HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-1998 Indexed Various DocumentsStonecrop Park
Index
1. 07/05/89 Letter to David Fisher, Engineering, Dept. of Public
Works from State of Florida, Dept. of Health and Rehabilitative
Services -re: Sebastian recreation lakes.
2. 07/21/89 Letter to George Kulczycki, General Development
Corporation from Linda Kinchen, Engineering -re: Sebastian
Recreational Lakes.
3. 08/12/92 except of minutes from Regular City Council Meeting -
page 5 & 6.
4. 08/21/92 Letter to Robert McClary from Daniel Eckis-re:
Stonecrop Park Evaluation.
5. 09/03/92 Memo to Lonnie Powell, Mayor from Robert McClary-re:
Stonecrop park.
6. 10/07/92 Excerpt of minutes from Regular City Council Meeting -
page 4.
7. 06/15/93 Letter to Dick Stevens, Life for Youth Ranch from Robert
McClary-re: Stonecrop park.
8. 06/16/93 Letter to Robert McClary from Dick Stevens, Life for
Youth Ranch -re: Stonecrop park.
9. 10/11/93 Letter to Director of Life for Youth Ranch from David
Puscher, Deputy Chief of Police -re: rescinding permission to access
stonecrop street access (swimming hole).
10. 10/12/93 Memo to Kay O'Halloran, Acting City Manager from
Bruce Cooper, director of Community Dev.-re: Stonecrop.
11. 10/12/93 Memo to David Puscher from Daniel Eckis-re: Stonecrop
swimming park.
12. 10/14/93 Memo to All Personnel from Captain David Puscher-re:
stonecrop park.
13. 10/14/93 Memo to David Puscher from Dan Eckis-re: Stonecrop
swimming hole.
14. 05/26/94 Newspaper article "Stonecrop Park still off limits".
15. 03/31/98 Letter to Alexandra H. Weiss, community Assistance
Consultant, Bureau of Design and Recreation Services, Dept of
Environmental Protection. from Thomas Frame, City Manager -re:
proposed canoe launch facility at stonecrop park.
n
STATE OF FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES
HRS -INDIAN RIVER COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH UNIT
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
1111 36TH STREET
VERO BEACH. FL 32960
July 5, 1989
Mr. David Fisher
Engineering, Dept. of Public Works
City of Sebastian
P. O. Box 780127
Sebastian, F1 32978-0127
Re: Sebastian Recreation Lakes
Dear Mr. Fisher:
TELEPHONE (407) 778-6317
(407) 778-6318
SuNLOM 2666317
2666318
Reference your recent inquiry concerning the possibility of
allowing public bathing in lakes located in the City, please
be advised that prior to approval of a public bathing place
on any waters of this state, a permit to operate a public
bathing place shall be obtained from the Department of Health
and Rehabilitative Services in accordance with Florida
Statutes Chapters 381.031 (8) 31 and 514.02, and Chapter
1OD-5.120 of the Florida Administrative Code. Primary
requirements for permitting include compliance with meeting
sanitary survey standards, bacteriological standards and
water quality parameters.
Regarding the former Sebastian swim lake located on Easy
Street in the Highlands, it has never been approved for
swimming. It was initially excavated by the General
Development Corporation for drainage purposes. The lake is
completely surrounded by residences using septic tanks which
have a direct impact on the lakes water quality. The lake
also has a history of unsatisfactory bacteriological surveys.
Upon recommendation from this department, the City of
Sebastian permanently closed the lake for swimming in
April, 1984. It is our understanding that the lake is
posted closed to swimming at this time.
The department recommends that the "Shuman Drive" lakes
are unsuitable for swimming. People who swim in contaminated
and/or polluted water can contract gastro-intestinal
diseases, eye, ear, and skin infections. Additionally, the
deadly organism known as "Naegleria" is indigenous to most
central and south Florida freshwater lakes and ponds. It
causes a serious disease known as primary amoebic
meningoencephalitis.
BOB MARTINEZ, GOVERNOR GREGORY L. COLER, SECRETARY
,•*%
We commend the City of Sebastian for keeping these lakes
closed to swimming. We believe the health and liability
risk is too high to allow these lakes to be used as bathing
places. The city may want to explore the possibility of
constructing a public swimming pool if a need is recognized.
The department remains available for assistance.
Vpecful. Schuessler
Environmental Specialist
Approved by,
micryaey J. Galanis, M. P. H.
Envi�r&mental Health Director
CC: B. Berman, M. D., County Health Director
City of Sebastian
POST OFFICE BOX 780127 0 SEBASTIAN. FLORIDA 32978
TELEPHONE (407) 589-5330
FAX 407-589-5570
July 21, 1989
Mr. George Kulczycki
General Development Corporation
1243 S. U.S. Highway #1
VEro Beach Fl 32962
RE: Sebastian Recreational lakes
Dear George:
Attached are the copies of the letter from the Health
Department and the bacteriological results sheet for
the lakes which were tested in the Sebastian Highlands.
As you can see for yourself, the results are not
very appealing. The City of Sebastian has serious
concerns regarding the public safety of its citizens.
After an on site inspection the other day by David Fisher,
at the park which is located on Stonecrop, the NO SWIMMING
sign had been removed and several people were in the water.
Your assistance in getting this property reposted as soon as
possible is greatly appreciated. Please feel free to call
if any further information is required.
Sincerely,
Linda Kinchen
Engineering
LK;lk
J
lq,� •6317
STA UE DI[ FL01111M
DEPAIITMENT OF HEALTH AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES
INDIAN "'VER COUNTY PURUC HBALT" UNIT
2]2] i/Tw /.qNy<
vtwo 6[•cw, FL 32960 vw IK M4u.
T[l[•.bn[ 13091 66/.1101 1440"Ma"[G 9"19 N 116
SV. (:O. 461.6302 1wmft/ fta2N0
T9Ln[[9.1[ 12/7916610000 F. r 2_0
WATER POLLUTION pu"4c0" /2/ 1229
County Indian River
SURVEY -BACTERIOLOGICAL
Collector Tim
Name of Survey. Lakes throughout Sebastian Address
Lab ID126258
see below
Date Collected 6/15/89 Date Tested 6/15/89D 6/16/89
ete Reported
Lab
Number
Sam Is oint
Dilu-
in,
M•F 1Q4
M•p.
Total'
Fecal
F.C.
IF.S.
EINF
061
Easy Street, corn
100 ml
124
14
14/110
ETMF
061589120003
ETA
061589120004
ETMF
061589120005
ETMF
061589120091
ETTgF
061589120000
Stone crop and Sta
Ave. most a----4 l
Lake north of Shum
12r. near US 1 NW P
Lake South of Shuman
Dr. Southern point
Ne ative Control
Positive BL.
060789013202
100 ml
100 ml
100 ml
_� X80
X254
X258
G 0
80
4
8
80/300
site
n
int
4/250
8/250
N 0 G
0 D G f
0 W T H
0 GJ T H
Remarks,
MAIL TO:
CITY OF SEBASTIAN
P.O. BOX 127
SEBASTIAN, FL 32978
PICKUP PHONE: 589-5490
I.R.C. Form 764 Jan. 85
interpretation* -Recommendations
by HRS Reviewer
Results are ( ) Satisfactory
Unsatisfactory ( X) Unsatisfactory
for a bathing ( )
place ( )
Reviewing officials
Regular City Counc_- Meeting
August 12, 1992
Page Five
B. Mr. Frank Oberbeck
Mr. Oberbeck inquired about the status of Laconia
Street; directed staff, with the consensus of City
Council, to schedule a meeting between residents
affected by the proposed realignment of the Wentworth
ditch and City officials; discussed problems with the
Fleming Street bridge; inquired about the status of a
youth center proposed for the recently acquired GDC
property adjacent to BSSC; and inquired whether
access to the old police station site had been
barricaded.
C. Mrs. Carolyn Corum
Mrs. Corum inquired whether a U.S. One median strip
landscape architect had been contracted with as yet;
and tried to alleviate some public confusion relative
to scrub jay habitat procedures.
D. Dr. Peter R. Holvk
Dr. Holyk inquired whether the last adjourned agenda
should have been carried forward; defined the word
"consensus"; discussed the proposed sale of GDC
properties; said he did not believe the City Engineer
tried to evade questions relative to city streets at
the last meeting; inquired whether the proposed
budgets became public record when finally prepared
for distribution, (TAPE I - SIDE II) to which the
City Attorney responded in the affirmative; requested
that that opinion be directed to the Finance Director
and Assistant Finance Director; said that upon advice
from a Planning and Zoning Commission member he had
listened to a tape of the last City Council meeting;
and turned over a piece of mail he had received to
the City Clerk relative to Kashi Ranch.
E. Mr. George G. Reid
Mr. Reid requested that staff look into implementing
a nature walk at the swim hole on Stonecrop Street;
expressed concern for the County property adjacent to
the Morchesky and DeCristofaro sandmine sites being
used for dumping; and discussed a growing
disenchantment with the Vero Beach twin pairs.
Regular City Counc_, Meeting
August 12, 1992
Page Six
Dr. Holyk commented that, in light of recent
declines in available grant funds, perhaps there is
a more judicious way to utilize the City Planner's
time.
Mayor Powell called recess from 8:03 p.m. to 8:18
p.m. All members were present when the meeting
reconvened.
12. CITY ATTORNEY MATTERS
None.
13. CITY MANAGER MATTERS
City Council, by consensus and at the request of the
City Manager, scheduled a public hearing on an
application for permit and certificate of public
convenience and necessity for Treasure Coast Shuttle
for August 26, 1992.
The City Manager said Resource Recovery would be
removing the contaminated soil from the public works
compound the next day.
City Council, by consensus and at the request of the
City Manager, directed that the Public Works
Department begin picking up commodities to bring to
St. Sebastian Church for distribution.
A lengthy discussion took place on the City Manager's
request to open the swim hole during daylight hours.
City Council generally agreed that it was a good idea
to open the area during daylight hours, but directed
staff to continue to post "no trespassing" signs
while it conducts an evaluation of the city's
liability responsibilities and safety questions. The
City Manager said he would bring back a written
report at either the next meeting or workshop.
The City Manager was directed to place the proposed
construction of and cost estimates for a public
volleyball court in the retention area of the new
police station on the August 26, 1992 agenda.
The City Manager announced that
received five gold medals at the
Olympics in Washington, D.C.
3
Chief Earle Petty had
World Police
2
AN%
City of Sebastian
n
POST OFFICE BOX 780127 ❑ SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA 32978
TELEPHONE (407) 589-5330 ❑ FAX (407) 589-5570
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE; August 21, 1992
TO: Robert S. McClary
City Manager
FROM: Daniel C_ Eckis, P.
City Engineer/Public orks Director
RE: Stonecrop Park Evaluation
As requested by City Council, I have made an evaluation for
the above referenced project. The purpose for this
evaluation was to consider the following:
Tho Q= - This park is located in a unique area of
Sebastian with respect to its relative location adjacent
to the Sebastian River. There is no other place in
Sebastian that has an immediate street access adjacent to
the River. Current activities have been limited by "No
Trespassing" signs that were posted in cooperation with
GDC to limit the abusive use of this natural pristine
environment. In the past, this area was known as the
"Swimming Hole" and was used by local residents for
swimming, fishing and launching for canoes and
small boats. Since this property was newly acquired
from GDC along with other park areas, residents have
expressed an interest to open this area for public
access.
The park at this time should remain passive allowing
fishing, boat launching and as an observation point to
the Sebastian River. Swimming should be discouraged at
this time until the health department can be contacted to
determine health risks that could be associated with this
portion of the river. In the future, this park could
be developed with picnic tables and pavilions but should
only be considered following an overall evaluation of the
park areas that were acquired from GDC.
2. Safety - A field investigation was conducted by myself
and the Community Development Director along with a local
resident who provides canoe trips on a regular basis.
The resident in the past has had more than 100 boat
launches. He described the access as relatively easy
and never incurred any difficulty or problems with
carrying canoes to the point of launching.
It was observed that there is a potential for tripping on
exposed roots. However, this is typical for most
parks that have oak trees. The city could limit the
point of access by roping off the perimeter and directing
users to enter at one location which then could be
posted. The sign could describe the potential wildlife
hazards such as alligators or snakes, prohibit people
from jumping or swinging from the trees into the river,
identify the possibility of tripping on exposed routes
and cautioning user to enter at their own risk. The
signage could be compatible with the surrounding area
as a plaque, describing the area with historical
information and emphasizing the pristine environment and
the importance of maintaining it in its natural state.
3. TIM Improvements - Improvements for this area could be
established by clearing the vines and low hanging
branches along the right of way to open up a vista for
travelers or users of the park exposing one of the most
beautiful hidden secrets of Sebastian. The area could be
roped off with 8 to 12" diameter pressure treated posts
connected with a 1 1/2" diameter rope that would be
compatible with the environment. Parking could be either
along the street right of way or immediately off the
street and adjacent to the park area in an area that is
somewhat lower than the existing road. The parking area
would be screened by the earth berm surrounding a
drainage tract immediately adjacent to the park. This
area would allow for limited parking approximately five
to six automobiles. However, if additional parking were
deemed necessary, the outfall ditch from the drainage
tract could be piped and the parking would be
significantly increased should would be ample for the
proposed passive use. This parking area is immediately
adjacent to a bluff overlooking the river. This bluff
could be fitted with a boardwalk and ramp to provide a
launching facility for canoers immediately adjacent to
parking. This is an upland area and would be less of an
impact to the environmentally sensitive hammock. It would
limit the intrusion of park users by diverting that
portion of canoers away from the environmentally
sensitive areas.
There is another area, south of the Swimming hole which
the Sebastian River is close to the Sunport Street right
of way. There are no residential houses in the immediate
Vidihity Whieh aaald be ax alWhate laaatio tap a Oahe@
WI
launching facility. Consideration was given for a
concrete walkway with steps to allow a more convenient
access to the facility. However, after further
consideration this would detract from the pristine
atmosphere at the park. There would be certain permitting
requirements to place the walkway within the hammock and
over time the surface of the walkway could become
slippery since it will remain in a damp atmosphere.
Maintenance - The park should be kept to a passive use,
and the area properly posted to make users aware of the
environmentally sensitive Hammock. The signs should also
request cooperation in not impacting the environment.
The maintenance could be limited to park personnel
spending approximately four hours a week doing just
general maintenance with trash pick up and minor mowing.
stncrop.doc
9� a&q
4
City of Sebastian
POST OFFICE BOX 780127 ❑ SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA 32978
TELEPHONE (407) 589-5330 ❑ FAX (407) 589-5570
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: September 3, 1992
TO:
Lonnie R.
Powell, Mayor &
Sebastian City Council
FROM:
Robert S.
McClary(/f2. -,-))-)
V
RE:
Stonecrop
Park
Attached is a memorandum from City Engineer, Dan Eckis regarding
the Stonecrop Park. It is my intent to place this matter on the
Regular Workshop Meeting of October 7, 1992 for discussion.
However, I felt you may want to have an advance copy of Mr.
Eckis' report.
/imt
Att�Kath
nt
cc:rynM. O'Halloran, City Clerk
City Council Worka___p
October 7, 1992
Page Three
TAPE II - SIDE I
During discussion it was noted that establishing a
parallel roadway along U.S. 1 is a critical issue.
The City Manager said staff had met to review the
plan and concurred with alternative four.
92.264 C. Stonecrop Park (City Engineer Memo dated 8/21/92)
The City Engineer gave a brief background, concurred
with City Council safety and environmental concerns,
and recommended that passive uses be implemented now,
however, he said additional uses for the park should be
addressed during a future overall park evaluation
(see recommendation attached).
A brief discussion took place. It was noted that
water at the site would require testing by the Health
Department.
City Council concurred with staff's recommendation to
proceed to initiate passive use of the park area.
92.265 D. City Council Meeting Schedule for November and
December Cit Clerk Recommendation dated
10/1/92, Citv Clerk Memo dated 9/21/92,
Recommended Schedule and Calendars)
It was the consensus of City Council to conduct
its meetings for November and December as follows:
* November 4, 1992 - Workshop
* November 18, 1992 - Regular Meeting
* December 2, 1992 - Workshop
* December 9, 1992 - Regular Meeting
It was decided that, if needed, special meetings
could be called.
(Although not addressed, agenda deadlines for
the December 2, 1992 and January 6, 1992 workshops
are also changed to November 24, 1992 and December
30, 1992 due to holidays)
9. MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MATTERS
Mrs. Corum was excused 9:35 p.m. to 9:37 p.m.
4
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PIN
-45�
e °R FplttdF
City of Sebastian
POST OFFICE BOX 780127 o SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA 32978
TELEPHONE (407) 589-5330 o FAX (407) 589-5570
June 15, 1993
Mr. Dick Stevens
Life For Youth Ranch
1416 82nd Avenue
Vero Beach, F1 32966
Re: Stonecrop Park
Dear Mr. Stevens:
This is to confirm our telephone conversation of June 15, 1993
regarding your use of the City property on Stonecrop Street. You
requested permission to use a City owned tract known as the "old
swimming hole" each Tuesday for the next eight weeks for canoe
launching. You will be launching six to eight canoes each week
at approximately 11:00 a.m. including youth participants and
counselors. You have agreed not to leave an unattended vehicle
parked on Stonecrop or in the neighborhood. The City is
considering improvements at this site. However, please consider
this letter as your authorization for this limited use over the
next eight weeks..
Should you have questions or concerns, would you please call?
Sincerely,
Robert
r��
City Manager
cc: Lonnie Powell, Mayor & Sebastian City Council
Daniel C. Eckis, P.E., City Engineer
Earle L. Petty, Chief of Police
RSM/sg
7
407F567<1216 407 567 1216 P.01
Life for
Youth Ranch
June 16, 1993
Mr. R ert Mc Clary
City of ebastian
P. O. Box 80127
Sebastian, 32978
Dear Mr. Mc Clary,
Thank you for granting us permission to launch our adventure
campers from Stonecrop Park. How much easier and pleasant to
launch there instead of by the bridge. We will see that the
groups are well supervised and will not leave any unattended
vehicles at the park.
I am glad to learn that improvements are planned for that area.
It is a beautiful spot and could be enjoyed by many.
I anticipate no problems but, should one arise please contact me
so that it can be taken care of.
You Z(:7;bz--
for
Stevens, Director
1416 82nd Ave. • Vero Beach, Florida 32966-13685 a (407) 567-2446 • (407) 567-2458 • FAX (407) 567-1216
ALL GIFTS. ARE DEDUCTIBLE ON YOUR INCOME TAX
i
SEBASTIAN\ v �b 0�
POLICE �1 Post (Officean, FL 329 7-0127
Sebastian. Pt 32478-0127
DEPAR.TI�iENT (407) 589-5233
�7el a9? �*
October 11, 1993
E3
Director of Life For Youth Ranch
1416 82nd Avenue �' i^Z j
Vero Beach, FL 32960
To Whom It May Concern:
The City of Sebastian has designated the Stonecrop Street access to the
Sebastian River (the swimming hole) as a No Trespass area.
It is my understanding that at some point in the recent past your
organization was granted a waiver to access the river through this
property. I must advise you that whatever permission was granted it
will no longer be recognized, and authorization is now rescinded.
The City of Sebastian anticipates your understanding and cooperation on
this matter.
Sin4-�
David J. Puscher
Deputy Chief of Police
DJP/jh /
cc: Acting City Manager V
I
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
RE:
City of Sebastian 10 rr
POST OFFICE BOX 780127 ❑ SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA 32978
TELEPHONE (407) 589-5330 ❑ FAX (407) 589-5570 Q� n
Or N G�
N
M E M O R A N D U M $ z
October 12, 1993
Kay O'Halloran
Acting City Manager
Bruce Cooper
Director of Community
Stonecrop
Developme
Please be advised I have talked with Mrs. Rogers regarding
their canoe business that Mr. McClary gave permission to
utilize the Stonecrop tract of land to gain access to the
Sebastian River.
Mrs. Roger has indicated that a letter was sent to her by Mr.
McClary regarding this issue and she will provide a copy as
soon as she can find it. She has indicated there was no
specific conditions or criteria other than to allow their
business to drop off canoes to the Stonerop area.
BC/kn
STONE.DOC
City of Sebastian
POST OFFICE BOX 780127 o SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA 32978
TELEPHONE (407) 589-5330 o FAX (407) 589-5570
M g M O R A N D V M
DA'rE: October 12th, 1993
TO- David Pusche.r
Acting Chief of Police
FROM: Daniel C. Eckis, P.t
City Engineer/Public orks Director
RF: Stonecrop Swimming Park
Effective on Friday, October 15th, 1993, we will be posting
"NO TRESSPASSING" signs on this property once again.
Please advise your road patrol officers to keep an
eye on this property once the signs have been posted.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
C/
SEBAST-IN
POLICE
DEPARTMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE October 14, 1993
TO All Personnel
FROM Captain David J. Puscher
SUBJECT
• Stonecrop Park
Office of the Chief
Post Office Box 780127
Sebastian, FL 32978-0127
(407) 589-5233
Beginning October 15, the "No Trespassing" at Stonecrop Park
will be back in effect.
No person is currently authorized to use this area for any
purpose.
There has been some discussion about issuing a special use
permit and designating that area a special use area by permit
only, so the future is yet unknown.
DJP/jh /
cc: Acting City Manager K. O'Halloran✓
City Engineer Dan Eckis
�ON
Go
City of Sebastian
POST OFFICE BOX 780127 ❑ SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA 32978
TELEPHONE (407) 589-5330 ❑ FAX (407) 589-5570
M E M O R A N D U M
TO: DAVID PUSCHER
ACTING CHIEF IF POLICE
FROM: DAN ECKIS
CITY ENGIN /PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
DATE: OCTOBER 14, 1993
SUBJECT: STONECROP SWIMMING HOLE
My previous memo dated October 12, 1993 should be considered null
and void. Following our staff meeting on Wednesday, October 13th,
1993 it was determined that no tresspassing signs will be removed
and replaced with the international symbol for canoeing with the
wording canoeing only. We plan to review this with City Council
at the November workshop meeting 11-3-93. I would like to
request that you provide me a memo addressing your concerns and
input on this matter so that it may be brought up at the workshop
meeting.
cc: Kathryn O'Halloran
Acting City Manager
/3
ff Limits
Stonecrop Park Still J
By JAMES KIRLEY
Summer's heat has arrived,
school soon will be out, but Se-
bastian's favorite unofficial
swimming hole still is off limits.
It's called Stonecrop Park in
city records. But it's against the
law to set foot on this land adja-
cent to the Sebastian River's
south prong.
The lush jungle site has be-
longed to Sebastian since an
April 1992 settlement with the
former owners of General De-
velopment Corp.
Over the years, it has been
used with and without permis-
sion from its owners.
The City Council
agreed to open the
Stonecrop site to "pas-
sive use" in October
1992, but noted that
water still needed test-
ing before the city
would sanction swim- .
ming.
The city asked GDC to post
the tract off-limits to swimmers
after a 1989 water test showed
very high levels of fecal col-
iform bacteria believed to have
washed downstream from cows
at a now -closed dairy farm.
The City Council agreed to
open the Stonecrop site to "pas-
sive use" in October 1992, but
noted that water still needed
testing before the city would
sanction swimming.
People used the tract to
launch canoes but even that
ended last fall.
Deputy Police Chief David
Puscher wrote officials at the
Life for Youth Ranch that they
no longer had permission to
launch canoes from the site.
Photo by James Kiley
The Sebastian River meanders past the site at Stonecrop Street and Starflower Avenue.
The following day, City Engi-
neer Dan Eckis wrote Puscher
that "no trespassing" signs
would be posted.
But then Eckis said the signs
would be removed and replaced
with "canoeing only" signs.
The matter resurfaced at a
City Council workshop when
Councilman Frank Oberbeck,
"expressed concern for the poor
condition of Stonecrop Park and
abuse by users"
The City Council agreed to re -
post "no trespassing" signs.
"No parking" signs have also
been added, plus 13 concrete
posts to block vehicles.
Oberbeck said he was con-
cerned about providing security
and restoring safety to the area.
"My kids grew up in there," he
added. "The rope they put up is
still swinging from the tree.
But, you know, some things
have changed over the past 10
years. You have to be a little
more concerned about safety."
Health officials still are con-
cerned about the water.
"I don't believe it'll ever pass
as a public bathing area," said
Glenn Schuessler, the county's
assistant director of environ-
mental health. "The cow patty
problem's been taken care of.
But you still have some drain-
age from groves and stormwa-
ter from residential areas."
Schuessler doubted that
stretch of the Sebastian River
would ever get a bathing per-
mit, even if city officials were to
apply.
"Generally, freshwater lakes,
streams and ponds in South
Florida are frowned upon as
public bathing areas," he said.
Last month, Vice Mayor Caro-
lyn Corum and Councilman Bob
Freeland both pressed staff for
a report on public access to the
Stonecrop tract. 1 11
City of Sebastian
1225 MAIN STREET o SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA 32958
TELEPHONE (561) 589-5330 o FAX (561) 589-5570
March 31, 1998
Mr. Alexandra It Weiss
Community Assistance Consultant
Bureau of Design and Recreation Services/Division of Recreation and Parks
Department of Environmental Protection
3900 Commonwealth Boulevard
Tallahassee, FL 32399-3000
Dear Ms. Weiss:
This is being written in response to your letter dated March 20, 1998, regarding the status of the proposed canoe launch facility
at the Stonecrop location within the City of Sebastian.
A meeting with the residents of the Stonecrop area was held on Friday, January 9, 1998. In addition to residents at that meeting,
there were City Council Members, City staff members and a county commissioner for this area of the county.
There was a significant amount of opposition to the site proposed within the City, and Indian River County was encouraged to
proceed with the project since they are involved with an improvement of C.R. 512 over the Sebastian River. This was further
desirable since the County has a potential site near the Sebastian River and C.R. 512. The location would be just outside the
City Limits and provide the same value and convenience to the citizens of Sebastian as the proposed site inside the City Limits.
While the City Council took no formal action, it was obvious that they were satisfied to allow the County to proceed with the
canoe launch facility which is located outside the city near C.R. 512 and the Sebastian River.
I have briefly discussed the matter with County Commissioner, Fran Adams, who represents the North County area, and she has
said that the County would be willing to proceed with the project. She further stated that the County would be prepared to enter
into a memorandum of understanding or whatever would be necessary for the County to assume the grant.
If you need any additional information, please contact me at your convenience.
Sincerely, j
Thomas W. Frame
City Manager
TWFfjmt
cc: Hororable Patsy Kurth, State Senator
Honorable Charles W. Sembler, 1I, State Representative
Honorable Members of Sebastian City Council
/—S
Lawton Chiles
Governor
Department of
Environmental Protection
Marjory Stoneman Douglas Building
3900 Commonwealth Boulevard
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000
March 20, 1998
Mr. Tom Frame
City Manager
City of Sebastian
1225 Main Street
Sebastian, Florida 32958
Re: Legislative Line Item Grant
LLI Grant Project No. M98014
Dear Mr. Frame:
Virginia B. Wetherell
Secretary
As we have previously discussed, the 1997 Florida Legislature appropriated funds to the
City of Sebastian for Stonecrop Park. The appropriation identified the amount of $105,000.
It is my understanding, through our telephone conversations, that the City is experiencing
difficulty in citing the project on property controlled by the City. Would you please advise this
office of the City's status regarding this project. Please include any recommendations you might
have regarding the resolution of this situation.
Should you have questions regarding the procedures or other matters concerning these
funds, please contact myself or Linda Reeves by writing or phone us at (904) 488-7896. We look
forward to working with you toward the successful completion of this recreation project.
Sincerely, 1' ^ _
'L
Alexandra H. Weiss
Community Assistance Consultant
Bureau of Design and Recreation Services
Division of Recreation and Parks
AHW/
Attachment
cc: Senator Patsy Ann Kurth
Representative Charles W. Sembler, II
Fran Mainella, Director, Division of Recreation and Parks
Gerald K. Oshesky, Chief, Bureau of Design and Recreation Services
"Protect, Conserve and Manage Florida's Environment and Natural Resources"
Printed on recycled paper. ' S