Good morning everyone. >> Good morning everyone. Today is Wednesday, June 10th, 2026. This is the monthly meeting of the Marine and Environmental Resource Task Force Advisory Committee for the Town of Fort Myers Beach. I'm calling this or
meeting to order. I would like everyone to please rise for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. Please be seated. Okay, with that, I'll start with the roll call starting with Bill. Please give your name. Bill Alto.
>> Sharon Hegstrom. >> Dave Nusbomb, present. >> Jennifer Rusk, present. >> Turn on your mic. >> Ed Rude, present. >> Okay, there is a quorum. At this point
in time, I would like to ask the uh committee members if they would allow Tad Zacharelli to attend the meeting via Zoom. Make a motion he be allowed to attend the meeting. Second. >> There's a maid and seconded. All those
in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion carries unanimously. Todd or you are officially on the meeting when you show up. Okay. >> Also, chairman uh Rob informed me that he's
not going to be able to make it today due to personal issues. >> Oh, yes. I'm sorry I forgot to mention that. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Okay. So, next item on the agenda is public comment. We have numerous people in the audience. So, I will start with
the first lady that put her hand up and then go to the rest. >> Good morning. >> Morning. >> For those of you who don't know me, my name is Terry Kaine. I'm a lifelong resident of Barrier Islands. I've lived on two, this one and one off the Jersey
coast. Two subjects came up this week that concerned me because I'm a barrier island person. One was that the public is not aware that we have a town ordinance against no live shelling including sand dollars and sea stars. And then there's been a lot of talk
about raking the rack. I'm very passionate about the rack line and you'll find out why in a minute. Um how do we solve my big problem is how do we solve this problem? You now have PR people. You've got staff now that can do this. And um how do we solve the lack of
knowledge on how to live on a barrier island? Environmental education is needed. I know that it's been a hard four years for everybody and we need to get back to why people come to live here and work here and play here. Um maybe
the guided walks need to come back. They may be in the in the doings right now. I'm not aware of that. And maybe somewhere on the website you can have a do you know page and um such as do you know under normal circumstances the raking of the rack line is prohibited.
Do you know the town manager um can approve the raking of the rack line under conditions of the DP? I think this would be good knowledge for the um general public and only after it's determined that there's an unusual accumulation of red drift algae. And did you know the rack line, which what we
have here is called red drift algae, holds sand in place and it's free beachment. Um, racking the rake. Racking. Yeah. Raking the rack. Say that three times fast. Takes sand off the beach. And the t town is spending millions to put sand on the beach. If
you've ever been involved in a raking the rack project, as I have, you will understand how much sand is removed from the shoreline when you rake the rack. Um, also the rack provides nourishment for our bird population. We have an
unusual situation here. We're one of the very few beach lines where we have mig migration twice a year here on Fort Myers Beach of migration, resting, and nesting birds here. There's money to be made from birds. Birders, I am not one, and some of you may be. I am not.
Birders are very competitive people. I say that with affection. Um, against themselves and others. They have a few goals that they have to make every year. They have a personal goal best which they keep a list of birds that they see every single year and that they identify. And then they have a lifetime
list. That's another list of birds that they see throughout their lifetime. And then they share these list with other birders to compete with each other and to brag. And did you know the birds birders come back? Birders people come back year after year and sometimes twice
a year during migration season because we have migrations in the spring and the fall. Did you know nature and bird watching is the fifth reason people come to Fort Myers Beach and to Lee County only after relaxation and visiting family and beaches. These are repeat
customers to the beach and raking the rack will send them elsewhere. Our environment is our economic engine. I know the red drift algae smells for a couple days, but with that time, it's being caught. The sand is being caught in it. The sun is drying it. The birds
are loving it, and it's providing revenue. As we looked at red drift, we need to see dollar signs and money saved and money earned, not as an expense to be incurred and gotten rid of. I hope you consider a way to get the environmental education out there and
create an understanding of the public of what it's like to live and visit on a barrier island and the responsibilities that we have as stewards of our natural areas. Thank you very much. And I used to sit where you sat about 20 years ago. >> Thank you.
Um, and when we get to member comments, I'd like to address a few things that you brought up just because I believe the information is out there [clears throat] and I believe for the most part it's being followed, but I can
address it in detail. Does anyone else have a uh public comment? Seeing none, I will now close public comment. And again, thank you for your thoughts. Okay. At this point in time, I would like approval of the final agenda. I'll
accept a motion. >> I'll second that. >> No, I'll I need a first. >> I make the motion that we approve the agenda. >> I make a motion that we approve the agenda. >> Made seconded. Any discussion?
>> Okay. All those in favor say I. I. >> Opposed. Motion carries unanimously. Okay. Next on the agenda, approval of our minutes from our joint meeting with the
Anchorage Advisory Committee that was sent out. U we'll u I'll accept a motion to accept those. >> I'll issue a motion to accept ours. >> I'll second that.
>> A motion made and seconded. Um any discussion? All those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion carries. Thank you. Okay. >> We also need to accept a motion on the
Well, that was a Murf. Okay. Staff leaison report. Chad, you're up. >> Sorry, I thought it was at the end of the meeting. Right here. So, uh, it looks like we shifted it around. So, we have a uh beach sand project going building a
uh two three uh foot burm off the existing grade. Um the absolute elevation will be 6 ft from off of seawater to offer uh
protection from storm surge. Um it's going from Aberdine to Myiar. Um, we're looking for uh beachfront property owners to partner with us and uh plant
uh plant the burm. If we can stabilize that burm, that's the best thing that we can do. Um, we've already uh planted um some 7 and 12 acres of vegetation uh with the dune management plan. So, this would be above and beyond that. And um
you know I'm here to work with the property owners and get creative uh with the vegetation uh doing vegetation options that we have to you know if they want it lowlying or um you know whatever whatever ass they have to get that thing vegetated that is absolutely the best
thing that we could do for for uh resiliency against uh storms that you know it's not if they're coming it's wind. So that project's going. We should be in front of Diamond Head I think on Thursday. Um I I believe they have all
60,000 tons uh on island already. So truck traffic should be at a minim minimal at this stage and it's just a matter of uh placing and grading that burm out onto the beach. Um so still shorebird nesting season. Uh
also sea turtle nesting season. I think we're up to some is it 40 some odd nest gen? I'm not sure if you remember. Yeah. Um, >> as of yesterday, >> 47 40. Yeah. >> Yeah. And, uh, 88 or 87 false crawls.
>> Right. So, um, they've been, uh, relocating sea turtle nests that are, uh, in the project area. Um, and we are monitoring for lights. Were out last night. Uh, you know, letters are being sent. So, uh, if you get a
letter, you know, don't get too excited about it. is just about fixing the problem and coming into compliance. And uh once that happens um you know no worries. I am trying to send those uh warning letters out by emails just to reduce the paperwork and increase the
speed at which issues can be addressed. Um and one other thing we did have somebody go out uh on the north side yesterday. It looks like it was like on a maybe a lawnmower type tractor, kind of a smaller tractor, and went and dragged the beach and pulled out a whole bunch
of vegetation. So, if anybody knows anybody that was out on the beach just dragging, you know, out through the middle kind of like did like a square in the beach and came back through uh Cane Palm um kind of like between properties. Uh please give me a call and let me know
so I can u do some education. >> May I ask a question? Of course. >> Could you could you tell what kind of vehicle was that? Was it a buggy or a raker or >> It it looked more It wasn't wide enough to be like a proper tractor and it did
not look like it was buggy tires. So, and what they dragged it with, I'm not sure. Maybe just like a 4x4 or something like that. And then probably placed it up on there as they went out of the canal property. they kind of like it was, you know, they they dragged the uh
the entrance. Um, and as all our rakers should know, we're not doing any mechanical raking within 10 ft of the planted uh vegetation during sea turtle season per our FD approved dune
management plan. Um, so yeah, just a little curious. I don't know. They peeled off to the right um whenever they left the cane palm. Sam was pretty fresh. So it was probably yesterday morning, maybe last night, maybe Sunday night, little Sunday night job, I
don't know. So anyway, if anybody sees anybody with a tractor or anything out on the beach, please let me know. Um, but having said all that, uh, we were out on the beach last night and also saw Sea Turtle Conservancy. They're very impressed at our uh community
participation in um sea turtle conservation, using the right lighting, closing blinds. They said it was tough to find non-compliant properties, so um kudos to the community for sea turtle conservation.
>> Chad, I have a question. >> Yes, sir. Um, there was a I guess not flattering report in one of the newspapers about the renourishment project endangering the nesting areas.
And I just wanted your input as far as your work with FWC as far as ensuring the fact that the shorebirds are not being interrupted on this. >> Yeah. So, we had um you know, every as
everybody knows, we have all four of the protected uh shore bird species nest here on the island. We have oyster catch catcher nest, which is very special. Uh several, you know, half dozen or so snowy clover nests and uh dozens and
dozens of lease turn and black skimmer nest. We're very sensitive to that. And with regards to our beach reourishment and recovery, hurricane recovery projects, um, we've been working with FWC for
years now and have earned their trust. We go above and beyond our permit conditions, um, that are dictated to us by our Florida Department of Environmental Protection permit. Um, as uh, Mr. Alto can attest uh pausing a
burn project because of a bird nest can cost you thousands, tens and tens of thousands of dollars. So we have um adopted a can do attitude to work with the agencies to figure out what we
need to do to not have any take and still get any uh and still get the project done. So, I think saying that the the project um is a detriment to shorebirds is is not accurate. We were very sensitive to
the snowy clover that was within 300 feet of our project area and um uh we waited till that bird uh the eggs hatched and uh our monitors uh carefully monitored that project area
uh day in and day out to uh assure that the roving chicks were not anywhere around and they made their way uh down south to feeding grounds and once they were cleared we finished the nest. So, um, unfortunately we did lose some, um,
eggs, snowy clover eggs to, uh, fish crows, um, down in the CWA. So, unfortunately, the wildlife is out competing us for affecting the the snowy clovers these days. >> Okay, thank you. Any other questions for
Chad on the staff report? Okay, thank you, Chad. All right, going down to old business. Is there any old business someone would like to bring up before we go on? >> I know. I've never heard of such a
thing. What does it mean? >> Old business is just prior business that's been discussed that wasn't on the agenda that you feel is unfinished. So, wouldn't if uh you wanted to bring something up to have it back onto the
agenda when you have that under committee reports, when you bring it up under committee reports, >> it's anything that someone felt wasn't closed. >> Okay.
>> For instance, for instance, there were things that were have been directed to me before that I've reported back on. That would be old business. Okay, new business. Okay. uh our joint meeting with the Anchorage
Advisory Committee, which by the way, I received a lot of personal uh emails from people that said what a what a great idea it was and they'd like to see more interaction between the
committees just from the residents at large. So, I think it's something we need to consider in the future. But um you all received a copy of the recap of the meeting that we held and some of the
recommendations that came out of the meeting and going down the list starting with you, Bill, do you have anything you'd like to add, pursue,
look at? um because we do need to go to the uh town council with our recommendations on it. >> I I think uh it was a very good meeting. Um all my notes are in my MURF binder at
the house, so I brought the wrong binder. But working off a memory here, was [clears throat] um was the utilization of the um ferry service.
Um did we really take into account the savings from uh air pollution? For instance, you have a mile and a half backup just about every night during the height of the season. And so that's feeling out quite a bit of
CO, CO2, um, nitrogen, and if I recall my notes right, it's about 4 to 10 pounds per car per hour. Um, so that's that's a lot. So part of
the decision is, you know, we're taking traffic off the road. So hopefully the to coming to and from downtown would be better if we can take an appreciable amount of traffic off the road and put it into the ferry service.
>> Well, and I guess let me fine-tune my question a little bit for all of the committee members. One of the things that we were charged with by the town manager >> and staff was to
come up with what we felt were the highest priority guard rails that we should recommend going forward i.e. number of license uh what do we impose anything on those so on so forth um taking into account
the environmental impact that it's going to have on the back bay >> and one of the biggest things at least in my mind that we came out with was there has to be a well coordinated effort to control the speed of any ferry
service or taxi >> because That's probably the most detrimental thing to the seaggrass and to the animals living back there as well as the shoreline. >> Sure. >> But beyond the speed issue, do we feel
that there are some other guidelines? We want to put in hours of service, uh, daylight operation only, so on so forth. Uh I I would I think if you want to keep
backing that notch up a little bit, uh the town needs to come up with partners for parking, right? Because if we're going to take the cars off the road from say the south end going to the north end or even vice versa, uh they'll need a place that they
can park that hopefully it's not billable. But um any restaurant that allows parking is going to be a beneficiary of this. >> Now, has anybody ever gone down to Naples Harbor and done their harbor
cruises? [clears throat] and we did their little they have six stops in their harbor and runs like clockwork. It's one guy. Uh it is not 100% year round and it's it's very effective
and that every I'm going to say every 15 minutes he makes a stop on the six stops and he drops a lot of people off, picks up a lot of people and just keeps moving from spot to spot. So, uh, having a regular schedule,
uh, I don't think we need a service year round because right now to me it wouldn't be beneficial. There's just not enough people here. But a service from, you know, mid November through April would be an ideal time to take to the
council and say, "Hey, this is what we recommend." So schedule parking, they're the number ones. We can come up with environmental reasons to do this. And I I I think the benefit the net benefit to the area would even though we're running on the
water, you're taking uh precious vacation time away from people while they're sitting in traffic >> and this could do nothing but help. >> Okay. Thank you, Sharon. Sure. I think um I think that this first of all, I
think the document that Chris King made for us on this discussion was phenomenal. I can't get over how well she covered every single thing that we discussed and the possibilities of of having a water taxi or a ferry. So, I really give her a lot of credit for
that. Um I agree with um member Alto that the uh pollution that's coming from at least an hour and a half, two and a half hours I've sat in that traffic from the south end is causing is certainly the idling is causing pollution. I agree
with that 100%. And also um I'm wondering would a taxi be available then in case there was an emergency or in case of um yeah in case of an emergency um would even exiting a a storm coming
in. Um, and also is there multiple use thought about for this taxi as far as um going to concerts at the north end or sunset or beach? There's there's an awful lot to consider. I I think it's a great idea because I don't like sitting
in the traffic, but um I think it's it's well it's a it's got to be so well thought out. So that's it. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. I received after that um a joint meeting. I received an email um and it
was uh to myself, Amy Baker, John McClean, and Mr. King and it was they requested that it be shared to the MURF and AAC uh members. So, I'm not sure if you all received this or not, but uh
just it there were some good points in here. Um, you need uh permits and licenses to operate water taxi business on Fort Myers Beach. Here are the key permits and requirements. Town of Fort Myers Beach. Certificate of UCO.
Um, this is primarily a local permit required to operate a business on the island confirming your zoning compliance. Uh, Lee County local business tax receipt, special permit, operating permit. US Coast Guard license because
you are carrying passengers for hire. The operator must hold a valid USCG captain's license, often called a six-pack or OU OUVC license, a ve a vessel registration. The boat must be registered in Florida for commercial
use, insurance, zoning business review, um contact licensing and ensure USCG compliance. Um, so just I don't know if you received this letter or not, but the town was requested to send it out to all
the members. >> That's it. >> Okay. Thank you, >> Ed. Well, I went over what Chris uh compiled and I thought it was uh uh I thought I thought you did a good job with it. Uh it was pretty concise. Um I
didn't really have any uh questions about it. I didn't see anything really that was missed. Um, I do like Bill the point that Bill made though, I hadn't thought of it. Um, you know, the fewer cars we have obviously in such a small area, it it does obviously improve the
air quality. There's no question about that. um you know h how how uh how the how it will all end up you know how they'll put it together and how it'll all end up working you know obviously it will be another another uh um point of
discussion but I thought it was a really good a really good uh summary that's that's all I got >> okay thank you um I would like to again agree with pretty much everything that
was said. I've kind of been making a list starting with speed and this is what we want to go to the council with and say, you know, we we've looked at the feasibility of it. We
think it's something that could possibly be done. And here are the guard rails that we think should be incorporated into any thought process as far as establishing a ferry or taxi service. And again, my
number one is speed on the back bay. Um followed by parking. Uh what kind of schedule seasonal or or uh yearly? Uh is there uh availability for
emergency service and all licenses, permits and u necessary operation uh vehicles need to be obtained prior to
operation. Uh but not so that it would severely impact point of entry. In other words, if you've got a $5,000 license application fee, that might put some people off. I think it, in my personal
opinion, uh getting a license should be no more difficult than just a normal business license, providing you've met all the criteria of the Coast Guard and everything else. So, that's just my
thought and that's what I'd like our committee to vote on and bring forward to the town. Unless someone would like to add something else. I would just like to say also, wouldn't the um people operating this taxi or
whatever have to know first aid and CPR? >> I think that's part of the Coast Guard license. >> Is it? Okay. Very good. Thank you. So, anything else? >> I think that's covered it. Okay. Now the [clears throat] point is we're going to go to the council with our
recommendation and then I guess as a followth through the town possibly would put an RFI out to some [clears throat] of the interested uh >> we are nothing but an advisory committee for the town >> and we are coming in and putting our
recommendations to them as far as the guard rails that we believe should be incorporated should someone come forward with a taxi service. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> All right. >> All right. >> Do you want to delineate taxi service
and ferry service or just >> taxi and or ferry service? >> Okay. All right. >> This should be considered for both taxi andor ferry service. >> Okay. >> All right. >> Okay. So, I will go ahead and um um
propose a motion to take these guard rails to the town council uh on the subjects that we just spoke about. >> Okay. And I'll second that. So, made seconded. Any further discussion?
>> Do we want Will it be written up clearly is what the card rules are? >> Well, I just read them. speed parking >> uh schedule seasonal or annual. >> Okay. >> Uh emergency use of emergency and all license
uh and business permits are obtained. >> Okay. >> You know >> yeah business coast guard and all that right regulations. Okay. >> Thank you. >> Those were the ones I listed. >> Thank you. >> All right. You can add them if you want to add any or not.
>> That's that's perfect. >> Okay. Any further discussion? >> Yes. So, with this um would we be uh adding if the town is going to be doing this, would they be part of the enforcement of speed and all the
enforcements? >> That's that's part of that's part of their solution to the problem. We're we're saying speed is one that needs to be monitored and controlled. How they do it, it's not for us to say.
And I'd also just on the time timing of it, I would really recommend it start a week before Christmas and end a week after Easter. >> Again, we're getting in the weeds on that. >> Yeah. >> Okay, >> that's a message. >> Motion's on the floor made and seconded. Any further discussion?
All those in favor say I. >> I. I. >> Opposed? Motion carries. Okay. Thank you. A quick point. You have a member on the phone. >> Oh, Pat, are you there?
>> I don't see him. >> No, he's not. >> No. >> Okay, >> he's not here. >> Never mind. >> But thank you. I didn't see him up there, >> okay? Next item on the list is speech cleaning policy. And the reason this
came up was we had again at the joint meeting some gentlemen that came through uh some comments came through from people there and I actually went down and and visited a couple of properties
on the south end where they were talking about the uh beach cleaning and we primarily were looking at um some of the items on around a a
tidewater pool that had been stranded there for weeks and weeks and weeks and the tide water hadn't gotten back up to remove it, >> but they couldn't do anything. And after three or four weeks of sitting there,
>> it got particularly fragrant. Um >> ripe, >> ripe, as they say. So uh he came and and gave a a comment at the meeting. I went down took a look at it and we at the
joint meeting we discussed it with Chad and Chad said I think I have all the flexibility um that I need but we said we'd open it up to see u and again this is going back
to Chad if there's something in the ordinance that gives him a little better latitude because we all pre know and appreciate the value of the rack line. It's a food source for the birds. >> It does it does actually trap sand,
everything else, but there are times when it's it's just there for a long long time in certain spots. And so a >> there's some small compromises that
always have to be made, you know, between living and [snorts] and you know, it's kind of like picking up dead fish type of thing. So, with that, Chad, I want to go turn this back to you because you were the one that kind of
said, "Yeah, I could probably look at some things if they were in there because I specifically asked you if you had the leeway in the way the ordinance is written." >> Yes, sir. I believe I do. Um, it's a delicate balance. uh we are a
tourist island but a lot of those tourists come to uh enjoy the wildlife and uh regardless the wildlife is important to all of us. So again, it's a delicate balance between um as you said, if uh the algae is
becoming uh a bit too much to thin it out, uh we have a permit right now that um allows us to uh um rake the rake the algae, kind of disperse it at the tideline, and if it
doesn't go away after uh a few tidal cycles, then we can collect it. Uh TDC does support us in uh paying for collection. Uh no good deed goes unpunished when you do that. And as soon as you collect it, you have somebody complaining about the dumpster that's
next to them that's stinking out there. Um their Airbnb rental. So, um, it's a process and I think an important thing for everybody to realize is that you do need to
monitor it for a while and see what's happening because there's been several times where it's thick, you know, it's, you know, foot foot plus high and maybe only, you know, 5 10 feet wide, which everybody's complaining about that. Not
everybody, but all the tourists are complaining about. And then, you know, whenever you mobilize the next day, it's gone. So, it's very here today, gone tomorrow, and you're chasing it. Um, it was a bit of a weird winter. I think my
theory is that the hurricanes didn't um rip it out during the summer. Uh, we had a pretty quiet hurricane season and the winter storms uh brought, you know, brought a little bit more than we're used to during the people season. So,
um, again, uh, to answer your question, yes, I think I have the, uh, the trust of our leadership and, um, the flexibility to, uh, deal with it how it comes and, uh, coordinating with FTP to make sure that we have the proper permitting and and following all of
FWC's guidelines for the wildlife. Our goal is never to remove all the algae. is just to thin it out and uh and leave the rack um uh for the shorebirds and and and wildlife that that enjoys it.
>> Is there any beneficial use of that algae when you when you clean it up or is it just dump? >> Yeah, they have a lot of studies. Um, our problem here is where do you you know either bury it or um compost it
that's not going to uh cost me my job cuz [laughter] it it is it is smelly. I mean it stinks. Like I you know I whenever people are complaining on the shoreline um you know I I just kind of I mean it kind of smells like the ocean to me. Whenever you [sighs]
put it all into one dumpster or all all into one space, I mean, it is it'll it'll wake you up. Oh, yeah. >> Um, so, you know, doing that on island, I don't know. You know, the trucking is the biggest cost of it. Getting it out of here or the cost of that dumpster is
the biggest cost. So, putting it onto the tide line and and moving it along is a good option. Um but whenever you know even if you remove it all you you know you'll have a conveyor belt of algae that's just marching in on the near shore that uh you kind of feel like
you're you know it's a exercise in futility. But um where it is thick where where you know a foot foot or two high you know 10 20 30 ft wide um and just not really moving anywhere you know a king tide or a storm tide has brought it
high on the beach and it's just going to sit there. It's not moving. that's where it's justifiable to uh either you know go and disperse it along the tide line and move it out. Um once it does start degrading um it does thin out and it is um
uh it does disperse well into the into the Gulf but um >> but no beneficial uses >> there are beneficial uses. There's people who have used it, you know, the decomposition and using it for fertilizer. I think there I've read that there may be some heavy metal concerns
on some of the different species. Um, so I think there that's under study. We could we could do a, you know, a dive into that and I can send you some things that I research and you can have a have a look just, you know, Google it and people are talking about using it for
bofuel or or uh for um like fertilizer kind of. >> Okay. Um, but to the young lady's point, it is you can tell when their algae has been there and it it does hold that sand because there there will literally be humps of sand where that algae has
accumulated and is acting as a lattice work to hold that sand there. So, that is not to be discounted uh um cuz we were we were very fortunate to get the sand that we've gotten. Um there's other communities north of us who have not gotten the funding to get the sand that
they need. Um so we should count ourselves very fortunate and not take for granted that we're going to get money in the future to replace the sand that we got now. >> Okay. >> And I'd just like to tag along just to answer some of the issues that were
brought up during public comment. And I would say the majority of the beach area is handled by two or three professional beach grooming companies on the island.
And they're very cognizant of the rack line. They protect the rack line. They don't touch the rack line. and only if they have approval from the town do they get into any type of rack line removal
uh on any properties and I have not seen anything happen >> along the beach in my you know 40 years of being here >> that was not intentionally done after >> a king tide or a high tide or a
hurricane >> all those guys really like their equipment working and they really avoid getting close to the rack and close to that salt water. >> Yeah. >> Um so they're pretty pretty religious about that and um I have a good relationship with with all
of them and you know they listen they >> it's been about seven years before I since I've had that conversation with uh a couple of them. >> Okay. So any any other discussion on this? >> I'm good. Okay,
>> I would um just um say I appreciate you, Miss Kaine, uh with your knowledge and experience and thank you for coming and educating uh the committee. And just to reiterate that, you know, as of April 8th in 2026, we do have a FMB code
ordinance such as uh what uh Chad was talking about, under normal circumstances, the raking of the rack line is prohibited. Um but no mechanical or hand raking may take place seawward of the rack line or within 10 ft landward of the rack line. Provided
however that hand raking of the rack line may be performed any time to um for hazardous conditions such as removal of sand castles or filling in uh man-made holes on the beach. Um, if this occurs
during sea turtle season, May 1st through October 31st, the raking must be in compliance with specific conditions and 14-6 C and four. That's it. Oh, and that also the town needs an uh D permit
to rake the rack line. So, we have a a lot of appropriate safeguards in um and as long as we're on that, I'm going to do well, I'll bring that up at my own comment section. Okay.
So, I think that we've completed that. Moving on to fireworks, drone, and laser events. Uh this was again a result of our joint meeting and [snorts]
um we had a letter that was read for the record from Sam Lori and we Sam had asked that the MURF committee take a look at um the topic
and I said okay we can put it on the agenda. Uh so it's here for discussion. Uh this is not anything other than Sam read a letter at the joint meeting and
he wanted it on our agenda and since it was a joint meeting he [snorts] proposed it. I said okay. So we had two uh votes to put it on. That's why it's on the agenda. And with that,
um, Ed, I'm going to start at your end this time. Do you have anything to say about this one way or the other? >> Ed, >> oh, I'm sorry. I thought you said >> No, Ed, you know, >> turn on your mic, Ed.
>> We're we're entering into an era u pretty quickly uh within the next u maybe just maybe starting now, but in the next couple years where um technology and electronics are going to
be able to put make a as a spectacular show as uh conventional power technics and so um I think I don't I think with some encouragement
uh from not only u Fort Myers Beach but from other municipalities alities for um the firework show companies uh to move in that direction and uh which they they probably are exploring in that direction
um just because technology moves forward um but um I don't know that um that power technics that there's a place for it to be um uh discontinued or limited
right at this point. I don't think we've quite met that um that that era. Uh I think we're in the beginning of it. I think it should be encouraged not only by um um the the the the residents, but
also by the uh by the uh uh the the the management of the of the of the towns. And uh but I think it's uh I think it's something that's probably going to progress naturally on its own. Um um ju I think it would just begin to evolve
because of the uh because of the interest and the demand and that's that's just my feelings on it. >> Okay. >> So when Sam brought it up, uh I actually thought it was a great idea. Um, but I
did a little uh research on this and I just wanted to read you some of the research that I read. Flying a drone with lights on Florida coast during sea turtle season May 1st to October 31st is highly restricted and generally prohibited at night. Coastal counties
enforce strict lights out ordinances to prevent artificial light from disorienting nesting females and newly hatched turtles. Uh in July we are having uh hatchlings coming out of the sand. So disorientation. Sea turtles
rely on the natural reflection of the moon and stars on the water to navigate to the ocean. The bright moving lights to drone can easily disorient disorient them causing them to wander inland. Distressed artificial light can deter
female turtles from coming ashore to lay eggs or interrupt the nesting process causing them to return to the water prematurely. So there's also in Santael and Captiva they have airspace bans as well harassment laws, federal endangered
species act law in Florida laws and permitted use. So, I don't know what I don't know if we have any um any laws that was something maybe we should refer to Chad on uh on those
kinds of lights. Um I understand it's just a one night only thing and we all want to celebrate uh Fourth of July safely. Um but that is something to consider and uh I guess I would refer that question to Chad.
Bill. >> Bill. >> Yes. Um, like Ed has said, you know, the eventual shift to technology and a fake display is
probably an eventuality. But until they can replicate the site sounds and smells, I kind of like the traditional. And it's what, 20 minutes, 25 minutes even. And I wouldn't get confused in that period of time.
>> Well, I >> can you make sure? >> Yeah. I mean, for years we have have abided by the rule to not have fireworks on our property on the beach. We have we we have been really careful. Um I I
don't I don't know. I think I'm I'm for the lights if anything. I know it's a tradition. I know it's important to our country, but this is a this is this barrier island is focused completely on environment. It is our birding and our
turtles are lighting everything has to do with it. And I think if there's going to be damage to any actual firework, I think it should just put it in Fort Myers where there isn't a barrier island. >> That's it. [laughter] Well, and thank you all for your
comments that here's I did some reading u on this and there's actually an extensive amount of research that's been done on this. So long story short, there are some
heavy metals and some chemicals that enter the water that are not healthy for the water, the plant life, the animal life. Uh certainly the
sonic booms that we get have to be especially over a sterile bay have to be at least if dogs can hear it. I'm sure the dolphins underwater are getting it and they pretty much rely on hearing to
communicate underwater. So, I can only imagine what a what a a gunshot boom, you know, above the water would, you know, ripple through. At the same time, I'm like everybody else. I grew up
watching fireworks as [snorts] a kid. As Bill said, it's it's 20 minutes, so on so forth. But the one thing that I did find out in all of the readings is that the fireworks industry is painfully
aware of this and they are changing. They're getting into some um silent fireworks. They're getting into um fireworks that are using uh less uh
invasive chemicals that still produce the colors and the bangs. They cost more just like anything else. If you're going to take something out of the mainstream and move it in, they're
going to be more expensive. Uh they're looking at I think it's petrochlorine that u is a residual from the that powers the fireworks up into the sky. And they're looking at different
different ways to move the shells into the air before they burst. Get rid of all of the plastics. get rid of the make sure it all of the paper is is biodedegradable within seven days after it hits the water so on so forth. So,
they're working on all of this and I think it's something that the more demand there is, I think the faster they're going to work. And for us as a as a barrier island, you know, with
one foot in the environmental and one as far as uh the fact that we're a tourist town, we have to try and find a balance. I think in my personal opinion, we should
ask the town as an advisory committee to look at pursuing um as many of the environmentally friendly fireworks companies rather than just finding the cheapest one. and you
know, maybe a shorter show or a show that combines lights and or a a little friendlier or environmental burst. Now, um it's not going to change overnight and there isn't going to be
anything. They said we're probably 5 years away from being able to actually replicate everything. Uh but the more demand there is, the faster the industry is going to move there. And we can't be the only one in in the country to do
that. And drone shows are another option. And again with the turtles, depending on where we want to do it, if we have it over the backbay, that's not going to cause as much of an issue with the turtles as if we do it over the Gulf
of Mexico. So there's there's a lot of solutions to the problem, >> but I don't disagree with Sam in his letter in that at the end of the day, we're still dumping a lot of stuff in the water.
>> We are. Yeah. And as a committee, even though I personally love fireworks and I wouldn't want to change it, as a committee, I think in my mind, I would like to tell the town council, let's find some other options. Let's see what
we can do moving forward. We don't want to ban them today because, you know, that's cutting off your nose despite your face in my opinion. But let's be cognizant of the fact and move it forward and not just give it lip
service, but do something. >> Mr. Chair, thank you. Um, seeing this on the agenda, I did have a discussion with the town manager. Uh the permits are moving forward for this Fourth of July, but uh he wanted to share that uh the town has gotten about two or three
quotes for a drone show. It's quite expensive. Uh but the town is willing to work with whoever wants to step forward and what the community wants to move forward with. So, uh, if that's New Year's Eve with a drone show and we can make it h and then the the the private
sector can work with us, uh, we're more than happy to institute whatever the community wants. Um, as an aside, I will tell you that I've been going to Maui since 1994. Uh, and we, my wife enjoys the fireworks on New Year's Eve. Uh, you know, I'm
very non plused about fireworks. I've always been, is that all there is? Uh but booh and we're done. But um it it's interesting because Hawaii has some of the most stringent uh environmental laws in the nation and we always go during
humpback whale season and there they are on a barge off of a hotel uh in in Maui. So I mean uh it it's just an FYI I guess and for your information. So my question to you Chad is are there
any what is a permitting uh process for these drone lights? Can they be would they be flown right over the beach? Would they fly over the water, the Gulf or the Back Bay? How how are we proceeding with the permitting for this
and where they would be flown and for environmental and sea turtle season for Fourth of July? I haven't been directed to to research that. So, does anyone have anything as far as a
direction that we would like to go forward to the town with? Dave, I agree with what you said a minute ago. Um, keeping in mind as I mentioned earlier, uh, necessity is a mother of invention. Um, if you push something in a certain
direction, um, because of the environment or or regulations or whatever, the industry will move that way. Um, my recommendation at this point would be
to look for some different companies that are still possibly using pyro technics, but they are more environmentally friendly with their materials and their chemicals. It that would ba basically
cut down somewhat on on the impact. Uh it would be probably a little more expensive, maybe less expensive than the drones, uh but it would be working in the right direction. And then possibly
in the not too distant future, find some companies maybe that can incorporate some more environmentally friendly pyro techniques along with some drone or laser um um displays and just
and and just push it over in that direction over a period of time and to allow the transformation but also for the industry to catch up with trying to make that transformation. I I would hate
to have a situation where uh oh no, all of a sudden after this Fourth of July, we're just not going to have any pyro technics any longer. And if we can't find an appropriate company that can do the lasers and the drones at a at at something that we can afford, well, then
we're boxing ourselves into a corner. And I I I I don't uh I'm not comfortable with that. So, so I I I think we should be able to celebrate the 4th of July um um and New Year's New Year's Eve u um um going forward and just try to try to
move it each time at at each uh uh semiannual event towards a more environmentally friendly way of doing it. >> And I would also like to say that I agree with you with um I would prefer to have the drones over the pyrochnos. I
would also I like the idea of maybe having the show on the back bay to avoid any um disorientations of baby sea turtles or adult uh females. So I agree with that and
that's it. I think Ed's made uh Ed's made the appropriate uh suggestions to gradually move into an environmentally friendly display and the market's going to tell us how fast that's going to happen.
And so I I think it hit all the salient points there. >> Okay, I agree as well. >> I also agree. So, um, again, it's probably going to be baby steps, but a
journey starts with the first one, so as they say. So, I think the direction is clear and we'll I'd like to take a vote on that. All those in favor of advising town council to uh begin moving forward
finding a friendlier and uh pyro technics with the goal of getting to a more secure environmentally friendly display at the for the 4th of July
sums it up. >> Okay, >> I agree with that. >> Okay, >> I agree with that. >> Second Next. >> Yep. >> Okay. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> I. >> I oppose.
>> Okay. Okay. So, next is hurricane preparedness, dumpsters, trash cans, and portaotties. And you're on. >> Okay.
Well, I um you know my street we have uh three I I gave you all document or pictures of dump another dumpster. I think I brought the last uh during the joint meeting pictures of dumpsters overflowing on my street
>> and now this is another one. And uh I did contact Will and and Chad and uh the code enforcement uh did go out there that day and uh contact the contractor and it was taken care of very quickly
and I appreciate that. But this is a bigger issue on our island. We are under construction. It's not a a dozen properties under construction on uh Fort Myers Beach. We are talking about uh many many uh uh lots and construction
sites moving forward for probably years to come. My concern is a lot of people are gone during the rainy season. Uh, I think it's myself and maybe two others that live on my street uh full-time. And so I'm walking the streets and seeing this
and uh this is a picture of a dumpster with overflowing garbage that uh probably that morning was a little windy and it flew out. Um but this is an issue on my street that I'm picking up garbage from. The second page is garbage and
plastic going into our storm drains. And uh so I really am concerned because if no one's around to pick this garbage up, if it's flying into neighboring properties and if it's not picked up, where does it end? It ends in our on our
golf on our beaches and in our back bay. So if you're looking at every street with dumpsters on it and this is happening and we get a little storm to a big storm, it's it's a big big issue for our water quality. Um so just uh would
like to just say that to prevent uh these animals. So I I think I have a solution. I'm hoping to get your feedback, but it's with construction dumpster covers and to prevent animals like raccoons, rats, cats, and birds
from spreading debris and garbage onto neighboring properties. Also, I have noticed an an intense uh an intense amount of flies, especially after Ian on our street. In
fact, nobody can really sit outside and enjoy a meal without just being inundated with flies. And also, in the past week, I've noticed a lot of mosquitoes on my street. So, the flies and mosquitoes are the worst I've ever experienced. Open
construction containers may have drains at the bottom, but when they have debris inside the traps, when they have uh debris inside the the construction uh containers or
construction um dumps, basically the water that comes in on rainstorms will get trapped into that construction and won't be able to drain properly. >> Sure. >> Which becomes um a a breeding ground for
mosquitoes and flies. >> So when uh which becomes a breeding ground and then becomes a health concern to our community, they can carry diseases. So anytime a little wind and rain comes through, the debris then
flies up into neighboring properties or worse into our uh Gulf and Back Bay. With that being said, I'm requesting the committee have a discussion and move a motion to take this to town council. This is an easy solution. Like I said,
part of the construction permit application could have something an adopted um something in the permit process, construction process, whether it's a new construction or um just a remodel um to just and I'm hoping that
the the town council will have a discussion on ways the town can avoid these with these concerns. Um and so I gave you all pictures and I was looking up I did contact neighboring uh committee or um neighboring enforcement
management. I contacted Santael Bonita Springs and I wanted to get their input on how they're dealing with their islands um with construction and uh I had a gentleman uh the code enforcement manager of Santael call me back with an
within an hour with all the information on permitting and code enforcement and new laws. And it was interesting and he actually said he was surprised that in the permitting uh construction process they don't have anything that check
marks uh whether or not they're going to have a dumpster or not. However, he said many properties HOH's condominiums do not want dumpsters left over night. So what they do is they bring a trailer dumpster when they're doing the remodel
or doing the the tear out and they have to take it every night and bring it back empty. >> So that, you know, decreases their issues of animals and mosquitoes and things like that. However, when they do
have a dumpster, they get a there is a nuisance law and uh I forgot the code, but the nuisance law, and I'm not sure what our codes are. I did request that from our town, but I haven't heard back. But um the nuisance law is basically if
garbage is spreading onto neighboring properties, they come out and they get a hefty fine for that. So I started looking into ways, easy fixes that we can help these construction sites with these dumpsters, these um construction dumpsters that are sitting there for
weeks collecting [snorts] water. Birds are flying on it. you know, raccoons, things like that because you can put also food containers and other, you know, debris. You can intermingle. Waste management did um say that you can put
construction debris and other garbage like containers and things like that. So, I started looking into it. I called a few different um dumpster companies that provide dumpsters for our island and asked them whether or not they
provide covers and some of them said no that they don't but some of them said yes for minimal fee. They either can get something like this which is um >> six. >> It's like a drawring cover. It's like a
big tarp with drawstrings. And then they also come with these clips that just go around. Can you see this picture right here that I have? >> Yeah. >> Clips to just, you know, hold the tarp down. So that prevents not only animals from getting in there or things flying
out from wind, but also u water from getting in as much water from getting in and uh causing a breeding ground for mosquitoes and flies. see this.
So, that's just something that I would like us to work on and and uh if we can, you know, have a discussion, >> I think it's a fantastic idea, Jim. >> I didn't realize that my mic wasn't on. Hopefully, you heard me.
>> I didn't know. I I heard you here, but I couldn't tell it was on or not. I couldn't tell if it was on or not. I heard you. >> Well, I >> Yeah. Um, here's my question. Did you bring your concerns to the town
on this? >> No, I'm bringing them to my committee first so we can then bring it to town council. >> Okay. Do Do we So, we don't know if there's a We don't know if there's an ordinance. I I understand what you're saying. So, I did write when I sent
these pictures in, I did write um to Will and to Chad and asking what our permit processes for construction dumps, dumpsters, or you know, what the information is. I never heard back. I mean, I did hear back from Wills and
saying and the code enforcer saying that they would handle this. Um Will said, "Either way, you know, we'll take care of this situation." But I never heard back on, you know, the permitting process or how things are in this town.
>> So, we don't know if there's a we don't know if there's something on the permit requirement right now that says you have to maintain a clean construction site. >> Well, no, I believe that is in the permitting, but that I don't know if
that pertains to actual dumpsters, construction dumpsters. So, I believe the town manager did address this and stated there are we do have littering enforcement littering codes that we can enforce uh with regards to spillage.
Um, you know, it's something I've had in the back of my mind. If you've ever lived next door to one of these dumpsters, you know, it's a nuisance. But we have construction. We need construction. There's a reason why
these things are wide open because they're throwing big things in there and they need to get it done quick, etc. Um, like I said with the shorebirds, uh, you know, uh, fisher crows and and and
they are, uh, they love people cuz we generate a lot of trash. construction debris in and of itself isn't necessarily attracting the vermin and um you know flies and uh raccoons and crows
that you see uh dumpster diving. Uh I've always thought that you know it's the food that they're throwing in there from lunch and having a separate covered wildlife proof uh dumpster that's mandated at a construction site. It's
small. it can be emptied. I'm not sure if there's waste management issues with it not being, you know, a a registered property for waste management to pick it up. Um, but, you know, the guys throwing those, you know, the leftover lunch in the dumpster every day
is attracting that wildlife 100%. Um, so somehow getting a covered, you know, maybe separate uh trash can that's covered, wildlife proof. Um, I just don't see um contractors putting a big tarp over
their uh dumpster or hauling our dumpster off site every day as being a something that's ever going to happen. Uh, I think we got to find a solution that can uh has a place in reality. I I echoing what you said, Chad, from my
personal experience over the last three years, the contractors that are on your property, u either getting lunch through one of the food trucks that drive by or going
to Publix and coming back or wherever they get their lunch from. >> Um, typically throw it in the dumpster when they're done. And that's what attracts the crows, the seagulls, you name it, flies. And invariably, it might
take a week or two for a dumpster to fill up. And the problem got so bad on our complex that we told the contractors, you have to bring trash bins out with black garbage bags. And
when they're full, take the bag out of the trash bin, seal it up. They were covered just a normal swing trash bin and then you could throw the black plastic bag into the dumpster cuz the
dumpster will take pretty much anything. And that solved a lot of the problem. U the styrofoam clamshells, the paper products, everything else. And it, you
know, because if you've got drywall in there or or pipe or stone or anything else, the birds and flies don't go in there. They only go after the food. >> Yeah. >> So, if if you've got a if you've got a
closed container that you can regulate and clean out on a regular basis, you know, and and it doesn't do anything to say, look, just come in. Now, the the big thing was we had to make sure that these guys, >> you know, when it got full, emptied it
because it got to the point to where they couldn't jam anything in. And we said, "Look, we're going to start finding you guys." >> Yes. >> And we told the owner of the of the construction company. >> Yeah. the the subcontractors are it's like a tragedy at the commons. You know, they're all just kind of in and out
doing their the electrical bit or their, you know, carpentry bit and then they're out and nobody really, you know, it's the the head honcho contractor that's really in charge and not necessarily there every day. Um, other communities do have construction
site maintenance that, you know, perhaps this community may want to look into. you know, we want silk fences up. We want, you know, uh, dumpsters to be maintained. They should not be over the edge of the dumpster with with debris. Um, and maybe we want a a closed, uh,
wildlife proof container for food scraps. No food scraps should be in open dumpsters. >> Yeah. Also, you know, uh, waste management does not pick up, uh, garbage cans, uh, when there's no dwelling. So, that would be something that the contractor would have to take either
daily or weekly. Um, >> no, they just take the black bag out and throw it >> and throw it >> and throw it in the in the dumpster. >> Yeah. >> Well, the birds will still get into it even with a bag and the raccoons will still get into it. So, that is the whole
This is an easy fix. it. This um this uh con this uh company that works out of Lee County does have customers that request covers over it and it's a pretty inexpensive way. It's a big tarp that
you can they provide those clamps. They provide bungee cords and it t they say he said that the contractors it takes them 10 minutes to cover it up at night when right before they leave and then it eliminates all those problems and then they get up in the morning and
you know they take the tarp off and then they you know put the garbage in. So, it's I think an easy uh solution to something that is critical right now on our island with uh more rats, more
raccoons, um insects, uh for the health of our community, um you know, for the health of our water quality. Uh there's a it's critical because we're under construction, the whole island, and we have these dumpsters everywhere. So, um
I would really um you know urge the committee to pass a motion to ask the town council to just have a conversation or a discussion in regards to this and maybe they have other solutions but also
to include the solution of asking the contractors to use tarps or whatever they you know can do to eliminate this issue. Well, and and I understand that before before we jump in on this, I guess I'd like to hear from code
enforcement from the town um and get their thoughts on it as far as >> Well, Chad just Chad just answered that. He said there's a there's a you know, >> Chad's our environmental, >> but he said he that will addressed it. Our town manager addressed it
>> on that particular item. >> I don't know. I never heard him address it. I I don't know where did he address that. >> Uh I don't recall exactly which uh council meeting it was. I believe it's whenever you brought it to his attention and code
enforcement. We do have a littering ordinance that is enforced and there are fines associated with that. >> I do remember that distinctly, but I'm not sure which date. So, under public, it was addressed and they he answered the question in regards to um to
[clears throat] our laws. What I'm asking the committee is to uh pass a motion to request that the town council have a discussion and uh come up with some solutions. >> I believe she's making a motion, Mr.
Chair. >> I am making Thank you, sir. Um, I'm making a motion. >> I would second. >> Okay. >> Definitely >> made and seconded. Is there any discussion? I think this is uh ideal.
>> Thank you. >> And it'll never fly. >> Never. >> The garbage won't fly out of the dumpsters. >> That is a light way of saying this, but if you've dealt with contractors for three or four years, >> all we can do is try. you know, before
we had uh dog um uh bags on the, you know, we offer dog bags now on the beach. We didn't have that. And now I see a lot of people using them. So sometimes when you offer a solution, >> some people may not do it. And that's
under and and that's just a way of life. But we have to try at least I have to try. >> All right. And and you put a motion forward. I'm just saying in practicality there isn't a contractor who is going to they may put a cover on one time. >> Well, if I may
>> and that's it. >> If I may, there are hefty fines that they can receive and >> so so what you're saying then there is already restrictions or rules already in place because you can't find because you want it fined. They're fined against some
kind of um regulation. >> Yes. But this is a preventative measure that we can take to protect our community healthwise and also stuff that may get blown around during a storm into
our back bay. this is a pre a preventative measure to take place and maybe they won't do it but at least we can say we tried and that um they will then you know protect other surrounding uh neighbors
from calling in and complaining because they have garbage on their property that they're having to pick up. Ed, >> as far as comments, >> I've been in the construction industry all my life. Um, the problem that you're
going to have here is the general contractor on the job side is not going to be the one that's going to be performing this task. Uh, it's going to be regulated or to to someone else. Um, and it's just not going to get done. Um,
the the historically in the construction industry, no one's really interested in doing anything that doesn't make them money for their effort. And so, they work, they work hard, they get paid for their effort. They're not into doing chores.
At the end of the day, when it's time to go, they go. They all just they're gone. Um it's my understanding also uh we do have an ordinance on Fort Myers Beach that or construction fences are required on every construction job. The construction fence uh should be uh
erected and that should contain any of the debris blowing around on the lot or blowing out of the dumpster and it would be caught by the uh by the construction fence. Um, so I and I'm pretty sure uh
the construction fences are in the ordinance and a part of the permitting process. Uh, that should be checked on and that should be regulated is something that's already uh u on the books um for the contractors to comply
with. The um the the the problem wi with the uh with the with food going into the dumpsters. Uh something that would be easier and uh um also less likely to be enforced as covering the dumpsters is to
uh uh have a clause in the permitting process that they don't put any food in the dumpsters. They do something else with the food. You know, uh it would cut down on it probably half. Some of them are still going to throw their food in the dumpster and some of them won't. Um,
so we cut down on it some, but um I I don't I don't uh the construction fence uh is is what needs to be enforced and also needs to be put in place and make sure that it's there. this construction fence that you're referring to that's in
the picture, the back the packet that I gave you all last meeting, that's that's going to prevent uh garbage from flying uh into neighboring properties. >> Well, if they're constructed correctly, I think that they do. Maybe not 100%,
but uh that's the purpose of them. >> So, things that fly out that's on this is someone else's property right here. This is a dumpster. If there was a three-foot uh fence around it, it still in this photograph shows that the the
debris is flying over into a neighboring property. >> My point here is is that anything can blow over anything if the wind's high enough. My point is is if the construction fence is enforced, it would probably cut the problem down by 90%.
So what a tarp at put it put on at night with bungee cords and clamps that would prevent uh so many other issues versus the fence. >> I'm not in disagreement with that. I agree with that. What I'm in disagreement with is it's not going to
get done. It's fruitless. Well, you know, there was a neighbor who uh had a construction site that ended up having uh food just thrown over all over the ground and not put in the dumpster. The foreman was fired. I believe they were
fined and uh and uh uh the new foreman now takes care of everything and make sure that the dumpster is uh not overflowing and that the contractors are picking it up. That's not going to be the case with everybody. And how do you
know? How can we say that a contractor wouldn't just take a few minutes out of the end of the day to put a tarp on to prevent them from getting fines to prevent the neighboring uh area properties from complaining or getting
garbage put onto their property. I believe it's at least up for a good discussion for town council to have and and to decide, you know, and and you know, we can advise that they have a discussion and uh try and come up with
some uh ideas and that's what I'm bringing to my motion. >> Okay. And I would like to put my discussion point in. I believe that it would be beneficial for
this committee to hear the appropriate staff people from the town come in and advise us and address what is in the ordinances, what they can enforce and what they
can't enforce before we go in front of the town council and say this is is a problem. And I'm not discounting that this isn't a problem. I've seen it firsthand on our property, but we handled it on our property and we took
care of it. And once you have a come to Jesus meeting with the contractor, the problem solved. So, I'm I I'm not saying it's not a problem. I'm just saying I would like to hear more information from the town before we go to the town
council and say, "Boy, we think you guys should create a new ordinance and add more oversight on permitting until I hear both sides of the story." And I don't dispute what you've got, but I think it would be good for the committee
>> to look at to look at all the facts, see what can and can't be done because as uh Bill said, you know, enforcement's going to be an issue. >> Yeah. >> So, and as did Ed. So, I think I'd like to hear from the town before we go
forward. And that's my two cents. >> Well, I think we did hear from the town. Well, >> I did not Okay. So, you didn't watch that meeting, the town council meeting. I >> I I did not. >> Okay. So, here's the thing that my
concern is. Every day we're getting deeper and deeper into hurricane season, into rainy season, into windy season, and every day that we have these dumpsters out there. meaning that
every day that debris, that garbage the is [snorts] going to be flying onto neighboring properties. They will be getting uh and a lot of these uh new constructions, the people aren't around. They don't know. They're living in other states, so they have no idea what's
really happening on their construction um sites. And maybe the the town can't be at every single construction site overseeing this. So that is why I'm thinking I would really like to, you know, if we
wait then two months to hear from the town. Um that's just every day that uh the town c is not having a discussion. Uh the town council is not having a discussion and that is also bringing every day that more and more garbage is
getting into our water, getting into our storm drains and getting uh onto neighboring properties. So, you know, that's up to you all. We're a committee. It's not up to me 100%, but um I'm I'm really trying to, you know, um uh get
the town council to have a discussion on this. >> Okay. >> As soon as possible. >> Uh that >> any further discussion? >> Uh no, I would just make the point I think she made a motion to to put this forward to the town council.
Um I I I think we should move on that and see if there's a second. trying to call a question. >> We had a second. >> It's It's been seconded. Okay, >> he's seconded. >> Any further discussion before I call a question? >> Okay.
All those in favor say I. That it moves forward to the town. >> I >> Bill. >> I'm an A. >> He's an A. I'm an I. that >> I >> I
>> I'm also an A. Not that it isn't a good idea. I want to hear from the town. I want to hear what they have to say. I I believe that that we shouldn't be creating an issue that can't be solved
with what's on the table today. >> War potentially is already got solution somewhere in the regulations now. So I think if the uh motion is put forth that changes this a little bit to basically say
um what is the regulations on for on in our documents here on town in the island or it could even be a state regulation. Who knows? But what regulations and what punishments uh what inspections are done to keep
refuge inside a container? And I would like to make a motion that we advise the council that we had a discussion of litter coming out of open air dumpsters. >> Mhm.
>> And that we asked the town to be more vigilant in enforcing the regulations that are on the books regarding construction sites. >> Well, don't you want to ask them to identify those regulations? identify it and and enforce them.
>> Okay. Now I'm I'm for that part. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> See, >> I would be in agreement with that also. >> Okay. I'll second that emotion. >> Okay. Good. >> Just discussion. >> Thank you. >> Just for clarity, the previous the previous motion failed, correct?
>> That's correct. >> Thank you. >> The and the new motion on the floor seconded. Is there any further discussion? >> No. >> Okay. All those in favor say I. >> I. I. I >> I >> thank you.
>> And and again, I'm I'm just I want to make sure that we don't go to them saying we think we need a new motion or a new ordinance when there's something. >> I never said that in my motion, just so we're clear. I wasn't saying that. I was
asking for the motion for discussion as well, but you maybe articulated it >> differently. Okay, >> moving down the line. Committee member items. >> If you want, the town manager just weighed in by an email. >> Yes, ma'am.
>> I said the town manager just weighed in by an email if you'd like me to. I don't know if you got it, Dave. >> Yes. Could you do that, please? >> Well, I didn't bring my reading glasses, but I'll try. Uh, thank you for your inquiry. Yes, the town does have legal authority to control contractor and
resident behaviors related to debris, nuisance conditions, and construction site management. The town's framework includes nuisance abatement authority, property maintenance codes, construction site regulations, and code enforcement powers, all of which provide the tools
necessary to ensure properties and construction sites are maintained in a safe and compliant condition. Importantly, our goal is always voluntary compliance first. Our code enforcement team takes both a proactive and reactive approach, working with residents and contractors to educate and
guide them toward compliance before escalation to formal notices of violations or fines. A formal notice of violation is issued only when necessary after reasonable opportunity for voluntary correction has been provided. That said, when voluntary compliance is
not achieved, the town does have meaningful escalation tools available, including stop work orders, fines, special magistrate proceedings, and nuisance abatement actions. Residents who observe debris, mismanagement, construction site hazards, or nuisance
conditions are encouraged to contact the town's code enforcement division directly so that staff can assess the situation and work towards a resolution starting with education and outreach wherever possible. The town is committed to maintaining the health, safety, and quality of life for all of Fort Myers
Beach residents and neighbors. Sincerely, Will McKenna, uh, town manager. So with that being said, this this subject has already been addressed. Uh it boils down to uh notification and
enforcement. So what what's required is someone yourself or whoever that's concerned, notifying the town where the problem is, and at that point they'll address it and take care of it. >> Yes. What I'm trying to do is have the
town council do um more of a a a preventative measure. Uh so uh streets that maybe and property owners that aren't there that the the debris and the waste isn't uh two days later flying
around onto other people's properties and getting into our water. This is more of I would like the town council to have a discussion. This the motion was already passed to have a discussion in regards to preventative uh um
uh ways that um construction sites can be maintained so the debris doesn't fly away into our waterways. The motion was already passed. So, >> I don't think that's what the motion said,
>> but whatever we just passed, >> Dave can reread that. >> I just to paraphrase it, and I didn't write it down because I'll look it back up. >> All right. >> But to paraphrase, we discussed it and
asked the town council to um look at ordinances that pertain to it. Right. All right. Do you want Will's email as a partial solution? >> I I I think that will be
>> I think that's self-evident. >> Thank you. >> Next up. >> Okay. Committee members items. Ed, start with you. >> I don't have a thing.
>> I don't have anything. I don't have anything. >> Clean sheet. >> Hold your breath. [laughter] >> We're done. Um, I did have something and I I [clears throat] lost my
I lost my uh thing and and uh and I don't want to get this wrong, so I Come on, >> but I can't. I'm sorry. >> I lost it when we were when we were
bouncing around. So, I guess I don't have anything either. [clears throat] >> Okay. >> So, items for next month's agenda. Uh next month we are well uh we're with the town taking July off. We were
talking about August. So on our August meeting um anything anyone would like to talk about? Would you like to revisit where we are on the dumpsters? >> Will you be going to town council prior to that meeting?
>> Well, one of us will be. >> Okay. So yes, if you don't mind. I would like that on the agenda. >> Well, that's Monday since July is that'll be the last meeting before July. Monday.
>> Yes, I'm aware of that. >> And it as we're talking about that, I will be unable to attend that meeting. So, if you are here, if you would like to give the report for this meeting. >> Yes, sir. I will be here and I will give
the report if uh you provide me with um the information you would like. >> More than happy. I did that once before. >> Why I ought to [laughter] >> I do have >> I didn't Yeah. Hey, when emergencies
happen, emergency happen. I have a request. Uh I would also like to put sea turtle lighting on the next agenda. >> Okay. I think the August agenda that's a huge huge issue. >> Could you be a little more specific?
>> I mean, is it just a reminder or is it a a something that isn't happening? >> Actually, yes. It would be about uh beach drivers, beach buggies driving with uh with the buggy lights on on the beach at night.
>> You're not supposed to have them on the beach. >> Correct. You're not supposed to have any beach buggies on the beach. >> Well, you can if you are permitted to. Um but uh but uh if you're out enforcing uh certain things, but uh the I have
seen a few buggies out in the past week on the beach at night uh enforcing um white lights to be ironically um and uh people with flashlights. Um, however, their buggies had uh white lights on
their and there and there are ways of uh filtering them actually um to put uh red filters over. So, that's an easy fix. So, I would like to put that on um the agenda as a discussion.
>> Do we have do we have a a tremendous amount of staff on the beach at night? >> I didn't say staff. I didn't say staff. I said there's enforcement on the beach, but that would be a discussion that I'm asking I'm requesting under the agenda
for August. >> Well, who's >> that'd be L LCSO? Lee County Sheriff is the only other one. >> Yep. Correct. So, at the request of Turtle Time, we did have um some [clears throat] of our beach rangers going out late at night to
uh look at the uh fishing activities on the beach and uh in general um just public health and safety. So, um we have gotten some solutions to have red lights uh on the buggies and I feel
that that's been addressed, but happy to discuss it at a future meeting. I did not know that. So, I guess I'll withdraw that uh request. >> Okay, >> that's good to know. Thank you, Chad. >> You're welcome. >> Didn't know anybody could be on the beach at night other than LS.
>> I was out there last night with Brandy. >> Yeah, I figured you were. >> Okay. So, anything else? >> You're drinking on the beach with >> Okay. If something comes up, we can we can bring it up. >> And u
>> next meeting date would be August 12th, 2026. >> And public comment. >> Public comment. They all left. >> You didn't have it. You didn't have it on there. >> Excuse me, Dave. I've got a question for you. >> Yes, sir. >> Um I couldn't help but notice that
there's nothing about the MURF award on here. Well, I had the MURF award and I had a candidate that I wanted to >> give and I lost her name. >> Okay. >> And because I had it in my notes and I didn't want to tie everyone up cuz but
we can do it in August. >> Um last month um we ran short of time with the joint committee and so we uh put the MURF award off. Uh previous to that, a couple weeks previous to that, uh there had been a beach cleanup that
was organized uh by the uh I think by the high school kids and um if I'm not mistaken, Chad may know about it. I think uh the goods provided the refreshments for the uh
high school kids and I think it was organized, if I'm not mistaken, by the Kuanas. Am I correct in that? >> I wasn't involved in that particular event. I'm sorry. Does Can anybody can anybody confirm that that it was the
Kuanas that put that together? >> See, I didn't bring my information with me this meeting. I brought it with me last at the last meeting. Um >> Well, I I'll have mine at the next meeting, too. So, then we can do two. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> All right. >> All right.
>> Sure. I have one. And as they say, we have one in holding. >> And what was the date of the uh the >> I believe it is August 12th. Let me check. >> No, the the council member meeting. >> Monday the 15th.
>> Monday. Monday the 15th. >> I'll have that put together and for you. >> Thank you. >> Bless you. >> All right. And with that, that brings us to the end of our agenda. So with that, I'll accept a motion to
adjurnn. >> Motion seconded. >> No, we got to have a first. >> Okay. Made and seconded. It is 11:41, Wednesday, June 10th, and the meeting of the Marine Environmental and Resource
Task Force Committee is adjourned.