HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/01/2001 1225 Main Stxeet ~ Sebastian, Florida 32958
Telephone {561) 589-5330 [] Fax {561} 589-5570
City Council Information Letter
June 1, 2001
Police Chief Appointment
I am pleased to report that the Sebastian Police Chief selection process has
hereby formally concluded with an offer of permanent employment to Interim
Police Chief Jim Davis. Interestingly, the selection process was initially
rather competitive, with over eighty (80) initial applications, thirteen (13)
semi-finalist and five (5) finalist for the position. Via personal interviews with
final candidates, a primary goal for this review process was obviously to
ascertain which professional would be the 'best fit' for this administration
and the community as a whole. As such, my personal feelings as well as
the observations of the interview panel were concurrent that Mr. Davis is not
only that individual, but also a highly qualified individual who can take the
Sebastian Police Department (SPD) to the next level. In addition,
references (both solicited and unsolicited, from Florida and Michigan)
strongly confirmed our impressions of Mr. Davis, a person of impeccable
character and leadership ability. Mr. Davis has accepted my offer of
employment, whereby his official permanent tenure is anticipated to begin
early July. I am therefore confident that Mr. Davis will make a fine addition
to the Sebastian Management Team, as well as be someone that members
of the SPD, citizenry and other constituents can respect and appreciate.
National Re.qister of Historic Places Desi,qnation
I am pleased to report that last week's trip to Tallahassee was successful,
culminating with the Florida National Register Review Board unanimously
voting in favor of the Sebastian City Hall/Old Elementary School to be
included on the National Register of Historic Places. With this designation,
the City of Sebastian becomes eligible for future necessary funding to
finance not only recently authorized restoration efforts, but other related
programs as well. As previously reported, this designation was critical in an
effort to procure grant funding from the Special Category Grant Program for
interior enhancements (delivered to Tallahassee earlier this week). Eligible
City Council Information Letter
June 1,200'1
Page 2
applications, including the City of Sebastian's, will be reviewed by the
Florida Historic Preservation Advisory Council September 11th through 13th
(and yes, another necessary trip to Tallahassee) and recommended to the
Secretary of State for inclusion in the Department of State's legislative
budget request for State Fiscal Year 2002-2003. Once approved via this
process, awarded projects will be funded July 1,2002. As such and once
again, our historic preservation efforts are productive as planned.
Alternative Possibilities for Millennium Clock Tower
Attached is a rough conceptual sketch as to how the Millennium Clock
Tower can be positioned on Fellsmere Road between United States
Highway One (US 1) and Indian River Drive without actually ceasing vehicle
access. As directed, arrangements are underway to further analyze and
assemble proposals that all involved can feel most comfortable. At this
point, I am seeking further direction as to logistics to position the clock. City
Council at this point simply directed staff to further evaluate the
aforementioned location (contrary to numerous news reports and other
commentary, this arrangement was never fully authorized as a 'done deal').
Please keep in mind that the clock is currently being assembled, as it is to
be delivered later this summer for installation. Any further thoughts?
Presentation by Officials from the St. John's River Water
Management District - Drou.qht Conditions
As discussed during your last meeting, please be advised that
arrangements have been made to have a representative from the St. John's
River Water Management District join us during your June 27th meeting to
facilitate a general discussion on water supply, water restrictions and future
relevant plans. Our initial request was for this presentation to be made
during the June 13th meeting. However, this is not possible due to
scheduling conflicts and other prior engagements. As such, the discussion
will be made under the presentation section of the agenda, as it is our hope
that this informative session will assist your efforts to direct future relevant
goals and objectives for the City of Sebastian.
City Council Information Letter
June 1, 2001
Page 3
Golf Course Update
Please find the attached memorandum as compiled and delivered by Greg
Gardner that outlines the progress and anticipated schedule of events
relative to the Sebastian Municipal Golf Course Renovation Program. A first
major step for improvements was the closure of the back nine, which
officially closed May 21st. The remaining front nine closes today, as we are
still on target to reopen the course Monday October 1, 2001. We are
currently reviewing bids for the driving range netting, of which there will be a
final authorization required to fully implement the program.
Enclosure(s):
Conceptual Sketch - Clock Tower Location
Memorandum from Greg Gardner
My D~cuments/InfoLetted91
To: Mr. Terrance Moore, City Manager . ,
From: Greg Gardner, Director of Golf~/,~'
Date: May 24, 2001
RE: Golf Course Progress Report
As of May 24, 2001:
1. Back nine is closed. (Officially closed on May 21st, 2001)
2. Front nine will remain open through May 31st and officially close on June 1st.
3. The Golf Course grand re-opening is scheduled for October 1st, 2001.
4. During the four months the golf course is closed, the golf shop and driving range will
remain open. The golf shop will tentatively be open from 9 AM to 5 PM, every day.
The driving range machine (dispenses range golf balls) will be in operation during all
daylight hours.
5. The construction of the new par three and hole seventeen relocation is complete.
Sprigs are showing good signs of growth.
6. Links Construction has "dug-out" 12, 13, 14, & 15 green. Links has also executed
bunker work on all previously mentioned holes.
7. One Source has begun leveling all tees on the back nine. Back nine tees have
presently been stripped of sod.
8. One Source is in process of improving back nine fairway bunkers.
9. Irrigation is in place along entrance road, landscaping of entrance road will begin in
July.
10. In process of receiving bids for driving range netting. Bid deadline is May 31st, 2001.