Chapter 5.3
Other Services for the Island
On this page, there are three key elements:
- Summary
- Full text for this section of the Neighborhood Plan
- Short survey
Summary:
Garbage, recycling, and yard waste
Trash service is provided, but issues like overflowing cans, debris on vacant lots, and illegal dumping can create health, safety, and appearance concerns. Recommendations:
- Keep waste cans closed and sealed, and don’t leave them out if pickup is missed.
- Promote and follow rules around no burning and no dumping.
Mosquito Control
Charlotte County provides mosquito control through ground and aerial treatments scheduled as needed, and most Islanders are generally satisfied with the level of service. Recommendations:
- Encourage Islanders to contact the county for this service as needed and to explore environmentally friendly treatment options
Island signage
Signs help protect the environment and slow traffic, but too many signs, especially commercial or poorly maintained ones, can create clutter and light pollution. There are also gaps in important waterway signage. Recommendations:
- Maintain the existing hand-painted signs.
- Reduce unnecessary and lighted signage.
- Explore signs that better match the island’s character.
- Improve canal signage, including “No Wake” and “Manatee Zone” signs.
Mail service
There is no mail service on the island, and most residents are comfortable with that.
Full Version:
We encourage everyone to read the full version. While we did our best to summarize above, this full version offers much more nuance.
While Fire and Emergency Management Services are the preeminent benefits to the Island property owners, there are other municipal services that are currently being provided or to be considered.
- Garbage, Recyclable and Yard Waste Pick-up
Solid waste removal is presently handled by Waste Management (WM), subcontracted by the County and paid through an MSBU taxing unit. Household waste, recycling and yard debris disposal are included in the contracted services. Large items such as appliances may be removed through a special pick-up arranged with WM. Items such as batteries, electronics and hazardous waste must be taken to the mainland facility in Englewood. - Mosquito Control
Charlotte County provides the Island with mosquito abatement service, both ground adulticide spray and aerial applications. Scheduling of treatments is irregular based on need and frequently depends on community outreach. - Island Signage
Artistic custom signage has been an important part of the Island ambiance. This signage is oriented to environmental protection, and it encourages drivers to slow down. Since the signs are unique and eye-catching, they act as passive traffic-calming devices. Most Islanders consider signage “visual pollution” and would prefer to restrict the use of signs. - U.S. Postal Service Delivery
At the present time, there is no postal delivery to the Island. In the past, some discussions were held regarding mail, including household delivery or establishing an mail sub-station (“mailbox condo”) for homeowners either at the ferry landing Island-side or mainland side. No substantial interest has been recognized to date.
Issues related to Other Services
- Over-filled garbage cans that are left exposed for any length of time attract birds, flies and pests.
- Yard debris on vacant lots is both unsightly and a fire hazard.
- Some property owners may not be aware that there is no waste pick-up service provided to vacant lots.
- Illegal activity, such as dumping on vacant lots and burning, can be a potential issue.
- Many Islanders are not aware that they can call Charlotte County to file complaints about excessive mosquitos.
- Existing hand-painted signs deteriorate with age and need to be maintained.
- Islanders are concerned about the “visual pollution” created by the proliferation of signs on the Island.
- A portion of the offending signs are commercial – realtor signs and front-yard advertisements for businesses such as construction companies, landscaping firms, and roof and pool contractors.
- Islanders are also uncomfortable with the volume of government-generated standard signage and would prefer signs that reflect the island’s aesthetic.
- Signs with attached lighting contribute to light pollution.
- There is a lack of signage for the canals, such as “No Wake” and “Manatee Zone” signs.
- Mail delivery is not necessarily desired by the majority of residents.
- Potential impediments to mail distribution include transportation to and from the mainland and the potential effect of mailbox delivery or mailbox condos on Island infrastructure.
Recommendations related to Other Services
- Encourage the publicizing of regulations such as the “no burn” and “no dumping” policies on Island.
- Educate the community about the importance of ensuring that waste receptacles are closed and sealed at the road. If a WM pickup is missed, waste cans should not be left in the street.
- Islanders are generally satisfied with the level of service provided for mosquito control and wish it to continue into the future.
- Since mosquito control is need-based, encourage Islanders to contact the county for service.
- Encourage the County to explore more environmentally friendly materials for mosquito control.
- Maintain the existing hand-painted signs.
- Explore means of reducing the impact of signage Island-wide.
- Seek assistance from the Department of Public Works to find potential creative ways for government-generated standard signage to better complement and reflect the Island atmosphere.
- Discourage the use of lighted signs.
- Improve signage for the canals, such as “No Wake” and “Manatee Zone” signs.
Survey
Each head of household (up to two per household) may submit the form once. If you submit it more than once, only your most recent submission will count. This also means you can update your response later if you change your mind.
