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Home My WebLink About2008 Jan 23 Tom Collins CommentsCommunity Redevelopment Agency Meeting January 23, 2008 Page Three Chuck Lever suggested using the tax money to fix up US1, Indian River Drive, remove the CITGO Station, put in finger docks, have a shuttle service and concession stand for the boaters. He also said nothing in the plan suggests a benefit to businesses or residents and presented 230 more signatures against the project. (Mr. Lever submitted the petition to the City Clerk, see cover page attached) Cindy Falco- DiCorrado, owner of the Victorian Lady, was shocked to hear of the proposal to make a concrete parking lot for boaters, and there are many other people in the community who have needs. Harry Tanner, Belfast Terrace talked about Capt. Robert Hardee who planted the landmark tree in 1891. He asked to save the tree. Lisanne Monier, property owner, CRA business owner, said a vision needs to start with a focal point and this is incredible beginning and other things will follow. Richard Gilmore, 744 Kroegel Street, said change without a vision is bad change and the current situation is unsafe from a boater's point of view. Tom Collins, riverfront property owner, taxpayer, has been opposed to the project, said it would be a waste of prime real estate since boat trailers will sit from sunrise to sunset and there will not be retail activity from these boaters. He suggested installing a breakwater for the existing marina or boat lifts so that the boats could stay in the water, freeing up the dock. He also pointed out that the Yacht Club could be leased out, and a snack/bait shop added. (,Mr. Collins provided_ documents to the City Clerk for distribution to Council) John Drawe, Sebastian sailboat owner, requested the overhead power lines be removed for tall sailboats which will make the area a lot safer. William Schulke, Larkspur Street, past Power Squadron commander, stated in the last year the Power Squadron has certified 1200 boaters in Sebastian and Vero Beach. He said he is aware of many people trying to grow Hardee acorns. Damien Gilliams, stated this is bad for the Village shops, the Mayor is going to do what she wants because Mr. Schulke donated to her campaign. The Mayor issued his first warning. Louise Kautenburg said this is probably not the highest and best use for this property but whatever is done will probably be wrong a hundred years from now but it will be changeable. She also said boating is important to this community. Beth Mitchell read a letter of support from the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors into the record. She also said the number one benefit of the project is that it will create a destination point for our community. (see attached) May 4, 1993 Capp Hiram's RIVER RAW BAR & SEAFOOD CAFE Home Of The Waterfront Tiffany Room Banquet Facility At Sebastian Inlet Marina & Trading Company, Inc. Mr. Robert S. McClary, City Manager City of Sebastian Post office Box 780127 Sebastian, Florida 32978 -0127 Dear Robb, I reviewed a copy of the plan for the improvements at Riverside Park located at the end of State Road 512. Generally, we approve of the plan, however I am confused as to where people will park when they visit the area. The scale of these improvements suggests a major recreational area that will certainly create a tremendous need for parking. Unfortunately, the plan actually shows a net reduction in available parking spaces. Again, I request that the City complete a Master Plan for the entire Riverfront District before they undertake improvements that may or may not fit in with an overall concept. The major issues of parking, open space, street lighting, bike paths, walkways, etc. should all be addressed in that Master Plan before any major work begins. I appreciate your cooperation and am encouraged to see the City taking steps to move forward with the Riverfront project. Sincerely, Thomas H. Collins ✓ cc: Mayor Lonnie Powell Sebastian City Council Members Peter Jones, President, Sebastian Chamber of Commerce Sebastian Sun Vero Beach Press Journal Corporate Office: 9301 N A -1 -A, Suite 4, Vero Beach, FL 32963 PHONE (407) 589 -8000 FAX: (407) 589 -5100 City of Sebastian POST OFFICE BOX 780127 ❑ SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA 32978 TELEPHONE (407) 589 -5330 ❑ FAX (407) 589 -5570 May 17, 1993 Mr. Thomas H. Collins 9301 N A -I -A, Suite 4 Vero Beach, FL 32963 Dear Tom: Thank you for your letter encouraging the City to consider burying the power lines east of U. S. Highway #1, along the Riverfront District. We have reviewed this with representatives of Florida Power & Light. They advised us that the rough order of magnitude to place their facilities underground would be approximately $500,000 along Indian River Drive. This estimate does not include cable television, telephone, or any area west of Indian River Drive. The City's 1993 plan of action does address the issue of underground utilities and I believe that most of the unsightly overhead facilities will be able to be placed underground when street lighting is installed. A primary electrical system (nominal voltage of 7,000 volts) would remain in place under this scenario. Again, thank you for your letter and suggestion. Sincerely, Robert S. McClary City Manager RSM/ j mt cc: Lonnie R. Powell, Mayor & Sebastian City Council City of Sebastian POST OFFICE BOX 780127 ❑ SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA 32978 TELEPHONE (407) 589 -5330 ❑ FAX (407) 589 -5570 May 17, 1993 Mr. Thomas H. Collins 9301 N A -I -A, Suite 4 Vero Beach, FL 32963 Dear Tom: Thank you for your letter of May 4, 1993 regarding the conceptual plan for Riverview Park North. The Sebastian City Council has reviewed this plan. We agree that more area needs to be devoted to parking and the plan was referred back to staff for revisions to include more parking. You had also requested that the City complete a Master Plan for the entire riverfront district before undertaking improvements that may or may not fit with an overall concept. I believe that the overall concept was adequately addressed in the report "Vision of the Riverfront ". This report provides an adequate basis to initiate action. On January 6, 1993, the Sebastian City Council approved the Riverfront Action Plan, which I considered to be entirely consistent with the "Vision of the Riverfront ". Again, thank you for your letter. Sincerely, A6� -r- Robert S. McClary City Manager RSM /jmt cc: Lonnie R. Powell, Mayor & Sebastian City Council City of Sebastian POST OFFICE BOX 780127 ❑ SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA 32978 TELEPHONE (407) 589 -5330 ❑ FAX (407) 589 -5570 May 17, 1993 Mr. -... T v :au H. Collins 9301 N A -I -A, Suite 4 Vero Beach, FL 32963 Dear Tom: Thank you for your letter of May 14, 1993 regarding the City's effort to purchase the General Development Utilities Sebastian Highlands water and waste water systems. Florida law allows all documents relating to the acquisition of real property to remain confidential until negotiations are completed or abandoned. The City and General Development Utilities are still actively negotiating. I assure you that the public will have ample opportunity to comment on any proposed purchase. In fact, Section 180.301 of Florida Statutes requires a public hearing prior to the acquisition of a public water or waste water system. Should you have further questions or comments, will you please call? Sincerely, 1 , Robert S. McClary City Manager RSM /jmt cc: Lonnie R. Powell, Mayor & Sebastian City Council I June 1, 1993 Capp Hiram's RIVER RAW BAR & SEAFOOD CAFE Home Of The Waterfront Tiffany Room Banquet Facility At Sebastian Inlet Marina & Trading Company, Inc. Mr. Robert S. McClary, City Manager City of Sebastian Post Office Box 780127 Sebastian, Florida 32978 -0127 Dear Robb, Thank you for your most recent letters. I hope I am not overburdening you with my inquiries, but I feel it is most important to address some of these issues now during a critical time in the development of Sebastian. As you know, I have always opposed the City getting into the utilities business and I am becoming more and more concerned as things progress. We are now considerably behind schedule based on the City's Consultant's report and that report also suggests a purchase price of $2 million for the GDU plant, which the City has now evidently offered $2.75 million. This, in my opinion, is just the tip of the iceberg for the escalating costs to come. Remember, the main reason for having the City get into the utilities business was lower costs. I still question whether or not the City approved the completion of a master plan for the entire Riverfront. The concept approved in January of 1993 failed to address numerous issues that will impact the area. For example much needed public parking, direct access to riverfront, a landscaping ordinance, zoning and architectural controls, public transportation and traffic flow have failed to be addressed. I feel it is imperative the City hire an outside architect or planner to formulate a complete master plan for the entire Riverfront area. Regarding underground utilities, I concur it is an expensive proposition. I still feel it might be a worthwhile concept and certainly we should require that all new businesses place their utilities underground. The County and the City should also be encouraged to back such a,policy. Corporate Office: 9301 N A -1 -A, Suite 4, Vero Beach, FL 32963 PHONE (407) 589 -8000 FAX: (407) 589 -5100 A t r Mr. Robert S. McClary June 2, 1993 Page 2 Robb, believe me, I am pleased with the progress we are making in the City of Sebastian and only want to do whatever I can to help. Please do not hesitate to call me or my associates if we can be of any assistance. Sincerely, Thomas H. Collins cc: Mayor Lonnie R. Powell Sebastian City Council Peter Jones, President Sebastian Chamber of Commerce November 16, 1993 Capt. Hiram's RIVER RAW BAR & SEAFOOD CAFE Home Of The Waterfront Tiffany Room Banquet Facility At Sebastian Inlet Marina & Trading Company, Inc. Mayor and City Council City of Sebastian Main Street Sebastian, FL Dear Mayor Powell and Council Members, After three years of meetings and debates, it is time we move forward with the planning and development of Sebastian's prime asset, the Riverfront. Proper planning, zoning, architectural review controls, sign ordinances and development of public facilities such as parks, bike paths and pedestrian walkways are absolutely essential if the area is to evolve in a cohesive and uniform fashion. With $100,000 budgeted for planning and improvements, and the most recent endorsement by the Planning and Zoning Board, it is time for the council to formally establish the boundaries of the Riverfront District and retain an independent professional firm to develop a master plan for the area. Remember, the previous Planning and Zoning and City Council both unanimously endorsed the Riverfront Study which included the strong suggestion that a master plan be developed. In conjunction with defining the district and the hiring of the planning firm, I would like to suggest that the city put together an advisory board to coordinate the development of the master plan. The board should include property owners in the district, the city planning director, a representative from the Tax Payer's Association and a representative from either the City Council or Planning and Zoning Board. The Board would ultimately report to Planning and Zoning or City Council and would aid in the process to implement and establish the master plan. We are simply running out of time on this issue. Positive decisions by the City Council setting clear -cut direction will convey a confidence to investors and business people who, in turn, could help turn around the difficult economic times that J f Corporate Office: 9301 NA-1-A, Suite 4, Vero Beach, FL 32963 PHONE (407) 589 -8000 FAX: (407) 589 -5100 f Major and City Council November 16, 1993 Page 2 Sebastian is now experiencing. All one need do is drive down US 1 to see the numerous businesses that are closed to realize something must be done. Please don't let this opportunity slip away. Thank you for your kind attention. Sincerelly, Thomas H. Collins THC /amc cc: Martin Carter Dick Smith Jimmy Hoffman Sebastian Planning and Zoning Bruce Cooper, Director of Community Development P.S. I am enclosing a recent editorial that appeared in the Press Journal that I believe is self - explanatory. bc: Peter W. Jones (For your information). Architect . ��re�� Journal `t%vtR vef U.S. Highway 1 at 18th Street X4%0 O,tA POST OFFICE 66X 1268 . VERO BEACH, FLORIDA 32961 The N PHONE 562 -2315 Iiiiinot FOUNDED 1919 Audit B u rea u Editorials - J.F. Schumann (1865- 1946) Founder J.J. Schumann (1898 -1989) Founder J.J. Schumann, Jr. Publisher Darryl K. Hicks General Manager Richard C. Wagner Editor Larry Reisman Opinion Page Editor Tom Dickens, Circulation/Production Director Melvin E. Adkins Display Advertising Manager Barbara Sprague Classified Advertising Mgr. SUBSCRIPTION RATES For Convenient Home Delivery 569 -7100 Home Delivery, Year $76.00 Home Delivery, 6 Months $40.50 Mail -7 Papers, Year $115.00 Mail —Wed. 8 Sun., Year $45.00 Canada -7 Papers, Year (u.s. Dorn) $365.00 Canada —Wed. i Sun., Year (u.s. Dorn) $115.00 Get Rolling On'Riverfront Sebastian's riverfront is an asset most small towns in the United States would love to have. City Council should stop dragging its feet and ensure the preservation and enhancement of the riverfront. Planning and zoning commissioners recently voted to ask council whether it is interested in hir- ing someone to design a master plan for the river- front. Commissioners made the request after discussing whether they should relax some of the zoning restrictions along Indian River Drive, the fo- cal thoroughfare in a proposed riverfront district. The rezoning would have capped a. series of moves over the past 2% -years to spruce up the riverfront and create a core district. In 1991, the Sebastian Riverfront Study Commit- tee said council should designate a riverfront dis- trict with an old fishing village ambiance, limiting existing development and prohibiting new devel- opment on the east side of Indian River Drive. Since ,then, the city has taken a piecemeal ap- proach to creating a district. In 1991, the city pur- chased the CAV Corp, property on the west side of Indian River Drive, between Coolidge and Harrison streets, for $742,500. The property sits idle. Sebastian also built a 676 -foot boardwalk along Riverview Park's eastern edge. The city has com -, pleted a survey of property along Indian River Drive and drafted a conceptual plan for bicycle paths and a walkway. What's needed now is a master plan for the entire riverfront. It's a plea that has fallen on the deaf ears of council for more than two years. w IL m• Council should hold public hearings to determine exactly what city residents and businessmen want along the riverfront. Expanding Riverview Park and preserving the river view, without abridging private property rights, is a logical first step. Several city residents and businessmen have made their pitches for other items, from installing .' gaslight - looking street lamps to placing a band shell on the CAV Corp. property. Maybe the asphalt on Indian River Drive should be replaced with red brick. What's most important is that council decide what the riverfront look like. It should be different than the rest of the city, offer recreation, residences and restaurants, and appeal to residents and tourists al- ike. Planning and zoning commissioners should not be required to fly blind the next time a rezoning appli- cation comes before them. Commissioners should know exactly what city residents and fathers want. The city has budgeted $100,000 for the riverfront this year. Council should hire a riverfront planner, who could be retained as a city planner, find out what residents want, then devise a plan. . Continued delays on a master plan indicate coun- cil is not serious about enhancing the riverfront. Rather, it appears council is willing to place the riverfront in the hands of zoning commissioners and whatever developer comes down the river next hoping to build his dream business. A master plan cannot wait. September 26, 1995 Capt. Hiram fs RIVER RAW BAR & SEAFOOD CAFE Home Of The Waterfront Tiffany Room Banquet Facility At Sebastian Inlet Marina & Trading Company, Inc Mr. Art Firtion, Mayer Mr. Joel Koford, City Manager C/O City of Sebastian City Hall 1225 Main Street Post Office Box 780127 Sebastian, Florida 32978 -0127 Dear Art and Joel: With some initial funding apparently in place, I again request that the City Council authorize the work necessary so that an overall conceptual plan can be put together for Sebastian's Riverfront. To this point, the City has completed a hodge -podge of improvements, and I am fearful that the recent money approved for lighting, bike paths, and whatever, will be spent on improvements that may or may not fit in with an overall plan. After five years of procrastination, it's time we get something accomplished! Thank you for your kind attention. incerely, ma's H. Collins THC/lah cc: City Council Members Corporate 9301 N A -1 -A, Suite 4, Vero Beach _ , FL 32963 - ( 407 _ P H ONE _ ) 589 8000 FAX. (4!17) SRO .c mn November 14, 1995 Mr. Art Firtion Mayor City of Sebastian 1225 Main Street P. 0. Box 780127 Sebastian, Florida 32978 Dear Art: Capt. Hiram Is RIVER RAW BAR &SEAFOOD CAFE Home Of The Waterfront Tiffany Room Banquet Facility At Sebastian Inlet Marina & Trading Company, Inc. I noticed the enclosed article in a recent publication of The Press Journal. Again, I point out that the city is attacking the waterfront in a hodge -podge fashion with no fully developed plan in place to control the improvements suggested in this article. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help this project move forward in a cohesive way. Sincerely, Thomas H. Collins THC/lah Enclosure �yCQ� Corporate Office: 9301 NA-1-A, Suite 4, Vero Beach, FL 32963 PHONE (407) 589 -8000 FAX: (407) 589 -5100 'rya i Riwerfro nt i a'Plan` ' Nixes�2�ltems � � �� Sebastian' riverfront,cvill have s a new parking lot and'greenways, but not sidewalks and street light j , City,Manager;Joe'1oford said Monday' the,city; %! soon receive' V . -h ''$389,000 ;revitalization` grant . `it's ;been' awarded froni�Ahe ;fed erai Department `t�f `Mousing and Urban;Uevelopment Butno more oneyis.onitsway^�� ,,v$a�' "Because of limited funding; we have to prioritize ,our,,projects,',';, Aoford, said. '.`The yrojects that > will not ;�,be funded -are :.the' side {. walks :-and new .overhead street 1 lighting:' f Last ;;February,` the city, applied for i;$650,000;to'revitalize he riv -` v� Slated for,the $389,000:,$ , , a , • A new parking lot`on the for- mer Corp. .lot +just north of Riverview; Park that fronts on,In dian River Drive. t • Landscaping on Indian River, Drive.' .. • Correction of.,, some drainage problems` along Indian River Drive. Bud Clark, a grant writer from Clark, Roumelis and Associates` Inc of Altamonte Springs,'wrote the •;;Community ;:Development Block Grant application I I . e I I I W i l j December 4, 1995 Mayor Art Firtion Sebastian City Council City of Sebastian 1225 Main Street P. 0. Box 780127 Sebastian, FL 32978 Capp Hiram Is, RIVER RAW BAR &SEAFOOD CAFE Home Of The Waterfront Tiffany Room Banquet Facility At Sebastian Inlet Marina & Trading Company, Inc. Dear Mayor Firtion and City Council Members: I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for finally taking a positive step to address the development of our riverfront area in Sebastian. Clearly, something needs to be done if we are to preserve and enhance the City's most important asset. I am requesting that the Council again formally address this issue at their upcoming City Council meeting and reduce to a binding resolution exactly what you want the City Manager to do. I apologize for being so persistent, however, we have been through this before and I don't want to see us drop the ball again. I thank you for your kind attention and look forward to working with the City on this most important matter. Sincerely, Thomas H. Collins THC /lah Corporate Office: 9301 NA-1-A, Suite 4, Vero Beach, FL 32963 PHONE (407) 589 -8000 FAX: (407) 589 -5100 �.T 1' !ea c r�c►�nn�l to Nir� �,ra Reach 9636 Oceanview Drive -- ocean City Ocean City, Maryland 21842 9301 North A -I. Phone (410) 213 -0483 Vero Beach, Florida 32963 Val (410) 213 -0598 Phone (56'1) 589 -8000 Taa �0�16 589 -5100 DATE: I �,� cr� # OF PAGES (INCL. COV>;R�SIIEE FAX T0: f � ' � Gr c ; c. FAX #: FAX FROM: �? C 1. Is THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN Tills FACSI CONFIDENTIAL,, The information is intended on] for the MAY BE entity to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, employee responsible to deliver it to the i y e use of the individual or 1p�ent, or the agent or any use, dissemination, distribution or coping recipient, you are hereby notified that legal restriction or sanction. If p g of this communication may be subject to immediately by telephone to arrange for return or this �acsimile in error, please notify us copies. Thank you. coon of the information and all FAX TRANSMISSION COLLINS INVESTMENT COMPANY 9301 A -1 -A, Suite 4 Vero Beach, Florida 32963 Phone (407) 589 -8000 Fax (407) 589 -5100 TO: Mayor Cartwright and City Council FROM: Thomas H. Collins DATE: January 22, 1997 This evening, I understand the mayor and council will consider a proposal to lease the old police department building to the Chamber of Commerce and the Historical Society. As chairman of the Riverfront Committee, I am disappointed that our group has not had an opportunity to comment on this proposal. We plan to discuss uses for city owned property along the riverfront in one of our upcoming meetings and certainly the prime Main Street parcels will receive our thorough attention. A commitment to lease the building at this time will limit the options available when considering the uses for the property in its entirety. It is important that I point out that the Riverfront Committee has met with the Historical Society and that they have been well represented at our meetings. We encouraged their efforts and support their desire to secure a location along the riverfront. Please note that I am not making any recommendations on behalf of the committee as our group has not had an opportunity to formally discuss this issue. I would like to request that the city delay this decision for perhaps two or three weeks, which would allow our committee time to make our recommendations. Certainly, a slight delay would seem reasonable on what is proving to be a controversial issue. Thank you for your time. THC /lah avarM Capt. Hiram is RIVER RAW BAR & SEAFOOD CAFE Dome Of The Waterfront Tiffany Room Banquet Facility At Sebastian Inlet Marina & Traclinc Company, Inc. December 18, 1998 Tom Frame, City Manager City Hall Main Street Sebastain, FL 32958 Dear Tom, Evidently, Mayor Ruth Sullivan has been instrumental in convincing the NIPO and the Department of Transportation to cancel any studies regarding the future traffic flow on US # 1. This ill- advised decision could create grave consequences for the City of S6bastran in the future. As I understand it, the DOT only wanted to conduct a preliminary study to determine "if the widening was necessary and feasible ". While I too am currently opposed to any widening of US #1 it is irresponsible and very short sighted not to at least to have the study completed so we can see what our growth needs will be. I would like to know if the City can document and substantiate that there will never be a need to widen US #I anytime in the future. The City Council should be made aware that the Department of Community Affairs has the power to enforce a building moratorium if infrastructures, which clearly inch, des roads, are not adequate to support future development. What happens if lot owners can't build? What happens to the tax base? Has the City attorney researched this matter to see if the City might have some liability exposure to property owners and residents due to this recent decision? The City Council should reconsider this matter and obtain and analyze the facts before they allow this rushed decision to stand I would appreciate a written response that addresses my concerns and would request that the City seek advice from the DCA regarding any future widening of US # 1. Thank you for your attention to this matter. 9301 N A- I -A, Suite 4, Vero Beach, FL Corporate Office: -- PHONE: (561) SR9 -Rn(1O FA v• �« i con , Sincerely, Thomas Ii Collins CC: Mayor & City Council Community Development Director City Attorney Planning & Zoning Commission Dept of Transportation Dept of Community Affairs 0.0 u :1 rnbC -0 Nc*4Ei °w �b oo 0 (U 0 c: W Op. Cd 0 1 OV] A �� o y a 3 o �+ y��rvfUOO 4 w'O° 0 bA�rtn x. 00'?? a�v) aap1 N �y ovi cd -- v�a� �6'ubtia��ana�3 Sao 0 o Z w^ o O O .+ cu .� ce C,3 yep w O�0 CO pO > M.0.0 z 0..� � °'c— �' ^ v co d [,,n ° �, ,,, ❑wv 3 '3�3� oEi0 w.0 3vn oc� "BYO.- 0.0 ou 'nUiE�Yai °p3 3� 0 V). 0 0 0 0 T O�� «� N U y ° Cd r- I p N �"� p E+ .Q O �E,y b 06 j +» y �4N v f" to-, U O (U O A � U ^ 0 O —.o O C ch�D U F, r. 0115 f� 0 >10 � 0��v CL) CIS bo Vl a off, 0 o o o�� 00 0 O r-, C: u° N O W I.U., x' C, U ° '° >, 0 1 ° oo 3 � m Y3� y� U5�0 yam=�o° 7 p" i °O t7 b U M D ot a� a� v0� v0 C's _0 0 (A 4 b� °q 0� U O y� co y O y a� q c� ^; cC 0. w o ° �'� o 'A 7i ow 3V �,.� vV] 1 Telephone 561 -589 -8000 Collins Companies 9301 Hwy. A 1 A, Suite 4 Vero Beach, FL 32963 EMAIL: THC9301 @aol.com Fax 561- 589 -5100 FACSIMILE TRANSMITTAL TO: Whom it may con pern DATE: 01 -22 -02 FROM: Thomas H. Collins RE: FAX: # of PAGES: 5 To Whom It May Concern: Could you please make certain that Mr. Moore, the Mayor, City Council members, and Sebastian Taxpayer's Association (Sal Neglia) receive a copy of this correspondence ASAP. Thanks. - Sebastian Inlet Marina & Trading Company • Orchid Isle Holding Company • C. B., Inc. - Assateague Developers, Inc. Telephone 561589 -8000 COLLINS COMPANIES 9301 Hwy. A1A Suite 4 Vero Beach, FL 32963 thc9301@aol.com Facsimile Transmival Fax 561589 -5100 TO: TerrenceMoore Ci anager DATE: 1 -21 -02 FROM: Thomas H. Collins RE: FAX: 589 -5570 # of PAGES: if I read with interest the enclosed article, which suggests the City is going to move forward with a major Marina project on the recently acquired Riverfront property. You will recall I expressed my concerns about this project to the Mayor and City Council in a letter dated October 12, 2001, a copy of which I have enclosed. As 1 stated in that letter, it is my feeling that Government should not be involved in commercial business activities. In this particular case, we at Capt. Hiram's are not concerned with the potential competition, in fact, we would welcome additional Marinas along the Sebastian waterfront. As a major taxpayer we would however request that any non - essential City enterprise be set up as a competitive profitable business and not be a financial burden on the Sebastian City taxpayers. In my October 12th letter, 1 strongly suggested the City put together a Business Proforma that would detail the costs associated with this project, the potential revenues, operating expenses, and hopefully positive cash flow or profit to the City. Has a Proforma been put together at this point? If so, please fax a copy so that 1 might have it available for the Council meeting on Wednesday. After being in the Marina business for over 15 years in Sebastian and knowing the ongoing costs associated with that operation, I firmly believe that this proposed city project will be a burden on the taxpayers of Sebastian. I would strongly urge you and the City Council to table consideration of this initial expenditure until all the facts and figures can be put together so the City can make an informed decision regarding this non - essential commercial enterprise. cc: i mayor -.ems tf � u - ncil SetasfiaaZa pa er's Association' Martin- Gaffer> Enclosures A6 Press Journal Saturday, January 19, 2002 .. S E ST I N DIVER AREA ' .dam � �. 5 • e as; a n uM111C a ecl e on o�� pos" l � a o �a Pi , er s Tile plerS.WO.UId extend • merly the'site'of the Seb'as view Park,'cityofficials used Those possibilities will: be Off Of CO a that was tiara Mobile; Home Park ' various funds to buy the land discussed :when the . design p. p If `approved, the $2'7,500 for • $660x000 from Good Guys work'• begins,,` `Moore said: It formerly the site of the also would pay for Kunley Lnc. of Vero 'Beach. The isn't known whether city of- Horn land Associates to -`pro 2 -acre tract is divided by In- facial 'would charge boaters Sebastian Mobile:Home—, vide � plans ` to remove' {the dian River Drive, with 330 to dock'atahepiers. Park. existing pier that, the . new feet of it' along the riverfront. "We'll ,address that later, piers are o .replace The One .pier would be 502 feet during construction," Moore By Tony audnlch money comes from $250,000 long and offer 36 dock slips. said.' staff writer earmarked for 'the: pro' Cc The other would, be 450, feet The project "in, my mind design and construction long and;offer 2& slips: Both fosters the city's mission to Two piers offering :a total work: f ,� 096t -wide' -piers , 'would be further `provide more 'out of 64 'boat slips `for e- Indian The Florida. Inland Nav ga used for recreational vessels. door recreational opportuni -. River ::boaters in Sebastian tional District -iii November _ , Moore declined to provide, ties and doing so via various could nekt•week move closer' 2000 agreed to proi d estunates on timelines for grant .partnerships, 1r�:` 'the to becoming a reality: $100,000 toward the overall 'the pending design work, old past; couple` of years,''', he cost. Cify, capital 'i.m pier. re Th moval. orconstruction ` said;, e C xpected o vote o - ;. ' provement program money of the new piers. Councilman Joe'? Barc k day is expected n vote on totaling ,$150,000 also will `be ,,Those, are all logistics said boaters would be offered up whether I $27,500 for Vero Beach s Kim used, Sebastian ;City Man- 'that I'll announce publicly at 'temporary storage at the new ley Horn and Associates. Inc. ager Terrence Moore said' ,;,. , the Jan. 23, meeting;" "he said. piers: to design 'two 'city owned The two new .piers would Council members.and resi "We haven't seem the final piers on the river, just east of `extend off, of a 2 acre tract :of dents, in ,the past year, have , blueprints, yet,-.'but , I think Riverview Park. ,- property,,at 516 Indian-River discussed the possibility, of it'll bring some boaters•`in, Drive;,, that' city officials including , a fueling 'facility let them visit the: town. and The ht in ,1999 and sewage ,pump -out facility go : o a restaurant, or an Of property' piers would was d brff- b L oking to expand River- at the new piers.. event in the park;" he said: Mayor Walter Barnes City Council Members City of Sebastian 1225 Main Street Sebastian, FL. 32958 Capp Hiram's RIVER RAW BAR &SEAFOOD CAFE Home Of The Waterfront Tiffany Room Banquet Facility At Sebastian Inlet Marina & Trading ComWy,_Inc. Dear Mayor Barnes and City Council Members; ��,e � V �y I have been following with interest the tentative plans for the Riverfront Property the City recently purchased just to the south of Riverside Park. I wanted to share some recent experiences I have had and caution the City that the effort and cost associated with permitting and building a Marina may far out weigh the possible benefits. As you know, we currently operate the Marina at Capt. Hiram's. Our Marina has been in place since the late 1960's, has a dredged channel to the intracoastal waterway, and is located close to the Sebastian Inlet. These favorable conditions should have been of help when we applied to modify the dock layout at our facility. This has not been the case! I cannot impress upon you the difficulty we have had over the last two years working with the many Local, State and Federal Regulatory agencies just so we might obtain a permit to replace our davit slips that are located on the south side of our south dock with small finger piers that would be used by boats less than 20 feet in length. While I am still hopeful we will receive our permit, the amount of time, money and effort we have expensed to get this far has far, exceeded our original projections . It is my feeling that Government should not be involved in a business that directly competes with other privately held businesses. While we at Capt. Hiram's have no objection to another Marina being located near us, we don't feel it is proper that the City of Sebastian be involved in such a project. If the City decides to proceed with a Marina project it is imperative that the enterprise at least be a breakeven proposition for the taxpayers of the City. The projected costs should include: money budgeted for the 'time our many City employees including the City Manager, City Attorney, etc., spend working on the project, both during the planning and building phases and then when operations begin. Corporate Office: 9301 NA-1-A, Suite 4, Vero Beach, FL 32963 PHONE (407) 589 -8000 FAX: (407) 589 -5100 fi Before you explore the idea in more detail you should contact Brian Poole at Indian River County (567 -8000 ext. 215) to make certain you will comply with the recently passed Manatee Protection Act. Please have your Planning Director review a copy of the Manatee Protection Act that the County recently passed. I believe restrictions in that document would prevent the City from building or expanding a Marina. The City should also contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (Bradley J. Hartman, Director at 850 - 922 -4330) as their agency also has specific requirements before Marina construction can begin. There are numerous other State, County and Federal agencies that would also have to be contacted and, believe me, all of them may oppose the project in some way or another. Finally, I would like to point out that a full service Marina in that location would have to include an extensive breakwater as that area is totally exposed to foul weather from the Northeast, East and Southeast. This would be a very expensive proposition. In addition, the permitting and construction costs associated with selling fuel at a Marina is nearly cost prohibitive. If the Council decides to move forward, I urge you to do so with caution, as a marina project could be very costly for years to come for the taxpayers of Sebastian. Si Thomas H. Collins THC /pjp cc: Terrence Moore, City Manager Sebastian Taxpayer's Association ivlay l , zuu2 Terrance Moore City of Sebastian 1225 Main Street Sebastian, FL. 32958 Dear Terrance, -ipt. Hiram s Resort COPY Capt. Hiram's A/4 � RIVER RAW BAR & SEAFOOD CAFE,;, % Home Of The Waterfront Tiffany Room Baiiquet Fa,. ility At Sebastian Ir let Marina & Trading Company, Inc. I noticed with interest the recent articles in the Press Journal regarding "Boat Moorings" that exist just to the northeast our Captain Hiram's Marina property. My partner Martin and I have had serious concerns about the boats that are moored in the area for quite some time. It is my understanding that the boats are anchored or moored on what is considered city owned or controlled property. It is also our understanding that many of the moorings have not been professionally installed or maintained. Some of the boats are derelict and unattended. We are also concerned that no parking areas or dingy storage areas have been provided by the city. Over the years we hay e experienced severe damage to our docks and to other boats docked at our marina from boats that have broken loose from moorings. Please understand that we would hold the city responsible in the event a boat broke loose from a city mooring area and damaged our property or boats docked on our property. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help solve this problem. Thomas H. Collins THC /krm cc: Mayor and City Council c� C 1 iviay /-u, LVVL Capt. Hiram's RIVER RAW BAR &SEAFOOD CAFE Home Of The Waterfront Tiffany Room Banquet Facility At Sebastian Inlet Marina & Trading Company, Inc. Mayor Barnes and City Council Members City Hall — City of Sebastian 1225 Main Street Sebastian, FL. 32958 Dear Mayor Barnes and Fellow City Council Members: I had an opportunity to review the marina "feasibility study" completed by Brandy Marine, Inc., which is dated May 1, 2002. The City Council should make that document available for review by as many Sebastian citizens as possible. I believe the report clearly points out that the existing Good Guys property is not suited for a full scale marina. The report goes on to suggest that the city might build portions of the permitted docks for use by smaller boats on a limited transient basis. It does not suggest in any detail how any revenues might be generated with the exception of the possible renting of an area for use by a Kayak or Canoe concession. Interestingly enough, nowhere in the report could I locate any pro -forma numbers that detail what the costs would be to construct the facility, and more importantly what the anticipated revenues and operating costs might be. I am under the impression that the city council only wants to move forward with this project if it can be at a minimum a break even proposition so the numbers are the most important thing you need to review. I was unaware that the city council authorized Brandy Marine, Inc. to consider other sites. Did the city suggest this option when you agreed to hire the firm? They make reference to the Marker 68 Marina and suggest that this property could be developed into a "larger vessel" marina. Again, no numbers were presented and I have serious concerns with some of the assumptions made in the report. I would like to point out a few of them for your consideration: Marker 68 Marina is very much exposed to the weather. All you need do is look at the existing condition of the marina to see what a storm can do. The only way that marina would be viable for in the water storage would be if it was enclosed with a substantial breakwater. It simply will not work otherwise! An effective breakwater would be very expensive and difficult to permit. Corporate Office: 9301 NA-1-A, Suite 4, Vero Beach, FL 32963 PHONE (407) 589 -8000 FAX: (407) 589 -5100 N Capt. Hiram's RIVER RAW BAR & SEAFOOD CAFE Home Of The Waterfront Tiffany Room Banquet Facility At Sebastian Inlet Marina & Trading Company, Inc. uo not believe there is a defined channel to the intercostal waterway, so consequently larger boats, which have deeper drafts, may not be able to use the facility. Permitting and the costs associated with completing the dredging could be substantial. I did not see any soundings for water depths in the report. The Marker 68 property at this point does not have enough parking to facilitate a full scale marina and a restaurant operation. The report suggests that parking could be provided on the Riverview Park property however I am not sure this is a logical solution and I am not certain that the City should commit this land for this use. I seriously question the report's conclusion that there is a huge pent up demand for customer's who are anxious to rent boat slips along the Sebastian waterfront. Capt. Hiram's is the only marina in the area that enjoys nearly full occupancy and most of our customers store their boats with us because we provide protection from the weather due to the spoil islands that are located just to the northeast of our property. In addition, our land facilities, including the Bar, Restaurant and Motel actually create the main draw and the reason people store their boats with us. There is simply no pent up demand as the report suggests, as we always seem to have slips available to rent. I urge the City Council to carefully review any options you might consider and would request that you forward any information that includes the actual construction and operating costs on any of these proposed projects for our review. Thank you for your kind attention. cerely, Thomas H. Collins THC /pjp cc: Martin Cart r Partner �/''�' Carter, 'i`irtd 6v`''' Terrance Moore, City Manager ,/ Corporate Office: 9301 N A -1 -A, Suite 4, Vero Beach, FL 32963 PHONE (407) 589 -8000 FAX: (407) 589 -5100 ACTIVITY REPORT TIME 05/23/2002 10:27 NAME COLLINS INVESTMENT FAX : 5615895100 TEL 5615898000 DATE TIME FAX NO. /NAME DURATION PAGE (5) RESULT COMMENT 05/20 16:26 KW1 33 01 OK: T ' ECM 05/20 16:28 2994882 33 01 OK TX ECM 05/20 16:29 SIM 35 01 OK TX ECM 05/20 16:30 2994682 36 a,1 OK: TX ECM 05/20 16:43 01:10 02 OK RX ECM 05/20 16:26 SIM 02:41 04 OK TX ECM 05/20 20 :22 56 0i i OK RX ECM 05/21 00:36 01:12 02 OK. RX ECM 05/21 08:31 14102130458 01:22 02 OK TX 05/21 08:33 SIM 24 01 OK TX ECM 05/21 09:04 561 388 3118 58 01 OK RX ECM 05/21 10:10 45 01 OK RX ECM 05/21 10:21 561 388 3118 01:13 01 OK RX ECM 05/21 12:27 4102130028 52 01 OK RX ECM 05/21 13:47 561 466 3301 02:06 02 OK: RX ECM 05/21 15:38 WHALEYBRITTINGM 30 01 OK TX, ECM 05/21 15:45 J MOORE 42 01 OK TX ECM 05/21 15:50 77223'14430 01:34 04 OK RX ECM 05/21 16:02 5890775 28 01 OK: RX ECM 05/21 16:15 15617315910 02:10 04 0< TX 05,x21 16:20 M OHAIRE 11:19 25 OK TX ECM 05/21 17:34 S1 56 02 OK. T },' ECM 05/21 19:41 561 731 5910 46 01 OK RX 05/22 03:05 PROTUS IP SOLUTIONS 02:29 01 OK RX ECM 05/22 08:46 1.2058791281 55 02 OK TX ECM 05/22 10:46 44 01 OK: RX ECM 05/22 13 :03 561 388 3118 58 01 Ok: RX ECM 05/22 16:32 561 328 311,8 04:22 04 OK RX ECM 05/23 10:22 5810149 4, ' A ", . '. �- 01:17 02 OK TX, ECM 05/23 10:25 CAPP 01:20 02 Ok ! TX ECM BUSY: BUSY /NO RESPONSE NG : POOR LINE CONDITION CV COVERPAGE CA CALL BACK MSG POL POLLING PET RETRIEVAL k- 6 11 "uiii rS Reso' "t I i71ict Marina & TI"Crdin L Ci. , h7C. lQ F9D Terrance Moore —City Manager v City of Sebastian 1225 Main Street Sebastian, FL. 32958 Dear Terrance, I recently reviewed my Hurricane preparedness procedures with my staff at Capt. Hiram's. We try to do whatever we can to protect our property in the event of a major storm. As I have mentioned to you before, we are concerned that the boats that are moored to the northeast of our facility might break loose and hit our dock and/or boats that are stored at our dock. A few years back we had a situation where a boat broke loose from the Sembler's marina and drifted down into our dock causing some damage. Would you please let me know what the City's policy is regarding securing the boats that are moored in the City mooring area in the event of a major storm Please let n,z know if there is anything we can do to help. Thomas H. Collins Martin Carter, Partner ✓ CORPORATE OFFTCF :\. SUlte 4 Phone: 772 -589 -8000 -)9c>; Fax: 772 -589 -5100 f; -mail: the9301 @aol.com CITY OF y SEBASTIAN HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND I " MAIN STREET • SEBASTIAN. FLORIDA 32y58 i PHONE (772) 589 -5330 • FAX (77 ?) 589 -7f;'G 11-11, 14. 200" Mr. I homas ( olhllti ( apt. I In-anl > Re So 1 -1 Schastian Inlet Marina & Trading Co., Inc. '>;OI IIIUh\\a\ \I.A. SUlte 4 Vero lik lch. I I ;,Oh Drill \lr. Collin,: C), In rcSpun;c to \our recent inquiry concerning boats being secured during a major storm \ \ithin the Cit\.s muorini: area, I am forwarding you copies of the Code of Ordinances �CcO 11 I I O- I thl-OLI h 110-44 relative to waterways and watercraft and Land I )c \cl hnlEnt ( ode .' ticction �4 -2 -7.8 relative to regulation of' watercrah..Also, attached 1'ind 11-om the April 24, 2002 Regular City Council Meeting at which "Vessel \I( gyring \\ ithin ('it\ Limits" was addressed. I I' I can he cal and further assistance, please feel free to contact me. Sinccl f L I 1 11 'I\ \ 11'I i ( it\ \lanagcr 0 An 'equal Opportunity E-mplove :'eiebrating Our 75th Anniversaiv COPY C a t. Hiram's Resort SEBAS'YIAN INLET MARINA & TRADING CO., INC. CORPORATE OFFICE "-A' C, <i 9;01 14 W', AI A, Suit;; ?OG Phone: 772 -589 -8000 ! - of E-mail.- thc9301aaol.conl uu August 5, 2004 Mr. Terrance Moore — City Manager City of Sebastian 1225 Main Street Sebastian, FL. 32958 Dear Terrance; I was reading a recent article in the Press Journal and it mentioned the City might be undertaking some improvements to the Main Street Boat Ramp. Certainly all of us encourage the use of boats but we should consider expanding other areas and perhaps closing or cutting back on the use of the Main Street Boat Ramp. It is simply much too valuable a location, as that parking area will be desperately needed for cars that come and U o on a regular basis. Unfortunately, cars or trucks that park with a boat trailer take up nearly four parking spaces for each boat and they normally stay put all day long. The boaters that use the parking are mostly from out of the City and they do very little to help the businesses up and down Indian River Drive. I would appreciate your passing this letter along to anyone working with the City to help improve the Riverfront area. Thank you for your kind attention. Sincerely, Thomas H. Collins THC /pjp cc: Martin Carter 1UwOA� ezz-m _� _ Oq Carol Hoffman 1998 1:40PM VETROL DATA SYSTEMS FAX: 561 562 1710 PAGE 2 Recent RESEARCH RESULTS for BOAT TRAILER License Plates at our Boat Ram Pas'kin q areas in The City of Sebastian `r J�1TFD, r, OF ...........41% Indian Fiv. r ' �; t V . .. ....2E... ~� . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 n 7a SPECIALTY TA.(, Orange County......... Br0war d Co�"nty • . , ..... . Dade County ................ Palm Eeach Coilnty......... tIanatec Countv.•.,♦ ne�1a rounr�� -.• -__ 1998 1 :40PM VETROL DATA SYSTEMS FAX: 561 562 1719 PAGE 3 J Recent RESEARCH RESULTS for BOAT TRAILER License our Boat RanP Parking areas in The City of Sebastian Plates at OF TOTAL Bre7ard Gour;tN ... . In�.ian F.ivPr Cour- • *- v........4.... ............L% Broward COLln,.y........... Oran ,gc courity........ °aim Beach Count;,... .......1 .................7J, °inella3 County........... 1. ' s also ee in mined *, u�L1A _the S ECIALTY TAG CODNTi -s r; ;4 r Recent RESEARCH RESULTS for BOAT TRAILER License Plateq at our Boat Rang Parking areas in The City of Sebastian Snda• ;, August 3rd, 1997 @ 3''.15 3 5 n rn COUPlT��, Brevard C_'unty.. ..........22 ................ 44% Indian River Cour. ty ........ 18 ................3E. Osceola Co:: r. ty .. ...........2.................4% Clay County ................1......... I- ................. 2 Duval Cour. tti ..... ...........1.................2% tlaz_tin • ............. 1........... ., Orange Couriry ..............7 . L v Polk County ..... ...........1.................�n Se Mincle Coon tv............1 ................ 2 - Michiaari................... .4.................� We s t V.f rn i -1 TOTn TRAILERS. .50. 008 The NON- INDIAN RIVER COUNTY TOTAL on August 3rd wras a considerable 64- PEMENT! Let's also keep in mind that ALL of these Inds RiVer tags are certainly NOT exalns.i.Vely Sebastian residents+ f Recent RESEARCH RESULTS for BOAT TRAILER License Plates at our Boat Ramp Parking areas in The City of Sebastian Saturday, Auq'+13y 9th, 1997 R 12:10-12:20 L,;.m. OF T(-)rP.T, Bre.vard County ............ 41 ................64$ Indian River County....... 11 ...............17% Orange County .............. 4 ...............6.x`• Bro,Nard Coun ty .. ...........3.................5% SPECIALTY TAGS ............. 2 ................... r Martin Count; .............. 1 ...............1.53 Pinellas County............ 1 ...............1.51 St. T.uCie Cou)')t 1 1 = TOTAL TRAILERS. .64. .100$ are certainly NOT exclusively Sebastian residents! upimon PAGE A6 SAT1J`RpQa`,; [ ::AN,UARY 14, 2006 to CAIN HOUSE Tourist trolley could connect h, Cain, fishing museums After reading the Press Journal article Jan. 3 concerning the relocation of the his- toric Cain House in Sebastian, we feel that the city, would be making a mistake mov- ing the house again. Already, $36;400 has. been spent, and the location` at Riverview Park is more than adequate. We would like to suggest a plan that would coruzect tlle hiL'lulit, �au� House Museum at, its present position with the historic Fisting Village near the Capt'n Butcher restaurant and apartment complex. Our plan entails the purchase of a quaint trolley that would run up and down Indian-.R ver Drive ,. starting at the Cain Douse Museum and ending at the Fishing Village. After viewing the muse- um, visitors could purchase their tickets and start their ride north on Indian River Drive. Not only would the trolley ride be a perfect way to view the lagoon but ��u.lu also be a, great -way for people to get to the many restaurants -along the way. Parking sometimes is a problem at the restau- rants, and the .parki ig.lot adjacent to Riv- erview Park - would::be ideal, as well as the parking lot at Capfri Butchers. The trolley. also would be very helpftzl transporting people to and from mir mnnv functions at Riverview Park. After the ini- tial purchase, the trolley would be self-suf- ficient by the selling -:of ride tickets and collecting advertising fees from the restau- rants: And, who knows, maybe we could get the trolley donated.' - Gary and Marilyn Ries Sebastian CAPTAIN HIRA M,S RESORT 1606 Indian River Dnve Sebastian, FL 32958 February 7, 2006 Sebastian Mayor & City Council Main Street Sebastian, Florida, 32958 Dear Mayor and City Council Members: the @9301 @aoL com Telephone 772 - 589 -4345 FAX 772 - 589 -4346 Capt Hirams has been involved in our community and a part of the Riverfront for nearly 20 years. various projects to better the Riverfront District for both our citi7e -Over that time, as we have grown and expanded our business, we have worked with the City on � + ; -,,,- -- always seem to move a little slower then we might like, we should all be thankful and proud of the many 9 and re accomplishments to date. Zoning for low density development with restricted heights reasonable e nable building requirements are now most in place and we have added street lighting, sidewalks and bike paths, crosswalks and some attractive landscaping to the Riverfront area. I addition, the City had the foresight to purchase Riverview Park and more recently, the land to the south and southeast of that Property. I have always thought of the Riverfront as the primary amenity fn, «k area should continue to be enhanced and beautified so �^ spend more of their leisure time there. To some extent people property owners and visitors alike will want to and this is a positive sign. The Art Shows, Clam Festivals, Fishing already gravitating Tournaments and other exciting events along with businesses like Capt Hirams are gravitating d the r Riverfront xciti being attracted to the nicest part of Sebastian, The Riverfront u lly having their effect on people who are I am hopeful and encouraged that this City Council will continue to have the foresight and energy required now to help preserve and nurture the Riverfront District sn it -an A,,,i +- This City Council must foster the vision and do what is needed tp in turn, will attract new businesses and residents to the s _ provide the services and facilities that tax base will expand and the "Amenity" I already mentioned ll be that muuch sk tbette dfor all f us to appreciate and enjoy. The City has completed study after study on what could or should be done and I'm certain there will be more to come, We do not need further studies or re First, we need more parking in selected areas of the Riverfront Tha r'if\, CH-11r4 « _ ports to address some of the obvious issues. located to the south of Riverview Park aril west of Indian River Drive. That grassy area is currently used for parking at times but not as efficiently r �c need to tape off the area and provide police suti would if duWBnSgPaved and striped. There would be no properly converted to a paved parkin area. Pennsfon ri pecial events or otherwise if it was streets running from US 1 to Indian River Drive "one g Seoond, the City should designate many of the east/west way° which would allow for room to provide an led 9 parking along one side of the street. This would be an inexpensive and quick way to add some parking throughout the Riverfront and adjoining property owners and residents alike would benefit. Street lighting and additional landscaping could be other improvements which should be completed in conjunction with the parking additions. A parking lot west of US 1 near main street and use of the City Hall Complex parking lots (which are not used on weekend or holidays) should be encouraged. In addition, the City should purchase or use existing City own land to provide parking areas in the northern end of the Riverfront district Why not relocate the out dated Community Center to a more appropriate location in the center of the City and use that area and perhaps the adjoining piece of property to the east, which could be purchased, for a parking lot? Also keep in mind the Capt Butches' property where the public already has rights to park. A trolley, tram, or similar form of transportation would be a wonderful way to provide a fun means of transportation throughout the Riverfront District Done properly, it would be a useful attraction for all to enjoy Initially it would only have to operate on nice weekends holidays or when there is a special event happening. The tram/trolley I had in mind could add additional seating cars when needed and could be pulled by an existing city vehicle which would not be in use by during the suggested times of operation. Businesses would be more then willing to reimburse patrons for any small fee the city might charge to encourage customers to frequent their establishments. At this point I would suggest that tnis Council simply encourage and endorse the idea and ask the City staff to work with the business people along the Riverfront to put together a proposal for the Council to consider at some future time. Our company would be willing to help organize this worthwhile effort I know it might be a sore subject with some of you, but the small main street boat ramp should be removed and relocated to an expanded ramp at the Yacht Club. The boarded up yacht club building could be removed so the boat ramp could be expanded in what is a more appropriate location. Another ramp should be considered in the north end of the district, probably in conjunction with the suggested improvements associated with the new parking lots) I already mentioned . The main street property is just too valuable and important for the enhancement and beautification of the Riverfront District for it to be continued to be occupied all day by unsightly boat trailers and cars and trucks, most of which are from out of town. This prime City owned property; right in the center of town, should be developed into the featured Park of the community. Open space and the fantastic views from US 1 directly to the River must be preserved. I also like the suggestion to reroute Indian River Drive up around the existing oak tree. Limited parking and accessible bathroom facilities (which could be part of the plans to redo the Chamber building) would be welcomed and much needed improvements. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Mayor and City Council for all their efforts and contributions on behalf of the City of Sebastian. All of us at Capt Hirams are excited with the prospects of working with you and your staff to help see some of these and other worthwhile initiatives through to completion Sincerely, \ J Thomas H. Collins Capt Hiram's Resort Cc: City Manager and Dept Heads Chamber of Commerce Sebastian Property Owners Association. Subj: LINES UNDERGROUND Date: 4/25/2007 2:09:43 PM Eastern Daylight Time From: THC9301 To: alminner(ncityofsebastian.org CC: tmichaud(cr�.hirams.com, Aruba Red AL, THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO DISCUSS FPUS INITIATIVE TO BURY POWER LINES UNDERGROUND. I FAXED YOU THE ARTICLE THAT APPEARED IN THE PAPER TODAY ABOUT THIS. BURYING THE LINES, PARTICULARLY ALONG INDIAN RIVER DRIVE, WOULD BE A WONDERFUL IMPROVEMENT TO OUR AREA. IN ADDITION WE WOULD EXPERIENCE LESS OF A PROBLEM FROM POWER FAILURES DURING STORMS. THE TOWN OF OCEAN CITY MARYLAND, WHERE I SPEND SOME TIME IN THE SUMMERS, RECENTLY COMPLETED BURYING MOST OF THEIR POWER LINES AND IT PROVE TO BE A GREAT IMPROVEMENT TO THE TOWN. I LEFT A MESSAGE FOR DENNIS DARE, THE CITY MANAGER, TO EXPECT YOUR CALL (410- 289 -8221) IN THE EVENT YOU WANT TO TALK TO HIM ABOUT THE WORTHWHILE PROJECT. PLEASE PASS THE EMAIL AND THE ARTICLE ALONG TO THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS. THANKS, TOM See what's free at AOL.com. Wednesday, April 25, 2007 America Online: THC9301 1 �.0"Vj1LL It SMITTA COLLINS I COMPA.AYES Q � REPLY TO: 755 Earring Pt 96 6 O an 'ew iane Drive Vero Beach, FL 32963 Tel: (772) 581 -8757 ea tit :15.32 Fax: (772) 581 -28984 -04 Fa (41 E -Mail: thc93IL@,aol_com To: \y) t From: Thomas H. Collins Fax #: I . p , _ l� Date Z$ 07 of ra es: Re- CC- Urgent For Review Please Comment 0 Please Reply L — E � GLs.�st.� 6LT c, UL ,a �. s c v�ss .f.�j — O 7T THE INFORMATION CONTAINED NTH IS FACSIMILE ., �n,m i iS atltlresSCa II you arc not lh MAY BE CO . c in tenilca recipient or the mploy The information is mtendrd nniv fnr rhr of rhr ind;v;diipl nr �nr;n agent or employee r spoasible to deliver it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that 7 proposal. Rate increases would j. have to be approved by regula ;,"i tors after the current rate agreement expires in 2009:_ D,.. t The commission's action F provides local, governments,,, with a viable new option to , use as a means of strengthen ing their electric infrastruc ture," said Lisa Polak Edgar, the PSC chairwoman. The commission will contra ?; ue to encourage the state's m vector -owned utilities to take` i lines vn'd-, BY JOSEPH MANN Sun- Sentinel A proposal approved by 'state regulators Tuesday will allow local governments and Florida Power & Light Co. to Push ahead with plans to bury Overhead power iines.with all ratepayers picking up part of the tab. The Public Service Commis - steps to minimize future storm sion unanimously approved an damage and reduce customer FPL Proposal under which the " outages, she added.. k' utility will pay 25 percent of The plan was approved as a the cost of burying overhead power lines while commtmi- pilot project that will expire,in, ties finance the rest. October 2008. At that time, the : PSC will evaluate results and 'The utility will then be able „ FPL can petition to continue � � to .recover its share from all or modify the plan. Re � " gulators a FPL customers, not )ust' those , will decide then whether the i :; receiving , the direct benefit of 25 percent figure accurately re,_,; p: the Protects. The,. move is fleets savings on storm dam age aimed at promoting more. un- - derground lines and reducing and other cost reductions storm repair costs. FPL's proposal came in re- ',' sponse to pressure from cus- tomers and public officials fol- lowing Hurricane Wilma, which left left 98 percent of FPL's South Florida customers with; out -- electricity in late 2005, some for more than two weeks. Burying power lines can help avoid outages 'during hurricanes and other severe storms. Capt. Hiram's Resort Restaurant, Bars, Marina and The Inn @ Capt. Hiram's FAX COVER SHEET DATE: N TO: iYi CL Fax #: C.-37 SG "LA L.VE FROM: L... S NO. OF PAGES:' (including this one) COMMENTS: Goers 'A cc m,� L. rJ }c S am c 3 - O 6L6Q) Please call 772 -589 -4345 if any of the transmission is illegible. FAX number is 772 - 589 -4346. E -mail: info @hirams.com Address: 1606 N. Indian River Drive, Sebastian, Fl. 32958 t MEMORY TRANSMISSION REPORT FILE NO. 823 DATE 08.01 17:20 TO 87709496 DOCUMENT PAGES 2 START TIME 08.01 17:20 END TIME 08.01 17:22 PAGES SENT 2 STATUS OK * ** SUCCESSFUL TX NOTICE TIME :08- 01 -'07 17:22 FAX NO.1 :7725894346 NAME :CAPT HIRAMS RESORT * ** W� y Capt. Mr- alrrl's Resort Restaurant, nars, Marina and The Ynn Q C»pt. Hiram's FAX COVER SHEET Fax #: NO. OF PAGES: 0- clu41aig dais on�j COMMENTS rn,A*6 c s r-3--T- r4 \t S Please call 772 -589 -4345 it an.y of time transmission is illegible. FAX number is 772 -589 -4346. E -mail: infa(a lmirams.com Address: 1606 N. Indian River Drive, Sebastian, FI_ 32958 ri ". flv�l 6t,Y�-�C4 Pi P- ON- A'- POPY75ti c4w#, � of LAND SCHULKE, 81i LE STODDARD, L. L. C. City of'Seboutian DESIGN RN LP. eLVD. S'U!7E 2GI VE20 SCACM, F,C)R:fDA ';3CV, Indion River DrivelMain Street 'j u u 1 rl OMM 7,EL 7712VI 7,70`-C,12 AX I?? 77-0 �4*!K Eft' UL L."o. " f r.—L� urzlr , cll--19 Page 1 of 2 Subj: Re: MAIN STREET AND RIVERFRONT IMPROVEMENTS Date: 8/2/2007 9:16:43 AM Eastern Daylight Time From: THC9301 To: aminner(cD-CityOfSebastian.or , councilra CityOfSebastian.org CC: sbsen @bellsouth.net, CAPPCUSTOM, Aruba Red, tmichaud hirams.com AL, THANKS FOR YOUR QUICK RESPONSE. PLEASE NOTE MY COMMENTS In a message dated 8/2/2007 8:23:23 AM Eastern Daylight Time, aminner @CityOfSebastian.org writes: Members of the City Council and Tom: Tom Collins e- mailed me his comments on the improvements scheduled for Indian River Drive /Main Street and I have forwarded them to you. As well, I have tried to address some of Tom's concerns. In short, before we started moving forward specifically with the design Mr. Collins reviewed (created by Schulke), staff made some other presentations to Council. One of those options was to relocate and close the Main Street Boat ramp. Of course relocating that ramp is not an easy thing to do, but the general concept we came up with was to close Main Street, but increase ramp space at the Yacht Club so the City would still at least net the same ramp space. Of course that concept would have meant the removal of the Club that we just recently finished the renovation. Nonetheless, their was also concern with regulatory requirements. But ultimately when this idea started to receive Public Input, it was not widely accepted and the general public did not want to see the Main Street Boat Ramp closed. UNDERSTAND THE REASONS TO LEAVE THE BOAT RAMP. The determination was then made NOT to close the Main Street Boat ramp and move on with a design concept that tried to address the traffic and other issues at Main Street as best as possible. Unfortunately one of the issues we can not address there is ADDITIONAL parking.) THINK THE CITY MAY BE WRONG HERE!! In our preliminary work, as well as work with Schulke, regulatory officials will approve a concept that improves ingress /egress, safety, stormwater retention and aesthetics; BUT if any additional parking spaces are created at the Main Street Boat ramp it would be viewed as increasing Boater traffic and trigger other regulations protecting manatees, sea grass and other protected sea life. THERE IS SIMPLY NO LOGIC TO THIS POSITION. CREATING ADDITIONAL PARKING SOLELY FOR AUTOMOBILES IN AN AREA THAT IS RESERVED STRICTLY FOR AUTOMOBILES AND NOT BOAT TRAILERS WILL NOT EFFECT OR TRIGGER ANYTHING RELATED TO THE WATER. THERE WOULD BE ABSOLUTELY NO EFFECT ON SEA GRASS, ETC, IN ADDITION, THE CAR ONLY PARKING AREAS WILL NOT HANDLE A CAR AND TRAILER EVEN IF THEY WANTED TO PARK THERE. Hence the City was in a difficult position and the concepts that you reviewed have been effected by many of the issues I have enumerated here.) URGE THE CITY TO RECONSIDER THIS POSITION. I WOULD BE HAPPY TO CALL THE AREA HEAD OF THE DEP TO DISCUSS THIS MATTER AND WOULD WELCOME HER COMMENTS ON HOW A CAR WITH NO BOAT AND TRAILER WILL EFFECT SEA GRASS. I MIGHT ALSO POINT OUT THAT WE AT CAPT HIRAMS ARE NOTICING MORE AND MORE PEOPLE WHO PARK IN OUR PARKING LOTS BUT DON'T COME INTO OUR RESTAURANT. THEY SIMPLY NEED A PLACE TO PARK THEIR CARS SO THEY CAN ENJOY THE BEAUTIFUL RIVERFRONT THE CITY HAS TO OFFER. AS THE CITY GROWS MANY MORE PEOPLE WILL BE ATTRACTED TO THIS AREA SO WE WILL NEED ALL THE PARKING WE CAN GENERATE. LET'S NOT WASTE THIS OPPORTUNITY. THANKS, TOM Hope this helps some explain some of the surrounding factors that led to how the concept was created. Al Minner City Manager City of Sebastian - - - -- Original Thursday, August 02, 2007 America Online: THC9301