HomeMy WebLinkAboutSUMMERNo. 4
Official City of Seloastian Quarterly Newsletter Summer 2000
Fiscal Year 2001 Proposed Budget
Messa~Je to Sebastian Citizenry:
primary rationale for employing this
methodology was for the City to become less
dependent on property taxes, as well as
encourage a more fair and equitable system
of generating revenue. This year's budget
recommends a slight reduction in the property
to,x rate, as revenue estimates are consistent
with projections outlined during the course of
the cun'ent fiscal year. The following chart
illustrates the positive dynamics of the
aforementioned proposal:
On August 16th, the Fiscal Year 2001
Proposed Budget was submitted to City Council
for review and consideration. Last year, the
City Council authorized removal of the $2.50
Utility Tax Cap, which had hampered
progressive public finance initiatives in the
City of Sebastian since 1959. As a result, the
community experienced a tremendous
reduction in the millage (property tax) rate,
from 6.5 to 5.0 for ail property owners in the
City of Sebastian for municipal operations. A
FY 2000
Millage Current
Category Millage
City Operating 5.0000
Totai Millage 5.0000
We caution taxpayers that municipal services
in Sebastian, Florida are your traditional police,
public works, recreation, streets and grounds
maintenance, as they represent only 21.6% of
your tax bill. Schools, county services (including
fire rescue and other emergency services), and
FY 2001 Proposed
Millage Rate
FY 2000 FY 2001
Rolled Reconnnended Percent
Back Rate Millage Change
5.0053 5.0000 (.11)
5.0053 5.0000 (.11)
speciai taxing districts make up the baiance of
the lion's share of yanr tax bill, as their
respective boards set the millage rate
independent of the City. The following chart
represents a distribution of a total tax bill for
an average Sebastian property owner:
Percentage of
Total Tax Bill
4.10140 17.8%
2.49130 10.8%
.21650 .9%
Taxing Authority
Indian River County:
General Fund
Emergency Medical Services
Land Bonds
29.5%
37.6%
.6%
3.2%
TOTAL TOINDIANRIVERCOUNTY: 6.80920
School Disthct oflndian River County:
General Fund 8.67700
1991 Bonds .14000
1993 Bonds .74000
9.55700 41.4%
.47200 2.0%
.04100 .2%
.27868 1.2%
.79584 3.5%
.15000 .6%
TOTAL TO SCHOOL DISTRICT:
St. John's River
Water Management District
Florida Inland Navigation District
Mosquito Control District
Indian River Hospital District
Sebastian Inlet
1.73752 7.5%
5.0000 21.6%
23.10372 100.00%
accomplishments are anticipated, as the
Sebastian Management Team looks forward
to implementing respective projects and
programs accordingly.
TOTAL SPECIAL DISTRICTS:
CITY OF SEBASTIAN:
TOTAL PROPERTY TAX BILL:
The recommended reduction in general
operating millage does not mean a reduction
in the delivery of quality services and programs
for our residents. In fact, numerous
Budget Highlights
The Sebastian City Council and Management te go? 3) What are our priorities? 4) How will
Team have worked hard during the course of we achieve our vision? and 5) What are our
the last year to address: 1) Where is the city strengths and weaknesses? As our community
today? 2) In what direction do we want our city is in a growth mode, exciting times are
imminent. As such, the Fiscal Year 2001
Proposed Budget involves the city in projects
and programs that will assist in expanding
economic base, enriching culturai life and, as
the City Council recently adopted the newly
revised Sebastian Land Development Cede,
initiaQves that will foster sound growth
management planning. This budget therefore
maintains focus and course that has been
established by the City Council. The goals of
Sebastian are as follows:
Goals
1) An efficient, user-friendly government;
2) Commitment to the future - proactive
planning for growth management,
technological advances and sound economic
development policies;
3) Proactively address issues that will positively
impact quality of life;
4) Promote environmental conservation;
5) Implement city-wide infrastructure
improvement initiatives.
Highlights
With these goals in mind, the highlights of
the Fiscal Year 2001 Proposed Budget are as
follows:
· Capital outlay funding for maintenance and
repair of city facilities;
· Increase capitai outlay for aging municipal
fleet;
· Continuation of Street Resurfacing Program;
· Review and implement conceptual master
plans with City Council for 1) United States
Highway One (US 1) Commerciai District,
2) Indian River Drive, and 3) County Road
512 Corridor;
· Continue suceessfuJ grantsmanship program;
· Bebdn improvements to former Good Guys,
Inc. property aiong Indian River Drive;
· Continue expanding city-wide park
improvement program; to include Schumann
Park tennis courts, Hardee Park restrooms,
lighting and trail enhancement;
· Commission economic study to ascertain
feasibility of annexing
enclaveA~nincorporated areas of Indian River
County;
· Compile architceturai and engineering scepe
of services for City Hall Restoration program
- in partnership with the State of Florida
Bureau of Historic Preservation;
· Begin beautification efforts at government
center - linkage of Sebastian Police Station
and City Hail via physicai improvements;
(Continued on Page 2)
City Engineer Ralph Brescia!
Mr. Brescia served as Cocoa Beach's City Engineer for the last
three years. Mr. Brescia's professional experience includes county
engineer positions with both Indian River and Brevard
~ ~: ~ ~ native of upstate New York, Mr. Brescia holds a Master of Science
Degree in Civil Engineering from Pennsylvania State Universit~
Outstanding Performance! We Recognize...
Employee of First Quarter Employee of Second Quarter
PhiRip Patnode Marjorie Poole
Eng~neerlng Construction Inspector Safety & Benefits Coordinator
hired by the City of joined the City of
Sebastian in February, Sebastian as an
1080 as a Maintenance Account Clerk II in the
Worker I, promoted to
Maintenanse Worker II Finance Department in
in March, 1000. In May, 1080. In 1008
October, 1002 Phillip Marjorie was involved
Patnode was promoted in accounts receivable
to Maintenance Worker and customer service
II and has worked as a for the Utilities
Constraction Inspector in the City's Department while still a part of the Finance
Engineering Department since October, 1007. Department. In June, 1008 Marge was
Congratnlations ! A 1 ob Well Done! promoted to Account Clerk III, during which
time she handled Workers' Compensation,
Congratulations to Sally Maio, CMC,
Deputy City Clerk, City of Sebastian, who has ciaims and employee benefits, a position she
qualified for Fimt Level Membership in the held until transferring to the Human
International Institute of Municipal Clerks Resources Department in January, 2000 as
Master Municipal Clerk Academy Benefits/Safety Coordinator.
Welcome O~h Aera Service~; Inc., an~ ~reens~-~
The City is pleased to mmounce that during GREENS+ ® Orange Peel Enterprises,
tbe Month of May, 2OOO the Sebashan City Inc., is a Veto Beach company that formulales,
Council approved Lease Agreements with Orth manufactures and distributes nutritional
Aero Services, Inc., and Greens+®. food products worldwide, and is building a
Orth Aero Services, Inc., plans to build an manufacturing facili~ in Sebastian on eity-
almcaft hangar on leased property located at owned Sebastian Municipal airport property.
the Sebastian Municipal Airport in Sebastian. The flagship product, GREENS +® is a
This hangar will be used for the base of synergistic blend of 20 enzymatically-aiive,
operations for the aerial application business nutrient-rich foods, that deliver optimum
as well as for a fixed based operation ~ pmvids energy and superior well-being ~ every cell
aircrat~ related servises for both field based of the body. Chris Daniels, Dirsetor of
and transient aircraft. These serv/ses inelude Research, Development and Quality Control
maintenance of aircraf~ as well as fuel sales and Todd Wastever, National Sales &
and hangar space rental. Orth Aero Services, Marketing Director just returned from Las
Ine., also plans to add T-hangar buildings in Vegas, NV where the National Nutritional
the future and to offer these spaces for rent. Foods Association, (NlrA) Convention was
The FBO portion of Orth Aero Services Inc., held.
will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p~m. Them Upon their return, they brought back
have been several inquiries by the public as exciting news! GllEENS+® won 1st place at
to the availability of the hangar spaces as well the 7th Annual 2000 NNFA People's Choice
as the se~Mces to be offered by Orth Aero Award. GREENS+® previously won this
Services, Inc. Orth Aero Services, Inc., will award in 1008. Orange Peel En~rprises, Inc.
furnish and maintain the hangar with all of is very proud to again be honored with this
the necessary fixtures including waiting prestigious national award. GREENS+® fi
lounge, pilot lounge, weather and flight ~e most award-winning antrihonal product
planning area, ah. ecaf~ parts inventory, and in the history of North America, baying now
aimcaft maintenance tools and equipment for won (0) national and international awards
both the aerial application business and the in its short 10 year history.
FBO as well.
STREET LIGHTING REQUESTS
In accordance with Florida Power and Light, the City of Sebastian initiates street lighting
installations and modifications. All street lighting requests are to be made in writing and
submitted to the City of Sebastian, 1225 Main Street, Sebastian, FL, Attention: City Manager's
Office. For additional information, please call 388-8203
Highlights (Continued from Page 1)
· Continue Sebastian Municipal Airport
Master Plan compilation;
· Continue capitalimprovements at Sebastian
Municipal Airport - in partnership with the
Florida Department of Transportation
(FDOT) Aviation Section and ultimately
with the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA);
· Begin Sebastian Municipal Golf Course
Renovation Program;
· Work closely with FDOT on US i road
resurfacing program;
· Conclude improvements at Barber Street
Sports Complex - including construction of
a skate park facility, replacements at the
Creative Playground and additional
lighting;
· Continue working with Indian River County
Department of Utilities to implement Water
Expansion Program;
· Initiate Serub-Jay Habitat Conservation
Plan/Park - in conjunction with the Uuited
States Fish and Wildlife Services and Indian
River County Government;
· Initiate Sebastian Stormwater Management
Plan - via partnership with the St. John's
River Water Management District;
· Begin capital improvements along Barber
Street, between US 1 and Schumann Drive
- to incorporate intersection upgrades, road
resurfacing and bridge capacity
enhancements;
· Continue improvements at RiverviewP~ark
- to incorporate replacement of playground
equipment, via partnership from
community fundraising efforts;
In summary, the overall Fiscal Year 2001
Proposed Budget is sound and dslivem services
our residents have come to expect. Again, total
local millage is very slightly decreased, with
no increase in operating millage and General
Fund expenditures in real dollars. Total
appropriation for all funds is proposed to be
$16,126,381. However, the General Fund
(funds levied via property tax bill) will actually
experience a $310,442 or 4.37% mductian from
the current fiscal year amended budget of
$7,098,494 to the recommended amount of
$6,788,052. Additional revenues are
anticipated to finance various capital
improvements, which are to be funded by
various sources (state and federal grants,
interlocal agreements with Indian River
County, etc.). In essence, the Fiscal Year 2001
Proposed Budget outlines and supports the
City's good financial position; further expands
city-wide beautification; continues attention
to preserving and enhancing our community's
small town atmosphere; encourages
conservation initiatives; and is supportive of
expanding private/public partnerships and
economic development.
To learn more about the Sebastian Fiscal
Year 2001 Proposed Budget, feel free to visit
the City Manager's Office in City Hall, as more
information can be provided relative to
comparative trends and analysis as well as
departmental functions.
City Wide Paving Program
The city wide paving program includes
many streets that require the installation of
waterline pipes which are placed under and
across the road at certain locations for
eventual County water service. As a result
of this waterline installation and subsequent
road patching over these pipes, m~ uneven
roadway surface generally is formed. It is for
this purpose that a "Leveling" course of
roadway pavement is applied. Once the entire
roadway is "Leveled" the finish layer of
pavement is applied.
Due to constant roadway repair
maintenance, the following roadways will
receive a leveling course prior to waterline
installation.
Chaloupe Terrace (between Glent~5~ & Crowberry)
Coply Terrace (between Crowbcrry & Glent~y)
Dewitt Lane (between Benedictine & Rolling Hill Drive)
Esstlake Lane (between Caravan & Concha)
Fordham Street (between Ellingsen & Main)
Genessce Avenue (between Starboard & Laconia)
Glentry Lane (between Concha & Rolling Hill Drive)
Granduer Avenue (between Laconia & New Pavement)
Haverford Lane (between Rolling Hill & Benedic~tse)
Kirk Avenue (between Whitmore & Laconia)
Lansdowne Drive (between Barber & Laconia)
Grcenbriar Avenue (between Bevan & Roulette)
Rosebush Terrace (between Barber & Laconia)
Damask Lane (between Rolling Hill & Bayharbor)
Majestic Avenue (between Laconia & Roulette)
Stenecrop Street (between Gladiola & Majestic)
New Development Projects
Within Our Community
A Growth Management
Department Report
The Planning and Zoning Commission has
been busy lately reviewing many new
commercial projects, several of which are
located along the County Road 512 (Fellsmere
Road) corridor.
Acorn Mini-Storage has submitted plans
for a Phase II expansion at its present location.
Plans include the addition of four (4) new
mini-storage units. Further west along CR-
512, to the comer of Delaware Avenue,
Sebastian Gym and Fitness is finalizing plans
for a new health club facility. Owners Glen
and Tony Rohm are excited about moving their
current location adjacent to Kash & Karry to
their new location along County Road 512.
After receiving land use and zoning change
approval, Ameritrend, Inc. has submitted plans
to dsveiop a 10.23 acre parcel just east of Kash
& Km~5,/Chesser's Gap PUD/nfo a commercial
park. Multiple buildings containing office space
and mini-storage units are planned. Also within
Chesser's Gap, the Sebastian Charter Junior
High School is underway with construction
scheduled for completion just in time for the
new school year.
Just East of Giuseppe's Pizza a five-bay
self-service car wash facility is in the review
stages. Additionally, Indian River County and
the City of Sebastian are sharing a grant to
construct a canoe launch/picnic facility West
of town by Fischer Lake Island Subdivision
on the Sebastian River.
Information on any of the new projects can
be reviewed at the Growth Management
Department, 1225 Main Street, Sebastian,
589-5537, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Open House Hosted
On Tuesday, July 25th the City's 75th
Anniversary Committee in conjunction with the
Millennium Community Designation hosted a very
successful Open House at Sebastian City Hall
Complex. All residents were invited to visit the
center of City government to learn more about
municipal operations. Residents
had the opportunity to tour City
Hall, the Pohce Department and
visit our recent "Model Planting"
display. Various departments
displayed a variety of equipment
and vehicles, while they provided
an explanation and overview of
respective functions. Light
refreshments were served.
Police Accreditation; What Is It And Why Do We Do It?
By Randy White, Chief of Police
Across our state and nation, hundreds of
police departments, including Sebastian's, are
becoming accredited. Just what is
"acereditatian" and why should we seek it?
Accreditation is a process whereby a law
enforcement agency, its operations, policies
and procedures are reviewed, from top to
bottom, by especially trained professionals
from outside of the department. What they
find is compared with professional industry
accepted standards of quality and performance
and those that are found deficient are then
brought into compliance with the required
standards. Who accredits police agencies?
There are two forms of accreditation available
to Florida police agencies, one by a national
organization and one by a state accrediting
organization. National accreditation is done
by the Commission on Accreditation for Law
Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), which
is based in Fairfax, VA. Because the process
through CALEA is so expensive, the State of
Florida, like several other more progressive
states, in 1995, established its own accrediting
organization, the Commission for Florida Law
Enforcement Accreditation (CFA).
The overall result of the accreditation
process is a better police department. More
specifically it means:
· To the community: Increased ability of
its police to prevent and control crime. It
enhances community understanding of the
police department, its role in the community
as well as its goals and objectives. Citizen
confidence in the policies and practices oftbe
agency is increased. Accreditation, in
conjunction with the philosophy of community
policing, commits the agency to a broad range
of programs, such as crime prevention, that
directly benefits the public. Accreditation
creates a forum in which police and citizens
work together to control and prevent crime.
This partnership will help citizens to
understand the challenges that confront law
enforcement. Law Enforcement will, in turn,
receive clear direction from the community
about its expectations. Thus a common set of
goals and objectives will be arrived at and
implemented.
· To the officers and employees:
Accreditation requires that agency policies
and procedures are in w~Stten form and are
available to all agency personnel at all times.
Accreditation assures employees that every
aspect of the agency's personnel system is in
arcord with professional standards and that
the system is beth fair and equitable. The
agency is compelled to operate within specific
guidelines. It is accountable to the Commission.
The agency must stay in compliance with the
standards set forth by the Commission in
order to retain its accreditation. The morale
of the agency is enhanced by increasing the
employees' confidence in the effectiveness and
efficiency of their own agenc~ Operations
become more streamlined and consistent.
Accreditation policies address officer safety
issues and provide for adequate training and
equipment ofoffice~. Accre&~ation is a coveted
award that symbolizes professionalism,
excellence and competence. Employees will
take pride in their agency, knowing that it
represents the very best in law enforcement.
· To the Chief: Accreditation increases
cooperation and coordination with other law
enforcement agencies and other branches of
the criminal justice system. The accreditation
process requires an in-depth review of every
aspect of the agency's organization,
management, operations and administration
to include: Establishment of goals and
objectives with provisions for periodic
updating. Accreditation standards provide
norms against which agency performance can
be measured and monitored over time.
Accreditation provides the agency with a
continuous flow of Commission distributed
information about exemplary policies,
procedures and projects. Accreditation provides
objective measures to justify decisions related
to budget requests and personnel policies.
Accreditation serves as a yardstick to measure
the effectiveness of the agency's programs and
services. Accreditation streamlines operation,
providing more consistency and more effective
deployment of agency manpower.
During the coming year, management and
employees of the Sebastian Police Department
will be working long and hard to accomplish
mxd implement the requirements of the
accreditation process. The end result for us
all will be a better police department to better
serve the citizens and guests of our city.
The Sebastian
Junior Golf Academy
"A Big Hit"
By Greg Gardner, Golf Course Director
Well, it's Friday afternoon and we've just
finished our third and final junior golf clinic
of the 2000 Sebastian Junior Golf Academy.
More than 80 junior golfers ranging in ages
from 6 to 16 made theh~ way to Sebastian Goff
Course during our three summer academies,
and judging by the smiles, all had a great time.
Each of our clinics lasted five continuous
days and was designed to give the juniors a
complete, albeit short, picture of the world of
golf. Our instructors, (Jason Johns, Ryan
Johns, Lisa Reuhman, and Michael Nichols)
taught everything fi'om putting, chipping, and
full swing, to geffcourse etiquette and manners
during the hour and a half dally sessions. And
we even found time to provide some useful
information on related subjects such as sun
protection (sunblock, hats, fluid intake) that
hopefully will help our juniors off the golf
course as well.
A mini-tournament and lunch hosted by
The Eagle's Nest Restaurant capped off each
week's activJtias. After the lunch, each junior
received awards and prizes. One of the prizes
each junior received was a shirt with the phrase
"WE ARE THE FUTURE". The phrase is
extrew~ly pertinent. The juniors we have
gladly instructed will be the golfers who will
carry on the great game of gelf and it's
traditions. One day, the juniors will have
children who will also attend golf academies.
All in all, my instructors and I couldn't be
more proud of the juniors or of the support
the community showed us by entrusting their
children to us for the week. We were, indeed,
thankful for the opportunity to introduce this
great game to "our future".
Indian River County Utilities
Hook Up Information
New Service Assessed Customers
PAYMENT PLAN I
· Pay At Time of Application
· $130.00 Impact Fee
· $130.00 Water Meter Installation
· $50.00 Deposit (Returned after 24 months
if you have paid all bills for this period of
time without a past due notice/you will
receive 2 1/2% interest)
· Total Due At Time of Applicatian
Plan I $148.00
PAYMENT PLAN H
· Finance Impact Fee $130.00 for 5 Years
@ 8 1/2% Interest fixed Rate
· $26.67 Per Month, No Prepayment Penalty
· PayAt Time of Application
· $130.00 Water Meter Installation
· $50.00 Deposit (same rules apply for
refund as above)
· $24.05 Recording Fee For Lien
· Total Due At Time of Application
Plan II $204.05
For More Information, please contact
Indian River County Utilities at:
1140 26th Street · Veto Beach, FL
(561) 770-5300
or
11604 U.S. #1 · Sebastian, FL
(561) 589-6070
POSTAL PATRON
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VERO BEACH, FL
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