May 2024 Newsletter

City of Sebastian Pelican Newsletter

Second Edition - May 2024

City Council

Meet your Council

Mayor, Ed Dodd Biography

Vice Mayor, Kelly Dixon Biography

Council Member, Fred Jones Biography

Council Member, Bob McPartlan Biography

Council Member, Christopher Nunn Biography

City Council

From the Office of the Mayor

In the first issue of the Pelican Newsletter, we provided an overview of each City Department's role, accomplishments, and activities. In this letter, I would like to share information about some administrative projects impacting the city.

We started working on the Strategic Plan. Our consultant, Saviak Consulting, met with each Council Member on April 15th &16th. The schedule includes public workshops and open public meetings with the Council throughout the summer. We need your input to create a working plan that represents the public. I encourage you to attend public meetings and provide the consultant feedback.

In 2019, the Indian River County Utilities (IRCU) Department expanded access to the wastewater collection system for properties in the Sebastian Community Redevelopment Area (CRA). Sebastian began offering grants to property owners within the CRA to decommission their septic tanks and connect to the IRCU system shortly after the county's expansion. In 2022, the Council decided that all septic systems in the CRA must connect to the IRCU mains, and the city will manage the project. We hired a consultant to provide an engineered design to allow connection. In late 2022, we provided the design to IRCU for their review, and we are waiting for their feedback so we can begin the project to remove septic systems in the CRA. Stay tuned for further updates.

We will begin the Riverview Park upgrade study this month. The study aims to create a vision for improving Riverview Park and enhancing its facilities. Please plan to attend public meetings to help create this plan.

With Earth Day just past, it's a good time to read about the Sustainable Sebastian Program. For more information, visit cityofsebastian.gov and select Government/boards and committees/natural resources board. This page contains valuable information about the city's quest for sustainability.

Lastly, check out the 100th-anniversary website at sebastian100 com

City Council

In the Community

City Manager’s Office

The City of Sebastian invites you to join us at the public meetings for Riverview Park and the Stormwater Action Plan! We need your feedback and input on the future development and improvement of these projects. See the postcards below for more information on these meetings.

City Manager’s Office

Social Media & Communications Update

During April in recognition of Earth Month, City of Sebastian Communications & Social Media Coordinator Avery Joens, introduced us to some environmental organizations in the area She also spoke with the City of Sebastian’s Environmental Technician Felicia Gordian, to learn more about the Natural Resources Board and Sustainable Sebastian.

If you have an idea for our social media reach out to Avery Joens at: ajoens@cityofsebastian.org or 772-228-7074

Earth Month Posts Highlight

Earth Day - April 22

Arbor Day - April 26

City Clerk

Proclamations

April

Water Conservation Month - April

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week - April 14-20

Volunteer Appreciation Week April 21-27

Functional Neurological Disorder Awareness Month - April

May

Municipal Clerks Week - May 5 -11

National Police Week - May 12-18

National Peace Officers Memorial Day - May 15

National Safe Boating Week - May 18-24

National Public Works Week - May 19-25

FL Code Enforcement Officers Appreciation Week - June 3-7

Centennial Update

The City Clerk’s Office is still working hard to raise funds for the Centennial Celebration!

Cathy and Bub loaded up merchandise to stock the Centennial Tent at the Earth Day Celebration. We would like to thank all who stopped by to say hello and pick up some souvenirs.

We are still looking for sponsors for our party of the Century! For more information contact Cathy Testa at: Sebastian100@cityofsebastian.org or call (772) 388-8209

Upcoming Meetings & Events

Thursday, May 2, 2024

• National Day of Prayer at City Hall Courtyard – 12:20 pm – 12:40 pm

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

• Regular City Council Meeting in Council Chambers – 6 pm

Friday, May 10, 2024

• IRL Board of Directors meeting in Council Chambers 9:30 am – 1:30 pm

Saturday, May 11, 2024

• Craft Club of Sebastian at Riverview Park – 10 am – 3 pm

Monday, May 13, 2024

• Citizen Budget Advisory Board meeting in Council Chambers – 6 pm

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

• Riverview Park Master Plan Public Workshop in Council Chambers –3 pm & 6 pm

Thursday, May 16, 2024

• Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting in Council Chambers – 6 pm

Friday, May 17, 2024

• Chamber of Commerce Concert in the Park at Riverview Park – 5:30 –8 pm (Swamp Dawg)

Monday, May 20, 2024

• Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting in Council Chambers –6 pm

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

• Special Magistrate Code Enforcement Hearings in Council Chambers –2 pm

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

• Regular City Council w/CRA Meeting in Council Chambers – 6 pm

Thursday, May 23, 2024

• Stormwater Master Plan Public Workshop in Council Chambers – 3 pm & 6 pm

Friday, May 24, 2024

• Chamber of Commerce Finally Friday on Cleveland Street 6 pm – 9 pm

Monday, May 27, 2024

• Memorial Day Holiday – City Hall Closed

• Memorial Day Observance Riverview Park at Veterans Memorial – 11 am

Police Department

April COPE Events

April 10 - Special Olympics Torch Run in Vero

April 10 - Tour De Force Stop in Sebastian

April 19 - Creative Playground Ribbon Cutting

Upcoming COPE Events

May1–ConewithaCopMcDonald’s May6through10–RADWomen(classfull)

May13–WreathPlacementCeremony

May18–TeamSuccessHomeMakeover

May20–SebastianCharterJuniorHighfunday

May24–SebastianCharterJuniorHighend-ofthe-yearparty

May26–CommunityFunDay

May30-NorthCountyCharterElementary SchoolPatrioticParade

May31–BlueWaterOpenCaptain’sMeeting June1–BlueWaterOpen

Police Department

Volunteer Appreciation Week

April 21 - 27

At the City Council Meeting on April 24, Mayor Ed Dodd issued the Volunteer Appreciation Week Proclamation to the Sebastian Police Department volunteers. Thank you, to these wonderful individuals!

Slow Down Zones

It is highly important to abide by speed limits at all times. We’d like to remind City of Sebastian residents of particular areas in which it is especially important to slow down and watch your speed.

Powerline Road

Entering the City of Sebastian School Zones

Periodic Lane Closures on US 1

May 12th – May 18th is National Police Week May 15th is National Peace Officers Memorial Day

Parks, Recreation, and Public Facilities

Creative Playground Opening

On Friday, April 19 the City of Sebastian held the grand opening for the new Creative Playground at Barber Street Park. Thank you to everyone who helped to make this park possible. The Creative Playground is ADAinclusive and was recognized as a national demonstration site.

Parks, Recreation, and Public Facilities

Interactive Parks & Recreation Map

Check out the new interactive parks & recreation map for the City of Sebastian. The map allows you to see where each park is located and gives you details about what activities are there, hours of operation, size, etc. check out the map!

Sebastian Leash Law

In this public service announcement, City of Sebastian Parks and Recreation Director, Richard Blankenship shares more about Sebastian’s leash law.

NOTICE

ALL PETS MUST BE ON A LEASH AT ALL TIMES

CITY OF SEBASTIAN ORDINANCE 74-4(8). FINES UP TO $500 OR UP TO 60 DAYS IN JAIL.

BEWARE OF WILD ANIMALS

Building Department Building

Building Department

Community Development | CRA

Staff Highlights

Michelle Faulkner is nominated to the FFMA (Florida Flood Plain Managers Association) Board of Directors.

Josh Simpson has become certified as a trainer in CPR First Aid and AED.

Felicia Gordian led the charge on the Earth Day Event in Riverview Park, including coordinating a multitude of volunteers for the event.

Earth Day & Arbor Day Celebration

April Council Decisions

The submerged land lease was renewed for the land/water docks directly behind the Yacht Club on Indian River Drive. The Fisherman’s landing Lease was renewed with Fisherman’s Landing Sebastian LLC

The Land Development Code was revised regarding the length of time a food truck can be at one location from two days to three days.

Projects in Progress

Subdivision

SpiritofSebastianPUD

SitePlan

SquidLips

SitePlan

Subdivision

Subdivision

SitePlan

Subdivision

SitePlan

SitePlan

SitePlan

Subdivision

DunkinDonuts

TreasureBayPUD

CrossCreekLakeEstates

CrailManufacturing

SebastianHighlands Unit17

MavisTireStore

Sportsman’sLodge

SebastianOaksApts

SebastianPreservePUD

Subdivision TerraEstates

DelMonteRdand SWimbrowDr

208Single-FamilyHomes

1660IndianRiverDr

LouisianaAve 86thAve&89thStr Construction InReview Construction

900U S Highway#1

New8400SqFtOverWater restaurant,2300SqFt Smokehouse,2100SqFt MarinaOffice,IceCream Shop,&associatedparking

Demo-RebuildRestaurant withdrive-thru&2retail units-4810TotalSquareFeet

VickersGrove Sandmine

YearlingTrail

7756130thStreet

SpringValleyAve 1055Sebastian Boulevard 412IndianRiverDr

70Single-FamilyHomes, 126Townhomes,54 TownHomeVillas

35Single-FamilyHomes

New40,000sqftbuilding

99Single-FamilyHomes

New6970sqftbuilding andassociatedparking

NewUse-FreedomBoatClub 126Multi-FamilyApts

118Single-FamilyHomes &158DuplexVillas

Public Works | Engineering

Citizen Requests

The City of Sebastian has recently updated their citizen request system. It’s now easier than ever to submit and track your requests. You can also report illicit discharge and illegal dumping into the stormwater system through the citizen request website. Need to make a request? Click here: citizen request website

The Riviera and Gardenia Ditch project will be going out to bid in May. If you received a letter regarding impacts on your property please reach out to Karen Miller at kmiller@cityofsebastian.org or 772-228-7056 for clarification. We will also be completing visits to homeowners who have not responded. We will have public meetings in July once a contractor has been selected to review more specific project logistics with residents.

Stormwater

Stormwater Master Plan Input Meeting

The Stormwater Master Plan Input Meeting is on May 23rd. Please come and talk about your stormwater system concerns and give us your input. This is a meeting to review the Stormwater Master Plan that was created and have a workshop on resident ideas. We welcome your ideas and recommendations!

Stormwater Action Plan Public Input

Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 3 pm & 6 pm City Hall Council Chambers 1225 Main St.

Fertilizer Ordinances

The fertilizer ban is in effect during the rainy season from June 1 to September 30. During this time fertilizers containing nitrogen and/or phosphorous cannot be applied. For more information see our information regarding Florida-friendly fertilizer use here. Another tool to look up local fertilizer ordinances is the UF IFAS Extension office’s tool, here.

Human Resources

Available Positions

Finance Director

Police Officer - Police Department

Police Recruit - Police Department

Equipment Mechanic - Public Works (Fleet)

Code Enforcement Specialist

Maintenance Worker - Stormwater

Scan the QR code below to be redirected to our job site!

April New Hires

Vianca Vazquez - Police Recruit

Dakota Helgeson - PD Records Specialist I

Sarah Estrella - PD Evidence Technician

Tiara Hauskins - Clerical Assistant 1 (Roads)

Finance

Procurement Corner

Best Practices When Submitting Bid Proposals Online

If you are a vendor who has been submitting bids online or is new to electronic bidding, take note of these common mistakes to avoid and follow best practices.

• Review all documents, including addenda The first common mistake vendors make is not reviewing all relevant documents. Sometimes, vendors miss addenda which can include important updates such as answers to questions, closing date changes, and specification changes. The best practice is always to check the solicitation notice for any updates before submitting your response.

• Submitting electronic bid response early. Another common mistake suppliers make is submitting their bids right before the closing time. Don’t let yourself get into the unfortunate situation of a technical issue occurring right before the deadline and you are unable to submit on time.

• Proofreading the bid proposal or RFP response. One crucial mistake a supplier can make is not reviewing and proofreading their bid proposal or RFP response before submitting it. Make sure you double-check the price and that the attached documents have accurate information about your business.

Past Bids

In April, procurement was hard at work securing vendors to provide services to the city, including special rehab projects at the airport. Procurement issued the following bids:

• 24-07-RFP Disaster Recovery Debris Removal

• 24-10-ITB Citywide Pest Control Services (Rebid)

Upcoming Bids

Below is a list of bids the City anticipates issuing this fiscal year If your business is interested in bidding, please make sure you are registered with VendorLink. All bid documents are posted on https://www.myvendorlink.com/

• Riviera Avenue and Gardenia Street Drainage Improvements

• Pre-Cast Concrete Restroom Building for Sebastian Municipal Airport

• Hangar D Office Renovations

• AWOS System for the City of Sebastian Municipal Airport

• Continuing Consultant Services Library

Protecting Yourself: Email Edition

In today's world, where we heavily rely on email for communication, it is vital to be aware of the dangers that come with it. Spam, phishing, and other malicious emails can significantly threaten our privacy and security While email filters are a great way to block most of these bad emails, some can still get through.

Here are some ways in which the public can help detect bad emails that get through other filters and protect themselves:

1. Be cautious of emails from unknown senders:

One of the most common ways attackers try to get people to click on malicious links or download harmful attachments is by sending an email from an unknown sender. If you receive an email from an unknown sender with a suspicious subject line or content, do not open it or click on any links or attachments.

2. Scrutinize the sender's email address: Attackers often employ fake or similar-looking email addresses to deceive users. To spot these, carefully examine the sender's email address for any spelling errors or suspicious characters that could indicate it's a fake.

3. Look for red flags in the content:

Bad emails often have poor grammar, spelling mistakes, or an urgent tone that pushes the user to take immediate action. Be wary of any emails that have these red flags.

4. Use anti-malware software:

Installing anti-malware software on your computer can be an effective way to help protect yourself from harmful emails This software can detect and block malicious attachments or links before they can cause any harm. By staying vigilant and implementing these measures, you can actively detect bad emails that slip through other filters. Remember, your proactive approach to email safety is always the best defense

Airport

Runway 05-23 Rehabilitation Project Update

The Runway 05-23 Re-Paving/Rehabilitation Project continues, with the asphalt work having been completed the first week of April. We now move into temporary markings and the new upgraded lighting installation. This portion may have some supply-chain issue delays, but we’re addressing different possibilities to at least re-open the runway temporarily, without lighting. - Jeff Sabo, City of Sebastian Airport Manager

This major enhancement to our airport of over $3 million is funded through the FAA, FDOT, and the City of Sebastian. Along with a new, smoother & level surface on runway 05-23 we will receive an upgrade to the runway lighting, changing all fixtures to LEDs and adding REILs to each runway end.

Airport

Economic Opportunities

City Council has approved two new contractors for upcoming work: Island Harbor Custom Builders has been selected to begin work on 3 new large hangars at pre-designed sites on the west side of the airport

Dickerson Infrastructure, Inc. has been selected for the Rehab/Re-Paving of two aircraft parking aprons along Alpha Taxiway, also on the west side.

Staff Highlight

Special thanks to City of Sebastian employees Keith Keitz and Bradley Taylor who, during the runway closures, painted and/or refreshed a multitude of line markings across the airport. Pilots have since noted the increased visibility of the FAA-mandated markings, along with traffic and parking guidance outside of the Aircraft Operation Areas.

Golf Course

Daily Rates for non-members

Daily Rates for annual members Spring Rates

Spring - April 16 through May 31

18 holes with cart: $42 7-noon

18 holes with cart: $36 After 12 pm

18 holes walk: $25 After 1 pm

9 holes with cart: $26 All-day

9 holes walk: $15 After 1:30 pm

Junior walk 9 or 18 holes: $2.25

After 2 pm

Spring - April 16 through May 31

18 holes with cart: $17 all-day

9 holes with cart: $10 all-day

18 holes walk: $5 after 1 pm

9 holes walk: $3 after 1:30 pm

Rounds

In April, the Sebastian Municipal Golf Course did 5,495 rounds and took in a grand total of $180,670