HomeMy WebLinkAboutWINTERVol. 3 No. 2
elican riel
official city o~' Sebastian Quarterly Newsletter Winter 2oo1'
Sebastian Boulevard
During the Fail 2000 charette process, citizens overwhehningly supported the renaming of Fellsmere Road to Sebastian Boulevard.
It was felt that the change would enhance the sense of identity and community solidarity.
With your impressive input from this past summer's Pelican Briefsmweys, Council unanimously approved this initiative and the
city attorney drafted the legislation. Resolution No. R-01-83 establishes the portion of County Road 512 in the Sebastian city limits to
be called Sebastian Boulevard effective March 1, 2002 at noon.
This effective date is designed to coincide with the new area code change so that the City's businesses will make the scrivener changes
at the same time on theft stationery, forms and signage.
With the name change of this major thoroughfare, I hope you will join me in taking pride in our community, the City of Sebastian.
New Area Code Beginning February I lth
The advent of cell phones and computer dedicated telephone
lines has demanded the creation of new telephone numbers in
which seven digit dialing is almost obsolete. Smailer area code
regions have been formed to accommodate the demand of new
telephone numbers.
Sebastian's new area code will be "772", along with Indiantown,
Hobe Sound, Stuaz-t, Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce and Veto Beach.
Permissive dialing (in which either 772 or 561 can be used) will
begin February llth, 2002 and terminate November llth, 2002.
In addition to the new area code, consumers must use 10 digit
dialing on ail local calls made between tbe 561 and 772 area codes.
Consumers making local calls within their 772 area code can dial
the regular seven digit number.
As with any growth, changes are eventual, and the average
American family probably has two or more phone numbers they
can be reached at. If you have any questions regarding Sebastian's
new area code, please contact the Public Service Commission at
1-800-342-3552.
Millennium Clock Tower
A ceremony to unveil the Sebastian
Millennium Clock Tower was held on
December 12, 2001. This project was
possible as a result of numerous
donations made to the City of Sebastim~
to commemorate the community's 75th
Anniversary.
General Municipal Election - March 12, 2002
The City of Sebastian general municipal election will take place on Tuesday, March l_2, 2002. Sebastian City Council consists of five
members, of which three members are elected in odd-numbered years and two members are elected in even-numbered years. Due to the
resignation of a former City Council member, whose term would have expired in 2003, this year there is an additional one-year seat that
must be filled in March along with the two two-year seats. City Council members serve two years, are elected at-large, and elections are
non-partisan. Newly elected City Council members' terms begin at a special meeting on the Monday following the election. The Mayor and
Vice Mayor are elected by Council from among its members each year following the seating of newly elected members at the same special
meeting.
City Polling places for the March 12, 2002 election are as follows:
Precinct 12 Sebastian Community Center, 1805 North Central Avenue
Precinct 14 Word of Life Church of God, (Formerly Highlands Chapel), 281 Delaware Avenue
Precinct 15 United Church of Sebastian, 1251 Fellsmere Road, (Sebastian Boulevard)
Precinct 16 Sebastian Elks Lodge #2714, 731 South Fleming Street
The Location of Precinct 15 was changed due to on-going renovations at the North County Library. With recent redistricting approved
by the Indian River County Commission, precincts are expected to change again for fall elections.
The City's qualifying period ran from January 11, 2002 through Jauuary 25, 2002 and the following candidates filed for election.
For the two two-year seats: For the one one-year seat:
· Waiter W. Barnes · Raymond G. Coniglio
· Betsy Field-Connelly · Sal Neglia
· James A. Hill
New Sequoia voting equipment was recently purchased by the Supervisor of Elections and will be used for the March election. Supervisor
of Elections, Kay Clem and her staff have undertaken a comprehensive voter education program to familiarize the public with the use of
the new equipment and plan to mail out sample bailots to all registered voters. If you have any questions relating to the voting equipment,
precincts, voter registration, absentee bailots, etc., please contact the Supervisor of Elections office at 567-8187.
For questions relating to City Council candidates or City election issues please contact the City Clerks' Office at 589-5330.
Sebastian Police News
The Sebastian Police Departmen~ was
able to acquire a new Harley Davidson Police
Motorcycle facilitated through a generous
donation of a local resident. Officer Thee
Robinson was selected to be the departments
motorcycle officer. Robinson has
demonstrated a dedication toward traffic law
enforcement and was sent to North Western
University Traffic Insti~ute's two week police
motorcycle training cousse in south Florida.
Officer Robinson has been reassigned to
work traffic enforcement as ins prima~ duty
and will work rotating shifts during daylight
hours. Robinson will aise work other traffic
related duties.
G.R.E~.T. News
The Sebastian Po]ice Department is the
recipient of $11,000.00 grant for a G.R.E.A.T.
program. G.R.E-4..T. represents "Gang
Resistance Education and Training". Tins
program originated in 1991 as a joint effort
between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and
Firearms and the Phoenix, AZ Police
Department. Since 1991 thousands of officers
have been certified to instruct G.R.E.A.T.
The educational aspects involve crime impact
on victims and neighborhoods, cultural
sensitivity/prejudice, conffict resolution,
meeting basic needs, drngs/neighborhoeds,
responsibility and goal setting. A G.R.E.A.T.
summer recreational program will be
designed to strengthen the effectiveness of
classroom lessons and community
involvement and establish a year round
commitment to our young people.
Ann Rousseau - Employee of the Year 2001
The City of Sebastian recently recognized Ann Rousseau,
Informa/~lon Speciahst in the City Clerks' Office, as Employee of
the Year for 2001.
Ann is the first person you meet when you arrive at City Hall.
For those of you who have not visited with us yet, you will know
her by her warm smile, her caring manner and her great sense of
humor. She is always ready to go the extra mile, and then some,
to assist citizens and visitors in any way she can or lend a sympathetic
ear te anyone with ~/need to air a complaint. You might even get
a hug~f you look like you need one.
Ann recently completed training to provide information to the
public over the City's government access channel 25 provided by AT&T Broadband Cable;
and has been providing up-to-date information on the City's website for several years.
Both programs have been very successful and well-received by the public.
Activities at Barber Street Sports Complex
New Lights at Schumann Park -- In The Sebastian River Little League --
addition to the recent resurfacing of the Opening Day Ceremony was on Saturday,
Schumann Tennis Courts, new lighting February 16, 2002. Guest speakers
has been installed in courts 5 and 6. included former Cincinnati Reds, Slugger
and National League, Most Valuable
~ Player, George Foster. Little League games
start at 6:00 pm and run through 8:00 pm
on Monday through Friday and 9:00 am
through noon on Saturdays. Many
volunteers work countless hours under
the direction of l~cesidant Jo Ann Webster
to make sure everything runs smoothly,
Please get out, watch some games and
support the Sebastian River Area Little
League.
Skate Park News! -- Over 5,000 skaters have visited the Sebastian skate park since it
opened in May 2001. The park is a safe place where skaters (both inliners and
skateboarders) can go to practice and show off thief tricks. Skaters ranging in age from
6 to 40 come from all over to enjoy our professionally designed park.
At $3.00 per day, the skate park offers inexpensive entertainment as well as gives
the skaters a designated place to go instead of the parking lots of local businesses. The
park has been well received by the parents as well. Two skate park attendants are on
duty at all times to ensure the rules are being obeyed. Skaters not obeying the rules are
asked to leave and risk being banned from the park if they continuously cause problems.
Good news! On March 23, 2002, the first ever skate contest will take place in Sebastian!
The event is being hosted by a Relay for Life Team and all proceeds will be donated to
the American Cancer Society. With the talent and skills of local skaters, many will be
able to take 1st place in their respective divisions!
New Development Projects Within Our CommUnity
By Trncy Hass, Growth ManacJement. Director
Our beautiful city of Sebastian continues to grow, but the growth is diversified in several different areas.
There are two new offise/retail centers being constructed along the North U.S. 1 corridor.
On the east side of U.S. 1, the Sea Crest Building is under construction. Once completed, the facility will contain 14,400 square feet of
prime office/retail/medical space.
On the west side of U.S. 1, the Sebastian Retail Shoppes is in the early stages of site prepm-ation and construction. Once completed.
Sebastian Retail Shoppas will consist of approximately 17,920 square feet of retail space. A portion of the center has been pre-leased to two
tenants; Blockbuster Entertainment and Dollar Tree stores. The development will occupy the corridor between KFC to the south, and World
Bank to the north.
Continuing south through the city, a new townhouse project has been approved at the corner of South Easy Street and Schumann Drive.
Sandridge Estates will include 24 tewnhanses, each approximately 1,700 square feet of living area, small yards with rear patios, and attached
garages.
Further south, Park Place Mobile Home Park is expanding with Phase II, to consist of up to 204 new residential home sites.
Another very pleasant addition to the city is the newly landscaped focal points around three of our new "Welcome to Sebastian" signs -
at U.S. 1 and Barber Street; at U.S. i and Schumann Drive; and on CR 512. Corey Barber has graciously donated ins time to perform
installation of the landscaping. Corey is a young man who is striving to achieve Eagle Scout designation, apd is working closely with the
Sebastian Tree and Landscape Advisory Board in implementing the visian on-eared for the welcome signs. The Board proposed and designed
the landscaping for the welcome signs, and upon receiving the Board's advice, Corey selected species of plants requiring minimal maintenance,
winle still providing functional beauty. Corey hopes to have this project completed in March.
Should you have any questions, regarding current development within the City, please do no~ hesitate to call the Growth Management
Department at 589-5537.
IMPORTANT: Reminders To Sebastian Residents
Permitting I~formation
It is essential that all residents understand the importance of contacting the building
department prior to beginning any construction activities. Reason being is permits are
required for the majority of home improvements, including, but not limited to, driveway
additions/extensions, building additions, roofs, siding, fences, sheds, etc. For those &you
connecting to county water, a line connection permit is required. Always obtain a permit
before removing any trees, as there are minimum standards for the number of trees required
per residential lot, and removal may required replacement with a new tree. Additionally,
specimen trees (20 inches or more in diameter) may not be removed without the approval '
of the City Manager. Should you have any questions regarding the necessity to obtain a
permit, please do not hesitate to call the Building Department at 589-5537.
Water Restrictions
The City of Sebastian is under emergency water restrictions and has been since April I6,
2001. This means that watering can only be c~ne during certain times on certain days.
Irrigation is limited to two days per .week.
· Odd addresses Wednesday and Saturday
· Even addresses or no numbered addresses Thursday and Sunday
Irrigation shall be prohibited between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm and 9 pm and 5 am.
· You can ~vater from 5 am to 9 am and from 5 pm to 9 pm on your designated days only
Commercial or charitable carwashes, except those utilizing mechanized water recycling
systems, are prohibited.
Any questions call the Code Enforcement Department at 589-5233 ext. 17 or 37.
Sec. 98-33 of the City of Sebastian Code of Ordinances prohibits Damaging or parking
in Swales and Shoulders.
It shall be a violation of the City Code for a vehicle to be parked or driven in such a way
that it damages the Swale. It shall be a violation for any motor vehicle to park in the Swale
or Shoulder of the right-of-way~ However, a vehicle may park on the Shoulder if one of the
following conditions exists:
1. The motor vehicle has been removed from the paved street due to mechanical failure
or is temporarily parked due to emergency situations such as an accident, with a time
limit of twenty-four hours.
2. The motor vehicle is titled to the owner or resident of the residential lot adjacent to
the right-of-way, or an invited guest thereof, and all available parking space within
the driveway of said lot is occupied by other motor vehicles.
There are exceptions for Commercial vehicles rendering services to residences and
Construction-related vehicles while rendering service.
Barking Dog Complaints
Sec. 66-3 of the City of Sebastian Code of Ordinances Nuisance chapter prohibits ~myone
from allowing all unnecessary or unauthorized noises and annoying vibrations, including
animal noises. If anyone has a barking dog complaint, they should call the non-emergency
number 589-5233 ext. 10 to report it. An officer will be dispatched to handle the complaint.
Give the dispatcher as much information as possible. You can remain anonymous, however
it is helpful if the officer is able to meet the complainant for any further information.
Leash Law
Indian River County Ordinance sec. 3-4 under ownership responsibilities; responsibilities
of public.
Keep each such animal under restraint, as defined.
Restraint: An Animal shall be considered under restraint only if it is:
1. Wi{bin the real property boundaries of its owner, or of any other person with the
express permission of that person, or
2. When outside of said banndaries, under the astual cantrol, custedy, or pessession of
the owner or other responsible person, by leash, cord, chain or similar device.
So lets be responsible pet owners and keep our pets restrained and safe.
July 4 'Fireworks Fund'
opens for 2002
A campaign to raise $13,000 te
pay for the traditional Sebastian
Cormmunity Fireworks display
over the Indian River Lagoon is
underway.
"The fund-raising campaign
allows the Independence Day
fireworks to continue as a family
event and as a salute to
freedom," said City Manager )~
Terrence R. Moore. ~
The fireworks display draws
thousands to Riverview Park,
where concerts and other
entertainment are al~o offered.
D0nom ~vill be recognized in a
printed~r0gr~ h~ded out on
July 41 Contributio~ may be
forwarded ~0 the City of
Sebastian, Finance~Department,
1225 Main Street~ Sebastian, FL
32958.
CELEBRATE
With reworks at
Sebastian RiVerriew Park
SUPPORT your fireworks
~'(, with a contribution.
YES. I would like to help
support the fn'eworks display.
NAME
ADDRESS
topnonoJ
Please list your name as you would
like it to appear in the printed
program distributed on July 4th.
Aviation Insights...
This is truly an exciting time for Sebastian Municipal Airport! We are pleased to announce that on February 13, 2002, the City Council
~dopted the newly revised Airport Master Plan. This plan, as many of you are aware, outlines a great deal of improvements to both the
economic growth and overall community compatibility of our airport.
The completed two-year study now serves as a clear and decisive guide toward oar future capital improvements at the airport. These
projects range from providing infrastructure to our developing Corporate Park West to the manh-antteipated reactivation of Runway 9-
27. This reactivation coupled with the closure of Runway 13-31 will reduce the number of arrivals and departures over the densely
)opulated areas of the city. In addition, this new configuration opens up over one hundred additional acres for industrial/corporate
development. This will have a significant, positive impact on the economic base of our city, as well as the sarrbunding communities.
Now that the Airport Master Plan has been officially adopted, we can look forward to the many projects that will transfo~n the airport
into the facility our city deserves. Our preflight has been accomphshed, and now it's time to open throttle! Soon we'll be airborne, with
some mighty nice weather ahead. First stop... Runway 9-27!
City of Sebastian Relay for Life Teams
City of Sebastian staff have organized into two teams that will participate in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life at the Sebastian
River High School track on April 5 and 6, 2002.
Relays are fundralsers for ACS that take place all over the country throughout the year. The event will begin with a ceremony honoring
cancer survivors and introducing Relay for Life teams at 6 pm on April 5th and continue through noon on April 6th. Teams keep one member
on the track at all times throughout the event and games and entertainment are provided. At nightfall, a very moving Luminaria ceremony
is held at which families and friends can make a donation and have a luminaria lit for a loved one who has either survived or lost their
battle with cancen The public is welcome to come out and participate in the activities.
Any questions about the event can be directed to the American Cancer Society offices in Vero Beach at 562-2272.
GOLF NEWS
Sebastian Go~f Course Schedule of Events Effective February, 2002
*Weekly Golf Tournaments
MON~ The Monday League - open to all players (men & women). 8 am shotgun start, a
variety of events, team & individnal net formats. Ail players must have a registered
golf handicap index. Cost -- green fee, cart fee & $4 for prizes**.
TUE: Sebastian Women's GalfAssociation Ladies Day - open to members of the SN~G.A.
8 am shotgun start, individual & team net formats. All players must have a registered
golf handicap at Sebastian. Cost -- green fee, cart fee & $3 for prizes .
Sebastian Business League - 4 pm shotgun start and 5 pm shotgun start during
daylight savings time. Format: team scrambles, nine hole events.
WED: Sebastian Men's Golf Association Men's Day - open to members of the S.M.G.A.
8 am shotgun start, individual & team net fo~anats. Ail players must have a registered
golf handicap at Sebastian. Cost green fee, cart fee & $3 for prizes**.
THU: Thursday Couples League - open to all players/couples. 11 am tee times, a variety
of team net formats. Ail players must have a registered golf handicap index. Thursday
Couples is offered from October through the end of Ma;¢
Niners - open to all women, nine holes with tee times starting at 1:30 pm.
Sebastian Business League - 4 pm shotgun start and 5 pm shotgun start during
daylight savings time. Format: team scrambles, nine hole events.
*For all events played on a weekly basis, contact the golf shop at 772-589-6801.
The golf shop staff will provide additional informal;mn and a contact person
for whichever weekly event you are interested in.
**All prizes paid in form of golf shop credit.
Memorial Classic
The 1st Annual Wojo Memorial Classic
was conducted on February 11th, 13th and
15th. Golfers participated in a three-day golf
teurnament created to honor and remember
Thomas Wojciechowski, also known as
"Wojo". Wojo, who passed away on September
21st, 2001, was a great supporter of Sebastian
Golf Conrse and the City of Sebastian. He
wa~Jkhe 1~ -~ing director of the Monday
League, which developed into an extremely
popular weekly golf teurnament due to Wojo's
hm-d work and effort. On Friday, Februmw
15th, golfers attended a memorial ceremony
for Wojo. During the ceremony, golf' course
staff dedicated a newly planted Canm'y Island
palm tree in Wojo's honon Located behind
#9 green, the Canary Island palm has a
plaque in front of it that reads, "In Memory
of Thomas "Wojo' Wojciechowski, Sebastian
Golf Course, Wojo's Heaven on Earth".
Guest speakers at the dedication included
Mr. Dan Melia, longtime friend of Wojo's and
Father John Morrissey of St. Sebastian
Church. To complete the dedication, R~van
Johns, Assistant Golf Professional at
Sebastian Golf Course, sang a beautiful
rendition of "Amazing Grace" while the
Wojciechowski Family unveiled the Memorial
Plaque.
The Wojcieehowski Family (Addie
Wojciechowski, Mike & Louise Muller &
Mike Muller, Jr.) have announced the
Thomas Wojciechowski Junior Golf
Scholarship, which will benefit a deserving
junior each year who is in need of a set of
golf clubs.
PRSRT STD
ECRWSS
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
VERO BEACH, FL
PERMIT NO. 218
POSTAL PATRON