Tracking of vacation rental violations, acquisition of the 7 Mile Marina, unsafe subdivision of rental mobile homes and discussion of beach and boat ramp parking and launch fees were the main topics of discussion at Marathon’s City Council meeting on Dec. 15.
Following complaints on Grassy Key during the weekend prior, Marathon Mayor John Bartus began the evening with a discussion of the city’s progress in tracking vacation rental violations in relation to Marathon’s “three strikes” provision. Focusing on areas of prominent concern, including Grassy Key, Coco Plum Drive, Sombrero Beach Road and Aviation Blvd., the council reiterated the need to stay on top of violators and promptly cite infractions. “I’m trying to figure out what we can do to better follow this up,” said Bartus. “What are we doing to track this so that if owners do receive a third strike, they have their license suspended?”
“We are going to aggressively go after citations,” responded city manager George Garrett, referencing a more assertive policy as a way to reduce the delay between violations and corresponding consequences when compared to appearances before the code board.
“They’ll get one warning, and the next time, they’ll receive a citation,” said code director Ted Lozier. “After three strikes, you’re out for 12 months and you have to go before the special magistrate.”
Later in the meeting, the council unanimously voted to approve the purchase of 7 Mile Marina, also known as Salty’s, on the western end of Marathon’s gulf shore. “We’re going to get the maximum parking out of it, and we’re certainly going to look at repairing docks immediately, putting in channel markers, getting the building back in shape, and doing that under the umbrella of our marina and its enterprise fund,” said Garrett.
“The timing is great with the old 7 Mile Bridge opening early next year,” responded Bartus. “It was really nice to be able to tour that with you. The building, the seawall and the pilings are all in really good shape, and there’s not a whole lot we need to do to make this a really wonderful thing.”
Following repeated requests from concerned citizens, Garrett also went on to address reports of internally subdivided rental RVs in several Keys mobile home parks. “At the end of the day, it’s a life safety issue, and what we’ve heard about some of these splits is that there may be limited access from any bedroom to the outside,” he said.
Both Garrett and city attorney Steve Williams said that the city’s ability to act on these reports is largely hindered by the scope of Florida’s building code. “The short version of it is that we’re looking at it as a home, but the law looks at it as a vehicle,” said Williams. “It would be like (building official) Noe (Martinez) inspecting the inside of a Greyhound bus. We can stop construction if we catch them and red tag them, but once it’s done, there’s nothing we can do about it. The units are initially certified when they leave the factory for complying with rules and regulations, and then we’re stuck with them. It’s beyond difficult to deal with from that perspective.”
While both seemingly sympathized with the potential issue, Garrett added, “Our ability to go in and cite somebody for something that our building official has no authority over is limited. The building code does not accommodate that.”
Furthering his report from October’s meeting, director of public works Carlos Solis provided clarification on a potential plan to implement parking and launch fees at Sombrero Beach as well as the city’s three public boat ramps. Using automated pay stations, Solis’ initial proposal projected a revenue stream of $1.2 million per year for the city, with an initial capital investment of $187,000 and yearly operating expenses of $145,000.
“As I look at our city’s aging infrastructure, for the first few years everything is relatively new and maintenance is low-key. But we’re 20 years old, and our facilities will need a lot of work,” said Solis. “We’re looking at ways to generate those revenues without raising property taxes.”
Though exact amounts have yet to be determined, Solis’ plan would impose per-use fees for parking and boat ramp usage for non-residents, while residents would continue to use the facilities either for free or for a smaller yearly fee.
Solis fielded questions from the council regarding code enforcement’s ability to provide the necessary manpower to maintain and enforce the system, but assured the council that his operating expenses included provisions for additional staff who could also help with vacation rental enforcement when not occupied at the ramps and beach.
Solis was given direction to continue developing the finer points of the program and working to establish potential fees.
In other news:
- Parks and recreation director Paul Davis informed the council that the Community Park’s new fitness court should finish construction within the next few weeks.
- With a vote of 4-1 in its first hearing, with councilman Trevor Wofsey as the lone “no,” the council voted to approve an amendment to Marathon’s building certification ordinance. The amended ordinance restricts the recertification process to include only multi-story buildings.
- In its first hearing, the council unanimously voted to approve an amendment to the city’s charter to increase city council members’ term lengths to four years. The longer terms would allow Marathon’s elections to synchronize with larger state and national elections and increase voter turnout. Bartus raised a brief discussion regarding shortening a candidate’s mandatory sit-out period from four to two years following two consecutive terms of service, but the original ordinance providing for a four-year period was eventually approved.
- The council asked Williams to proceed with drafting a new Marathon sign ordinance based on an adaptation of Monroe County’s code.
- The council heard citizens’ comments concerning building permits, Jet Ski tours operating close to shore and subdivided mobile homes, and received thanks for their support of the Domestic Abuse Shelter.
