NOVEMBER 2020 NEWSLETTER
Posted by Greg Folley 5sc on November 09, 2020
FROM THE DESK OF CITY COUNCILOR GREG FOLLEY Friends & Supporters, Now that campaigning has ended, it’s time to continue our important work for Marco Islanders! Here’s your November update on the progress of your NEW City Council! Swearing In Ceremony Marco Island City Council met for the first time since election day. The first order of business was the swearing in of Councilors Elect Becky Irwin, Joseph Rola, Rich Blonna, Jared Grifoni, and myself. We were sworn in by the Honorable Ramiro Mañalich who paraphrased George Washington, "In America the only true keepers of the Constitution are the people themselves.” I was proud to take the oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the State of Florida. I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office in which I have been entrusted. New Chair and Vice-Chair Each year the Council selects a Chair and Vice-Chair. Outgoing Chairman Brechnitz nominated Councilor Jared Grifoni for the role of Chairman and he was unanimously elected. Subsequently, after several votes and some discussion, I was elected Vice-Chair for the coming year. I am honored and humbled to be selected for this role and very much appreciate the confidence my colleagues have placed in me. City Councilor Vacancy Due to the resignation of Councilor Rios, the City of Marco Island is accepting applications to fill the vacant seat. Any resident interested in applying must be a registered voter and a permanent resident of Marco Island. Candidates must submit their online application and resume to the City Clerk no later than November 16. Up to three applicants will be selected to interview and the Council will vote upon the final candidates December 7. Sidewalk Project Progress A final item of interest was the proposed sidewalk project for Balfour Drive. City staff proposed awarding a contract in the amount of $344,186.95. Counselor Brechnitz noted this is the largest sidewalk project ever undertaken by the City of Marco Island. Also, that it was not subject to a grant from FDOT. The Council decided the project should not proceed until the City completed an analysis of how sidewalk maintenance would be funded going forward. Action on this bid has been delayed pending presentation of funding options to the Council by City staff. With sincere gratitude, I wish you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving holiday. Thank you for your valued support! Please like and follow my Facebook page for the latest updates. Take care and God bless! Sincerely, Greg S. Folley 940 Cape Marco Dr, Unit 2006 Marco Island, FL 34145