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Agenda Item: 15(c) |
Prepared By: Casey Lucius, Ph.D., City Manager |
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Business: City Council Item |
Department: Executive |
Subject:
Title
Discussion with Council Action - Marco Island Advisory Committees - Casey Lucius, Ph.D., City Manager
Body
BACKGROUND:
Advisory Committees were established by the City Council by Ordinance in 1999. That ordinance was revised three additional times, most recently in 2021 (Ordinance attached). There is also a 2021 Rules of Procedure Committee Handbook (attached). Finally, there are Resolutions that were passed by City Council in 2023 outlining the responsibilities of the Advisory Committees (attached). This report and follow-up recommendations do not apply to the Planning Board which is governed by Chapter 38 of the City’s Municipal Code and Section 163 of Florida Statute.
Based on the attached documents, you can see that we have made revisions to the duties and responsibilities of the committees over the past 27 years. The committees are made up of volunteer residents appointed by Council. We appreciate those who dedicate their time to contribute and add value to the important issues facing the City Council.
Currently the committees meet monthly for 90 minutes, however the frequency of meetings is not identified in the ordinance or resolutions. Some committees would like to meet more often and some less often, and there have been requests to have workshops in addition to committee meetings. Often there are between 2-4 staff members present to support the committee meetings, in addition to the time spent preparing the agendas, minutes, and working on committee assignments.
Recommendations for Consideration:
1. Change committee meetings to every other month. Add the opportunity for 1-2 workshops during the year. This would reduce meetings from 12 to 8 (six meetings and two workshops). This would allow time in between meetings for staff and individual committee members to work on tasks that were agreed upon at the meeting. This change in meeting cadence would apply to all committees except the Planning Board. Committees include:
a. Waterways Advisory Committee
b. Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee
c. Beach and Coastal Resources Advisory Committee
d. Beautification Advisory Committee
e. Hideaway Beach Tax District Board
f. Audit Advisory Committee
g. Community Parks Foundation
2. Review the focus areas for each committee listed above. The attached Resolutions provide general guidance to each committee. Suggestions for Council consideration and discussion are listed below:
a. Waterways Advisory Committee: research and make recommendations on seawall heights.
b. Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee: research and make recommendations regarding operational and capital improvements at the Racquet Center including demos and recommending software for membership and pickleball play.
c. Beach and Coastal Resources Advisory Committee: research and provide recommendations on building beach bathrooms, continue wildlife conservation measures.
d. Beautification Advisory Committee: work with local businesses to solicit “adopt a median” to beautify the medians, create a competition similar to Marco in Bloom, continue Marco Nature Night and tree planting initiatives.
e. Hideaway Beach Tax District Board: continue to focus on storm resiliency and coastal management plan.
f. Audit Advisory Committee: Resolution was updated in January 2026, no further recommendations or edits are needed.
g. Community Parks Foundation: raise funds for capital projects within City parks.
Objectives:
1. Utilize people’s time wisely, both staff and volunteers.
2. Streamline the focus areas so each meeting is focused on a specific topic of interest to the City Council.
3. By having the advisory committees serve effectively and efficiently, the City will continue to attract outstanding volunteers for these important committee assignments.
4. Thank those who volunteer their time. Committees serve as the first layer for vetting important issues and receiving input from the public.
FUNDING SOURCE / FISCAL IMPACT: None
RECOMMENDATION: Discuss and provide direction to staff regarding the recommendations outlined above.
POTENTIAL MOTION:
As appropriate based on Council discussion.