HomeMy WebLinkAbout11142007CEN OF
--.-
HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND
SEBASTIAN CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2007 - 7:00 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA
Mayor Coy called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. Council Member Wolff led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. A moment of silence was held.
4. Council Member Wolff read the Civility Pledge.
We will be respectful of one another even when we disagree. We will direct all comments to the
issues. We will avoid personal attacks.
5. ROLL CALL
City Council Present:
Mayor Andrea Coy
Vice-Mayor Sal Neglia
Council Member AI Paternoster
Council Member Dale Simchick
Council Member Eugene Wolff
Staff Present:
City Manager, AI Minner
City Attorney, Rich Stringer
City Clerk, Sally Maio
Deputy City Clerk, Jeanette Williams
MIS Systems Analyst, Barbara Brooke
Airport Director, Joe Griffin
Growth Management Director, Rebecca Grohall
Building Director, Wayne Eseltine
Police Chief, Jim Davis
Public Works Director, Jerry Converse
Regular City Council Meeting
November 14, 2007
Page Two
6. AGENDA MODIFICATIONS
Modifications and additions require unanimous vote of City Council members
The City Manager requested removal of item 12A -Resolution No. R-07-46 on behalf of
Mayor Coy which he said would be brought back at another time. Voice Vote 5-0 to
remove.
7. PROCLAMATIONS, AWARDS, BRIEF ANNOUNCEMENTS
Presentations of proclamations, certificates and awards, and brief timely announcements by Council and
Staff. No public input or action under this heading.
07.190 A. Proclamation -Sebastian Safe Boating Week -November 17-24, 2007
Mayor Coy read the Sebastian Safe Boating Week Proclamation and then turned
the presentation over to Sebastian Inlet Sail and Power Squadron Commander
Lynn Brown, Lieutenant Dave Werner, Past Rear Commander Frank Dougherty,
and Staff Commander Nigel Hargreaves to Present Life Preservers to Police Chief
Davis and Officer Tom Poore and Indian River County Sheriffs Office Captain Paul
Fafeita and Sergeant Tony Consalo and then introduced Arden J. Greer Estate
Trustee Nancy Greenwald. (see presentation script attached)
The Power Squadron will be giving away life vests on Saturday, November 17,
2007 at the spoil island across from the Main Street ramp.
Announcements
Mayor Coy announced that the Salvation Army needs bell ringers at Wal-Mart
from November 19th thru December 24th, 10 am to 8 pm and anyone interested
can call Elaine McNeil at 473-5167.
8. CONSENT AGENDA
All items on the consent agenda are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no
separate discussion of consent agenda items unless a member of City Council so requests; in which event, the
item will be removed and acted upon separately. If a member of the public wishes to provide input on a
consent agenda item, he/she should request a Council Member to remove the item for discussion prior to start
of the meeting or by raising his/her hand to be recognized.
1-10 A. Approval of Minutes - 10/24/07 Regular Meeting
07.040 B. Resolution No. R-07-42 - FY 2007 4th Quarter Budget Amendment (Finance
11-59 Transmittal, R-07-42, Memo, Capital Project Status Report, Schedule of
Investments, 4th Quarter Accomplishments and Operating Statement)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SEBASTIAN, INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA ADOPTING
AN AMENDED BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2006 AND ENDING
SEPTEMBER 30, 2007 AS PROVIDED FOR IN EXHIBIT "A"; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS;
AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
2
Regular City Council Meeting
November 14, 2007
Page Three
07.191 C. Award Sunshine Land Design the Annual Quarter Round Installation Contract at
61-63 $15.95 per LF not to Exceed Annual Budgeted Amount of $818,444 (PW
Transmittal, Bid Tabulation)
07.178 D. Waive Bid and Approve Purchase of 2006 JCB Model 3CX14XD Loader/
Excavator for Sebastian Municipal Airport from Pippin Tractor, Ft. Pierce in the
Amount of $52,000 Based on FDOT Approval as Unique Item (Airport Director
Transmittal, Four Quotes, FDOT Memo and E-Mail)
07.183 E. Street Closings for 12/1/07 Parade -Main Street from US 1 to River and Indian
s5 River Drive from South of Jefferson to Riverview Park Only for Duration of Parade
as it Progresses -Sebastian Boulevard from River to Just East of Hess for
Duration of Event (City Clerk Transmittal)
Mr. Neglia removed item C.
Mr. Paternoster removed item D.
MOTION by Ms. Simchick and SECOND by Mr. Paternoster to approve items A, B,
and E.
Roll call result as follows:
Ayes: Neglia, Paternoster, Simchick, Wolff, Coy
Nays: None
Passed 5-0
Item C
Mr. Neglia asked if this represented nine miles and whether the concrete contractor's
cost would be an additional amount. The City Manager responded that the $800,000
does include concrete improvement which will make it almost nine miles of quarter
round improvement.
In response to Mr. Paternoster, the City Manager said the City would continue to
maintain swales and ditches under a separate contract.
MOTION by Mr. Neglia and SECOND by Mr. Wolff to approve item C -Award Sunshine
Land Design the Annual Quarter Round Installation Contract at $15.95 per LF not to
Exceed Annual Budgeted Amount of $818,444.
Roll call result as follows:
Ayes: Paternoster, Simchick, Wolff, Coy, Neglia
Nays: None
Passed 5-0
Regular City Council Meeting
November 14, 2007
Page Four
Item D
Mr. Paternoster said the warranty is two years rather than the one year that is stated in
the agenda packet and asked the Airport Manager to address this for Council.
The Airport Manager said he had not been able to obtain that information by press
time but did provide it to Council after the fact.
Mr. Paternoster commended him for his cost saving efforts with this equipment.
MOTION by Mr. Paternoster and SECOND by Ms. Simchick to approve item D -Waive
Bid and Approve Purchase of 2006 JCB Model 3CX14XD Loader/ Excavator for
Sebastian Municipal Airport from Pippin Tractor, Ft. Pierce in the Amount of $52,000
Based on FDOT Approval as Unique Item.
Roll call result as follows:
Ayes: Simchick, Wolff, Coy, Neglia, Paternoster
Nays: None
Passed 5-0
9. COMMITTEE REPORTS & APPOINTMENTS
City committee reports and Council Member regional committee reports. No public input or action except for
City committee member nominations and appointments under this heading.
07.012 A. Construction Board
67-73 (City Clerk Transmittal, Application, Ad, Board Member List)
i. Interview Unless Waived, Submit Nominations for One Expired Regular
Member, HARV Contractor Position to Expire 9/30/2010
Mr. Neglia and Mr. Paternoster nominated Mr. Delassandro and being no other
applicants he was appointed to the HARV contract position to expire 9/30/2010.
07.004 B. Natural Resources Board
75-82 (City Clerk Transmittal, Application, Board Member List, Ad)
i. Interview Unless Waived, Submit Nominations for One Unexpired Regular
Member Position to Expire 7/1/2008
Harvey Wheeler said he thought he could help the City on this board and cited his
extensive education and background for Council.
Mr. Neglia and Mr. Paternoster nominated Mr. Wheeler and being the only applicant he
was appointed to the unexpired regular member position to expire 7/1/2008.
Mr. Neglia noted the committee application form still lists committees that have been
repealed and the City Clerk said it would be corrected.
4
Regular City Council Meeting
November 14, 2007
Page Five
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS
07.182 A. Public Hearing and 2"d Reading of Ordinance No. 0-07-14 -Change `Occupational
s3-s2 License' to `Local Business Tax' (City Attorney Transmittal, 0-07-14)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA, AMENDING CODE OF
ORDINANCES CHAPTER 30 BUSINESSES ARTICLES II LICENSING TO REFLECT
STATUTORY CHANGES; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY AND EFFECTIVE
DATE.
The City Attorney read the title and Mayor Coy opened the public hearing at 7:28 p.m.
Louise Kautenberg, Sebastian, said she holds abroker/salesperson license and has to
pay a higher fee than most people she works with in her real estate company.
The City Attorney responded that he did seek an Attorney General Opinion on her
situation in 1999 which ruled there is no applicable statute allowing an exemption for real
estate agents operating under a broker.
Mayor Coy closed the hearing at 7:33 p.m.
Mr. Wolff said it is unfortunate that Ms. Kautenberg is being penalized for the license that
she holds, and in his opinion, government is finally admitting this is a tax.
The City Attorney said if the legislature allows a future equity study, the amount might be
changed at that time.
MOTION by Mr. Paternoster and SECOND by Ms. Simchick to adopt Ordinance No. 0-
07-14.
Roll call result as follows:
Ayes: Wolff, Coy, Neglia,
Nays: None
Passed 5-0
11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Paternoster, Simchick
07.179 A. 2008 Earth Day Location and Determination of City Responsibilities (City Clerk
s3 Transmittal)
Nancy Wood, Indian River Green Team, said the Vero group would love to have the City
join them in sharing the Earth Day celebration. She asked if the City would like to
donate use of its stage for the 2008 event.
The City Manager said if Council blesses use of the stage in Vero he would make it
happen.
5
Regular City Council Meeting
November 14, 2007
Page Six
Mayor Coy pointed out the City would not charge for use of its park in Sebastian and
expects the groups to hold the event in Sebastian in 2009.
Mr. Neglia expressed concern about the stage being taken out of town. Ms. Wood said
she would look at other options and just wanted to work together.
MOTION by Ms. Simchick and SECOND by Mr. Paternoster to allow the City's stage to
go down to Vero Beach with the City's Natural Resources Board in conjunction with the
2008 Earth Day celebration carried on a voice vote 5-0.
07.149 B. Construction Board Presentation -Recommendation on Board Responsibilities and
95-97 Meetings (Transmittal, Draft Minutes of 10/30/07 Meeting)
The City Manager presented a power point presentation to synopsize the issues of the
Construction Board (see attached). He recommended eliminating sponsorships at this
time.
Frank Garland, Construction Board Chair, addressed Council, said the committee has
met and spoken with the Manager and Attorney and unanimously agreed with
eliminating sponsorships, and recommended an increase from $500 to $5000 for
unlicensed contractor fines. He said staff and the Board were looking at different ways
of collecting the fines, that it will probably require hiring someone to catch unlicensed
contractors and if we increase fines we may generate enough to pay for this person. He
said the Building Official is doing a tremendous job, but it is a bad economy and the
contractors in the area are stressed, looking for work and are saying we need to do
something about unlicensed people.
All members of Council agreed with eliminating sponsorships and increasing fines to
regulate unlicensed contractors.
In response to Mr. Paternoster, the City Attorney said there is a provision that you can
take a citation to the Special Magistrate and he can impose a lien.
The City Manager offered that the City's ordinance can be changed so that violations go
to the Magistrate rather than County Court and the Magistrate could place liens on
contractor assets.
The City Attorney explained it would take a lot of work to find enough assets to recoup a
$5,000.00 lien.
It was the consensus of Council to bring back an ordinance to eliminate sponsorship on
November 28, 2007 and agree to look at changing the fine for unlicensed contractors.
Mayor Coy called recess at 8:15 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 8:28 p.m. All
members were present.
6
Regular City Council Meeting
November 14, 2007
Page Seven
07.159 C. Council Short and Long Term Goals Recap from 10/17/07 Workshop and Set Goals
99-104 for Charter Officers (City Clerk Transmittal, Goals List from 10/24/07)
Mr. Paternoster agreed with the short and long term goals established at the October
workshop but added to the long term list future outlook for fresh water, and that
construction at the Airport be built to green standards. He said he would like to sit down
with the City Manager and Airport Manager to look at wind power at the Airport and then
bring it back to Council.
Mayor Coy added to her short term goals -continued efforts toward being a Tree City
USA every year and budget for it. Council members agreed.
Mr. Neglia added two items to long term goals -more mangroves along the river and
look at incorporating hybrid cars to the City's fleet. Council members agreed.
Mr. Paternoster said he had two individuals who could make a short presentation to
Council on the vehicles.
Ms. Simchick also added green building in the City.
Mayor Coy suggested calling these goals Energy Efficiency with subtitles.
Ms. Simchick asked about a T1 line and Barbara Brooke responded that hopefully it will
be in place and operating by the first of year. Ms. Simchick said that could be crossed off
the list.
Ms. Simchick asked how the comprehensive plan update is going and the City Manager
said the RFP has gone out to bid and will probably come back to Council for contract at
the first of the year.
Ms. Simchick discussed the traffic prone area at U.S. 1 and Jackson Street, stating the
MPO will have a presentation by FDOT at their meeting in December and perhaps one
of the City Council members can attend to address improvements for this intersection.
Ms. Simchick added to her long term list -historic preservation. All members agreed.
Mr. Wolff said the first four goals can be combined under Economic Development.
MOTION by Ms. Simchick and SECOND by Mr. Wolff to approve the list with additions
carried on a voice vote of 5-0.
07.139 D. Proper Location for "Public Input" on Agendas (City Clerk Transmittal)
105
Mr. Wolff said he was concerned with people who had something to say during public
input but do not get an opportunity due to lack of time, and suggested perhaps Council
find some method to have their input carry over to the next meeting like asign-up sheet.
7
Regular City Council Meeting
November 14, 2007
Page Eight
Mr. Neglia recommended staying with five minutes and leaving it where it is on the
agenda.
Mr. Paternoster said at the July retreat he thought public input should be moved up on
the agenda to allow the public to speak, and it was Mr. Neglia who suggested waiting
sixty days to readdress it. Mr. Paternoster suggested it be moved back to where it was
originally now that there is a five minute time limit and have asign-up sheet in case
Council does run out of time.
Mayor Coy asked where it was and after brief research it was noted it came after Public
Hearing and before Old Business. Ms. Simchick said she would like to see it after public
hearing, but not if there is unfinished business because these are business meetings.
Mr. Wolff suggested somewhere in the middle of the meeting.
MOTION by Mr. Paternoster and SECOND by Ms. Simchick to move public input to
follow Unfinished Business carried on a voice vote of 5-0.
12. NEW BUSINESS
07.079 A. Resolution No. R-07-46 -Pursuing Measures to Become Green Local Government
107-122 (City Clerk Transmittal, R-07-46, FLC President Letter, Green Local Government
Standard
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SEBASTIAN, INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA, TO PURSUE
MEASURES TO BECOME A "GREEN LOCAL GOVERNMENT" THROUGH IMPROVED
ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE, USING CRITERIA AND STANDARDS DEVELOPED BY THE
FLORIDA GREEN BUILDING COALITION, AND ENCOURAGING THE LEGISLATURE AND
GOVERNOR TO SUPPORT THE GREEN LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROGRAM, PROVIDING FOR
EFFECTIVE DATE.
This item was removed during agenda modifications.
07.088 B. Florida Inland Navigation District Grant Agreement (Growth Management
123-156 Transmittal, Agreement)
Mr. Paternoster asked if certain requirements such as the payment by reimbursement
basis and showing that the City has the match upfront would hurt the City and the City
Manager responded they were typical grant requirements.
Mayor Coy congratulated Growth Management for obtaining this grant.
In response to Mr. Neglia, the City Attorney said fees can be charged on an equal basis
to everyone and the revenues can be used to maintain the improvement.
MOTION by Mr. Neglia and SECOND by Ms. Simchick to approve the grant agreement with
the Florida Inland Navigation District up to the amount of $487,532.00 for the Main Street
Boat Ramp Trailer Parking Acquisition project.
Regular City Council Meeting
November 14, 2007
Page Nine
Roll call result as follows:
Ayes: Coy, Neglia, Paternoster, Simchick
Nays: Wolff
Passed 4-1
07.192 C. First Reading of Ordinance No. 0-07-04 -Height in Riverfront -Set Public Hearing
157- 163 for December 12, 2007 (City Attorney Transmittal, 0-07-04)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA, AMENDING CODE OF ORDINANCES
SECTION 54-2-5.10(A)(2) SIZE AND DIMENSION CRITERIA; HEIGHT REGULATIONS AND
EXCEPTIONS THERETO; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, CONFLICTS AND EFFECTIVE
DATE.
The City Attorney read the title and gave a background on the riverfront height issue,
noting the measurement from the crown of the road was taken out in 2000 due to the
fact that it did not get transferred over to the permanent riverfront regulations and
measurement was to be (if the flood plain was not involved) at the average grade of ten
feet from exterior corners; and where the FEMA line is involved, the measurement
should begin at the FEMA line. In 2006, there was one building over 25 feet where
Planning and Zoning Commission (P & Z) requested more information and at the same
time the Paradise Marina plan was under review so the determination was held in
abeyance as to not influence the Paradise Marina project and now the measurement
point should be determined. The P & Z Commission rejected consideration of the
measurement point because there is a minimal number of affected lots.
He said he has offered some alternatives including going back to road crown because it
is more stable, however, due to the limited impact it may have it may not be worth
making a change at all.
Ruth Sullivan said the measurement from the crown of the road had always worked
when it was in place, now for some of the sites there are three stories, with cupolas you
can end up with four stories.
Tom Collins, Capt'n Hirams, said it is impossible to build four stories of livable space.
He asked how you can have a vista if you have 35 feet on the west side of Indian River
Drive. He urged that Council take it to the FEMA line because you will restrict people to
where the crown of the road is.
Robert Nielson, property owner, concurred with Mr. Collins, urged approval of the FEMA
line. He stated if he was restricted he would have to build wider which would restrict
more of the visibility of the river.
Louise Kautenberg, Sebastian, said Council needs to treat all people fairly and the only
way to do so is with the FEMA line.
9
Regular City Council Meeting
November 14, 2007
Page Ten
Damien Gilliams, 1623 US 1, said he attended past P & Z meetings on this issue. He
said there was no notice for tonight's meeting to property owners and this will take away
private property rights, and urged this be left alone.
Ms. Simchick said she was not in favor of this, noting the City Attorney said he was
directed by prior Council to bring this forward, and we should see if there is a better way
to protect the vista such as reviewing what has been built, determining what is city
property, purchase property, apply for FRDAP grants to buy parks, approach owners for
conservation easements, and outright buys. She said she would view this as a
governmental take.
Mr. Wolff said he could not figure out why this was before us tonight and asked what is
the motivation for this tonight.
The City Attorney explained it was requested by a prior Council but had to go through
the P & Z process first.
Mayor Coy agreed with the FEMA line, looking at transfer of development rights.
Mr. Neglia asked what the difference between the FEMA line and the crown of road is.
The City Attorney said the FEMA line is the base flood elevation, how high they think the
water will reach once in 100 years on average, over eternity and it is mapped out along
the riverfront.
Mr. Neglia and Mr. Paternoster agreed with the FEMA line.
The City Attorney suggested bringing the ordinance back amended, by changing
provision 54.2-5.10 average construction grade "of all exterior corners" in the glossary to
"measured out 10 feet from that corner" to prevent the house on the hill effect and
eliminate the second reference in the glossary.
MOTION by Mr. Wolff and SECOND by Mr. Paternoster to pass as amended by the City
Attorney and bring it for public hearing on 12/12/07.
Mayor Coy asked Mr. Gilliams to put his hand down.
Roll call result as follows:
Ayes: Neglia, Paternoster, Wolff, Coy
Nays: Simchick
Passed 4-1
10
Regular City Council Meeting
November 14, 2007
Page Eleven
13. PUBLIC INPUT
Public Input for each individual is five minutes, however, it can be extended or terminated by a majority vote of
Council members present.
Alma Miller, Dept. of Health, Easy Street, Sebastian, Indian River County Health
Department, said HIV/Aids is epidemic in the State of Florida, there have been three
teenagers who tested positive for aids in Indian River County and the Health
Department's mission is to spread information to educate and test the public, noting they
are looking for a better outlet in the north county area and asked for Sebastian's help in
bringing this information to residents.
Mayor Coy recommended she get with the City Clerk to place information on Channel
25.
Ms. Miller said people can call John May 794-7477 for further information
Damien Gilliams, said Mayor Coy is inconsistent in allowing him to speak on agenda
items stating he was not allowed to speak on Earth Day but then acknowledged for the
next item. She responded and he cut her off.
Mayor Coy said if he is going to ask questions, he should expect answers. She gave
him a first warning and then a second warning.
She said it was her decision not to recognize him during administrative business and
that is her prerogative. She gave him a third warning and asked that he be removed.
Mr. Gilliams was removed by Police Lieutenant Lockhart. Mr. Gilliams asked for a point
of order.
Mr. Gilliams yelled from the back of the room that she is Gestapo and she asked the
Police Chief to hold him outside so she could speak to him.
14. CITY ATTORNEY MATTERS
Reported on an unsafe structure on Indian River Drive; encouraged Council attendance at
Special Magistrate hearings which is functioning very well; advised that points of order can
only be raised by a member of the body; the Mayor has initial call on discretionary
recognition and any member can appeal the rule of the chair; reported on a counter
proposal received from Fellsmere on the annexation issue and received a consensus for
an attorney-client session to discuss this matter at 6 p.m. on November 28, 2007.
15. CITY MANAGER MATTERS
Reported on filling the Finance Director position with Ken Kilgore who will start on December
12, 2007 and be introduced at the November 28, 2007 Council meeting.
11
Regular City Council Meeting
November 14, 2007
Page Twelve
16. CITY CLERK MATTERS
None.
17. CITY COUNCIL MATTERS
A. Ms. Simchick
Ms. Simchick said she is happy about the historical museum and the grand opening is
November 27, 2007 from 11 am to 2 pm.
B. Mr. Wolff
Mr. Wolff discussed receipt of letters from Ashbury property owners regarding the back
gate. The City Manager said Growth Management is drafting a letter for him to send and
they will have to fix their gate rather than use the chain that is there now because the
code requires two entrances.
Mr. Wolff said there are products available that could photograph offenders.
Mayor Coy said she and Chief Davis and the Growth Management Director spoke to the
Association Manager and he was told it was approved as a gated community and not a
barricaded community. She said she offered to hold a town hall meeting to discuss the
concerns of the community and offer some other solutions.
C. Mayor Coy
Mayor Coy apologized to the public for continued outbursts and thanked Council for a
really great meeting.
D. Mr. Neglia
Mr. Neglia presented information on Elder Helpline (see attached); said at the beginning
of the hurricane season he asked for volunteers to help put up shutters and Chris Hill
and his staff of Sebastian Aluminum came forward to volunteer and he wanted to
publicly thank him for his offer and would like a letter of recognition to him and his staff.
E. Mr. Paternoster
Mr. Paternoster requested that we take a few more seconds during our moment of
silence and recommended 20 seconds. He said he had received several complaints
relative to increased helicopter and flight activity at the Airport and he had asked Mr.
Griffin to stay tonight to give us a synopsis of what is being done.
12
Regular City Council Meeting
November 14, 2007
Page Thirteen
The Airport Director said there has been an increase in transient training operations, that
he and the City Manager had a discussion with three of the training groups. He said the
public should know he tries to find solutions that benefit the community, and has had
assurances that they will do something about their operations. He said the Silver States
helicopter folks have been very cooperative and he has seen a difference, but he has
not seen a difference in Flight Safety which has increased.
Ms. Simchick asked if this can be a future agenda item because it needs to be
addressed.
MOTION by Ms. Simchick and SECOND by Mr. Paternoster to extend the meeting.
There was no objection from Council.
Mr. Neglia discussed heavy plane traffic this past weekend.
18. Being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m.
Approved at the November 28th, 2007 Regular City Council meeting.
Andrea Coy, Mayor
ATT T.' g
i ~~. ~--
Sally A. Maio, MC -City Cle//%
13
Agenda -Sebastian Council Meeting, November 14th, 2007
Mayor Coy's Introduction (2m 15s)
It is my pleasure to make the opening remarks on a presentation that is about to be made to the Council
this evening regarding a project that will benefit our boating community.
Five years ago a small group of United States Power Squadron Members, four from the Vero Beach
Power Squadron and two from Port St Lucie Power Squadron determined that there was a need for a
squadron herein Sebastian to promote safety on the water through educating the public. From that
small nucleus of members, the seed grew into the squadron that we now have today, with almost 100
members. Despite the perils of Frances and Jeanne when they lost their home at the Yacht Club, and
membership dwindled, the heart continued pounding, building up its membership again, moving their
home into the former Council Chambers and continuing to offer boating education to our community.
Since their inception, they have taught approximately five hundred members of the public a NASBLA
approved boating course, providing free courses to our young people in full time education, as well as
offering advanced education to their members.
Educating the public however is just one string to their bow; each week a group goes out into the ICW
and Inlet to take soundings, study currents, charting dangers that will affect safe passage, as well as a
multitude of other reports and submits then to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
who maintain the charts from the information received. Additionally they offer courtesy vessel
examinations to the public, individualized to the boats legal (must have) requirements and comfort
(should have) needs.
To talk about their latest project, I would like to welcome SEBASTIAN INLET SAIL & POWER SQUADRON
to the Council tonight to make their presentation.
Commander Lynne Brown
Executive Officer -Lieutenant Commander Dave Werner
Staff Commander Nigel Hargreaves, the liaison officer with the City of Sebastian and spokesman for the
squadron.
1 now would ask Nigel to take over and explain their program
Agenda -Sebastian Council Meeting, November 14th, 2007
Nigel Hargreaves (3 mins)
Madam Mayor, councilors, Messrs. Minner and Stringer- GOOD EVENING
November 17th, this coming Saturday is going to be a red letter day for our squadron and more
particularly for our community who spend so much of their time on, and around, the water. Firstly
however I have to backtrack almost nine months to a letter I received from a lady who thought our
squadron could help her achieve a goal of fulfilling the wishes of a recently departed friend. Nancy
Greenwald, together with others, has the responsibility of handling the Arden J Greer Charitable Trust.
Arden was a longtime resident of Sebastian and a lover of everything connected to the Indian River.
Some of you may recall a couple of years ago reading in the paper about a lady who had donated Kevlar
vests to the City Police Department, that was Arden. Indeed previous to that, she had donated the funds
to purchase and train the police dogs. The letter I received asked if we could come up with a project
that would stay in Sebastian, be centered on the water, and fulfill Arden's dreams and wishes.
We did, and we're standing here to tell you about it tonight. Firstly we set out to achieve matching
funding, thus doubling our purchasing power, then an approach was made to Mustang Survival Inc to
purchase live vests. Mustang Survival Inc felt this was an admirable cause and came up with a great offer
and provided these life vests to us at tremendous prices, throwing in the artwork, shipping and
advertising.
Everyone thinks of life vests as cumbersome, too hot to wear in the heat of Florida, unfashionable; but
these vests eliminate all those factors, as you can see! And most importantly they save lives! Maybe
yours (point finger at someone)
This coming Saturday we will be giving these jackets away on the Spoil Island immediately opposite the
Main Street Boat Ramp from gam till noon. All boat captains have to do is have their boat registration
documents with them and sign a statement agreeing to wear the vest at all times while operating their
vessel. It's as simple as that! We do have limited numbers of vests, so it will be on a first come first
served basis. We will also have a shuttle service operating from the boat ramp to the island for those
who did not bring their boat.
We will also be holding a Public Boating Course that morning in the Yacht Club to coincide with this
event, if anyone would like to sign up for the course it is not too late, simply call our registration number
766-3926.
Remember PREPAREDNESS and EDUCATION keep you safe on the water
Agenda -Sebastian Council Meeting, November 14th, 2007
Nigel Hargreaves (2 m 30 secs)
I would now ask Police Chief 1im Davis to step forward and receive the first live vest for Marine Officer
Tom Poore, which will be presented by Cdr Lynne Brown.
Also we would like to present a vest to Sheriff Roy Raymond for his Marine Officer (and I believe Capt
Paul Fafeita and Sergeant Tony Consalo are here as the Sheriff's representatives), making this
presentation will be Lt/C Dave Werner
Now there is one person here today, that has made all this possible, I would like to introduce the
Trustee of the Arden J Greer Charitable Trust.......... Nancy Greenwald.
(Nancy to write) (1m 30s)
Finally a closing comment from our Commander (30 secs)
Sebastian is a wonderful community for people who enjoy the water. Recent improvements, such as the
dredging of the Sebastian Inlet, make us ever more attractive for boaters. The U.S. Power Squadron
strives for safety on the water, and I am pleased that our goals mirror those of our city. Thank you City
of Sebastian. And remember, wear your life vest.
Total Duration time under 10 minutes