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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009 State of the City2009 STATE OF THE CITY ANNUAL REPORT CITY OF CAPE CANAVERAL COUNCIL MEMBERS CRPE WNW& Mayor Rocky Randels 321-784-5694 Rocky-cape@cfl.rr.com Council Member Bob Hoog 321-783-8269 Hoog-cape@cfl.rr.com Mayor Pro Tem Buzz Petsos 321-799-1876 Buzz-cape@cfl.rr.com Council Member Betty Walsh 321-783-7474 bettywalsh@bellsouth.net Mission Statement Council Member Shannon Roberts 321-784-3334 Csroberts@cfl.rr.com A Safe, Clean, Residential, Beachside Community with Tree Lined Streets MAYOR'S MESSAGE Mayor Rocky Randels As we enter this new year, many of us are hopeful for the future. Fearing a long economic down- turn and continued recession is on everyone's mind. To each of us as individuals, this could result in the loss of a job, business, retirement plan, and depreciation of assets resulting in a lower standard of living for our families. Although your City government has always purchased wisely, it is even more imperative during this time that we take a leadership role in reducing any unnecessary expenses or services. We need to con- tinue to act responsibly and wisely with the trust you have placed in us for the handling of your precious tax dollars. With the declining property tax revenues for the past three years, your City government, just like any business or family, must live within its means by setting clear priorities. In order to spend your tax dol- lars wisely, the City must operate efficiently and consolidate services wherever possible. Realizing that tourism and small business is the foundation, matched with property taxes, as the funding for our government, our City needs to encourage a healthy business environment by streamlining any unnecessary requirements or restrictions that impede our existing businesses from being successful. In order to encourage new business which means jobs to our City and buyers of homes, we need to become business friendly to reflect our desire for them to select our City for their investment. Residents can expect to see their City accomplish the following in 2010: • Ridgewood Avenue Streetscape Project, • Visioning Process, • Economic & Community Development Action Plan, and • North Atlantic Avenue Enhancements Rocky Randels Mayor CAPE CANAVERAL VISION STATEMENT WE ENVISION: A bike -able and walk -able Cape Canaveral that retains and en- hances its residential feel, characterized by low-rise buildings not more than 4 sto- ries in height. This residential and business friendly atmosphere is one of a live- able, attractive, safe, secure, and sustainable coastal community that embraces the beach and riverside as the main amenities, and supports local culture and education. WE ENVISION: A 1 A as a "complete street" with a native -landscaped and tree -lined median with traffic calming elements and dark -sky street lighting. "Complete street" amenities include bicycle facilities, covered transit stops, and safe pedestrian crossings that invite pedestrians and bicyclists to access the beach, river, local neighborhoods and adjacent communities. Our improved "complete streets" will allow us to calmly travel to intimate waterfront destinations and a walk -able down- town core. Multi -use paths lined with shade trees should be wide enough for bikes and pedestrians and lighted so anyone can walk or bicycle safely anywhere in town, day or night. WE ENVISION: Welcoming community entrance features that create a sense of arri- val and unique community identity. The "downtown" will contain an architecturally rich and unique mix of uses, with wide tree shaded sidewalks and umbrella covered cafe tables at restaurants and bistros where friends gather, interact, and enjoy drinks and dinner. WE ENVISION: A community that; removes or transforms blighted and unfinished buildings into attractive structures, offers city-wide green spaces, provides a pet - friendly park with ample shade, and actively recruits businesses that enhance eco- nomic viability and support residents. WE ENVISION: Open shorelines and rivers accessible to the public including ameni- ties that take advantage of the water, such as limited and quaint water -view estab- lishments and intimate public gathering and entertainment places that may include pavilions, gazebos, or a performance stage. Rocky Randels Mayor CITY MANAGER & DEPARTMENT HEADS CITY MANAGER'S MESSAGE The City of Cape Canaveral is known by its slogan of 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. We embarked on an eight -month community visioning and strategic planning process. Thank you for your enthusiastic participa- tion and feedback about the future of our City. In 2010, we will develop an Action Plan for the Community Vision. As you read through this annual report, you will find that our City Council and staff have been work- ing hard to provide programs, projects and services that will improve our community's quality of life. We look forward to serving you. Please contact us anytime. Angela Apperson Acting City Manager DEPARTMENT HEADS ANDREA BOWERS, CITY TREASURER MIA GOFORTH, ACTING CITY CLERK WALTER BANDISH, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR ROBERT LEFEVER, RECREATION DIRECTOR DAVID "BARRY" BROWN, PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR TODD MORLEY , BUILDING OFFICIAL CONTRACT SERVICE ADMINISTRATORS CHIEF DAVE SARGEANT, CAPE CANAVERAL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT COMMANDER ALAN MOROS, 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 1,844 calls for service in calen- dar year 2009. 1,253 were in the City. • The overall response time for the department was 4 minutes 7 seconds which includes all calls. • EMS represented 79.93% of all calls. • Completed our gear grant from the Depart- ment of Homeland Security. Received a grant from the EMS Advisory Council for the purchase of two Auto Pulses. These devices perform chest compressions on pulse - less patients even when traversing steps and have been used over six times since being placed in service in October 2009. Currently work- ing to accomplish the grant received by the Canaveral Port Author- ity for the fire boat. Activities TRAINING 9159.15 hours were dedi- cated to training. Two personnel completed and passed State certification for Paramedic. We are currently providing train- ing to the Canaveral Port Authority and City to be- come 100% National Inci- dent Management System compliant. Our Volunteers con- tributed 2074.1 hours with the majority of these hours dedicated to training, special events and participa- tion in Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 4. Our Lifeguards at Jetty Park performed 4 surf rescues, 1732 preventative actions and gave medical aid to 297 patrons. Our Inspector and Fire Marshall per- formed 630 inspec- tions in the City. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT The Community Development Department has the primary functions of Planning, Building Code and Code Enforcement. The department services the City and its citizens by coordinating the City's future growth 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. PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE The City is currently 93% built out and in 2010 the City will begin developing strategies to implement the visioning outcomes. New tools are being developed (or have already come on-line) to help streamline the operations of the department and enhance economic development (creation of Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), implementation of the Redevelopment Plan, revisions to the Sign Code, Tree Code and Outdoor Entertainment Code, and enhancement of our business tax receipt database). Construction Valuation Annually (2009 includes through this quarter) $140,000,000 $120,000,000 $100, 000, 000 $80,000,000 $60, 000, 000 $40, 000, 000 $20, 000, 000 $0 I._..1.111_11� O) O r N M On CO N. 00 0) O r N Mel'1) OD N. 00 0) CO 0) 0) 0) 0) 0) 0) 0) 0) 0) 0) O O O O O O O O O O O 0) N 0 N N N N N N 0 N COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PERMITTING STATISTICS The Building Department issued (771) permits with a total construction valuation of $5,644,404.21. The department assessed $86,709.29 in permitting fees and $20,988.12 in sewer impact fees totally $107,697.41. (830) permits were finaled. (7) Residential Certificates of Occupancy were issued and (1) Com- mercial Certificate of Occupancy was issued. (1,680) inspections were performed. EMPLOYEE ACCOMPLISHMENTS Planning & Development Director Barry Brown provided support for "Envision Cape Canaveral", "Our Community, Our Future" community workshops geared toward developing the Visioning Report prepared by the Regional Planning Council. Mr. Brown spoke to 5th and 6th graders at Capeview Elementary School about City planning and community visioning. The students were invited to attend the last visioning workshop. They provided their own planning input by way of an art project. They were tasked with drawing a picture of what type of development they would like to see in Cape Canaveral in the future. Building Official Todd Morley was heavily involved in the research and crea- tion of the new sign code ordinance, revisions to the tree protection ordi- nance and a new permit fee schedule. Building Inspector Dennis Clements won the 1st Annual Chili Kettle Trophy with his amazing chili recipe. RECREATION DEPARTMENT KAYAK LAUNCH A new Kayak Launch was constructed at the north end of Banana River Park. This long-awaited amenity gives residents the opportunity to launch non -motorized boats and enjoy the beautiful Banana River. FALL FESTIVAL CHILI COOK OFF The Fall Festival played host to our inaugural Chili Cook Off. The HOT day was accompanied by some wickedly HOT chili. 20 teams competed for the "First Ever Coveted Chili Cook Off Trophy and Year Long Bragging Rights". Over 700 people enjoyed music, games, bounce houses, face painting, balloon art & raffles. SPRING FESTIVAL VENDOR EXPO The Second Annual Vendor Expo was held at our Annual Spring Festival. Over 70 busi- nesses participated in the expo (more than three times the 2008 turn -out). Approximately 1,500 people were on hand to enjoy games, bounce houses, face painting, balloon art, food, music & family fun. MOVIE IN THE PARK We designed and created our very own portable 8x12 movie screen and had our first Movie at Manatee Park on March 21st. Since then, we've had a total of four movies shown. This family fun night plays host to anywhere from 200-400 people. The movie and popcorn are FREE to everyone. 14TH ANNUAL REINDEER RUN & HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING This year's Reindeer Run held on December 13th raised over $7,000 for the United Way of Brevard County. 423 runners participated and over 30 kids participated in the Fun Run. Santa arrived from the North Pole just in the time for the event! THANK YOU to our Major Sponsors: Clear Channel Out- door; Bright House Networks; Brown, Garganese, Weiss & D'A gresta, P.A.; Lite Rock 99.3; Running Zone; and Waste Pro. The Holiday Tree Lighting followed the next day at the Cape Canav- eral Library and featured memorable & entertaining performances from the Capeview Rocket Chorus and the Dickens Carolers. Over 200 residents en- joyed this FREE event. REPTILE & MAGIC SHOW Trapper Jim Greene brought his reptile show to the City in February and September. This standing room only audience was introduced to three types of alligators, a python & boa constrictor. The amazing magic of John Anderson appeared in May, amusing over 50 children. Both events were FREE to the public. RECREATION DEPARTMENT PAL On August 18th, the Police Athletic League officially joined forces with the Cape Canaveral Youth Center. The ceremony included the unveiling of the new sign & dignitaries such as Mayor Randels, Council Member Petsos and Sheriff Parker were on hand to speak to the kids about the future of the program Teen Leadership Building meetings are held every Tuesday night and Teen Social Nights are held every Friday. The program is 40 kids strong and growing every day! ATHLETIC LEAGUES In 2009, the Recreation Department held Ten- nis & Racquetball Leagues five nights a week for players of various skill levels. Adult Flag Foot- ball & Adult Coed Softball Year Round Leagues were also held and were officiated by accredited referees and umpires. The Department also hosts two annual Racquet- ball Tournaments in the Spring and Fall. These events are the longest running tournaments held at the same site in the United States— 34 YEARS!! SUMMER KIDS NEWS Summer Camp doubled from a half day to a full day camp. Activities included weekly professional services & walking field trips. The kids enjoyed crafts, sports & parties. The 2nd Annual Kids Community Awareness Day was held on August 1st and helped prepare our kids for school with safety awareness. Donations were arranged by the Kiwanis Club, Fish & Dive Shop & Papa Vito's Pizzeria. Over 200 backpacks were filled with school supplies. The Bicycle Rodeo also donated bike helmets & provided a safety awareness course & safety give-aways. WHAT'S HAPPENING IN 2010 • Friday Night Fest—Monthly Friday night street festival with craft ven- dors, food vendors, entertainment & much more. • New programs featuring Easy Line Dancing, Basic Drawing, Jazzercise Body Sculpt, Fiction Writing, Advanced Salsa & Internet Workshops. • Tennis Tournaments & Camps featured by our Tennis Pro Sidney Melia. • Triathlon Sports Challenge —participants will compete in Shuffle- board, Tennis & Racquetball. • Kite Flying at Manatee Park. • Dog Park— a possible addition to the south end of Manatee Park. 1�:111�si� JAZZ UNDER THE STARS Residents were entertained on October 16th by jazz guitarist Ron Lee & a tribute to Frank Sinatra featuring vocalist Mike Mirand. This first event was a hit and quarterly con- certs are in our future. MM \�11111� = 1/111 CITY CLERK'S OFFICE The City Clerk's Office is the central operation of Legislative Services, City Records Management, in- cluding Public Records Requests, Human Resources and Risk Management Services. Other services provided are Notary Public and Public Information, which includes information on the City's Web Site and questions related to where to find information provided through other City Departments and Brevard County. City Records The City Clerk's Office managed City records for all City departments consistent with State public records laws and report- ing requirements. We archived City re- cords in digital format. We also re- sponded to a multitude of requests for public records Risk Management The City Clerk's Office provided employee Workers' Compensation Claims Processing and Return -to - Work assistance, as needed. We also reviewed and processed insurance claims and restitution tracking with the City's insurance carrier as well as worked to receive a safety program insurance premium credit. Other Services Provided Web Site Access to: • 2008/09 City Council Agenda Packets & Minutes • 2009 & 2010 Election Schedules • Employment Information • Public Meetings & City Events • Volunteer Opportunities Human Resources Legislative Services The City Clerk's Office acts as the City Council's recording secretary. In con- junction with the City Manager's Office, we produce agendas and agenda packets for each of the 55 meetings held in 2009. During the 2009 election process, the City Clerk acted as the Qualify- ing Officer for Council Candi- dates. We provide orientation informa- tion to newly appointed volun- teer board members and coordinate vol- unteer board member appoint- ments/reappointments. Additionally, the City Clerk's Office acts as the recording secretary to the newly created Charter Review Committee. Events • Assisted the Recreation Department in the coordi- nation of the Annual Volunteer Board Apprecia- tion Picnic at Manatee Sanctuary Park, • Participated in the 1st Annual Chili Cook -Off, • Participated in City Government Week. The City Clerk's Office provided recruitment assistance to all City de- partments related to job postings, pre -employment physicals and drug screening. We also worked on liability prevention and reduction issues, as well as coordination for the Family Medical Leave Act. This year, the open enrollment for the City employment benefit programs was coordi- nated in conjunction with the Finance Department. 1.��. !_�_1. FINANCE DEPARTMENT Summary of City Funds FUND GENERAL FUND SEWER ENTERPRISE FUND STORMWATER ENTERPRISE FUND LIBRARY FUND BEAUTIFICATION FUND FIRE TRUST FUND POLICE EDUCATION FUND CAPITAL EXPANSION FUND LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND 2009-10 BUDGET 8,7765 3,273,217 492,960 50,061 853,84g 1,000 4,000 20,505 41,000 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, 2008. This is the 13th consecutive year the award has been achieved. Voter approved property tax rates 1.2715 Fire Mills 1.4166 Police Mills 0.3337 Beautification Mills TOTALS 13,476,403 Library In FY 2008/09, State Revenue receipt fell short of projections by 5.5%. Began the process of strategic analysis of departmental function. Incorporated data into new budget format. 0.0453 Mills 3.0671 TOTAL Mills 2009-10 General Fund Expenditures RECREATION TRANSPORTATION 4% 8% ENVI RONMENT 10% CONTINGENCY 0% PUBLIC SAFETY 57% GENERAL GOVERNMENTAL SERVICES 21% • 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. Public Works Administration 2009 Accomplishments: • Processed unserviceable equipment and vehicles to salvage. • Replaced internet cable from Public Works Administration Building to Public Works Lab and Streets Department. • Replaced broken and rusted animal traps. • Restocked sandbags for resident use during storm season. 2010 Major Goals: • Continue to provide residents with the highest quality of administrative ser- vices. • Replace four unserviceable animal traps. Stormwater Division 2009 Accomplishments: • Completion of North Central Ditch Project. • Met requirements of the City's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System five-year stormwater permit. • Removal of debris in the Central Ditch from Port Canaveral to West Cen- tral Blvd. Completion date: January. • Maintained routine maintenance programs and inspection schedules for baffle box cleaning and stormwater pipe/inlet inspections. 2010 Major Goals: • Complete construction activities in the southern portion of the South Central Ditch. • Design inlets along Ridgewood Avenue as part of the streetscape project. • Repair eroded riverfront areas. • Complete stormwater pipe replacement in the Harbor Heights area. • Replace damaged stormwater inlets throughout the City. • Become a member of the Basin Management Action Plan Committee to assist in overseeing area projects. • Inspect and repair the City's stormwater pipes (three-year project). PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Streets & Beautification 2009 Accomplishments: • Completed North Atlantic Avenue/West Central Boulevard intersection improvements (minor issues remain). • Flag poles installed at the City signs along SR A1A and N. Atlantic Avenue. • Completed library meeting room renovations. • Structural repairs to beach crossovers completed. • Completed the turtle lighting/pollution reduction project. 2010 Major Goals: • Complete Ridgewood Avenue Beautification Project (estimated completion date: August) • Plant sea oats along the Atlantic dune (volunteer effort) • Install bus shelters & benches at selected bus stops. • Complete habitat improvement project at the western end of Long Point Road. • Install left turn lane light at intersection of SR A1A and West Central Boulevard (estimated comple- tion date: June). • Repair & repave Washington Avenue, Church Lane and Columbia Drive. • Coordinate beach renourishment activities with Port Canaveral. Sanitary Sewer/Reclaimed Water 2009 Accomplishments: • The City purchased an emergency stand-by gen- erator for Lift Station #3, an emergency pump for sewer line breaks and lift stations, & up- dated equipment for the belt press. 2010 Major Goals: • Continue to provide residents with the highest quality of service for wastewater treatment, sewer and reclaimed water systems. • Continue to evaluate cost-cutting methods for chemical usage at the Wastewater Treatment facility. • Continue to conserve costs and work within the established Sewer Enterprise Fund budget. • Continue to work with Port Canaveral on the Aquifer Storage and Recovery Program. 't BREVARD COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE CAPE CANAVERAL PRECINCT The Canaveral Precinct proudly provides law enforcement services to the citizens of Cape Canaveral. In 2009, our deputies responded to 35,338 calls for service, affected 681 arrests, issued 729 criminal traffic cita- tions and 2,906 non -criminal citations. Deputies responded to and investigated 209 vehicle crash incidents. In addition to 24-hour road patrol, our deputies provide Special Enforcement Operations within the commu- nity targeting underage drinking and tobacco products, probation sweeps, sex offender checks and beach pa- trols. Our Front Desk is open seven days a week from 7 am to 10 pm and provides the community with services such as fingerprinting, notary and report taking. During 2009, the desk officers handled 2,280 phone calls, assisted 742 citizens with walk-in complaints and took 56 reports of theft, lost property and other crimes. The Brevard County Sheriff's Office Police Athletic League "PAL" has collaborated with the City's Recreation Center to provide PAL sponsored youth leadership programs to Canav- eral youth. These programs include Camp Chance, Camp Canaveral, as well as Basketball and Surf Camp. The Canaveral Precinct K-9 Unit specializes in deputy and dog partnerships trained and certified in patrol, narcotics and explosives detection. The Precinct has two K-9 Handler Teams. Community Service Officer Deputy Raul Guerra coordi- nated several events including National Night Out, Halloween treats for the Cape View Ele- mentary students, Thanksgiving dinners for local families in need and Christmas angels for local children in need. Our "Citizens Observer Patrol" (C.O.P.) Program assists deputies in combating crime throughout the county. COP volunteers pa- trol the City in specially marked Sheriff Office vehicles. They help deter crime and act as an extra set of eyes and ears for the law en- forcement community. Special Operations Unit Members (left to right): Deputy Doug Lindberg, Deputy Raul Guerra, Sgt. Joanna Seigel and Deputy Cletis Jones Our Special Operations Unit promotes a partnership between the community, businesses and law enforcement de- signed to reduce crime and improve the overall quality of life. They also make presentations at Cape View Elementary School, senior citizen groups, par- ent/teacher organizations & crime pre- vention groups. School Resource Officer Cletis Jones instructs over 350 students at Cape View Elementary School in educational training programs and law enforcement related activities to help keep Cape View a safe learning environment for chil- dren: • G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Edu- cation and Training) Program, • Life Skills Training Program, • Be Safe! Program DEPUTY SHEAFFER AND HIS K-9 TRITON COP Volunteer Bill Hanson