Proposed Water Quality Priorities Whitepaper- (Rick Woodworth) — 13-B Meeting Request, Proactive Enforcement of Fertilizer a — Waterways Advisory Committee (2026-05-21)

AI Summary

Rick Woodworth, a member of the Waterways Advisory Committee, requested a meeting with Marco Island city staff to discuss proactive enforcement of existing fertilizer and landscape debris ordinances. After meeting with City Director Daniel Smith and other officials on May 5, 2026, Woodworth proposed specific enforcement actions including registering all fertilizer vendors, conducting product testing for phosphorus and nitrogen, prohibiting landscape debris from entering canals, and funding Code Enforcement canal patrols estimated at $17,600 to $74,900 annually. The City is considering amending its ordinances to strengthen regulations on commercial fertilizer applicators and landscape maintenance professionals through registration requirements, fees, certification, and violation penalties ranging from $150 to $5,000.