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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFALLlican Fief Vol. 5 No. ~ Official Ci /of Sebastian Quarterly Newsletter Fall 2oo:~ New City Hall/Police Station Expansion Ground Breaking At the ground breaking ceremony held on Thursday, September 25, 2003, the City of Sebastian unveiled a construction site sign featuring the rendering of the "Sebastian Municipal Complex" (New City Hall, Pohce Station Renovation, and active and passive park features). This momentous event was well attended and gave various members oftbe community an opportunity to meet City Officials, the General Cont~astor and the Architect. REG Architects, West Palm Beach, FL, has designed a Florida Mediterranean Vernacular style City Hall and Police Station expansion. The _ new two-story 23,000 square foot City Hall design complements the current City Hall building, which will be converted for community use. The Police Station will be a one story 19,000 square foot facility REG's diverse experience in local architecture, planning and interiors has been instrumental through the design phase of the project and will prove to be a tremendous asset to the project going forward. Suffolk Construction Company of West Palm Beach, Florida teamed with Capp Custom Builders of Sebastian, FL, has been awarded the construction contract for the "City of Sebastian Municipal Complex". SEBASTIAN'S FLOOD HAZARDS What Everyone Should Know The purpose of this supplement is to and to provide information on the inform residents and property owners of development in floodplains and the presence of flood hazards in Sebastian, maintenance of drainage systems which suggesting possible actions which may be flow into the creeks and rivers within taken to protect persons and property flood hazard areas. Property Protection Measures There are various actions which can be taken to flood proof structures. Electrical panel boxes, air conditioners, water heaters, and washers]dryers should be elevated or relocated to a location less likely to be flooded. Flood drains and interior and exterior backwater valves can be installed, and interior floodwalls can be placed around utilities. If flooding is likely, and time permits, move essential items and furniture to interior areas of your home. Keep materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber handy for emergency waterproofing. This action will help minhnize the amount of damage caused by floodwaters. Flood Safety There are several actions residents of flood hazard areas can take to decrease the potential of injury due to flooding. 1. Know the flood warning procedures. 2. Do not attempt to cress a flowing staccato where water is above your knees. 3. Keep children away from floodwaters, ditches, culverts, and storm dralus. 4. If your vehicle stalls in high water, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. 5. Evacuate the flood hazard area in times of impending flood or when advised to do so by the police or fire department. 6. Cut off all electric circuits at the fuse panel or disconnect switches. If this is not possible, turn off or disconnect all electrical appliances. Shut off the water services and gas valves in your home. Standard Homeowners Insurance Policies DO NOT Cover Losses Due to Floods However, Sebastian is a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program, which makes it possible for Sebastian property owners to obtain federally backed flood insurance. This insurance is available to any owner of insurable property (a building or its contents) in Sebastian. Tenants may also insure their personal property against flood loss. The actual annual premium will vary depending upon the amount of coverage and the degree of flood hazard. We urge persons who live or own property in flood hazard areas to purchase flood insuranco to protect themselves from losses due to flooding. This insurance is required in certain instances, such as the purchase of a home with a federally backed mortgage. Flood Warning System A Flood warning system, such as is present today, was not in effect when past floods occurred. The Indian River County Emergency Management Department issues watches and warniags through local channel 25 on Comcast Cable System. Maintenance of Drainage Systems Sebastian has a storm drainage system which is composed of both open and closed segments. The open sections are drainage swales]ditches, which are utilized to carry storm water away from homes to drainage areas, such as creeks or rivers. The closed system is comprised of storm water drains and pipes, which carry storm water from streets and other developments to drainage retention or detention areas. Maintenance of these systems is very important. Debris in ditches and streams obstruct the flow of water, which can cause overflow onto roads and into yards. Partial or complete filling in of these ditches can reduce the flood flow capacity, which will also result in overflow into roads or onto (Coni~nued on pg. 2) Floodplain Development Regulations The City of Sebastian has adopted, as part of the Land Development Code, regulations on development in flood districts. The purpose of these rsgnlafions is to control the alteration of natural floodplains and stream channels; prevent or regulate the construction of flood barriers which will unnaturally divert flood waters or which may increase flood hazards in other areas; restrict or prohibit uses which may result in damaging increases in erosion or hi flood heights or velocities; and to control filling, grading, dredging, and other (Continued on pg. 2) DRAINAGE SYSTEM MAINTENANCE PROGRAM STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES (SOP) The process for addressing city requests related to inspecting and cleaning ditches, swales and storage basins in the City of Sebastian is as follows: a. Contact the Engineering Department by calling 589-5490. b. All complaints are inspected. c. If an inspection identifies a prablem, a work order is issued. d. The work order is then assigned to a crew until completion. There are generally four maintenance related problems: . 1. Water stamd~g, but grass is green and healthy. . 2. Water standing, killing grass, damp soil weeds and muck developing. 3. Water standing Idlllug grass, cat-tails and aquatic weeds growing, pavement and/or road base failure. 4. Collapsed road crossing culverts or other danger to pedestrians or vehicle traffic or rl~n~ec of flcoding. Flood Hazard Areas Two types of flood hazard zones are designated in Sebastian: the floodway ~nd the floedpl~in. To determine if you live in, or own property in, a flood hazard zone, contact the Sebastian Building Department at (772) 589-5537. March 9, 2004 General Election The City of Sebastian will hold its annual General Election on Tuesday, 'March 9, 2004 for two City Council seats. Elections are non-partisan and at-large. Residents interested in q, mli~ying for a City Council seat can contact the City Clerk at 589-5330, Monday thru Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Candidate qualifying packets and supporting documents can be obtained in the City Clerk's Office at City Hall, 1225 Main Street or can be found on the City's websito www. cityofsebastian.org (see link on the home page). If you choose to download the packet, it is suggested that you still make an appointment with the City Clerk to review procedures. January 23, 2004 is the final date for City qualifying. City precinct and voter registration questions can be directed to Kay Clem, Supervisor of Elections for Ivdi~n River County at 567-8187. Student Government Day, 2005 In recognition of Florida City Government week during October 19th - October 25th, the City of Sebastian hosted its Fifth Annual Student Government Day on Wednesday, October 22, 2003. Students and educators from Sebastian area schools, as well as some home- schooled pupils were invited to tour city departments and given the opportunity to participate in a "mock city council meeting", whereby students served as administrative and legislative officials for the day (i.e., students to serve as "Mayor", "Councilmember", "City Clerk", "City Manager", "City Attayruey", etc.). Students debated and implemented a policy issue to benefit the City of Sebastian. The overall exercise allowed students to become familiar with the role and function of local government and management potential opportunities. Maintenance of (Continued from Page 1) Drainage Systems private propert~ Maintenance of the drainage system is also important so that a high flood flow capacity can be realized. To aid in this, the City of Sebastian clears and performs other m~intsnance work on the system at least two times per year. Work is also performed on an emergency basis as needed. Citizens are expected to perform routine maintenance on ditches located on right-of- ways in front or to the rear of their properties. Th/s includes the removal of high weeds, litter, or other items, which may be considered a nuisance. Also, property shall be maintained so that water cannot become stagnant, and breeding areas are not provided for mosquitoes. A litter ordinance is also in effect, which makes it unlawful to deposit litter in bodies of water "in a park or elsewhere." This includes lakes, rivers, and stro~vn~ If you know of unapproved changes occurring to the drainage system, such as filling or rerouting of streams or ditches, or a nuisance situation which exists, please contact the Sebastian Public Works Department (772) 589-5490 or Code Enforcement Department (772) 589-5233, Ext. 6. Additional information concerning floods and related topics is available for review at the Sebastian Growth Management Department, located at 1225 Main Street or at the North Indian P~ver County Library, located at 1001 Fellsmere Road. Floodpl~ill (Continued from Page I) Development Regulations development which may increase flood These regulations specify two types of flood hazard zones - the floodway and the floodplain. The floodway is defined as the normal channel of a watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must remain unobstructed to convey the regulatory flood discharge without flood elevations above specified levels. The floodplain is an area inundated during a one-hundred year flood event or identified by the National Flood Insurance Program as an A zone or V zone on the flood insurance rate maps. Uses, which have a low flood damage potential and do not restrict flood flows shall be permitted in the floodway, provided they are not prohibited by another ordinance. These uses shall not require structures, fill, dumping of material or waste, or storage of materials or equipment. The most common zone uses of the floodway are agricultural or recreational in nature, and perking/lawn areas of residences. Flcodplaln districts pernxit the same type of uses as floodway districts. The construction of structures, such as residences, is also permitted provided the lowest floor of any residential structure is no lower than one foot above the base flood elevation. It is very important to contact the Sebastian Building Department if any work is to be performed in flood hazard zones. This is necessary as the regulations are extensive, and development permits are required for construction or substantial improvements in the floodway or floodplain. Engineer Update By: DaSd Fisher, City Work on the Twin Piers and Shoreline Restoration Project at Riverview Park is on schedule and will be completed by November 30th. "ADA Wheelchair Turnarounds" on the piers still awsit final confirmation and approval hy the permitting agency. Reeessed lighting is being installed sin~dar to the lighting on the City's Yacht Club pien Twin piers and Shoreline Restoration Project Public Works Department/Parks and Recreation Division Project Updates Auxiliary Parking At Barber Street Sports Complex Extra parking is now available ht the Barber Street Sports Complex. The completed parking lot will handle overflow parking when multiple sporting events take place on the same day. The new lot will accommodate pkrking for 62 vehicles including four (4) handicap spaces. The entrance to the new parking lot is on Fnirfield Lane. New Playgrounds are Open at Filbert Street and George Street Parks New playgrounds are now open to the public at George Street and Filbert Street. Future improvements at George Street include benches, picnic tables, grill and a walking trail. Future improvements to the Filbert Street Park will include a large pavilion, in addition to landscaping, parking, benches, picnic tables, grills George StreetPark and a walking trail. Filbert Street Park New Baseball Fields at Sebastian and Pelican Island Elementary Schools In conjunction with Indian River County School District, the City of Sebastian hJrad TD International, Inc., to construct baseball fields located at Sebastian Elementary and Pelican Island Elementary Schools. The turf area is currently being grown in on both fields. The new fields will provide facilities for residents when school is not in session. Pelican Island giementary All maintenance of the fields will be turned over to Indian PAver County School District at the end of November, 2003. Sebastian Elementary Stormwater Utility With the recent adoption ofrseolutions during the October 22, 2003 City Council meeting, the City is able to move forward with the bond issuance program to help finance stormwater related infrastructure projects city'de, specifically referenced in the Capital Improvement Program section of the recently adopted Sebastian Stormwater Utility Master Plan. The anticipated projects listed below are based upon conceptual budget estimates and may be adjusted based on final design specifications, market conditions and permitting requirements. Airport Improvements If you have traveled on Roseland Road lately, you've likely noticed quite a bit of construction activity at Sebastian Municipal Airport. That's because several major projects have ~n~lly begun and are currently moving at full steam. For starters, Airport Drive West is being extended to the south, to intersect with Roseland Road directly across from Dale W'nnbrow Park. In addition to the extension, we'll also be paving the old, existing dirt entrance road. Upon completion, there will be three entrances to Sebastian Municipal Airport, all on paved roadways. Along with the new roads, we've installed waterlines along the entire Airport Drive West, including the new extension. This will provide for a safer environment, as there are now fire hydrants located near ail e.~sting and planned facilities. Finally, construction of our 40-unit T- hangar development has begun. T-h~,~gars are essentially storage units for aircraft where owners keep their planes. This development, implemented as part of a public/private sector partnersh/p between the City of Sebastian and Sheltair Sebastian, LLC., occupies approximately 5 acres and is located just east of the new roadway extension. All of these improvements are being implemented in order to increase the economic development capabilities of the airpert, which directly benefits our residents by increasing jobs, bringing in revenues, and helping to properly balance commercial development with our rapid residential growth. The City of Sebastian is grateful and extends a special Thank You to the following contributors for raising $12,225 in donations for use in the 2003 4th of July Fireworks Celebration. Event Co-sponsors who contributed $500 or more: Kirkpatrick Pettis A Mutual of Omaha Company City of Sebastian Coastline Tire & Auto Air Sebastian Area Civic Association Capt. Hirams Restaurant, Bars, Marina & Motel Sportsman's Marine & Lodge Arnolds Air Conditioning, Inc. Press Journal The LPA Group Transportation Consultants Coastal Title Services, Inc. Camp Dresser & McKee, Inc. Sebastian River Medical Center Waste Management Service Center Hinzman Construction Co., Inc. Indian River Board of County Commissioners Capp Custom Builders, Inc./Suffolk Construction Co., Inc. Businesses, Individual and Family Donors: Arnold's Clean-Up Grace's Landing, LTD Mel Fisher Center, Inc. Alpha Ace Hardware, Inc. GRB Construction Indian River RV, Inc. Gehring Group Fred's Auto Body of Sebastian, Inc. Ray Conig[io Paul Woodard Country Ham 'N Em Restaurant, Inc. Adam Preuss Appraisal Services, Inc. Sebastian Offshore Marine, Inc. Tracy Botonis The Davis House Inn Carol & Jim Wise Clyde's Home Repair Service Sebastian Singers Discount Golf, Inc. Sal & Sheril Mancino Happy Hoofers Jean & FrankVesia Perry & Rena Pisani Helen T. Doxsee Bernard R Boudreau Trailblazers, An Adventurous Outing Club for Singles Mary Marsiglio The Robinsons, Loy & Paul David & Linda Shapiro Gene & Helen Ryan Bill & Dot McLaugh[in O'Neills Dave & Martha Silverman Paul J. Dupont Henry A. Fischer & Sons, Inc. B. Francis Marshall JKS & K Inc./McDonald's Dill & Evans, RL. Learning Nest, inc. Curt Oxford Woodcarver, Inc. Wisner Controls, Inc. Jack & Thelma Fitzgerald Kleen-Kut Lawn Service Div. of Kleen-Korp Services, Inc. Old South Sales, Inc. Association of Roseland Property Owners Sam & Ruth Jolley Peter & Dona Walls Peter LaBarbera & Nancy Ga]upDo Sebastian Animal Hospital and Bird Clinic, Inc. Perez and Associates, ]nc. Kitty & Fred Rouse Larry & Gina Wattles Betty Blake Money Concepts Financial Planning Center, Wayne D. Leboeuf The Hoffhine's Carol Seneff Victor & Susan Lehman Dale & Joe Szczech & Judy Sroka Susan & Peter Carol C. Holmes Earl & Mary B Mrs. Sue Nalepa Carole Giovan Susan & Jerry Johnson Dorothy E. Harre]l Prin~, Inc., Sebastian, PL POSTAl, PATRON PRSRT STD ECRWSS KS. POSTAGE PAID ,FL