Newsletter June - Third Edition

City of Sebastian Pelican Newsletter

Third Edition - June 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

While April and May mark the return for many of you to your northern dwellings, June marks the beginning of hurricane season in Florida and the increased threat of flood damage associated with potential storm events. Rest assured that the City staff, like many of you, have taken precautions to reduce flood-related damage. Please do not hesitate to contact the City staff with any storm or flood-related questions or concerns.

Property Flooding Concerns? Property Flood Elevation and Risks?

Contact the Building Department staff who are available at your request to visit your property to assess your flood or stormwater concerns, answer your questions, and explore potential solutions. They can provide you with, maps and information about your property, related to FEMA-designated flood elevations, hurricane flooding events, and extreme tidal events. This is a free service!

Contact: Michele Faulkner, CFM (772)-388-8220 or email mfaulkner@cityofsebastian.org

Flood Insurance Questions?

Contact flood insurance expert Denise M. Boehning, CFM who is a licensed insurance agent and is available at no cost to the City, and no obligation by you, to answer your flood insurance-related technical questions, for free! Call (772) 532-4536 or email denise@coastalwide.com

Flood and storm information can also be found on the City of Sebastian website: http://www.cityofsebastian.com/flood-zone-information

The City of Sebastian continues to implement programs and procedures to reduce the impacts of flooding and educate our residents on the importance of flood awareness and protection. As residents, you can also prepare for potential storm-related hazards by securing your home against flooding and considering purchasing, or increasing current coverage of, flood insurance to protect your home from unmitigated potential flood-related damage.

Sincerely,

City of Sebastian Mayor Ed Dodd

City Manager’s Office

Social Media & Communications Update

In preparation for the start of hurricane season Communications and Social Media Coordinator, Avery Joens shared preparedness tips throughout May.

See the video below where Avery shares some important preparation tips!

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

May Posts Highlight

City Clerk

Proclamations 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

June

National League of Cities Small Cities Month - June

Election Information

July 22nd is the deadline to register for the August 20th Primary Election. Florida is a closed primary election state, which means only voters who are registered members of political parties may vote for their respective party candidates or nominees in the Primary Election.

Voters can change their party affiliation by submitting an updated Voter Registration Application. The change must be made 29 days before a Primary Election to be effective for that election.

At a General Election, all registered voters receive the same ballot and may vote for any candidate or question on the ballot. Candidates appearing on the August 20th ballot may put up their campaign signs within the City’s limits on June 5th. (LDC Code 54-3-16.5)

City Clerk A Brief History of the Municipal Clerk

The Municipal Clerk is the oldest of public servants in local government, along with the tax collector. The profession traces back to before Biblical times For example, the modern Hebrew translation of Town Clerk is “Mazkir Ha’ir” which translated, means City or Town Reminder. Before writing came into use, the Clerk’s memory served as a public record.

The title “Clerk” as we know it developed from the Latin word “clericus”. During the Middle Ages, when scholarship and writing were limited to the clergy, “clerk” came to mean a scholar, especially one who could read, write, and thus serve as a notary, secretary, accountant, and recorder

In ancient England, the township (surrounded by its hedge or “tun”) and the borough (an outpost fortified with a wall) developed a strong system of democratic local government. One of the first officials elected was the “Clarke” to remind Councilors what had transpired at previous meetings. When the colonists came to America they set up forms of local government to which they had been accustomed, and the office of clerk was one of the first established. Over the years, Municipal Clerks have become the hub of local government, the direct link between the residents and their government.

Today there are 388 clerks in Florida remembering and recording what has transpired at their Council meetings in 411 towns and cities across the State of Florida. I am honored to serve the City Council and residents of Sebastian.

-Jeanette Williams, MMC

Upcoming Meetings & Events

Tuesday, June 4, 2024

• County Commission Meeting at the County Administrative Bldg. Vero Beach– 9 am

• Natural Resources Board Meeting in Council Chambers – 6 pm

Thursday, June 6, 2024

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

Friday, June 7, 2024

• Chamber of Commerce Concert in the Park at Riverview Park 5:30 – 8 pm (Tom MacLear and Renele)

Wednesday, June 12, 2024

• Regular City Council Meeting in Council Chambers – 6 pm

Tuesday, June 18, 2024

• County Commission Meeting at the County Administrative Bldg Vero Beach – 9 am

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

Thursday, June 20, 2024

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

Monday, June 24, 2024

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

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

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

Friday, June 28, 2024

• Chamber of Commerce Finally Friday Event on Cleveland St. 6 - 9 pm

Police Department

May COPE Events

May1–ConewithaCopMcDonald’s

May6through10–RADWomen

May13–WreathPlacementCeremony

May18–TeamSuccessHomeMakeover

May20–SebastianCharterJuniorHighfunday

May24–SebastianCharterJuniorHighend-of-the-yearparty

May26–CommunityFunDay

May30-NorthCountyCharterElementarySchoolPatrioticParade

May31–BlueWaterOpenCaptain’sMeeting

June COPE Events

June1–BlueWaterOpen

June3through7-RADforSeniors trainingatPelicanLanding

June8-AttendingtheRoselandChurch Father’sDayCarShow

June10through14-RADKidstraining atTheLearningNest

Staff Highlights

Congratulations,SergeantJeffBrucknerandOfficerDonaldHartonbecoming certifiedSchoolCrossingGuardTrainers.Weappreciateyourdedicationto helpingnotonlytheSebastianPoliceDepartmentbutyourcommunity!

ThankyoutoourwonderfulSebastianPoliceDepartmentVolunteers!Thispast monthourvolunteershaveassistedinRoadPatrolonvehiclecrashesby conductingtrafficcontrol.They’verespondedtoareasoftrafficcomplaintsto identifypossibleconcernstoreportbacktoRoadPatrol.Ourvolunteersalsohave conductedfuneralescortsintown.

Police Department

Sebastian Police Department 4th ANNUAL UNITY CUP GOLF TOURNAMENT 2024

A critical focus of the Sebastian Police Department continues to be creating and maintaining lasting relationships with the members of our community. Without these partnerships and our community policing philosophy, we would not be as successful as we are. In an effort to raise the necessary funds to support our mission and the many programs we provide, we will be hosting Sebastian Police Department’s Fourth Annual Unity Cup Golf Tournament. These funds support our Community Oriented Policing Endeavor (C.O.P.E) Unit which participates with the public in many ways including; self-defense classes for children and female citizens, providing the public with vital information regarding crime prevention, in-school functions, and presentations, “end of the school year” and “end of summer” events, backpack giveaways, showing kid-friendly movies in the park on a large screen while giving away snacks like popcorn, snow cones or hot chocolate, and many other activities to unite and protect our community. We are in search of support as a sponsor, a contributor to the program, or in any other manner that fits an individual’s particular means. Please review the sponsorship information and consider being involved in this worthwhile event. For more information or questions, contact Officer Hart at Dhart@cityofsebastian.org or by dialing 772-228-7089.

Police Department

Code Enforcement Officers Appreciation Week

June 3-7

At the City Council Meeting on May 22, Mayor Ed Dodd issued the FL Code Enforcement Officers Appreciation Week Proclamation to Officer Curtis Bloomfield. See the below video with Officer Bloomfield to get a better understanding of what our Code enforcement officers do!

Police Department

Arrests Highlight

In this video, K9 Officer Irwin shares the details of two arrests he and his K9 partner Suma assisted with on the same night. In both situations, K9 Suma performed successful drug sniffs, leading to arrests. Since then, Officer Irwin and K9 Suma have helped out in other drugrelated arrests with both Indian River and Brevard County Sheriff's Offices.

Thanks to the hard work performed by our officers such as Officer Irwin and K9 Suma, the Sebastian Police Department is working diligently to keep drugs off our streets. Great job to this dynamic duo!

Parks, Recreation, and Public Facilities

Senior Center

Watch this video with Ron Paul from Parks and Recreation to learn more about the Senior Center! To see the schedule of events visit: Senior Center Schedule

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!

Parks, Recreation, and Public Facilities

Riverview Park Master Plan

On May 14, the City of Sebastian held its Riverview Park master plan public input meeting! Thank you to everyone in the community who showed up and gave their input on the future development of Riverview Park. Residents had the chance to share their thoughts on what they’d like to see in the future for the park. The city is looking forward to having more opportunities to receive your input!

Building Department

Building Department

Community Development | CRA

May

Council Decisions

The Natural Resources Board presented the Earth Day poster contest winners – This is a poster contest that is done annually with the students at Sebastian Charter Junior High School, there are a total of nine winners in three different categories

The Board of Adjustment granted a variance to Davis Vacation Rentals, LLC for installing a stairwell in the easement of the property. This new stairwell will allow for secondary life safety access.

The City Council passed a resolution in support of applying for grant funding from the Florida Division of Historic Resources to restore the working waterfront.

On Tuesday, May 14th the City hosted two workshops regarding the Riverview Park master planning efforts. These workshops were extremely well attended with over 100 residents coming out to voice their ideas of improvements and potential activities that the citizens would like to see utilized in the future. Keep an eye out for the announcement about the next workshop in the near future!

Community Development | CRA Projects in Progress

Type

Subdivision

SpiritofSebastianPUD

SitePlan

SitePlan

Subdivision

Subdivision

SitePlan

Subdivision

SitePlan

SitePlan

SitePlan

Subdivision SquidLips

Subdivision

DunkinDonuts

TreasureBayPUD

CrossCreekLakeEstates

CrailManufacturing

SebastianHighlands Unit17

MavisTireStore

Sportsman’sLodge

SebastianOaksApts.

SebastianPreservePUD

Construction

Construction

DelMonteRdand SWimbrowDr

1660IndianRiverDr 900U.S.Highway#1

VickersGrove Sandmine

YearlingTrail

7756130thStreet

SpringValleyAve 1055Sebastian Boulevard

412IndianRiverDr LouisianaAve

86thAve&89thStr

208Single-FamilyHomes

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

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

70Single-FamilyHomes, 126Townhomes,54 TownHomeVillas

35Single-FamilyHomes

New40,000sqftbuilding

99Single-FamilyHomes

New6970sqftbuilding andassociatedparking

NewUse-FreedomBoatClub 126Multi-FamilyApts

118Single-FamilyHomes &158DuplexVillas

The Spirit of Sebastian, Model Center Grand Opening is on June 8th from 11 am to 3 pm, at 60 Judah Lane. The public is invited to tour Spirit of Sebastian model homes and learn about Indian River County’s first Agrihood Community

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 Below is the citizen request data from May 2024.

Roads

Roadway repaving projects are to begin on June 17th. Residents may see crews out completing preparation before the repaving/resurfacing work happening in June and July. The crews will begin work on Schumann Drive on June 17th. The Cleveland / Indian River Drive Crosswalk has been completed! Thank you for your patience during this time as we continually work to improve the roadways in the city!

Stormwater

Projects

Crews have been working diligently to finish drainage repairs before paving projects beginning in mid-June. Over 30,000 linear feet of swales have been regraded to ensure proper drainage on roadways in the City’s rehabilitation program. Please be mindful that all owners are to maintain the swales as they were reconstructed. Residents affected will receive letters and follow-up information.

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 By banning fertilizer usage during the rainy months, we are helping better protect the Indian River Lagoon! 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.

Stormwater

Stormwater Master Plan

On May 23, the City of Sebastian held its Stormwater Master Plan Public Workshop. Thank you to everyone in the community who showed up and gave input! Residents who attended had the opportunity to participate in workshops to give their opinions on the importance of different aspects of the stormwater plan

We are looking forward to receiving more of your input on our stormwater plans in the future! If you missed the meeting or haven’t filled out the survey yet you can do so using the link below or by scanning the QR code: Stormwater Master Plan Survey

Human Resources

Available Positions

Maintenance Worker I - Stormwater

Finance Director

Police Recruit (Non-Certified)

Police Officer

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

May New Hires

Blake Koch - Maintenance Worker I - Stormwater

James Mekuto - Maintenance Worker I - Stormwater

Javier Soler - Maintenance Worker I - Roads

Jeramy Cordero - 911 Emergency Dispatcher

Finance

Procurement Corner

Past Bids

In May, procurement was hard at work and awarded the following bids:

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

Current Bids

We are accepting bids for the solicitations below. If your business is interested in submitting a bid, please ensure you are registered with VendorLink. All bid documents are posted on: VendorLink

24-09-ITB - Riviera Avenue and Gardenia Street Drainage

Improvements

24-12-RFP - CDBG Grant Administration Services

24-13-ITB - CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Program for Three (3)

Single-Family Home Units

24-14-ITB - Hangar D Office Space Build-Out

Upcoming Bids

Below is a list of bids the City anticipates issuing this fiscal year

AWOS System Upgrade for the City of Sebastian Municipal Airport

Continuing Consultant Services Library

Barber Sports Complex Chainlink Fence Backstops

Sports Netting for Sebastian Municipal Airport

Have Questions?

If you have any questions about the procurement process or submitting a bid, please contact our Procurement/Contracts Manager Jessica Graham at procurement@cityofsebastian.org or 772-388-8231.

MIS

Tips On How To Spot Fake News

Social media has become a hub for fake news and misinformation in today's digital age With the ease of sharing and the speed at which information spreads, it's crucial to spot fake news on social media. Here are some tips to help you navigate the world of online information and separate fact from fiction:

1. Check the source: Before believing or sharing a news story, take a moment to research the source Look for established and reputable news organizations rather than unfamiliar or questionable websites.

2. Verify the information: If a news story seems too sensational or unbelievable, it's worth taking the time to fact-check. Look for other reliable sources reporting the same information. If a story is only being reported by one source, it may be wise to approach it cautiously.

3. Examine the URL: Fake news websites often mimic the URLs of well-known news organizations, with slight variations Before trusting a story, check the URL to ensure it matches the official website of a reputable news outlet.

4. Scrutinize the photos: Fake news stories often use manipulated or outdated photos to support their claims. Reverse image searches can help verify the authenticity of a photo and determine if it has been used out of context.

5. Consider the tone and language: Sensational language, excessive use of capital letters, and an unprofessional tone can indicate fake news. Genuine news stories are typically reported factually and objectively.

6. Watch out for clickbait: Headlines designed to provoke strong emotional responses or outrage are often used to lure readers into clicking and sharing fake news stories. If a headline seems designed to shock or provoke, it's best to investigate further before sharing

7. Be wary of information that plays into your biases: Fake news often preys on people's pre-existing beliefs and biases. If a story seems designed to confirm your existing views without providing credible evidence, it's essential to approach it with skepticism.

By being vigilant and critical of the information we encounter on social media, we can all play a part in combating fake news and promoting a more informed and responsible online community.

Airport

Runway 05-23 Rehabilitation Project Update

After a long and detailed rehabilitation, Runway 05-23 re-opened on May 16th with all new asphalt, markings, and lighting. This is the longest and only lighted runway at Sebastian Municipal Airport. It also favors our most prevalent wind conditions. The work by contractors Ranger Construction, Infrastructure Consulting & Engineering, Precision Lighting and Controls, and HASCO Inc., has brought the 4023’ x 75’ runway back to FAA standards without needing full milling The runway should last us many years before needing any significant maintenance. We’ve received many positive comments from pilots about the smoother, consistent surface. The FAA, FDOT, and the City of Sebastian, provided the funding for this major project. Some last, small detail work will take place over the coming months, due to supply-chain issues, before the final closeout of the project becomes official. We thank you for your continued patience and understanding throughout this entire process!

Golf Course

Summer Rates

Summer rates began on June 1st and will run until September 30th.

18 holes with cart: $32 7-noon

18 holes with cart: $25 After 12 pm

18 holes walk: $18 After 11 am

9 holes with cart: $20 All-day

9 holes walk: $12 After 11 am

Junior walk 9/18: $2.25 After 2 pm

Rounds

In May, the Sebastian Municipal Golf Course did 4,353 rounds and took in a grand total of $128,706

Aeration Schedule

The front 9 will be closed June 3rd and 4th. The back 9 will be closed June 5th and 6th. All 18 holes will be open on June 7th, with play starting on hole #1. Aeration entails punching thousands of ½ inch diameter holes in the greens and then filling those holes with sand. Aeration accomplishes 3 major objectives:

Relieves compaction: the greens would become rock hard without aeration over time.

Improves drainage: all the holes filled with sand improve the percolation of rainwater.

Reduces thatch: thatch refers to “layers” of grass growing on top of each other. Too much thatch and water will sit on top of the turf and not drain & the golf ball will not roll as well as it should.

Apparel

The golf shop has a full selection of caps in stock with many Patriotic themes to choose from. We offer both city logos including the Standard City/Golf Course logo and the Centennial logo. Several more apparel items, including vests, jackets, and additional polos, are scheduled to come in near the summer's end!