MRTF work-in-progress report for March
The Marine Resources Task Force released a work-in-progress report after their March 11 meeting. Chairman Charles Hester provided the information.
MRTF is pleased to report to the Town Council on the projects it has taken up and progress in that regard. Following is a list and update on each. MRTF welcomes direction from Town Council on any of these issues.
n Sunshine/Ethics Presentation – MRTF received a presentation from Town Attorney Anne Dalton on the sunshine, ethics and public records responsibilities of the committee members.
n Town Hall Meeting – MRTF discussed plans to participate in the March 19 Town Hall Meeting.
n Shorebird Workshop – Staff Advisor Keith Laakkonen reported to MRTF on continuing plans for an upcoming Shorebird Workshop, an educational outreach for residents of the South end of the island who are affected by the migratory shorebird nesting areas marked annually by the FL FWC. The workshop is planned for April 15 and will involve participants from FWC, SCCF, Turtle Time, Lee County and others. Speakers have been scheduled and flyers and press releases are being prepared.
n Visitor Information Brochure – The group received a report from member Roger Johnson on the distribution efforts of the latest printing of our Visitor Information brochure. The Chamber of Commerce has agreed to include the brochure in their Mooring Field greeting packets; the Condo Association has been visited at their last meeting and distribution to rental agencies is underway.
n Beachscape – The committee received a report from Environmental Sciences Coordinator Keith Laakkonen regarding the progress of the MRTF Beachscape Plan through the FL DEP’s review, and of his efforts to contact a beachfront property owner who has volunteered for a test site. The committee discussed the feasibility of using the Newton Park property as a test site for Beachscape.
n Fertilizer Ordinance Education — Chair Charles Hester was tasked to forward a recommendation to TC requesting their approval of using Lee County’s BMP Training Program for Commercial Applicator licensing provisions and communicating our Town’s willingness to participate in the program. The county staff has agreed to include our ordinance in their program. We also discussed the Homeowner Education portion of the ordinance as well as the notification of fertilizer sellers on the island of the upcoming ordinance deadline so that they can prepare their inventory of approved products and we can ask them to post informational materials.
n Beach Raking — MRTF was advised by Staff Advisor Keith Laakkonen that there appears to be no implementation of the requirement for a Town beach raking permit and/or a vehicle permit. MRTF discussed the enforcement aspects of Ordinance No. 07-03 and the need for education of beach rakers pursuant to enforcement of the licensing aspects of the ordinance.
This report was respectfully submitted to Town Council members following the March 2009 MRTF meeting.
By Charles Hester, chairman of MRTF