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HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND
SEBASTIAN CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2008 - 6:30 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA
Mayor Coy called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. Council Member Simchick led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. A moment of silence was held.
4. Council Member Simchick 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
Airport Director, Joseph Griffin
Growth Management Director, Rebecca Grohall
Police Lieutenant, Michelle Morris
Police Lieutenant, Greg Witt
MIS Systems Analyst, Barbara Brooke-Reese
6. AGENDA MODIFICATIONS
Modifications and additions require unanimous vote of City Council members
None.
7. ITEMS CARRIED FORWARD FROM THE AUGUST 13, 2008 AGENDA
08.014 A. Set New Bi-Annual Goals for Charter Officers As Required by Resolution R-07-31
~-~ (City Clerk Transmittal, R-07-31, January Goals)
Council began the discussion with the City Manager's goals.
Regular City Council Meeting
August 27, 2008
Page Two
Mr. Neglia requested in addition to the goals listed, that the City Manager find more ways
to "go green," and redesign of the CAVCORP property.
Mayor Coy requested the implementation of the Economic Development Plan as part of
goal number two. She said his goal number one is on-going.
Mr. Wolff asked the City Manager to explore alternative revenue sources.
Ms. Simchick agreed, seek alternative revenue sources, asked the properties along the
east side of Indian River Drive be visually color-coded as owned/for sale-
occupied/unoccupied-residential/commercial map to see if it can be donated or traded for
conservation easements, the City should "go green," and asked about the comprehensive
plan update. The City Manager said he would get the comp plan update to Council in four
to eight weeks.
Mr. Paternoster said due to the complaints he receives and people not getting answers, he
suggested a liaison for the citizens; a fagade, sign and landscape program for all of the
businesses within the City; more interfacing between the Building Department and Growth
Management Department; the City Manager show more concern for the residents and
their needs; and, grants for police officers.
Mayor Coy recapped the City Manager's goals
-seek green energy/green City
-seek alternative revenue sources
-expand fagade, sign, and landscape grant program throughout the City
-add implementation of economic plan to second goal
Mayor Coy asked for the status of the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). The City
Attorney said there has been progress made but the City feels the entire airport property
was covered in the plan but U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) feels only 80 acres is
covered and they cannot identify which 80 acres.
The City Manager explained most of his goals have been accomplished and some are
unattainable; the property tax monitoring is on-going; the HCP is a neglible issue; in regard
to the streamlining of the Growth Management Department and Building Department he
said it is known where the City is on this and suggested having an outside group review
more of the Growth Management work; offered to find green energy but cautioned it has
been found that solar panels do not take enough off electric bills to be worthwhile; offered
to look at the CAVCORP property; noted that he is responsible for City Hall's response to
residents and it can be measured by the phone call complaints that Council receives;
noted the City will need outside help to revise the Land Development Code but can start
internally; and grants can be sought for police officers and the expansion of the fagade,
sign and landscape program to CR512 businesses.
The City Attorney cautioned it was premature to revise the Land Development Code as
legally it must be done after the comprehensive plan is updated.
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Regular City Council Meeting
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Page Three
The City Manager added his personal goals which included: replacing the Collier Creek
Canal bulkhead, looking at Indian River Drive properties, continuing with the quarter round
installation, and improve the Potomac Drive drainage.
Mr. Wolff said the City Attorney gave Council a memo regarding his current projects on
Monday. He noted that continued effort with the ISBA (Interlocal Services Boundary
Agreement) and Fellsmere litigation matters are warranted, however, the City Attorney's
intent to revamp the sign regulations might be a major undertaking for him at this time.
The City Attorney said the big decisions to be made are what kind of signs do we want to
allow and there will be a lot of workshops to accomplish this.
Mr. Wolff asked him to continue improving his communication with Council.
Mr. Paternoster also asked for communication improvements and statute/case law
citations when referenced in backup material.
Mr. Neglia agreed with Mr. Wolff and Mr. Paternoster.
Mayor Coy said ISBA is a big issue for her and a revision of the Land Development Code.
The City Attorney said there is some LDC spot checking that could be done such as
revising non-conforming site language.
Mr. Neglia asked when the Fellsmere issue will proceed. The City Attorney said Fellsmere
is doing some comp plan changes which the City will have the opportunity to comment on
and watch out for our interests.
Ms. Simchick said she has been formulating thoughts on past Board of Adjustment
hearings and requested the City Attorney research a stamp of liability to say, "Applicant is
aware of City of Sebastian codes. Any corrections or remedies before, during, or after
construction is sole responsibility and correction of applicant," signed by the applicant so
the Board of Adjustment won't have King Solomon type situations. The City Attorney said
staff has found unexplained, unsigned notes in building files which should be tightened up
with better procedures.
Mayor Coy summarized that goals one and two should be continued with the Economic
Development Plan; continue Council communication; ISBA; and, a legal disclaimer stamp.
The City Clerk was asked to continue to do the good job that she does.
Mr. Wolff complimented the Clerk's staff during her recent absence.
The Mayor read section two of the resolution regarding charter officer evaluations and
asked her colleagues to abide with the evaluation procedure or modify it.
08.098 B. City Attorney -Political Campaign Sign Consideration (No Backup)
The City Attorney explained the precedence of this item and requested Council formally
suspend the 30 day installation time for political signs.
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August 27, 2008
Page Four
In response to Mr. Wolff, the City Attorney said an opinion sign is allowed in people's
yard as long as it is within size parameters.
Ms. Simchick asked why the unsightly signs in the triangle are not being enforced. The
City Attorney said private property comes out to five feet from the last pine tree on the
property and the rest is public right-of-way. The City Manager said it is being monitored
and think most of the signs are on private property.
Ms. Simchick asked for an explanation of the suspension. The Growth Management
Director read the section that would be suspended:
Section. 54-3-16.5(4)(d) Political signs. Posting times limits. It shall be unlawful for
any person to post a political sign more than 30 days prior to the election in which
the candidate's name or the issue will appear, and it shall be unlawful to fail to
remove a political sign within five days after the election in which the candidate is
eliminated or elected or the issue is approved or disapproved.
The Clerk asked about the five day removal time. The Growth Management Director
quoted section (e) of the same section. The City Attorney said the removal time would
remain in effect.
Ms. Simchick asked when this would go into effect for next year's election. The City
Attorney said if a new sign code is not adopted by then, it will be addressed as it
happens.
Mr. Paternoster added if the Council did not do something about this, someone along the
line will; and he was aware of the City Attorney working with the Florida League of Cities
on this. The City Attorney said it is a matter of leveling the playing field and asked
Council to formally consent that the City will suspend the 30 day time limit.
Mayor Coy thanked the candidates that honored the City's code. Ms. Simchick thanked
those who took them down for tropical storm Fay.
In response to the Mayor about next year, the Clerk said city candidates can't advertise
until they have declared candidacy.
Ms. Simchick asked if we will have signs around the clock, year round
The City Attorney said for the time being, you do have to file papers to make
expenditures to put up the large scale signs and we will have it addressed before it
becomes a big problem.
Ms. Simchick asked why we don't go fora 60 day time limit. The City Attorney said the
ruling is based on the content of the sign, which could be political content; and the 11th
Circuit Court is looking for what is on the sign. He said the model sign code, being
driven by the billboard industry, is shaping up that you can have as many signs of a
certain size in a certain section of your yard and it doesn't matter what they say.
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MOTION by Mr. Paternoster, SECOND by Mr. Neglia that the time frame for the
installation of political signs be suspended indefinitely in code section 54-3-16.5 (4)(d)
passed with a voice vote of 4-1. (Wolff-nay)
Public
Barbara Sieman, Sebastian, said she agrees with Mr. Neglia, the signs could be
dangerous during storms and they are an eyesore.
Cindy Falco said she is perplexed because the only signs out are Mr. Neglia's and Mr.
Gillmor's. Ms. Simchick said she had the signs removed.
Ms. Simchick asked about political banners. The Growth Management Director said if
banners are considered a first amendment right, they are allowed on private property
and if they say paid political advertising Code Enforcement tries to make sure it
conforms to the political sign code.
Mr. Wolff asked Ms. Simchick why she had the candidate signs removed. She said she
called the property owner and advised them it was not in the time frame. Mr. Neglia said
he asked property owners to remove the signs as well even though the City Attorney and
City Manager advised him it would not be enforced.
Mr. Paternoster asked Mr. Neglia if he asked the City Attorney if it would be enforced.
The City Attorney said this started with the County candidates because it is
unenforceable and we have advised candidates of our rules and asked them to comply.
The Mayor said she remembered that at the last Council meeting she asked all
participants to comply.
The Mayor called for a break at 8:13 p.m. and reconvened with all members present at
8:22 p.m.
8. 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.
08.099 A. Certificate of Appreciation to City of Sebastian Volunteers for Participation in 1St
Annual Treasure Coast Waterway Cleanup on July 19, 2008 from Marine Industries
Association of the Treasure Coast, Inc.
The Mayor read a certificate from the Marine Industries Association and thanked all
volunteers who participated.
08.028 B. Presentation by Karen Deigl, Senior Resource Association
Ms. Deigl, President, thanked Council for allowing her to respond to citizens' concerns
regarding the adult congregate meal program. She explained the adult day care is
licensed to care for 40 individuals with specific regulations that don't allow the co-
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August 27, 2008
Page Six
mingling of the two programs. She said financial restraints reduced the congregate meal
hours but they have since worked out an arrangement with the seniors who expressed
their concerns. She urged everyone to work together so that seniors may live happier,
healthier, and longer lives.
Mayor Coy asked that this be agendized so that the public may comment; and she
asked for philanthropists and volunteers to contact Ms. Deigl at 569-0760.
C. Brief Announcements
Mr. Wolff invited everyone to attend Shakespeare's Henry V presented by Cambridge
University at the Sebastian River High School on September 3, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.
Mr. Neglia thanked everyone who sent him well wishes during his recent surgery. He
said the memorial service for Police K-9 Gunner was very nice; and noted there is an
Ecumenical food pantry box in City Hall's lobby for anyone that would like to make a
donation.
9. 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.
s-1s A. Approval of Minutes - 8/13/08 Regular Meeting
MOTION by Mr. Paternoster, SECOND by Ms. Simchick to approve item A of the
consent agenda passed with a voice vote of 5-0.
10. 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.
19-29 A. Fill Vacant Committee Positions
(City Clerk Transmittal, Applications, Ad)
08.025 i. Natural Resources Board -Regular Member Position -Term to Expire
7/1 /2011
The applicant was not in attendance and Mr. Paternoster asked that this be
postponed to the next meeting so he could attend.
08.001 ii. Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee -Regular Member Position -
Term to Expire 5/21/2011
Mr. Seaman stated he was on a park committee in New Jersey and he would
now like to serve the Sebastian community.
MOTION by Mr. Neglia, SECOND by Mr. Paternoster to appoint Mr. Seaman
passed with a voice vote of 5-0.
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08.047 iii. Planning & Zoning Commission -Alternate Member Position -Term to Expire
11/1/2010
Mr. Neuberger said he has finally retired and would also like to serve the
community.
MOTION by Mr. Paternoster, SECOND by Mr. Neglia to appoint Mr. Neuberger
to the Planning and Zoning Commission passed with a voice vote of 5-0.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
08.077 A. Second Reading and Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 0-08-08 -Overgrown
31-42 Lots (GMD Transmittal E-Mail, Palm Bay Ordinance, 0-08-08)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA, AMENDING CODE OF
ORDINANCES SECTION 66-3, NUISANCES: ILLUSTRATIVE ENUMERATION;
PROVIDING FOR DEVELOPMENT OF GUIDELINES, CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY
AND EFFECTIVE DATE. (PJ 8/17/08)
The City Attorney read Ordinance No. 0-08-08 by title and said he has received two
language changes from the USFWS. The Mayor opened the public hearing at 8:44 p.m.
Public Input
Richard Gillmor, 744 Kroegel Avenue, said there is community concern that everyone
will have to mow five feet back and asked that it be made known that this will only affect
parties who have complaints filed.
Mr. Paternoster clarified that the individual making the complaint has to be affected by
the overgrown lot. The City Attorney also clarified that this will go into effect if the
overgrown lot is next door to an improved lot, and the two triggers are when the growth
is a danger or will damage the next lot; or the growth is an unreasonable maintenance
burden on the improved lot.
The City Attorney said if the landowner doesn't think it is a nuisance, they get to request a
hearing before the special magistrate.
Mayor Coy asked where it is written in the ordinance that the adjacent land owner has to
be affected. The City Attorney said that is to be an administrative matter where the City
Manager will trust the directive of his Code Enforcement officers. Mayor Coy asked if this
could be included in the ordinance and Mr. Paternoster agreed so that it isn't left up to
interpretation.
The City Attorney advised a rule written to be enforced only when someone complains will
be challenged. The Growth Management Director said it will be a bit of a balancing act
and they have tried to work with caller anonymity in the past.
The City Manager said he understands everyone's concerns but the issue is there are
folks who complain and the City will look at affected parties.
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Page Eight
Ms. Simchick asked if anonymous complaints will be taken. The City Attorney explained
the first action will be that the Code Enforcement Officer will go out and talk to the affected
parties.
Larry McMaster, 1641 Laconia Street, said he has this exact situation that Council is
discussing. The City Manager said this ordinance will trigger the City to take a look at the
lots but will not remove the trees unless they are a public safety violation.
The City Attorney offered that at the end of the final sentence in section one, the Language,
"see Resolution No. R-08-14" be added so that it is always known there are further
guidelines.
The Mayor closed the formal hearing at 9:05 p.m.
MOTION by Mr. Paternoster, SECOND by Mr. Neglia to approve Ordinance No. 0-08-08
as amended by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wolff expressed reservations that this could be used against neighbors but people
will do the right thing.
Ms. Simchick asked for an update in six months to see how many complaints have been
received and the costs to the City.
Mr. Paternoster asked the City Attorney to explore avenues that the lien would survive
the foreclosure process.
The City Attorney said in our nuisance abatement code there is a provision that a
nuisance abatement lien is equal in dignity to the lien of taxes which allows it to survive
foreclosure.
Roll call on the motion was as follows:
Ayes: Wolff, Coy, Neglia, Paternoster, Simchick
Nays: None
5-0.
In response to the Mayor Coy, the City Attorney said this ordinance is effective in 30
days.
12. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
08.077 A. Resolution No. R-08-14 -Guidelines for Protective Species (R-08-14)
43-44
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA, ADOPTING GUIDELINES
FOR PROTECTION OF PROTECTED ANIMAL AND PLANT SPECIES IN REVIEW OF
LAND CLEARING ACTIVITIES; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
The City Manager said this resolution outlines the rules of engagement for staff to
execute the previous ordinance. He recommended adding the USFWS comments and
passing the resolution.
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The City Attorney read the comments into the record.
Under Section 1, I I substitute the first sentence with the following:
Clearing on the parcels covered in the city of Sebastian area-wide Habitat
Conservation plan should not occur during the Florida scrub jay (Aphelocoma
coerulescens) nesting season.
Section 1, III Substitute the entire sentence with:
If the lot is inhabited by gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemis) or other state of
federally listed species, a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission (FWCC) or USFWS may be required.
Mayor Coy asked if the City has to do the scrub jay survey. The Growth Management
Director said it could be done in-house.
Cindy Falco, Sebastian, asked if the property owner has to pay for the survey. The
Growth Management Director said the City provides the survey as a courtesy but the
species can only be removed by authorized agencies; the City can give hand clearing
instructions for the five foot strips; and, homeowners can apply for a no-fee permit to
have a tortoise removed.
MOTION by Mr. Neglia, SECOND by Mr. Paternoster to approve Resolution No.
R-08-14 as amended with the recommendations by the USFWS.
Roll call on the motion was as follows:
Ayes: Coy, Neglia, Paternoster, Simchick, Wolff
Nays: None
5-0.
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.
Hattie Seidenspinner said some of the seniors who attend the senior center have been
told that the bus is filled up which is not true. She also said that there is another door at
the center that wasn't damaged in the storms they could use to access the congregation
room instead of being bussed to another location.
Esther Frost said she has been going to the senior center since 1990 and asked why
they have to go to the Community Center.
Mayor Coy explained Tropical Storm Fay flooded the building and the center must follow
regulations or they could lose their funding. Mayor Coy assured her that she was
working on some other plans to increase congregate hours at the center.
Chuck Neuberger said there must be something the County could do to help the senior
center.
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Regular City Council Meeting
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Page Ten
Todd Klitenic said Environmental Planner, Margie Reynolds does a good job with grants
but the Natural Resources Board is getting destroyed because of her leadership. He
said the last three members that quit gave him permission to say they quit the board
because of Ms. Reynolds. He said he has asked local activist Jim Sunnycalb to join the
committee but he won't which may be because of Ms. Reynolds.
Ms. Simchick said she has spoken to Mr. Sunnycalb who chooses not to join because he
would like to speak to Council as an individual and not represent an entity.
Mayor Coy said she has held conference calls with Mr. Sunnycalb and Ms. Reynolds
and has not found any animosity.
Mr. Wolff said he attended the last board meeting and found the membership in jeopardy
and they touched on many different things which may be hindering the board. He
suggested when the membership increases a joint meeting could be held to give
direction.
Mayor Coy asked this be agendized so it can be discussed further amongst Council.
Mr. Neglia said this should take place quickly since the chair expressed her interest in
resigning. He said either give the board direction or do away with them.
The Clerk said her staff who have acted as recording secretaries for the board have
discussed their frustrations with her. She said she and Ms. Cyr had met with the Chair,
Ginny Koerner and the City Manager to discuss the Board's direction and gave them a
proposed outline of the Code's provisions and the Board's goals to find ways to achieve
them. She said they had a productive meeting but then by the next meeting Ms. Koerner
was ready to resign so something needs to be done.
The City Manager said he did not intend to provide input but he has tried to provide staff
and finds the committee is failing because there is not a delineated mission for them. He
requested serious consideration of sunsetting the board.
Cindy Falco, Sebastian, said people are occupying the dilapidated Archie Smith fish
house which could be a liability to the City. Mayor Coy asked the City Manager to
contact the County Administrator to post a "no trespassing" sign.
Barbara Sieman, Sebastian, thanked the City for their ongoing efforts with the drainage
issues especially with the last storm. Ms. Sieman said she would like to see the public
hearings on charter officer evaluations eliminated as it isn't necessary.
14. NEW BUSINESS -None
15. CITY ATTORNEY MATTERS -None.
16. CITY MANAGER MATTERS
08.100 A. Tropical Storm Fay -Summary Report (no backup)
The City Manager referenced a report he gave Council indicating the City's strengths and
weaknesses during the last tropical storm (see attached). He thanked the work crews for
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Page Eleven
their assistance and dedication and noted he planned to move quickly on the weak areas
in his report.
17. CITY CLERK MATTERS
The City Clerk noted candidate qualifying period ends September 5, 2008.
18. CITY COUNCIL MATTERS
A. Mr. Paternoster
Mr. Paternoster said in reference to the last speaker, holding public evaluations of the
officers are the only way to let the public tell Council how the officers are doing.
He said he has been receiving a lot of Waste Management complaints regarding
recyclables and yard debris. He asked the City Manager to check into these two
matters.
B. Ms. Simchick
MOTION by Ms. Simchick, SECOND by Mayor Coy to extend the meeting, if needed,
passed on a voice vote of 5-0.
C. Mr. Wolff
Mr. Wolff said he finds the rule that 45 square feet is needed for each person in adult day
care intriguing as they have just received permission to double the occupancy which is
why the residents are expressing their concerns. He suggested reaching out to the
community to generate some money for the seniors. He asked the other members if they
had ideas.
Mr. Wolff noted at the last budget workshop it was mentioned that the election costs have
increased even though we have changed our election time to coincide with the County and
he has asked Kay Clem, Supervisor of Elections, to come to the next City Council meeting
to explain the fee she charges.
D. Mayor Coy
Mayor Coy said there are some temporary and long term solutions available for the senior
center and she sees the need to stay as two separate programs. She said she is locating
temporary sites for the self-propelled seniors and asked the churches to consider
providing space for the congregate meal program. She said for the long term, a county-
wide needs survey should be done to determine what needs to be provided which may be
funded by recreational impact fees.
Ms. Simchick said the programs should stay separate because the two groups are at
different stages in their lives.
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Page Twelve
Mayor Coy said Waste Management could do a better job in getting around on time and
she reminded everyone that the normal debris rules apply. She said she respected Mr.
Paternoster's opinion but noted there are many ways to evaluate the charter officers in the
sunshine.
E. Mr. Neglia
Mr. Neglia said the National Night Out was a success and he was glad to get good calls
regarding drainage after tropical storm Fay.
19. Being no further business, Mayor Coy adjourned the meeting at 10:09 p.m.
Approved at the September 10th, 2008 Regular City Council Meeting.
,~'~
~._
Andrea Coy, Mayor
ATT
Sally A. Maio, IMC - Cit/y`Cllerk
12
TO: Members of the Sebasti ity Council
FROM: AI Minner, City Mana r
RE: TROPICAL STOR -A - MMARY
DATE: Wednesday, August 27, 08
Between the dates of Tuesday, August 19, 2008 through Thursday, August 21, 2008, the City of
Sebastian received substantial rainfall from Tropical Storm Fay (TSF). While winds associated
with this storm were relatively light (highest guest recorded at Sebastian Municipal Airport 42
MPH), the community received 19 inches of rain within a 48-hour period. Per calculations and
research provided to the City of Sebastian by Eric Grotke of CDM, this amount of rainfall
surpasses the 100-year storm.
From SJRWMD rainfall analysis for Northeast Florida, Technical Publication # SJ 88-3, May
1988, Part IV the storm event maps indicate the following:
Mean Annual 24 -Hour Maximum Rainfall 4.8 Inches
Mean Annual 48 -Hour Maximum Rainfall 5.6 inches
Mean Annual 96 -Hour Maximum Rainfall 6.5 inches
10-Year 24-Hour Maximum Rainfall 7.5 inches
25-Year 24-Hour Maximum Rainfall 9.4 inches
100-Year 24-Hour Maximum Rainfall 12.3 inches
10-Year 48-Hour Maximum Rainfall 8.7 inches
25-Year 48-Hour Maximum Rainfall 10.5 inches
X00-Year 48-Hour Maximum Rainfall 13.6 inches
10-Year 96-Hour Maximum Rainfall 9.8 inches
25-Year 96-Hour Maximum Rainfall 11.9 inches
100-Year 96-Hour Maximum Rainfall 15.3 inches
As a construction guideline, these are the events to which SJRWMD requires stormwater facilities
to be designed. Generally, outfalls, retention basins and the like are built to SJRWMD
requirements calling to withstand the 25-year storm. From the data above, TSF surpassed the
100-Year storm by nearly 6 inches and even surpassed the rainfall amount for the 100-year storm
fora 96-hour event.
Even though TSF exceeded the 100-year storm, it did not get classified, in Indian River County,
as a national disaster due to the lack of public and private damage. That is a very good thing;
however, it means that no federal assistance (FEMA) money will be issued to cover the cost of
damaged caused by TSF. Also on the positive note, the City's costs associated with TSF will be
very minor. As far as financial loss, those figures have not been computed to date, but will only
include small overtime payments and immediately replacing/fixing damaged road crossings that
collapsed from the storm.
The most comprehensive damage that came from TSF was the flash flooding that occurred in
many of the City's streets. The Engineering Department estimates that approximately 15% of the
City's thoroughfares were flooded. While most of the stormwater was contained within the ROW,
in some spots the water raised approximately 24-30 inches. In addition, housing in proximity to
the South Prong of the Sebastian River (Gladiola/Western Concha) were very nearly flooded as
the water significantly rose out of the riverbanks. Finally some road surface damage occurred
due to road flooding that caused potholes (Barber Street in particular). The greatest relief from
the storm came, of course, when the rain stopped as flash flooding significantly subsided and
escaped via the City's outfalls.
Based on this information, the City of Sebastian reports the following items that highlight our
strengths and weakness, while providing an action plan in going forward.
PROS
STORMWATER DITCHES FUNCTION -Over the past three years, the City has proactively
maintained the rear stormwater ditch system. In summer 2005 the state of the rear ditches was
in disarray -many being filled with weed/vegetation, debris and invasive vegetation (mostly
pepper trees). In FY 2006 a massive investment ($847,617) was made to improve the condition
of these ditches. Since that time that City has paid approximately $420,000 annually to maintain
the condition of the ditches. Having clear waterways was a major factor in assisting the flash
flood waters escape after the rains subsided.
'/.-ROUND - In addition to the ditch maintenance program, in FY 06, the 1/4 -Round pipe
program was started. This process preserved flow lines in the front swales helping drainage
problems in areas that were prone to water retention. During TSF, the areas that had received
'/<-round functioned extremely well, promoting the run-off of excess water. This process is also
viewed as one that assisted drainage during TSF.
CULVERT/ROAD CROSSING REPLACEMENT - In association with the %4.-Round installation,
many driveway culverts were changed. This helped re-established flow lines and removed
deteriorating or blocked culverts. Also, road crossing have been replaced over the last two years.
Road crossings work in the same fashion as driveway culverts; but, function to move stormwater
under roads.
DEDICATED CREWS -Lastly dedicated crews, both public safety and public works worked
through the storm events. Monitoring the Collier Creek headwall, making sure outfalls stayed
clear of debris, answering calls and being on high alert status for 48 hours allowed the City to
weather the event without communication failure or any major administrative incident.
CONS
Even with the improvements made, flash flooding made many of the streets impassable during
the event. In a storm of this severity, some of flooding is acceptable; but, there is room for
improvement. As well, now that floodwaters have subsided, the ditch and swale system is
showing its typical water retention issues that cause public compliant. The identified trouble
areas are as follows (map also attached);
UNIT 10 - LACONIA REGION (SW SEBASTIAN)
FLOODED STREET BETWEEN
512 Alley Whole Alley
Laconia 512 - Brookedge
Clearmont Barber -Atlantus
Persian Newhall -Tulip
Croquet Newhall -Tulip
Landsdown Laconia -Barber
Wilson Clearmont -Persian
Surrey Clearmont -Persian
Tuxedo Clearmont -Persian
Rosebush Laconia -Croquet
Newhall Laconia -Croquet
Media Clearmont -Croquet
Tulip Laconia -Barber
Home Tulip -Albatross
Albatross Laconia -Fairfield
Atlantus ~ Clearmont -Croquet
UNIT 13 -SOUTH PRONG SEBASTIAN RIVER (SW)
FLOODED STREET BETWEEN
Sunport Gladiola Stonecrop -Gladiola
Stonecrop Sunport - Seahouse
Concha Fatima -Gladiola
Laconia Concha - 500'
UNIT 14 -MULBERRY/BARBER REGION (NW SEBASTIAN)
FLOODED STREET BETWEEN
Vocelle Roseland -Barber
Jordan Mulberry -Glencove
Jordan Barker -Wentworth
Foster Mulberry -Glencove
Foster Barker -Wentworth
Doctor Mulberry -Glencove
Doctor Barker -Wentworth
Beard Mulberry -Wentworth
Wasena Mulberry -Barber
Grandin Mulberry -Barber
Cody Mulberry -Barber
Oswego Mulberry -Barber
Lorca Mulberry -Dunn
Tarpon Mulberry Intersection
Jamaica Fulton Intersection
Bermuda Fulton Intersection
Fulton Roseland -Jamaica
Rose Cain -Wentworth
Hall Cain -Wentworth
Wentworth Dale Circle Intersection
Mulberry Vocelle -Tarpon
Glencove Vocelle -Beard
Barber Vocelle -Cody
Cain Vocelle -Cody
Smith Vocelle -Doctor
UNIT 1 -MAIN STREET REGION (NORTH CENTRAL SEBASTIAN)
FLOODED STREET BETWEEN
Main Herndon Intersection
Herndon Main Intersection
Fig Main -Citrus
Cedar Main -Citrus
Poinciana Main -Citrus
Coconut Main -Kumquat
Royal Palm Main -Kumquat
Kumquat Poinciana -Easy
Avocado Poinciana -Easy
Mango Poinciana -Easy
UNIT 15 - S. WIMBROW REGION (EAST CENTRAL SEBASTIAN)
FLOODED STREET BETWEEN
Georgia Center Block
UNIT 8 -GEORGE STREET REGION (CENTRAL HIGHLANDS)
FLOODED STREET BETWEEN
Melrose Bywood -Tulip
Autum Perch -Melrose
STREETS NEAR RETENTION PONDS
FLOODED STREET BETWEEN
Connie Breakwater -Rolling Hill
Cheltenham Breakwater -Rolling Hill
Periwinkle Clearbrook - Penlynn
Rose Around Garden Park Pond
Dominican Around Garden Park Pond
The main reasons for these failures have been identified as:
UNIT 10 - In the Laconia/Clearmont region, ditch road crossing pipes are aging, deteriorated, and
undersized. This led to an inability for stormwater to drain quickly in the ditch located between
Laconia and Clearmont. As a result stormwater backed up in this region. Unit 10 utilizes this
ditch to drain stormwater to the newly renovated "Stonecrop" outfall, which functioned below
capacity and is the regional outfall to the south prong of the Sebastian River. However, because
of the road-crossings, stormwater could not be released fast enough to the Stonecrop outfall.
The identified fix for this situation is to replace the Clearmont/Laconia Ditch road
crossings. This will be undertaken at a more rapid pace; however, SJRWM permitting will be
required for many of these change-outs and additional money may be needed from DST or
stormwater funds. Some residual monies are availed from ongoing projects and will be
used/transferred until such time that Council action is required.
UNIT 14 (MULBERRY REGION) - Similar to the flooding in Unit 10, this area flooded in the
streets mentioned above. The primary reason for the flooding is that the Potomac outfall, located
at the intersection of Roseland/Potomac is undersized. In the stormwater Mater Plan, this area
was identified; however, funding was not available to complete the project.
The identified fix for this area is an immediate partial project. In the FY 09 CIP, Council has
already approved $150,000 to change out and increase the size of this outfall, which will drain
Unit 14 west into the Sebastian River. SJRWMD has already permitted this temporary
modification and the Engineering Department is now working on final designs. The second phase
is negotiation with the County to "open-cut" Roseland Road for installation of the 60" elliptical
pipe. Once this improvement is made some relief will be provide. The next portion of this project
is to acquire outfall, retention property.
A secondary modification for Unit 14 is installation of %-Round. In FY 09 CIP $350,000 is
allocated which will be applied in this region.
TWIN-DITCH - As you know, the Twin Ditch was recently converted into one retention ditch with
a major head works at the location of Main/Wimbrow. While no flooding occurred along the
"ditch", the City position is that because of the new structure some minor street flooding occurred
in Unit 1 (see streets above). Considering the size of the storm event, at this time no
recommendation is being made to improve this area as trade-offs have been made to improve
stormwater quality and flooding did not threaten private property.
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