Good morning everyone. >> I'm calling the meeting to order. This is the Wednesday, January 14th meeting of the Marine and Environmental Resource Task Force
Advisory Committee for the Town of Fort Myers Beach. And with that, I would like everyone to please rise for the pledge of >> allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the for it stands one
nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Okay, first order of business is roll call. Uh Todd Zach Rally >> here. >> Here. >> Sharon Nam
>> here. >> Rob Howell here. >> Ed >> here. >> Dave Nuspam is here. Uh Jennifer uh Rusk is on a personal leave and um Bill Alto is
traveling and hopefully trying to link in but we do have a quorum established. So this is an official meeting of the MURF committee. With that um u we have had a request
from a committee member to uh amend the agenda. So, with that, I'll turn it over to Rob. >> I would like to make a motion to add an item to the agenda to discuss the um helicopter tours that are trying to be
ran out of Vero Bay or by um little um the Bird Island over by Matanzas Pass Bridge. >> Okay. And I will second that for discussion only with the proviso that um we I believe we have uh asked
the president of the helicopter to address the helicopter company to attend and address the committee directly. And we would also like the town to have the ability to address the committee
directly outside of the public public comment. Is there any objection from anyone on the committee? >> No. >> Okay. With that, I'll call the question. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> I.
>> Opposed. Motion carries unanimously. Okay. Thank you everyone. With that, we now have to approve the previous minute meeting. The previous minute meeting minutes.
Okay, I'll get through that. All right. This is from our Wednesday, December 10th meeting. And Sharon, I believe you had a question. >> I do. I do. I've asked Chad, but I would I need it's saying that the uh hazardous waste event is scheduled for February
24th, but in my calendar, initially I had written February 4th. So, I just wanted to find out for sure that that's accurate. >> Yes, I'm still looking. >> Sorry, Chad shoots for the record. Still chasing that down. So, we'll get um
>> Okay. >> confirmation on that for you, Miss Sharon. >> Okay. Any other corrections on that? >> If you would like to make that change, we can look into it for you and make the change in the minutes if it is the 4th
instead of the 24th or keep them the same, whichever. >> Uh, can we put in a proviso to change it later or >> Yeah. >> What's easiest? and table your minutes till the next minute meeting or um put
in that we will research it and if it is the fourth we'll change them >> but it's it's totally up to you. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> What would you like to do, Sharon? >> Well, I would I would recommend that we wait until the next meeting to approve them. >> Okay. >> Till we have that accurate.
>> I'm in favor of that. Does anyone object to tableabling the minutes approval until next meeting? Okay, moving right along. Thank you everyone. Okay,
we are now down to public comment and I thank everyone for showing up today. I think it's wonderful that the residents and uh concerned citizens, you know, want to
come and express their their opinion on the matter. I would like to read something so that everyone is is aware cuz some of you may or may not have ever been to a MURF committee meeting or watched it. the responsibilities of the
of the MURF committee as posted on the town website. The Marine and Environmental Resource Task Force exists to promote stewardship of marine resources. This includes stopping further damage and rehabilitating
Asterero Bay and its surrounding waters, wildlife, plant life, and air and water quality. The task force's proposed purpose also involves bringing Asterero Bay and its surrounding waters
and the Asterero Island shoreline to the point that they will continue to be the driving force of the town's economy. The goal is to sustain the quality of life in cooperation with all whose
livelihoods or lifestyles depend on the health of Asterero Bay. That is our mission statement on public comment. We're basically bound by the same rules as if there were this were a town council meeting. Everyone is asked to
step forward. You have three minutes to give a public comment. Um we should be courteous. We should be stating if this is my opinion. If you have facts, you should cite the facts and where they
came from so that it's not just somebody told me this is going to happen if this happens. So, um I caution everyone to please base your statements or your comments on either your personal opinion
or facts and cite the facts where they came from. With that full house, we're going to open it up. We did not take names. So I guess we can start just going in the front row and working back. Is there anyone in the front row that would
>> May I add something real quick? >> Sure. >> Um just a reminder, so now that discussing uh Fly Heli is on the agenda. Um the owner will probably want to talk during that time, I'm guessing. And then there will also be public comment now
and then at the end of the meeting as well. So, if you want, you know, think about what you want to say in those in those ways >> and and it's not a two-way conversation. You're allowed to come up, give your comment, and and sit down over the three
minutes. We're not entering into a dialogue back and forth. You're here to express your statement on the agenda item. So, >> and we can discuss it >> and then the committee will discuss it once public comment is closed. So with
that, again, starting with the front row, is there anyone in the front row that would like to make a comment? Please press the button on the microphone. I'm Monica Lynn, founder of Pod Protectors of Fort Myers Beach and a
local resident. First of all, I wanted to thank Steve Overy for meeting with me last week and listening to my concerns. We had a nice conversation and went out on a boat looking for possibly better locations where he could place his landing barge. At that time, I shared with Steve the same concerns I'm sharing
with you today. I've spent nine years, about 13,000 hours, kayaking on the Back Bay where the landing barge is currently located. I've documented our local dolphins with photos and videos and become familiar with their patterns. This particular area of the bay serves as a haven and
nursery for both manatees and dolphins. The federal organization Noah is responsible for protecting dolphins and specifies on its website that helicopters should quote avoid landing and taking off near marine mammals on land or in the water. These activities
are likely to harass the animals and cause stress unquote. Steve and others have expressed sincere doubts to me that the helicopter would really affect the dolphins negatively. So, I called Dr. Beth Brady, a biologist and specialist in underwater acoustics, who wrote in
part, quote, "Research has demonstrated that lowaltitude drone flights can elicit behavioral changes in marine mammals, including dolphins," unquote. She also pointed out that drones operate at about 20 to 40 dB less than helicopters at takeoff. So this greater
level of noise from helicopters taking off in shallow waters is likely to affect dolphins negatively, including quote stress responses, potential hearing impairment, disruption of communication, and echolocation. Echolocation enables dolphins to see
underwater through referred sound. That kind of noise can temporarily temporarily blind them so they can't see to avoid objects. We currently have several recently born dolphin cals that frequent this area. They're vulnerable and depend on communication with their mother to stay safe. Their mothers
depend on echolocation to avoid boat propellers and other threats. I am thoroughly convinced by information provided by scientists and my own experience that both drones and helicopters taking off near dolphins do put them at risk. It appears at this time that there
really are no specific laws prohibiting Steve's operation where it is. However, I appreciate that he appears to be open to finding a less invasive location. Doing so before starting operations would build a good rapport with local residents and instill trust. I've seen
the support local ecoours have gained with the public by willingly modifying their tour routes and behaviors around dolphins, doing the most good and least harm even when it wasn't convenient for them. The benefits to these benefits far outweighed any inconveniences to them. I
believe the same would be true for Steve as well. Thank you. >> Thank you. Could we could we please hold any applause?
Thank you. Second, is there anyone in the in the front row that wishes to make a comment? >> I do. >> My name is Barry Almire. I live at 934 St. Carlos Drive. I live directly across
from Pink Shell and I do not want those helicopters flying over my house. both the black one and the brown one flew right over my house and I don't want Disneyland at my house and I have a rental next door and I do not want the helicopters
because the sound and and taking off and landing for them to make money they got to constantly take off and land take off and they swirl right around over my house and I sorry that I did didn't take a video of it so that's what I have to say
>> okay thank you. Is there anyone else in the front row that would like to make a comment at this time? All right, moving to the second row. Is there anyone in the second row that would like to come up and make a comment
at the podium? >> Okay. Um, my name is Susan Hansen and I'm a resident at Boardwalk Caper community and I along with many people in that community kayak often and the dolphins and the manatees are you know what
people come to Fort Myers Beach to see and you guys have put up a big sign before the bridge that says welcome to Fort Myers Beach with two dolphins on it and I'm not like a tree hugger person and I think there has to be a compromise
between our economy that is attracting people and our wildlife that's attracting people. And I think like this is a perfect opportunity to have a compromise. You know, we're not here to Fort Myers Beach is changing and nobody
everyone has to accept the change. And I'm one of those people that yeah, I loved it before, but I also think there's potential to have it be even better than it used to be. And I think that we just need to make a stand now because if we allow some of these things
that are going to threaten our wildlife, then it's just going to snowball and then we won't be able to make a stand and then the wildlife that's here that is promoting our economy for everybody
is going to be gone. And I just that's that's my opinion. Okay, thank you. Anyone else in the second row? >> My name is Susan Jensen. My husband and I also as Susan have uh a condo for
30ome years at Boardwalk Caper. And I often see Monica as I kayak or we are on our boat. Um, my father had piloted his own helicopter, loved it was his passion, helicopters. I have wonderful
memories of flying with him as he piloted his helicopter in Chicago area, but he and I fully appreciate they're wonderful, amazing flying machines, but they're also very noisy and dangerous.
Um, I have realized that my dad had his helicopter um in his industrial area of his uh factory in an industrial section of Chicago and he also had it uh located
at a small like Page Field. I have serious problems with the barge which we went by in our boat and saw the helicopter flying over and I just I agree with Monica and I agree with Susan and everything they've said. Thank you.
>> Okay, thank you. Anyone else in the second row? Okay, keeping order. Third row. Anyone in the third row that would like to make a public comment, please step forward. Good morning. My name is Terry Kaine.
I'm a 50-year resident on Fort Myers Beach, a former MURF member, a former council member. I worked for Conservation Lands of Lee County for 15 years. And before all that, I was a waitress at the Lanekai, the Homes House, and the Pelican. So, I've been
around a little while and thank you for this opportunity to speak today. I'm here to pro provide a very short history and I better talk faster. Um, in the 1950s, the locals that lived here on the beach, the local fishermen, the sports fisherman were in the back bay and they
realized that their fishing stocks were depleting. So, they decided, what are we going to do? We're going to form a conservation group. So, they formed a group cost a dollar to join. 4,000 people joined from Fort Myers Beach and Lee County. They started to lobby Tallahassee and said, "We need
protection for Asterero Bay. What can we do?" Well, that it took lots of years and it took lots of money and lots of visits and people's and station wagons going to Tallahassee. And finally Tallahassee got sick of listening to us locals here on Fort Myers Beach. This is who we are. We're a pain in the neck.
And um they said, "Okay, we're going to give you the parks." The parks said, "Okay, we're going to form an offshore preserve." So then they established a stero aquatic preserve. That wasn't the language in those days. It was called an offshore preserve. Well, then everybody around the state was going, "Wow, if Fort Myers Beach can do this, why can't
we?" So then a lot of different communities, a lot of different counties started to go to Tallahassee. In 1975, the Aquatic Preserve Act was established. Last year, 2025, the state celebrated 50 years of the Aquatic Preserve Act. 2026, Fort Myers Beach
will celebrate 60 years of protection of Asterero Bay. That's a little bit of who we are. Another fun fact is that the bottom of the bay is stateowned. No matter where you are, even if you're in the aquatic preserve, if you're not in the aquatic preserve, that's public lands. That's part of my life that I've
protected public lands. And why is this? Because it belongs to all of us. And this belong the bottom of the bay belongs to all of us so that we are not denied the use of the bay. I am not against business. If you know me and you know my husband, he was in business here for over 40 years. Um, and so you can
consider a business on a public land, but there are some caveats that must be taken up. And as I was taught when I was in government, it has to be for the greater good of the community. Is this business a good fit for our community? When you give up public lands, it should be for the greater good. I lobbied in
Tallahassee as a council person for us to get the bottom of the bay. We rent the bottom of the bay for our anchorage from the state of Florida. So the bottom of the bay belongs to all of us. we as a town, we have to rent it. So when you give up public lands for the greater good of the community, there needs to be
a cost attached to that. So thank you very much. >> Thank you. Okay. Anyone else in that row? >> Turned it off. Sorry. Good morning. Uh my name is Steve Johnson. I'm a resident here on Fort Myers Beach. I'd like to
begin by first thanking you for your service on the uh on the Murf Advisory Board. Uh this town certainly appreciates it. I'd like to start really with just a quick story. Over Christmas, we had quite a a large amount of family down and had a beautiful morning back in
Helpne Bay fishing. Uh it's just a serene, tranquil day. Bald eagle. My brother-in-law points up and sees a bald eagle. I mean, it's just gorgeous. You couldn't mistake it. It was so close. You can see the white head, the white tail. Um, and as we sat and watched it, about 15 seconds later,
like a like a like a a shot from a Rambo movie, a helicopter, a chopper comes up from behind the the trees, and this eagle just takes off, you know, and everybody said, "Oh, that's really a shame. When is this common?" And I said, "Well, we're currently in a little bit of an issue with uh with um what I would
sort of define as as an obnoxious commercial intrusion. Uh I don't think anybody's against commercial interests in this town. I think everybody has a right to do that. However, there has to be an appropriate um use and uh match I think for certain uh businesses.
Uh as Murf uh Dave did a great job or uh explaining exactly what the charter is and I think this this this sits squarely in the center of of the charter of what you're here to advise the the board to um the the town council to to to move forward with. Uh there's still issues.
Uh I think this being a high impact use on the on the beach, you've got the low impact operators uh the ecoour operators that are being affected by this. I think with the disturbances to the wildlife. I also think it's uh might be worthwhile for the Murf board to look into how
refueling is going to occur. Are they going to be running hoses out? Are they going be running can jerry cans full of fuel out to the out to the barge to refuel these? Uh I think those all have uh have impact on our community. Uh first and foremost also whenever we have
uh a disturbance or or uh let's say a new use or something controversial. I think as as advisory boards and as town council people we have to look at quality of life. The constituents, the residents, the voters of this island are important. Does this increase their
quality of life or does it decrease it? And I think in this case it it it overwhelmingly decreases uh the quality of life uh due to the noise uh the uh the invasion of privacy and the impacts of the uh of those uh rotors uh
constantly twirling. Also what are the town benefits? Um this although the town won't participate in in objecting to this um what is it actually helping the town? I mean it's it's being uh run from
the land. There's shuttles going to it. So is there land use or is there legislation that they could pursue and you can recommend uh to um to take care of this? I'm running I'm running out of time. So I appreciate your uh your attention to this matter. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Anyone else in the third row? >> Me. >> Yep. Okay, good morning. Cindy Johnson, resident Fort Myers Beach. I also am a former marine mammal FWC marine mammal
volunteer and also turtle time volunteer for several years. So, I have a lot of biological background. Um, I want to kind of add on to Terry's story about the progression of protecting areas and
how that can come about. That was a little bit different that we got to protect the whole bay like that. In this day and age, you have to have species that are declining and sometimes at very low levels that we need to save in order
to protect an area. And we don't have that for the dolphin and manatee where that barge currently is. We don't have that protection in that area. And we but we do have Matanzis Pass Island that is a CWA.
Now that island in 2016 it was created a CWA and a critical wildlife area. a CWA isn't able to be created unless there's long-term data and studies stating that these species are in trouble and we need
to do something. So in 2016 it was created in 2018 um they put the pilings around it to further protect that area. I think it's a acre total up there. So, it's important to understand that we don't
want the dolphins and manatee and and the shorebirds and the seabirds and the diving birds which are from Intanas Pass Island and and the waiting birds which nest on Pass Island. We don't want them to further
decline before we protect that area. And maybe the town can look into something like that in the future. It's it's notable to note that the national parks in 2024 um put more standards and regulations in
on flight over national parks in order to preserve the wildlife and also the experience of the people who visit the national parks. In Destin in 2014, they had the same issue with helicopters and it'd be
interesting to look into more into that. In 2014, they had a helicopter company that wanted to put barges a barge in their bay and they fought against it and they actually had jurisdiction over their bays and were able to stop that
from happening. They protected their bays, but they still had the helicopter companies and I'm running out of time. But in 20 in 2024, so that was 2014. Over the years, there of course was were many complaints because of the noise.
And in 2024, they finally ended up the county had given um permission for the helicopter to land at the local airport and they finally were able to take that away to try and preserve a little more quietness up there. So, thank you for your time. I appreciate
it. >> Thank you, Cindy. committee. Um, Bill Vich, for the record, I'm a certified Florida master naturalist. Um, the I know that it was really well covered with the effect of the dolphins because you think how loud these helicopters are and all that noise goes into the water and that'll that has
to have a detrimental effect on the dolphins. One thing I have real experience in is what about birds? Because big things that are loud flying overhead completely freaks out birds. For a while, we owned parrots and there'd be a plane up in the sky and they would freeze when they saw it. This
area is full of of birds that their population are declining. Many of them are are endangered and it seems just frivolous for one person's benefit, one company's benefit to have this adversarial effect on these these declining species of endangered birds. The other thing is that the environment
and our business are tightly linked on the island. People come here, they want a clean beach, they want they want wildlife, they want it to be pristine. Um, the idea of these helicopters flying over the water and over neighborhoods every 20 minutes. There was a committee
that was formed um to object to the RSW flights coming over the south part of the island just because it was so disturbing for them when they'd be sitting outside trying to enjoy the outdoors, which we all do. Um, the area that they're proposing to fly over in in the island is full of residents and
vacation renters and businesses. Those will be severely impacted by these flights going overhead. Imagine you're on vacation. You're sitting at your pool. You're trying to read a book and every 20 minutes a helicopter goes by. Imagine you move down here to enjoy the outdoors and every 20 minutes there's
this loud helicopter going by. This this proposal um it hits the trifecta. It's bad for residents. It's bad for businesses and it's bad for the environment. I would recommend that when when you make your um your recommendation to town council that you
state this very clearly that this is not in the best interest of the island. It's in the best interest of one business and the detriment to the island. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone else in the third row? My name is Judy Hollesam from the north
side of Fort of Asterero Boulevard. Um I'm just here with two main things. When I came down and saw the barge, it kind of freaked me out a little. That is the exact area where I kayak where all the
manatees hang out. I mean thick manatees. When you kayak, you have to be careful about where you're going because that is where they hang out. Lots of them. So, that is very concerning because now that is there and that is where the manatees like to be. Number
two, noise. Noise. Noise. It is very loud. I'm listening to it. You can't talk over it and I'm unsure. So, I think sitting next to a heli guy seems very nice. This is
not personal. I like helicopter rides. Taken them before. I've even taken off from a barge on a helicopter, but it was way far away from residential areas and not in a critical animal area. The baby dolphins are jumping all the time in
that bay, especially now, and I'm very concerned about what's going to happen to them. So, thank you. >> Thank you. All right. Anyone else in the third row? Going once. Going twice. Okay, fourth row, you're up. Anyone in the fourth
row? Is this still on? Yep. Hi, everyone. All right. My name is Lauren and I've been working on sightseeing and ecoour boats since 2015 here. Many of those as a captain and now I run my own charter boat. I have a bachelor in science and marine biology and I have taught marine science in the Keys, worked at a mammal
stranding center in Mississippi, and was employed by Noah on commercial fishing boats offshore in the Gulf. I can tell you with confidence, Fort Myers Beach is a very special estuary. I like to think that I know this waterway like the back of my hand, but it's always changing and there's always something new to learn.
Humans need to adapt to their environment, otherwise nature always proves us right. With limited time here today, I will not go into detail with the things that are bad for the wildlife and seaggrass, but instead try to come up with a solution. I don't agree with this type of business here, but if you're legally allowed to currently run
this business here, let's now negotiate where this extra piece goes. We can all look up the laws of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, why manatee zones exist, and the benefits of seaggrass, and all the troubles that happen when we don't do what we can as humans to keep all of that protected. Wildlife in the nature
keeps many tourists coming here and it deser it deserves our best effort to keep it protected. Manatees and dolphins depend on movement in the water and echolocation to survive in the water. Landing a helicopter on a floating barge comes with vibrations that I believe would disrupt them. It would also I would also imagine that the
barge's anchor would drag little by little over those seaggrass beds. Ripping them out destroys it from the root and takes up to 10 years to regrow. I would get into the birds, but I do not think I have enough time for that. I would suggest to move the barge to the bay between Bowdage Point and the Santael Bridge, keeping enough distance
away from Bunch Beach as well. It's a large open area that the work barges are previously used to anchor in while here for the dredging projects. It would probably require a drip battery charger to allow for a light while anchored at night. This would allow the tour company to pick people up at Puna Rosa as well as Badage Point when the docks are fully
rebuilt. Plenty of parking as well. I don't think anybody would complain about a 10-minute boat ride to the landing barge. You'll also gain visibility from the causeway island traffic. If there was an emergency at landing or takeoff, you are also now away from heavy boat traffic and more boers. As for bad weather, that's something all outdoor
businesses on Fort Myers Beach face. But generally, most of the time, weather would allow the barge to work as it's intended. Maybe there's an option um for a more steady moing ball or permanent anchor if this all worked. And honestly, if it's too windy or choppy, there's still Peach Field, which was the original address for this to run from.
The barge being in a manatee zone is a problem and moving it from one manatee zone to another does not solve that problem. San Carlos Bay is out of that manatee zone and I think works to please mostly everyone, homeowners and businesses included. Fort Myers Beach is not hostile to new businesses like you have thought and stated in a letter to
the city recently. We actually do like to see them thrive. We do care about the comp plan and general vibe of the island. Large builds outside the comp plan things that harm the ecosystem. It's not being hostile. It's just being protective. At the end of the day, we are a small barrier island that incorporated in the 90s to remain just
that, a small beachy barrier island. Since you've been coming for decades, you know this. If you want your business to thrive, I believe it's the best to work with the residents and business owners. We're not saying don't operate. Some people may say that, but we're just asking you to move the barge and landing zone and listen to those residents and
business owners who have been here through the good and bad times. Our manity zone is important. So are all of us. >> Thank you. Anyone else in the last row?
>> Both microphones work. If you want to use that one, too. >> You scared her. >> All right. Sorry. Thank you. My name is Gail Bell. I have been a property owner on San Carlos Island for 30 years.
The barge is currently anchored directly across from my property on the opposite side of the bay and I come here today to share my concerns. Um the owner or of Heli has indicated or has stated that he has a continued
commitment to being a responsible environmental and business partner within the community. Unfortunately, what I hear and what I see are two different things. He has chosen to anchor his barge in the
middle of San Carlos Bay and Matanzas Pass near Matanis Island which is a state designated critical wildlife area. The area is clearly marked as a manatee zone and is known as a dolphin nursery.
He is next to Bodic Point Park which is a resting place for migratory birds. He is across from Bungee Beach Park and Reserve which encompasses 718 acres. He has chosen to anchor in an area that
is predominantly a quiet residential area with beautiful homes on both sides of the bay. I can't imagine a worse location for such an operation. Minimally,
it would be best if he would consider another location that wasn't located in a sensitive area. Better if he just left. He said helicopters will be flying at 1,000 ft. If it was that simple, we
probably would have fewer concerns. What about takeoff and landings? Did you forget about the flight pattern of birds? Birds fly in and out with different patterns to land, to eat, to nest, to lay their eggs, to raise their young.
I do not believe that this complies with the Noah guidelines. He is correct in saying he is not the only helicopter sharing our airspace, but he is the only one asking to take off and land here.
Others are already at their elevation and are less intrusive and less annoying. I have witnessed the training sessions as they are referred to for helicopters landing and takeoff. If fully operating, h helicopters will be doing so
frequently. I'm hearing every 20 minutes. The sound of boat engines is different than a helicopter. He said they're both the same. A healthy sound of a boat engine is music to our ears.
It is a sign of a healthy economy for a boating community. The sound of a helicopter is annoying, distracting, and disruptive to humans and wildlife. Most concerning is that it can disorientate birds and dolphins.
Sound carries across the water, simply put, noise pollution. I can't imagine a worse location for such an operation. We simply must ask ourselves, how can this be environmentally good for our community? >> Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Okay. In the last row, anyone else that would wish to say something? >> Hi, my name is Jenny Tardiff Paradiso. I live on Polarmo Circle. I'm born and raised here. My biggest problem is where the barge is going to be parked. Um,
when I was a kid, I was a part of a thing called Project Pot. And what we did is we took out flats boats with a professor from, I believe they were just building FGCU, I think it was. And he would take us out and we would go out with hydrophones and cameras and we would listen to the dolphins. We would
catalog their dorsal fins and we turned it all into the state. And my problem is where that barge is is the area we called the nursery. And at the time, might be dating myself here a little, but Picket and Fences was the show on TV. And there was a mom and a baby calf. Pickicket and Fences is what we named
them. And that's where they were all the time. And I actually ran into Monica Lynn the other day. And I told her that as soon as I saw her because this is crazy. It's a protected area right next door. People live all around there. And that's one of our most valued
assets. Yes, this island is changing, but guess what's not changing? a sterile bay because it's a preserve. How many times do people say to put a bridge through that thing? Never going to happen. You know why? Because people care. Our economy is tied into those dolphins, those manatees, the birds, all
of those things. So, I don't see how this is beneficial for anybody and especially not in that location. Thank you. >> Thank you. Okay. Anyone else in the last row?
Okay. Is there someone that did decided not to that would like to say something? >> I also have a written statement that was sent in when he's done. >> Go ahead, please. >> Good morning, Borovich. Uh, we live on Carlos Circle and I'd like to expand on the helicopter sound versus the boat
sound. The helicopter we live right on right by where the barge is at. The helicopter is at full speed when it full power when it's taking off. Boats are at idle when they're driving by. I don't hear any bolts in my backyard, but I do hear the helicopters, and it's a
nuisance. Furthermore, I'd like you to consider the financial impact that the people on the north side are going to be seeing as people find out that there is a barge there. The resale value for our homes goes down quite a bit. And we didn't sign up for this. So, I'd like to for you to take that into consideration.
That's all. >> Okay. Thank you. U just a point of order. Um, anyone else in the audience? Go ahead. >> It's on. Hi, Mary J. I live on San
Carlos Island. Um, my question is why weren't we notified of this? This just showed up uh two, three weeks ago or a month ago and nobody told us about it. Normally, if we have some county coming in and doing any kind of restoration or
any land development in our area, we get a notice, but this just popped up and we weren't notified. And that seems really odd to me and wondering why who made those decisions without letting us know also. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Okay, one more time. Going once, going twice. Okay, I'm going to close public comment with the exception I need to get clarification from Amy. If a committee person has a letter sent
in to him, do they read that at public comment or read it after it's closed? >> It was from someone who couldn't be here physically, so they sent the letter to just have me read in theirstead. >> Um, if you would like him to read it.
Okay, >> he can >> please go ahead. >> All right. Um, so this >> this comes from my colleague Beth Brady, um, who is a doctor and the director of science and conservation for Save the Manity Club. Um, my name is Dr. Beth
Brady. I am the director of science and conservation at Save the Manity Club. I am writing to express concerns regarding the proposed helicopter landing pad in the waters of Asterero Bay. By way of background, my research focuses on underwater acoustics. the study of sound
as it relates to manatees as well as the sound of unmanned aerial vehicles um UAVs or drones or a variety of e ecological um applications. I have more than 18 years of experience in acoustics research and five years of experience
working with drones. For background some generally sound generally does not transmit effectively from air into the water column. A substantial portion of airborne soundwave is reflected at the air water interface with only a fraction
of transmitted into the water. Although low inensity sounds such as um human conversations would not be expected to transmit into the water column whereas higher intensity sources such as drones and helicopters are more
likely to do so. While UAV sounds do not propagate officially from air into water and noise levels are often are similar to background noise levels in shallow water habitats. Um research has demonstrated that lowaltitude drone
flights can um elicit behavior responses in marine mammals including dolphins and manatees. Given that many cons um consumer and research drones operate at approximately 60 dB um comparable to a household
vacuum cleaner, potential impacts from helicopter noise pose a serious concern. Helicopters at takeoff typically generate sound levels on the order of 80 to 100 dB. And because each uh 10 decel increase represents a 10-fold increase
in sound intensity, helicopter noise is order is orders of magnitude louder than drone noise. Such intense sound sources are likely to penetrate the shallow water column of a sterile bay and introduce substantial underwater noise. Um
anthrop that's a big word. um noise such as shown to affect marine mammals through behavioral responses such as physiological stress and responses. Um potential hearing impairment, disruption of communication and echolocation and
changes in vocalization patterns. For these reasons, we have serious concerns regarding frequent helicopter takeoffs and landings in the bay, as repeated operations would generate intense and reoccurring noise likely to penetrate the shallow water column and negatively affect manatees and other wildlife in
the uh vicinity of the landing pad. Sincerely, Beth Brady. >> Okay, thank you. >> Can we can we have that letter, please? >> Yes. Um there are also references on the back where all her information is from here.
>> And with that u I will close public comment on the issue. And now I would like to ask u Steve if you're in the uh audience if you would like to come up and address the committee.
Pick a podium of your choice. We do have a copy of the letter you sent in and again uh you can comment on anything there. You can readress what you had in the letter. It's kind of your podium to talk
to the committee. >> I appreciate it. >> Excuse me just for a moment. Would you like him timed or no? >> Uh no. >> Uh members of the committee, uh thank you for the opportunity for me to speak today. My name is Steve Overy. I'm the owner and operator of the helicopter
tour and charter operation here in Fort Myers Beach. I want to be clear from the start. I am here today not because I'm legally required to, but because I choose to be. I believe in engaging with this community, listening to the concerns, and being a part of a responsible solution. For over 20 years,
Fort Myers Beach has been a big part of my life. I grew up coming here. I love this island, and I respect both the natural environment and the people who call it home. My goal has never been to simply operate a business, but to be responsible steward, neighbor, and
long-term partner with this community. We have taken environmental concerns very serious from the beginning. We have proactively engaged with environmental stakeholders such as the pod protectors, the Florida fish and wildlife, and many more. We are listening, learning, and
adjusting where appropriate. We have also made ourselves available with residents and town officials responding openly and transparently to questions and concerns. Our helicopter operations are conducted legally, safely, and responsibly. We are fully licensed in
complaint with the FA regulations and have reviewed all relevant state, county, and federal requirements. Our operating procedures are to are designed to minimize environmental impact, avoid sensitive wildlife areas, and operate over water whenever feasible. We do not
pursue animals. We do not engage in any activity that would harm or harass dolphins, birds, or marine life. I want to be very clear. We are legally allowed to operate. However, legality is not the ceiling of our standards. It is the floor. We are choosing to go beyond what
is legally required because I believe in responsible business means uh collaboration. I am also committed in developing emergency response plan with the city of Fort Myers Beach in the event of a hurricane or an evacuation. my helicopters would be able to assist, providing free flights off the island
when needed. This is about using our resources responsibly and giving back when it matters most. That said, I do want to raise an important consideration not just for my business, but for the future of Fort Myers Beach. If a legally compliant inventor inventorly conscious
small business such as myself can be pushed aside despite good faith, what standard does that set other entrepreneurs who want to invest here, rebuild here, and support this community? I believe this town thrives when environmentalists uh protect and
responsible entrepreneurship work together. Those goals do not have to be conflict. I am here because I care. I am engaging because I want to and I am committed to operating in a way that reflects the values of this community while respecting the laws that govern us all. Thank you for your time and I look
forward to continuing a conversation in a constructive and peaceful way. Thanks. >> Okay. Um just stay up for a minute. Uh does anyone have any questions at this point in time for Steve? >> Okay,
>> I I do have a question. Um so I also went out with Steve on his vote. Um, have you looked more into the logistics of actually moving the barge to from cuz it sounds like a lot of the concerns are coming from the location of the barge, not Yes, there's concerns about
helicopter tours and the sounds and that I and that is a separate part of this question, but moving the barge further closer to um to the Santael Bridge in that bay there. Is that something? >> Absolutely. We're not we're not set in stone on that uh location. We haven't
begun tours yet. We haven't done any commercial operations. Um, we're still kind of in the planning phase and working towards the goal. And that's why I'm here. I'm trying to listen to what the concerns are to see what we need to do to, you know, be successful here. >> Okay.
>> Anyone else? >> Thank you. >> Um, Will, would you like to address the Don't start the timer for him either. Will McCay, town manager for the record. Um, and uh, thank you Dave. I just
wanted to be here to answer mainly to answer committee questions if you have any of me. Um, or that I can direct to to staff and get back to you on. Um, I I just wanted to say I appreciate everyone coming today. Uh what a great turnout
and I appreciate the the committee uh making this opportunity, you know, for our residents and uh and concerned citizens around the area. And thank you very much to several members of the community who've, you know, been working with Steve and his operation to try and uh um express to him, you know, the
environmental concerns that we have uh that are important to us, very important to this community. I will say that uh you know just to clarify some things for for months it's it's a couple months ago Steve first reached out to us and the town um and we made it clear at that time and in you know discussions after
that that uh um he cannot operate within the town um and that where our jurisdiction ends um so really if he chose to operate outside of the jurisdiction there's no there were no decisions or non-decisions uh to be made by the town. So uh he he followed that
guidance and and you know set up where he's been doing his training I believe now. So at the same time and since then we've had many discussions with him about you know really mostly recommendations that uh that I believe he has followed most of those if not all of the other agencies that he needed to
reach out to. uh agencies being you know uh FAA which of course he works with on a regular basis uh but also Army Corps of Engineers, FWC, FDEP, Lee County who are the you know governing bodies for uh
areas outside of the town of Fort Myers Beach. Um I know uh I believe he has reached out to several of those if not all. Um, so I'd be interested to hear potentially how those conversations went in further discussions with Steve, but again, um, seems to be operating, uh,
within with outside the jurisdiction of the town of Fort Myers Beach. And, uh, we'll continue to, you know, provide him advice on how to potentially, uh, you know, run his operation if he continues here uh, so he doesn't violate uh, any of our codes and ordinances within the
town of Fort Myers Beach. Happy to take any questions from the committee members >> if there are any. >> Just just one. So >> technically the where he is located is not under the purview of the town of
Fort Myers Beach. >> That is correct. >> So if if he left the barge there, there would there would be there's no ordinance or anything that the town can do other than voice displeasure. That is
correct. It doesn't mean that if any of my staff, environmental staff, um, maritime operations staff or any members, you know, noticed uh, something that uh, that was of concern um, that potentially did carry over into one of our ordinances, but also there, you
know, their responsibilities to be on the lookout for other uh, violations of any of the agency codes and ordinances that I spoke of. doesn't mean that we wouldn't uh take note of that uh inform the operator and uh inform the uh the um
you know the agency responsible. >> One of the reasons that he we discuss as to why the barge is where it's at is because he's currently leaving out of Moss Marine and that is also where some of the guests that he would be taking out would be meeting and going out
there. um where does the town's jurisdiction oversee that type of those >> Moss Marine has a use you know has a land use basically for for that purpose. Okay. >> So they it's my understanding that uh Fly Heli has rented a slip um at Moss
Marine uh it is within the uh you know it's it's authorized use of of that slip to then f people out. That's, you know, as long as he's following the the use of that particular site, then uh then we're there's nothing in violation there.
>> Any other questions for Will? >> Okay. Okay. Thank you very much for your time. We sincerely appreciate it. >> Thanks, committee members. I appreciate it. >> Okay. So, I will bring that back to the
committee and open it up for discussion. Um I have a few points that I wanted to to make unless anybody else wants to speak first after hearing everything. >> Go ahead. >> Um so the few points that have been brought to my attention that concern me the most about specifically where the
barge is aside from on top of everything else with the mammals and that um in southwest Florida we've lost around 80 to 95% of our seaggrass beds. um that area around the Rrookery Island. Um that is some of the last little bits where
the grass is still growing pretty good. Um so I think it's worth protecting. Putting anything over there that will cast a shadow can be detrimental, especially feeding grounds for manatees. Um that's where a lot of the fish are nurserying. Um outside of the mangroves,
those seaggrasses are vital. Um manatees and turtles grazing in that area. The more obstructions, the more likelihood that they can become entangled, the more likelihood that they're going to be harmed in some way, especially already having that be a
manatee zone. Um, if the manatees can't dive to get away from boats because of how shallow it is, um, there's more likelihood of them and turtles getting hit. Um, boat strikes are the number two killer of both those animals in this in this part of Florida. Um, the laws that
are in place to protect the rrookery and to protect our wildlife zones, from what I can tell, those were put into place to keep boats away and to keep people away. These laws were not put into place considering that there would be helicopter tours and things of that
nature. So speaking with Steve, going out with him, he is going above and beyond the current laws. And he he does seem to be like he's trying to follow those and then some. Um but those laws were put into place for boats, not large vehicles
coming from the air. Um the point that was made was how these birds nest and land, how they react to things being overhead, whether it's far away or not. um especially nesting mothers and fathered birds, they will be having less babies um because they won't be able to
sit on their nests in my opinion. Um the also there's something to be brought in um that it is a hope spot under Mission Blue, an organization um ran by Sylvia Earl. This Southwest Florida is a hope spot. There's a lot of things that
our area could be taking um from this if we started to utilize that. Um and I encourage everyone to look into what a hope spot truly is and what it means for our wildlife, our ecology um and what that can mean for ecourism and things of that nature. So those are just some
things that were brought up um and uh that that I've been doing some research on. So not to extend it too much further, but yeah. >> Anyone else have any comments? First, I didn't realize that the town didn't have any jurisdiction in the bay.
Um, that kind of sheds a new light on the situation. Um, being a retired pilot myself, um, I took a little bit of extra interest in this uh, the last uh, this past week and did a little bit of research on my own. Um it from what I've
read um and and what I can gather it's not so much a sound issue as it is a compression issue. Um it's something I had never given any thought. The noise that you hear from a helicopter overhead. It's
not it it is sound that it makes decibb and as the lady pointed out earlier sound doesn't penetrate the surface of the very little sound penetrates the the surface of the water. Um the part that I think everyone uh um should be aware the
the the wings of a helicopter the rotating wings of a helicopter create compression and that's what gives the vehicle lift and that compression is transferred straight down and it hits the water. It's I it it it's like taking
a boat paddle and smacking the surface of the water. And that noise is transferred through the water for long distances and uh would would definitely affect uh any marine life uh in close proximity. Um so and listening to the
gentleman's uh uh what he had to say. Um he he says that he has an interest in the area. Uh he says he wants to be a good neighbor. Um, you know, maybe Fort Myers may not have any jurisdiction in the bay. Uh, they certainly don't have any jurisdiction in the air. Uh, the FAA
has a requirement of a minimum of a,000 foot over a congested area for an aircraft. So, above a,000 ft. Um, unfortunately, in my opinion, even though it may be somewhat of a nuisance or you may not want to even hear it at
that distance, there's really nothing that can be done about it. um he has every right to fly in that airspace. The FAA allows it. Uh there's not any way to restrict the airspace over the town of Fort Myers Beach. Um but that being said, he stated he wanted to be a good
neighbor. Uh so the town may not have any jurisdiction over over over over his his business or or or the rules pertaining to his business, but he it's my understanding he is the the the floating pad is in close proximity if
not in uh the area where the uh uh where the where the the nursery area for the dolphins and uh and also uh uh it's an area a known area of where the manatees are. So, I think the thing to do uh
would be to try to uh enhance this friendship between this gentleman and his company and the town of Fort Myers Beach and see if there's a way that we can uh coersse him um um into moving uh his operation to an area uh where the
dol where the dolphins aren't nesting and the manatees are not in that area. Um it's the only solution that I that that I see. It's the only avenue forward that I see. Um if we take an adversarial uh
position uh towards this gentleman in his c in his company, I I I don't see being able to work this out u in in an amicable manner. And so and that's something that I would like everyone hear. I understand all of your complaints and and uh um and I wouldn't
want the helily pad in my backyard either. Um uh and and I'm I'm sympathetic to to everyone's uh uh voice, but at the same token um I I think we need to to to have a direction in which uh maybe we could find an
amicable resolve. Thank you. >> Okay. Um, I'd like to, if it's okay with Will, I'd like to ask Curtis a couple of questions if I can. >> Okay.
And I had a brief conversation with Curtis uh about this uh earlier and it's apparent to me and I kind of echo
what both Rod Rob and uh Ed said it's it's a two-fold issue. One of it is location of the barge, location of the takeoff, and the second is the noise. So, let's let's concentrate on what we
can affect. Um, there are other locations, Curtis, that the barge could be in that possibly could be less invasive to the to the bird and uh marine life.
>> Yes. Um uh I'm uh first of all I'm for the record um good morning everyone. Uh my name is Kurt Leva. I'm the harbor master for the town of Fort Myers Beach. But Dave, to answer your question, um there was a few few locations um when uh
Steve um um first um came came to us and asked us about the about his business and and um uh I'm uh I'm operating in the Back Bay. Um and um
what we asked him is that so just just to be clear um the town does have jurisdiction in the Back Bay, but the jurisdiction is um a th00and foot from the shoreline out from from the shoreline out a
thousand foot from the island and that and that thousand foot wraps around the entire seven stretch of the island. Um, and where where Steve's barge is right now is he's he's actually 1,239
yards um uh feet, sorry, feet out um uh from the shoreline. So, he is he is well outside our boundary line. Um as will as will uh
as will stated um there are um two other areas that we have uh discussed um and that being on um once you enter Matanas Pass um and the channel going
um down through to um Ter into um uh um I'm a hurricane Bay back there um towards the bridge. Um we talked about the side the the space um outside of
that channel on the other side. So kind of more so Bunchy Beach side and in that that area. Um along with um if he was going to put the barge where he is now that we asked him to be to make sure he
is in um obviously the depth that he was in in um um a fair amount of depth where his barge is not sitting on the is is sitting on the bottom. Um so um and I think for his business for him to
transport his people um that was the shortest shortest uh side. And then um the other recommended spot would be on the other side of hurricane hurricane bay back there past Salty Samps um and
um to operate back there. But that's a long run for his for his business as well. >> Okay. Thank you. You're welcome. >> Um, that's that's all the question. Anyone else have any questions? >> Okay. Thank you so much. You're welcome.
>> Oh, actually, I do have a question. If if and when the county um fixes Bowage Park. >> Yes. >> And they get a dock back there and Steve were to move his pad out to San Carlos Bay
>> um in front of in front of Bunch Beach. Is is he allowed to go in and out of there with groups and guests and that to take to take take people out of there? >> You're talking about the Lee County docks, >> right? >> That would be with Lee County and him too. Um he would have to consult with
them and ask him. >> But it would but it >> but it would be Lee County who he would have to ask because that's their um Balditch is ran by Lee County. It's county, >> right? I just didn't know if commercial use of those docks was if you knew if it was legal or not, but
>> Okay. >> Okay. Thank you. >> And thank you. You're welcome. I so u concluding that I I just on my comments on it. I believe
you know the location of the barge while legal is probably not a good place to be. you know, in the spirit of the history of Asterero Bay and the
protection of the environmental uh wildlife that's there uh both marine and a and birds. So, u from a
from my personal feeling, I would strongly ask that uh a different location be found if it's with all possible within
uh the purview of of Steve and his thing that could be less invasive to the Eststerero Bay. It's a very sacred protected area for the island and it's and I, you know, I don't want to
use uh examples, but u it's kind of like someone putting in a gentleman's club and it's legal or selling, you know, uh controlled narcotics on the island. If
it's legal, is it a smart thing to do? and and it's it's one of those things where u I feel that it's it's while it's legal u the
business operator should have a presence and knowledge of the citizenry and we heard a lot of people today and I didn't really hear anyone stand up and say boy I'd really like to have a helicopter ride on Fort Myers speech.
So, I guess from my standpoint, um I I'm a pro business guy. I'm a pro-development guy. I've got a business major from a major university. And I think business is what makes the economy turn on the island. But there has to be
a balance someplace. And I think that's what we as a committee are looking for is to try and suggest a balance so that we can all live, prosper, and and go forward. Um, and certainly
having a barge in in a dolphin nursery or right next to it with a helicopter may be legal, but it's probably not the right thing to do. So, that's my two cents on it. And I would let everyone
know that's here and and watching u we are an advisory committee. We have zero authority to do anything other than to go to the town council and say look we did a lot of research and here's our
recommendation. You guys have the ball that's in your court. Um we we have no control over staff. We have no authoritative power to do anything other than our mission is to advise the town council.
>> So, should we make a motion um about how we feel about everything overall, what we think? I mean, even though the town doesn't necessarily have jurisdiction, I feel like it might keep going up to them potentially and we should probably make a motion about where we're at with it.
>> How would you like to start? >> That's a great question. Um I I guess I would thinking out loud here everybody don't come at me. Um, I would probably want to
make a motion in the sense that if the tour, if the helicopter tours will be going forward that we strongly suggest they relocate the barge into deeper water um,
north of Bowitch Park. I I would like to refrain from getting a specific. I would like to say that they work with the town to find a more compatible place for the barge. >> Yeah.
>> How's that? >> I like it. I wanted I I want something to be said in there about the depth. Um >> well, that that would be under the more compatible get into the >> schematics of everything. >> Get into the weeds on this thing,
you know. So, so if they move forward, um, yeah, I motion that if this gets to town council that they would look into moving the helicopter landing pad to a a more eco and
resident friendly location. >> I would I would second that. >> All right. >> Okay. Comments. I have a question and I'm not adverse to Rob's recommendation, but as
we as we as as it's already been pointed out by Will and brought to everyone's attention, the town literally has zero jurisdiction. So, I'm trying to figure out Yes, I guess we can we I guess we can
have a recommendation to the public. Um, I can't I can't see how this would wind up in front of council since uh they have no jurisdiction over the subject at all. Um, other than the public possibly going to a council meeting and bringing it up in
in public comments. Um, >> well, when you have an issue at a store, you go to the manager. When the manager doesn't handle it, you go to the region manager. So, I guess it's just we're trying to follow this up to the person who can do something. You know what I mean? >> And and and
the town hopefully will and town staff will continue to work with the company >> going forward because he's indicated a desire to do so and the town has indicated. So all we're doing is telling
the town advising the town council to work with them to find a more conducive area for for the barge that would that would benefit both because obviously they can't do anything to stop it but
they are working with him now and we would like that relationship to continue. That's why I don't want to get into specifics. if that town council can give staff the direction and Will because Will works for the town council and then the staff
reports to Will and this way we're just kind of giving direction. We may not like it, but if we have it, it's better to try and find that balance and give that direction rather than say, "Hell no, we
don't want this." And then you get into an animosity and then you get lines drawn and so on so forth. And we're trying to find a balance between the business and the and the thing. Personally, I would love to see them
move the barge. I'd love to see him take off >> on on solid land someplace, but that's not my call. >> Yeah. I mean, the the facts are is he's here. He's not breaking any laws, which is why he's still here. Um he has been more than willing to go out with myself,
pod protectors, and others. Um he's here. He's he's hearing things. So, I I I don't think he's putting up a wall. Um, and I would like, you know, this hopefully to make it so he'll move freely on his
own. Um, that would be ideal, but if if it that does not happen, then these meetings will probably go up to town council showing the public outcry and that goes further than that if they can't do anything. So, I think it's just kind of starting it out in a strong
strong way of this is what the community is saying. This is the first step to the working together and finding a middle ground. >> Well, and I think that's that's a committee's our committee's purpose is to act as a sounding board for the
community. That's why we're here. That's why these people are here. We're the sounding board and we're going back to the town council saying this is what our committee discovered. Now, there's a lot of facts that came out today. Number
one, it's really outside of the town's purview, but number two, the gentleman is here and he's willing to work with the town and the residents to try and find a balance that may not please everybody, but at least it's a balance.
It's better than what we had. And I think that's the direction we're we're going in. >> From from what he said to me when we went out, um he he wants to move it. Ideally, he wants to be out there. So, I'm going to stick by his word and hope that he does want to make that happen.
Um, and you can just nod. No commercial flights have been started yet. You're not doing tours. You're just doing um practices and you're building the barge essentially where it's at. >> Correct. >> Okay.
>> So, yeah. >> So, do we have to reread that or, you know, restate it? Reread it. >> Okay. Sorry. No, you're just in discussion. He he stated his motion. I pretty sure it was clear enough and you seconded. So, >> okay.
>> So, any further discussion on the motion? >> Okay. With that, I'll call the question. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion carries unanimously. Thank you. and thank everyone here for
being here and we hope that uh it sheds some information on it. And with that, we're moving on to the next item on our >> There will be another public comment at the end if you want to say something. I see your look with your hand up. There will be another public comment
>> Yeah, there'll be more afterwards. >> Right. It's it's at the end. >> Yeah. >> Yes. It's It's the last item on the agenda and we have two other items on the agenda that are probably going to take a
good hour. So, fair warning. Okay. >> Sure. >> We'll take a five minute break. 10-minute break. Yeah, I think you did. >> Yeah.
Okay, we're we're coming back into session. So, I'm calling the meeting back to order. Hello, people in the back. I'm calling the me
people I'm calling the meeting back to order. Thank you. Okay. Public public announcement. Uh there are two public comments. One at the beginning of the meeting and one at
the end. We have about an hour's worth of agenda to get through before we have our second public comment. So, I encourage you if you want to stay till the end and you wish to
make another comment on the entire agenda or what you feel you didn't you want to make a statement on, you're more than welcome to stay. We will probably be discussing this next month as well. And so if people want to
come next month and make a comment on the helicopter issue, that's fine, too. But uh at this point in time, we're going to be moving on with the agenda items on our MURF committee. So, okay.
All right. Moving on down the comp comp plan. Um, and for the people that weren't at the last meeting, uh, we had a charge to all of
the committee members from the town council in reviewing the comp plan as far as what the uh, charges were made to the MURF committee u, as outlined in the comp
plan. One was to uh support uh the eco-friendly uh tourist activities in the town. And the second was to uh garner support and information
and uh resident advocacy for a water taxi system. Both of those were outlined in the comp plan um as read and approved by the town council. So I had a meeting with Mayor Allers uh this week, last
week and u asked him if he could give us some direction as a committee. And basically what the uh mayor told us was that as a committee we should reach out to all of the
avenues that are on the island that are considered an eco touristfriendly operation. And first we have to define what that is. And that's something that
a visitor to the island can do that uh is a renewable resource u that doesn't uh have a uh footprint that degrades the
uh island resources. Um, part of that is, for example, going to the beach and simply being on the beach. There's an ecoourrist activity. The beach is there, the
tourists show up, um, they enjoy a day on the beach and they go. Now, part of the problem is if we don't have facilities for a mob of people, then it becomes an issue. you need restrooms for a lot of people otherwise
you're there are issues. Um, so there are those those are the challenges that the mayor said, I need you guys to go in as a committee, identify them, list them, get a narrative, and then
come back to the T council and tell us what can be done, what should be done, what do you recommend to do. U obviously, uh, there's a lot of things. The moundhouse is a is a eco-friendly
tourist activity. The the the walkway um is is an eco and that's Lee County, but it's there. So, he wanted us to go through and and get together our list
and and tell the town how we can promote it. Uh Abby is here as our PIO and uh we want to control the narrative or at least help write the narrative and say here's what to do and here's where
you can go to further enjoy Fort Meyers Beach, you know, in a in a responsible uh renewable eco-friendly fashion. and that was outlined in the comp plan and that's kind of in our committee's
purview. So that's what the mayor told me and is there anyone here on the committee that has would like to add anything or whatever or figure out how we're going to do that. I think a lot of people are um if we're
going eco-friendly wise um since Hurricane Ian, there has been amazing amounts of rebuilding on the human side of things. Um maybe focusing on in in your case, you you love to talk about the snowy clovers and how well
they're doing. So talking about how our ecology is recovering as well and how we're not just coming back, so are they kind of the thing. Um and maybe to I know we're going to talk about the um Arbor Day and that playing up to those
types of things where we're helping them come back along with you come see you know come see them and and play into look who else is coming. I don't know there's there I feel like there's something there about we're all recovering still and we're all still still regrowing and coming back. Um,
and something's to be said about, you know, people people say they want a pristine beach. Well, pristine means not touched by people, you know. So, those areas that are still wild, like the critical wildlife zone, um, the Matanis Pass Park once those trails are open, those kind
of things really show like old Florida, what it used to be before we were here. So, maybe bringing more people into those those types of things. >> Yes. So, do we want to invite,
you know, the historical Fort Myers Beach Historical Center to come in and give a discussion and presentation, the moundhouse, you know, do we want to invite them in and and have a meeting where we invite all of the people that
have a a a purview over the over their operation? and address it and then get other people. Um certainly there's, you know, kaying on the Back Bay is is one of the
is one of the things. Um I don't know how many kayak launches we have. Um we used to have one by Moundhouse. >> Um I don't know if it's back yet or not. Um so those are the things that we can go through and identify and at least
begin a narrative and invite the public to come in and invite those people to come in. >> So if you want to if that's a direction we want to take on that. Um, if everybody could kind of put together
what your thoughts and ideas are and send them to Chad and then we can kind of figure out who to invite at the next meeting and just see if we can have a an open discussion with those people cuz the mayor was very sincere and he said
we we we need to bang the drum a little bit and tell more people that there are more things to too. And uh he he was very passionate about us
getting involved and trying to get the verbiage and the narrative. And could he said, "You guys get to control the narrative on this and we can release it through the information on the public information officer." and and you know,
uh, Jackie at the Chamber of Commerce said she she'd be more than happy to to put a full-blown thing on it. So, that was kind of their charge to us. That's what the mayor's direction was. So, I guess if everyone's okay, Chad, is that
all right with you? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Rebuilding economy and ecology. >> Economy and ecology. So, let's uh let's send our list in to Chad and then he can send it out and share it with everyone and we can reach out to those people and
plan on having that at our next meeting. That's for the eco-friendly. Now, the water taxi becomes a whole different issue. Um and there's a lot of different thoughts
about the water taxi on the island. um where is it going to be? Where is it going to stop? Who's going to run it? So on so forth. Are the residents in favor of something like that? Are they not?
Uh, so I guess the probably the best thing for us to do is is put it on an agenda as an agenda item for two months and go out and say we we'd like to hear what everybody has to say
>> and also get an idea of where they're docking like you said like more information before we make anything. >> Before we make anything. Well, for for sure the if if the marinas aren't in favor of it, then it's going to be
But you need Snookbite. You need u uh >> Moss Marine. >> Moss Marine, you need you need all of the marinas on the island. And then there's Moundhouse would certainly be a a stop. Mhm. >> So >> there's and then you have to decide
whether you want uh water taxis going down canals and stopping off, you know, at at certain places. >> And what's their purpose? Are they tour boats or are they point A to point B taxis? >> They're point A to point B taxis. >> I don't know why they'd go down um
channel or like canals. >> Well, in like for instance behind the town hall property. >> Mhm. Oh, yeah. I guess those even those ports they want to go into. >> Well, okay. If you're a water taxi, >> somebody somebody has to
>> get out there. You know, if you want to go to Publix, >> you know, you want to take a water taxi to the Publix or you want to go downtown or come back. >> Y >> see, there's a lot of different issues. >> But Dave, my understanding was that >> they weren't going to take people to their residence. There were going to be
certain stops that they make to get people around the island. >> Correct. Sure. >> Not to their address. >> No, no, no, no. But that's >> that's that that's the what we're trying to discover is >> right. >> What do the people if we're going to try
and do a water taxi? >> Where's it going to stop? Who's it going to carry? And what's its purpose? >> And and well, everything costs money. >> Well, I mean, when they're going to taxi from public to the next place, they're going to pay
for that. Well, again, there's grants. There's a lot of different things that can be done. >> So, we need a lot a lot more information. >> We need a lot more information. But first and foremost is the mayor said, "I I want to find out what the information,
what the town's um feeling is among the residents that are here, which makes all the sense in the world. If you're going to if you're going to build a system for the town, you want to have the majority of the town's people say, "Yeah, I like this
and I'm going to support it." If you build something and nobody uses it, it's going to die a short death. Mhm. >> Um, so he said, "I think you guys need to take this and find out what the
temperature is in the town and what the residents want to say and what they actually >> and what the businesses will so >> the stops are going to be, >> right? And we can we can reach out to the to the uh and Jackie on the Chamber
of Commerce can help us. we can reach out to the marinas and say, "We'd like you to come in, >> give us your thought on it." Um, and then we can say, "Here's what we found. Present it to the council." >> Sure. >> The balls in your court,
take it. But this way we get to do a lot of discovery for the town council without without going back and um tying them up because part of our job
is to work with the best thing. And certainly from an um ec from a from a ecological standpoint, the the water taxi takes a lot of traffic off the roads, which cuts down on just
the >> congestion, >> petroleum back flush off the highways that goes into the >> back bay, off the streets, so on so forth. And it's, you know, it's a win-winwin >> um for everyone. So,
um, that's kind of the area. And if anybody has an objection on that, I'd like to throw that back on the agenda and kind of open it up for the town to come in
and make a comment on it. Ed, >> are you okay with that? >> Yeah. Okay. >> I'm okay with that. Todd. >> Yes. >> Okay. All right. So, that's where we are on
the comp plan and it's going to be a busy spring, late winter, early spring, and hopefully we get a lot of people. We'll have the majority of islanders here uh both uh
snowbirds and uh full-time residents that can come in and hopefully some of the just the visiting tourists that would like to come in and comment. Uh if we can get Abby to convince some of them to come in.
All right. the MURF operating procedures and goals. Next item on the agenda, we all took a look at the kind of the
uh operating procedure that the uh marine committee put together or the I'm sorry, lost my piece of paper.
under here. The Anchorage Advisory Committee put together the report on changing a lot of their uh purposes, limitations,
overviews, responsibilities. so on so forth. And I gave that to or I charged everybody last last meeting to take a look uh and see if we want to
uh adopt some most or all of this or what we want to do. Uh we certainly have a very good mission mission statement that's published on the town website and
I just my own personal opinion on it. I think it very clearly spells out what the committee's purview is in the town and what our responsibilities are. Um,
I don't know how everyone feels about what uh they put together. If everyone feels okay and you want me to take a whack at trying to take what they
did on the Anchorage Advisory and send it out for the next meeting to look at or if anybody wants to look at anything and send in a change and we can discuss it. But um I don't want to take a lot of
time up but at the same time I think we need to clarify a little bit about our committees responsibilities limitations and uh overview for the town because
there's nothing in the town on it other than that brief mission statement. And >> I think having something similar to like what they did would be good. Um, but I also feel that what happens in the anchorage directly affects the ecosystem
and maybe working more handinand with them would be a great idea in the future. Um, both with sending them issues that come to us and them sending issues that come to them to us. Um, but it's I mean what what they do is is very, you know, specific to the
anchorage, but we oversee that and more. Um, so I think having something similar to how they have it written out is is a good idea. >> Well, and I think that's a great idea if we if we designate that in our in our thing and and write it up and put it
through and then say to the town council, we've we've taken their template and revised it and put in >> things that are pertinent to the MURF committee. Mhm. >> Yeah, I think that's good >> because that's So, if you'd like to
write that portion up, >> I could send it in. >> Could I get a a copy of this one specifically? >> Sure, >> please. And then Yeah, I'll I'll take a look at that. >> And then the um you know, I'll I'll get um
send that down to Chad. Chad, can you have that copied and sent out to everybody? Yes, sir. >> Yeah. And then I'll I'll do a first draft and see what you like at the next one. >> Yep. And if everyone can take a look at it and we don't Chris King, who's the committee
chair, said we could steal any some or all of that um and bend it and apply it to whatever works for us. >> Super. Super. But it's a um I think having a having a guide going forward
>> is is something critical and there isn't anything that I could find that really said here's what the MURF committee is supposed to do. >> Okay. >> And that's why I had to go to Dan Mayor Allers and say mayor we're mentioned twice in the comp plan.
What do you want us to do? because at this point in time there's nothing in our >> in our thing other than our mission statement >> and how do you want us to proceed? >> And so he gave us kind of a okay here's
what I want you guys to do and ladies and you know we're the we're the sounding board for the island to advise the town council. We don't have any authoritative power other than to
listen, record, and re respond back to the town council with with an advisory note that says, "Here's what we found. Here's our opinion on the council, and here's how we'd like you to proceed." >> Yeah,
>> that's good. >> So, let's put that on the agenda for next month. Please write up and submit to Chad and then we can discuss it. Pull the best of the best and move forward.
Okay, that's that. Um, members items. Todd, >> you know, >> I think I pretty much I had some questions coming into the meeting, but um they've all been answered, I think,
pretty well, other than not knowing that we have no uh no authority. You know, the city doesn't. So, as far as the helicopters go, >> but uh No, I think I'm good. Thank you. >> Um I'm good. I'm good. Actually, there's
enough to think about. >> I just want to uh remind everyone um our local FWC representatives um Brianna and Kylie are coming to the meeting next month. Uh Rebecca from uh Lakeland is
coming down and going to attend with them uh to accept for Brianna and Kylie to accept their MURF awards. And uh Rebecca wanted to take the opportunity. She wanted to come not only to recognize them, but she wanted to take the opportunity to go over with us their
plans starting uh in the latter part of February and what they're going to be doing for the uh nesting bird season and um and they've got some things I guess some specifics that they'd like to go over. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Good idea.
>> Excellent. And I don't know if that needs to be an agenda item or if it's just a >> we have to put it on the agenda. >> Okay. Well, then let me confirm it with her and then I'll email and let it let you know >> orad. Yeah, let Chad know. >> Okay. >> And then Chad will put it on the agenda
and so noted. >> Okay. >> I'm good. >> Okay. I just have one item that I want to bring up. I attended the uh meeting yesterday at U Margaret
Deville. Um, Mary Toruson was the uh sponsoring the event and we were looking at ways to adform the voters on a sterile bay and what we can
do to uh control those that are not uh honoring the no wake zone. And so we had uh Lee County Sheriff, we had the
auxiliary coast guard, we had the Coast Guard, we had uh FWC Rangers. Uh we had a lot of people. Uh I was there kind of representing condominiums on Fort Myers Beach and
the MURF committee and we were just trying to figure out ways to get information to go out to the people. Uh, and we've got some very, very good ideas. Everybody has the same
desire to get the information out. And one of the best things that came out of the meeting is we're going to consolidate as a as an island all of the different factions, the condos, the resorts, the
marinas, everybody. and and the town with Abby and project the same message and the same information so that it's not one guy saying read the
signs, one guy saying here's a map, one guy saying you know uh you should listen to the uh marina guide when you rent your boat. Everybody's going to have the same information. We're going to try and
get it on a cell phone so that it's out. We're going to use the KISS method. Keep it simple. Um, and try and project the same information
and just repeat it and repeat it and repeat it. Um, the Coast Guard auxiliary said they can put some additional boats on the back bay. Uh they have zero arrest authority, but it's kind of like the squad car in the middle of the
median on the interstate with nobody in it. Nobody really knows cuz the windows are tinted out. But if you got an auxiliary guy in a marked boat, you're not going to be going by the guy 75 miles an hour in your boat not knowing whether or not the guy's a real Coast
Guardy or not. So, we had a lot of different conversations, but kudos to Mary for for organizing it, sponsoring the event, getting us all together, and it was just, you know, I I'm very
excited that we've got some some positive steps and met some great people and we're we're going to move forward. So that's I just wanted to let everybody know and that's coming down the road.
And that's all I had. Staff update. >> Chad, you're up. >> All righty. Okay. So, very happy to uh announce uh if you haven't heard already, we're having a Florida day event um at Bay Oaks. Uh near the pool area is a good
parking spot. Uh we're going to be planting a or putting final touches on planting a gumbo limbo tree. That's the challenge tree, also known as the tourist tree. So that is again Friday, January 16th at 11:00 a.m. >> at the Bay Oaks Recreational Center. Um
we'll also uh the Astero Island Garden Club sponsored a native tree sapling giveaway. Uh so we'll have some three gallon jatroofas, orange geers, paradise trees, dahu and holl, and southern magnolia. About 10 of each. Quantities are limited, so first come first serve.
Um we're going to be giving those to property owners only uh just so that we can ensure that those trees are planted by people who have permission to plant those trees on their property. Uh we'll be asking for a pledge that they're going to maintain and plant it in location
um in accordance with you know best practices FPL and Florida arborist best practices. So and we'll hand out some literature just to help them with that similar to that what we've done in uh years past before Hurricane Ian. Um, also, uh, Miss Kathy said Island Garden
Club wanted to commemorate the event as well, and they're going to plant one of those jrophas in their, uh, garden club garden area at Bay Oaks. So, um, very happy that that event came together and, um, hope to see all of y'all there. Uh,
we also we're working on, uh, you know, beautifying the island in general, uh, getting some trees planted at beach accesses. So, uh, hopefully in the near future we'll be seeing some seag trees, sable palms, maybe some Florida thatch and fish poison trees. All of those are,
uh, pretty well salt tolerant, so they'll do, they should do well over the beach accesses. Uh we're also asking, you know, any condos and beachfront owner property owners that want more dune plantings or may want some of these salt tolerant uh trees uh planted on their property in
the on the beach area uh behind the burm. If it's a suitable spot, we're happy to talk with them and uh get some more dune plantings and uh and and uh increase our canopy that got devastated by Hurricane Ian. Um also looking at
some more canopy trees. We had a grant from FDAX um uh that we're going to be uh taking advantage of and more canopy trees to complement all the palms that we did at Bay Oaks. Um and maybe a jatroofa or holly for a red
theme at Lover's Lane. Uh some royal palms and some flowering trees uh along uh north of some Florida friendly flowering trees in waste and a waste. So, looking forward to getting some some green and some some color uh out on the
island. Uh we also have a beach truck hall project planned on the south segment uh on the north side of the CWA. Uh that area didn't get some sand uh due to the uh historic pilings that were there. The the condo wanted to save those pilings. So, we're going to do a
surgical uh truck haul project. I'm told it'll take, you know, all of five days if they stop for coffee, so it shouldn't be too much of a distraction. Um the the property owners over there really wanted to fill in that area that was left lowlying. So, um we have the funding, we
have the permitting in place, so we're going to try and uh make them happy. And then we're also going to be presenting some other uh another truck haul um that uh on the central segment to council on February 2nd uh to address some of the scour that were left behind by the
contractor uh as well as maybe uh also get some direction from council on uh reestablishing uh BMS that were washed over and uh uh dissipated due to the recent storms that
we had. Um the idea would be to place uh uh the burm uh just waterward of the plantings. Um it's not you know given the beach is already 3 four feet high. The burm is not going to look like much you know probably like a two feet two foot mohill uh since the beach is
already elevated to that uh you know 34 NAB elevation. So um we'll look for some direction from uh both council and the public on that. Um, it is a little bit uh, you know, I'd like to have some buy in before we we
start putting in sand. You know, no good deed goes unpunished. So, I don't want to do something that's going to upset people, but I think it's the right thing to do to get some additional sand, additional elevation, uh, out on the beach and, uh, again, you know, vegetating it and, uh, all that's on the
table. So, I just try and get some some feedback from the property owners and see what they want to do. Uh but again, we have the money and the permitting in place, so why not take advantage of it? Uh and that's all I got.
>> I just want to again clarify that you're going to make sure that the hazardous waste is date in February is not >> Yeah, I don't see anything on the Lee County schedule. I've reached out. Um, I
haven't heard back, but I will let you know if y'all have gotten any if anybody else has gotten something confirmed, please let me know. But I just I don't see it on the Lee County calendar. And um >> Okay. >> Cuz >> I haven't gotten any feedback from um
from the guys over there. So, I'll let you know as soon as I hear back. >> And and could you could you let Abby know so that she can >> Yes, sir. >> blow it out to the everyone. So, u it's we only get it twice a year and they
have told us it was February uh 4th. >> Okay. >> In 2026 and I remember that date because I remembered it as 246. Um, >> and so I I think it's the date that you
gave me and that they gave you and that we've talked about the last couple of meetings was February 4th, 2026. >> Yeah. >> Yes. I'll get it confirmed for you. >> And that's that's coming up. If that is indeed the date at Bay Oaks, we won't
get that in time for the meeting. We we won't we we'll it'll be gone before our meeting shows up and then we're six months down the road. So I want to make sure that that gets >> exactly >> Yes, sir.
>> Okay. Anything else? >> No, sir. >> All right. For the people that have been waiting here that would like to do another public comment, uh it's that time in the agenda. I'll open public comment for anyone that would like to make a comment.
Please state your name. >> Hi, my name is Stefan Kunel. Um I'm the owner of Kayak Excursions at Bunch Beach and Pelican Bay over by Fort Mary's Beach. Um the I just wanted to kind of um I guess summarize about the
helicopter thing. Obviously um my thoughts are that you know as Mr. over said if he wants to fly he can do it. He has the legal right to do what he's doing. You know maybe there's some whatever bird thing or army corps or
whatever but um as it stands he has a right to do what he wants. So my opinion is that it should be a and he's he was here so you know he was theoretically listening. um if um you know if we put up too much of a no just go away you
can't do anything it's going to turn into him versus everybody else and he's going to do what he wants to do I think it's better to have you know a back and forth and say okay how can we compromise whether it be and and really the main thing is where's the barge right that's
kind of the as you guys have all said um the main contention I think here so I think moving the barge further into the Back Bay is is a terrible idea. I think moving it out to the west of Baich, not to so to the north of Baich is essentially Bunch
Beach, but to the west of Baich, you're not really in open Gulf. You're still in San Carlos Bay, but in the, you know, deeper and um kind of further away from shorelines where you have the bird activity and as much dolphin manity activity. Um, so I think that,
you know, hopefully he's not just saying he's willing to do it and is actually willing to do it, but I think working with him and I understand the town doesn't really have a legal right to say no, you can't, yes, you can. Um, but I think he is seeking the
town's approval um, you know, as a as a business to to not be, you know, at odds with the town. So, >> okay. Thank you. Thank you. >> Anyone else? For the record, Terry Kaine, again, I
want to thank you for bringing this the helicopter issue forward and I want to thank you for your vote and the recommendation to the town. Please do not take your vote lightly or your opinions lightly. do not diminish the power that you do have as a former MURF
member. We do have power in what we say and you represent us as a community, as our community. You may not have jurisdiction right now over this issue, but this issue will continue to go on and the county is listening and the state will be listening to how the
community feels and you have expressed that today through listening to the residents. So, I thank you for that. This business is not the first to do something like this. A marine resources task force had a lot to do with a business that came in here many years ago. Don't ask me what year. Um and it
was an airboat business who decided to do airboat tours and started to want to go down our canals and our different waterways in the mangroves. Um the town, we were established as a town in those days and the county and the town went
together to try to figure out how do we approach this and what happened was that airboat operator was docking his airboat at a slip on Fort Meyers Beach and the town came up with a plan and the issue was that airboats were no longer allowed to dock on for Fort Meyers Beach. The
neighbors really complained about that because of the noise. the kayakers complained because he was going up and down our little canals in the mangroves and things like that. So, and that issue came forward to the marine resources task force and was partially solved by
marine resources task force. So, I thank you for that. And I do believe that this business has a place and that would be at Pagefield. And um I was in a business for many, many years. And I've probably if I ever added up 40 minute 40
years of fuel, I probably spent hundreds and thousands of dollars on fuel. So that's what happens. It's the cost of business. Thank you so so much for listening. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. And I remember when bungee jumping was was at the end of the
bridge. So, >> well, people don't believe this one, but we had a zipline that wanted to go from >> to Bowage, >> so I was reviewing that one. >> Okay, >> we've had them all. >> Thank you. >> Wow. >> Anyone else?
Okay, with that, I will close public comment and I thank everyone for staying till the end. I was handed another one. I'm not going to read it, but I'll give it to Amy to put in um by uh Kate Reid. Um she wanted her um feelings on the matter on record, so I'll hand that to
Amy to put into >> Okay, >> good. All right. >> I don't know her, so I don't want to read it. >> All right. Um next on the agenda is the MURF award. Are there any
nominations? Okay, we'll wait till next month and see if there's someone there. Uh, >> the garden club sponsoring saplings. >> Garden. >> There you go. Thank you, Chad. >> Just here for
>> I think I think we could I think we could uh nominate the garden club >> for the samplings. >> Yeah, >> I think that's a good idea. >> I think that's a great idea. Yeah, >> good job. >> Nice job. Okay, I'd make I'd make a motion that the garden club receive the
Murf Award for this month >> for their gracious donation of saplings. >> I'll second that. >> It's a great idea. >> Um, any further discussion on the motion? >> All those in favor say I.
>> I opposed. Thank you. Motion carries. >> Good idea. >> All right. now agenda for next month. We kind of covered everything. Um, >> so I'll have to go through and review it again, but we were all kind of in
agreement, so I'll make sure Chad gets that. Does anyone want to add anything? >> Can we go through them real quick? Uh, Mr. Dave, >> uh we're going to um try and invite the
uh have an open public comment on water taxis >> from Mos historical society. >> We're going to have the we're going to discuss our u operation
for the MURF committee. We're g everyone's going to rewrite or take a look at the anchorage committee and try and write what they feel would be appropriate for MURF and we're going to discuss that. >> We'll have the FWC
>> is that under Murf operations? >> Yes. >> What else did we have? We had the U >> FWC people coming in for their >> FWC people are coming in for their award. >> Yeah. And are we still going to talk about the helicopters or are we
>> I I think we can just open public comment up and let anyone that wants to discuss it discuss it >> and that should tie us up for a full meeting. I'm sure >> the bird thing.
>> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Anyone else have anything to add? Okay. So with that, I will accept a motion to adjourn the meeting. >> A motion to adjourn the meeting. >> Adjourn the meeting. Motion made,
seconded. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion carries. It's 12:12 Wednesday, January 14th. The MURF meeting is now adjourned.