Items of Interest
Webster Creek Mitigations Bank
BBPOA E-Mail Sent to US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
From: <fwrowan@hotmail.com>
Date: July 19, 2016 at 1:01:34 PM EDT
To: <AmyD.Thompson@usace.army.mil>
Subject: Bethune Beach Property Owner'sAssociation / Webster Creek mitigation bank
Dear Ms. Thompson,
The BBPOA is the voluntary home owners association down here. We have 200 members and most all have located here based on the local waters. Many are new to this area but many have been involved here for decades and know a good history of water conditions.
We understand that a Mitigation Bank can be a good thing but do have concerns about some of the details we see in the Webster Creek project. A public meeting would offer an opportunity for us to ask questions and for the project people to educate us if we are misunderstanding the science they base plans on. If this is not made possible, there will be many minds thinking negatively about the entire activity and that something was "slipped past" us quickly and quietly because it is only very recently that it has come to light. Normally there are notifications in the Daytona News Journal with multiple public readings prior to something covering so many acres that can have such an environmental effect. Only a few letters seem to have been sent to property owners that butt up to the project borders.
So as the President of BBPOA, representing 200 property owners somewhat adjacent to Webster Creek, I request a public meeting be held that we can attend and participate in.
Respectfully,
Wendy Rowan
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BBPOA Notice
Daytona News Journal reports on proposed lagoon mitigation bank
This is for anyone who would like to look at specifics about the proposed wetlands mitigation bank in reported about in Sunday's News Journal. It lies west of Oceanwalk, south to Catfish Ave., this is the official proposal. It is long but has an index and many pages are illustrations rather than text.
http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/Public-Notices/Article/811037/saj-2010-00413-adt/#.V3ukUi0ymBU.facebook
One of our members, Brent Brown, has spent endless hours investigating it. To quote him, "The proposed project is moving thru regulatory process and the deadline for public comment is just 9 days away. Amy Thompson of the US Army Core of Engineers said a public hearing is unlikely as only (2) concerned members of the public have commented. I hate to sound like "Chicken Little", but if approved, no Environmental Impact Statement will be required before "Hydroblasting" begins. I have also learned that Disney is at play up to the S. Causeway. We deserve a public meeting."
If you have questions or think there should be a public meeting allowing questions, please contact Amy Thompson, the USACOE Project Manager at the Jacksonville office for this project.
AmyD.Thompson@usace.army.mil
Phone. 904-232-3974
Fax. 904-232-1904
You can read more and sign the petition here:
https://www.change.org/p/united-states-army-corps-of-engineers-request-for-public-hearing?recruiter=575786261&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=share_email_responsive
Wendy Rowan
BBPOA President
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Wilson’s Plovers
We have some very special little birds nesting on Bethune Beach this year. They are called Wilson’s Plovers. They are only seven inches in overall length and weigh about two ounces. This makes them marginally smaller than the much more common Sanderling which we see scurrying along the shore and running in and out with the waves. They are also much browner. I have attached a photograph for identification. At this time of year they will be the only small beach peep, other than the Sanderling, on our beach.
Most of the plovers are in front of the 6100 and 6200 blocks of South Atlantic Avenue, although there may be a couple or more just south of Grouper. It is important that we give these little guys as much protection as we can. The county has put up advisory signs and are staking off an area around each nest site as it is established. Southeast Volusia Audubon is a small club but will try to have monitors out on weekends during the nesting season. Your awareness and help in keeping pets and people away from the marked sites would be a big help.
This is only the second year these birds have nested on Bethune Beach. There were only 141 nests in the whole state last year and we had six of them. We fledged eight chicks. This year it looks like we could have as many as ten nests. The first egg appeared April 16 and that nest site has been staked off. The other pairs seem to be a little slower to settle down and I’m sure the mob scene last Saturday did not help. The nests will generally be located above the wrack line and may be into the dune vegetation. A nest is really just a small depression in the sand and, unless the female is on it, and often even if she is, very difficult to see. Chicks and eggs are extremely well camouflaged.
Incubation time for an egg is 24 days and chicks are mobile and on the beach within another 24 hours. Mobile is an understatement. Chicks have a body about the size of your thumb but are born with full length legs. They are greased lightning and uncontrollable. They are all over the place but, at a warning peep from a parent, freeze and are immediately invisible. Careful you don’t step on one! At about 28 days they become airborne and are less susceptible to ground based predators.
Main predators, other than humans, are crabs, rats and feral cats. Once away from the nest, crows and gulls become a menace. Camouflage is their only weapon.
Your awareness and help can make this a successful breeding season. If you have any questions or issues, please call me at 386-478-3947; Don Picard, Southeast Volusia Audubon president, at 307-699-2536; or Jennifer Winters of Volusia County Environmental and the Volusia Shorebird Partnership Coordinator at 386-238-4668.
Ken Gunn
6180 South Atlantic Ave
Wilson’s Plover Photographs
Adult Wilson’s Plover (note neck bib during Wilson’s Plover nest (may be completely away from breeding season –now- is completely black) any vegetation)
Wilson’s Plover chick in vegetation Chick in freeze mode
Photos from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission information sheet. Specific photos by:
Adult bird – Jack Rogers; Chick in freeze mode – Chris Bradley; Other two - Margo Zdraulovik.
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Bethune Beach Property Owners Association Student Award
Name of the Award: The name of the award shall be "The Bethune Beach Senior Student Achievement Award."
Eligibility for Application:
1. Applicants must be residents of Bethune Beach.
2. Applicants must be Seniors in high school who plan to continue their education the next year at an accredited institution of higher learning.
3. A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 out of 4.0 shall be required for consideration.
Criteria for Selection:
The word "achievement," as contained in the name of the award, recognizes the importance of multiple skills, talents and contributions. It also is important to be mindful of individual student financial needs. Therefore, in determining the award recipients, equal weight will be given to each of the following six criteria:
1. Academic achievement
2. School activities/service
3. Community activities/service
4. Leadership (offices, special responsibilities)
5. Work experience
6. Financial need
Recipients:
A maximum of two awards of $1,000 each shall be given to one boy and to one girl. In the event that there is no qualified applicant of one gender, awards may be given to two students of the same gender. The number of awards given shall depend on the qualifications of the applicants. If the selection committee feels that no applicants, in a given year, rise to the high standards expected, no awards shall be given.
Payment:
Payment of the award shall be made directly to the individual student(s) with the expectation that it will be used to defray school expenses.
Bethune Beach Property Owners Association Student Award - Process
October timeframe:
NSBHS will send a notification letter with information when the Seniors Honors Night will be held (around the end of May the following year).
Complete the attached NSBHS Scholarship Application form and return it to the Counseling Department by the date listed in the letter.
March timeframe:
Receive the list of applicants from NSBHS Counseling Department.
Set up a time to meet with the BBPOA Scholarship Committee members to review and determine the two scholarship winners.
Notify the BBPOA members of the winners.
Notify the Scholarship winners and ask them and their parents to attend the April BBPOA meeting.
Notify the Counseling Department of the winners.
April Timeframe:
Present the check to the winners during the April BBPOA monthly meeting.
May timeframe:
The scholarship winners names will also be announced during Seniors Honors Night in May.
Repeat again in October!
Bethune Beach Senior Student Achievement Award
Eligibility for Application:
Applicants shall be (1) residents of Bethune Beach, (2) be seniors in high school, 3) have at least a 2.5 grade point average out of 4.0, (4) plan to continue their education the next year at an accredited institution of higher learning.
Criteria for Selection:
Equal weight will be given to (1) academic achievement, (2) school activities/service, (3) community activities/service, 4) leadership, (5) work experience, and (6) financial need.
Recipients:
One award of $1,000 will be given to a qualified girl and one qualified boy. In the event that there is no qualified applicant of one gender, awards may be given to two students of the same gender. Awards will be given only if the selection committee feels the applicant(s) has demonstrated a high level of achievement. The number of awards given shall depend on the qualifications of the applicants. If the selection committee feels that no applicants, in a given year, rise to the high standards expected, no awards shall be given.
Payment:
Payment of the award shall be made directly to the individual student(s) with the expectation that it will be used to defray school expenses.
Student Name:
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Leadership
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Little Free Library
(See related Flyer)
Volusia County’s first Little Free Library is now open for business at Bethune Beach in New Smyrna.
Little Free Libraries are a growing grass roots effort to promote literacy and reading. Little Free Library, Ltd. began as a program of the non-profit, tax-exempt organization Wisconsin Partners for SustainAbility, which has incubated several nonprofits projects and organizations. More information is available about Little Free Library organization at http://www.littlefreelibrary.org/.
Betty Story and her brother, Mark Story recently opened Little Free Library number 1263 in front of their house in Bethune Beach in New Smyrna.. Betty , a librarian at Bethune Cookman University, already had plenty of books in her home to start the collection. Mark’s carpenter skills converted an old wooden Proctor and Gamble box to a little library with two shelves a sturdy shingled roof, and shingles on the sides.
The process for using the library is simple as in the mottos: “Take a book, Leave a book and Always a Gift, Never for Sale.
A few neighbors have already added to the collection and borrowed books too. The collection is a mix of novels, nonfiction and even a couple of Garfield cartoon books.
The Free Little Library mission :
To promote literacy and the love of reading by building free book exchanges worldwide.
To build a sense of community as we share skills, creativity, and wisdom across generations
To build more than 2,510 libraries around the world - more than Andrew Carnegie--and then more.
For more information contact Betty Story 904 537 9745 or betstory@gmail.com
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Trash & Recycle Changes
This morning I had a problem with the recyclable pick up so I called Waste Management. I was told our route had been sold to Emerald Waste 1-800-535-9533.
They will be doing garbage, yard waste and recyclables. The trucks still show Waste Management, but this will change sometime.
I didn't know about the change or if anyone else knows, but we probably let people down here know who to call if there is a problem.
Paul Reichert
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Post Bikeweek Poker Run
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A Note from Captain Shane Summers
Thanks for welcoming me to your homeowner association meetings. Members of both associations addressed some areas which I can provide information.
Thanks again,
Captain Shane Summers
Volusia County Sheriff's Office
District V Commander
101 E. Canal St.
New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
(386) 423-3301
(386) 804-3792
ssummers@vcso.us
Access to Volusia County Sheriff Office Report synopses
Daily synopses of VCSO reports can be accessed at the following web location;
http://www.volusia.org/sheriff/
Look to the left and select Daily Activity Reports (third from the top)
Under Daily Activity Reports select District 5
This will provide you with a brief synopsis of the reports filed in the District 5 area.
Violations of Pedestrian Cross Walks.
Below I have copied the state statutes pertaining to the law and pedestrian cross walks.
6) Crosswalk. –
(a) That part of a roadway at an intersection included within the connections of the lateral
lines of the sidewalks on opposite sides of the highway, measured from the curbs or, in the
absence of curbs, from the edges of the traversable roadway;
(b) Any portion of a roadway at an intersection or elsewhere distinctly indicated for
Pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the surface.
316.130 Pedestrian obedience
to traffic control devices and traffic
regulations. –
(1) A pedestrian shall obey the instructions
of any official traffic control device specifically
applicable to the pedestrian unless otherwise
directed by a police officer.
(2) Pedestrians shall be subject to traffic
control signals at intersections as provided in
§316.075, but at all other places pedestrians shall
be accorded the privileges and be subject to the
restrictions stated in this chapter.
(3) Where sidewalks are provided, no
pedestrian shall, unless required by other circumstances,
walk along and upon the portion of
a roadway paved for vehicular traffic.
(4) Where sidewalks are not provided, any
pedestrian walking along and upon a highway
shall, when practicable, walk only on the shoulder
on the left side of the roadway in relation to
the pedestrian’s direction of travel, facing traffic
which may approach from the opposite direction.
(5) No person shall stand in the portion of
a roadway paved for vehicular traffic for the purpose
of soliciting a ride, employment, or business
from the occupant of any vehicle.
(6) No person shall stand on or in proximity
to a street or highway for the purpose of soliciting
the watching or guarding of any vehicle
while parked or about to be parked on a street
or highway.
(7) When traffic control signals are not in
place or in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall
yield the right-of-way, slowing down or stopping
if need be to so yield, to a pedestrian crossing
the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian
is upon the half of the roadway upon which
the vehicle is traveling or when the pedestrian is
approaching so closely from the opposite half of
the roadway as to be in danger. Any pedestrian
crossing a roadway at a point where a pedestrian
tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing has been
provided shall yield the right of way to all vehicles
upon the roadway.
(8) No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a
curb or other place of safety and walk or run into
the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is
impossible for the driver to yield.
(9) Whenever any vehicle is stopped at a
marked crosswalk or at any unmarked crossway
at an intersection to permit a pedestrian to cross
the roadway, the driver of any other vehicle approaching
from the rear shall not overtake
and pass such stopped vehicle.
(10) Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at
any point other than within a marked crosswalk
or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection
shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles
upon the roadway.
(11) Between adjacent intersections at
which traffic control signals are in operation,
pedestrians shall not cross at any place except in
a marked crosswalk.
(12) No pedestrian shall, except in a marked
crosswalk, cross a roadway at any other place
Ch. 316
A violation of this statute is a moving (vehicle) violation punishable by a fine of $141.00
A pedestrian violation is punishable by a $63.00 fine
Addendum;
Some members asked about enhancing the visibility of the cross walks in their areas. Any changes to the road or signage are done after an assessment is completed by the Volusia County Traffic Engineering Dept. I spoke with Kevin Cowling of the traffic engineering department and he advised to email Rick Prine rprine@co.volusia.fl.us and advise him of any requests and the location in question.
Thanks,
Capt. G. Meyer
Sheriff, County Council honor Captain Marty Hatchett
CAPTAIN MARTY HATCHETT STEPS DOWN WITH THANKS AND PRAISE
A lifelong law enforcement officer, jack-of-all-trades and community booster, Captain Marty Hatchett closed the books last week on a 30-year career with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. On Thursday, Sheriff Ben Johnson and the County Council took time out to honor Hatchett and thank him for his three decades of service to the citizens of Volusia County.
His assignments spanned a cross-section of the agency, from road patrol, investigations, judicial services and community services to serving as district commander in three of the Sheriffs Office’s law enforcement hubs. Hatchett’s last assignment before his retirement on Aug. 30 was serving as the Sheriff’s Office’s district commander in Southeast Volusia County. He started his career with the Sheriff’s Office in 1978. “Marty has done a little bit of everything,” said Sheriff Johnson. “We’ve been through thick and thin, and I was very proud to have him serve with me.”
In addition to his role enforcing the law, Hatchett has a soft spot in his heart for children that led to his participation in a variety of programs such as DARE, the Sheriff’s Youth Foundation and 100 Deputies/100 Kids. Hatchett also became the public face of the local Crime Stoppers program, serving as the organization’s law enforcement coordinator for several years. Calling the 52-year-old Hatchett “one of the good guys,” Sheriff Johnson added: “Were going to miss Marty.” And County Council Chair Frank Bruno agreed. “We were just really honored and all of the people of Volusia County were honored to have you here for thirty-and-a-half years,” Bruno told Hatchett.
When it was his turn to take the microphone, Hatchett took the opportunity to express his appreciation for the chance he was given to work for the county and serve the public. “Thank you for the opportunity to work here,” Hatchett told Council members. “Thanks for everything.”
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On May 1, Volusia Tax Reform sent public records requests to the cities in Volusia County and also Volusia County back in April. The following are the answers from our requests.. It is good reading: keep in mind the medium income of the citizens in Volusia County is from $33,000.00 or $38,000.00 per year (I have read these two figures on this): additionally, VTR believes that the citizens are more than willing to accept the same level of services that was provided in the year 2004; look at what new or additional services were added in the past three years and also new police and new fire. This confirms our suspicions that most of the new revenues did in deed go to fund new projects and/or reserves. The taxing authorities are telling us they would have to cut our public safety first, WHY? There was very few new policemen and firemen added since 2004; that IS NOT WHERE THE MONIES WENT TOO!!! The cities keep telling us that is where they will have to CUT?????? WE DO NOT WANT
OUR POLICE, FIRE OR TEACHERS CUT...
THESE WERE THE ONLY CITIES THAT HAVE RESPONDED TO DATE:
COUNTY OF VOLUSIA:
Total Number of Employees: 2,982 full time; 718 intermittent
Total Number of Employees that earn from $50,000 to $79,000 per year: 467
Total Number of Employees that earn OVER $79,000.00 per year: 89
Total Number of Supervisors/Administrators: not provided
Total Number of City Vehicles: 1,458
Total number of city vehicles purchased in 2004: not provided
Total number of city vehicles purchased in 2005: not provided
Total number of city vehicles purchased in 2006: not provided
New/Additional Services provided in tax years 2005 and 2006: not provided
New Sheriff: not provided
New Firemen: not provided
CITY OF HOLLY HILL:
Total Number of Employees: 132
Total Number of Employees that earn from $50,000 to $79,000 per year: 19
Total Number of Employees that earn $79,000.00 to $100,000.00 per year: 3
Total Number of employees that earn over $100,000.00 per year: 1
Total Number of Supervisors/Administrators: not provided
Total Number of City Vehicles: 81
Total number of city vehicles purchased in 2004: 10
Total number of city vehicles purchased in 2005: 6
Total number of city vehicles purchased in 2006: 5
New/Additional Services provided in tax years 2005 and 2006:
Council on Aging - Seniors Programs: $ 25,000.00
Accepting Credit Cards for all Payments: $ 10,000/yr
(Approx. Cost at 1.5-2.0% per transaction - total cost expected
to continue to increase as service is more heavily utilized)
Sica Hall Improvements: $167,050.30
Hollyland Park Improvements $257,446.04
Storm water Improvements $304,579.67
Nova Road Landscaping $ 15,098.47
Demolition Program Grants $197,009.90
Commercial/Residential Façade & Landscape
Grant Programs $265,635.10
Lift Station Improvements $ 62,250.00
Notable 2007 improvements(to date):
Generator for Recreation Building $ 39,285.00
(This will allow the building to be used as a shelter during storms)
New Police officers and Firefighter's hired in FY2004, 2005, 2006
Police Department: 2004 (1) 2005 (0) 2006 (2)
Fire Department: 2004 (3) 2005 (0) 2006 (0)
CITY OF DAYTONA BEACH SHORES:
Total Number of Employees: 86
Total Number of Employees that earn from $50,000 to $79,000 per year: 18
Total Number of Employees that earn $79,000.00 to $100,000.00 per year: 6
Total Number of employees that earn over $100,000.00 per year: 2
Total Number of Supervisors/Administrators: 14: Average of 1 supervisor for every 6.14 employees
Total Number of City Vehicles: 40
Total number of city vehicles purchased in 2004, 2005 and 2006: 19; 16 were public safety
New/Additional Services provided in tax years 2005 and 2006:
Voter Approved Debt Service on New Construction: $812,330
Debt Covenant Reserve Contribution $300,000.00
Created CRA, Finances via TIF: City Portion $561,804.00
Added Fire Inspection Position: $51,240.00
Added Code Enforcement Position: $45,539.00
Added Parks/Racquet Club Cashier Pos. $31,081.00
Added Custodial Services Position: New Facilities $27,768.00
Expanded Operational Budget Support to Culture and Entertainment Board: $7,500.00
Increased Police Overtime Budget: $24,300.00
Utility Right of way Survey in Preparation for Underground Utilities: $90,000.00
Employee Health and Property Insurance Self Insurance Reserves/Contingency: $390,000.00
New Fire and Police Positions Added for years 2004, 2005 and 2006: 1 Fire Inspector Position
CITY OF SOUTH DAYTONA:
Total Number of Employees: 125
Total Number of Employees that earn from $50,000 to $79,000 per year: 26
Total Number of Employees that earn $79,000.00 to $100,000.00 per year: 3
Total Number of employees that earn over $100,000.00 per year: 5
Total Number of Supervisors/Administrators: 38; Average 1 supervisor for every 3.2 employees
Total Number of City Vehicles: 82
Total number of city vehicles purchased in 2004, 2005 and 2006: 12
New/Additional Services provided in tax years 2005 and 2006:
During the 2005 and 2006 fiscal years, the City has concentrated on park expansion and improvements as well as transportation related infrastructure improvements. Below are the more notable service enhancements:
1. Reed Canal Park expansion: $2,297,387
2. Central Park property acquisition: $444,400
3. Riverfront Park boat ramp extension: $132,907
4. Magnolia Park improvements: $95,012
5. Palmetto Avenue sidewalk improvements/extension: $177,149
6. Big Tree Road bike path extension: $56,205
Additionally, the City has spent approximately $5 million toward the burial of utilities along US1, the City's main thoroughfare. The first section of this project is estimated to cost $9.2 million and will bury utility lines from the intersection of Beville Road and Ridgewood Avenue [US1] south to McDonald Street. The remaining sections of this project are estimated to cost $20 million to $30 million and will commence pending identification of funding to support a debt issuance.
During the fiscal year 2005-2006 mid year budget process, the City Council approved three additional police officer positions and one inspector in the fire department for a total of four additional public safety positions
CITY OF DELTONA:
Total Number of Employees: 359; BUDGETED FULL TIME EQUIVALENT POSITIONS: 365
Total Number of Employees that earn from $50,000 to $79,000 per year: 44
Total Number of Employees that earn $79,000.00 to $100,000.00 per year: 6
Total Number of employees that earn over $100,000.00 per year: 3
Total Number of Supervisors/Administrators: not provided
Total Number of City Vehicles: 144
Total number of city vehicles purchased in 2004, 2005 AND 2006: not provided
New/Additional Services provided in tax years 2005 and 2006: not provided
Total number of new police officers in budget year 04/05: 6
Total number of new police officers in budget year 05/06: ZERO
Total number of new firefighters in budget year 04/05: 3
Total number of new firefighters in budget year 05/06: 12
CITY OF DEBARY:
Total Number of Employees: 16 full time 2 part time
Total Number of Employees that earn from $50,000 to $79,000 per year: 3
Total Number of Employees that earn $79,000.00 to $100,000.00 per year: 1
Total Number of employees that earn over $100,000.00 per year: ZERO
Total Number of Supervisors/Administrators: 5:Average 1 supervisor per every 3.2 employees
Total Number of City Vehicles: 4
Total number of city vehicles purchased in 2004: 2
Total number of city vehicles purchased in 2005: 1
Total number of city vehicles purchased in 2006: 1
New/Additional Services provided in tax years 2005 and 2006: NONE
NEW FIRE OR POLICE: CONTRACTED WITH VOLUSIA COUNTY FOR THESE SERVICES
CITY OF EDGEWATER:
Total Number of Employees: 201
Total Number of Employees that earn from $50,000 to $79,000 per year: 24
Total Number of Employees that earn $79,000.00 to $100,000.00 per year: 3
Total Number of employees that earn over $100,000.00 per year: ZERO
Total Number of Supervisors/Administrators in each dept: 29: average 1 supervisor for every 8 employees
Total Number of City Vehicles: 131
Total number of city vehicles purchased in 2004: 12
Total number of city vehicles purchased in 2005: 5
Total number of city vehicles purchased in 2006: 23
New/Additional Services provided in tax years 2005 and 2006: not provided
New Police 2004/2005: 3 hired 2 terminated
New Police 2005/2006: 3 hired 1 terminated
New Fire 2004/2005: 7 hired
New Fire 2005/2006: 2 hired 2 terminated
CITY OF ORMOND BEACH:
Total Number of Employees: 381
Total Number of Employees that earn from $50,000 to $79,000 per year: 85
Total Number of Employees that earn $79,000.00 to $100,000.00 per year: 11
Total Number of employees that earn over $100,000.00 per year: 6
Total Number of Supervisors/Administrators: Public Safety: 34; Non Public Safety:49; average 1 supervisor for every 4.593 employees
Total Number of City Vehicles: 236
Total number of city vehicles purchased in 2004:
Total number of city vehicles purchased in 2005: 7
Total number of city vehicles purchased in 2006: 24
Total number of city vehicles purchased in 2007: 3
New/Additional Services provided in tax years 2005 and 2006:
In those years, the only new operational program was the addition of a Special Populations Therapeutic Aide to provide/coordinate services to this segment of our citizens.
The more significant new programs for Ormond Beach involve capital projects funded from new property taxes, primarily for facilities renewal and replacement. Attached is spread sheet summarizing these expenditures. If you need additional detail for any specific project, you can find the entire CIP on the City's web site at www.ormondbeach.org
New policemen and firemen since 2004: 1 policeman and 2 firefighters
CITY OF NEW SMYRNA BEACH:
Total Number of Employees: 261
Total Number of Employees that earn from $50,000 to $79,000 per year: 58
Total Number of Employees that earn $79,000.00 to $100,000.00 per year: 5
Total Number of employees that earn over $100,000.00 per year: 2
Total Number of Supervisors/Administrators: 61; average of 1 supervisor per every 4.3 employees
Total Number of City Vehicles: 132
Total number of city vehicles purchased in 2004: 11
Total number of city vehicles purchased in 2005: 14
Total number of city vehicles purchased in 2006: 13
New/Additional Services provided in tax years 2005 and 2006:
NOT PROVIDED
New Policemen in 2004: ZERO
New Policemen in 2005: ZERO
New Policemen in 2006: 2
New Firemen in 2004: ZERO
New Firemen in 2005: 2
New Firemen in 2006: 3
CITY OF PIERSON:
Total Number of Employees: 5
Total Number of Employees that earn from $50,000 to $79,000 per year: ZERO
Total Number of Employees that earn $79,000.00 to $100,000.00 per year: ZERO
Total Number of employees that earn over $100,000.00 per year: ZERO
Total Number of Supervisors/Administrators: Town Clerk is administrator. Each Council Member acts as department head
Total Number of City Vehicles: 9
Total number of city vehicles purchased in 2004: ZERO
Total number of city vehicles purchased in 2005: 1
Total number of city vehicles purchased in 2006: 1
New/Additional Services provided in tax years 2005 and 2006: NO NEW SERVICES PROVIDED
New Policmen: CONTRACTED WITH COUNTY
New Firemen: CONTRACTED WITH COUNTY
CITY OF DELAND:
Total Number of Employees: 379.88
Total Number of Employees that earn from $50,000 to $79,000 per year: 41
Total Number of Employees that earn $79,000.00 to $100,000.00 per year: 7
Total Number of employees that earn over $100,000.00 per year: 2
Total Number of Supervisors/Administrators: 96 note: average is 1 supervisor for every 4 employees
Total Number of City Vehicles: 201
Total number of city vehicles purchased in 2004: 15; 4 were police dept. vehicles
Total number of city vehicles purchased in 2005: 26; 1 new brush truck for fire station 83; 6 were police dept. vehicles
Total number of city vehicles purchased in 2006: 23; 7 were police dept. vehicles
New/Additional Services provided in tax years 2005 and 2006:
CITY OF PORT ORANGE:
Total Number of Employees: 561
Total Number of Employees that earn from $50,000 to $79,000 per year: 115
Total Number of Employees that earn $79,000.00 to $100,000.00 per year: 21
Total Number of employees that earn over $100,000.00 per year: 3
Total Number of Supervisors/Administrators: IS IN PROCESS OF PROVIDING TO US
You requested the increase in Police and Fire positions. I have included that information over a longer period than requested. In 2003, the City transferred the dispatchers from the Police Budget to the Regional Communications Budget. The 11 of the positions were dispatchers and the one-half position was a part-time position. In 2005, the reduction there was a part-time position. The City began the planning for Fire Station 5 opening in 2006 by adding additional personnel to the Fire Department Budget.
Additional Positions
Dept |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
Fire |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
.1 |
5 |
1 |
Police |
11 |
11 |
0 |
-11.5 |
1 |
-.5 |
4.65 |
2 |
Currently, there are authorized 443 full time positions with the City of Port Orange. Not all of those positions are filled. There are 103 part time positions authorized in the City's operating budget.
Vehicle Replacements
Department |
Automobiles |
Motorcycles |
Trucks |
Police |
13 |
4 |
0 |
Parks |
1 |
0 |
2 |
Public Works |
0 |
0 |
4 |
Public Utilities |
0 |
|
11 |
Regional Dispatch Center |
0 |
0 |
1 |
Fire |
0 |
0 |
1 |
Community Development |
0 |
0 |
2 |
The City Manager has provided guidance to the operating departments related to vehicle replacements. Because the City has changed to individual vehicles for Police Officers, the vehicle replacement program has been extended to 7 years for a Police vehicle. All administrative/utility service vehicles have been extended to a 10-year replacement cycle. Fire apparatus has been extended from 15 years to 20-year replacement cycle. We do monitor expenses on each vehicle annually to determine which vehicle needs to be replaced. Some vehicles will be extended beyond their replacement schedule while others will have to be replaced because of maintenance issues that require replacement. The City has estimated that extending the replacement schedule, even if transmissions and motors have to be replaced in some vehicles, will save the City about $900,000 over the 10 year period. Regional Dispatch Center is a joint operation between the cities of Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach, and Edgewater. It provides fire dispatch services for South Daytona and Ponce In Let.
New Programs and Services
Since 2005, the City of Port Orange has added the following new programs and services:
POG-TV- The City of Port Orange became the first local government in Volusia County to provide a government television channel. The City negotiated this as part of the Brighthouse cable renewal. Brighthouse provided the equipment necessary to operate the channel as part of the franchise agreement. Also, they provided local governments in Volusia County up to $15,000 to hire personnel to operate the local government stations. Because Port Orange was the only local government operating a station initially, Port Orange received the entire $15,000 to hire interns to operate the station. Now there are other local governments who are operating stations. The City of Port Orange will have to share the $15,000 with those local governments.
Gamble Place- Although Port Orange and the Museum have had an agreement in place since the late 1990's, the City of Port Orange did not re-open Gamble until this past year. The City provided added 2 positions to the operating budget to provide maintenance to Gamble. The reason for the delayed opening of Gamble was because infra-structure had to put in place. The City has looked to establish programs at Gamble that are self-funded. The partnership with the Museum and Cracker Creek holds promise to make this operational self-funding. The cost of Gamble is approximately $300,000. This includes improvements, operating expenses and the lease payment to the Museum since they are the owners of the property. Because of the need to complete the renovations at Gamble, the potential to generate revenues has not been realized.
Lakeside Community Center- This building opened this past February. It is located at City Center. It was a joint project of the Port Orange Community Trust-Family Days who raised money to assist in the construction of the Center, Volusia County, who provided a $400,000 grant to the City of Port Orange, and the City of Port Orange. The Center not only serves as a resource for the Community, it was constructed to serve as an alternative Emergency Operating Center, Emergency Shelter, and a feed station during Emergency Operations. It is fully equipment to handle each of those activities. When it is not needed for emergency operations, it is available to be rented. The City Council has established fees for leasing the building to cover its operating and maintenance cost. The individual charged with booking the building is on a performance contract. The contract is reviewed quarterly to determine whether the rental fees are covering the cost of operations and maintenance.
Because the facility has just opened, the potential to generate revenue at the Center has not been realized. However, the rental of the facility has been strong since the Center's opening in mid-February.
Expansion of Eastport Business Park- Located within the Town Center Redevelopment District, the Eastport CRA has begun developing 7 additional lots for business expansion. The funding for the improvements are paid for out of the Eastport Community Redevelopment Fund and are totally and completely supported by the Tax Increment generated by the redevelopment that is occurring within this District.
Town Center Redevelopment- The City of Port Orange appointed an individual to handle the redevelopment efforts in Town Center. This person also serves as the Redevelopment manager for the Eastport CRA. Eastport and the Town Center Redevelopment Community Redevelopment Districts share salary and support cost.
Fire Stations 2- The City of Port Orange will be relocating Fire Station 2 from its current location on Wiltshire to a site at the intersection of Spruce Creek Road and Central Park. The voters approved bonds for relocating the station. Because it is a newer station and is more energy efficient, the City could experience a reduction in operating expenses when this station is completed. No new personnel will be required to staff this station location. No new equipment will be needed for this station. This station is scheduled to begin construction in August and should be operational in late 2008. This station was approved as part of a public safety bond issue approved by the voters in 2005.
Fire Station 5- This is a new station to be constructed on Town West Boulevard. It may require additional staffing to become fully operational. There will be additional operating expenses since this is a brand new location. It is scheduled to begin construction in early August with completion in 2008. This new station is part of a public safety bond issued approved on by the voters in 2005. The operating costs of this new fire station have not been finalized.
Police Station- The voters in 2005 approved a bond issue to relocate the Port Orange Police Department from its current location on Dunlawton to a location on Clyde Morris. Construction should be under way in January 2008 with completion by January 2009. This will not add operating expenses during 2007-08 fiscal years but will add expenses to the operating budget begin in 2008-09. Operating cost of the replacement Police Station has not been finalized. No additional personnel are anticipated initially at the new Police Department.
Acquisition of the Russell Property on Spruce Creek- The City of Port Orange acquired the Russell property on Spruce Creek. This is a parcel of land that can only be accessed from Spruce Creek. It is a great natural property. The current Parks and Recreation staff is responsible for maintaining the house, barn and the 12-acre parcel.
Requirement to construct a park facility on 39 acres off Town West Boulevard-Currently under design is a 39-acre park. The City's Comprehensive Plan requires this facility for the residents who will be living in this section of the City. The initial construction is scheduled for 2007-08. Operational cost will be incurred late in that fiscal year.
Nova Road landscaping- This was included in the original Nova Road Project budget when that road started construction in 2000. The landscape portion is being done under a grant from FDOT. The City of Port Orange is required to mow the grass and maintain the medians and the retention areas. This will add an estimated $165,000 in cost for maintenance of medians.
Retention Ponds being added- With the Cambridge Project nearing completion, there will be additional retention ponds the City will be responsible for maintaining. Those cost will be added to the drainage utility fee that is paid annually as part of the tax bill as a separate stormwater charge. Those cost are currently being calculated. Also, the City has added a new retention pond at the corner of U.S. 1 and Farmbrook. This facility has an alum treatment facility attached to treat stormwater before it is discharged into Rose Bay. This expenses, too, is part of the stormwater utility fees.
The Reclaimed Water Reservoir is will fully operational in 2007-08. This is storage area is located west of Tomoka Farms Road on property owned by the City of Port Orange. It is used to store treated reclaim water rather than dumping any access into the Halifax River. The cost of operating the second phase of the pond is scheduled to come on line in 2008. The operational costs are in the City's Public Utilities Department and are paid for by water, wastewater and reclaimed water rates.