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Here are the top three Naples stories of 2006:

1. Voters approve giving mayor 2 terms

Seventy percent of voters in February overwhelmingly approved extending the term for Naples’ mayor, which will enable Bill Barnett to run again if he wants to.

The referendum, which garnered 3,192 votes to 1,341 votes, had generated little controversy because council members already can serve two consecutive four-year terms. But it was a big step for Naples.

Barnett said adding four years would bring continuity, minimizing the learning curve for whoever takes the city’s helm. Opponents had said four years is enough.

Last week , Barnett said he loved his job. “Would I like to run again? Of course,” he said, adding, however, that it was too early to make a decision or announcement.

The bottom line? If there’s any dissatisfaction over the mayor’s work, voters still have control.

2. Solana Road vote raises old concerns

Naples City Council postponed a vote on a $1.86 million payment for Solana Road improvements in April after two council members raised concerns over the 1999 annexation of Royal Poinciana Golf Club - and promises city officials made in return.

Considered a backroom deal by many, the 1999 agreement also provided the club with free stormwater taxes, prompted a lawsuit and ethics complaint, and led to the resignation of then-City Manager Richard Woodruff after the vote. It also caused years of dissension among council members, who questioned whether it was ethical.

After a legal review, concerns were quelled and council voted 4-3 this year to approve spending $1.41 million after a $450,000 contribution by county government and a water management board significantly cut costs.

Since then, the traffic signal at the club’s entrance - just feet away from another light at Goodlette-Frank and Solana roads - was removed after the club’s entrance was rerouted to Solana Road.

3. Variance prompts public outcry

City Council chambers remain fairly empty much of the time, with only a few staunch gadflies. But a variance for a home on Dolphin Court in Royal Harbor that was too large brought out throngs of residents who opposed it.

Jennifer and Jason Stephens of Naples lost their first bid for a variance after an architectural firm made a mistake in measuring the land, causing the waterfront home to encroach more than 14 feet into the city’s required 30-foot front setback.

Councilman John Sorey asked for a reconsideration vote after the couple agreed to cut off part of their home and redesign it. A month after the denial, council voted 4-3 to approve a variance for about half what the Stephenses initially sought. Construction, which had been halted in April, will begin in January after a portion of the foundation is demolished.