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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008 State of the City2008 STATE OF THE CITY ANNUAL REPORT CITY OF CAPE CANAVERAL COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Rocky Randels 321-784-5694 Rocky-cape@cfl.rr.com C ITV OC CAPE CRNRUERRL ri.UI00 Council Member Buzz Petsos 321-799-1876 Buzz-cape@cfl.rr.com Mayor Pro Tem Bob Hoog 321-783-8269 Hoog-cape@cfl.n.com Council Member Shannon Roberts 321-784-3334 Csroberts@cfl.rr.com Council Member Betty Walsh 321-783-7474 Walsh-cape@cfl.rr.com Mission Statement A Safe, Clean, Residential, Beachside Community with Tree Lined Streets MAYOR'S MESSAGE Mayor Rocky Randels These are challenging times for local governments and the residents they serve. Your City Council positions are non- partisan meaning we are not responsible to the Democrats, Independents or Republicans. We are answerable to ALL the residents in our community, not just the registered voters. Our City Council tries to listen to the issues and concerns and then does what is the right choice for the residents of our City. In the 22 years that I have been on the council, a very high level of respect and creditability has been main- tained between council members and also with the people we serve. Residents have the right to expect their elected leaders to provide effective leadership through vision, character, focus and perseverance during normal times. During the stressful economic periods that our country is in at present, even more is expected; such as being steady, reliable and responsive to challenging times. Your City Council and staff have prepared for many previous years, through conservative financial planning, the spending of your valuable tax dollars that you have entrusted to us. We have been able to set aside and save for future years (similar to a person's savings account) all available tax dollars needed for providing necessary services for the resi- dents such as police & fire protection, building inspections, roads & street lights, parks & recreation facilities and repairs for stormwater & sewer treatment lines. Our City utilized the growth in tax revenue over the last few years to invest in infrastructure improvements such as repaving City streets and replacing 45-year old stormwater and sewer pipes. We also increased staffing and purchased new equipment for the Police and Fire Departments. Additionally, we completed landscaping and park projects, keeping our City beautiful. Tough times require trusted leaders who can provide reliable solutions. Your City of Cape Canaveral has that in the elected officials and staff. We are up to the challenge and have a record of providing flexible, responsible solutions whenever they are needed; be it the unexpected 30 inches of rainfall in 24 hours as a result of Tropical Storm Fay or an unexpected underground ruptured sewer force main. Your City will continue to respond to any and all situations, and we will strive to improve service and reduce costs. CITY MANAGER & DEPARTMENT HEADS New Beach Rake CITY MANAGER'S MESSAGE The City of Cape Canaveral is known by its slogan for sun, space and sea and that spirit has shown as the City developed over the past 45 years into a vibrant residential beachside community. Our City is now 93% built out, and we are looking for ways to keep Cape Canaveral a sustainable community. In 2009, we will embark on an eight -month community visioning and strategic planning process, and we are soliciting your enthusiastic participation and feedback about the future of our City. As you read through this annual report, you will find that our City Council and staff have been working hard to provide programs, projects and services that will improve our community's quality of life. We look forward to serving you and please contact us anytime. Bennett Boucher City Manager DEPARTMENT HEADS ANDREA BOWERS, CITY TREASURER SUSAN STILLS, CITY CLERK WALTER BANDISH, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR ROBERT LEFEVER, RECREATION DIRECTOR DAVID `BARRY' BROWN, PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR TODD MORLEY , BUILDING OFFICIAL CON"1'RACT SERVICE ADMINIS"I'RATORS CHIEF DAVE SARGEANT, CAPE CANAVERAL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT COMMANDER DOUGLAS SCRAGG, BREVARD COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE FIRE, RESCUE & EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Canaveral Fire Rescue continues to provide many services to Cape Canaveral citizens and visitors. In addition to providing fire suppression, prevention and rescue services, the Department also has responsibilities in the areas of hazardous materials, special operations (confined space and trench rescue), public education, emergency management, marine services and non -transport advanced life support (licensed Paramedic services). • Responded to 1,926 calls for service in calendar year 2008. 1,328 were in the City. • The average response time in the City was 3 minutes 40 seconds. Emergency Medical Service made up 73.2% of all calls. • Responded 55 times to assist other fire agencies. • Successfully wrote and were awarded two grants from the Department of Homeland Security, one for 3 new personnel and one for 50 sets of new firefighting bunker gear. • Completed 547 annual City inspections. Activities i llililllilil fla1,,,,,11„111 'CR Min itd1141111111/1 eerT��.aulunulu, • Completed 98 City permit reviews or inspections. • Recorded 7,097 hours of training for our personnel. • Recertified our personnel as Paramedics and Emer- gency Medical Technicians. • Provided community train- ing or education to 853 persons. • Participated in all City sponsored community events. • The Volunteers logged 1899.25 hours for calls, stand-by and training. • Our two Florida Task Force 4 members re- sponded to Jacksonville to search for missing victims of a structural collapse. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT The Community Development Department has the primary functions of Planning, Building Code and Code Enforce- ment. In 2008, this department was relocated to a new City owned building located at 7510 N. Atlantic Avenue. This department services the City and its citizens by coordinating the City's future growth and economic development through the use and interpretation of City codes and ordinances related to comprehensive planning, zoning, building and construction, land use, redevelopment, signage, licenses and permits. City Council, as required by the State of Florida Comprehensive planning laws, adopted the 2008 Evaluation and Ap- praisal Report which will be the basis for updating the 1999 City Comprehensive Plan in 2009. The City approved (1) site plan, (4) special exceptions and (1) final re -plat in 2008. There are (11) projects that had obtained development orders; of those, only (4) remain active. The graph noted below indicates the decline in new construction activity. $140,000,000 $120,000,000 $100,000,000 $80,000,000 $60,000,000 $40,000,000 $20,000,000 $0 Construction Valuation Annually (2008 includes through December) • i 1■ 0°� 90 ON Oti 0 OR O 0 0 ‘ 00 0 0 OeN %eV On3 OR 0 0 O‘ OO O N°' ,�' ,�' 47 �' '10 ' 9 ' 9 '10 ,19 19 ,10 '19 '10 Code Enforcement This department han- dled 1,404 code com- plaints during 2008; of those, only (45) cases were presented to the Code Enforce- ment Board . Planning for the Future Cape Canaveral 2050. Our community's vision of its future. In 2009, the City, in partnership with the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, will embark on an eight month Community Visioning and Strategic Planning process that will seek input from all stakeholders within our community to deter- mine the future of our community. It is anticipated at the end of this process, the City will have a written report detailing the vision statement for future growth and potential redevelopment sites, as deter- mined by the public participation process. 2008 Permit Summary (675) permits were issued with a valuation of $5,141,101. (1,625) inspections were per- formed. Certificates of Occupancy were issued for (10) residential units and (3) commercial structures. RECREATION DEPARTMENT Life Trail at Manatee Sanctuary Park A new Life Trail with ten exercise wellness stations was installed at Manatee Sanctuary Park. Residents can enjoy a cardio workout while walking along the half mile walking trail, making a stop every 200 feet to work out on one of the wellness stations. Each station is designed to work on a particular body part, stretching, toning & strengthening your entire body. Annual Fall Festival The City of Cape Canaveral celebrated its 45th Anniversary at the Annual Fall Festival held at Manatee Sanctuary Park on October 1 lth. Everyone at- tending this event received a 45th Anniversary Commemo- rative Frisbee. Free activities at this youth oriented event in- cluded bounce houses, balloon art, face painting, a DJ, games and refreshments. 13th Annual Reindeer Run This year's event raised over $6,000 for the United Way of Brevard County. 395 runners participated in the event and over 30 children ran in the Fun Run, which featured a visit from Santa Claus. Sandpiper Park Has Arrived Canaveral City Park received a new name and all new playground equipment thanks to a $150,000 grant from the State of Flor- ida. This state of the art park, located at the corner of Harrison and Magnolia Ave- nues, features two play areas for 2-5 year olds and 5-12 year olds. Amenities include a picnic pavilion, park benches, shady Oak trees and a passive walking path. The play- ground received its new name of "Sandpiper Park" through an essay contest at Cape View Elementary School. Max the Manatee, Manatee Sanctuary Park Annual Holiday Tree Lighting On December 14th, over 200 residents were treated to a memorable performance from the Cape View Rocket Chorus and the Dickens Carolers at the Library. This event also featured the illumination of the glowing holiday tree and the appearance of Santa Claus. Kids Become Aware of Safety The First Annual Kids Community Awareness Day was held on August 2nd with over 200 participants. This back to school event was held to help prepare our kids for school with supplies & safety awareness. Bicycle helmets and backpacks with school supplies were donated. Annual Community Celebration The Annual Community Celebration at Manatee Sanc- tuary Park held on March 14th featured the City's first Vendor Expo with over 35 businesses participating. Free youth oriented activities at this event included games, balloon art, a DJ, face paint- ing and bounce houses. RECREATION DEPARTMENT Athletic Leagues During 2008, the Recreation Department held tennis and racquetball leagues five nights a week for players of various skill levels. Additional Adult Flag Football Leagues were held on Tuesday nights and Adult Coed Softball Leagues on Thursday nights. Both leagues are sanctioned and officiated by certified referees and um- pires. Summer Camp Summer Camp was held at the Nancy Hanson Recrea- tion Complex. Children were engaged in daily activi- ties, games, arts & crafts. Wildlife & Reptile Show Trapper Jim Greene brought his wildlife and reptile show to the City in September. This free event was enjoyed by over 200 parents and children. The standing room only audience was introduced to various types of reptiles and wildlife. Itlttl IRIt R II 1111111111111 Center Street Neighborhood Park What's Happening in 2009 If you thought 2008 had a lot to offer, wait until you see what's in store for 2009. • We are planning a full day summer camp from 9 am-3 pm for kids ages 5-9. • An outdoor "Movie in the Park" is set for Manatee Park on March 21st. • The PAL Program is joining forces with the Cape Canaveral Youth Center for Kids ages 10-17. This leadership program will help bring guidance and structure to our teens through projects, speakers & community service work. • A new tennis program for kids ages 5-10 called "Quick Start Tennis", a USTA program designed to teach kids the game of tennis from an instructional approach driving towards game play. • The Recreation Department will be offering basic computer skills courses to adults & children. • New programs at the Recreation Complex include Salsa Dance Lessons, Zumba Exercise Class, Tai Chi strength & balance classes, Senior Social Club, Mini Maestro Music Time for toddlers to age 5 and Body Sculpting Exercise Classes. CITY CLERK'S OFFICE The City Clerk's Office is the central operation for Legislative activities, City Records, Notary Public Service, Hu- man Resources and Risk Management Services. The Clerk's Office also responds to residents' and visitors' ques- tions related to where to find information provided through other City Departments and Brevard County. City Records Managed City records services for all City Departments consistent with State public records laws and reporting requirements. Archived City records in a digital format. Responded to multiple public records re- quests. Risk Management Reviewed and processed insurance claims and restitution tracking with the City's insurance car- rier and worked to receive a safety program insur- ance premium credit. Provided employee Workers' Compensation Claims Processing and Return -to -Work Assis- tance, as needed. Other Services Provided extensive coordina- tion in setting up the new City of Cape Canaveral Web site. Legislative Services Prepared (9) proclamations and (39) resolu- tions with related City Council Agenda Pack- ets and acted as the City Council recording secretary. During the 2008 election process, the City Clerk acted as Qualifying Officer for City Council Candidates. Provided orientation information to newly appointed volunteer board members. Human Resources Coordinated annual open enrollment for City employee benefit pro- grams. Worked on liability prevention and reduction issues. Implemented a computerized personnel records management system. Provided recruitment assistance to all City Departments related to Job posting, pre -employment physicals & drug screening. FINANCE DEPARTMENT Summary of City Funds FUND 2008-09 BUDGET GENERAL FUND SEWER ENTERPRISE FUND STORMWATER ENTER- PRISE FUND LIBRARY FUND BEAUTIFICATION FUND FIRE TRUST FUND 9,563,101 3,126, 038 718,800 59,263 788,614 1,920 POLICE EDUCATION FUND 3,000 CAPITAL EXPANSION FUND LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND 26,220 6,930 TOTALS 14,293,886 ENVIRONMENT 10% CONTINGENCY 1% The City was awarded a Certificate of Achieve- ment for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007. This is the 12th consecutive year the award has been achieved. Voter approved property tax rates Fire Police Beautification Library TOTAL 1.2715 Mills 1.4166 Mills 0.3337 Mills 0.0453 Mills 3.0671 Mills 2008-09 GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES RECREATION 4% TRANSPORTATION 7% PUBLIC SAFETY 54% GENERAL GOVERNMENTAL SERVICES 24% Purchased and installed an emergency stand-by generator for Lift Station #1 (Washington Avenue) for use during power outages. Project was completed in February—$60,000. Replaced 120 linear feet of sewer line under the Central Ditch at West Central Boule- vard. Project was completed in September—$97,000. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT The Public Works Department is the largest department in City government with responsibility for sanitary sewer, roads, facilities, drainage canals, stormwater management, environmental services, and project planning. Wastewater Division Replaced the sewer force main from Lift Station #1 (Washington Ave- nue) to the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant. Project was completed in October—$840,000. New equipment/maintenance building was constructed at the City's Public Works Facility. Project was completed in May—$550,000. Continued program to slip -line, TV monitor, and clean sanitary sewer lines (4,000 linear feet) throughout the City. Project was completed in July—$160,000. Completed renovations (new valve box, valves, etc.) at Lift Station #3 (West Central Boulevard). Project was completed in July—$50,000. Stormwater Division Constructed stormwater improvements (three baffle boxes) to the northern portion of the Central Canal at West Central Boulevard — portion of project funded with a grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Project was completed in December— $390,000. Obtained approval of the City's National Pollutant Discharge Elimi- nation System, Year 4 Annual Report (stormwater permit) and No- tice of Intent (details the activities by the City for the next five-year period). Permit renewal was received in January—$5,800. Completed a comprehensive inspection of the City's stormwater system after Tropical Storm Fay and cleaned 30 manholes of debris with vacuum truck. Project was completed in December—$3,200. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Streets Division Completed maintenance and repair of the City's Recreation Complex and Youth Center facilities. Worked on the renovation of the City's new Community Development Department Facility located at 7510 N. Atlantic Avenue. Provided maintenance and repair of the City's beach crossovers, as needed. Prepared 1,000 sandbags for future distribution to the public for use during storm season —sandbags currently stored at the City's Public Works Facility. Purchased a beach cleaning machine equally funded by the Tourist Development Council, the City of Cocoa Beach and the City of Cape Canaveral. Machine was purchased in April—City's cost share of $27,000. Beautification Installed a new space shuttle model in front of the City Hall Complex. Pro- ject was completed in December— $6,900. Held a volunteer sea oat planting pro- ject (5,000 plants) along the Atlantic beach dune. Project was completed in February—$3,800. Installed turtle lighting protection shields to selected street lights through- out the City to eliminate impacts to sea turtle nesting activities —project was funded with a grant from Brevard County. Project was completed in May—$5,800. Awarded the "Tree City" designation for the 19th consecutive year by the Arbor Day Foundation. or* R,MN "." y. • 4 $. Ma' Mier: lei iIIi 111 New Model Space Shuttle 2009 Projects Complete the final design of the Ridgewood Avenue Streetscape Project, with possible construc- tion in the later part of the year. Started the preliminary design concept for the N. Atlantic Avenue Streetscape Project. Final design and construction of stormwater improvements to the south Central Canal area. Installation of bus shelters at various locations. 1 BREVARD COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE CAPE CANAVERAL PRECINCT The Canaveral Precinct continues to provide law enforcement to the citizens of Cape Canaveral. In 2008, our deputies responded to 19,554 calls for service, affected 639 arrests, issued 406 criminal traffic citations and 1,761 non -criminal citations. Deputies responded to and investigated 187 vehicle crash incidents. In addition to 24-hour Road Patrol, our deputies provide Special Enforcement Opera- tions within the community, targeting: • Underage Drinking and Purchase of Tobacco Products • Probation Sweeps • Sex Offender Checks • Beach Patrols Our Traffic Unit provides motorcycle patrol and a spe- cially trained Traffic Homi- cide Investigation Team. Canaveral Precinct's School Resource Officer "SRO", Mitch Boshnack, (pictured) provides instruction to 350 plus Cape View Elementary students in the G.R.E.A.T program curriculum, Life Skills, Anti -Bullying strate- gies and bicycle safety. The Brevard County Sheriff's Office Police Athletic League "PAL" has partnered with the City of Cape Canaveral Recrea- tion Center to provide PAL sponsored youth leadership programs to Canaveral youth including Camp Chance, Camp Canaveral, Basketball and Surf Camp. (pictured) Canaveral Precinct provides four K-9 teams trained and certi- fied in Patrol, Narcotics Detec- tion and Explosives Detection. Canaveral Handlers and their K 9's are: Deputy Fritz & Blitz Deputy Collura & Koko Deputy McCarty & Murphy Deputy Manley & P.D. (pictured) Several community events area coordinated through our Special Operations Unit, including National Night Out and holiday pro- grams to benefit area chil- dren.