turns.

10. Babylon A.D. is set in the near future of global warming and perpetual war. A new religion thrives. Toorop is hired to deliver a very special package to New York. The girl is supposed to be an engineered miracle for this new religion. Something happens on the way though. The reality of the situation overcomes the petty desires of simple people. Vin Diesel does a good job, but more importantly, he carried this film with his force of character. Never underestimate the big guy’s ability to act. This good movie will have you asking soul-searching questions about our society.

11. Quantum of Solace is about Bond, James Bond. This is your typical well-done Bond film. Actually, the movie is better because the characters are more real. They have mixed feelings. The setting and background reflects the world as it is. Who are the good people and the bad people? No one really knows what lurks in the heart of man. That is why the last couple of Bond films have taken the genre a leap forward. This is not about gadgets, car chases, or explosions. This is about the people on all sides. Frankly, there are no sides, just survivors. Bond, James Bond, is an instant classic.

12. Changeling stars Angelina Jolie. The movie is well done, and her acting is outstanding. The film though is heart wrenching. Christina Collins comes back home to find her son Walter gone. She is relentless is trying to find him. The police finally bring her a boy. The only problem is that the boy is not her son. She will never give up. That tenacity brings down the police and the LA government. Her stubbornness uncovers a horror beyond understanding. Twenty boys have been brutally murdered. Christina cannot believe her boy was murdered. And some of the boys did escape. She still searches for Walter. What can one say? Nothing, really. The gravity of this true story is too much to bear.

Interesting websites we visited recently:

Poetry Corner
"Our veterans our strengths" This was written for a Veterans Day essay by my 12 year old grandson Jacob Mackey. Kathy Zens.
March 2009

Our veterans are strong
Our veterans may be old
Our veterans made America
But yet their hearts are large

America is beautiful America is great
America is strong America is hard working
America is sometimes weak America is sometimes poor
But yet we are strong

And as I speak to you a war rages in Baghdad
Many have died many were lost
But yet America goes on
America is beautiful America is strong

© 2009 Jacob Mackey

Hockey Puck
NHL: The Florida Panthers are fighting for a playoff spot. They are one point out of the eighth spot and two points out of the seventh spot.

PGA: Tiger Woods won on the last hole of the Arnold Palmer Invitational. He made a fifteen foot putt. He came back from five strokes back to win his 66^th event.

NASCAR Sprint Cup: At Las Vegas NASCAR Sprint Cup race, Jeff finished 6^th and took over 1^st in points. Dale Jr. finished 10^th, but is still down the points list. NASCAR Sprint Cup Atlanta race: Jeff finished 2^nd and remains 1^st in points, while Dale Jr. finished 11^th and moved up five positions to 24^th in points. NASCAR Sprint Cup at Bristol, Jeff finished 4^th, 1^st in points. Dale Jr. finished 14^th, and moved up to 19^th in points.

NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Martinsville, Jeff finished 4^th, 1^st in points. Dale Jr. finished 8, moved up three spots to 16^th in points.

IRL: Danica Patrick was bumped out of the race late, while Dixon won the 92^nd Indianapolis 500. That was the only exciting thing happening in the IRL series. Boring...

NBA: The Miami Heat fell behind the New York Knicks by as much as 17 points. Then Dwayne Wade took an elbow to the mouth, and off he took with his team on a fourth quarter tear to win the game dramatically.

NFL: The Miami Dolphins lost their playoff game against Baltimore Ravens, but the year was still a good one. The Pittsburg Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals put on quite a show. The Steelers came back late in the game to win the Super Bowl.

LLWS/MLB: The Little League World Series is over. Only one team wins the championship. For the second time in four years, Hawaii wins the championship. This is probably the best baseball that you will see, because the youngsters are so passionate about the game.

WTA: Venus and Serena Williams are both doing well, both are in the top three. Serena and Venus Williams are doing well at the Sony Ericsson Open as expected. They are in the fourth round.

NCAA Football: The BCS crowned the Florida Gators champions. The decision was flawed considering the upsets of the top ten. How can the Utah Utes go undefeated and not be number one? They got cheated at number two.

March Madness: Ho hum.

Internet URLs:
www.MarathonJournal.US                            http://www.keysweekly.com/
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: March 28, 2009
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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