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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSUMMERlican rief Vol. 4 No. 4 Official City of Sebastian Quarterly Newsletter Summer 2oo~ Fiscal Year 2004 Proposed Budget Messaqe to Seb~st/an Residents: On July 25th, the Fiscal Year 2004 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 7.01% over the past eight years, whereas this year, property values increased 9.82%. In real dollars adjusted for inflation (14.5%), 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 growth community The municipal services traditional to the residents of Sebastian are Police Services, Public Works, Recreation, Streets, and Grounds Maintenance and are paid for from the property taxes levied. In fiscal year 2004, the proposed property tax rate will represent 19.59% of your total tax bill. The balance of your tax bill, or 80.4% goes towards the schools, county services (including fire rescue and other emergency services), and the special taxing districts. The following chart provides a distribution of the tax bill for ad valorem taxes in Sebastian: · ~ing Authortt~ Indian River County: General Fund 3.83770 Municipal Service 1.68040 Emergency Services District 2.18710 Land Bonds 0.23440 TOTAL TO INDIAN RIVER COUNT~ 7.93960 School District of Indian River County: General Fund 8.17900 Bonds 0.56000 TOTAL TO SCHOOL DISTRICT: 8.73900 St. John's River Water Management Distxict 0.46200 Florida Inland Navigation District 0.03850 Mosquito Control District 0.26380 Indian River Hospital District 1.04633 Sebastian Inlet 0.35000 TOTAL TO SPECIAL DISTRICTS 2.16063 CITY OF SEBASTIAN: 4.39040 TOTAL PROPERTY TAX BILL: 23.42963 FY 2004 Proposed Percent~e of Millage Rate Total Tax Bill 16.38% 7.17% 9.33% 1,0% 33.89% 34.91% 2.39% 37.3% 1.97% 0.16% 1.13% 4.7% 1.49% 9.22% 19.59% 100.00% The reconunendation 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 2004 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 2004 Budget will not depart from the current direction of the City and we will stay the course by undertaking the following programs, projects and activities: · Construction of the City's first fully functional city hall facility, via administration of the recently authorized Infrastructure Sales Surtax Revenue Bonds, Series 2003 Program; · Implementation of Sebastian Police Station Expansion Program; · Construction of Municipal Complex Park to anchor both New City Hall and the Sebastian Police Station, as well as to provide additional active and passive recreational opportunities in the community; · Implementation of Louisiana Avenue Area Improvement Program, with £mancial assistance from the State of Flarida Small Cities Neighborhood Revitalization Category Community Development Block Grant Program; · Partnership with Waste Management, Inc. to provide municipal solid waste collection services via an exclusive five year renewable option franchise agreement authorized by City Council in June 2003; · Continue capital outlay funding for maintenance and repair of city facilities; · Begin implementation of the Sebastian Stormwater Utility Master Plan Capital Improvement Program as adopted by City Council during the current fisoai year; · Continuation of Citywide Parks Construction Program, with financial assistance from the recently adopted Parks and Recreation Impact Fee Fund and various state grants; · Continuation of Street Resurfacing Program; · Continue successful grantsmanship program; · Continue Riverview Park Expansion Program; · Continue School Resource Officer program to provide services to youth at both Sebastian Elementary School and Pehcan Island Elementary School; · Expand and further implement sidewalk installation program; · Recommend final revi~ons to the Sehssfian Comprehensive Plan -- per requirements of the State of Florida Department of Community Affairs; Budget Highlights (continued on pg. 2) Budget Highlights (continued from pg~ 1) · Offer final blight study results and recommendations to consider incorporation of a community redevelopment agency for the Sebastian Boulevard Triangle; · Implementation of Interior Restoration Program for Old Sebastian Elementary School/City Hall, with financial assistance from the State of Florida Bureau of Historic Preservation Special Category Grant Program; · Continue 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 and final tasks asseciated~v[th tho_ reopening of Runway 9-27; · Continue relationship with the Boys and Gifts Club of Indian River County to initiate plans for the construction of an indoor youth recreational faedity in Sebastian, via development of aforementioned Sebastian Municipal Complex Park; · Expand economic development policy formulation and marking efforts via services provided by Patterson-Bach, Inc. · Work with United States Department of Justice to secure funding from the agency's Universal Hiring Program to help finance additional police officer positions in the community. In summary, this budget reflects community values, goals, objectives and ideas. The Proposed Fiscal Year 2004 Budget represents the character of a city whose tmAque identity distinguishes itself from other geographic areas of beth Indian River County and throughout the Treasure Coast. Total local millage will remain constant. Total ~ppr~pr~a~on f~r o~l ~rnds is ~eeommende~ to be $18,218,837. As such, the overall Fiscal Year 2004 Proposed Budget is financially sound and delivers services our residents have come to expect. The Sebastian Management Team looks forward to working with the City Council during the upcoming budget workshops and welcomes the opportur~ty to address questions and concerns accordinglg In summary, the Fiscal Year 2004 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; supportive of expanding private/public partnerships and economic development. To learn more about the City of Sebastian Fiscal Year 2004 Proposed Budget, feel free to visit the City Manager's Office in City Hall, as more information can be provided regarding comparative trends, analyses and departmental programs and functions. Engineering Projects By: City Engineer, O. Fisher The City is currently engaged in a number of capital improvement and maintenance projects. Some of that activity within the next two months includes the following: The Renovation of Lontsiana Avenue -- The horizontal geometry for the Louisiana Avenue renovation if conceptually approved and continuing engineering design by WCG, Inc., is scheduled to be complete by the end of September. The current schedule calls for permitting to be complete and construction to __ begin approximately April 2004 with project completion scheduled for the end of 2004. There will be a meeting af Lonisiana Avenue property owners on Tuesday evening, August 26th, to discuss the City's acquisition ofregnired easements and rights-of-way that will be needed to facilitate the planned improvements. This project is partially funded by a Community Development Block Grant from the Florida Department of Community Affairs. (Photo Above) Satellite Parking Area for the Barber Street Sports Complex -- Construction is satellite parking for the Barber Street Sports Complex at the corner of Fairfield and Albatross. Construction is scheduled to be complete by the end of Augnst with additional landscaping to be added around the perimeter for a visual barrier. The general contractor for the project is Dickersen Florida, Inc., of Stuart. This project is partially funded by a grant from Florida Department of Environment Protection, Recreation Division (FRDAP). (Photo Left) New Piers emd Shoreline Renovation of Riverview Park -- Construction for two new piers and shoreline renovation at Riverview Park is scheduled to begin by Monday, August 11, and to be complete by the end of September. The general contractor is Summerlin Seven Seas, Inc., of Ft. Pierce. This project is being funded via a grant agreement with the Florida Inland Navigation District Waterways Assistance Program. (Photo Right) Recycling and Repaying of Streets -- Beginning August 13th, the City's contractor for asphalt pavement recycling, Asphalt Recycling, Inc., of Melbourne Beach will return to work on Ceohdge, Cleveland, and Washington streets between US 1 and Indian River Drive. __~n e~rly Septe~mb~er_. tthe Cit2~a~ng c~ont_ra~tor, Dickerson Florida~_In~nInc., of Stuart will do the overlay paving on Coolidge, Cleveland, and Washington streets between US-1 and Indian River Drive as well as on Truman Street, Layport Drive, Dot Circle, Taylor Street, Frink Street, Drawdy Way, and Robin Lane in Point of Woods. Traffic and Signage Work -- The City's Traffic and Signage Division is continually engaged in ongoing traffic studies. They are done on a weekly basis at selected locations to determine appropriate traffic signage and to assist the City Police Department in gauging traffic flow and speed in selected areas. Recent studies include those done at the ane-lane section of Laconia Street, Main Street at Louisiana Avenue, the new section of South Easy Street, Vocelle Avenue, and the north end of Indian River Drive. Studies to be done in the coming weeks include the intersection of Barber S~reet at George and Rolling Hill, Barber Street at Sebastian Boulevard (CR-512), and on Schumann Drive. Also, in addition to ongoing street sign replacement throughout the City, the Traffic and Signage Division in the coming weeks will be installing a new pedestrian crosswalk on North Indian River Drive (at Fin's Restaurant) and over 600 new STOP bar pavement markings at various STOP sign locations throughout the City Sebastian Stormwater Park -- Saint John's River Management District continues their work on the Sebastian Stormwater Park (off of Englar Drive). The District is responsible for construction and interim management of the property while the stormwater system becomes functional. That interim time period may take up to two years. Once this period is passed, the City of Sebastian will assume primary management responsibihties. There is no public access to the project while construction is underway. Once construction is complete and the stermwater system is functioning, the City can begin to develop passive on- site recreation. There is a 17.2 acre site in the northeast corner of the property set aside for Florida Scrub Jay management. Stormwater News By: Ke. |o.es, Stor~water E~lgineer On October 1, 2002 the Stormwater Division of the Engineering Department officially took over the operation of the City Stormwater system. Operationally the division has been busy mowing and regrading the main stermwater conveyances (37,840 ft.), mowing swales and ditches, replacing deteriorated road crossings (30) and rehabilitating swales (21,000 ft.) to improve the drainage. comments which were then presented and approved by the City Council on July 23rd. CDM is presently refining the Stormwatar System 'M~det to estimate the impact of the stermwater water quality discharged Properly Maintained Swale from the City's watershed associated with converting the present swale drainage system to a Miami curb drainage system. This model estimate includes the additional treatment associated with the conversion of the primary canal system to a wet detention system. The model refinements will be appended to the master Stormwater Management Plan. On July 7, 2003, the Stermwater Division submitted applications for two (2) 319 EPA grants for stormwater projects. If the applications are approved, two major projects in the Master Stormwater Management Plan can be implemented. One of the projects is the conversion of the Main Street]Twin The City of Sebastian Master Starmwater Management Plan was completed, presented to City Council and approved on March 12, 2003. It was then submitted to St. John's River Water Management District for comments and approval. Representatives from the City and Camp Dresser McKee, Inc., the City's stormwater consultant, met with St. John's River Water Management District personnel to address the District's initial comments to -- the Master Plan. A number of changes were made to the MSMP to address the Clean Water Channel Ditches to a wet detention treatment system and the other would be the construction of a wet detention treatment area on a City owned property located at Periwinkle Drive, Ocean Breeze Street and Seashore Avenue. Pride in Sebastian Community Beautifica~on Awards Amidst the recent flourish of construction activity within our community, two standouts were recognized and honored at a recent City Council meeting with the City's bi-annual beautification award. The property owners and their respective contractors received public acknowledgement from the mayor in the form of cartificates, which were inscribed as follows: "The Pride of Sebastian Award presented this 25th day of June, 2003, to 1013 Indian River Drive -- Mr. and Mrs. Willard Siebert & MGB Construction, and Wisner Controls -- Mr. Rick Wizner & Capp Custom Builders 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 V~ Barnes, Mayor. Mr. and Mrs. Siebert's residence, built by MGB Construction, Inc., on Indian River Drive was recognized as the £~rst recipient in the !'new home construction" category for its compatible waterfront design constructed amongst the beautiful Oak hammock. The residence has an inviting wrap-around front terrace, columns, arched windows, metal roofing, and a rear yard garage. The Siebert's have been residents of Indian River County and the Sebastian area for over 50 years. They have seen many changes throughout the years and appreciate the beautiful community Sebastian is growing into. The City recognized their efforts as their design exemplifies the design principles the community desires and appreciates. 1204 Main Street, immediately across the street from City Hall, recently experienced a metamorphosis as the property benefited from the addition of an architecturally appealing structure. Mr. Rick Wisher, owner of Wisnar Controls, coordinated his efforts with local builder Capp Custom Builders in designing this significant addition of the Main Street corridor. Challenges were present during construction however as the new building was first constructed around the existing structure, which was eventually demolished to accommodate completion of the new structure. The new building with its metal-hip roof, grand columns, native landscaping, and inviting brick paver sidewalk, captures the attention of those driving down Main Street or visiting City Hall. 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. Police Department News Back to School Safety Tips By: ]ames A. Davis, Chief of Poi|ce School bus transportation is safe. In fact, Community Oriented Policing buses are safer than cars! Even so, l~st year, nationwide approximately 26 students were The Sebastian Police Department is in the beginning stoges of adopting an agency commitment killed and another 9,000 were injured in to Community Oriented Palic~ng. We have been operating with the basic concept for the past incidents involving school buses. More often few years by assigning one officer to handle conflicts and reoccurring neighborhood problems· than not, these deaths and injuries did not Recently, all of our officers received 16 hours of Community Oriented Policing training. Our occur in a crash, but as the pupils were next stop is to follow this up with more specialized training and organized neighborhood entering and exiting the bus. Remember meetings, these safety tips: · Have a safe place to walt for your bus, The plan is to have neighborhood police off~cers that will become acquainted with the citizens away from traffic and the street. in their assigned zones. The neighborhood officers will be the contact person for those citizens · Stay away from the bus until it comes to needing information or attention on a special matter, a complete stop and the driver signals you We will keep you updated as we progress toward our total commitment. If you have any to enter questions about Community Oriented Policing, please call Chief Davis or Officer Paul Graves. · When being dropped off, exit the bus and The Police Department accepted delivery of the new police boat on July 2nd. The vessel is walk ten giant steps away from the bus. Keep a safe distance between you and the an Edgewater 21 foot center console powered by a Yamaha 200 2--cleen-:nA--~:--;- ~ ' -~ ~ "~ ~"- eus.~uso, remember that the bus dnver , ~y r~v miu ~ mccoy ~oUaltPiPseam~n~f~rle~./ne can see you best when you are back away oo oy from the bus. Edgewator Power Boats · Use the handrail to enter and exit the bus. ~ located in Edgewator, FL · Stay away from the bus ..m}til the driver ~ ~dgewater has photos of gives his/her signal that it s okay to ~ the Sebastian Police boat ~ · approach. on its acceptance cruise Be aware of the street traffic around you. di~yla~ - --- Driver~arcrequired4~followc..-~.~..n.~-qtles- wchsito of the road concerning school buses, ~~'~ ~ ! Cewcnmhnatscom~ ~ however, notalldo Protect yourself and j'us'~-c~li'~o-n ~he ~' ~ ~ a ~ w~tch out! photos to enlarge the ~ [ [ ~ Walkin9 and Biktn. to School images. Officer Tom ~ ~ Even if you don't ride in a motor vehicle, Pooce, Officer Mark ~ you st~ll have to protect yourself. Because Fisher and Volunteer Mick Booth have been assigned of'minimal supervision young pedestrians to the marine unit. Mick Booth retired as a 4 stripe face a wide variety of decision making Officer from the British Merchant Marine New marine situations and dangers while walking to and · ' ~ from school. Here are a few basic safe ti uniforms have been selected and purchased and the ; : .... ty ps Sebastian Police Department is anxious to get the ~o renew: boater education and safety campaign under way, and · Mind all traffic signals and/or the crossing guard -- never cross the street against a serve the boating public. Officers received some rescue training with the U.S. Coast Guard and light., even if you don't see any traffic other local law enforcement marine units on July 23rd. commg. This vessel was 50% funded by a much appreciated Grant from the Florida Inland Navigation · Walk your bike through intersections. District EI.N.D. · Walk with a buddy. POSTAL PATRON PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID VERO BEACH, FL PERMIT NO. 218 Printed by Total Print, Inc., Sebastian, FL