City Council Talks Owls and Ordinances

Overall, the January 5, 2026, Marco Island City Council meeting was notable for two major themes: strong support for protecting wildlife—particularly the island’s beloved burrowing owls—and a robust discussion about city council meeting decorum, freedom of speech, and civic participation. 

Rodent Control and Protection of Owls 

The Council received a presentation on plans to control rats at Mackle Park and in other city buildings. A key focus of the discussion was reducing and hopefully eventually eliminating the use of poison, which poses a serious risk to burrowing owls and other wildlife. Instead, the city will be focusing on the use of “Good Bites,” a rodent birth control product. 

It was also noted that there are currently no city funds allocated to address the island’s iguana problem, so if Marco Island homeowners encounter an iguana on their property, it is recommended that they directly contact a professional for removal. 

Proposed “Owl Park” Near Mackle Park 

Darin Spindler of the Parks and Recreation Committee presented a proposal to create an “owl park” on city-owned land located north of Mackle Park, between the bike path and Leland Way. City Council voted in favor of the concept which will allow the Parks and Recreation Committee to begin fundraising for the project.  

Smart Water Meter Installation 

Installation of new “smart” water meters has begun across Marco Island. A map showing installation dates for various areas of the island is available on the City of Marco Island website. Residents are advised that they may see city personnel working on their water meters as part of this project. 

Overnight Parking in Swales 

The first reading of an ordinance that would allow overnight parking in swales passed by a narrow 4–3 vote. Three members of the public spoke on this item, all in opposition. Several concerns were raised, with the primary issue being how such a policy could be effectively enforced. Given potential damage to the swales and groundwater contamination concerns, some in attendance questioned whether parking should be allowed in swales at any time.  

Currently, parking in swales is prohibited between 2:00:00 AM and 6:00:00 AM. Under the proposed ordinance, homeowners would be able to obtain a sticker for one vehicle, allowing that vehicle to be parked in the swale overnight. An alternative idea suggested was allowing vehicles with Collier County stickers to park in swales overnight, which could reduce the amount of staff time required to administer the program. 

The second reading of this ordinance will take place at the next City Council meeting on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 5:30 PM. Residents with opinions on this proposal are encouraged to email City Council members (city_council@cityofmarcoisland.com) or speak during public comment at that meeting.  

Educational Presentation on Bonds 

Council received an educational presentation on the use of bonds to fund large city projects from a firm the city is considering hiring as bond counsel to assist with a referendum to raise funds. This financing approach is being explored as a way to move forward with projects despite the city’s spending cap, which blocked a proposed major tax increase last summer. The presentation explained that issuing bonds would require voter approval through a referendum. If approved, residents would be agreeing to tax themselves at a rate necessary to repay the debt. 

Search for a New City Manager 

Council discussed the process for finding a new City Manager. The primary question was whether to hire an outside search firm or to have the city’s Human Resources department conduct the search internally. After discussion, Council agreed to begin with an internal search. If that effort does not produce a suitable candidate, an outside search firm could then be hired. Council also agreed that the proposed job description and salary would return to City Council for approval. 

Freedom of Speech, Decorum, and Committee Service 

Council Member Bonita Schwan initiated a discussion over a proposal to remove John Martini from his volunteer position on the Parks and Recreation Committee. Martini has been outspoken at City Council meetings, in emails to council members and city staff, and on social media. 

During the discussion, Schwan accused Martini of violating the committee handbook by engaging in “counter-productive behavior.” Council Member Brechnitz noted that there is a protocol for censoring a committee member through the committee chair that was not initiated. He said that the Parks and Recreation committee chair, when contacted and asked if Martini had posed any problems to the committee, responded, “Absolutely not.” 

This exchange led to a broader conversation about decorum during City Council meetings. Several audience members commented that council members themselves have set a negative or antagonistic tone in how they interact with one another—a point that at least some council members acknowledged. 

There was also discussion about the importance of protecting freedom of speech. It was suggested that if committee members are not allowed to disagree with or criticize ideas, it will become increasingly difficult to recruit volunteers for city committees in the future.  

Martini gave a n speech in which he defended himself. In a calm and measured voice, he stated: “Disagreement with policy proposals is not misconduct…Participation in public discourse is not a privilege granted by this council. At no point have I acted in bad faith, abused my position, or violated any ethical obligation…The issue before you is not decorum. The issue is whether an advisory board member can be targeted after the fact for expressing an opinion that some found uncomfortable. If that becomes the standard, then no advisory board member can ever serve independently or honestly.” 

Council members agreed that balancing free speech with the need for orderly and respectful meetings is a complex challenge. Ultimately, no vote was taken, and Martini remains a member of the Parks and Recreation Committee. Council agreed that, going forward, greater effort should be made to maintain decorum during meetings.