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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFALLican rief Vol. 6 No. '~ Official City of Sebastia~ Quarterly Newsletter 200, Trash Talk As all hurricanes resulted in the approximately two hundred t,hou,sand to two hundred fif0y thousana cunic yards of debris. Of this debris, approximatel~ two thirds is brush and tree debris and one third is construction debris. After Hurricane Frances, the City of Sebastian d commissioned AshBritt Environmental Inc., a Florida base disaster recovery company to assist city crews in the removal of the debris. This effort has been going on since September 5th with a short interruption from~Iurricane Jeanne. The crews have been working twelve hours a daM six and seven days a week and at the end will have made three passes throughout the City of Sebastian. The debris is being taken to a temporary storage area at the Sebastian Municipal .A~port where the brush and tree debris is being recycled into mulch to - -- -- be used as trail material at various parks throughout the city. The City of Sebastian will also be using this mulch at the new Stormwater Park located on Englar Street for trail and road surfaces cover. The remainder will be used for other various projects. AshBritt Environmental Inc. will transoort the construction debris from the temporary site to the rndian River County landfill. The total cost of this entire operation will be jnst over three million dollars, thanks to arrangements recently made with the Federal l~mergency Management Agency. Final costs to the City of Sebastian will equate to approximately five percent of this amount. Any damage done to priv.ate p.rqperty due to the clean-upeffart should be reported to the Public Works Dega~ £ment for investigation and repair. It is unfortunate, but with a clean-up effort of this magnitude sometimes damage does occur. To report damage please call the Public Woks,?,epartment at 772-589-5490 and we will oe more than glad to assist you. Airport Serves the City There's a lot of aluminum moving into Sebastian Muncipal Airport and it's not in the shape of aircraft. In fact it's not reaIly in the shape of anything. It's there because t~e alrpert is serving as a storage facilltyTor the storm debris brought i,n from all over the city. Truckload al~er truckload of trees, metro, drywall, shingles, etc. are being delivered every few minutes, clearing yards and right of ways for our resident. Why the airport? Well it's basically the only City-owned property.that can handle such vast quantities of material. In addition, these unsightly mountains of rubbish are located out of the view of most citizens, though it does provide quite a curious, yet unattractive backdrop to Hole 17 of our golf course. Right after the storms, while the debris began rolling in on the east side of the airport, we had nearly one thousand power utility trucks staked throughout the western side. Our mode~s~ little airport was host to one of the largest Florida Power ~ Light st.agj. 'ng areas since Hurricane An~irew hit South Florida. The facility turned into a miniature citM, with a catering service that served nearly 2,500 meals, three times a day, shower facilities, command trailers, fleet maintenance, fuelingstatians, and 24-hour security. All of this was possible due tohundreds of acres made available for them to get our power back up and run,,ning as quickly as possible. If it were not for the airp~ort, we d have been in the dark for weeks longer than we haa already suffered. Now that hurricane season is coming to an end and things are ever so slowly returning to normal, we can all take s,ome time to reflect on the knowledge and experience that we ye gained from living through the storms. Despite the nea~ ly flawless preparation and recovery efforts underraxen ar , Sebastian Municipal Airport, we shall even be better preparea to serve the community in the future should we.have to endure another dreadful event. Let's hope that day wall never come. I think we ve all had enough for a long, long time. Jason Milewski, C.M. Airport Director Code Cues A Message trom the Sebastian Police Department Code Enforcement Division During this unusual time the City of Sebastian has relaxed some ordinances to help with the relief effort of its citizens. The following emergency measures have been provided until the City Council declares an end to the State of Emergency Operations: · Travel trailers and RV's are allowed to be placed in yards in residential districts with a free permit from the city. · Restrictions on the use and occupancy of residential property by a "single family" shall not be enforced. · Restrictions on parking automobiles in rights-of-way adjoining residential areas shall not be enforced. · Business and professional offices, previously operating in commercial areas, are allowed to operate temporarily from residences, subject to certain conditions. The code enforcement office has been receiving many calls regarding residents concerns on the overgrowth of weeds, grass and trees on vacant lands. While all calls are taken very seriously and investigated by the Code Enforcement Officers, we must inform you that there is no ordinance in the City of Sebastian Code that addresses the upkeep of vacant lands. You have the right to cut any weed growth, or tree limb that is growing onto your property, however; unless the tree is considered a hazardous tree by law, there is nothing this office can do to clean up the problem on vacant property. The only ardinace in the City of Sebastian Code that holds the owner accountable for the maintenance of property is on an improved lot. There is nothing in the code that addresses the maintenance of vacant lands. The Code Enforcement Officers are on patrol in the City looking for violations. They have found, and many complaints have been called into the office regarding problems with trash and debris. The officers are doing their best to meet the community's needs and clean up all problems as soon as possible. Because of the size of the city and the number of problems, they are asking for your patience. Just to Let You Know... many pool surrounds have been damaged or destroyed by the hurricanes. Please be advised that a screen enclosure or a fence of not less than four feet in height and not more than six feet in height must enclose all outdoor swimming pools. As a temporary, and we stress, temporary measure, construction fences may be placed around the pools. On the same subject, for your education, pools having a depth greater than 3 1/2 feet shall be provided with a ladder or rope, and no diving board shall be installed in a pool whose greatest depth is less than seven feet or less than 30 feet long. We are doing our best to serve you in a timely fashion, and we ask for your patience during this time of emergency. If you have: Any problems regarding swales? Please contact the Engineering Department at 589-5490; Any problems regarding trash in the rights-of-way? Please contact Public Works at 589-5490; Any questions about contractor's licenses or shoddy work? Please contact the Building Department at 589-5537. If you have any other questions, Please call us at 589-5233. We will do our best to help you. Best of luck to all. Sebastian Code Enforcement Division Antione Vanmeir and Warren Lindquist Keeping Florida's Waters Clean Starts in Your Home and Yard Most of the hemes in the City of Sebastian have on-site septic systems. But did you know that, as a homeowner you're responsible for maintaining your septic system? Did you know that maintaining your septic system protects your investment in your home? And most importantly, did you know a properly operating system helps to keep our recreational waters clean? If properly maintained, your septic system can provide long and effective treatment of household wastewater. If it isn't properly maintained on a regular basis, you may be required to repair or replace it, costing you thousands of dollars. In Sebastian, a malfunctioning septic system can also contaminate the groundwater contributing to the degradation of the Sebastian River and the Indian River Lagoon. How does a septic system world? A typical septic system has four main components: a pipe from the home, a septic tank, a drainfield and the soil. The septic tank is a watertight container buried in the yard. It holds the wastewater long enough to allow solids to settle out (forming sludge) and oil and grease to float to the surface (as scum). It also allows partial decomposition of the solid materials. Compartments and a T-shaped outlet in the septic tank prevent the sludge and scum from leaving the tank and traveling into the drainfield. A~ter the wastewater exits the septic tank, it discharges into the drainfield for further treatment in the soil. The soil provides the microorganisms necessary for removing harmful bacteria, viruses and nutrients before percolation in the groundwater. How do I maintain my septic system? 1. Have your septic inspected every three (3) years and have the tank pumped as necessary (generai/y every 3 to 5 years). 2. Use water efficiently. 3. Don't dispose of household hazardous wastes (household chemicals, oil, paint, antifreeze or pesticides) in sinks or commodes. 4. Avoid disposal of items that can clog the system (dental floss, feminine hygiene products, diapers, ciggerette butts, coffee grounds, liquid cooking ~rease, and other kitchen and athroom items). 5. Care for your drainfield. Plant only grass over and near your drainfield to avoid damage from roots. 6. Keep roof drains and other rainwater of surface water drainage systems away from the drainfield. Flooding the drainfiald with excessive water slows down or stops the treatment process and can cause plumbing fixtures to back up. For more information on how you can help to protect the Indian River Lagoon, contact the St. John's River c~c~ Waste Management District or the City of Sebastian Stormwater Utility. Engineering Department Update Louisiana Avenue Renovation Project Work is currently underway on the Louisiana Avenue Renovation Project. The City's Police Evidence Compound has been relocate (on a temporary basis) to the area adjacent to the new Municipal Complex pending final relocation to the new Airport Administration Complex when that is complete. The City's Public Works Department is currently finalizing the demolition and removal of the remaining facilities on Louisiana Avenue. Despite understandably heavy demands from other current restoration projects relatedto storm damage, FPL anticipates their relocation of power lines will be complete in December. This will be done with the aid of the general contractor, JoBear/Warden Construction of Palm Bay, and in conjunction with BellSouth, Comcast, and Indian River County Utilitias. This important part of the project is scheduled to be substantially complete in December. Property owner? ?n. Louisiana Avenue will be contacted with advance notice of planned act~wtles there when further details are available. Louisiana Avenue veffl be open to local traffic at all times during the construction ~eriod. The current scheduled completion date for the project is July 2005. Main Street The City will implement an asphalt resurfacing project on Main Street in hid-November from US 1 to Fleming Street. This is a distance of approximately 1.2 miles and includes approximately 30 intersections with other streets and major driveway entrances. The paving will be done prior to the dedication of the Sebastian Municipal Comp. lex. The paving contractor is Elmo Greet & Sons of Veto Beach. The City is utilizing the terms and conditions of a contract now in place between Greer and Indian River County that can be used by other government entities. Municipal Election 2005 By Sally Maio, CMC, City Clerk The annual City of Sebastian Municipal Election will take place on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 for three City Council seats. Sebastian Council consists of five members. Terms for Mayor McColium, Vice Mayor Barczyk, and Councilmember Coniglio are due to expire in March. Elections are conducted in even-numbered years for two Council seats, and in odd-numbered years for three Council seats. Municipal elections are a~-large and non-partisan. City Council terms begin at a special meeting on the Monday evening following the election. The positions of Mayor and Vice Mayor are elected by City Council each year from among its members at the same special meeting. City Council candidates must be qualified electors in the City and have actually continually resided in the City for a period of one year immediately preceding the final date for qualification. The qualifying period will run from January 7, 2005 to January 21, 2005, however, anyone wishing to begin a campaign may pre-qualify at any time by submitting an "Appointment of Campaign Treasurer and Designation of Campaign Depository" form. Please contact City Clerk, Sally Male at 589-5330 for further information. Candidate qualifying handbooks are available m the office at this time and can also be found on the City of Sebastian website www. cityofsebastian.org. Employee of the Quarter We are proud to an,nounce that Mark Veldt is the City s Employee of the third Quarter. Mark began his employment with the City of Sebastian on July 14, 1997 as a Maintenance Worker and was promoted to Building Supervisor, in June 2004. The City is proud to have Mark as part of the City of Sebastian staff. Mark has a wide variety of construction experience and was instrumental in assisting the City with its recent hurricane property damage assessment process. Thanks Mark! 2004 Sebastian Open at Sebastian Golf Course December 18 and 19, 2004 Ail Players Invited, Divisions Include: P~ofessional, Men, Senior (+50), Super Senior (+60), Masters (+70) and Women First 30 professionals and first 120 amateurs taken.~ Deadline for Entry: December 16, 2004 at 12:00 noon! Entry Fee: Amateurs: $I00 Professionals: $175 Entry fee includes two rounds of golf with cart, unlimited range balls, tee prize, prime rib dinner on Sunday and prizes within flights. Name: Cut on Line Above and Turn~Mail Entry Into Golf Shop 2004 Sebastian Open Entry Phone: Handicap Division (Check One) Pro Senior (+50) Masters (+70) Men Super Senior (+60) Women Please Make Checks Payable to Sebastian Golf Course Entry Fee: Amateur $100, Professional $175 Deadline: December 16th, 12:00 noon - No Exceptions Sebastian Golf Course 101 E. Airport Drive Sebastian, FL 32958 Golf Shop Phone: 772-589-6801, Extension 3 POSTAl, PATRON PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID VERO BEACH, FL PERMIT NO. 218 printed b, Total Print