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Home My WebLink AboutSUMMER :<):' ;'!,:j?~\t::~,,;- }t~)H?: \~i,:(: ::>f/;:~f:\;";' e ":-::)P3':',,;XC:S," .,;" ';<'1!:~1I'~l:, ""--':".""Y':,:->{_",__,_':',,;.,.: !.(,:.~;~: ,(:-.: Pelican Vol. 6 No. '5 ~. ':Y-:\,:",::\:~'" ,\~< ;~+;::H;;\';\\> '''" ::~y:;;y) "i'T'.',"," '-c,,-':< ,"', . ,,":':,':, rief Official City of Sebastian Quarterly Newsletter Summer 2005 Fiscal Year 2006 Proposed Budget Message to Sebastltm Resilient. On July 29, the Fiscal Y.... 2006 Proposed Budget was submitted to your aty Council for review and consideration. This budget reconuuends a decrease in the operating millage rate from the current fiscal year 4.5904 to 3.9325. This arrangement is possible as result of a relative increase in property values over the prior year Annual increases in property values have avemged 11.66% over the past six years, whereas this year, property values increased 24%. General Food espenditures continuously re8ects a philosopby of lesser dependence on property taxes, as the City of Sebastian is currently esperiencing increases in outside revenues and alIocalioos, primarily as a result of being a growth conuuunity. For the Fiscal Y.... 2006 Proposed Budget, Ad Valorem taxes revenue represents 35.53% of total General Food proposed bndget estimates. The municipal services traditional to the residents of Sebastian are Police Services, Public Works, Recreation, Streets, and Ground Maintenance, paid for primarily from property taxes levied. In fiscal year 200S, the proposed property tax rate will represent 20% of your total tax bill. The balance of your tax bill, or 80% goes towards the schoois, county services (including fire rescue and other emergency services), and the special taxing districts. The following chari provides a distributioo of the tax bill for ad valorem taxes in Sebastian: FY 200S Proposed Percentage of TaxIng Authority Millage Rate Tota1 Tax Bill Indian Hiver Couoty General Food 3.52040 17.90% Emergency Services District 1.99110 10.13% Land Boods 0.37110 1.89% Total IndIan River Couoty 5.88260 29.92% School District of Indian River County: General Food 7.88000 40.07% Bonds 0.36000 1.83% Total To School District 8.24000 41.90% St John's River Water Management District 0.46200 2.35% Florida Inland Navigation District 0.03850 0.20% Mosquito Control District 0.22553 1.15% Indian River Hospind District 0.66327 3.37% Sebastian Inlet 0.21920 1.11% Total To Special Districts 1.60850 8.18% City of Sebastian 3.93250 20.00% Total Property Tax Bill 19.66360 100.00% Budget Highlights ContInruYI on Page 3 Thank You! The City of Sebastian is grateInl and extends a spedal "Thank You" to the following contributors for raising $10,579,94 in donations towards the 200S 4th ofJuly Fireworks Celebration: Adam Preuss Apprais<Il Services,Inc. Alliance Title Alpha Ace Hardware, Inc. Arnold Air Conditioning, Inc. Board of Connty Commissioners Burton, Dee Cap!. Hiram's Carpet To Go, Inc. Catalano Motors Coastline Tire & Anto Air, Inc. Complete Electric, Inc. Coniglio, Bay Conntry Ham'n Egg Restaurant, Inc. Dill & Evans Discount Golf, Inc. Edibna's Cieaning Service FEMA Foley/Marsiglio Fred's Anto Body of Sebastian, Inc. Friends of Historic Boseland GFWC Sebastian Hiver Junior Woman's Club Greens + Heads Up Sprinkler, Ioe. Highland Homes of Sebastian, Inc. Holfbine Family Hometown Pet Care Center, Inc. P.A. lruetWines Island AC & Heating, Inc. Kenney, K. Kenney, Kathy Kirkpatrick Pettis Kleen~Kut Lawn Service LPA Group Maronda, Inc. Maxwell & Son, Inc. McKinney, Ruth & Bruce McLangblin, Bill & Dot Megban's Cioset Mel Fisher Center Palmetto Tractor Service Inc. Paul Can Do, Inc. Perez, Alfred Pool Service by Andy Schacht, Inc. Riverside Hobbies Robinson, Loy & Paul S. Gloria Sebastian Animal Hospital & Bird Clinic Sebastian Cellular Sebastian PropertyOwoers Association Sebastian River Medical Center Sebastian Riverside Lawn Maintenance Smith, Richard & Drucilla The Bova family The Davis House The New Manliasset Apartments Walls, Peter & Dona Walter, Richard Wood'N Nichols, LLC Wrigh~ Douglas & Beth Yonng, Zeth & Gall Zaidi,SyedM.D., FACO, P.A. All Qear For New Runway at Sebastian Municipal Airport On Friday, Augu~ 12, 2005 ~ 8:30 3Il1 airport staI! ho~ed a grnnd opening ceremony for wh~ some can call "a whole new airport". Over the past several years, airport staff has heen diligently working on constructing and actIvating east-west Runway 8-26, i~ accompanying parallel Taxiway ''B'', a compl~e rehabilitatlon of Taxiway "A", and a new transient parking apron near the facility's upcoming General Aviatlon Terminal. This represen~ over 13.5 million of impfO\'eIIlen~ all of which are funded ~a grant agreemen~ with the FederaIA~ation Mmini~ration (FAA) and the FloridaDepartInent of Transportation (FDOT). All required matching funds come from airport revenues. Ci~ resident's tax dollars are not used for airport improvemenK The airport is a sell-suffident enterprise. Of these projec~, the re.lctivation of Ronway 8-26 has been the most critical, as this accomplishment allows for more compatible ilight tracks over the communi~ as well as offering nearly 200 more acres of property for commercial development on the field. This is something that our commoni~ has wanted for years, and is very sati$ng to he able to finally make this a reali~. Contimad on Pag' Two Algag: A Gmgn Blankgt on thg Canal Watgr7 By Ken]ones What arl! algal! bloomg and what eaugl!g thl!m? Algae are microscopic, free floating plants found in all surface waters and are the vital basis of the aquatic food chain. In natural water bodies not impacted by pollution, the amount of algae, and likewise the inherent productivity of an aquatic ecosystem, is held in balance by the competition for the low amounts of essential nutrients, primarily nitrogen and phosphorus. As the supply of nitrogen and phosphorus increase, the productivity of the algae increases and can take over the water body. Thus an algae bloom. While "productive" usually has a positive counotation, it is anything but, in this case. In surface waters, productive means too many nutrients spurring the growth of too many algae. When algae plants crowd together, the resulting "blooms" block sunlight from reaching underwater plants. Sunlight is vital for the growth of submerged vegetation that provides food and a place to live and grow for fish and animals. In addition, the algae lowers the levels of dissolved oxygen in the water, which sometimes can cause fish kills. This is especially true when the algae move into salty water, like the Indian River Lagoon, and causes a reduction in the amount of oxygen. Whl!m do nutril!ntg eoml! from? While nitrogen and phosphorus pollution comes from many sources, a great deal comes from nonpoint sources such as agricultural and residential lands. Nitrogen originates from fertilizers used in agriculture, residential and commercial landscaping, septic tank seepage and even pet waste. When it rains this nitrate rich water makes its way to the surface waters as direct stormwater runoff. The City of Sebastian Stormwater Division received a number of calls last October complaining about the large amount of algae in the canals. This algae "bloom" was a direct result of the fertilizer runoff from the tremendous amount of rainfall experienced from hurricanes Francis, Jeanne and tropical remnants of hurricane Ivan. What ean I do to hl!lp pmvl!nt algal! bloomg? When you fertilize: 1) Fertilize only as needed and follow the manufacturer's directions to maintain quality lawns and landscape plants and to prevent waste and over fertilization. 2) Use organic or other slow release fertilizers. 3) Use iron instead of nitrogen to make your lawn turn green. 4) If your property abuts a canal or ditch, leave at least 15 feet width between the fertilized portion of your lawn and the bank. 5) Pick up your pet waste and dispose of it properly. AU Clear Far NOlIII1unwly 1ft SehamanMuniripa/Airport- ConJi..d from Page Oat Work on this projecr included more than just asphalt "We had to buyout two of our tenan~' facilities, move and reconstruct two go~ hoies, move and hury power lines, clear trees, and demolish two hangers in order to clear the new runway approaches. It took the coordinatioo and cooperation of a iot of people to make this happen." Now that these projects are compiete, the City of Sehastian is left with nearly a brand new airport. This will go a long '~y in our effort to attract new jobs to the area. A Grnnd Openiog Ceremony \V:JS held & co-spoosored by Velocity, Inc. a kit plane manufacturer and long.time tenant of the airport. Skydi1. Sebstian performed a jump with the American llag to kick things off, foUowed hya rihhon cutting and first aircraft departure. There were severn! aircraft on sialic display, represeoting the types of planes based at the airport. Refreshmen~ and doou~ were sel'/ed. Introducing Sebastian's First Environmental Advisory Committee By lIish Adams On April13, 2005, seven (7) volunteers were selected by the City Council to serve on Sebastian's first Environmental Advisory Committee. The purpose of the committee is to study issues, hear presentations, and provide recommendations to the City Councll. The goal is to ensure that the City is implementing the best management practices during its operations, provide _j~~., recommendations to the . c City Council regarding ~ improvements to the City's "'" existing preservation and at environmental protection" --.......- policies, and seek opportunities to coordinate with other governmental entities. Each of the committee members are residents of Sebastian, some new and some seasoned. The members bring a strong background in environmental expertise. The Committee includes an arborist, consultant, activist, horticulturalist, biologist, and toxicologist. The unifying thread that is common among all members is a deep-seated love for Sebastian and the desire to conserve our City's natural resources in the face of increased development pressures. The members of the Environmental Committee include, Pat Beckwith, AI Davis, Michael Kidde, Therese Miller, Michael Mugas, Mary Ann Krueger (Vice-Chair) and Trish Adams (Chair.). The Environmental Committee is interested to hear about your concerns. The public is welcome to attend our meetings, which are held on the second Thesday of each month at 6:00 p.m., at the Sebastian City Council Chambers. Be A Poll Worker! The Indian River County Supervisor of Elections needs you! The 2006 election cycle will soon be upon us and we have a busy year with three elections. Poll Workers are vital to the success of the election process. People become Poll Workers to support their community, L meet new friends and neighbors, and ~. 4 to be a participant in the election . process. Contact the Poll Worker ....... ..... Coordinator to learu more at , "772-567-8187, ex!., 1457. .. Bu?get Highlights ..,. A review 01 the current Fiscal Year 2005 budget higblights con/inus that a budget is a planning document reconunending the allocation 01 resources that will accomplish a municipality's goals and viston. Duriiig the last month 01 the Fiscal Year 2004, the City was impacted by two unexpected major hurricanes, which caused more than $4.5 million in property danaage and clean up costs. City staff, has been aggressively working on reimbursement from insurance providers and FEMA and experienced no cash flow shortfall. Besides the hurricane related repairs projects still in progress, nearly 95% 01 the budget tasks progranuned in the Fiscal Year 2005 budget have been completed, with still two months remaining in the current fiscal year. The Proposed Fiscal Year 2006 Budget will not depart from the current direction 01 the city, and we will stay the course by undertaking the lollowing programs, projects and activities: . Opening and dedication 01 the historic Sebastian Elementary School, with financial assistance from the State 01 Florida Bureau 01 F1istoric Preservation Special Category Grant Program; . Opening and dedication 01 Sebastian Municipal Airport Administration Facility, to include the Department 01 Public Works and the Department 01 Engineering office space and customer service areas; . Opening and dedication 01 the Sebastian Police Evidence Compound at Sebastian Municipal Airport; . CompletioI1 01 the Louisiana Avenue Area Improvement Program, with financial assistance from the State 01 Florida Small Cities Neighborhood Revitalization Category Conununity Development Block Grant Program; . Completion 01 Taxiway A and parking apron at Sebastian Municipal Airport; . Completion 01 Public Works Compound Expansion Phase I projec~ . Continue partnership with Waste Management, Lnc., to provide municipal solid waste collection service via an exclusive five year renewable option franchise agreement authorized by City Council in June 2003; . Continue implementation 01 the Sebastian Stormwater Utility Master Plan Capital Improvement Program as adopted by City Council in Fiscal Year 2003; . Continuation 01 Citywide Parks Constroction Program, with financial assistance from the Parks and Recreation Impact Fee Fund and various state grants; . Continuation 01 Street Resurfacing Program; . Continue successful grantmanship program; . Continue Riverview Park Expansion Program; . Continue School Resource Officer program to provide services to youth at both Sebastian Elementary School and Pelican Elementary School; . Continue implementation 01 sidewalk installation program; . Reconunend final updates and revisions to the Sebastian Comprehensive Plan - per reqnirements 01 the State 01 Florida Department 01 Conununity Affairs; . Partnership with Sebastian Conununity Redevelopment Agency to initiate additional projects and programs to benefit the Conununity Redevelopment District; . Continue implementation 01 Sebastian Municipal Airport Master Plan; . Continue capital improvements at Sebastian Municipal Airport - via partnership with the Florida Department 01 Transportation (FDOT) Aviation Section and with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), to include complete construction and reopening 01 Runway 9-27; . Continue economic development policy Iormulation and marketing eflorts. The Proposed Fiscal Year 2006 Budget continues to represent the character 01 a city whose unique identity distingnishes itself from other geographic areas 01 both Lndian River County and throughout the Treasure Coast. Ln sununary, the Fiscal Year 2006 Proposed Budget outlines and supports the city's good financial position; further expands city-wide beautification; continues attention to preserving and enhancing our conununity's small town atmosphere; encourages conservation initiatives; supportive 01 expanding private/public partnerships and economic development. To learn more about the City 01 Sebastian FY 2005-2006 proposed budget, leel 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. The Sebastian Clambake Lagoon Festival The Sebastian Clambake Lagoon Festival is back after the third annual event was lost to the storms last year. Fresh sealood booths Ieaturing clams, live music, historic re.enactments, boat show, carnival rides, boat races, children's activities, volleyball tournament, kayak poker run, boat rides, craft show and more, will again be the locus in Sebastian's Riverview Park from 2 p.m. Friday November 4th thru Sunday evening November 6th! Free admission and parking. The Sebastian Clambake, billed as a "Lagoon Festival", celebrates our special way 01 life along the Lodian River, which has been the life-blood 01 our conununity from the beginning. The lagoon provides our people with recreation, tranquil beauty and has led our people lor generations...in fact, the local fishing Iantilies dug the initial inlet themselves as a means 01 increasing the catch. The proudly-held "cracker fisherman' image 01 the conunuuity has survived the influx 01 new residents that grew up along the North Atlantic Seaboard where summer's end is often celebrated at the beach around a clambake 01 local seafood. The Sebastian Clambake was envisioned as a bridge between these gnitling lorces 01 our conununity. The Iestival is organized by the Sebastian Clambake Fonndation, Loc., a nonprofit corporation, and the proceeds are dedicated to a local non-profit capital project. The first two Clambakes designated the Boys and Girls Club's Sebastian Building Fund as the beneflciary, and donated over $83,000 towards the facility now nearing completion on Main Street Emergency Management / Disaster Recovery A volunteer program for citizens to assist law enforcement, the city enghreerlng and publk works departments In the event of a natural or domestk disaster. The Police Department, Engineering and Public Works Departments are now looking lor conununity volunteers from different parts 01 the city to assist with improvement 01 our conununication network Following enlistment, the volunteers would receive training on facilitation conununicatious and how to provide early identification 01 problems 01 an urgent nalore. The volnnteers will be designated a particular sector 01 the City and report via telephone/messages problems that exist in their sector(s). The volunteers are strictly used to report problems and will not participate in the actual recovery process. Examples 01 some problems: downed power lines in the area, blocked or impassable streeVroads, serious damage to surronnding stroctores, severe llooding and drainage problems in the area and downed streeVtraffic signage/signals. The City 01 Sebastian is looking to improve its conununication network that is so vital after a disaster. This program is not requesting that any citizen(s) risk life or property to complete this task We are looking lor concerned individuals who wish to be involved with the recovery process that is so badly needed after a disaster. This program is still in the Iormative stage with further development depending upon the extent and nalore 01 volunteer interest. If you think you might be interested in talting part in this conununity volunteer program, please contact the City at 589-5490. If you leave your name, address, telephone number and/or e- mail address, we will get back to you shortly thereafter. Sebastiat1 M14t1icil'al Golf C014rse News UI'toming Fuddraising Golf Tournaments October 8 Sebastian Rotary Golf Tournament Contact Doris Sleeger @ 664-8160 October 15 VFW Post 10210 Sebastian Golf Tournament Contact Milt Ewing @ 589-3405 October 22 St. Seabstian Church Golf Tournament Contact Michael Vnkovich @ 388-2210 October 29 Sebastian Elks Golf Tournament Contact Joe Madigan @ 589-0746 November 5 Sebastian Eagles Golf Tournament Contact Rick Philo @ 580-2203 November 12 Sebastian River Middle School Band Golf Tournament Contact Vince Capo @ 564-5128 2005 Sebastian Open - November 19th & 20th Plan now to play in one nf the areas premier amateur gnIfing evenK Dilisioos will include Open Men's DMsion, Senior Men's (ages 50-59), Super Senior Men's (ages 60-69), Master Men's (ages 70 and above) and Open Women's Dilision. The 2005 Sebasli3n Open entails two dajS ofindMdnal stroke play and is open totbefirst 160 players. Foran entry fee of jloo, 3ll players receive two rounds of goff with cart, tinlimiled rnnge balls, prizes \\ithin divisinoslllighls and a prime rib dinner on Sunday. AppUcations are al3ilable at the Sebastian Goff Course Goff Shop or on our websUe: www.sebastianEoffcourse.com. Sebastian River High School Boys & Girls Golf Sebasli3n Municipal Goff Course bas alwajS been the borne course 10 the Sebastian River High School BojS and Girls Goff Teams. Congratulations to 3ll current members of each team. Their seasons run from the st:u1 of school through October. SRHS BojS Goff Team - Head CoadI Brian McMIDlon Justin Brock RicbJrd Dale Greg Daniels Juatin H3ll Jonathan Kubacki Andrew Martin Zach MarOn Eric Mathis Weekly Leagues Below is a listing of weekly leagues and evenIs offered at Sebastian Municipal Goff Conrs~ For any additional information, please call the goff shop at 58~1, ex! 3. Monday - Wojo's Mooday League lIIesday - Sebastian Women's Goff Associatioo, Sebastian Bnsine&\ League Wednesday - Sebastian Men's Goff Assoctation Thursday - Thursday Couples, Sebastian Business League Friday - B!3dy Bunch Saturday - Rocky BIiiz Sunday - Sunday Buncb Btitt SRlIS Girls Goff Team - Head CoadI Greg Gardner Laura Curtis Eon-Ab Hwang Abby Maldonado Whitney Poole KjlJ. Ritchie Erica Schwm PRSRT STD ECRWSS u.s. POSTAGE PAID VERO BEACH, FL PERMIT NO. 218 POSTAL PATRON Sebastian, Florida 32958