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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFALLlican rief Vol. 3 No. ~ Official City of Sebastian Quarterly Newsletter Recent Land Acquisition The city recently acquired a 9.4 acre parcel of land, north of and adjacent to City Hall. Conceptual plans for this parcel include a Boys and Girls Club, basebal]~/softball, soccer/football fields and tennis courts. Also, as part of the Riverview Park Expansion Project, the City is proud to include a recently acquired 2.16 acre parcel located on Harrison Street, via financial assistance from the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Grant Program. Grant Award from Bureau of Historic Preservation The City of Sebastian was successful in securing a $250,000 grant from the State of Florida Historic Preservation Advisory Board, Historic Preservation Grant-in-Aid Program. This grant award will assist the City in financing the Old Sebastian Elementary School/City Hall Interior Restoration Program. As part of the City Hall Restoration project, Bill Bryant & Associates, Inc., has completed the window restoration project. As you drive by City Hall you will also notice the new City Hall Sign, designed by Curt Oxford, of the Woodcarvex; Inc., and installed by Department of Public Works Employees, shown below. Completed City Hail Window Restoration Project. (left to right) Bob Mangarell, Timothy Sweeny, Stephen DiTrapano and John Lubczynski. Grant Award for Sebastian Municipal Airport The City of Sebastian was successful in securing- from the Florida Department of Transportation Aviation Section, an a~vard of $400,000 which will provide the financial assistance necessary for the completion of the t-hangar development at the Sebastian Municipal Airport. Keep Informed! Sebastian Government Channel With the assistance of Ann Rousseau, Information Specialist, City Clerk's Office, the City of Sebastian's Government Channel 25 is up and running. Tune in to Channel 25 and receive both live and recorded audio and video telecast of Sebastian City Council Meetings, continuous updates about City programs and various activities enhanced by the variety of enjoyable music. Thanks Ann, a job well done.t Fall 2oo~ Engineering Updates E:a~ph Brecia, City Engineer Restroom Facilities The City is pleased to report that the construction of the restroom facilities located at the Sebastian Yacht Club, Hardee Park and Barber Streets Sports Complex has been completed and the facilities are open for public use. Baxber Street - Schumann Drive Intersection Improvements City Council recently approved the firm of Timothy Rose Contracting, Inc., Vero Beach, FL, to construct the widening of Barber Street - Schumann Drive Intersection at a cost of $174,635.00. Work is scheduled to begin in late November, 2001. Once the widening is completed, a traffic signal will be installed to accommodate the Pelican Island Elementary School due to the increase in traffic since the opening of the Indian River Publix Plaza. (Continued on page 2) Engineering Updates (Continued from page 1) Paving Program Ranger Construction, Inc., is scheduled to resume paving operations in late November, 2001 on a number of streets throughout the CiW. Water Quality Monitoring In conjunction with St. John's River Watar Management District, the City has developed a program to monitor the quality of water entering the Indian River Lagoon, from the tributaries of the Sebastian River south prong. The firm of Environmental Research and Design, Inc., Orlando, FL, has been selected to install and monitor appropriately located quality measuring devices to'achieve this goal. At the present time, such devices have been established at the Stronecrop Dam vicinit~ Riverview Park Development In conjunction with a $250,000 grant, funded by the Florida Inland Navigation District, the City has prepared conceptual plans to enhance Riverview Park. The conceptual plan includes walkways, a sprinkler fountain, gazebos, grandstand and other amenities, such as a 500 foot pier consistSng of a 250 foot access pier and a 250 foot boat dock section and a similarly designed 450 foot structure. Also, as part of the overall development, it is intended to provide shoreline stabilizat~an consisting of an environmental design of coquina rock and f'flter fabric. Filbert Street Park The property located west of Barber Street on Filbert Street, (site of the old water treatment plant) will be developed into a passive park. A conceptual plan includes many potential amenities, such as walkways, sitting areas, etc. Stormwater Park As the City of Sebastian continues actively to implement a Sturmwater District, funded by the St. Johns Water Management District and the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection, preliminary plans are underway to develop approximately 166 acres as a passive park which may include a bird observation walk, benches, etc., and an opportunity to observe Florida in its natural setting. !rifarmational signage will be displayed in addition to an Interpretative Trail. The 166 acre parcel is located offof Englar Drive, on the west side. Sketch below depicts the designated area. Meet The New Human Resources Director Mr. James Sexton (Jim), newly appointed Human Resources Director, was born in Brevard County and lived in Melbourne his entire life. Upon his appointment, Jim moved his wife, Mignon, and daughter, A~yssa, to Sebastian. However, Jim is no stranger to our City. His mother, Patsy, went to school in the City Hall building where he works and grew up in Wabasso. Jim's education and experience includes a certification from the Society of Human Resource Management as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR). He's an honors graduate from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor's degree in Legal Studies and is currently pursuing his Master's degree in Public Administration. He worked for the City of Palm Bay for 9 1/2 years in many capacities. His last position was Human Resources Officer in which he was responsible for labor relations. James (Jim) Sexton In his spare time, Jinx can be found at the Barber Street Sports Complex either watching his daughter cheer for the Sebastian Panthers or using the City's skate park facillt~ On nice cool evedinge, Jim and his family can be found walking on the scenic portions of Indian River Drive. EmPloyee Of The 2nd And 3rd Quarter The City of Sebastian is proud to recognize Jenny Murray as the Employee of the 2nd Quarter and Tim Walker as Employee of the 3rd Quarter. Jenny Murray holds the position of Accounts Payable Clerk II. She brings with her a wealth of experience in accounting disciplines. Jenny Murray continuously demonstrates her commitment to the departmental goals and objectives and has proven to be an asset to the City of Sebastian. Jenny Murray Employee Thn WaLker is currently a Supervisor for the 2nd Quarter Department of Public Works/Parks Division. Tim demonstrates great leadership skills and continuously searches for ways to increase productivity and effidency within the City's Park Division. Thanks, Jenny and Tim for a job well done/ Tim Walker Employee 3rd Quarter Updates From The Department Of Public Works Weekend Mowing Program In an effort to expedite swale and ~litch mowing, the City of Sebastian Department of Public Works has recently implemented a weekend mowing program. This program is primarily the result of the rate at which grass and weeds grow in respective areas, whereby in some cases, causing further impediments to stermwatar drainage flow. The implementation of this program is also aimed at establishing an effective long term maintenance program and to improve the aesthetics of the community, Skate Park Facility The City's skate park located at the Barber Street Sports Complex opened on May 21, 2001. ~Ve are pleased to report that the skate park is very well attended by skaters of all ages. A skate competition is being planned for the near future. Skate Park SEBASTIAN SiOI>~/AI[R PARK ]OlflT VENTURE BY £1[Y 0~: ~[MSIIAH AND ST. JOHNS RIV[R WAIER ~flAG[~[NT DISTRICT New Gates at Sebastian Cemetery Take Notice of the Entrance to the Sebastian Cemetery Coastal ornamental Iron, Vero Beach, FL completed the installation of the new Entrance Gates at the Sebastian Cemetery, located on U.S. Highway #L The completion of the Century 21 Builtting, at the corner of Laconia Street and CR 512 enhances the character and appearance of Sebastian's commercial corridor. New Development Projects Within Our Community A Growth Management Del~w~qent ~epor~ For the alqcionados of Indian River Drive in Sebastian, and in conjunction with Oyster Bay Resort, Captain Hiram's River Raw Bar is being expanded to include a volleyball court, limited service satellite kitchen, small beverage service area, some unique covered seating, and restreems, all in the sand bar area. The band staud will be relocated to a more southern area oftbe property Oyster Bay Resort relocated theft tennis courts to accommodate these additions, and the site will be lavishly landscaped, in the Captain Hiram's fashion. The face of County Road 512 keeps changing, and a "new kid on the block" will be Complete Electric, whose site plan for an office building was approved recently by the Planuing and Zoning Commission. Members of the Sebastian Gym and Fitness Center will be getting some "free" exercise time when they park in the new parking area recently provided by the owner! November 2001 Community Newsletter Florida Cit-~ Government Week In an effort to encourage municipalities stetewide to implement relevant projects and programs, The Florida League of Cities designated the week of October 21, 2001 - October 27 2001 as Florida City Government Week. The City of Sebastian celebrated by hosting this year's "Sebastian Student Government Day". Students from area schools interested in becoming better acquainted with respective operations and the workings of municipal government were invited. Students had the opportunity to meet with various department directors and staff and were eligible to participate in a "mock city council meeting". Students served as administrative and legislative officials for the day. (i.e., students as "Mayor", "Counclimembers', "City Clerk", "City Manager", "City Attorney", etc.) and were asked to debate and implement a policy issue to benefit the City of Sebastian. The purpose of this exercise was to orient students as to the role and function of local government management and potential opportunities. On Thursday, October 25th, the City hosted an Open House, inviting all City residents to visit with City departments and observe various pieces of hea~ equipment used througl}out the community. Light refreshments were served. A good time was had by all. Make a Difference Day The City of Sebastian Employees supported Keep Indian River Beautiful of Indian River County, "Make A Difference Day", by holding a non-perishable food drive between October 9, 2001 and October 27, 2001. The City employees did make a difference by donating a substantial amount of non-perishable food items to the Pantry of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, located in Fellsmere, which assists needy families in our are~- (Left to Right) Antoine Van Melt, Building Maintenance and Balph Br.escia, City Engineer. Jeanette Williams, Deputy City Clerk (Left to Right) Jim Sexton, Human Resources Director and Food Pantry Volunteer of Our Lady of Guadulupe Church, FelIsmere, FL A new North County Relay for Life, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, will take place on April 5 and 6, 2002 at the Sebastian River High School track. The City of Sebastian will be present at the inaugural event with at least two teams. City staff members and their families quickly came forward and signed on to participate as soon as word got around about the event and its importance to all of us who have dealt with cancer in our lives. Forty people have signed up as of this writing. North County Relay For Life Relay for Life is an eighteen hour overnight team walk-a-thon developed by the community and volunteer driven, and it is the single largest non-profit event in the world. Relay for Life will take place next year in over 100 communities in Florida alone. One member of each team is asked to be on the track at all times throughout the event and each team is asked to raise at last $1,000. A very moving Relay for Live Luminaria ceremony in remembrance afloved ones who have lost their battle with cancer and in honor of cancer survivors will take place after dark on the evening of April 5, 2002. Participants will enjoy music, entec~nment, games, great food and camaraderie. Any businesses, schools, families, churches or other groups interested in participating in this very important event for the North County can contact the American Cancer Society (562-2272). The Grand Reopening of Sebastian Municipal Oolf Course, which was held on October 1st, went off with great success. Thanks to all who participated in the early morning festivities, which included Anne Astley's wonderful bagpipe perfb~qamnce, Pastor William "Bill" Ruehman's touching invocation, a spectacular rendition of the National Anthem performed by Ryan Johns, an exciting "drop-in" by skydivers Mike Paolin and Uwe VonDavitz, and interesting speeches from City Manager Terrence Moore, Mayor Walter Bmmes, Director of Golf Greg Gardner; and Head Golf Professional Michael Nichols. All had a delightful day. Alter golf, players were treated to lunch by Sebastian Golf Course in the adjoining Eagles Nest Restaurant. Nothing hut great comments and reviews have come from the legions of golfers who have experienced the new and improved Sebastian Golf Course. Our golfers are extremely satisfied with the new greens, tees, bunkers and two new par three holes. Sebastian Golf Course News Said gol~r ~hn Kellougb, "it's l~e pl~ng an exclusive private club" and golfer Tom Pomeroy added, "the g~eens are fast and challenging, just the way I like them". Sue Kcane loves the new pat- three fourteenth, saying, "the picturesque setting provides a beautiful and serene atmosphere". The Golf Professional Staff have been busy conducting golf tournaments and offering free junior golf clinics. On each Wednesday that Indian River County Schools are in session, there is a free junior golf clinic at the Sebastian Golf Course driving range from 2:30 to 3:30. Also related to free clinics, the Golf Professional Staff are planning to give free ten (10) minute lessons to anyone interested on Saturday, December 15th, from 8 AM to 4PM. What's the catch, you ask? For receiving your free ten (10) minute lesson, the Golf Professionals will request a minimum donation of $5. The money raised will benefit the Indian River County United Way, the Indian River County Humane Society, and the Sebastian Junior Golf Academy. It will be a good way to get some great tips on your game, while helping local charities. Regarding golf tournaments, golf course staff are preparing for the 2001 Sebastian Open. This tournament, which will be conducted on December 8th and 9th, is the highlight of Sebastian Golf Course's busy tournament schedule. The Sebastian Open offers golfers an opportunity to participate in a two-day, individual stroke play event. Several divisions and flights are offered so golfers are competing with other golfers of equal age mhd golfing ability. If you have not yet experienced the improved Sebastian Municipal Golf Course, you are missing a great opportunity. If you are thinking about beginning to play golf, Sebastian Municipal Golf Course is a great place to start. The golf course is user-friendly to new golfers and the golf course staff will be eager to help. So give the great game of galf and Sebastian Municipal Golf Course a try! Happy Holidays from the staff at Sebastian Municipal Golf Course! Walter W. B~ PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID VERO BEACH, FI_ PERMIT NO. 218 E( POSTAl, PATRON