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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
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