HomeMy WebLinkAboutSummerVolume 2 • Issue i Summer 2016
-� CITY MANAGER'S BRIEF
BY: JOE GRIFFIN, CITY MANAGER
Happy summer to All! This is the City's fourth edition of the
Pelican News. I hope you find this publication informative as
to some of the happenings at your City Hall.
Let's all congratulate, and thank, the Lions Club for another
successful 4th of July celebration. Kim Ellis, Head Lioness,
and Dr. Norman Meyer lead an experienced 'pride' that
contribute to the success of Sebastian's Freedom Festival.
Without them the celebration just would not happen.
Another group to thank is our City employees. They step-
up on a daily basis for our citizens and always participate
in helping make sure our City sponsored festivals are a
success. Many thanks to all.
I need to introduce to you some new members of our
management team. First, Tim Walker is now the permanent
Public Works Director. Tim has proven to be an exceptional
employee with the huge responsibility (among other things)
of Stormwater management, a career unto itself. Marissa
Moore was hired as the Community Development Director
and CRA Director. Her planning duties are considerable in
addition to special events coordination and Parks oversight/
management. Scott Baker is our 'new' Airport Manager.
Scott is well experienced in the aviation community and
has taken on new airport projects to include Hangar 'C'
development, a new Master Plan, and design/construction
of Taxiways C, D, & E. Jim Romanek has joined us as
Contracts Administrator and Purchasing Manager. Jim
aids management oversight of project contracts and
provides another 'set of eyes' on purchasing decisions.
Welcome to all.
This Pelican News edition will have a new section that I
wish to add. I call it the Employee Spotlight. I will single out
an employee who I believe significantly contributes to the
success of the City.
Since March, management has been busy building the City's
FY 16/17 budget. Our CFO, Ken Killgore, his Staff, the City
Manager, and the Budget Advisory Committee, constructed
the budget in anticipation of public hearings in September.
Please be aware that Budget Advisory Committee meetings,
in addition to Council meetings, are televised on Comcast
ch. 25 and U -Verse ch. 99 for your viewing pleasure.
As usual, the summer heat brings the awareness of Hurricane
Season. In this edition, our Chief of Police, Michelle Morris,
brings you some irnportant hurricane safety tips to help you
formulate your 'plan' for you, and your family.
City Clerk, Jeanette Williams, presents a section on, City
specific, November ballot issues. There is information
on the work of the Charter Review Committee and their
recommendations to Council
This edition also includes updates from our PGA Director
of Golf, Greg Gardner, on significant changes at our Golf
Course. The City is committed to making our Golf Course
the finest public course in the area. Most notable is a new
irrigation system. Although a significant investment, the
benefits will be realized for a considerable period of time...
but I will let Greg explain more in his section.
Please note an update on paving/resurfacing projects by
our City Engineer, Frank Watanabe. City Council has put
street paving/maintenance at the top of their priority list.
Some projects have been completed. Those ready to start
are: Barber (north of 512 to Salem) and Tulip (west of
Barber to Howe). Also, CavCorp paving is programed to be
complete in time for the November Clambake Festival.
I mention in every edition of this publication that I consider
it our collective responsibility to be responsive to your needs
to the greatest extent possible. I always cite our Citizen
Request Line (581-0111) as a way citizens can connect
with City Hall with a complaint, request, or compliment.
That service is also 'on-line.' You may utilize your computer
to file any request. Please go to the City's 'home page'
www.cityofsebastian.org find the prompt "Submit a
Citizens Request Online" and follow the instructions.
MANY THANKS TO ALL OF YOU; JOE GRIFFIN
CITY MANAGER
ki
�ebQUEST LINE
(772)581-0111
The Tiki Golf Tournament benefitting Breast Cancer Research
on October 29th and our premier amateur event of the year; the
2016 Sebastian Amateur on November 18 and 19th. Regarding
the first mentioned golf benefit, the SRHS Boys and Girls Golf
Team, will, since the 1994 inception of the high school, use our
facility as their home course. We are proud to host the golfing
sharks once again!
FAIRWAYS AND GREENS,
GREG GARDNER, PGA DIRECTOR OF GOLF
ENGINEERING NEWS...
The City's Engineering
Department recently
completed the milling and
resurface paving of five
City streets. These streets
included: Benedictine
Terrace, Schumann Drive,
Bevan Dr., Concha Dr.,
and Melrose Lane. These
streets were all in poor
to bad condition with surface cracking, extensive rutting and
many pot holes. Engineering staff prepared the engineering
cost estimates, bid documents and handled the construction
engineering inspections (CEI) during the construction. The
paving project cost $244,000 and repaired over 6,330 linear
feet of pavement totaling 1,850 tons of new asphalt.
SEBASTIAN MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
UPDATE
In March, Sebastian hired Scott Baker as its full-time
Airport Manager.
Scott's office is located at the Airport Administration Building at
the airport.
Contact information: (772)-228-7013 Office; (772)633-0897
Cell; Email SBaker@cityofsebastian.org.
Skydive Sebastian, in cooperation with the City of Sebastian has
opened a "Swoop Pond" for canopy piloting competition. The
purpose- built Swoop Pond measures 3' deep and serves as
a target for skydivers to test their skills at skimming along the
surface of the pond, while landing.
Skydive Sebastian is working with canopy piloting organizers to
host an international "Swoop Pond" competition in early 2017.
Sebastian Airport is pleased to welcome Pilot's
Paradise as its newest airport business.
Pilot's Paradise recently acquired Sebastian Aero and continues
to provide Fixed Base Operator (FBO) services including,
aircraft refueling, aircraft maintenance and inspections,
primary and advanced flight instruction, and aircraft rental.
Pilot's Paradise brings pilots new opportunities for learning
and adventure through escorted tours and flight planning of
general aviation flights to the Bahamas and beyond. Pilot's
Paradise is also working with the FAA to receive authority to
provide air -taxi services.
BE PREPARED!
THE SEBASTIAHURRICANE
POLICE DEPARTMEENT
Sebastian is a great place to work, live and spend leisure time,
mostly due to the great weather. However, we all need to invest
a little prep time to ensure the safety of our family and property
in the event of tropical storms and hurricanes. I would like to
remind everyone of four basics that I follow in my own planning
for the storm season. It's the PEAR concept.
Preparation — Have you thought through the needs of your
particular situation and made the appropriate arrangements
based on different storm scenarios? If evacuation is required,
do you know where to go and how you will get there, particularly
if you or family members have special needs? If you are leaving
the area, can you do so well in advance so as not to be caught in
the "traffic jam?" Most importantly, if you are riding the storm
out, do you have all the supplies required, such as food, water,
cooking equipment and essentials for at least 4 days, particularly
prescriptions and other medical care items? Do you have a
method and manner of communicating with family and friends
who are going to be wondering how you are faring?
Education — Are you well versed in the various storm
terminologies? Do you know how to respond to the different
classifications of storm notices? What resources are available
before and after a major storm hits and where they can be
found? One of the biggest misunderstandings by those who sit
out hurricanes is that emergency services still flow as always.
Depending on the environment, even police, fire and ambulance
operations often come to a halt during the high winds and
storm surges. Do you have more than one source of incoming
communication that will help keep you informed on the status of
the storm and dangers that exist once it has passed?
ctivate — Kick in your plan. If you are on your own, the best
plan is to remain in place and follow instructions of emergency
operations personnel. If you need emergency assistance due
to a threat to life, try 911 first. If the phone system is down,
attempt to make contact through landlines and cellphones to the
administrative numbers of the police or fire departments.
Recovery — Many people who are injured, killed or become ill
do so AFTER the storm passes because of three common
missteps: moving through water that can often be contaminated;
exposure to live electrical lines; and finally, trying to take on
situations they are not equipped, trained or otherwise prepared for,
such as removal of large fallen trees, unstopping storm drains, etc.
We all get tired of being cooped up and become frustrated after
a significant storm. The tendency to get out and wander around
has the potential to create even more problems for an already
taxed workforce of public servants and utility workers. Help us
help the most vulnerable and needy at such a time by being
patient and understanding.
When a storm has been predicted for our area, please monitor
Channel 25 for Comcast and Channel 99 for ATT -IJ -verse.
City of Sebastian Website - www.cityofsebastian.org
Police Department Website - www.sebastianpd.org
Indian River County Emergency Services - www.irces.com
National Hurricane Center - www.nhc.noaa.gov
Sebastian Police Department Non -emergency line - (772)589-
5233 (automated system) or (772)388-4435 (dispatch only).
Sebastian City Hall - (772) 589-5330
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Michelle Stromberg
It is my pleasure to introduce our citizens
to Michelle Stromberg. Although Michelle
has been a part of Sebastian for, almost,
10 years, she has been a City employee for
approximately 3 years. She reports to the
Public Works Director in her duties as the
City's Environmental Technician.
Below are some of Michelle's duties and responsibilities:
• Water monitoring and testing.
• Field inspection of residential land clearing permits.
• Field inspection of erosion control.
• Verifies grades of building pads.
• Completed training in FOOT Maintenance of Traffic certification.
• Received certification in erosion control inspections.
• Staff secretary to the Natural Resource Board (NRB).
• Assisted in permitting of the NRB Oyster Mat project.
• Assists in all engineering projects; field reviews, and CAD drawings.
• Prepares engineering design plans for City projects.
• Assists in the preparation of grant applications.
• Prepares update maps for pavement assessments and Stormwater plans.
• Prepares project pre-bid meeting minutes and addendums.
• Provides administrative support to the airport.
• Submits the on-line any grant invoices to the FAA.
As you can see, Michelle's job responsibilities extend to multiple
departments. She prepares CAD drawings/plans for engineering,
does Building Department inspections, performs environmental
inspections and reports, and does an all-around great job in
representing the City. Her responsibilities naturally extend to
her family, especially her son. If you see her out and about,
please extend a hand and thank her for her attention to duty
and contributions to our City.
CHAMPION TREE PROGRAM
In 2001 The Sebastian City Council passed Resolution No. R-11-
18 to establish the City of Sebastian Champion Tree Program.
The program is fashioned after the Champion Tree Program
created by the American Forests organization in 1940. Their
goal is to recognize the largest known tree of each species in the
United States. Every two years American Forests publishes their
National Register of Big Trees. The Florida Forest Service website
maintains a list of Florida Champion Trees. Many of the Florida
Champion Trees are also national champions. Only native and
non-invasive naturalized tree species are eligible for consideration.
Details about Sebastian's Champion Tree Program are located
on the Natural Resources Board webpage [http://sebastiannrb.
com/index.htmll. A brochure detailing the program is also
available at City Hall and various locations around the city.
Keep in mind that, depending upon the species, a champion tree
may not be a huge tree. Look around your yard, neighborhood,
favorite city park, etc. and see if you can find, a Champion Tree.
SEBASTIAN OUNCIL
COUNCIL
May 2015 — April 2016
In 2015, Sebastian City
Council adopted Resolution
No. R-15-11 establishing a
Sebastian Youth Advisory
Council to give our youth
an opportunity to participate
in the City's decision making
process. Members were
chosen by their respective
school principals. They met
periodically to implement,
the installation of safety
signs off of Barber Street
and to request the repair of the road sign located at US 1 and
Roseland Road.
MEMBERS: ANTHONY SCARAMUZZI, EO
SimcmcK, KATIE TOPERZER, (OFFICER
PENN,) MARLEE HOUCK, RYAN RAFULS
NOT PRESENT: SKYLAR CARSTAIRS,
TAYLOR EASON
SEBASTIAN GOLF CL B NEWS AND
HAPP
The long, hot days of summer are here, but there are many
things going on at Sebastian Golf Club. A long-term plan of
improvements is in the works. The golf course irrigation system
has been upgraded and the on -course restrooms have been
completely remodeled. The golf course cart barn and starter's
station has received a nice face lift, along with a fresh coat of
paint to the main golf course club house. All bag -drop bag racks
were new for the 2016 season, as well as the bag racks on the
range. Lastly, a major electrical upgrade has been completed
as well, but there is plenty more to come.
Plans are in the works to re -grass the greens and tees for the
summer of 2017. This plan will entail doing nine holes at a time,
always leaving nine holes open for play. This plan will entail an
intensive schedule of removing existing grasses, sterilizing soils
and providing new top -layer soils and grass sprigs. Several golf
course renovation companies will have a chance to bid on the
re -grass project, so details and bid packets are in the works,
well ahead of time in order to secure a golf course renovation
contractor in a timely manner.
Regarding more present matters, a major undertaking is currently
taking place in the form of 1,300 linear feet of cart path repair.
Plans are also underway to give the clubhouse and surrounding
buildings the "fishing village" look, which will entail installing
metal roofs. Numerous landscaping projects are also underway at
the golf course. By year's end, over 100 trees will be strategically
placed throughout the golf course. We are not stopping there
with projects, as a parking lot lighting project is also in the works.
The lighting project will help ensure the safety and well-being of
our patrons during early morning and evening hours.
With all the improvements taking place and future improvements
in the works, we haven't forgotten that there is plenty of golf to
be played. Several charity tournaments are lined up for the
late summer and fall which include The Sebastian River High
School Boys and Girls Golf Team benefit on September 24th,
The Italian -American Club Golf Tournament on October 15th,
Continued on next page
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
ACTIVITIES ADPRET
The Community Development Department has recently brought
Parks and Recreation Administration and Special Event
Coordination under its management umbrella. As part of the
Parks and Recreation activities, the oaks and palms in Riverview
Park were recently pruned to encourage healthy growth and create
a more manicured look to this "crown jewel" of our community.
The Veterans Memorial Brick Program is also now being managed
by Community Development staff. Since Special Events has been
brought into Community Development, the Memorial Day, Earth
Day, and 4th of July Freedom Festival events have occurred.
Thanks to community support and staff dedication, these events
were very successful. We extend an extra special thanks to Public
Works staff whose great involvement and tireless dedication allow
these events to go smoothly.
In May, a new assisted living facility opened on US1, which is a
nice addition to the community. Pelican Landing Assisted Living
-and Memory -Care will -support -aging -members of our community -
in an attractive facility. Additionally, the Sebastian River Area
Chamber of Commerce building has finished a wonderful
renovation project and is now officially designated as a VISIT
FLORIDA Certified Tourism Information Center.
Community Development staff are pleased to assist the community
with any questions regarding planning and zoning, parks and
recreation, and special events. Community Development is located
at 1225 Main Street, Sebastian, 589-5518, 8AM to 4:30 PM.
RECOMMENODATIIONS
In accordance with Charter Section 5.03, Sebastian City Council
appointed a 15 member Charter Review Committee to consider any
updates or deletions necessary for the City's Charter. Updates or
deletions are recommended every five years to City Council who
then decides to put proposed changes on the general election
ballot for approval by the residents.
The Committee's first proposal is to double the compensation
amounts of council members to more equitably compensate the
service of being a council member and eliminate the expense
account they are allowed to receive. It is thought this might
encourage more participation in future elections and still provide
an opportunity to have expenses reimbursed after qualified
receipts are submitted to the City.
The ballot question will appear as:
- ------------------------------------
COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES FOR
MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
Shall Section 2.05 of the Charter be amended as follows:
• to increase the compensation for the Mayor from $450.00
to $750.00 a month and to increase the compensation for
the Vice -Mayor and City Council members from $300.00
to $600.00 a month, and
• to require that any payments for expenses be limited to
reimbursement of actual expenses incurred?
Yes for Approval
No for Rejection
The Committee's second proposal which still has to have a public
hearing on and pass a second reading would provide for four year
terms for Council members. If approved, the ballot question will
appear as:
-------------------------------------------------------
CONDUCT ELECTIONS IN EVEN NUMBERED
YEARS AND PROVIDE FOR FOUR-YEAR TERMS
FOR CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
Shall the charter of the City of Sebastian be amended as
provided in Ordinance 0-16-03 to change the terms of office
of City council members from two years to four years and
to change the dates of elections for City council members
from elections held every year to elections held in every
even -numbered year at the time of the general election in
November?
Yes for Approval
No for Rejection
The Committee appreciated the opportunity to serve you in this
democratic process.
POSTAL PATRON
Sebastian, Florida 32958
PRSRT STD
ECRWSS
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
VERO BEACH, FL
PERMIT NO. 218