Are Marco Laws Applicable to Everyone?  

Marco residents should be deeply concerned.  

The City Code of Ordinances Section 2-206 (d) says, “if a board or committee member is absent from 30% or more of the meetings held within any 12-month period, their seat shall be automatically vacated.”   

Council Chair Darrin Palumbo appointed Chris Ricci to the Audit Advisory Committee. He was absent from 43% of these meetings in 12 months. His seat was automatically vacated by operation of the City Ordinance (law) following the April 2, 2026 meeting.  

Palumbo was aware but did nothing to uphold the law. He allowed Ricci to attend and participate in the July 9 Audit Advisory Committee meeting.

Once a seat is automatically vacated, the former member may attend as a citizen, but they should not sit as a committee member, vote, or be counted for quorum unless properly reappointed.  

This goes directly to the validity of the meeting. The Code requires a majority of appointed members for a quorum. A person whose seat has been vacated cannot be used to create a lawful quorum. The July 9 meeting depended on Ricci’s presence or participation. That meeting and action taken at that meeting should be treated as null and void.  

The City Manager stated at Council on July 6 that she had made an ‘executive decision’ to suspend the Ordinance requirement, which should alarm every resident.  

The City Manager does not have the authority to suspend the law.   

Palumbo took an oath: “I solemnly swear…I will, in all respects, observe the provisions of the Charter and the Ordinances of the City of Marco Island.”  

Ricci is running for council along with Palumbo. They had an obligation to uphold the law.  They both failed.