The Marathon Journal OCT05: fall, seasons, halloween, journalism, columnist, magazine, diary, cat, ezine, dragon, writing, webzine, newsletter, newspaper

The Marathon Florida Keys Journal
_{City of Marathon, Florida Keys, Paradise}
Volume 11 † Issue 10 † October 2005
[In The Keys] [Kitty Talk] [Guest Articles] [Internet Stuff]
[Poetry Corner] [Hockey Puck] [Twins of the Dark Star] [The Dull Stuff]

The Marathon Florida Keys Journal focuses on the Florida Keys. The most popular part of the magazine is Kitty Talk. 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 were provided to The Marathon Weekly, The Marathon Free Press, and The Key West Citizen for possible publication. They might edit them to suit their needs. We appreciate your visit and patronage. Please enjoy and come back soon!

In The Keys
~some articles have photos, go to http://MarathonJournal.US/press/index.htm~

The Marathon City Council held a special call meeting at the government
center August 30th to consider Rate of Growth Ordinance [ROGO] versus
Building Permit Allocation System [BPAS]. Transfer of Building Rights [TBR]
was also on the agenda.

Morgan Hill made comments under the citizen's comments section of the
agenda. As a private citizen, she talked about Bob Miller's Middle Keys
Community Land Trust comments last council meeting. She said that there are
30 affordable units are on the ground, because of the Land Trust efforts.
Property is being bought out from under the Land Trust due to the time to go
through all the hoops. The Miller comment about the Land Trust being a
vehicle to send business to its board of directors is an insult, according
to Hill. Islamorada is paying the Land Trust to help with its workforce
affordable housing issues.

Wastewater discussion, non-profit evaluations, and land acquisition
committee appointments were added to the agenda.

City Manager Mike Puto gave a hurricane Katrina update. He reported about a
tornado that touched down near 73rd Street. Debris pickup is being
scheduled. Debris like tree limbs and branches will be removed but not
construction debris. Marathon Garbage Service will pick up things like that.
Just call them.

Eric Silva, Director of Planning, Keith and Schnars, along with Debbie Love
presented the BPAS and TBR proposals.

BPAS can replace ROGO. A draft BPAS ordinance was presented. The benefits of
BPAS are the streamlining and simplification of the approval process. The
two options are the traditional point system and the parcel evaluation
system.

Elements of the system are the new definitions, bi-annual review of program,
annual report to council [deleted by council], application process,
exemptions [e.g. affordable housing deed restricted forever], eligibility,
issuance of allocations from different pools [market rate - owner occupied
or non-owner occupied with lot dedication allowed, general or commercial
affordable, administrative relief pools], allocation process, allocation
waiting list, numerical limits of growth, evaluation criteria [parcel meets
buildable criteria versus environmentally sensitive points], and banking of
allocations - something like borrowing ahead but with restrictions. Council
selected the parcel evaluation scoring [PES].

Wastewater discussion was conducted out of agenda sequence to allow Cindy
Lawson, who works with Peter Rosasco, Finance Department, to speak. She is
an expert in wastewater financing. The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority
[FKAA] is not negotiating with the city in good faith.

The FKAA doesn't want to operate and maintain a facility that they have no
say in budgeting. Marathon and the FKAA both agree to continue using Wieler
Engineering Corporation [WEC].

Marathon's concerns are about controlling design and construction
parameters. City Council wants final say on any Request for Proposal for the
wastewater design and build. The council wants final approval of the bidder
and the award of contract. Marathon wants WEC to build. The city also wants
input into the costs.

Key Largo, Key Colony Beach, Islamorada, and Key West are not using FKAA at
all. Marathon stands to be sanctioned, if they do not meet the 2010 state
deadline, not the FKAA. City Council will only work with the FKAA, if the
FKAA agrees to the interlocal agreement proposed by the city previously. If
that is not acceptable, then the city will present their case at the next
state cabinet meeting. The city may go to court for a declaratory judgment
on who actually owns the proposed wastewater systems in Marathon.

The TBR draft was discussed. Criteria for receiver and sending sites were
considered. The receiver site has to be equal to or less environmentally
sensitive than the sender site. Further criteria were also discussed.

Keith and Schnars will come back in 3 to 4 weeks. They will bring back draft
Land Development Regulations as soon as possible.

Tracy Holder spoke about how commercial square footage and transfer rights
go hand in hand. Dry slips and wet slips need to be addressed as well. He
said that caution must be used with sender sites - don't strip them down so
that they are bare sites with no economic value.

Marathon's annual considerations of giving money to non-profits were
discussed.

No one has applied for the Land Acquisition Committee. Each council member
will consider whom to appoint, while staff figures out whether or not to run
another ad. The meeting adjourned just before 11:00 PM.

The Marathon Housing Committee met at City Hall in the conference room
September 1st. Bill Daniels, Rich Jones, Josh Mothner, Frank Greenman, Katye
Parker, and Gail Covington attended the noon meeting.

The first order of business was to set out short and long-term goals. City
Council had directed earlier that this committee help out in the Land
Development Regulations process required by the new Comprehensive Plan.

The committee all agreed that more than monthly meetings would be required.
Further, that recommendations needed to be forwarded to the City Council on
a regular basis. Finally, they requested the cooperation of city staff and
its contractor, Keith and Schnars, in helping the committee do its assigned
job. The committee believed that a cooperative effort would produce results
that City Council could consider worthwhile.

The next discussion was about the three committee members who are also on
the Middle Keys Community Land Trust. There are a core group of expert
volunteers who are willing to devote their time and efforts to affordable
and workforce housing. Naturally, these individuals serve on several
organizations, all trying to deal with similar problems. These particular
three members are diverse, don't always agree with each other, and make
nothing off of the time that they give. The committee's conclusion was that
these three members don't dominate the committee.

The first item that committee members wanted on the next meeting's agenda
was affordable housing allocation qualification criteria for applicants.
They also wanted to compare such criteria being used by Monroe County, the
Middle Keys Community Land Trust, Islamorada, and the Land Authority. The
next item for the next agenda was the job description for a city housing
officer.

The committee closed the meeting talking about how high insurance rates and
taxes are pricing the workforce out of their current affordable housing.
They also discussed how the middle-income workforce was being adversely
affected by the housing crisis as well. They closed out the meeting by
requesting a multiple-unit inventory.

OPINION: The Housing Committee can be a conduit for the City Council for all
the disparate ideas and data. Then the City Council could effectively make
decisions that would produce more timely results. All this misinformation
about those volunteering their time and talents needs to be put behind us.
Let us just concentrate on the hard work to at least put a dent in an
ever-growing housing crisis.

Marathon's Near Shore Waters Committee gathered at the public library
September 1st.

Deputy City Manager C. J. Geotis was introduced. He is currently handling
the Ports Manager duties, until several candidates are reviewed and one is
hired.

Richard Tanner, managing city marina operations, gave a report on current
projects. The dinghy dock project contractor is close to being bonded.
Marathon Seawalls and Docks is the contractor. Once bonding is secured, the
project can move forward.

While CJ expounded on the new dinghy docks that were going to be built, he
coined a new word, "quicklier." Yeah, right...

Moving onto the next project update, the 33rd Street Boat Ramp improvements
invitation to bid will close September 13th. The bid timing was extended due
to unanticipated problems. Permitting issues seem to be the biggest issue.

The Dodge Lake Boat Ramp received an Army Core of Engineers permit. The
process of permitting took so long, that now the city has to renegotiate
with the contractor. Re-bidding the project is an option if necessary.

After the Marina Siting Plan is integrated into the Comprehensive Plan by
amendment, then the new mooring fields can be installed. That is key to the
city marina breaking even and getting off the city subsidy.

It was pointed out that the Quay boat ramp was not the city's responsibility
and outside its ability to fix. Still, even that non-city project seems tied
up in permitting issues.

Several permanent liveaboard citizens presented concerns about preserving
their unique way of life. Assurances were made that the city was being very
proactive to protect permanent liveaboards by improving conditions on the
water and at the marina. Every effort was being made to get the state to
allow more permanent liveaboards outside the city's bay bottom. The state
wants a survey of just how many permanent liveaboards exist, before they
render a decision.

Another concern was the council consideration of leasing marina operations
out to a contractor. There was a consensus of the liveaboard residents that
such a move would destroy their community. They felt like that the marina
was making progress toward breaking even and eliminating the city's subsidy.

One resident suggested a concession area at the marina to make some money.
Another resident said that a boardwalk with shops would benefit the city and
also make money for the marina. The proposed boardwalk would run from the
marina to the east end of the Community Park at the harbor's edge.

The meeting broke up into smaller groups with committee members and city
staffers addressing concerns from the permanent liveaboard citizens. They
all seemed willing to work together for the common good of Boot Key Harbor.
A sense of cooperation was overcoming the plethora of complaints that seemed
to plague past meetings.

OPINION: The marina is close to breaking even with the new mooring field
coming. I think they should have that chance before any other options are
prematurely considered. City staff has made great strides in working on
customer concerns. A spirit of cooperation and communication is taking hold.
I think time should be given for that all to work out. After years of little
progress, finally, the Ports Department seems on the verge of solving a
number of thorny problems. Let's give them more time to accomplish that,
before jumping into another direction entirely. C. J. Geotis and Richard
Tanner along with supporting staff can be thanked for these improvements.

The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority [FKAA] held a special meeting at
Marathon Garden Club. This meeting took place in the afternoon of September
6th. Photos of the special meeting of the FKAA are located at
http://MarathonJournal.US/press/index.htm.

Mary Rice, the FKAA chairperson, addressed the first agenda item.

Monroe County Mayor Dixie Sephar allowed Commissioner Murray Nelson to
address the FKAA board members. He congratulated everyone, and seemed to
indicate that this agreement should satisfy the state cabinet.

The Monroe County and FKAA latest version of interlocal agreement was
reviewed. Several FKAA board members got clarifications on several issues,
but seemed satisfied.

The county will own the infrastructure and help finance it. The wastewater
systems would be leased to the FKAA by Monroe County for 99 years.

Mary Rice and Executive Director Jim Reynolds were to meet with the state
cabinet tomorrow.

The second and last agenda item was consideration of Marathon's interlocal
agreement. Jim Reynolds indicated that the City of Marathon didn't care for
the FKAA's preferred scenario three, which would favor the authority.
Marathon would not accept that scenario, but was inclined to work with
scenario two. This scenario allows the city to essentially control most
elements of designing, building, and maintaining wastewater systems.

Marathon Mayor John Bartus with City Manager Mike Puto looking on, providing
morale support, spoke to the FKAA. John Bartus indicated that the city was
willing to talk about scenario two, and asked for discussion from that
basis.

Several FKAA board members didn't care for scenario two, but wanted more
information before committing to any action. Essentially, the city wants to
work with the authority from a contractual viewpoint. The city is anxious to
move forward, and is frustrated by continual delays. The outlook is grim.
Neither side is predisposed to accept the position of the other.

OPINION: The City of Marathon can provide a quality wastewater system
tailored to each area of Marathon for less costs to the citizens. Even
consultants hired by the FKAA are three times as much. Let Marathon run with
the wastewater football. They seem hell-bent on getting this down, while the
FKAA is glutted with money it doesn't know how to spend properly. Frankly,
the lead engineer from Little Venice hired by the FKAA was the original
contractor's fired employee due to incompetence. The City of Marathon can do
better just be default.

Marathon's first public hearing of the 2005/2006 budget was conducted at the
government center on September 6th. Peter Rosasco, Finance Director,
presented the city's budget and answered most questions with the help of
city staff. Photos of the first public budget hearing of the City of Marathon are
located at http://MarathonJournal.US/press/index.htm.

The original proposed millage rate per thousand was 2.4931. This is a 29.96%
increase over rollback rate of 1.9183. Rollback rate is the tax rate
required to keep taxes are their current level. Therefore, anything over
rollback rate is a tax increase, no matter how you spin it.

Reasons for the increase are an addition of 16 city positions. 12 are
EMS/firefighter positions required for a Grassy Key fire station. 4 other
positions are required to increase the level of services expected by the
great majority of Marathon citizens. Expansion of such quality services will
require more money.

Marathon has not any capital improvement for years and years, due to Monroe
County inaction. The Capital Improvement Fund, which is not property taxes,
will support many very important projects such as a city hall, a new fire
station, marina improvements to make it more profitable, vehicle replacement
fund, computer replacement fund, and other improvements sorely needed like
street repairs and maintenance.

John Whalton from Grassy Key bemoans the fact that he will have to pass tax
and insurance increases onto his renters, many classified as affordable
rentals. He realized that the city's slice of the total tax pie was very
small compared to the county's portion, mosquito control, the school board,
and the water district portions.

Several others spoke to some of the very same issues and questioned numerous
line items in the budget. City staffers endeavored to answer those
questions. For the most part, they seemed to address the many concerns of
the citizen present. Some suggested that the homestead exemption needs
increased, an affordable housing exemption needs established, assessments on
deed-restricted affordable housing needs capped, and insurance payments need
mitigated to help keep workforce housing truly affordable.

Derrick Johnson, President of the Overseas Village Home Owners Association,
representing 13 workforce affordable housing home ownership, was concerned
about keeping insurance, taxes, and sewer costs down. He was worried that
the very people who qualified to buy workforce affordable housing were being
priced out of their homes. He suggested putting off some capital
infrastructure projects like the swimming pool. Derrick also pointed out how
development impact fees were seriously low.

Council discussed possibly moving 10% of the Capital Infrastructure Funds to
the General Fund to offset the increase of property taxes. Jeff Pinkus and
Bob Miller felt that was delaying the inevitable. If citizens could be
patient to wait for development to come online, increasing the tax base,
that property taxes should start going on down.

City Council passed the rate resolution at 2.15 that is a 12.08% increase
above rollback rate. They also passed a resolution tentatively approving the
submitted budget by the City Manager. Council wants a resolution on being
able to tap into 10% of the Capital Infrastructure Funds to offset property
tax increases temporarily. The second and final budget hearing will be help
September 13th at 5:30 PM in the Marathon Government Center, second floor
council chambers.

OPINION: There is always a balance between what tax burden the citizens can
bare, and the level of quality of services demanded by the very same
citizens. No matter what the City Council members do, they invariably will
be wrong. You can't please anyone and everyone. Let's get on with it. Let us
see if in two years with the big developments coming online, if that will
reduce property taxes as promised.

Marathon's Parks and Recreation Committee met at the public library
September 8th. Tom Wright chairs the committee with city staff support
provided in part by Parks & Recreation Supervisor Jimmy Schmidt.

Jimmy reported that Community Park Phase II is on schedule and should be
completed by the end of October. Specifically, the skate park will be moved
last to keep the downtime to a minimum. The contractor is ready to make this
happen.

The Bocce Ball and Shuffleboard courts are done.

The amphitheatre should be finished by September 30th. This item generated a
lot of discussion and excitement. Everyone agreed that the uses are
unlimited. The committee asked Jimmy to send out a letter, promoting the
amphitheatre.

Scheduling inquiries are already coming in. The amphitheatre will have a
permanent stage and dressing rooms among other amenities.

The committee requested that the swimming pool contractor come back to
explain changes made to the presentation made to city council. The
committee's recommendation to city council was different from the contractor
presentation.

Camp Adventure with 110 kids was a big success.

The next meeting's agenda had Coco Plum Beach added to it. Tom Wright
adjourned the meeting, proud of holding it under an hour.

The Monroe County School Board met at the government center in a workshop
session. Among other important items considered was the Marathon Manor
issue.

After discussion from a number of different parties, including
representative from the senior's community, the board opted to met with the
City of Marathon and Monroe County to discuss options. One option that
appealed to everyone was a lease back to Marathon's owner, Mr. Scott Becht,
to continue to operate the nursing home on the facility's second floor.

Mr. Becht offered to renovate the first floor into a 25 to 30 bed assisted
living facility. He estimated the cost of such renovation at two million
dollars. The School Board then could use the surrounding property for
affordable housing, parking, and an athletic field.

About fifteen people showed up to hear the Marathon Manor agenda item. Other
notables were Marathon City Manager Mike Puto and local hotelier Tracy
Holder. Marathon Manor's owner, Scott Becht, was present and answered
questions.

Mr. Becht said that the "debt service was astronomical." The debt service is
5.9 million dollars. If that was not there, he thought that Marathon Manor
could be kept open with some modifications. Keep the second floor as a
60-bed nursing home, while converting the first floor to an assisted living
facility. This would maximize the needs of the community.

Becht to his credit agreed that the impact of closing his facility would
have dramatic impact at every level from lost jobs to seniors being
separated from family. He had no desire to close the facility, but he also
had a responsibility to stop losing money.

School Superintendent Randy Acevedo informed the School Board that tomorrow
he would meet with Monroe County Administrator Tom Willi and Marathon City
Manager Mike Puto to begin a process to make Marathon Manor a win-win
situation for all concerned.

The School Board wanted to ensure that all three government agencies shared
in the costs of such a joint venture.

Marathon City Manager Mike Puto spoke to the board and said that Marathon
would work with the county and the board to somehow make this happen.

Pam Martin initially got this discussion going by asking Scott Becht point
blank, if he was willing to work something out with the city, the county,
and the board.

Another speaker pointed out that over 41% of Monroe County's registered
voters were seniors based on county criteria. The county considers
registered voters seniors, if they are 56 or older.

Dallas McDonald was typical of a number of speakers pleading to keep
Marathon Manor open. He stated that the impact on the community would be
severe at every level.

The 90-day due diligence contracted ends November 18th, but that could be
extended to accommodate the three parties working out the details with Mr.
Becht.

The Marathon City Council met September 13th for the final 2005/2006 budget
public hearing and the regular meeting.

Resolution 141 would authorize the city to use up to 10% of the Local
Government Infrastructure Surtax for the city's operating budget. Vice Mayor
Bull made the argument that the city needs to reduce the millage as low as
possible without sacrificing the level of service. The big problem is how
taxes make a critical workforce-housing crisis worse.

Finance Director Peter Rosasco said that there would be no impact on the
current proposed capital projects. The reserves would just be reduced. Peter
offered different scenarios for council's consideration.

Jeff Pinkus said that if the plan would be to use this 10% offset each year,
then fine. But if this were used for a temporary solution, it would
artificially reduce taxes that could rise the next year.

Bob Miller agreed with Jeff Pinkus and is wary of the ramifications of
taking funds from the Local Government Infrastructure Surtax. He would be in
favor of just one year. He believes a better solution would be to directly
address affordable workforce housing rentals. Otherwise, this 10% would
benefit everyone including the very rich.

Mayor Bartus believes that this would be good for one year.

Resolution 139 addressed the city budget. Derrick Johnson, President
Overseas Village Home Owners Association, spoke at length on various details
of the city's budget.

Marjie Mearns doesn't think that the city needs a Ports Manager, but City
Manager Mike Puto wanted time to make the marina profitable. Council member
Mearns also wanted reductions in the city's phone costs and proposed that a
Grassy Key fire station not be built and staffed.

Resolution 138 dealt with the adoption of a final millage rate. Vice Mayor
Bull moved 2.05 mills vice 2.15, which would be a 6.87% increase over
rollback vice the 12.08%. The resolution passed 4-1 with Pinkus voting no.
Resolution 139 was voted on with an operating budget figure of $14,325,663.
The total including Capital Infrastructure Project [CIP] and other funds
would be $33,126,138. $245,010 was transferred from CIP. This passed 4-1
with Pinkus dissenting.

Resolution 141 allowing the transfer of capital funds to the operating fund
would be a one-time fix according to Mayor Bartus. This passed 4-1 with
Pinkus dissenting. The budget hearing adjourned.

The regular council meeting started six minutes later with proclamations on
National Alcohol and Drug Recovery Month and city staffer Susie Thomas being
made honorary mayor. Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/press/index.htm.

The City Manager's report included a non-profit applications update for the
1% of the operating budget. This will be addressed at the next council
meeting.

An emergency generator will be obtained for approximately $28,000, using the
low bidder, who was Marathon Electric Sign and Light. Council member Mearns
recused herself from this item, because her son, Randy Mearns, owns and runs
that company.

City Manager Puto got council permission for the Marathon High School
homecoming parade. He also gave an update on the Marathon Manor situation.
He reported that hurricane debris pickup was almost completed. Mike Puto
finished off his report by allowing the wastewater-engineering contractor to
give a status report. This report essentially addressed surveys and plans
and was very preliminary in nature.

The rezoning request from Marathon Garbage Service on 43rd Street brought
many residents opposed to this issue. The council members struggled with
this request, but eventually passed the ordinance 4-1 with Jeff Pinkus
dissenting.

Point John Lakes II project rezoning on 104th Street, if it existed, passed.
The Chaplin project for a new, waterfront restaurant at the western end of
town by Seven Mile Bridge also passed after a five-year struggle.

McCole and Beyer Beneficial Use applications were denied 5-0. Such an
application is made when owners feel that the city has removed all
beneficial uses from their properties and a taking has occurred. A hearing
in front of a special master is conducted, and the master's findings are
forwarded to the council.

The Bauer appeal of granting a long-dock variance for a Coco Plum owner was
denied, conditioned on there being public access across the dock.

One-year extension to Major Conditional Use for The Hammocks and a Minor
Conditional Use for the Keysearch Century 21 office expansion both passed
5-0.

Several resolutions were considered and passed:

2005-111: Impact fee study. 5-0
2005-116: Florida Keys Electric Cooperative easement for Community
Park Phase II. 5-0.
2005-117: Clean city hall services contract was passed 4-1 with
Bartus dissenting.
2005-118: Amend Grubbs Emergency Services Inc contract to extend
that contract. 5-0.
2005-120: Amend marina rates and rental fee schedule. 5-0.
2005-130: Purchase floating docks and gangways for the city marina
dinghy dock project. 5-0.
Tourist Development Council Grants: 2005-140 extending grants of
$250,000 for the amphitheatre and $125,000 for the proposed aqua center.
5-0.

Council member Bob Miller wanted to explore the option of leasing out marina
construction and operations, thus saving taxpayers money and getting rid of
a perpetual subsidy to the marina. He said that the marina always lost
money. Miller believes that the city doesn't do marinas well. Leasing would
cut capital infrastructure expenses. The money saved could transfer money
from marina improvements to affordable workforce housing projects. He also
thought the savings could mitigate the expenses of operating a swimming
pool, if built.

Council member Pinkus wanted to know how much more revenue all the new
mooring buoys would provide. Chris Bull wanted this discussed in a workshop
atmosphere. Mayor John Bartus wanted to protect the current liveaboard
population. Council agreed that the Near Shore Waters Committee should be in
the process as well.

A Boot Key Harbor liveaboard resident said that not all the past marina/port
expenses should be levied on the backs of current liveaboards. She asked
what about current employees? She wanted city council to give the marina a
chance. Two other liveaboarders pleaded with council to give the marina a
chance to turn a profit. One other liveaboarder liked the discussion. She
thought it was in the best interests of everyone to get the most out of the
marina. The matter will be scheduled for a future city council workshop.

Council member Jeff Pinkus moved to eliminate the Bonefish Bay moorings
project. That motion passed 5-0.

Grace Jones Day Care Community Center requested that the building fees of
$4011 be waived. Jeff Pinkus and Bob Miller were against this as setting a
bad precedent. John Bartus and Marjie Mearns argued that the services
provided were very important citywide and necessary. They were in favor of
making a one-time exception. Vice Mayor Chris Bull struggled with the
deciding vote, but then took something Miller said and proposed that they
just be granted the money out of the non-profit grants. Mayor Bartus moved
to approve waiver. Marjie Mearns seconded. Bartus and Mearns were the only
ones to vote yes, and the motion was defeated 3-2. Chris Bull then requested
that Grace Jones apply for a city grant.

Bob Miller wanted council to direct staff to draft an ordinance allowing
above-commercial-building affordable rentals. Marjie Mearns wants to change
the cash-in-lieu option amount for developer's affordable workforce housing
requirement. She thinks that $100,000 is too little.

The late meeting adjourned, just missing the midnight hour.

Exit Realty Florida Keys grand opening of the Marathon office was held
September 22nd. The Marathon office is located at the Gulfside Village
Shopping Center. Photos located at http://MarathonJournal.US/press/index.htm.

Brokers Paula Nardone and Morgan Hill expanded their business and the
Marathon offices recently. Middle Keys Community Land Trust Administrator
Rick Casey said that it was nice to see a Marathon business expand and hoped
to see more businesses improving their facilities.

Morgan Hill said that no one part of the expansion was more exciting than
the other, but that people were her most important assets. It was evident,
though, that she was proud of the nearly doubled office space. New
computers, television screens, and office furniture filled the brand new
offices and meeting rooms. Communications assets were increased as well.

While free food and drink was available, a large crowd filled the office
spaces. Some notables were Marathon City Manager Mike Puto and Mayor John
Bartus. Deputy City Manager C. J. Geotis was close by. Former City Manager
Scott Janke was seen talking with a number of people.

Middle Keys Community Land Trust Administrator Rick Casey and Director Josh
Mothner attended the grand opening. James and Bettye Chaplin moved among the
crowd as well. Everyone seemed to enjoy the grand opening immensely. Paula
Nardone and Morgan Hill are to be commended.

OPINION: Rick Casey is right. The initial period of our young city is past.
Businesses are expanding. Issues are being addressed. The last of the
original founding members of the city, Mayor John Bartus, will be termed out
in March. The city is starting its next phase of existence. These times are
certainly exciting, and I can't wait to see how it all turns out years from
now.

On another note, Scott Janke talked with me and indicated that he was
seriously thinking of running for Marathon City Council. He bemoaned the
current budget process and seemed genuinely concerned for the taxpayers.
Scott mentioned his 20 years of managing cities and clearly intimated that
he could do a better job. Marathon's pending political season seems to be
heating up.

The Joint County/City of Marathon Library Construction Project workgroup met
September 26th at the Sheriff's Aviation Hangar second floor training room.
This group of city and county staff along with some elected officials has
met regularly over the months to hash out details for a county public
library contained in the same building as a city hall. There are 3 photos at
http://MarathonJournal.US/press/index.htm.

Commissioner David Rice asked for the county's progress report. A handout
covering grant information was presented. Wherever possible grants will be
used to defray various costs, unless the grant itself might cost more than
the funds awarded.

County Administrator Tom Willi started a discussion of some concerns over
engineering and bid issues expanding the scope of work under the city's
contractor, Keith and Schnars. Representatives from Keith and Schnars
explained that they would come up with the design build criteria package
based on input from the workgroup. Then the criteria would be used to go out
for bid on building the project. That seemed to satisfy the concerns
expressed earlier.

Vice Mayor Chris Bull asked for the City of Marathon's progress report.
Keith and Schnars representatives added to the report by explaining the need
to define the concept of the building and how common areas could be shared.
This would save money on the overall costs.

Areas that could be shared between the library and city hall could be the
lobby, restrooms, storage areas, receiving area, council chambers, network,
and parking. Approximately, 5000 square feet could be removed from the
overall building. That would translate to a 25,000 square feet facility.

There was some discussion of using the council chambers as the conference
room required by the library. The county seemed interested in using the
chambers for their periodic commission meetings as well. Then they could use
the county chambers as a permanent Emergency Operations Center.

City Project Manager Susie Thomas asked the contractor to ensure that each
area could be secured but still accessible to common areas.

The workgroup decided to direct the contractor to go ahead and consider all
the common areas that could be shared, incorporate the council chambers into
a multi-use room, and come back with a price to do the design build criteria
package. The city and county attorneys need to continue working on the
interlocal agreement, as well as monitor the legal ramifications of the
joint project.

There was talk about how the county would have to rework their capital
infrastructure list to move this library project higher.

The next meeting was tentatively scheduled for October 24th at 1:30 PM
located at the second floor of the Sheriff's Aviation Hangar facility.

OPINION: I still find this city and county process refreshing. They are
cooperating with each other to save taxpayers money and provide a high
quality, multi-use facility to house city hall and a public library. I can
only surmise that the county's head librarian will brook no foot dragging.

The Florida Keys Airport Task Force met at the airport departure lounge on
September 27th. Monroe County Commissioner David Rice led the meeting.
Marathon Mayor John Bartus and Council Member Mearns attended for the city.
Numerous business entities also attended.

Mike Mooney, the Boyd Group consultant, helped win the Small Community Air
Services grant. The community contributed over $300,000 to make for a total
of $1,000,000. Adding in the services provided by the airport and emergency
services by the city, three air carriers have expressed interest.

The Boyd Group will negotiate with Delta, USAir, and Gulfstream to get the
best deal for the community. The grant and other funding will subsidize the
selected carrier's operations should income fall.

It is possible to attract a regional jet service, either Delta or USAir, and
Gulfstream for local Florida routes. The target to get service started is in
February 2006.

Director of Airports Peter Horton explained the list of actions that the
airport must take. Security, runway certifications, and fuel truck upgrades
were a few requirements that have received attention.

Betty Vail, a long-time airport supporter, spoke about the need to galvanize
the community to keep a startup service beyond the first year.

Tourist Development Council representative Harold Wheeler discussed
marketing options and strategies.

The next meeting is scheduled for the airport departure lounge November 2nd
at 1:00 PM.

The Marathon City Council met September 27th at the government center. Photos of Richard Tanner and employee at http://MarathonJournal.US/press/index.htm.

The City Manager’s report started with the emergency purchase of beach sand. Susie Thomas presented the details. The city lost lots of sand during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Rita brought sand back to Sombrero Beach. Federal Emergency Management Agency known as FEMA turned down city’s request to replenish sand, but Susie Thomas is going to contest the decision. Additionally, she has found some funding for sand and looking for more.

Mike Puto talked about hurricane debris pick up. The debris will be staged at the empty marina lot, but no mulching will take place there.

A Memorandum of Understanding [MOU] about marina pump outs was presented. City Manager asked for blanket approval to do the MOUs as they come up.

Photo 1 & 2: Mike read a letter about Florida Keys being a no discharge zone. The city marina did a great job exceeding requirements of harbor management and improving water quality. Richard Tanner, Dockmaster, was presented the letter along with a marina employee responsible for the pump-out boats.

Middle Keys Community Land Trust [MKCLT] Administrator Rick Casey made a presentation. He explained how the land trust was formed and explained its mission. He outlined several successes on 73rd Street, Seacrest at 91st Street, and the Overseas Village. Rick Casey also discussed how Islamorada has partnered with the Land Trust to build affordable workforce housing there. The administrator then asked the City of Marathon if they would partner with the land trust to provide affordable workforce housing in the middle keys.

Council member Bob Miller wanted to know who runs the organization, details about financial transparency, and a look at the Islamorada contract.

Vince Cascone talked about the rights of renters and requested more breaks for rentals.

Frank Greenman on board of directors of the MKCLT and chairman of the city’s Housing Committee. He explained the MKCLT board composition. He explained some requirements needed from the city for affordable housing. Franks said that the city needs a housing officer.

Several routine matters were discussed and passed:

Ordinance 2005-20 changed the Land Use District [Zoning] Map from Improved Subdivision – Duplex to Mixed Use. This is the Chaplin project. Approved 5-0.
Avenue K construction project in Coco Plum was presented by Susie Thomas. After a lot of study and surveys, the mitigation costs are $490,000. The assessment for each property owner in the area would be about $50,000. The engineer’s report showed that permitting from the required agencies would be possible. In addition to this assessment, there are wastewater assessments coming. City will notice owners of a public hearing considering the possible road construction project.
Resolution 2005-115 is the agreement between the city and the county improving Coco Plum Beach. A local resident asked about the sand delivered prior to last hurricane. Susie Thomas tried to stop the delivery, but seven truck loads arrived because they were on the road before the stop request. Lynda Berrigan, President of the Coco Plum Home Owners Association, wanted to know about the future plans for the beach and be involved in the decision making process. Susie would be more than happy to work with the public. Approved 5-0.
Resolution 2005-142 nominated property to be considered by the Monroe County Land Authority to purchase and then convey to the Land Trust. Rick Casey made the presentation. 23rd Street has 14 rentals and 2 homeownership lots. 15 buildings exist with one empty lot to be built on later. Approved 5-0.
Resolution 2005-143 authorized the City Manager to enter into an interlocal agreement with the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority [FKAA] regarding ownership of Marathon’s wastewater system. FKAA didn’t support this original agreement. This version removes the reference to the FKAA as a contractor. Mayor Bartus will ask FKAA Chair Person Mary Rice to expedite. Approved 5-0.

Land Acquisition Advisory Committee appointments: Pinkus – Derrick Johnson. Bull – Frank Greenman. Miller – Steve Williams. Mearns and Bartus appointments will be made at the next meeting.

Amphitheatre usage policy needs developed based on other models, using Parks and Recreation Committee input.

Letter from Dr. Schwemmer says she can extend her contract, and she asked for that in the letter. A resolution will be presented at the next meeting.

Library/city hall update was provided from Bull. He outlined the quick progress that has been made. A bid for design build should go out very soon, after the criteria package is developed. The city and the county have made a great deal of progress in a spirit of cooperation that bodes well for the citizens.

John Herin requested an executive session, which was granted and scheduled for October 11th at 5:30 PM.

During council comments the chili/conch chowder cookoff coming up at the events field was discussed and participation was encouraged. Jeff Pinkus won’t have to resign from DAC III, which was find to not be necessary according to county legal opinion. Several council members want a workshop to discuss marina-leasing options. John Bartus gave a report on the status of bringing a commercial air carrier into Marathon. The city’s Emergency Operations Center and staff was praised for its work during the last three hurricanes.

This short meeting was adjourned at 8:47 PM, which has to be close to a record.

OPINION: The city is making great strides on a number of fronts. After six years, the city seems to be hitting its stride. Still, there is a pervasive attitude among certain staffers that they can wait elected council members out. Some staffers seem to be creating policy instead of implementing policy. This will lead to another confrontation between the city manager and the council, if this is not corrected and soon.

Islamorada Chamber of Commerce annual awards and installation banquet was
held September 28th at Cheeca Lodge. Members of the Middle Keys Community
Land Trust joined a select group of luminaries.

Cocktails were held on the beach. Sponsor TIB BANK of the Keys, a proud
chamber member for over 20 years, provided one complimentary cocktail. First
Bank provided a free digital calculator to guests and members. Other gifts
and mementos were provided at the dining table.

A painted mime entertained members and guests of the Islamorada Chamber of
Commerce. At the appropriate hour, the mime honked his horn leading members
and guest into the dining chamber.

Outgoing Chamber President Ed Kinkelear welcomed and then led everyone in
the Pledge of Allegiance.

He thanked everyone involved in putting together the event. Kinkelear
thanked the many sponsors. Among them were the Cheeca Lodge and Spa, First
State Bank, Floral Fantasy, Orion Bank, Premier Liquor, and Prudential
Keyside Properties.

The 2004-2005 Board of Directors was introduced. Kinkelear made some remarks
and then started the award presentations. The evening closed out with the
introduction of the 2005-2006 Board of Directors along with the new
officers.

The Islamorada Chamber of Commerce has more information at their website
http://islamoradachamber.com.

OPINION: The Middle Keys Community Land Trust was able to meet many of the
people involved in addressing workforce-housing problems. Since the Land
Trust has been contracted by the city of Islamorada to help in this
endeavor, this event was important to Land Trust board and general members.
Several guests at the Land Trust table are part of Islamorada's
workforce-housing efforts. Overall, this grip-and-grin opportunity brought
together several notables that will smooth the process of providing
workforce-housing solutions. And the white wine was the best that I have
ever tasted!

What's Happening! "Jersey Girl" Sharon owns and operates the Marathon
Easy Does It Barbershop. The quaint, little building is located across US 1
from Home Depot. The address is 4540 Overseas Highway. Sharon established
the business in 1995. The success from that time has been tremendous.