HomeMy WebLinkAboutSUMMERel'
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Vol. :3 No. 4
Official City of Sebastian Ouarterly Newsletter
Sblrlqrlqer 2002
Fiscal Year 2005 Proposed Budget
Messacje To Sebastian Residents:
On August 21, the Fiscal Year 2003 Proposed Budget was submitted to your City Council
for review and consideration. This budget recommends no increase in the operating millage
rate from the current fiscal year. This arrangement is possible as a result of a relative increase
in property values over prior years. Annual increases in property values have averaged
6.78% over the past seven years, whereas this year, property values increased 7.88%. In real
dollars adjusted for inflation (15.7%), General Fund expenditures continuously reflects a
philosophy of lesser dependence on property taxes, as the City of Sebastian is currently
experiencing increases in outside revenues and allocations, primarily as a result of being a
g~owth communit3~
The municipal services traditional to the residents of Sebastian are Police Sezwicas, Public
Works, Recreation, Streets, and Grounds Maintenance and are paid for from the property
taxes levied. In fiscal year 2003, the proposed property tax rate will represent 21.1% of your
total tax bill. The balance of your tax bill, or 78.9% goes towards the schools, county services
(including fire rescue and other emergency services), and the special taking districts. The
following chart provides a distribution of the tax bill for ad valorem taxes in Sebastian.
FY ZOO3
Proposed Percentage of
Taxing Authority Millage Rate Total Tax Bill
TOTAL TO INDIAN RIVER COUNTY 6.43180 29.6%
School District of Indian River County
General Fund 8.10200 37.3%
1991 Bonds 0.10~00 0.5%
1993 Bonds 0.56000 2.6%
TOTAL TO SCHOOL DISTRICT: 8.76200 40.4%
St. John's River Water Management District 0.46200 2.1%
Florida Inland Navigation District 0.03850 0.2%
Mosquito Control District 0.26380 1.2%
Indian River Hospital District 1.02411 4.7%
Sebastian Inlet 0.13700 0.6%
TOTAL TO SPECIAL DISTRICTS: 1.92541 8.9%
CITY OF SEBASTIAN: 4.59040 21.1%
TOTAL PROPERTY TAX BILL: 21.70961 100.00%
The recommendation to "hold the line" on local millage will not result in a reduction in
the delivery of quality services, projects and programs to our residents. In fact, numerous
accomplishments are anticipated, as the Sebastian Management Team looks forward to
implementing the various goals and objectives in the upcoming fiscal year.
Budget Highlights
A review of the current Fiscal Year 2003 budget highlights confirms that a budget is a
planning document recommending the allocation of resources that will accomplish a
municipality's goals and vision. Nearly 92% percent of the budget tasks outlined in the
Highlights section of the current budget have been accomplished with still two months
remaining in the fiscal year. The Proposed Fiscal Year 2003 Budget will not depart from the
current direction &the City and we will stay the course by undertaking the following
programs, projects and activities:
Offer recommendations for municipal solid waste collection service provision as a result
of the scheduled expiration of the present five year franchise agreement with Capital
Sanitation;
Initiate the Louisiana Avenue Area Neighborhood Revitalization Program, with financial
assistance from the Community Development Block Grant Program;
Continue capital outlay funding for maintenance and repair of city facilities;
Formally initiate Sebastian Stermwater Utility via adoption and implementation of
Sebastian Stormwater Master Plan;
· Initiation of Park Construction Program, with financial assistance from the recently
adopted parks plan apd Recreation Impact Fee Fund; (Continued on page 2)
Endorsement Of One-Cent
Sales Tax Referendum
The Discretionary Sales Tax or the
additional one-cent ($.01) sales tax was voted
into place in 1989 to provide funding for
infrastructure improvements within the
County and its municipalities. This source
of funding will be on the ballot in November
2002 to extend its life for an additional
sixteen (16) years to provide the continuation
of a dedicated funding source for
infrastructure improvements within the
community. Following is a summaw of the
One-Cent Sales Tax in the City of Sebastian
in a Question and Answer format to provide
information supporting the need to continue
this funding source.
How much money has the City of
Sebastian received over the life of the
One-Cent Sales Tax?
From 1989 to the present, the City of
Sebastian has received $14,830,962 from the
i cent ($.01) One-Cent Sales Tax. This
amount represents approximately 11.56% of
the total amount received by the County as
a whole.
What projects has the funding been
spent on ?
Over the past thirteen years, the One-
Cent Sales Tax funds have been used as
capital outlay funding on various
infrastructure projects, funding the
purchases of Police vehicles in accordance
with Florida Statute 212.055, and funding
construction equipment for use in
construction-type capital improvements.
Following is a list of infrastructure projects
completed and in process:
a. Side Yard Culvert Piping
b. Riveffrunt Erosion Project
c. Road Crossing Culvert Replacements
d. Elkam Dam Construction
e. Stonecrop Dam Construction
f. DempseyNocelle Area Drainage
Improvements
g. Police Station Construction and
Improvements
h. Road Drainage Improvements
i. Barber Street Sports Complex
Improvements
j. Recreation Enhancements
k. Public Facilities Construction such as
bathrooms at parks, and facility
improvements
1. Fourteen (14) Acres of Land purchased
for Recreation
m. Sidewalk and Bikepath Construction and
Replacement
n. Road Median Construction and
Improvements
(Continued on page 2)
Budget Highlights
(Continued from page 1)
Continue capital outlay to replace remaining aging municipal fleet;
Continuation o f Street Rasur facing Program;
Host strategic planning sessions with Sebastian Management Team in an effort to offer
tong term future recommendations for improvements and growth mnnagement;
Continue successful grantsmnnship program;
Continue Riverview Park Expansion Program;
Continue School Resource Officer program to provide services to youth at both Sebastian
Elementary School and Pelican Island Elementary School;
Expand and further implement Sidewalk Installation Program;
Expand passive park recreational opportunities along Indian River Drive, with financial
assistance from the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Florida
Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) and the Florida Inland Navigation
District Waterways Assistance Program;
Initiate construction of the Filbert Street-Passive Park;
· Continue expanding city-wide park improvement program;
Initiate revialans of the Sebastian Compreheusive Plan- per requirements of the State
of Florida Department of Community Affairs;.
Offer blight study results and recommendations to consider incorporation of a community
redevelopment agency for the Sebastian Boulevard Triangle;
· Initiate implementatian of Interior Restoration program for Old Sebastian Elementary
School/City Hall, with financial assistance from the Florida Bureau of Historic Resources
Special Category Grant Program;
Offer recommendations for future municipal facilities construction - via results from
City of Sebastian Spatial Analysis Program;
Implementation of Sebastian Municipal Airport Master Plan;
Continue capital improvements at Sebastian Municipal Airport - via partnership with
the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Aviation Section and with the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA), to include initial tasks associated with the reopening of
Runway 9-27;
· Work closely with FDOT and other agencies to continue citywide median beautification
program;
· Continue relationship with the Boys and Girls Club of Indian River County to initiate
plans for the construction of an indoor youth recreational facility in Sebastian;
· Continue working closely with Indian River Ccunty Department of Utilities to implement
Water Expansion Program.
In summary, this budget reflects community values, goals, objectives and ideas. The
Proposed Fiscal Year 2003 Budget represents the character of a city whose unique identity
distinguishes itself from other geographic areas of both Indian River County and throughout
the Treasure Coast. Total local millage will remain constant. Total appropriation for all
funds is recommended to be $19,775,466. As such, the overall Fiscal Yea~ 2003 Proposed
Budget is financially sound and delivers services our residents have come to expect. The
Sebastian Management Team looks forward to worldng with the City Council du~:ing the
upcoming budget workshops and welcomes the opportunity to address questions and concerns
accordingly. In summary, the Fiscal Year 2003 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 conservaf~on
initiatives; supportive of expanding private/public partnerships and economic development.
To learn more about the City of Sebastian Fiscal Year 2003 Proposed Budget, feel free
to visit the City Manager's Office in City Hall, as more information can be provided regarding
comparative trends, analysis and departmental programs and functions.
New Voter Precincts Established
Indian River County Supervisor of Elections, Kay Clem received approval for creation
of new precincts throughout the County from the Indian River County Board of
ComUnsalaners on August 6, 2002. New voter registration cards indicating your new
precinct number and location will be mailed before the primary. The number of City
precincts has grown to eight to accommodate rapid growth in numbers of Sebastian
registered voters.
A primary election will be held on September 10th and a general election on
One-Cent Sales Tax
(Continued from page 1)
What are your future plans for the
One-Cent Sales Tax funding?
Future One-Cent Sales Tax funding will
continue to be used to fund both new and
replacement police vehicles, as well as public
works equipment on an annual basis. In
addition, future funding will be used to
implement the City's Park Improvement
Program, including accompanying recreation
facilities and structures. Also, future uses will
focus on street enhancements,
sidewalk/bikepath construction, including
pedestrian walks on bridges, and public facility
improvements:
What has the One-Cent Sales Tax
meant to your City?
The One-Cent Sales Tax has offered the
City of Sebastian a way to fund its growth by
providing a stable source of revenue for its
infrastructure improvements and emergency
service vehicle purchases. This dedicated
funding source has allowed the City to forgo
histitating other revenue enhancements while
at the same time using its Ad Valorem and
Nan-Advalorem taxes and fees and other non-
dedicated revenue to fund operations.
How important is the renewal of the
One-Cent Sales Tax? Why?
The renewal of the One-Cent Sales Tax is
an integral part of the City's future.
As a dedicated source of revenue for Capital
Infrastructure Improvements as well as
emergency service vehicles, our ability to
construct and/or improve the City's
infrastructure has been greatly enhanced.
Without the One-Cent Sales Tax, the City
would be obligated to use its current sources
of revenue, i.e. operating revenue, to fund its
capital improvements. In addition, in order
to maintain the same level of services provided
by the City as well as fund capital
improvements, increases in the cum'ent tax
rate would be the end result. This would be
a considerable burden to the citizens of
Sebastian.
It has been shown that forty percent (40%)
of the revenue provided by this funding source
is from visitors to the Sebastian area. However,
if the property tax base was the only funding
available for the improvements outlined above,
then one hundred percent (100%) of the
funding would come from the residents of the
City. Allow all users of the amenities of the
City to pay for improvements.
The City of Sebastian, therefore,
encourages you to say 'YES' to continue the
One-Cent Sales Tax Program in November,
2002.
November 5th. See the Supervisor of Elections' webalte http://www, voteindianriver, com for a list of county, state and federal offices to
be decided. For a demonstration of the new Sequoia voting machines please visit http://sequoiademo.com.
For those of you who are new to the City of Sebastian, municipal elections take place on the second Tuesday in March for City Council
seats. Our next city election will take place on March 11, 2003. Information relative to City elections will be included in the next edition
of the City newsletter.
Newly established districts which include the area within the City limits for County Commission and School Board
are as follows:
District One (CC and SB):
Northern boundary is County Line
Cuts Sebastian along George St., follows southern Sebastian City Limit to 66th Ave.
Eastern Boundary follows 66th Ave. and 74th Ave.
Most of Southern boundary is State Road 60
Western Boundary is County Line
District Two (CC), District Five (SB):
Eastern Boundary is Ocean
Southern Boundary mostly follows City Limits & 41st St.
Western Boundary is 66th Ave. and 74th Ave.
Northern Boundary is George St. and Sebastian City Limits
Pride In Sebastian
Comrnut~iW Beautification Awards
"The Pride in Sebastian Award presented this 26th day of June, 2002, to 512
Commerce Center--Mr. Jim Adams, and KH Plaza--David and Sherry Brown in
appreciation for the significant and valuable contribution to the City's appearance and
heritage and in acknowledgement of the recipient' s ability to harmonize the City's
vision." Signed Walter W. Barnes, Mayor.
The recipients of Sebastian's reestablished beautification award prograr~, were given
a warm round of applause at the City Council meeting when Mayor Barnes shook thi~r
hands and presented them their certificates. Rec/pients expressed their pleasure at being
a part of the Sebastian community.
Dave and Sherry Brown's KH Plaza was the former Ed Schlitt/Coldwell Banker
building located at the intersection of Truraan Street and U.S. # 1. Working with staff,
the Browns turned the white and
blue building into an
architectural renovated
landmark by painting the
structure yellow and green,
adding metal roofing, cupolas,
B~hamian hurricane shutters,
and beautiful tropical murals
between two sections. Even the
new monument sign topped with
wooden pineapples reflects the
friendly attitude Dave and Sherry
embrace as business owners
within the City.
Unlike classic uninspired building designs associated with traditional commercial
office parks, Mr. Jim Adams' vision for the multi-phased 512 Commerce Center involves
pastel colored and nicely
The project includes three office
buildings, four contractor trades
buildings, two storage buildings
and an outside boat and RV
storage area to the rear of the
propertM. The first three buildings
have been constructed using
stucco siding, metal roofing, and
ample landscaping. Mr. Adams
carefully and cooperatively
designed his project to meet all
architectural guidelines within
the 5124development district, while sffnultaneously setting a new standard for building
design along the now thriving Sebastian Boulevard.
All residents are welcome to submit suggestions in acknowledgement of a new
development, or a redevelopment project, which exemplifies Pride in Sebastian. Please
send your suggestions to the Growth Management Department, City of Sebastian, 1225
Main Street, Sebastian, Florida 32958.
Department of Public
Works Update
Schumann Drive Medians
Schumann Drive Median Irrigation is
being installed by Irrigatian Consultants
Unlimited, Inc., d/b/a Rainfarest Irrigation
and is expected to be completed within
approximately 6 weeks. Once this project is
completed, the City will continue its effort
to improve the aesthetics of Schumann Drive.
Riverview Park
As you meander around Riverview Park,
you will notice the new crosswalk installed
on Sebastian Blvd., between Riverview Park
and the north parking lot. You will also notice
the new fence and the additional bricks
installed around the Clock Tower.
The parking area on the north side has
been striped and one new handicapped
parking space has been added. The parking
area tothe south side of the park will be
sealed and striped in the very near future.
4th of July Update
The City of Sebastian is grateful and extends a special Thank You to the following contributors for raising $7,295 in donations towards
the 4th of July Fireworks Celebration.
The Robinsons, Loy & Paul
Alpha ACE Hardware, Inc.
Sebastian Offshore Marine, Inc.
Allyn's Cleaning Service
Kleen-Kut Lawn Service
Hinzman Construction Co., Inc.
Arnold Air Conditioning, Inc.
The Davis House, Inc.
Cecrle Land Surveying, Inc.
Bob & Sunny Leedham
Curt Oxford Woodcarver, Inc.
Dale & Joe Szczech & Judy Sroka
Sebastian Animal Hospital and Bird Clinic, Inc.
Passage Island Homes
Dill & Evans, LC
GFWC Sebastian River Junior Women's Club
Red Garlic Bistro
Eva B. Cummings
Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.
The LPA Group
Camp Dresser & McKee, Inc.
Country Ham 'N Egg Restaurant, Inc.
Basil Risterante Italiano
Grace's Landing, LTD.
Harbor Federal
Dave & Mary Ann Jones
CNK, Inc.
American Legion Auxilliary, Unit 189
Fred's Auto Body, Inc.
Dick LaPorte
Board of County Commissioners
Judy Haywood
Phil, Debbie, and Danny Bova
Kitty & Fred Rouse
Sportsman's Marine & Lodge
M & J Hartman
David & Linda Shapiro
James W. Stiel, Inc.
Scl & Sherfl Mancino
Jerry & Susan Johnson
Phil & Brenda Posey
Steven & Linda DeSanctis
Ereildoune Bowling Lanes
Coastlin~ Tire & Auto Air
Carol P Anderson
Char Macon
Sebastian Area Civic Association
Aviation Insights
Progress continues at Sebastian Municipal Airport, as several projects are underway to improve the facilit~ Airport staff has been working
diligently to shape our airport into the facility that our beautiful city deserves.
After nearly two years of grant applications, designing, bidding, and re-bidding, the Runway 4-22 Medium Intensity Edge Lighting Project
has finally begun. Most of the construction work will take place during September and October, with the anticipated completion date in the
beginning of November. Though most residents will not notice a difference, the new lighting system significantly increases the safety of night
operations currently taking place on the field. Pilots unfamiliar with our airport will soon be able to locate it without searching and circling
over residential areas.
In addition to the lighting, there has also been a great deal of progress toward the reactivation of Runway 9-27. Phase I of the project
(which includes relocating tenants, and clearing obstacles like power lines, trees, light poles, etc.) is nearly ready to be advertised for bidding.
Appraisals of both J&S Aviation, Inc. and Velocity, Inc. have been completed as required by the Federal Aviation Administration and
negotiations regarding their relocations have begun. These facilities currently sit at opposite ends of the Runway 9-27.
Once this process is completed, Phase II of the reacU~vation can begin. This includes rehabilitating the runway pavement as well as adding
a fulldength parallel taxiway for safety reasons. If ail goes well, it is quite possible to have Runway 9-27 open for aircraft by the end of 2003.
This is only the beginning of the many improvements in the works for our airport and we'll be sure to keep you informed as things progress.
Golf News
Upcoming Golf Tournaments
September Tournaments:
Sept. 7 & 15th-Ananal Rotary Club Sche]arship
Sept. 14th-Sebastian Italian-American Club · Sept. 21st-Sebastian Moose Club
Sept. 28th-St. SebastL~n Catholic Church Parish
October Tournaments
Oct. 12th-Sebastian River High Scbee] Shark Invitational · Oct. 26th-Sebastian Elks Club
2002 Sebastian Open
The 2002 Sebastian Open h~s been officially scheduled for November 23rd and 24th.
This golf tournament entails a two-day, individual stroke play championship with golfers
competing in age groups within flights. Applications will be available by October 1st, in
the Sebastian Golf Course Golf Shop. Like previous years, divisions will include
Professional, Men Amateur, Senior (+50), Super Senior (+60), Masters (+70) and Ladies.
The entry fee for the 2002 Sebastian Open wili be $75 for all amateurs and $125 for
Professionals. The entry fee includes golf and cart for Saturday and Sunday, unlimited
range balls, prizes within all flights, tee prize and a prime rib dinner on Sunda~ This
is a great chance to test your game, so start practicing now!
Sebastian City Council Meeting Agendas Can Be Located
(On Friday afternoons preceding City Council meetings):
ON THE CITY'S WEBSITE
http://www.cit¥ofsebastian.or~l - click on CITY COUNCIL then AGENDA
OR
ON AT&T BROADBAND CABLE CHANNEL 25
OR
AT THE FRONT DESK OF CITY HALL, 1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN
OR
BY E-MAIL - WRITE TO city@cityofsebastian.or~
We will no longer be publishing in the Veto Beach Press Journal on Mondays
Your Comments Are Appreciated!
Jason Milewski, C.M.
Airport Manager
Sebastian Junior Golf
The 2002 Sebastian Junior Golf Academy
was a great success. Over 80 juniors attended
the academies throughout the summm: Many
thanks to the juniors, parents and
grartdparents invotv~YE-. An extra special
thanks to the Sebastian Elks Club and the
Wojciechowski Family for their generous
donations to the Sebastim~ Junior Golf
Academy.
Don't forget about the Sebastian Golf
Course FREE gUNIOR CLINICS throughout
the school yem: Each Wednesday that school
is in session in Indian River County, golf
course staff will host a free junior golf clinic
from 2:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
PRSRT STD
ECRWSS
KS. POSTAGE
PAID
VERO BEACH, FL
PERMIT NO. 218
POSTAL PATRON