Dennis speaking out for the citizens at the planning board and his public comment when council was considering the 7th seat. Clear, articulate, and exceptionally qualified. A career at one of the largest accounting firms in the world, and willing to work for the city for free.

Dennis during the Audit debacle.  Again, level headed, thoughtful, and a clear presentation of the path forward.  Unanimous agreement from City Council and City staff.  Brilliant.

Dennis being recognized by the City Director of Finance for all his hard work and dedication providing his expertise for free to the city staff (along with Rick Woodworth).  Commitment.

Dennis speaking out for the citizens at the planning board and his public comment when council was considering the 7th seat. Clear, articulate, and an unbelievable resume. A career at one of the largest accounting firms in the world, and willing to work for the city for free.

7th Seat Speech

Dennis speaking out for the citizens at the planning board about The Jewish Center.

Dennis being recognized by the City Director of Finance for all his hard work and dedication providing his expertise for free to the city staff (along with Rick Woodworth).  Commitment.

Council Moves AWT Forward, Debates Noise Ordinance

Marco Island City Council discussed several major issues at its June 1 meeting, including the long sought advanced wastewater treatment project, the repair of the Winterberry beach access boardwalk, the possible City purchase of the Turtle Lot parking property, and how to improve the City's noise ordinance.

Council agrees to further explore possible Turtle Lot purchase

City Manager Dr. Casey Lucius presented a potential revenue option involving the possible purchase of the parking property on Collier Boulevard, commonly known as the Turtle Lot, along with an adjacent lot. The properties are currently listed for sale for $12 million.

Lucius stressed that. despite rumors to the contrary. the proposal was not tor c parking garage, but for a parking lot. She said the City could purchase the property with a loan and use parking revenue to repay the debt. Once the loan was paid off, the lot could become a long-term revenue source for the City. She also noted that City ordinance prevents the City from purchasing property for more than its appraised value.

Public comment raised serious concerns about the numbers. Resident Dennis Bartolucci argued the proposal would "monetize the Marco Island Beach." would not benefit residents and did not include all costs, including paving the additional lot and the loss of property tax revenue to the City.

He also reviewed the property's sales history, saying the combined properties sold for $2.8 million in 2018, $4.2 million in 2021, and $11.25 million in 2024. When Bartolucci questioned that increase in value, newly appointed Council member Kevin Dohm called for a point of order in an apparent attempt to stop him from speaking. Chair Darrin Palumbo reminded Dohm that the public has a right to speak during public comment. Bartolucci then said the Collier County Property Appraiser's website lists the value at $3.3 million.

Local businessman Anthony Oliverio also questioned the proposal. He said he had passed on purchasing the same property because the numbers did not make sense and said it would be "pretty difficult to make these numbers work." Oliverio said the property had failed to sell in prior rounds with no bidders, suggesting the current asking price may be too high.

Council voted 6 to 1, with Gray opposing, to continue investigating the potential purchase by having the property appraised.

Fresh water supply raised during consent agenda discussion

During discussion of an item removed from the consent agenda concerning the failure of wells used to supply potable water, Bartolucci warned council that fresh water supply should be treated as the number one strategic issue facing the island.

Bartolucci urged council to start discussing potable water quality and sufficiency, saying it will take a long time to plan for such an important issue and that the City needs to begin now.