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Agenda Item: 15(b) |
Prepared By: Casey Lucius, Ph.D., Interim City Manager |
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Business: City Council Item |
Department: Executive |
Subject:
Title
Discussion and Possible Action - Regarding the City Entering into an Agreement with the Marco Island Youth Baseball, Inc. Nonprofit to Reflect Responsibility for Water Usage, Casey Lucius, Ph.D., Interim City Manager
Body
BACKGROUND:
In early 2025, Mr. Joe Oliverio agreed to establish a non-profit to take over operations and maintenance of the Tommie Barfield baseball field. He entered into an agreement with Collier County Public Schools in April 2025 (agreement attached). The City of Marco Island is not a party to this agreement. Mr. Oliverio asked the Council to contribute $200,000 of tax payer money toward the baseball field improvements since children on the Island use this facility. Council approved that action in May 2025 and provided the funding as requested.
On February 2, 2026, Mr. Oliverio asked the City Council to pay the water bills for the Tommie Barfield baseball field. Six bills have gone unpaid from August 2025 - January 31, 2026. The unpaid amount is $3,929.61. Mr. Oliverio and Collier County School District received delinquent notices. The water was turned off on February 2, 2026 due to non-payment. Once this bill is paid, the utility billing supervisor anticipated approximately a $600 per month water bill.
For Council discussion would be 1) is this a one-time payment, or ongoing payment? 2) has Mr. Oliverio asked Collier County Public Schools to pay the utility bill since it is their property? 3) consideration of how to pay the bill which may come from tax payer funds due to bond covenant restrictions in the Enterprise Fund; 4) setting precent for other non-profits that need financial assistance in the future.
FUNDING SOURCE / FISCAL IMPACT: Approximately $7,200 per year plus the $3,929 in outstanding bills; this amount is unbudgeted.
PUBLIC NOTICE REQUIREMENTS: N/A
NOTICE APPEARANCE DATE(S): N/A
RECOMMENDATION: The City is not a party to the existing agreement and does not pay utility bills for other non-profit organizations on the Island. The baseball field is not a public park and not operated by the City and is not open to the public. It is not recommended to pay the water and sewer bills on the property that is owned by Collier County Public Schools.
MOTION: N/A