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Many residents and visitors have heard expressed concern over their time to be heard. There are always two sides to every issue. Sometimes differing opinions leads to frustration, anger, intimidation, confusion on the matter and a sense that a persons views gave not been heard. As a volunteer for an international service organization it was important to resolve matters diplomatically and professionally. Robert’s Rule of Order became a bible to use in meetings, disagreements and general problem solving matters. It also can be kind of fun too.

“Henry Martyn Robert was an engineering officer in the regular Army. Without warning he was asked to preside over a church meeting and realized that he did not know how. He tried anyway and his embarrassment was supreme. This event, which may seem familiar to many readers, left him determined never to attend another meeting until he knew something of parliamentary law.

Ultimately, he discovered and studied the few books then available on the subject. From time to time, due to his military duties, he was transferred to various parts of the United States where he found virtual parliamentary anarchy since each member from a different part of the country had differing ideas of correct procedure. To bring order out of chaos he decided to write "Robert's Rules of Order.”

Often times when a matter is too complicated to be heard before the City Council, requires investigation of the issue, or needs additional review before action can be taken. In these cases a special committee would be suggested so options can be considered and consensus reached.

On October 1, 2007 the City Council established an ad-hoc committee to review the way rental properties are being used and the effect these rentals on the quality of life on Marco Island.

The committee has a representative from the Board of Realtors, a representative from the Chamber of Commerce, a rental agent, and seven members of the general public. The City's Police Chief Roger Reinke, Code Compliance Officer Eric Wardle, and Community Development Director Steve Olmsted serve as support staff. The committee members are as follows: Association Members: Richard Shanahan,

Marco Island Area Association of Realtors, Jim McGregor, Marco Island Area Association of Realtors - Rental Agent, Ms. Sandi Riedemann, Marco Island Chamber of Commerce, Joe Oliverio, Marco Island Restaurant Association. Citizen Members include: Keith Dameron, Louise Beaufort, Kenneth E. Honecker, Karen Salvi, Tarik Ayasun, George A. Percel, and Jan Sawitoski. To contact any of these members contact Nancy Paton at npaton@cityofmarcoisland.com

In the first meeting of the committee, chaired by City Councilor Chuck Kiester, the committee heard about the existing code requirements for the regulation of vacation rental properties, noise complaints, registration of the rental properties and fire safety issues all associated with rental properties. All of the committee members agreed that the best way to entirely review the matter was to hold a town meeting to hear all comments about the issue.

A meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room at 51 Bald Eagle Drive, Marco Island, Florida. The purpose of the meeting was to hear public comment regarding all matters related to the issue of Vacation Rental Dwellings.

A favorite quote seems fitting here, Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

Without interaction from citizens interested in this matter all ideas and best options may not be considered. The greatest thing about Robert’s Rule of Order is that all meetings are held under the laws of democracy, under which every person who wishes to speak shall be heard, toward the end that in every matter considered, the best opinion shall prevail through the expressed will of the majority, and the best course of action followed.

Get involved today! Help change Marco Island for the future!

Read more about the Rental Housing Committee by visiting the City’s Web site. On the front page select “Rental housing committee” under the heading “Help the City Better Serve You”.

Lisa M. Douglass, Marco Public Information Coordinator