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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 State of the City Annual Report            2015 STATE OF THE CITY ANNUAL REPORT TABLE OF CONTENTS           Page Number Mayor’s Message 1 City Manager’s Message 2 Cape Canaveral Vision Statement 3 City Clerk’s Office 4-6 Financial Services 7-9 Human Resources 10-20 Community Development 21-32 Economic Development 33-49 Culture & Leisure Services 50-65 Public Works Services 66-88 CANAVERAL SERVICE PROVIDERS Brevard County Sheriff’s Office 89-91 Canaveral Fire Rescue 92-93 MAYOR’S MESSAGE 1 Mayor’s Message The City is about to embark into a new era. City Council has two new members and a new mayor. The City has listened to its residents and formulated the Vision Statement, which it follows in all its endeavors. The City is experiencing a large amount of growth in the north A1A corridor. This is the main entrance and first impression of the City. Therefore, we are looking to attract the highest quality businesses to this area. Our next area of development is a town center/mixed use area located on E. Central Blvd. We are being impacted by the cruise industry and this would be a walk-able, bike-able destination. The area would be enhanced with the cooperation of the Canaveral Port Authority by adding a connector road from George King Blvd., south to Central Blvd. Goals for 2016:  Develop the north sector of the City to attract a new hotel, quality restaurant and high-tech business office center,  Continue the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA),  Continue to upgrade our stormwater system,  Complete the infiltration system scheduled for the ballfields,  Continue to upgrade the sewer lift stations,  Strive to complete the sidewalk system for the safety of our citizens,  Complete the North Atlantic Streetscape with lighting, bikeway, pedestrian walkway and plantings,  Commence the construction of the New City Hall to better serve the citizens of Cape Canaveral,  Convert the old City Hall to a multi-use community center and incorporate area into a plaza type center,  Complete the 2.5-million gallon “reuse water” storage tank,  Complete the improvements to Banana River Park,  Improve and add more bus shelters and  Work with Florida Department of Transportation on A1A improvements for safer crosswalks/additional traffic signals for the safety of our citizens. I look forward to working with Council and will see that we work with our excellent Staff members to keep the City moving in a positive direction by completing projects that are set/funded for the year 2016. CITY MANAGER’S MESSAGE 2   City Manager’s Message Staff is pleased to present the 2015 State of the City Annual Report, which outlines the initiatives, achievements and Visioning elements of each Department towards the City Council’s priority areas as established in the Envision Cape Canaveral Report. Department Directors created a Strategic Plan that includes goals, strategies and actions for the successful implementation of the Envision Cape Canaveral effort which is the prime motivator for the Fiscal Year 2015/16 Budget. The 2015/16 Annual Budget of $36,484,935 is a responsible spending plan, which provides our residents and taxpayers with the same or higher level of service as in previous years. It also provides the City Council and Staff with the tools needed to provide programs, projects and services that will improve the community’s overall quality of life. The economy continues to improve and the increases in property values and in revenues are encouraging signs as we move forward. As you read through this Report, you will see the many initiatives that were accomplished. I thank the City’s Department Directors and members of the City team for their continued hard work and dedication. We look forward to a positive and successful 2016!   3   CAPE CANAVERAL VISION STATEMENT WE ENVISION: A bike-able and walk-able Cape Canaveral that retains and enhances its residential feel, characterized by low-rise buildings not more than 4 stories 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: A1A 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 downtown 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 arrival and unique community identity. The “downtown” will contain an architecturally rich and unique mix of uses, with wide tree shaded sidewalks and umbrella covered café 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 and supports businesses that enhance economic viability and serve our residents and visitors. WE ENVISION: Open shorelines and rivers accessible to the public including amenities that take advantage of the water, such as limited and quaint water-view establishments and intimate public gathering and entertainment places that may include pavilions, gazebos, or a performance stage. CITY CLERK’S OFFICE   4   City Clerk’s Office General Information: The City Clerk’s Office, a Division of Administrative Services, is comprised of the City Clerk and Deputy City Clerk. It provides support to City Council, City Manager and all City Departments, as well as the Community Redevelopment Agency, Community and General Public in a variety of ways. The Division is primarily responsible for:  Preparing agendas, agenda packets and minutes for City Council Meetings.  Ensuring codification of City Ordinances.  Serving as Records Management Liaison to the State of Florida and overseeing the City’s Records Management System.  Serving as the Elections Qualifying Officer for Mayor and City Council candidates.  Notary Public Services.  Handling Public Records Requests.  Distributing/tracking/receiving of Bids/RFPs/RFQs and the taking of minutes for the Bid Opening Meetings. Envision Cape Canaveral effort: The Division continues to work toward creating a sustainable community by implementation of a Citywide Records Management System a/k/a Laserfiche. Operational Statistics for Fiscal Year 2015 (10/1/14 to 9/30/15): Legislative Services:  15 meetings, including Regular City Council, Special City Council and City Council Workshops. Agendas and Agenda Packets were produced for each.  7 Candidates qualified for the General Election in November 2015 for Mayor and two Council Member Vacancy seats.  2 Volunteer Board Members were appointed and orientation materials provided.  14 Volunteer Board Members were reappointed. City Records Management:  490 boxes of records were held at off-site storage as of 9/30/15.  26 boxes/40 cubic feet of records were destroyed. City Projects:  11 Bids/RFPs or RFQs distributed/tracked/received. Assistance from Volunteers: 109.85 hours were contributed by two Volunteers, who assisted with boxing/processing records for storage and destruction; scanning records and/or verifying scanned records.   5   Community Involvement/Humanitarian Activities:  Florida City Government Week - October 20 – 24, 2015. The City Clerk’s Office works with Cape View Elementary School each year to coordinate/celebrate a whole week of events with each City Department, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Cape Canaveral Volunteer Fire Department and Cape Canaveral Library. A total of 345 students learned about how a municipal government operates and serves its citizens. Mayor Rocky Randels explains the definition of “Mock City Council Meeting” to Cape View 3rd Graders.  Relay for Life Central Brevard Beaches - Saturday, April 11, 2015. The Relay was held at Exploration Tower Port Canaveral with the theme “Cruising for a Cure”. This was the fourth year City Team “Sun, Space & Sea” was in charge of Luminaria sales. Although the event ended early due to inclement weather, it was still a huge success and a total of $29,493.17 was raised after expenses; funds will go toward programs sponsored by the American Cancer Society.   6   Join Team Sun, Space & Sea for the April 16, 2016 Event by going to: Relay for Life of Central Brevard Beaches!  Planned/attended the Space Coast League of Cities Meeting at Manatee Sanctuary Park on Monday, April 13, 2015; hosted by the City and Waste Pro, who again prepared a delicious smoked B-B-Q dinner. FINANCIAL SERVICES   7   Financial Services Financial Services is responsible for management and support of all aspects of City business. The Division provides accurate and timely information regarding the City's financial affairs and has increased its focus on analysis and efficiency. Current leadership has focused specifically on what drives the City’s success and ensures the elements are in place to meet/exceed our objectives. Transparency and thoroughness in all we do are paramount in performing at a superior level. This focus and persistence will help ensure residents are receiving the most return from their investment in their City. To achieve this, Financial Services provides the following dedicated services: Collection of Revenue – Revenue is collected from a variety of sources including User Charges, Ad Valorem Tax, Utility Service Taxes, Franchise Fees, State Shared Revenues and Communication Service Tax. Other revenue sources of note include Local Option Gas Taxes, Leisure Services Revenues and interest earnings. The well thought-out pursuit of Revenue streams enables the City to grow and, at the same time, does not overburden the residents. This was clearly evidenced by no increase in the FY2015 Ad Valorem Tax Rate. Purchasing – Purchase Orders are managed for acquisition of equipment, supplies and services needed for the City to accomplish its mission. This entails reviewing, approving or holding for disposition Purchase Orders for accuracy, proper account assignment and compliance with purchasing procedures. As a member of the Brevard County Cooperative, the City continues, at every opportunity, to take full advantage of contracts which will help the City ensure it is getting the best price for materials and will allow more dollars to be available in the City’s overall budget. This year, with the purchase of a stage for City events, more than $3,000 will be saved annually going forward. Owner Direct Purchase (ODP) – The execution of the ODP program has allowed significant tax savings in material purchases. This method of purchasing allows the City to directly purchase materials for major projects and realize all tax savings associated with this material. Consequently, it reduces the costs to the overall contract value. Specific tax savings have resulted in over $41,737 for construction of the New Reclaimed Water Tank Project. Distribution of Funds – Payments are made to vendors for services/materials received. City vendors are much better served due to checks being issued on a weekly basis. Employee payroll checks and related benefits are paid on a bi-weekly basis. Financial Services banking practices and constant analysis of service charges/fees ensures the City is getting the most for its banking needs. The Positive Pay Program has all but eliminated the threat of fraud, overdrafts and ensured timely payment. Accounting/Financial Services – Detailed accounting is achieved by recording financial transactions in the City’s Financial System (Springbrook). Each of the City’s General Ledger Accounts is unique and individually budgeted; performance against these budgets is monitored. Accounting/Financial Services remains strong and is driven by a Staff consisting of the Administrative/Financial Services Director, Senior Accountant, Accountant and Accounting Technician. This composition allows for completion of an increased workload, greater control of the City’s Fixed Asset Inventory and increased returns in the Accounts Receivable arena. To further the City’s efficiency and effectiveness, Staff implemented three additional Springbrook   8   Software modules: Licensing and Permitting, Building Permit and Inspections and Contact Management. These additional modules will help strengthen our ability to increase revenues, increase resolution to enforcement issues and improve overall customer service to the City as a whole. Financial Reporting – The Division prepares all County, State and Federal Financial Reports. This includes issuance of the City’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) awarded the City a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its Fiscal Year 2013-2014 CAFR. This marks the 20th straight year the City has received this award. Monthly Financial and Investment Reports are also provided through the City Manager. Budgeting – The Division, under the strong guidance of the City Manager, provides financial management required to maintain a sound fiscal structure, budgetary control and long-range financial planning. This includes assisting the City Manager in coordination and preparation of the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and the City’s Annual Budget. In November 2015, Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) notified the City that all Truth in Millage (TRIM) documents filed, including the Maximum Millage Levy Calculation Final Disclosure, met certification requirements. Florida DOR determined that the City is in compliance with the maximum total taxes levied requirements and, thus, the maximum millage levy requirements set by Florida Statutes. Annual City Audit – James Moore and Company conducted the Fiscal Year 2013-2014 Audit of the City’s financial activities; recently completed a complete Information Technology (IT) audit and is currently in the process of Fiscal Year 2014-2015 City Audit. The Division coordinates the Audit. Success through Sound Investment/Loan Practices - As National, State and Local economies continue to strengthen, the City has strived to diversify its revenue streams to position itself for redevelopment and success in the future. Through continued financial diligence, as of September 30, 2015, the City’s General Fund investments total $7,490,416.78; Special Revenue investments total $745,148.56; and Enterprise Fund investments total $953,065.13. The Grand total of all investments is $9,188,630.47. In addition, the City secured over $3.9M in Grants and has utilized over $1.7M in State Revolving Fund Loans for Wastewater and Stormwater Projects. The City’s financial strategies have and will continue to pay off as evidenced by the complete refurbishment   9   of the Wastewater Treatment Plant. In the upcoming year, the City will construct a New City Hall, which will bring the City to the forefront reinforcing its vision and commitment to its residents. Numerous capital projects in the Public Works Services arena have been completed and more wait in the wings; a 2.5 million gallon Reclaimed Water Tank and Lift Station Rehabilitations to name a few. The City’s financial position is sound as it moves to become an upscale, seaside city with an abundance of amenities to stimulate the local economy for decades to come. HUMAN RESOURCES   10   Department Overview Achieving the City’s Mission/Vision requires an exceptional workforce, fully engaged and committed to performing at the levels necessary to achieve the City’s Quality of Community/Life objectives. The City has strategically implemented a step by step process of attracting, developing and retaining a highly skilled team capable of “delivering” when and where needed. With an eye on financial sustainability, all costs and contracted services associated with the Human Resources/Risk Management function are critically assessed for effectiveness in achieving optimum value, measurable results and asset protection. Risk Management Cost Containment General Liability By outsourcing Fire and Law Enforcement services, the City has avoided the “skyrocketing” premium costs (upwards to 21%) associated with said municipal services. While Zoning and Permitting related General Liability claims have in recent years presented another “hot” area of risk, the City’s claims attributed to the General Liability coverage for FY 2014/15 totaled $259.00. Exercising due diligence as it relates to General Liability claims remains a high priority. Property Losses As the City undertakes infrastructure, City-scape and facility renovations associated with the Mission of transforming the City into a premier beachfront community, costs and services associated with Risk Management to include General Liability, Property, Workers’ Compensation and City Vehicle Insurance require ongoing scrutiny. Insurance providers with municipal expertise are welcome to present premium quotes for the City’s Risk Management services. Vendor comparisons focus on price, vendor reputation, coverage levels, deductibles/exclusions and quality of supportive services. With asset and infrastructure enhancements, an aggressive negotiations strategy has resulted in premium savings of more than 25% ($67,000.00) from what the City paid in previous years. Renewal rates for FY 2015/16 by Florida Municipal Insurance Trust have resulted in an additional $2,430.00 annual premium savings. Damage to City property continues to be a common occurrence, specifically vehicular signage damage. The Human Resources Director has assumed the task of collecting restitution for damaged property in order to ensure the City maintains a more advantageous property claim ratio needed as leverage when negotiating insurance renewal premium rates. Maintenance Staff are free to expedite immediate repairs and replacement of damaged property. With the assistance of Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, citizens’ eyewitness reports and an aggressive policy of pursuing payment from those responsible, the City has received restitution for property losses at a rate of 99.88% as demonstrated by the following graph.   11   PROPERTY LOSS COST OUTCOMES FY 2014/15 Workers’ Compensation Implementation of a comprehensive Safety Awareness Program and Workers’ Compensation injury prevention, follow-up and resolution, has enabled the City to consistently receive annual premium rebates averaging $30,000.00. Safety Training, an essential component of any viable Safety Program, has been standardized to include mandatory training modules as outlined below. Utilization of available resources has enabled the City to provide the following training opportunities at no additional cost. Heat Stress- Learn about the health risks involved in working in hot climates and precautions you must take to maintain productivity and protect your health. Lockout/Tagout- Learn about the importance of working safely with hazardous energy sources. Power Tool Safety- Gain an understanding of the dangers inherent in the operation of power tools and what safety precautions you must take. Back Safety- Learn about the proper lifting techniques that protect back health. Hurricane Preparation- Gain general knowledge of what a City must do to prepare for high winds and possible flooding. Ladder Safety- Learn how to safely use a ladder in the course of performing your job. Safety Teamwork- Learn how to build a “team” dedicated to creating and maintaining a “culture” where safety comes first. City Hurricane/Emergency Preparedness and Recovery- Understand the City’s Plan and your role in protecting life, minimizing injuries, safeguarding property and ensuring an effective and organized response to emergencies. Description of Property Loss Cause Cost Recovered Cost Library Light Pole Driver- identified $339.73 $339.73 Road Collapse (Orange and Pierce) Work done by AT&T subcontractor 1.5 years previous to collapse. $32,145.69 $32,145.69 Signature Street Scape Semi-truck hit and run- apprehended BCSO $8,928.00 $8,928.00 City Truck Windshield Lawn Contractor $408.84 $408.84 Street name and Stop Sign Uninsured motorist $285.91 50.00 TOTAL $42,108.17 $42,058.17   12   Comprehensive Safety Policy- Gain a chapter by chapter understanding of what you need to know about Safety compliance. Bloodborne Pathogens- This workshop is a must for Plant Operators, Utilities Mechanics and Recreation Leader/Coordinators required to fully understand procedural standards and exposure risks associated with bloodborne pathogens. City Safety Program- In-depth review of this Program to include department hazards, emergency response, exposures and use of fleet and equipment. This training is mandatory for all City Staff. At the close of FY 2014/2015, the City successfully closed four (4) Workers’ Compensation claims dating from 10/07/2013. To date, all claims have involved Public Works Services employees. With the exception of two, said claims have involved relatively minor injuries. The status of the City’s Workers’ Compensation cases are as follows. WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLAIMS STATUS Injury Date Nature of Injury (s) Payments to Date Claims Outcome FY 2013 Claims Ratio .66 10/7/2013 Orthopedic/ neck injury $8,989.61 Open FY 2014 Claims Ratio 1.502 12/6/2013 Bee sting/allergic reaction $164.29 Closed 4/24/2014 Back strain $38,707.63 Closed, but former employee requesting case be reopened. 5/3/2014 Re-injury from 4/24/2014 $184.51 Closed FY 2015 Claims Ratio 1.378 1/5/2015 Skin puncture from nail $88.60 Closed 9/24/2015 Finger laceration $1,858.93 Closed 7/17/2015 Knee injury $6,420.91 Open As the graph demonstrates, a single WC claim accounts for roughly 70% of total Workers’ Compensation claim payouts during the last three fiscal years. The largest claim has negatively impacted the City’s Loss Ratio. Through Safety training, updated Standarded Operating Procedures (SOP’s), strict enforcement of policies and diligent case management, progress has been made on reducing the Claims Ratio. Analysis of Accident Investigation Reports indicates that realistically 71.4% of the above claims were preventable. The City is “doubling down” on training and enforcement of safe work practices to include the appropriate use of personal protective equipment.   13   Compensation The City continuously accesses State and Local salary data to ensure its ability to compete for the best employees. Through the development and implementation of merit based compensation increases, employees able and eager to demonstrate performance excellence and innovation are readily rewarded. The merit based reward system strives to: o Eliminate wasted work hours caused by unpreparedness and/or lack of skill. o Eliminate turnover attributed to pay disparity. o Boost morale, encourage excellence and facilitate a motivated workforce. o Encourage task efficiencies. o Reduce costly outsourcing and increase the City’s ability to control project scheduling by assigning tasks to skilled in-house personnel. o Provide opportunities for employees to make a greater contribution and enjoy well deserved merit pay increases thus reducing turnover due to job dissatisfaction. o Ensure leadership sustainability and the ability to promote from within. Diligent application of a “results oriented” merit based compensation strategy has undoubtedly saved money. Despite the burden of increasing group health benefits and manpower costs beyond the City’s control, Fiscal Year 2014/15 reaped a savings in budgeted comprehensive workforce costs of $201,346. In short, fewer more highly skilled and empowered employees achieve greater qualitative and quantitative results. Benefits Essential to the Goal of attracting and retaining a highly skilled and productive workforce is the need to provide high quality Health/Vision/Dental/Life benefits. Balancing the necessity for premium cost containment, Human Resources provides wellness, “smart benefit use” training and individual assistance to Staff, all of which are critical in maintaining a highly favorable risk/claims history. Group Health The City’s commitment to limiting employee maximum out of pocket risk to $750 per year sends a powerful message to current and prospective employees that the City cares about the health and well-being of its employees. While other employers remedy the challenge of rising health cost premiums by demanding greater employee premium contributions, the City “cares enough” about the health and well-being of its employees to seek alternative methods for cost containment. By educating employees on how best to utilize their benefits, namely avoidance of seeking emergency medical services for non-emergency health needs, regularly seeking wellness and preventative medical services and utilization of cost effective mail order prescriptions for maintenance   14   medications, the City enjoys an amazingly low claims/risk ratio. While employees most certainly visit primary care physicians and specialists on a regular basis, their willingness to partner with the City by taking the steps necessary to maintain good health has kept premium increases well below the national average. EMPLOYEE PREMIUM CONTRIBUTION FOR GROUP HEALTH BENEFITS (6% Increase from FY 2014/15) PLAN NAME EMPOYEE ONLY EMPLOYEE + SPOUSE EMPLOYEE + CHILDREN EMPLOYEE + FAMILY UHC 0G-Q PPO ($750-$1,500 in-network max out of pocket) $250/$500 Deductible $0 $700.48 premium is 100% Employer Paid $388.88 $227.79 $984.29 UHC 0G-7 PPO 20% CO- PAY ($3,500/$7,0000 in- network max out of pocket) $1,000/$2,000 Deductible $0 $552.66 premium is 100% Employer Paid $218.88 $91.78 $688.65 Life Insurance The City provides regular employees who work an average of 30 hours per week with employer paid $100,000.00 Basic Life benefits effective the first of the month following their start of employment. Coverage reductions occur at age 65, 70 and 75. The IRS requires taxation on the value of employer-provided group term life insurance over $50,000. The taxable value of this life insurance coverage is called “imputed income”. The employer paid monthly premium is dependent on the average age of the workforce, a factor the City does not consider when hiring qualified Staff. Long Term Disability Insurance In an effort to provide greater income stability and economic security, the City provides employer paid Long Term Disability Benefits to all regular full-time employees. Following a 90 day elimination period, employees will be eligible for 60% of the first $10,000 of monthly pre- disability earnings, reduced by income such as work earnings, workers’ compensation, etc. Benefits will be paid at a minimum of $50 with a maximum of $6,000 per month until normal age for Social Security retirement (SSNRA). Disability is defined as a loss of at least 1% of pre- disability earnings when working within your occupation. The employer paid monthly premium remained unchanged from FY 14/15. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Confidential professional counseling services are available to all employees and his/her dependent family members. EAP services provide assistance with issues relating to grief, elder care, addiction/substance abuse, marital or family difficulties, financial or legal troubles and emotional distress.   15   Dental Insurance Employer paid PPO dental benefits are available to regular full-time employees. Employee paid dependent Dental coverage is available through payroll deduction. The employee pre-tax monthly premium contribution remained unchanged from FY 2013/14 as shown below: PLAN NAME EMPLOYEE ONLY EMPLOYEE + SPOUSE EMPLOYEE + CHILDREN EMPLOYEE + FAMILY Delta Dental PPO $0 100% Employer Paid $42.91 $39.78 $85.59 Vision Insurance Employer paid vision benefits are available to regular full-time employees. Employee paid dependent Vision coverage is available through payroll deduction. The employee pre-tax monthly premium contribution is shown below. PLAN NAME EMPLOYEE ONLY EMPLOYEE + FAMILY Humana Vision $0 100% Employer Paid $9.56 Supplemental Insurance A range of employee paid voluntary supplemental insurance products are available through AFLAC Insurance Company. Retirement Benefits Deferred Compensation Plan / 457(b) Regular full or part-time employees may elect to defer payroll deducted pre-tax earnings through participation in the City’s 457(b) plan administered by the Florida League of Cities Deferred Compensation plan administrator. The City matches employee Deferred Compensation contributions up to 3% following one (1) year of regular full-time employment. City contributions will be credited to the employee’s 401(a) account. Defined Contribution Retirement Plan / 401(a) Following one (1) year of full-time regular service, the City will contribute 7% into an employee self-directed 401(a) account administered by the Florida League of Cities Municipal Trust Fund. Retirement Vesting City contributions to the 401(a) pension fund are vested as follows:  2 years of service vesting is 25%  3 years of service vesting is 50%   16    4 years of service vesting is 75%  5 years of service vesting is 100% Employee Engagement In exchange for the City’s commitment to employee health, well-being and opportunity for career advancement, employees are required to meet high performance standards to include a commitment to the Mission/Vision as defined by the City Council on behalf of the citizenry. The City goes to great lengths to ensure equal opportunity for promotion, compensation and resources needed to deliver a high quality work product. In return, the City requires the following from Staff. o A commitment to quality and excellence. o Honesty and integrity. o Compliance with Safety Program. o A mature work ethic. o Courtesy and consideration toward supervisors, co-workers and the general public. o A willingness and ability to contribute to the Mission and Vision of the City. o A commitment to contribute to a workplace free from bullying, discrimination, harassment and illicit drug/alcohol use. o A willingness to seek assistance, offered on a confidential basis, in instances where personal or professional conflicts interfere with the ability to effectively perform job duties. Failure to meet these “reasonable” expectations will result in swift action. The City’s employee relations strategy is direct, decisive and impartial. While striving to establish a Premier Beachfront Community, the City recognizes the necessity to establish ourselves as a Premier Employer who employs a Premier Workforce. Tolerance of an inability or unwillingness to satisfactorily meet performance expectations undermines the contributions of the team, inflates workforce costs and contributes to a gradual deflation in overall job performance. Employee Development/Training The development of a formal in-house training program has proven to be a highly efficient and cost effective tool for employee development. Upon completion of the Public Works Services Training facility, the City quickly “jump started” its employee and supervisor training initiatives. The facility enables the City to efficiently “roll out” its new and updated programs with minimal work day disruption. Since completion of the training facility in March 2015, over 60 employees have participated in training totaling more than 400 hours at no cost over and above Staff time.   17   IN-HOUSE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES Newly Hired/Promoted Employees The City has implemented a Training and Mentoring Program required for newly hired and promoted employees. Clearly establishing expectations, training objectives and timelines for an employee in a new position helps to ensure said employee “hits the ground running”. Ninety days in duration, the employee and supervisor meet on regularly scheduled intervals to discuss training progress. Employees are encouraged to communicate areas where additional training may be needed and supervisors clarify expectations and deliver encouragement as needed. This program serves to reinforce the commitment of all parties to successful employment. Education Incentive Program An employee seeking advanced training and education may be reimbursed for tuition, books and lab fees following successful program completion. The City communicates the desire to promote from within and “grow its own talent”. The Education Incentive Program demonstrates the City’s commitment to employee growth and development. Workforce Analysis Human Resources maintains and evaluates data pertaining to workforce educational levels, compensation, age and gender. FISCAL YEAR HS/GED AA/AS BS/BA POST GRAD MALE FEMALE 2013/14 61% 11% 24% 4% 67.40% 32.60% 2014/15 42% (22% having earned Special Certifications) 12% 9% 36% 10% 56.30% 43.70% % Change NA + 9% + 50% + 150% - 16.4% + 34% State of Florida 2014 Census 85% 9% 17% 9.4% 48.9% 51.1% Brevard County 2014 Census 90.3% NA 26.4% NA 42.9% 57.1% Equal Opportunity Awareness Sexual Harassment Awareness CPR Certification City Hurricane/Emergency Planning ICS Forms Training Defining Effective Management City Safety Program How to Conduct an Effective Interview Bully, What You Need to Know   18   2013/14 Sample: 49 full and part-time City of Cape Canaveral Employees 2014/15 Sample: 50 full and part-time City of Cape Canaveral employees *NA= Statistically Insignificant or Not Measured. City assigns each employee to a single category while State and County statistics may assign employees to more than one. The above data clearly confirms the City’s strategic success in significantly increasing workforce educational levels as well as progress toward greater gender balance. The City compares favorably with County and State Workforce averages. Attracting and retaining a highly skilled workforce necessitates a focus on employee development and continuous skills enhancement. The City rewards employees who achieve training and educational credentials and accepts the reality that higher skilled workers are deserving of higher rates of pay. An analysis of State and Local data indicates the City’s methodical progress toward increasing employee pay. While the City strives to “raise the bar” on workforce competencies and educational levels, efficiencies in workforce utilization have more than offset costs associated with paying higher wages as discussed previously. AVERAGE SALARY COMPARISON CRITERIA AVERAGE ANNUAL RATE OF PAY City 2014/15 $45,959 (+4.7%) City 2013/14 $43,898 Brevard County (2014 Census) $48,353 State of Florida $47,898 Employment Law Compliance The City is committed to promoting an inclusive work environment where employees are free from interference and unlawful barriers to productivity and advancement. Maintaining an aggressive compliance program not only prevents costly litigation, but fiercely guards a work environment where every employee knows they will receive equal access and opportunity to develop, promote, contribute and receive credit for their accomplishments. The City strongly believes that this is the “right thing to do” and demands all employees complete the following mandatory training. Equal Opportunity Awareness- Increase awareness of the importance of federal employment protections provided to protected “classes”. Sexual Harassment Awareness- Increase awareness of the elements, risks and consequences of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace and in our community. Bullying- Understand how bullying undermines individuals, teamwork, productivity and organizations. Examines the nature of bullying in the workplace to include conduct   19   indicative of aggressive and/or bullying behavior, the personal and organizational costs of bullying, how to prevent bullying and clarification of the City’s zero tolerance of bullying. How to Conduct an Effective Job Interview- Examines interviewing from the employer’s perspective and provides insights into strategy, objectives, preparation and legal compliance. This training is mandatory for City Staff who participate in candidate interviews. Emergency Management Human Resources led in the development/implementation of the City’s Hurricane/Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan. Under the leadership of the City Manager, the City has selected a team approach to its response to weather related or other emergency events. In cooperation with Brevard County Emergency Operation Center, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and the Cape Canaveral Volunteer Fire Department, Staff have fully participated in plan development and received comprehensive training in the City’s Hurricane/Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan. Volunteers The City greatly appreciates the willingness of its citizens to generously “give back” to their community. The City enjoys the assistance of 2-4 volunteers at any given time.   20   Student Interns and Externs The City welcomes undergraduate and graduate level college students seeking to participate in unpaid, for credit college/university learning experiences. The City takes seriously its obligation to provide meaningful learning experiences that better prepare students for careers in municipal government. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 21 Community Development The Community Development Department (CD) comprises four distinct divisions: Planning, Building, Code Enforcement and the Community Redevelopment Agency. Together these divisions play a vital role in the Department’s mission to protect and enhance the physical environment of the City and to provide for the highest possible quality of life for its residents. ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR YEAR 2014/15 Planning A1A Overlay District – Expansion. This initiative expanded the boundaries of the EOOD to include the balance of the A1A corridor to the southern City limits as well as select areas near the Port. Specifically, those properties that are within both the Community Redevelopment Area and the Brownfield district are included. Both of these districts were created to support redevelopment and were demarcated by following established criteria consistent with Florida Statute. As the City continues to experience development pressure along the A1A corridor, it is critical that consistent rules be established to encourage development as well as provide guidance to meet community standards. This initiative will facilitate a consistent, seamless development pattern which will lead to a sense of identity throughout the entire length of the A1A corridor. Several of the unique techniques established include a mechanism for flexible building heights, scalable hotel requirements, site specific landscaping requirements, increased architectural standards and the encouragement of mixed-use development. Casa Canaveral Assisted Living Facility. Department Staff worked closely with the developer to ensure that the project’s entitlements remained current as financing is pursued. Specifically, the following approvals were extended: o Variance No. 2014-01 for the following: (1) to allow for a building length of 353 feet and a building width of 320 feet rather than the 185 foot maximum length or width per Sec. 110- 316(7); and (2) to allow for a 25 foot setback from an adjacent residential lot line rather than the 50 foot required. o Special Exception No. 2014-04. o Site Plan Approval. o Community Appearance Board Approval - Level 1. The facility, which is located at 700 W. Central Boulevard, includes 288-beds and over 200,000 square feet. The project will ultimately create 250 full and part-time jobs, provide a needed housing option, increase the tax base and be a $25 million dollar investment in the City. Infrastructure improvements will include installation of a replacement sewer line, completion of lift station refurbishment/expansion activities and streetscaping of West Central Boulevard. The streetscaping project will include construction of a pedway and sidewalks, installation of energy efficient lighting and landscaping improvements. 22 Casa Canaveral Assisted Living Facility City Hall Project. City Hall was built in 1966/67 and has served the City well; however, it no longer meets the City government’s needs. During 2015, much effort has gone into the construction of a New City Hall facility at 100 Polk Avenue. Community Development Staff was involved in a number of various ways to bring this to fruition and include:  Community Appearance Board – secured Level 1 approval for the project with a notable site design approach of shifting the building to within 15 feet from the A1A right-of-way as allowed under the Overlay District.  Preliminary Plat Approval – secured Preliminary Plat Approval after public hearings before the Planning and Zoning Board and City Council.  Site Plan Approval – secured Site Plan Approval after a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Board. Census Statistics. University of Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR) released its estimate of the City’s population. The estimate is 10,084 residents as of April 1, 2015. As a point of reference, the City's population on April 1, 2010 was 9,912; 9,936 on April 1, 2011; 9,926 on April 1, 2012; 9,987 on April 1, 2013; and 10,022 on April 1, 2014. City Mobility Plan. Staff worked with City based bicycling activists to develop a plan to provide policy guidance regarding construction of a network of bicycle/pedestrian paths throughout the City. The Plan considers timing, funding and design of said paths. Recommendations contained in the Plan have begun to be implemented throughout the City. As an example, the recent striping/signage improvements along Central Avenue were high priority projects called for in the Plan. Port of Call. Conducted annual review of the Port of Call Development Agreement to determine compliance with the terms and conditions of said Agreement. 23 SNAP Recertification. Worked with Space Coast EDC staff to prepare City’s Bi-annual SNAP Report to include an analysis of review and submittal times for commercial site plans and building permits. Branding. Community Development Staff assisted with the branding effort towards the goal of developing a City Branding Initiative to increase the overall awareness/positive perception of the City, by engaging residents and businesses to market the City internally and externally as a vibrant, attractive City in which to live, work, play, learn, invest and visit. A1A Improvements. Participated in 2-day analysis of the SR A1A corridor to recommend short- term pedestrian/bicycle improvements/countermeasures to increase safety. The analysis, being performed by FDOT, will identify specific safety issues as well as countermeasures. Tentative findings include the need for several mid-block pedestrian crosswalks, pedestrian activated crossing lights at Jackson Avenue and replacement of numerous non-working overhead lights. Arbor Day. In conjunction with Public Works Services Staff, coordinated the annual Arbor Day celebration on May 1st. It involved the Cape View 6th graders assisting with planting a tree as well as Mayor Pro Tem Hoog reading a proclamation about the importance of trees in the City. Artwork submitted by several of the students Building Homewood Suites Hotel. This project is a 6-story, national-brand, extended stay hotel located at 9000 Astronaut Boulevard. It is located on a 3.54 acre parcel, consists of 112,000 square feet and includes 153 units.  Issued a Site Development Permit Agreement; held pre-construction meeting to coordinate development activities including administrative inspection procedures, details related to paving, grading, drainage and utility installation, etc.  Coordinated groundbreaking for the project. 24 Homewood Suites Hotel Statistics for the period October 1, 2014 – September 30, 2015:  Permits issued: 1,194  Permitting fees: $292,433  Building Inspections performed: 1,713 The Building Department extends a warm welcome to its new employees: Senior Secretary Cindy Gregson; Clerical Assistant Karen Hutchinson and Building Inspector Richard Mihalich. Code Enforcement FEMA/NFIP Recertification. Completed annual recertification packet that will be submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in support of the City’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Premium (NFIP) program. This program provides flood insurance discounts for participating communities based on how well the local regulations are enforced and on how well the community executes its various outreach programs. The City reached a milestone high level of performance which qualified its citizens to receive a fifteen (15%) percent discount on the premium cost of flood insurance for NFIP policies issued or renewed in the Special Flood Hazard Areas. Staff will continue to maintain or improve all achievable floodplain management activities so that our citizens can reap the benefits of reduced flood insurance premiums. 25 Completed annual FEMA outreach project to residents (to include a booth at City sponsored events). The outreach is part of an overall program to inform/educate residents about the NFIP which will contribute to lowering the City’s Flood Insurance rates and includes: o Information on property protection measures, o Contact information for designated storm shelters in Brevard County and special needs assistance, o Information about availability of flood insurance and o Important contact numbers should there be a storm event. FEMA Outreach Booth Demolitions. Throughout the year, Code Enforcement Staff worked to bring blighted, unfit and/or unsafe properties into compliance through the use of the Property Maintenance Code. Initiating new Code Enforcement Cases frequently means posting properties as “Unfit for Human Occupancy” and posting properties with an “Imminent Danger Posting” to insure the safety and welfare of the public. These structures, when left unattended, create a neighborhood nuisance. Compliance is obtained by renovating/demolishing structures to provide for new development opportunities. This past year, a number of blighted structures were demolished. Here are several examples: 26 350 Monroe Avenue, Cape Canaveral ~ Case No. 2012-00003 New Townhomes are under construction. 290 Cape Shores Circle, Cape Canaveral ~ Case No. 2015-00032 Old dilapidated structure removed for future redevelopment. 27 Mock Code Enforcement Board Meeting - In support of City Government Week, Code Enforcement Staff hosted the 3rd Annual Cape View Elementary School Mock Code Enforcement Board Hearing. The 6th graders had a chance to sit in the seats of the Code Enforcement Board and hear mock cases, ask questions, hold deliberations, make and vote on motions. Everyone had fun. Lien Payments. The City received the following Code Enforcement lien payments:  $36,000.00 - 8713 Hibiscus Court.  $10,000.00 - 8652 N Atlantic Avenue.  $ 1,094.38 - 7000 N Atlantic Avenue.  $10,000.00 - 8200 N Atlantic Avenue.  $ 1,000.00 - 7908 Ridgewood Avenue. Turtle Lighting. Staff continues to monitor for turtle lighting violations during Turtle Season, May 1st through October 31st. Work was done with several Condominium Associations for voluntary compliance with the assistance of Brevard County Natural Resources. Code Enforcement Staff dedicated several evenings to conducting turtle lighting inspections in conjunction with staff from Brevard County Natural Resources. The inspections were generated by three Turtle Disorientation Reports received by Staff. The inspections revealed lighting violations at several condominiums. Staff is working to resolve these violations by contacting the appropriate Condominium Association and requesting voluntary compliance. Compliance alternatives include: turning lights out from 9:00PM - 7:00AM, redirecting the light, shielding the light and/or retrofitting the structure turtle-friendly lighting fixtures and bulbs whenever possible. Civil Citation Procedural Document. Updated civil citation procedural document for Canaveral Precinct Deputies. Weekend Code Enforcement. Staff continues to perform random weekend Code Enforcement to ensure that compliance is not just 5 days a week, but expected on a consistent basis. 28 Statistics for the period October 1, 2014 – September 30, 2015:  Notices of Violation issued: 75  Notices of Compliance issued: 49  Cases presented to Code Enforcement Board: 14  Liens paid: $58,095  Properties posted “Unfit for Human Occupancy”: 5  Illegal signs removed: 206  Vehicles posted: 36  Code Enforcement violations resolved in field: 92  Flood Zone inquiries processed: 2  Doors Tagged with Courtesy Requests: 56  Lien search requests processed: 205  Citations issued for Work Without Permit: 3  Stop Work Orders posted: 8  Address assignment requests processed: 5  Follow-up site visits: 261  Business Tax Receipt Renewals (BTR’s) 864  373 (43%) Commercial Businesses  365 (42%) Rental Businesses  126 (15%) Home Businesses Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). With the passage of Resolution No. 2012-16, the City Council adopted a Finding of Necessity to establish the Cape Canaveral Community Redevelopment Agency, and declared the City Council to be the CRA Board. The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board acted on the following notable items in 2015:  Approve FY 14/15 Line Item Transfer within the CRA Budget in the amount of $109,883.75 for Oak Lane Improvements and Striping Projects within the CRA.  Resolution No. 2015-04; a joint Resolution with the City Council authorizing a loan from the City to the Cape Canaveral Community Redevelopment Agency, in an amount not to exceed $470,000.00, for purposes of commencing certain redevelopment activities within the redevelopment area related to replacing and upsizing Lift Station No. 6, constructing water line improvements and/or such other activities in order to promote anticipated economic growth. Ordinance Revisions To maintain the City’s ability to protect its citizens and to provide for the highest level quality of life, Community Development Staff periodically revise/update certain City ordinances. The following notable ordinance revisions were completed in 2015: Ordinance No. 12-2014 – Development Approvals. This initiative continued the streamlining of the City’s various boards to provide for administrative extensions to Community Appearance Board approvals and Site Plan approvals. 29 Ordinance No. 15-2014 – Setback Encroachments. This initiative expanded the list of allowed encroachments within required setbacks to include air conditioning and pool related components. Ordinance No. 01-2015 – Hazardous Trees. This initiative revised the City’s definition and permit exceptions related to Hazardous Trees and also expanded the list of exempted trees to include Hazardous Trees. Ordinance No. 02-2015 – Business and Economic Development Board. This initiative revised the duties of the BED Board to ensure they are considered a citizen advisory committee and not required to file a Financial Disclosure. Ordinance No. 07-2015 - Economic Opportunity Overlay District. This initiative expanded the boundaries of the EOOD to include the balance of the A1A corridor to the southern City limits as well as select areas near the Port. This initiative will facilitate a consistent, seamless development pattern which will lead to a sense of identity throughout the entire length of the A1A corridor. Several of the unique techniques established include a mechanism for flexible building heights, scalable hotel requirements, site specific landscaping requirements, increased architectural standards and the encouragement of mixed-use development. Ordinance No. 11-2015 – Automotive Service Stations. This initiative updated the City’s locational criteria for Automotive Service Stations. Notably, that any new stations must be a minimum of 2500 feet from any other station and that they can only be located in the City’s M1 zoning district. Ordinance No. 12-2015 – Micro Distilleries. This initiative provided for the location of micro distilleries in the City’s C-2 zoning district and established minimum requirements to include:  Onsite distilling shall not exceed 75,000 gallons total on an annual basis; and  Tasting rooms and/or retail shops associated with the distillery shall be permitted but shall not exceed 50 percent of the total square footage of the operation; and  No alcohol consumption, other than that associated with the tasting room, shall be permitted on-site; and  No by-product of the distilling operation shall be discharged into the City’s wastewater system, unless it is properly pre-treated as approved by the City; and  All materials and supplies related to the distillery operation shall be stored in an enclosed structure. Board Activity for 2014 Board of Adjustment. Held 2 meetings with the following actions taken:  Special Exception No. 15-01 to authorize an automotive service station in the C-1 Zoning District - Board denied the request (Cumberland Farms).  Special Exception No. 15-02 to authorize a storage warehouse/office in the C-2 Zoning District - Board approved the request with conditions (O. Wave, Inc.). 30  A request for a Change of Use to authorize a 5-unit townhouse in the R-2 Zoning District, per City Code of Ordinances, Section 110-195(e) (Antonio Romano) – Board approved with conditions. Code Enforcement Board. Held 10 meetings, heard 61 cases, issued 43 Board Orders and filed 10 liens. Community Appearance Board. Held one meeting and recommended/approved the following:  Recommendation to City Council that Ms. Sandra Lanham fill a vacancy on the Board.  Level 1 application – Oceanside Distillery - Board approved with conditions.  Level 1 application – City Hall Building - Board approved in November 2014 with Staff approving a 12 month administrative extension in November 2015. Planning & Zoning Board. Held 6 meetings and made the following recommendations:  Special Exception No. 15-01 to authorize an automotive service station in the C-1 Zoning District – Board recommended approval (Cumberland Farms)  Special Exception No. 15-02 to authorize a storage warehouse/office in the C-2 Zoning District – Board recommended approval (O. Wave, Inc.)  Preliminary Plat Approval – Board recommended approval (RaceTrac Petroleum).  Change of Use to authorize a 5-unit townhouse in the R-2 zoning district – Board recommended approval (Antonio Romano).  Interview & Recommendation to City Council to appoint Ms. Brenda Defoe Surprenant to fill the Planning and Zoning Board Member vacancy.  Preliminary Plat Approval – Board recommended approval (City Hall).  Special Exception No. 12-01 (Amendment) – to reduce front yard setback for outdoor display areas – Board recommended approval (A1A Beach Rental, LLC).  Zoning Determination for an unlisted use in the C-1 Zoning District – Board recommended approval (George Sweetman). Ongoing Activities Mixed-Use Overlay Ordinance. The adoption of a Mixed-Use Overlay ordinance. The City’s consultant firm, Planning Design Group, has prepared a draft ordinance to encourage the mixture of complimentary land uses. It is envisioned that the Overlay will be applicable in the A1A Economic Opportunity Overlay District. The intent of this Code Section is to: o Allow a mixture of complimentary land uses that may include housing, retail, offices, commercial services, light industrial, light manufacturing and high-tech services, civic uses and public open spaces to create economic and social vitality and support diversity of housing opportunities. o Develop mixed-use areas that are safe, comfortable and promote a multi-faceted pedestrian friendly and walkable environment to encourage the linking of trips. o Reinforce streets as public places for additional street level activity that encourage pedestrian and bicycle travel. 31 o Create a “sense of place” that also provides for community gathering places and pedestrian/visitor amenities. o Establish a distinct storefront character associated with the District. o Provide flexibility in the siting and design of new developments and redevelopment to anticipate changes in the marketplace. o Provide for the efficient use of land and services by facilitating compact, high-density development and minimizing the amount of land that is needed for surface parking. o Provide roadway and pedestrian connections as well as land use transitions to adjacent neighborhoods and commercial areas. o Facilitate development (land use mix, density and design) that supports public transit, where applicable. o Provide appropriate locations and design standards for automobile and truck-dependent uses. o Maintain mobility along traffic corridors and state highways. o Maintain and enhance the area’s character through design guidelines. Special Exceptions – Staff, in conjunction with Kimley-Horn, is conducting the needed review and analysis of best practices related to special exceptions to determine what, if any, revisions need to be made to the City’s current special exception process. This effort was initiated to further streamline the City’s development review process. Should it be determined that improvements/efficiencies are available, Staff will prepare/present an ordinance for discussion and consideration. This will include an analysis of permitted uses vs. special exceptions. Permitted Use Table. Create a permitted use table for inclusion in Chapter 110 of the Code of Ordinances. This table will create a much more user friendly document to assist customers with determining allowable land uses within the various zoning categories. It will also allow the list of uses to be updated/expanded. Springbrook Software Conversion. Community Development Staff has been deeply involved in the conversion to the Springbrook software package for Business Tax Receipts and the Building/Permitting modules during 2015. This will continue in FY 2015/16. This has included the conversion of data, populating various data bases, designing forms, letters, worksheets and tables. The completion of this process will provide a much more user-friendly platform for City Staff and ultimately will provide a better customer experience for residents. One of the goals is to allow more services to be conducted on-line. User Fees. Revision of user fees related to City land use approvals and building permits. Analysis included a determination of allocated Staff time by approval type as well as a review of a fee survey for cities within Brevard County. With an eye towards maintaining, or even reducing ad valorem rates, Staff is reviewing the current Planning & Zoning fee structure and Building Permit fee structure to determine what opportunities are available to generate additional user fees. Variance Process Revisions. Addressing the legal underpinnings of variances as well as how other communities are approaching them. Proposed update will add more flexibility to current process and provide the City with another tool to encourage redevelopment consistent with the Community Visioning. 32 Nonconformities. Staff, in conjunction with Kimley-Horn, is preparing a draft ordinance to address the many nonconforming structures and land uses in the City. This situation has had a deleterious effect on investment in the City. The intent is to recognize lawfully established densities and to maintain them even if a property is redeveloped. This will provide an incentive for an owner/investor to make needed improvements to properties throughout the City. Shared Parking. Staff is preparing a draft ordinance to update how shared parking is handled within the City limits. Currently, the City Code allows for required off-street parking to be accommodated both on-site as well as on property within 500 feet of a development. This has proven to not always result in situations that uphold public safety/welfare. The ordinance will look at best practices from around the State to determine what changes can be made to the City’s approach. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 33 Economic Development General Information Economic Development (ED) consists of one Director and one shared Executive Assistant. The position was created in the 2014/15 FY as a result of a departmental restructuring to increase focus on the City’s future through Economic Development. The Community and Economic Development Director position was split into two separate Director positions: Community Development Director and Economic Development Director. The Economic Development Director is located in City Hall. The Department’s primary functions include leveraging the City’s market position relative to our assets (Beach, Port Proximity, Quality of Life, Heritage), City/Community liaison with developers, community business owners, other cities, Port Canaveral, Brevard County, the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast and others to attract positive/lasting/significant/quality economic development and redevelopment. The Department provides Staff Support to the Business and Economic Development Board, assistance as needed to Planning & Zoning Building/Code Enforcement/CRA and Business Tax Receipts Program Administration. ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR YEAR 2015 Visioning and Economic Development Accomplishments In 2009, Cape Canaveral engaged in a community based, Citizen driven process to create a vision for the City’s future. Over 200 Citizens participated in six public workshops resulting in a Vision Statement promoting a vibrant community that meets the economic, recreational, social and retail needs of its Citizens. A Visioning Report was produced and listed recommendations to implement the Visioning, which included increased code enforcement, revisions to the comprehensive plan and zoning code to allow for mixed-use development and a town center, a proactive approach to economic development and others. The primary goal of Staff has been implementation of the Visioning, its recommendations and its Vision Statement. Staff is continually seeking improvements to the way we do business which are related to the guiding principles of the Vision Statement. Several of which are included in this report. A1A Action Team and A1A Multimodal Corridor Planning and Engineering Analysis. Cape Canaveral is a founding member of the A1A Action Team. This group of private citizens and municipal officials is actively engaged in securing funding to improve the look and function of the A1A corridor. The Action Team includes representatives from Port Canaveral, Cape Canaveral, Brevard County, Cocoa Beach, Patrick AFB and the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization. Florida Department of Transportation has commissioned the A1A Multimodal Action Plan that will remake A1A into a “Complete Streets” roadway. Complete Streets focuses on safety, reduced speeds, pedestrian/bicycle travel, transit accommodations and beautification. The Analysis will identify needed improvements, estimate costs and prioritize candidate projects. Visit www.actiona1a.com for information on the A1A Action Plan and meeting summaries. 34 During the reporting period, Staff engaged with Florida Department of Transportation, the consulting firm of Kimley-Horn & Associates as well as the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization with an updated list of “Prioritized SR A1A Improvements” below. A supporting Resolution was approved at the May 19, 2015 City Council meeting. Public Safety Priority Items 1. Lower speed limit to 35 m.p.h. 2. More crosswalks: Crosswalks need to be safe and at key locations (i.e., bus stops, car rentals, commercial areas, etc.). Install signalized crosswalk system and decorative crosswalks at two critical SR A1A pedestrian crossing locations as follows: a. Columbia Drive (across SR A1A to Church Ln.). This is a location where many children cross SR A1A; and b. SR A1A between Yogi’s Food & Discount Beverage (6850 N. Atlantic Ave.) and Eberwein Commercial Plaza (6811 N. Atlantic Ave.). This is in the vicinity of a high residential population on the west side of SR A1A which frequents the convenience stores on the east side of A1A. 3. Intersection improvements: a. Installation of brick pavers or STS Paveway Systems crosswalks; and b. Construction of a right turn lane on westbound Central Boulevard to accommodate northbound turn movement onto SR A1A. c. Add northern crosswalk across A1A at Central Blvd. d. Sequence light timing to eliminate right-turn-on-red and left-turn-on-green vehicle movements while crosswalk is in use by pedestrians. 4. Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety Improvements: Cape Canaveral encompasses 1.9 square miles in area and has a population just over 10,000. Because the City does not have a very large land area, most local trips are within a reasonable walking or cycling range. Census data show that in 2012, 49% of the population was 55 years of age or older, and 4.3% of the population was between 5 and 14 years of age. The school age population needs to be able to get to school safely. Most of the 379 students at Cape View Elementary live within walking or biking distance to school. Forty-three elementary school students are bussed to school, and a total of 216 middle school and high school students living in Cape Canaveral are bussed to Cocoa Beach Junior Senior High School. They must be able to reach their assigned bus stops safely and have a safe place to wait for the bus. The popularity of cycling has been growing since 1995, especially among older riders. More than one third of the increase in bicycling is coming from people between the ages of 60 and 79. Ridership rates in the 60-79 age group has increased over 320% since 1995. This trend is observable in Cape Canaveral where many older riders use the Ridgewood Pedway. a. Construction of wide sidewalks or pedways (appropriately marked/stenciled for bicycles) along SR A1A to more safely accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists; most sidewalks along SR A1A are not ADA compliant. Construction of wider pedway (8’ – 10’) along east side of SR A1A from N. Atlantic Ave. to south of the City. This concept will need to be coordinated with commercial property owners. 35 b. Construction of improved decorative crosswalks within existing intersections; provide additional mid-block crosswalks to provide safer pedestrian/bicycle movement across SR A1A at selected locations. Crosswalks and bus stop locations should be aligned. c. Coordination of a bikeway (10’ - 12’) from the Port’s Cove, underneath flyover and connecting to the City’s riverfront parks (Banana River and Manatee Sanctuary). Construction of improved bike lanes by width, striping, reflectors and signage; installation of bike racks and rest areas in shaded landscape settings. 5. Realignment of International Drive: This will require right-of-way (ROW) acquisition funding to realign International Drive with North Atlantic Avenue. This improvement must address not only the roadway alignments, but also stormwater drainage (possible wet detention pond) and pedestrian/bike crossings. Include marked crosswalks on all sides of this intersection. 6. Urban roadway profile: a. Installation of wider landscaped medians with managed turning movements; low landscaping in medians to maintain driver visibility, with higher landscaping along sidewalks/pedways. b. Installation of landscaping from North Atlantic Avenue to south of City on the sides of the roadway with cluster landscape settings. c. Installation of street furniture and decorative lighting (solar powered lighting where possible). d. Construction of curb and gutter along both sides of roadway. This will require limited/as- necessary right-of-way acquisition funding for stormwater ponds and clipped corners at intersecting roadways. Consider bio-swales within landscaping plan for SR A1A; bio- swales will need to be located near existing storm drain inlets so stormwater overflow can enter system. 7. Construction of stormwater improvements that address ponding and water quality, including pre-treatment for nitrogen and phosphorus; stormwater gardens might be considered in historic ponding areas. These improvements will need to be low-maintenance and near stormwater outfalls. City Vision Items 8. Reduction in overhead lines to include undergrounding of utilities and replacement of existing utility poles with decorative poles. There are over 100+ overhead wires crossing SR A1A in the City. Any reduction in these wires (without impacting existing services) would improve the aesthetics of the entire corridor. 9. Synchronized signal timing. Vary timing to allow for industrial traffic times. 10. Provide two or more bus turn-off lanes including shelter and bicycle rack. Coordinate with bus traffic routes and high volume pick-up points. 11. Support City signage at north and south entrances of the City, coordinated with new City branding. 12. Provide kiosks along landscaped walkways directing pedestrians to Parks, Police and City facilities. 13. Wayfinding signage. Effective wayfinding signage will be efficiently limited in number, enhanced with landscaping and consistent with the City’s new brand. 36 As the City continues to experience development pressure along the A1A corridor, it is critical that consistent rules be established that encourage development and provide guidance to meet community standards. This project will facilitate a consistent, seamless development pattern which will lead to a sense of identity throughout the entire length of the A1A corridor. Additionally, Staff contacted FDOT, the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization (SCTPO) and MetroPlan Orlando regarding a potential Traffic/Pedestrian Flags program which could provide safer crossing points on SR A1A. City Council recently adopted a Resolution prioritizing our A1A concerns. One of those concerns was for two signalized crosswalks. While we are concerned about all of our safety-related priorities, Traffic/Pedestrian Flags may be a quick (if temporary) way to make progress on reducing some safety issues. Florida Today newspaper published a story about our number one priority for the A1A Multi- modal Corridor Project – reducing the speed limit. Acting Building Official. Director continues to perform duties of Building Official if/when ours is unavailable. Branding. The City of Cape Canaveral Branding Initiative is increasing overall awareness/ positive perception of the City by engaging residents/businesses to market the City internally and externally as a vibrant, attractive City in which to live, work, play, learn, invest and visit. Orlando- based firm Prismatic was selected to conduct the branding campaign and produce its key deliverables: The Branding Implementation Guide and a “sizzle reel” video. The effort included:  Establishment of the www.mycapecan.com website, which operated as the central hub for information dissemination and data gathering through interactive surveying.  A two-hour community workshop that engaged citizens and stakeholders.  An Awards Presentation for a Branding Student Artwork Contest at Cape View Elementary School. This outreach focused on childrens’ (and parents’) ideas for the Branding Platform.  Several community events served as outreach opportunities, with Brand Ambassadors engaging the committee and extending the reach of survey data.  City business emails, City Council updates and contract extension, City Social Media and Blackboard Connect all served as vehicles to help ensure that all voices who cared to be heard were heard. In all, 458 individuals’ multifaceted viewpoints were sorted and blended into the analytic mosaic of the City of Cape Canaveral. From this, Prismatic carved out a Branding Campaign that resonates as both real and aspirational. “The Space Between Sun and Sea” was launched as the go-to tagline. The phrase is devised for use as-is or through a campaign platform that allows for the insertion of different words in place of “sun” and “sea” to give the branding campaign flexibility and longevity and to ensure it communicates with business, lifestyle and tourism targets. Unlike a traditional, static tagline; i.e., “What Happens Here, Stays Here” or “Cleveland Rocks!” which require strict usage with no wiggle room, ours is more of a framework with a “go-to” tagline which combines one consistent element and two variables: the consistent part is “The Space Between _____ and _____”. The variable parts are filled-in as appropriate. The “Go-To” phrase is “The Space Between Sun and Sea”. It does not have to be used every time, but stands at-the-ready to resonate 37 as punctuation. The Brand Platform is detailed within the Branding Implementation Plan located on the City website at www.cityofcapecanaveral.org. City Council approved the entire Branding Effort at its September 22, 2015 City Council meeting at which time Prismatic presented the full Branding Implementation Plan and “sizzle reel” video. The video includes a compilation of many of the 165 photos, submitted by 24 unique individuals, and will be used in marketing/outreach efforts and online via the City’s website and social media platforms. Both items are on the City’s homepage at www.cityofcapecanaveral.org. The Branding Implementation Plan is our guide as we begin the Branding Activation Phase. To assist in these efforts, the City has contracted with a local Graphic Artist /Outreach Coordinator. Throughout 2016, additional usage of branded elements will appear, including:  New updated City website with a more intuitive information architecture and branded content offerings maximized for our three distinct audiences (Residents, Visitors and Businesses/Economic Development); all optimized for mobile device responsiveness.  Increased branded usage across multiple Social Media platforms.  Development of a revised scope of needed media outreach assistance/marketing strategy which focuses on a detailed marketing calendar and specific tactics that include Grassroots, guerilla, social and traditional marketing opportunities and tactic concepts, identification of all deliverables needed to support the strategy and in-kind partnerships (City Pride Partners).  Development of an advertising campaign consisting of print advertisement which could be used in promotional materials such as hats, t-shirts, vehicle magnets, signage, posters, web banner, etc. The City’s Branding Initiative is spawning additional integrative creativity, including:  Implementation of a Communications Policy and Procedure Manual which addresses all City correspondence including Media Relations, News Releases, Community Notices, Use of Letterhead, Internal Memos, Advertisements/Collateral Materials, Presentations, Color Schemes and Logos, Website, Email format/tone/content, Social Media format/tone/content, identification and handling of inappropriate content, use of hashtags and the Florida Public Records Act. All Staff has read/received training and has begun implementation.  The Official City Seal was a subject of discussion at the 2015 City Council/Business and Economic Development Board joint meeting regarding the Branding Campaign. After discussion, the consensus was to update the Seal, but not change it drastically. Staff has engaged with two different Graphic Artists towards a possible recalibration of the Official City Seal. The creative concept is evolving with consideration being given to these ideas: o Retain all of the elements of Sun, Space and Sea. o Update the font consistent with the Branding font. o The sun remains prominent. o Keep the water as the central focus, but increase a sense of being on our highest- ranked asset – our Beaches. o Retain the reference to rockets. Perhaps a more timeless approach would be to show the familiar image of a time-lapse photograph of the arc of a rocket in flight. 38  A branded physical environment transformation project centered on N. Atlantic Ave. as part of the Streetscape Project. Place-making, street-visible, all-weather-durable artwork and signage will be thematically tuned to the City Branding Initiative. Such place-making identifiers transform the image of the City into a community with a unique and authentic personality, a sense of self and help to cement the Brand into the fabric of the community.  A new official City website and additional social media outlets. Our goal is for all of these very important elements to be thematically reflective of a unified brand strategy. In this way, we will “put ourselves on the map” as a destination and as a City which has a unique and rich history as well as a clear vision of ‘who we are’. Business Recruitment/Attraction/Expansion  Met with several commercial property interests including hotel investment/development firms, an ammunition manufacturing facility and restaurateurs.  Welcomed Blue Origin to the City. The company is developing technologies to enable private human access to space with the goal of dramatically lower cost and increased reliability. It is employing an incremental approach from suborbital to orbital flight, with each developmental step building on its prior work. The company motto is "Gradatim Ferociter", Latin for "Step-by-Step, Ferociously". Blue Origin is developing a variety of technologies, with a focus on rocket-powered Vertical Takeoff and Vertical Landing (VTVL) vehicles for access to suborbital and orbital space. Founder and Amazon.com CEO Jeff Bezos visited the area in September.  Met with several prospective residential redevelopment investors and discussed several sites in the City. The City’s zoning codes, Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), the Economic Opportunity Overlay District (EOOD) and individual opportunity sites provide impetus for investment interest as our economy rebounds and investors are taking notice of the positive changes taking place in our area. Many potential investors are interested in a Presidential streets residential redevelopment plan and density incentives. Staff is currently working with City consultants Kimley-Horn toward such a program.  Florida Beer Company received a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor and a ranking of #1 of 7 in the “Nightlife in Cape Canaveral” category.  Met with a commercial property owner, realtor and potential relocation representatives from Parabel Industries interested in locating their Research & Development Division in Cape Canaveral. Parabel produces Lentein Protein which is derived from Lemna (duckweed) which naturally occurs in freshwater ponds. Their technology offers a sustainable and economical solution to food security. The Lentein Protein is a food product that is rich in vitamins, minerals and micronutrients, gluten free, non-gmo, soy, dairy and 39 lactose free. It is higher in essential mineral oils than soy and pea protein and is comparable to whey. More info at www.parabel.com.  Assisted with introducing a local commercial realtor with the president of a 2-year old ride- on toy company. Her company is considering relocating from New York to Cape Canaveral to take advantage of the City’s proximity to Port Canaveral cargo and Florida’s right-to-work laws.  Held meetings with a local commercial property owner who is interested in a potential hotel development. His research indicated that it is likely we will see another 3 to 5 hotels in the City/Port area within the next three years.  The City welcomed MLS BC Cruises Main Office. This company represents the combined entities of Multinational Logistical Services (MLS) and BC Agency. MLS is the port agent for the US Navy in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, North & South America and Southwest Asia. They are the port agents for the Royal British Navy and Royal Canadian Navy worldwide, and work with NATO Members in a myriad of ports located in the five continents. Baleares Consignatarios (BC Agency) is based in Spain with over 35 years of experience in the maritime/tourism industries. BC Agency provides shore excursions, port agency and turnaround operations for cruise ships in Spain, Portugal and Florida as well as travel agency and port agency services for cargo ships. The company has 145 employees at Port Canaveral and 5 employees in the Cape Canaveral Offices. The company performs embarkation/debarkation for Carnival Cruise Lines as well as Ship Agents for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.  Welcomed a new Re/Max office to the City and attended its Grand Opening Reception at 6910 N. Atlantic Ave. They have done a terrific job remodeling the building and the reception was well-attended.  Met with a Retail Recruitment Firm regarding a potential future consultancy relationship.  Attended a field tour/inspection of a proposed electric motorized Beach Vending cart system with Leisure Services Director, Community Development Director and Prospective Franchisee.  Met with Representative from Westgate Resorts Cocoa Beach Pier Operations to explore the possibilities of timeshare development and/or redevelopment opportunities in the City.  Met with the new owner of Carvers Cove property, located generally across from City Hall on A1A. Their principal desire is to develop the property as a hotel with a minimum of 150 rooms/ restaurant/rooftop lounge. The property is located in the Cape Canaveral CRA and the newly expanded Economic Opportunity Overlay District. This would be an important catalyst project which could spur additional interest in redevelopment/transformation of blighted properties in the CRA area. Cape Canaveral By the Numbers. Developed the following report titled “Cape Canaveral By the Numbers” Source: Brevard County Property Appraiser 8358 Total number of properties 7693 Total number of developed properties 6916 Residential properties by type:  433 Single Family Residences  256 Half-duplex units (128 duplex buildings)  817 Townhome units 40  5016 Condominium units  394 Other 6916 Residential properties by homestead:  1818 Homesteaded residential properties  5098 Non-homesteaded residential properties  26.3 Percentage of homesteaded residential properties. 777 Non-residential properties  75 Retail Stores  71 Office, professional  42 Light Manufacturing  317 Manufactured housing properties (Incl. Trailers & Campers)  272 Other Other: 33.54 Acreage of largest property by acreage (Villages of Seaport) 174,241 Largest building area by sq. ft. (Radisson) 44.5M Highest assessed $ value (Orange Lake Resorts f/k/a Cape Caribe Resort) 1925 Oldest building by year built (located on Oak Ln.) City Hall Project. The current City Hall facility was built in 1966/67 and has served the City well; however, it no longer meets the City government’s needs. Core City Hall services have been separated, with the Community Development Department located across the street (110 Polk Ave.) from City Hall and the City Council Chambers located further down the street at the Public Library. Accordingly, all are challenged to properly function and serve the public in separate buildings. Aging and obsolete, the City Hall building and the Community Development Department buildings, were constructed in the late-1960s and early-1970s. The facility at 110 Polk Ave. will be demolished as part of the overall New City Hall project and all three of these core services will be available under one roof. The old City Hall building is ripe for redevelopment and continuation as part of the government services campus. Possible uses could include a City Welcome Center. The Space Shuttle on the front lawn is already a draw for tourists and will remain as part of the hardscape plaza area supporting the New City Hall Campus. The facility could also be utilized to expand leisure services activities such as a senior center, youth center, multi-generational center or community center. An extremely competitive construction/financing opportunity was seized by the City Council and in July of 2013, GLE Associates from Tampa was engaged to provide design and construction support services. Design Development Services throughout 2014 resulted in a remarkable classical Mediterranean Revival design which includes a two story, 18,517 square foot building located on a 1.29 acre parcel at the northeast corner of the Polk Ave./A1A intersection. Progress on the project continues:  The structure formerly housing the Community and Economic Development Department at 7510 N. Atlantic Ave. was demolished to make way for the siting of the New City Hall.  Board/Council approvals: o Community Appearance Board – secured Level 1 approval for the project with a notable site design approach of shifting the building to within 15 feet from the A1A right-of-way as allowed under the Overlay District. 41 o Preliminary Plat Approval – secured Preliminary Plat Approval after public hearings before the Planning and Zoning Board and City Council. This consists of contiguous parcels from Polk Avenue north to Tyler Avenue, and from SR A1A east to include City-owned 110 Polk Avenue and includes the vacated portion of Polk Avenue which will become the City Hall Plaza area. o Site Plan Approval – secured Site Plan Approval after a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Board.  In March and May of 2015, GLE submitted 90% and 100% construction plans, respectively. The 100% plan set underwent two rounds of comments/revisions and the bid set was completed in October 2015. Final comments were approved mid-November.  Review and approval of 90% & 100% A/V, Access and CCTV design plans.  The project bid announcement (#2015-11) was published on November 23, 2015.  A mandatory pre-bid conference was held on November 30, 2015 (all bids are to be received by January 23, 2016).  Removal of utilities from the power pole located in the center of the property. This required coordination of multiple utilities. It is FPL’s desire to use this opportunity to upgrade the reliability of service for connections downstream of the New City Hall site. Currently, all connections between Polk/Tyler Avenues and both sides of Magnolia Avenue down to Fillmore Avenue are served by this one line flowing east from SR A1A. The FPL plan is to split the load of connections served by this line by changing the direction of flow to a westerly flow from Ridgewood Avenue, while separating the Magnolia Avenue connections from the Polk/Tyler Avenues connection. This will require tapping two feeds off of the main feeders at Fillmore and Ridgewood Avenues. The FPL upgrade will require up to three new poles on Fillmore Avenue between Ridgewood and Magnolia Avenues, the relocation of the pole at the northeast corner of Fillmore and Ridgewood Avenues and the reframing (adding support stanchions) of existing utility poles to support the additional service line on Magnolia Avenue. Old/unneeded Brighthouse Networks and AT&T utilities have been removed from the pole. Pole removal is scheduled for January 2016. As part of this project, a portion of the Polk Avenue right-of-way will be closed to accommodate the creation of a paver brick piazza/plaza adjacent to A1A. This area will support the goal of a connected community campus of buildings as well as provide a public gathering area that will serve both the current and New City Hall buildings. The City Hall facility will include a Community Artifacts Room on the first floor. Items will be displayed on a rotational basis including various artifacts and artwork, historical documents, photographs, the time capsule, tributes and possibly limited selections of local-made, purchasable items (crafts, books, DVDs, etc.). Staff met with the Administrative/Financial Services Director, City Clerk and our Contract IT Professional regarding Capital Budgeting for IT Infrastructure as it relates to the new City Hall and whether we should retain our current concept of separate PCs at worker terminals or switch to a unified WYSE concept, where “dummy terminals” would interact with a central server through keyboards and mouse clicks in a Hub-Spoke relationship. It was determined that our best course will be to continue with individual PCs connected to a City Hall Server. Server upgrades are in 42 the current Capital Improvement Plan and will be implemented to synchronize with our moving into the new City Hall. The bid is scheduled to be awarded at the February 2016 City Council meeting. Anticipated completion is scheduled for February 2017. Community Engagement/Involvement.  Attended Ocean Woods Homeowners Association meeting to request a 5 ft. easement abutting Ridgewood Ave. This would support the City completing the sidewalk gap on the west side of Ridgewood Ave. from Ocean Woods Dr. south to Central Blvd. making a continuous “loop” around the north end of Ridgewood Ave. The sidewalk would then continue westward on E. Central Blvd. The City would pay all costs associated with the project. The Board voted to deny the request.  Guest Speaking Engagement. Was Guest Speaker at the Cocoa Beach Kiwanis Luncheon. Topics focused on Cape Canaveral’s current economic development initiatives.  Assisted with City’s presentation of a mock City Council meeting to 70+ Cape View elementary 3rd graders in support of City Government Week.  Along with Leisure Services Director, will be attending an interview on Saturday, January 31, on "The Nancy Kenney Show" from 5:30 to 6 pm on the Talk To Me Station, Award Winning AM 1300, WMEL in Cocoa. Nancy features local professionals with stories designed to encourage community engagement. We will speak at length about CRA's and the branding initiative underway in Cape Canaveral.  Attended Space Foundation/Space Florida Community Reception at the Port Canaveral Exploration Tower. Distinguished speakers made presentations to the next generation of 43 Space Industry Leaders. The Cape Canaveral area is poised to become the worldwide leading launch site of choice for commercial spaceflight in 2016. Considering this and the exciting evolution of the Orion Program and its anticipated return to manned Spaceflight, indications are that the future of our local Space Program is looking up!  Florida Trend Magazine published an extensive profile on Brevard County in its November 2015 issue. Economic Development Staff attended the Florida Trend Roundtable meeting held in Palm Bay where FL Trend editors and writers interviewed, roundtable-style, several prominent Brevard County business professionals and various City Staff members.  EDC. The City benefits from a close working relationship with the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC). With the City’s membership, the Economic Department Director regularly attends Investor Updates and Board of Directors meetings and is a voting member on the Ad Valorem Tax Abatement Council meetings. The Council makes recommendations to the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners on the County’s tax abatement program designed to encourage commercial growth in our target sectors. The percentage of taxes abated and the length of the abatement term are qualified through performance standard matrices, interviews and Council deliberation. As with all abatement approvals, the companies must demonstrate performance to continue receiving the abatement. Attended EDC Workshops:  Business Development Workshop. The EDC stresses the goal of supporting Brevard County’s diversity – not just space, aerospace and aviation. Through programs such as Go Contracts, SNAP Certified Communities, Made In Brevard and Accelerate Brevard, EDC staff stressed that focus is maintained on high tech and manufacturing as well as Port initiatives related to transportation, distribution, tourism and expanded use of the Foreign Trade Zone.  “Beachside Communities”. Member communities were presented with an overview of the EDC’s core areas of focus. Additional discussion included Cape Canaveral’s unique challenges/opportunities and ways the EDC can better assist with business recruitment. Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). The Cape Canaveral Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) was approved by City Council and the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners consistent with Florida law in 2012. It covers 56% of the City’s area and has a 30-year life. It provides a funding mechanism to redevelop blighted areas. A portion of the funding comes from the Brevard County Tax Increment Funding (TIF) – specifically, 95% of the County’s incremental tax revenue generated above the established base year level by properties located in the CRA area is directed to the CRA Trust Fund. Consistent with State law, it must be spent in the CRA area. Only through growth and increased property values is the Trust Fund replenished each year. Among more notable improvements in the two years since inception are the contributions made to the Branding Campaign and upgrading Lift Station No. 6 from a rehab into a regional lift station with sewer and water lines extending to properties where none existed before. 44 The CRA has encumbered some debt to bring these improvements to life. But with pledged TIF revenue these improvements are achievable with no additional tax burden to our property owners. CRAs have been coming under attack at the Brevard County Board of Commissioners meetings:  Attended a Brevard County Budget Advisory Board meeting where certain volunteer board members expressed similar anti-CRA sentiment.  Attended Brevard County Board of County Commissioners meeting to speak, as needed, on our 2015 CRA loan item. The Brevard County Clerk of Court and two Commissioners spoke against CRA’s in general.  Attended CRA and City Council meetings. Exercising an abundance of caution in light of recent comments from a minority of the Brevard County Commissioners who are against CRAs in general, the CRA Board and the City Council moved forward with a revised CRA Plan to fund a smaller portion of the expenses associated with our Regional Lift Station No. 6 Expansion Project with CRA revenues. The CRA has been an essential tool for the City to fund important infrastructure projects, such as the Regional Lift Station No. 6 Expansion Project, which expands the reach and capacity of much needed water and sewer services to a large area of the City. Providing utilities to properties in need of development and/or redevelopment will significantly help fight slum and blight and dramatically increase economic viability.  Attended Brevard County Board of County Commissioners meeting regarding the County Budget Review Committee’s presentation which included discussion of de-funding of previously approved Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRAs) throughout Brevard County. As intended, residents/businesses in the City of Cape Canaveral have benefited tremendously from the CRA, including needed infrastructure expansion/enhancement projects in the CRA Area which were not/are not part of our ongoing Capital Improvement Plan. These projects were/are being properly and legally funded by CRA Increment Revenue at no additional cost to the citizens of Cape Canaveral. Correctional Facility Impact Fee Advisory Committee. Attended Correctional Facility Impact Fee Advisory Committee meeting in Viera. Economic Opportunity Overlay District (EOOD). The EOOD is the City’s primary attractor for new commercial interests. The EOOD was created to address community goals raised in the Visioning Initiative. This tool leverages opportunities for economic development resulting from our proximity to Port Canaveral by attracting services desired by the citizens. Additionally, it facilitates mixed-use & town center type development. The EOOD includes increased design standards for architecturally significant buildings, a mechanism for increased building heights, revised hotel requirements and increased landscaping requirements. Originally encompassing commercial/industrial properties on and near A1A, north of the N. Atlantic Ave. split, a southern overlay was approved in 2015, expanding the boundary to encompass commercial properties on and near the southern half of A1A to Grant Ave. The 2015 ordinance also clarified terminology and made certain policy revisions. The expansion included certain residential properties that are adjacent to the Banana River. This makes waterfront destinations possible – another goal of the Visioning. In addition, certain additional properties adjacent to Port Canaveral were included in the expansion area. 45 The new boundary is almost entirely located within the boundary of our Community Redevelopment Area and our Brownfield Area (Cape Canaveral Economic Enhancement District). Both of these districts were created to support redevelopment. Accordingly, development and redevelopment in this area increases tax increment funding for improvements in the area – a win- win for the City and our businesses. As the City continues to experience growth pressure within the A1A corridor, it is critical that uniform rules were established that will result in a seamless development pattern along the entire length of A1A. This consistency is a critical ingredient of creating a sense of identity called for in the Visioning Initiative. Given that the EOOD is now contiguous to the Brevard County District 2 Cape Canaveral enclave, our Economic Development successes have caught the interest of neighboring jurisdictions. Staff met with Brevard County District Two Commissioner/staff, a local developer/hotelier, a County staff member and a City of Cocoa Beach staff member to review successes borne of our EOOD and Visioning Initiative. Florida City Gas (FCG) Pressure Line Improvement Project. Started in 2015 and expected to finish in early 2016, the Project is currently underway. It will improve the delivery of natural gas to meet high customer demand days in the Cape Canaveral, Port Canaveral, Cocoa Beach and Merritt Island area. It will increase pressure in the system by installing an 8-inch steel pipeline in the N. Atlantic Ave. right-of-way from S.R. 520 in Cocoa Beach to George King Blvd. in Port Canaveral. The Project requires heavy equipment and a large number of workers. Due to the constrained width of the north portion (from the split at N. Atlantic Ave. north to George King Blvd.), FCG is installing the pipeline under the asphalt pavement which requires trenching & excavation and/or directional boring in/under one lane. FCG mailed contact letters in advance to surrounding property owners about the Project and the temporary closures. Additionally, a Community Meeting was held to address questions and concerns. Although FCG workers are working to minimize traffic disruption, temporary road or lane closures occur and the contractor coordinates well with the City. Appropriate traffic control measures are in place. FCG is working with property owners/businesses to ensure that all businesses are accessible during normal business hours. After placement of the pipeline, the trenches/excavations will be filled/compacted and a temporary asphalt “patch” will be installed. Because the City plans to begin its N. Atlantic Ave. Streetscape Project immediately after FCG’s work is complete, Staff has agreed to accept a temporarily “patched” roadway, provided that FCG reimburse the City for the full cost to resurface the entire length and width of the road and make certain other repairs affected by the FCG Project. FCG entered into an agreement with the City which outlines various terms/conditions related to the Project and the Company’s reimbursement to the City of all costs associated with repaving the full length/width of the N. Atlantic Ave. roadway and certain other improvements affected by the Company’s Project. The north portion of the Pressure Line Improvement Project was initially targeted for construction in mid-to-late July 2015. The City’s N. Atlantic Ave. Streetscape Project was originally scheduled to begin in early October. FCG reported that due to an issue related to its contractor, the Project 46 would be delayed. This caused a corresponding delay to the City’s commencement of the N. Atlantic Ave. Streetscape Project, which is partially funded by grant money with a time-sensitive performance requirement and the Streetscape Project must start in January. For this reason, the Agreement required FCG to substantially complete the north portion of the Project by December 31, 2015 with a Final Completion Date of January 31, 2016. Construction updates will continue to be placed on the City webpage as available from FCG. Florida City Gas Community Meeting Homewood Suites Hotel. This project is a 6-story, national-brand, extended stay hotel located at 9000 Astronaut Boulevard. It is currently under construction on a 3.54 acre parcel; consists of 112,000 square feet; and includes 153 units. The project represents a $17 million investment in the community. This was the first project reviewed under the Overlay District guidelines, including unique site planning, landscaping and signage. It received approval from the Community Appearance Board to build to a height of 65 feet. The design team utilized a stepback approach during the design process that stairsteps upper floors to breakup an otherwise monolithic presence. Intern. Hosted Economic Development Department’s U.F. Intern. Corresponding to her field of study, her 3-6 month work plan will culminate in a Sustainability Action Plan/Report with Recommendations for the City. Many thanks to the Department Directors who have assisted and have committed to assist! The City remains fully engaged in matters related to sustainability. Within the 2015 Annual Report are many details of the City’s sustainability goals, projects and accomplishments. Our hard-working intern has been tasked with reviewing top-to-bottom City eco-processes/codes/etc. and developing a phased and integrate-able sustainability action plan with a focus on Climate Change and our City’s response and possible increased contributions to address our world’s ecological concerns. Lift Station No 6. In support of the Cape Canaveral Vision Statement and as an economic development initiative, Staff worked with property owners to secure new Public Utility Easements 47 supporting the infrastructure needs of the undeveloped commercial properties on the east side of Astronaut Boulevard/A1A (Astronaut Blvd.) at the north end of the City. Initially, the new Easements will be used to provide sanitary sewer and an 8-inch water line to all of the parcels served, including the new Homewood Suites Hotel. This is the first phase of an initiative that is expected to serve and further incentivize additional development/investment of 26 acres of undeveloped properties located northeast of A1A and adjacent to Port Canaveral. Development in this area is expected to spur redevelopment of existing developed parcels in the area’s adjacent C2 and M1 parcels. Ordinances. To maintain the City’s ability to protect its citizens and to provide for the highest level quality of life, Economic Development Staff assists Community Development Department Staff to periodically revise/update certain City ordinances. The following notable ordinance revisions were completed in 2015 with assistance from the Economic Development Department:  Ordinance No. 15-2014 – Setback Encroachments. This initiative expanded the list of allowed encroachments with required setbacks to include air conditioning and pool related components.  Ordinance No. 01-2015 – Hazardous Trees. This initiative revised the City’s definition and permit exceptions related to Hazardous Trees and also expanded the list of exempted trees to include Hazardous Trees.  Ordinance No. 02-2015 – Business and Economic Development Board. This initiative revised the duties of the BED Board to ensure they are considered a citizen advisory committee and not required to file a Financial Disclosure.  Ordinance No. 07-2015 - Economic Opportunity Overlay District. This initiative expanded the boundaries of the EOOD to include the balance of the A1A corridor to the southern City limits as well as select areas near the Port. This initiative will facilitate a consistent, seamless development pattern which will lead to a sense of identity throughout the entire length of the A1A corridor. Several of the unique techniques established include a mechanism for flexible building heights, scalable hotel requirements, site specific landscaping requirements, increased architectural standards and the encouragement of mixed-use development.  Ordinance No. 11-2015 – Automotive Service Stations. This initiative updated the City’s locational criteria for Automotive Service Stations. Notably, that any new stations must be a minimum of 2500 feet from any other station and that they can only be located in the City’s M1 zoning district. Port Canaveral Rail Extension. Staff continues to monitor Port Canaveral Rail Extension Project as the Port seeks input for the Surface Transportation Board. The Board is the licensing agency for the proposed Port Canaveral Rail Extension application and will oversee the environmental study process. Port officials say a direct rail connection to the Port is a key element needed to increase cargo business. One of the proposed routes is over a portion of the Banana River Lagoon north of S.R. 528. Several opponents of the proposed cargo rail plan including environmental 48 advocates, fishing charter operators and residents of north Merritt Island, spoke against the plan. The opponents cited the possible harm to the Banana River, marine/land life, noise, air pollution and security issues. Port officials have maintained the cargo rail operation would not harm the environment and would help create jobs for the Space Coast. Many who opposed the crossing of the River support the railway seeking a path over land, through the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station property, ultimately connecting to the existing railway on Kennedy Space Center property. The Port Commission has contracted with a firm to assess this possibility. The proposed rail would link with 17 miles of existing rail line at KSC, connecting with a main line of the Florida East Coast Railway. The Port envisions a single-track rail completed by 2017 with three or four trains per week, going up to 10 miles per hour. The trains would carry 170 rail cars per week, increasing to 220 within 2½ years. The project website address is www.portcanaveralraileis.com. Docket number FD 35852. Port/City Connector Roads. At the December 15, 2015 City Council meeting, the City Council approved Resolution No. 2015-21 supporting the creation of additional connector roads between the Port and the City. The following day, the Port Commission unanimously approved Port Staff to engage with Consulting Services and officially authorized the Staff-led Joint Task Committee to further investigate and present findings. The Joint Task Committee, comprised of City and Port Staff, will study, evaluate and develop potential ways to improve joint access and to provide conceptual findings and recommendations that may lead to the future design, permitting and construction of one or more joint access projects. Joint access will mutually benefit Port Canaveral and the City of Cape Canaveral in a number of ways; benefits to the City and the Port:  Supports the general transportation and utility needs into and through the City and Port, as well as current and future operations of the Port including cargo and cruise operations.  Improves public safety by enhancing roadways with additional north-south and east- west ingress and egress points and utility infrastructure.  Establishment of new road right-of-ways creates routes to expand the City’s utility infrastructure to properties underserved.  Maximizes economic development opportunities within the City, particularly within the City’s Community Redevelopment Area and Economic Opportunity Overlay District.  Adds off-highway internal frontage which increases access and adds value for property owners.  Promotes redevelopment of property located in the vicinity of any future joint access project.  Creates safe, walkable and bikeable access to parcels previously inaccessible from A1A.  Establishes a future phasing concept which will extend further east, creating additional frontage and value as well as development/redevelopment opportunities. The phases are conceptual and are described in the Joint Task Committee’s Conceptual Joint Roadway Access Program. 49 Phase #1: This 33+ acre area represents a large portion of the City’s 7% of undeveloped property. Utility services such as sewer and water are now available to serve this area as a result of successes related to the recently completed regional Lift Station No. 6. The Port owns a 13+ acre parcel in this area and has an interest in providing additional throughput capacity/infrastructure for cruise/cargo traffic. The City has an interest in seeing this area develop with a mix of uses that support the Economic Opportunity Overlay District (EOOD), thereby creating additional value in this area of the CRA. Canaveral Fire Rescue and Brevard County Sheriff’s Department support the road network concept. In Phase #1, all property owners have been contacted. All are in favor except for one. This centrally located parcel would be ideal for connectivity, but the property owner is opposed to granting easements for any purpose on his property. A design can nonetheless be developed that is not reliant on this parcel. The actual design will be opportunity-based, rationally relatable to property lines and cross-alignments and will need to be dedicated City right- of-way with accompanying/appropriate utilities and quality amenities. Phase #2 and Phase #3: These concepts demonstrate future possibilities. Property owners have not been contacted and are not bound to any legal obligation as a result of the passage of Resolution No. 2015-21. Recognizing that development needs will dictate the actual layout, the goal of Phases #2 & #3 is to provide conceptual road layouts/routes/designs/phases which set the table for the infrastructural/connectivity and quality-driven development/redevelopment needs of the City for future generations. As with Phase #1, any/all such future roads will be opportunity-based, rationally relatable to property lines and alignments and will need to be dedicated City right-of- way, with appropriate utilities and quality amenities. Tourism Development Council (TDC). Met with the new Director. We are pleased that we have created a positive, effective and reciprocal relationship between our organizations. CULTURE & LEISURE SERVICES 50   Culture & Leisure Services Founders Day Spring Festival The 2015 Founders Day Festival was a huge success as it brought residents and visitors to Manatee Sanctuary Park for a great day of community-building fun. The late Mr. Leo Nicholas was presented with a lifetime achievement award for his decades of service to the City. The event was highlighted with three added attractions: a Taste of Cape Canaveral where local restaurants were given the opportunity to sell/promote their business to attendees, a historical area where the Brevard Historical Commission along with other local re-enactors and historians provided information about the area and its beginning, as well as a Horseshoe Tournament. Other activities included a Touch a Truck area, trackless train rides, bounce houses, live music, face painting and vendors. It was a great community-building event that truly created a sense of place for all attendees. The 2016 Festival is scheduled for April 23rd. Annual Egg Hunt The Egg Hunt was held on Saturday, April 4 at 10:00 a.m., at the Canaveral City Park ball fields and Sandpiper Park. Those in attendance enjoyed hunting for eggs, prizes, refreshments and a great photo opportunity with the Bunny. Over 3,000 eggs were hidden within the ball fields and playground area with children searching for them and the special treats they contained. Over 150 children plus their parents were in attendance and many parents complimented Staff on how organized the event was. 51   Summer Camp Summer Camp was offered at the Cape Canaveral Youth Center for children ages 5 to 10. It was held from June 2 through August 7 and serviced 225 participants over the 10-week span. Cost for residents was $35/week and $45/week for non-residents. Hours were 9AM to 3PM, with before and after care available for an additional fee. The mission of Summer Camp is to offer its participants a quality, safe, inclusive and affordable cultural/educational/recreational experience. It is designed to foster large group interaction involvement with activities including games, sports, crafts, special entertainers, field trips and science experiments. The daily schedule consisted of indoor/outdoor games/activities, sports, arts & crafts, free time, lunch and snack. The City provided weekly field trips along with educational guest speakers for the campers. Field trip expenses were included with the weekly price of Camp and transportation was provided by a local shuttle service company. On select days of each week, Staff arranged for campers to enjoy a special featured outing. Tuesday mornings, Staff and campers traveled to the Cobb Theaters in Merritt Island to attend a free weekly movie. After lunch on Tuesdays, kids had an ice cream party with a wide variety of toppings to choose from. Wednesdays featured activity was a trip to the Cape Canaveral Library where campers had the opportunity to participate in the Summer Reading Program which is designed to promote good summer reading habits and prevent a regression in reading capability. Each week, kids read enabling them to collect/redeem book bucks for their weekly reading prize. Each Thursday, children had the opportunity to enjoy the 50 meter pool, diving board, jumbo water slide, children's pool and water spray area at the Cocoa Beach Aquatic Center. On June 18, campers broke the Guinness World Record by participating in the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson given by the lifeguards at the Aquatic Center. On Fridays, Staff and campers returned to the Cape Canaveral Library to join in another informative program led by the Youth Services Librarian. The Friday program included many games, activities and crafts that correlated with the books campers chose to read for the week. The ultimate special award, “Camper of the Week”, was awarded Friday afternoon to the camper who demonstrated exceptional skills in the area of behavior and leadership throughout the week. This is the most prestigious award given to only one camper each week and is definitely an award that all the campers worked for to make their personal goal. Additional field trips were taken to Coastal Elite Gymnastics and the Shore Lanes Bowling Alley which was a first time for many campers. 52   Special guests and educational visitors included: • Jiggleman • Corporal Sang with the Brevard County Sheriff K-9 Unit • Kim Smith with Bicycle/Pedestrian Education Program • David and Judy Cox “Jolly Magicians and Funny Business” • Pet Rescues of Brevard • Dr. Dan the Magic Man • “Banjo Billy” a human sized singing banjo playing puppet • Safari Todd • Cape Canaveral Volunteer Fire Department • John Anderson the Magician • Brevard County Naturalists • Ventriloquist David Wade • “Mr. Science” 2015 Summer Camp was very successful with all ten weeks filled to capacity and was sold out the beginning of May. Our highly qualified, well trained Staff delivered a positive Camp experience/ program as well as served as role models for the campers who attended. Staff and campers are looking forward to next summer as we continue to make improvements/additions for 2016. Cape Canaveral Leisure Services continues to offer the most affordable, safe and fun municipal summer program in Brevard County. Summer Food Program The City introduced a new Summer Food Program at the Youth Center in partnership with the Brevard County School Board. The Youth Center became a summer feeding site for all children ages 18 and under. A free nutritious lunch was provided to any child who came to the Youth 53   Center, Monday through Friday, during the specified lunch time. Over 400 meals were handed out throughout the summer. Social Media Social media is an important part of today’s culture and has become an indispensable means of communication for the City that reaches out to locals and visitors alike. The City has embarked upon this new wave of digital outreach by creating accounts on Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin. All departments of the City now utilize these social media outlets to engage the community and keep citizens informed of City news, events, programs and matters of public safety.   Historical Resource Management In 2015, the Culture and Leisure Services Department assumed a proactive role in the preservation, promotion and protection of the City’s historical resources. Staff has begun an ongoing program of researching, recording and formally registering historically significant sites with the Florida Division of Historical Resources. As a product of these efforts, the Carter Fuller Mound Complex, located in the vicinity of Center Street Park, is now recognized as a Florida Heritage Landmark. This is the first designation of its kind within the City. 54   Sea Turtle Preservation Society Monthly Beach Cleanups As part of the “Adopt-A-Beach Program”, the Sea Turtle Preservation Society adopted the stretch of shoreline extending from Cherie Down Park to the Jetty at Port Canaveral. Together with Keep Brevard Beautiful, they have organized a monthly beach clean-up event that takes place the first Saturday of every month from 8-10 am. Volunteers meet at Cherie Down Park where STPS and KBB provide trash bags, safety supplies, bottled water and educational materials relating to conservation and Florida ecology. Back To School Jamboree The 2015 Back To School Jamboree was a huge success thanks to financial support from the Cape Canaveral VFW Post #10131 and the Ladies Auxiliary of the same, along with Canaveral Fire Rescue and the City. 312 backpacks were filled with every grade specific school supply requested by Cape View Elementary. Members of the Post, Ladies Auxiliary and BCSO PAL were on site 55   handing out the backpacks and parents were incredibly appreciative for the support. Childrens’ faces gleamed as they picked out their favorite color backpack and realized that it was filled with everything they would need to get their school year started in the right direction. This is a unique City event that builds community and further creates a sense of place. Oyster Mat Workshops Brevard County and the City of Cape Canaveral partnered with Brevard Zoo in hosting a series of Oyster Mat Workshops at Manatee Sanctuary Park. Free and open to all ages, these workshops teach the importance of oyster beds to our delicate riverine ecosystem and give the public a hands on conservation experience. All participants took part in creating recycled oyster shell mats for placement in the Indian River Lagoon to help foster the development of new oyster beds. National Kids to Parks Day On Saturday, May 15th, children in Cape Canaveral and across the nation took part in a grassroots movement to discover America’s parks through play, commemorating the National Park Trust’s (NPT) fourth annual Kids to Parks Day. Mayor Rocky Randels proclaimed Kids to Parks Day in Cape Canaveral and encouraged locals to participate by exploring Manatee Sanctuary Park and Canaveral City Park. A family Kickball 56   Tournament took place at Canaveral City Park, in partnership with the Cape View Elementary P.T.O., to raise funds needed for a new playground. After the tournament, a teacher vs. student kickball game capped the day time activities. The Tournament began at 10:00 a.m. with music, food, drinks and raffle prizes. As part of an evening celebration, Paddington was shown in the little league outfield at Canaveral City Park. The event was very successful. Many families participated in the daytime and evening activities and funds were raised for worthy causes. 20th Annual Reindeer Run The 20th annual 5K Run/Walk took place on December 12th and over 650 runners/walkers participated, raising over $12,500 for the Brevard County Police Athletic League (PAL). Like previous years, the Reindeer Run/Walk partnered with local race directors in the Beach Run Series which included the “Fall into Winter 5K” and the “Turkey Trot 5K”. For the second year, BCSO PAL organized the event with support from the City. 57   Friday Fest Family Street Party Friday Fest continues to be the keystone of the City’s monthly events. Vendors selling everything from arts and crafts to clothing and food gather to sell their wares to over 1,000 guests who regularly visit the event. Live music fills the streets while the laughter of children enjoying the Kids Zone caps the family friendly feel of the night. The event also provides an opportunity for local non-profits to raise funds for their organizations through the vending of adult beverages. Organizations like Space Coast Little League, Cape Canaveral Soccer Club, Miles of Love Inc., Port Canaveral Cove Association and Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. High School Booster Club raise thousands of dollars while volunteering at the event. Friday Fest is in direct line with the Cape Canaveral Vision Statement, providing public gathering and entertainment places in a bike-able and walk-able community. Movie in the Park This event exemplifies the City’s vision for a walkable, bikeable community with many of its attendees arriving by bicycle or on foot. It also affords a fundraising opportunity for the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Cape Canaveral PAL program, which sells concessions during the movie. From bringing families together to supporting the BCSO’s local youth organization, Cape Canaveral’s Movie in the Park event has become an esteemed tradition for our community. 58   Monster Mash This year’s Monster Mash was a huge success. Approximately 200 children 12 and under and their parents danced, played games and competed in the costume contest at the Nancy Hanson Recreation Complex. Carnival style games were held inside the racquetball courts for the first time, which was a hit as children tried their skills to earn additional candy. This fun, spooky night ended with an awards presentation and candy for all participants. Space Coast Kite Festival Kites filled the sky during the 1st Annual Space Coast Kite Festival at Cherie Down Park on September 12. 150 kite kits were given to children within the first 45 minutes of the event and PAL Programs from Cape Canaveral, Satellite Beach and West Melbourne assisted with assembling and decorating. BCSO PAL had concessions available for the public. The Central Florida Kite Club demonstrated some very unique kites and the ambiance was escalated with acoustic music from General Eyes. Staff is looking forward to this event every year and will make expansions for 2016. 59   Government Week On Thursday, October 22nd, 46 fourth graders from Cape View Elementary visited the Nancy Hanson Recreation Complex. After a short presentation on the Department’s role in the City’s government, the students were separated into three groups that rotated through a circuit of engaging activities. During their one hour visit, students played a game of dodgeball, learned the fundamentals of shuffleboard and took part in a Zumba class. Canaveral Police Athletic League The Brevard County Police Athletic/Activities League (PAL) sponsors a Youth Directors Program for the City of Cape Canaveral consisting of youth ages 12 to 18 who attend Cocoa Beach Jr/Sr High. These young people make unique and valuable contributions by volunteering their time and skills to the City through their dedicated service, and in the process they learn lessons that help them mature and become good citizens/leaders. For the second consecutive year, three BCSO 60   PAL members have been selected to serve on the Youth Directors Council (YDC) which is considered the most prestigious board at the State level. These members are responsible for planning and executing the annual training conference for all State Florida PAL programs which were held on June 30th through July 3rd at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando. Last and most importantly, our very own Max Trapasso was awarded PAL Boy of the Year making this accomplishment the first in the history of BCSO PAL. Max was awarded a computer for college and received $1,000.00 at a luncheon on December 13th at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Convention Center in Orlando. Also, Max was one of four recipients in the state to win $1,000.00 from the Tomorrow’s Team Scholarship which went directly into his college account at University of Central Florida. Art Shows The 13th Annual Cape Canaveral Fine Art Show took place on February 13 – 15 at the Cape Canaveral Library. Residents and visitors enjoyed remarkable artwork from the artists of the Central Brevard Art Association. Awards and festivities took place during the exclusive reception on Sunday, February 15. The 16th Annual Student Art show was held on February 6 along with Friday Fest. Local participating schools included Roosevelt Elementary, Cape View Elementary, Merritt Island High School and Rockledge High School. The winner of the poster contest was a student from Rockledge High School who received a $100.00 VISA gift card. The best overall piece from each designated school took home a $50.00 VISA gift card. Council Member John Bond presented the awards at the reception on Friday evening. Both Art Shows support the City’s vision of local culture and education throughout the community. 61   Athletic Leagues Four nights out of the week, the Leagues enhance Cape Canaveral athletics while increasing attendance at Canaveral City Park and the Nancy Hanson Recreation Complex. Tennis and racquetball leagues are held three nights a week for advanced and intermediate players. Morning social tennis leagues continue to meet on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The City provides individual, group and team tennis lessons taught by a certified U.S.T.A. Tennis Professional. We are proud to be the home of two Space Coast Tennis teams. The Cape Canaveral Island Girlz at the A1 level and in the Senior Division the Cape Canaveral Spacettes at the Bronze level. Pickleball continues with open style play on Tuesdays and Thursdays, primarily with the snow birds. Year round adult coed kickball leagues are held on Monday and Wednesday evenings, while adult coed softball takes the field on Thursdays. In 2015, we were honored to host 145 tennis league players, 54 racquetball league players, 906 kickball athletes and 493 softball league participants. Interest has grown tremendously as participation within the leagues is at or near full capacity. We saw many new teams out on the field ready for competitive fun play and started a new league of coed flag football to be held on Tuesday nights. All leagues are officiated by accredited referees and umpires. Cape Canaveral’s athletic leagues provide a safe, structured and exciting public gathering place for the community. 62   Farmers Market The Farmers Market was re-energized this year with a move from Thursdays to Saturdays and a new location in front of City Hall. The move has made the Market more accessible to residents who work during the week while attracting tourists that drive by City Hall and see it. Cape Canaveral Street Eats on Taylor Avenue 2015 saw the advent of a new monthly gourmet food truck event. The Street Eats on Taylor Avenue event took place the second Saturday of each month on Taylor Avenue in front of the Nancy Hanson Recreation Complex. From chicken and waffles to gourmet wood fired pizza, each month brought a new set of trucks with very diverse offerings. Live acoustic music alongside a Bavarian style set up on the street offer a unique community building opportunity for residents and visitors alike. 63   Activity / Fitness Classes A myriad of activity and fitness classes were offered in 2015. Either Staff led or through contracted instructors, residents and visitors were given the option to participate in many classes which helped physically and mentally as options for social interaction. Staff hosted adult and youth sewing classes, made possible with machines donated from Brother International. Sew Cool was created for children to understand the basics of sewing. Students learned to operate a sewing machine, read a pattern, pin and cut fabric. Kids made a drawstring back pack as their final project. Adult Sewing classes were also held in six week sessions on Wednesday afternoons. Two sessions of children’s classes were offered at no cost to participants and more are slated for 2016. A Sporting Chance primarily focused on children between the ages of 2 and 4, introducing sport activities in a fun and nurturing environment. Boot Camp classes were held daily at Manatee Sanctuary Park. The open, grassy areas as well as the pavilion provided a perfect setting for a high paced outdoor workout. Line Dance classes took place Mondays from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Each session included instruction as well as dancing; all types and styles of music and dances were used. Piloxing, a nonstop interval fusion of Pilates, boxing and dance was held Wednesdays from 5 to 6 p.m. Tennis lessons were offered by USPTA certified tennis pro Joe Deitchler. Joe taught private, semi-private and group lessons to students of all ages. Zumba, an aerobic fitness, dance class, inspired by Latin rhythms took place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday’s year round and on Thursdays from December through April. Yoga classes were offered 3 times per week throughout 2015. A Certified instructor led participants through a series of physical postures that strengthened the body as well as increased flexibility. Students danced the night away through the offering of Ballroom Dance classes. Disciplines like rumba, foxtrot, salsa and quickstep kept the classes fresh and students challenged. Aikido, a non-aggressive martial art based on the principle of non-resistance, took place twice per week and built participants bodies and minds. Duplicate bridge was offered twice per week and attracted participants from as far as Melbourne. 3-2-1 Go for Fit was the newest class offered in 2015. Taught by a Certified physical therapist, it was created to help seniors build back core muscle strength and flexibility through a series of chair exercises, stretching and light weight lifting. Light Up Cape Canaveral 2015’s event was amped up from last year by Cocoa Beach High School’s 26 student string ensemble. Xeriscape Park was once again fully decorated for the holidays and lit up during the ceremonial countdown as residents and visitors enjoyed a night of musical performances by Cape View Elementary’s Choir and the Dickens Carolers. The Cape Canaveral Library hosted a holiday craft area where children of all ages had a chance to make one of three craft projects, while volunteers from Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Police Athletic League served cookies and warm drinks. The evening was capped with a visit from Santa on a fire engine escorted by a sheriff on a motorcycle. 64   Special Projects Xeriscape Park Purchase of Fitness clusters and installation at Xeriscape Park was completed. A free guided introductory work out by a Certified Personal Trainer took place where attendees were provided a free workout guide and had the opportunity to chat with the trainer about personal fitness/ nutritional goals to live a healthier life. Complimentary workout plans/equipment description guides beyond what is at the Park continued to be held at the Culture and Leisure Services office to anyone who requested them. Improvements were made possible through a partnership and contribution from Health First. 65   Banana River Park Construction for Phase I of Banana River Park commenced in September. Phase I included a Pavilion/Restroom Building, a parking lot to support the building, sidewalk extensions, a kayak landing with connection trail to pavilion, landscaping and improvements to the existing kayak launch. Florida Department of Environmental Protection along with the Florida Inland Navigation District approved grants for Phases II and III of improvements to the Park which will include a kayak dock at the main launching site, increased paved parking on north side of Park, a synthetic putting green and bocce ball court, shade shelters, information kiosks and landscaping improvements. The project will be completed in 2016.   PUBLIC WORKS SERVICES 66 Public Works Services General Information Public Works Services (PWS) Staff consists of 22 employees whose primary purpose is to provide and maintain utility services for the general public as well as maintain all City streets and facilities. Staff provides services in six main categories which include:  Administration;  Sanitary Sewer/Reclaimed Water;  Stormwater;  Recycling;  Infrastructure Maintenance; and  Sustainability. Accomplishments for 2015 are detailed as follows: ADMINISTRATION ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR YEAR 2015: Used Equipment Auctions Staff coordinated four internet auctions with Public Surplus, Inc., for the sale of used and outdated City equipment. These auctions resulted in over $10,000 in revenue to the City. Computer Mapping Program Staff scanned/archived over 100 City utility maps into Laserfiche. This allows easy retrieval of historical site plans, utility plans, etc. 67 Administrative Activities Staff performed the following administrative activities:  Updated City’s Facebook and Twitter accounts;  Filled Public Library kiosk with stormwater-related materials on a quarterly basis;  Performed website maintenance; and,  Assisted other City Departments with Administrative Operations as necessary to enhance and support their daily operations. City Government Week Staff conducted an onsite tour of the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) for 50 fifth grade students from Cape View Elementary School. The tour included hands-on experiences in laboratory, sludge belt press, maintenance and recycling/reuse operations. Emergency Training Staff trained on numerous occasions with personnel from Brevard County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Cape Canaveral Volunteer Fire Department as members of the City’s EOC Team. Liaison with City Contractors and Governmental Agencies Staff continues to act as liaison between the general public and the City’s contractors/governmental agencies including:  Waste Pro of Florida, Inc. (Waste Pro - solid waste contractor);  Florida Power & Light Company (FPL);  Florida Department of Corrections (Work Release Program);  Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT);  Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP);  St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD);  Caribbean Conservation Corporation (CCC);  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA);  WEX Universal Online Program (Gas Card Program); 68  Brevard County - Traffic Signals and Signs Department;  Brevard County - Natural Resources Management Office (BCNRMO);  Brevard County - Mosquito Control Department;  Sunshine State One Call of Florida (utility locates);  USA Services (street sweeping);  Marine Resources Council (MRC); and  Keep Brevard Beautiful (KBB - sea oats plantings and beach cleanings). Staff acts as intermediaries and forwards/documents residents’ requests to contractors and governmental agencies, and follows-up to ensure requests are addressed in a timely and professional manner. SANITARY SEWER/RECLAIMED WATER Sanitary Sewer/Reclaimed Water Programs Improvements/expansion of the sanitary sewer and reclaimed water systems, and routine maintenance activities of both systems, are completed throughout the year with funding from the Wastewater Enterprise Fund. The City’s WWTP is an Advanced Wastewater Treatment (AWT) Facility with a capacity of 1.8 million gallons per day (MGD). Operation of the City’s reclaimed water system ensures that treated wastewater is primarily used for irrigation purposes and not discharged to the Banana River Lagoon. Approximately 380 million gallons of reclaimed water were distributed to residents for irrigation purposes in 2015. As part of these Programs, the City received a loan from FDEP through the State Revolving Fund (SRF) Program. This Program provides low interest loans to governmental agencies for construction of wastewater and stormwater-related capital improvement projects. The City included four major wastewater improvement projects as part of the SRF agreement including:  Construction of a 2.5 million gallon reclaimed water tank at the WWTP;  Purchase/installation of a new sludge belt filter press (includes expansion of Belt Press Building);  Replacement of the sanitary sewer line from Holman Road to Lift Station No. 2; and  Construction of oxidation ditch improvements at the WWTP. The City’s Sanitary Sewer/Reclaimed Water Programs meet the following goal of the 2010 Envision Cape Canaveral Report: “WE ENVISION: 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.” MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR YEAR 2015: Lift Station No. 6 Lift Station No. 6 services the area located north of West Central Boulevard and east of SR A1A. The work included construction of a new wet well; installation of new and larger pumps, electronics and plumbing; and installation of new water and sewer lines to service existing and 69 future developments in the northern portion of the City. Due to the criticality of the new lift station, an emergency generator will also be installed. Replacement of Bar/Filter Screen This key filter system, which is part of the pretreatment works at the WWTP, was replaced with a new, energy-efficient bar/filter screen. The newer model will better screen smaller objects which enter the treatment system influent thus protecting downstream treatment equipment. The older model was installed in 1996 and had become worn and allowed larger objects into the wastewater treatment system. Launder Covers for Two Clarifiers Launder covers for the two clarifiers were purchased and will be installed by year end. These covers will minimize algae build-up in partially-treated wastewater that collects in the effluent troughs. The algae can also clog the sand filters if allowed to enter the treatment system. Cleaning of algae from these areas is time-consuming and can be a safety issue. Replacement of Two Displacement Blowers Two of the displacement blowers which provide air supply to the sludge holding tank, the 2nd anoxic basin and the effluent transfer basin were replaced. The new blowers are smaller in size and more energy-efficient than the replaced blowers which were installed in 1996. Three additional blowers at the WWTP will be replaced in future years. 70 Engineering Drawings and Bid Specifications for SRF and Non-SRF Projects These documents were prepared for the following SRF and non-SRF wastewater system improvement projects for completion in 2016:  SRF Projects: o Holman Road Sanitary Sewer Improvements (Phases I, II and III); o Sludge Belt Press Refurbishment (WWTP); o Building Addition for the second Sludge Belt Press (WWTP); o 2.5 Million Gallon Reclaimed Storage Tank (WWTP); and o West Central Boulevard Stormwater Pipe Rehabilitation.  Non-SRF Projects included: o Grit/Bar Screen Replacement (WWTP); and o Lift Stations No. 6 (Imperial Drive) and No. 7 (West Central Boulevard) Replacement. Asset Management Plan Florida Rural Water Association (FRWA) performed an asset management review of the City’s WWTP and lift stations and prepared a “Fiscal Sustainability Plan Analysis and Asset Management Plan". The review included an inspection of the WWTP and lift stations, interviews with City Staff concerning WWTP operations and an analysis of future funding. Several recommendations were made including:  Continue to develop and maintain an inventory of critical assets with assets categorized by “Condition” and “Criticality”;  Develop a long-range annual Rehabilitation and Replacement (R&R) Program for fixed assets;  Expand the efforts to control grease discharges to the wastewater collection system; and  Update the City’s safety protocol for operators and mechanics. FRWA’s condition analysis revealed that “the utility has superior management, operation and maintenance and continued customer service is assured. This wastewater utility is a model for how a utility should be run.” Funds for the Study were provided by FDEP. 71 Reclaimed Water Storage Tank This Project includes construction of a new 2.5 million gallon reclaimed water storage tank at the WWTP. It will allow the City to eliminate discharges of treated wastewater to the Banana River Lagoon and provide additional reclaimed water to residents, Port Canaveral and the City of Cocoa Beach. The City will also receive a significant amount of credits from FDEP’s Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Program for eliminating substantial nitrogen/phosphorous discharges to the Banana River Lagoon. Construction was initiated in June 2015 and is scheduled for completion in March 2016. The City received a Cost Share Agreement Grant for this Project from SJRWMD in the amount of $741,427. Holman Road Improvements The sanitary sewer pipe located beneath Holman Road will be replaced with a 10-inch diameter pipe to (1) allow for future development in the area and (2) alleviate sewer back-up in a residence along Holman Road. This Work is the first phase of a three-phased Project to replace the entire sanitary sewer pipe to Lift Station No. 2 located along Center Street. Construction of Phase I activities will be initiated in January 2016 and should be completed in March 2016. Oxidation Ditch Improvements This Project includes complete redesign of the Oxidation Ditch system at the WWTP. There is currently no redundancy and the redesign will provide a second Oxidation Ditch process for use in emergency situations and will also allow for improved maintenance. The Work will include refurbishment of all pumps/valves for a more efficient system and installation of a cover over the existing Oxidation Ditch to limit offsite spray. The City has applied for State Legislative Appropriation Funds to fund 50% of project costs. Lift Station Rehabilitations Lift Station No. 7 located along West Central Boulevard is being/upgraded/moved to Manatee Sanctuary Park. This is in response to planned development along the West Central Boulevard corridor and will allow space for installation of an emergency generator and other equipment. Construction was initiated in November 2015 and is scheduled for completion in February 2016. 72 Sludge Belt Press Improvements This Project includes design and construction of a sludge belt press building addition to house a new, second sludge belt press. There is currently no redundancy with only a single sludge belt press. Adding a second sludge belt press will allow for improved maintenance and redundancy in the wastewater treatment process. Upon installation of a second sludge belt press, the existing sludge belt press will be refurbished. Construction was initiated in October 2015 and should be completed in March 2016. STORMWATER Stormwater Improvement Program Stormwater improvement projects and routine maintenance activities are completed throughout the year with funding from the Stormwater Enterprise Fund to improve the quality of stormwater discharging to the Banana River Lagoon. Recognizing the economic and aesthetic benefits of a healthy estuary system, the City maintains an aggressive Program to improve the overall environmental condition of the Banana River Lagoon. As part of this Program, the City has received a loan from FDEP through the SRF Program. This Program provides low interest loans to governmental agencies for construction of wastewater and stormwater-related capital improvement projects. The City included three major stormwater improvement projects as part of the SRF agreement including:  West Central Boulevard Pipe Replacement;  Canaveral City Park Ex-filtration Project; and  Central Ditch Dredging Project (south portion). The City’s Stormwater Improvement Program meets the following goal of the 2010 Envision Cape Canaveral Report: “WE ENVISION: 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.” 73 MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR YEAR 2015: TMDL Program This is a 15-year Program administered by FDEP to improve the quality and reduce the amount of stormwater discharged to water bodies throughout the State. Locally, FDEP is requiring that governmental entities and private stakeholders significantly reduce runoff of nitrogen and phosphorous in stormwater to the Banana River Lagoon. The City has already met the first 5-year TMDL target levels, but continues to construct stormwater improvements. Staff worked closely with FDEP in 2015 to continue implementation of this Program. Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) Committee Staff is involved with the Banana River Lagoon BMAP Committee, which was formed as part of the TMDL Program. This Committee oversees stormwater improvements completed by governmental agencies and private stakeholders located in the Banana River Basin to ensure that progress is being made to reduce concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorous in stormwater. Staff worked closely with the BMAP Committee to (1) complete proposed projects and (2) develop concepts and plans for future pollutant reduction projects. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit Audit The Phase II MS4 Annual Report documenting efforts to improve stormwater quality was submitted to FDEP following an audit conducted by FDEP staff. Recommendations were made and development of additional tasks to eliminate pollutants from entering the stormwater system were discussed. PWS is in the process of implementing selected recommendations from FDEP. Blue Life Program and Other Public Education The City contributed $3,024 to the Blue Life Program, which conducts a Stormwater Educational Program targeting the general public throughout Brevard County. This Program is administered by BCNRMO and helps meet the educational requirements of the City’s NPDES Permit. Staff also provide stormwater-related educational materials to the general public through informational kiosks located at the City’s Public Library and PWS Facility. 74 Stormwater Inlet Replacements The City continued this long-term Project to replace older style stormwater inlets with new Type “C” inlets. These new inlets require less maintenance, are not damaged as easily by vehicular traffic, prohibit larger debris from entering the stormwater system and provide improved stormwater flow. The City replaced 20 inlets in 2015. Stormwater Master Plan A Stormwater Master Plan was prepared and finalized for the City in 2015; a previous Plan was prepared in 2000, but was outdated. The new Plan includes detailed mapping of the City’s drainage basins and recommends projects to meet the requirements of the TMDL Program. In addition, most grant programs require that applicants maintain an updated Stormwater Master Plan to receive grant funding. This updated Plan will be used as a blueprint for future stormwater improvement projects in the City. Stormwater Line Replacement (West Central Boulevard) The stormwater pipe located along the northern side of West Central Boulevard between the Central Ditch and Brown Circle was to be replaced. Due to the number of utilities in the right-of- way, the EcoCast Spray System was utilized to eliminate the need for excavation activities. The first step was to clean the pipe of all sediment and debris. Concrete was then sprayed inside the existing metal pipe to “replace” (i.e., strengthen) the existing pipe. This Process was used in over 900 feet of stormwater pipe. Engineering Drawings and Bid Specifications for SRF and Non-SRF Projects These documents were prepared for the following SRF and non-SRF stormwater improvement projects to be completed in 2016:  SRF Projects: o West Central Boulevard Pipe Replacement; o Central Ditch Dredging (partial - southern portion); and o Canaveral City Park Exfiltration System. 75  Non-SRF Projects include: o North Atlantic Avenue Streetscape Project. Routine Maintenance Programs The City routinely maintains its stormwater infrastructure. Routine maintenance tasks in 2015 included removal of debris from all nine nutrient-separating baffle boxes after heavy rainfall events, removal of debris from stormwater inlets, monthly street sweeping and inspection/cleaning of manholes. The work was conducted primarily by the City’s Inmate Work Squad. Canaveral City Park Ex-filtration System This Project will commence in 2016. It includes re-directing stormwater in the International Drainage Basin to Canaveral City Park. Existing stormwater pipes will re-direct stormwater to ex- filtration structures to be installed beneath the softball and Little League fields. Ex-filtration structures, encased by gravel in synthetic sheeting, allow infiltration of stormwater into the surficial aquifer. Ex-filtration of stormwater will eliminate a portion of the City’s stormwater that flows to the Banana River Lagoon. The City has received two sources of funding for this Project, one from the EPA 319(h) Program and one from State Legislative Appropriations totaling over $1.0 million. North Atlantic Avenue Streetscape Project This Project which will commence February 2016 includes construction of improvements to North Atlantic Avenue from the intersection with SR A1A to Port Canaveral. The streetscape improvements will include construction of bio-swales, a pedway/sidewalk system and installation of solar-powered lighting. A majority of the Project is being funded with moneys from Brevard County Transportation Impact Fees and FDOT. Central Ditch Dredging Project (Southern Portion) The Central Ditch located between West Central Boulevard and SR A1A contains organic muck in areas of the channel bottom. This Project includes dredging of the ditch bottom and removal of 76 debris from the ditch channel from West Central Boulevard to approximately 900 feet south. Staff is currently investigating vacant property that could be used as a muck drying area. Blue Life Program and Other Public Education The City will continue to fund the Blue Life Program with an annual contribution of $3,024. Blue Life conducts a Stormwater Educational Program for the general public through various media. Staff will also continue to provide stormwater-related educational materials through informational kiosks located at the City’s Public Library and PWS Facility. TMDL Program The City will continue to work with FDEP to improve the quality and lessen the amount of stormwater discharged to the Banana River Lagoon. FDEP is requiring that governmental entities and private stakeholders significantly reduce their runoff of nitrogen/phosphorous in stormwater to the Banana River Lagoon. The TMDL Program is a 15-year initiative. BMAP Committee Staff will continue to be involved with the Banana River Lagoon BMAP Committee, which was formed as part of the TMDL Program. It oversees stormwater improvements completed by governmental agencies and private stakeholders located in the Banana River Basin to ensure that progress is being made to reduce concentrations of nitrogen/phosphorous in stormwater. Ex-filtration Systems Installation Ex-filtration piping is installed at selected locations which experience street flooding after heavy rainfall events. Ex-filtration piping allows infiltration of stormwater into the surficial aquifer instead of direct discharge to the Banana River Lagoon. Streets are observed during/after heavy rainfall events to determine optimum locations for ex-filtration piping. 77 Stormwater Inlet Replacements The City will continue to replace older style stormwater inlets with the new, more efficient Type “C” inlets. These inlets trap more debris and are not as susceptible to damage as the older style inlets. Twenty inlets are scheduled for replacement in 2016. RECYCLING City Recycling Program With the assistance of the City’s Solid Waste/Recycling Contractor (Waste Pro), Staff incorporated a number of enhancements to the City’s Recycling Program in 2015. Staff and Waste Pro will continue to provide additional enhancements in 2016. MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR YEAR 2015: Program Enhancements  City Single Stream Recycling awareness labels were applied to recycling carts and recycling dumpsters at businesses and condominium/apartment complexes;  The City negotiated with Waste Pro to offer Small Businesses the opportunity for Single Stream Recycling by offering 96-gallon recycling carts for only $1.94 each, per month;  Via the City’s Website and Blackboard Connect, Staff promoted Earth Day on April 22 and America Recycles Day on November 15;  Recycling and trash carts were provided for City sponsored events such as Friday Fest, Farmers Market, National Night Out, etc.;  Recycling amounts doubled at the WWTP due to facility renovations;  Recycling information was updated on the City’s Website; and  Recycling Public Awareness Booth, attended by Staff, was set up at Friday Fest, City Government Week and Founders Day events. 78 INFRASTRUCTURE MAINTENANCE Infrastructure Maintenance (IM) Program IM projects are completed throughout the year as part of a proactive Program to maintain, as well as improve, the City’s infrastructure/amenities including roadways, sidewalks, buildings, beach- related facilities, streetscapes, landscaped areas and public parks. The Program meets the following goals of the 2010 Envision Cape Canaveral Report: “WE ENVISION: 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.” ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR YEAR 2015: Beach Cleaning Activities Staff performed annual beach cleaning with the beach rake. Parking at the Washington Avenue beach crossover area was limited due to the placement of roll-off containers for debris storage. Three dumpsters of debris were collected and removed from the beach. Support for Leisure Services and City-related Events Staff provided maintenance and logistical support for Leisure Services and City-related public events including Friday Fest, Movie in the Park, Fall Festival, Reindeer Run, soccer leagues, Little League and Library book sales. Ridgewood Avenue Streetscape Enhancements Decorative street signs were installed by Staff along the entire roadway as part of a continuing beautification program. Similar signs will also be used on the North Atlantic Avenue Streetscape Project. Additional landscaping was also planted and rock bedding was installed as part of continuing beautification efforts. 79 Mowing and Chemical/Fertilization Contracts The City’s Mowing Contract was put out to bid and awarded to Green Leaf Landscaping and Irrigation, Inc., of Melbourne. The City’s Chemical/Fertilization Contract was awarded for another year to Black’s Spray Service, Inc., of Merritt Island. Community Development Building Improvements In order to prepare for the new City Hall Building, Staff continues to maintain 110 Polk Avenue, which is being used for temporary office space for the Community Development Department. Sidewalk and Curb Repairs Sections of sidewalks and curbs throughout the City were replaced in 2015 as part of ongoing maintenance activities to replace damaged curbs and sidewalks. Sidewalk Gap Construction Projects To help promote safe mobility for pedestrians and bicyclists, the City awarded two Sidewalk Gap Construction projects in late-2015. One project is along West/East Central Boulevard that added an additional 1,500 feet of five-feet wide sidewalk and the Adams Avenue project that added an additional 900 feet of five-feet wide sidewalk. Sea Oats Plantings Staff coordinated the annual planting of approximately 8,000 sea oats by citizen volunteers along the City’s beachfront. Sea oats were ordered through BCNRMO. Structural Repairs to Beach Crossovers Program includes refurbishing the City’s beach crossovers. The Jackson Avenue crossover was refurbished in 2015 by Staff and the City’s Inmate Work Squad utilizing recycled materials. 80 Keep Brevard Beautiful (KBB) Activities The City again funded KBB with an annual contribution of $2,300. KBB conducted several environmental-related projects in the City such as beach cleanups, road and park cleanups, etc. Following is a summary of KBB activities conducted and estimated dollar values to the City from July 2014 through June 2015:  Adopt-A-Shore (AAS) and Hot Spot Clean-ups: 412 volunteer hours removed 1,760 pounds of trash: Value = $8,903;  Adopt-A-Road (AAR) and Hot Spot Clean-ups: 28 volunteer hours removed 220 pounds of trash: Value = $605;  Trash Bash: 100 volunteer hours removed 780 pounds of trash: Value = $2,161;  Florida Coastal Clean-up: 880 volunteer hours removed 2,000 pounds of beach debris: Value = $19,017; and  Total Measurable Value to City of Cape Canaveral = $30,686. KBB also participated in the following projects in the City:  School of the Month Environmental Award was won by Cape View Elementary;  Recycling Education Program was presented to fourth and fifth grade classes and consisted of eleven presentations; and  Anti-Litter Programs that assist teachers in educating students about litter are in-place for kindergarten through third grade. MAJOR GOALS FOR YEAR 2016: Infrastructure Maintenance New Building Engineering plans and bid specifications continue to be prepared to construct a new IM Building at the PWS Facility. Enhancements will be constructed to restrooms, meeting rooms, offices, bay areas and storage areas. Construction will begin in late-2016 and be completed in early-2017. 81 Sidewalk and Curb Replacement Significant sections of damaged curbing and sidewalks are replaced on an ongoing basis as part of routine maintenance activities to replace aging infrastructure and improve pedestrian safety throughout the City. Structural Repairs to Beach Crossovers The City will continue this Program to construct structural repairs to beach crossovers. The Monroe Avenue and Adams Avenue crossovers will be refurbished in 2016. In general, Staff will continue to perform duties/provide services to other Departments to minimize the use of contractors. SUSTAINABILITY Definition and City Goals As defined by USEPA, the concept of sustainability is based upon a single principle: Everything that we need for our survival and well-being depends, either directly or indirectly, on our natural environment. Sustainability creates and maintains the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling the social, economic and other requirements of present and future generations. Sustainability is important to making sure that we have and will continue to have, the water, materials and resources to protect human health and our environment. Or more simply defined: Sustainability meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainability continues to emerge as a result of significant concerns about the unintended social, environmental and economic consequences of rapid population growth, economic growth and consumption of our natural resources. Focus areas of sustainability for government agencies and the general public include:  Energy independence;  Climate protection;  Air quality;  Material resources;  Public health and nutrition;  Urban design, land use, green building and transportation;  Parks, open spaces and habitat conservation;  Water resources and flood protection; and  Public involvement and personal responsibility. 82 A major goal of the City is to make sustainability the next level of environmental protection by drawing on advances in science and technology to protect human health and the environment, and promoting innovative “green” business and operational practices. The concept of sustainability is also one of the major goals of the City’s Vision Statement which states: 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. City Staff have embraced the Vision Statement and the concept of sustainability when completing infrastructure projects, and preparing future Capital Improvement Plans and budgets. Several City Programs and recently completed projects promote sustainability and are discussed in the following sections. Parks and Green Space Areas The City constructed a number of parks and green space areas throughout the City. The largest parks include Manatee Sanctuary Park and Banana River Park along the City’s riverfront and Canaveral City Park in the central portion of the City. Manatee Sanctuary Park consists of approximately ten acres and recent improvements include:  Stormwater detention pond, swales and underground piping;  Paved parking facilities with solar-powered lighting;  Additional trees (over 100 palms) and shrubs (i.e., beautification);  Numerous sculptures and educational information kiosks; and  Paved walking path with exercise stations. 83 Banana River Park consists of approximately five acres and improvements currently under construction include:  Pavilion area;  Expanded parking facilities with solar-powered lighting;  Improved stormwater treatment areas; and  Additional trees and shrubs (i.e., beautification). Canaveral City Park consists of approximately five acres and future improvements (2016) include:  Construction of an underground stormwater treatment area;  Improved stormwater inlets;  Upgraded softball and other sports facilities; and  Additional trees and shrubs (i.e., beautification). The underground stormwater treatment area for the Park will be somewhat unique in that stormwater will be directed to underground chambers for infiltration into the surficial aquifer instead of discharging to the Banana River Lagoon. The use of underground chambers will allow for the same current land use (softball and Little League fields) after construction activities are completed. This type of stormwater treatment is used most successfully in areas with sandy soils and where land is not available for large stormwater detention ponds. Six other park facilities are located throughout the City for recreational purposes. Additional parks and green space areas may be constructed in the future if properties and funding become available. Complete Streets The complete streets concept is a major component of the City’s Vision Statement and is defined as: A roadway where the entire right-of-way is designed and operated to enable safe access for all users. Pedestrian, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities are able to safely move along and across a complete street. 84 City Staff has worked closely with the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization (SCTPO) to construct complete streets projects and obtain outside funding. Projects completed to date or in the construction/planning phases include:  Ridgewood Avenue Streetscape Project – completed in 2011 on Ridgewood Avenue from the southern City limits to the northern terminus of the roadway (1.1 miles in length);  North Atlantic Avenue Streetscape Project – to be constructed in 2016 on North Atlantic Avenue from the intersection with SR A1A to Port Canaveral (1.1 miles in length);  Central Boulevard Streetscape Project – future complete street on Central Boulevard from Ridgewood Avenue to Thurm Boulevard – will provide easy access to the beach and riverfront (1.3 miles in length);  Thurm Boulevard Streetscape Project – potential future streetscape to provide safer access to riverfront parks in the northwestern portion of the City (0.6 miles in length); and  Center Street/Buchanan Avenue Streetscape Project – potential future streetscape project to provide easy east-west access to the beach and riverfront in the southern portion of the City (0.6 miles in length). For these completed projects, the City received the April 2014 “Outstanding Engineering Efforts in Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety” from SCTPO. These complete streets projects will provide easy north-south and east-west access to all areas of the City as well as:  Increase safety for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians;  Support economic development;  Improve stormwater treatment;  Expand ability for residents to “move around”; and  Support an overall healthy community. Reclaimed Water Program The City operates and maintains a reclaimed water system at the 1.8 MGD WWTP. Wastewater is treated to advanced treatment standards through a high-level disinfection process, and is continually monitored and analyzed to ensure consistent high quality and compliance with State 85 regulations. The primary benefits of maintaining a reclaimed water system are to reduce (1) the demand upon potable water supplies (aquifers) and (2) effluent discharges to the Banana River Lagoon. A 2.5 million gallon reclaimed water tank is currently being constructed that will allow the City to (1) increase the amount of reclaimed water available to residents and (2) eliminate discharges of treated wastewater to the Banana River Lagoon thus reducing loadings of nitrogen and phosphorous. Stormwater Program The City completed construction of nine nutrient separating baffle boxes in all of the major stormwater outfall pipes. The baffle boxes collect debris, sediment and nutrients in stormwater prior to discharge to the Banana River Lagoon, thus improving water quality. Through these stormwater improvement projects, the City was the first municipality in Florida to provide treatment of all stormwater prior to its discharge to the receiving water body. For these projects, the City received an award from the MRC for “outstanding efforts by a municipality to improve the health of the Indian River Lagoon”. These and other future stormwater improvement projects are a part of the City’s Stormwater Master Plan (revised in November 2014) to reduce the discharge of nutrients, sediment and debris in stormwater to the Banana River Lagoon. City Staff are currently reviewing proposed stormwater improvement projects included in the Stormwater Master Plan to determine the most cost-effective way to meet the City’s TMDL requirements. Future regulatory changes (Federal and State) may also require additional improvements to the City’s existing stormwater management system. Beach Improvements The City previously performed two sand fence installation Projects along its beachfront. These Projects were completed with moneys from the City’s IM Department and funds from FDEP through the Canaveral Port Authority. The work included installation of hundreds of sand fences to trap windblown sand to further stabilize and extend seaward the primary sand dune. The sand trapped by the fences also allows natural vegetation to grow and further stabilizes the primary sand dune. Through these efforts, the City received the “Environmental Project of the Year Award” in 2000 from the American Public Works Association (APWA). 86 City Staff coordinates the annual planting of Sea Oats along the City’s beachfront. These Projects are performed by citizen volunteers and include planting Sea Oats on the primary sand dune along the Atlantic Ocean. The Sea Oats (native vegetation) are planted to trap windblown sand, thus stabilizing the primary dune, and to beautify the City’s beachfront. The City will continue to coordinate Sea Oats Planting Projects with citizen volunteers in order to maintain an aesthetically- pleasing beachfront. Citizen volunteers also participate in beach cleanup events sponsored by KBB. These Events are typically performed twice per year (Spring and Fall) and include removal of litter from the City’s beachfront and general cleanup of the primary sand dune area. The City will continue to coordinate beach cleanup events with KBB and citizen volunteers in order to maintain a clean City beachfront. Lighting Improvement Projects The City has completed a number of lighting improvement projects to (1) decrease light pollution, (2) lower utility costs, (3) improve energy efficiency and/or (4) reduce the City’s carbon footprint. These projects include:  Installing shields on 65 utility pole lights along the beachfront area to limit impacts on sea turtle nesting;  Installing light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on new, decorative light poles at the City’s Public Library parking lot;  Installing solar-powered, LED lighting as part of the Ridgewood Avenue Streetscape Project (also the upcoming North Atlantic Avenue Streetscape Project);  Installing solar-powered, LED lighting as part of the improvements to Manatee Sanctuary Park; and  Retrofitting T-12 lighting fixtures with more energy-efficient T-8 lighting fixtures in five City buildings. Future lighting improvement projects will also include the use of LEDs and solar-powered lighting, where appropriate, thus improving energy-efficiency and reducing the City’s carbon footprint. Fire Station/WWTP Main Building/New City Hall Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards (Silver Certification) were used as building guidelines in recent new construction and/or rehabilitation of City buildings. These buildings included the construction of the new Fire Station and the rehabilitation of the Main Building at the WWTP. These standards were developed by the U.S. Green Building Council to encourage a more sustainable approach to building design, construction and operation. 87 The LEED Program is composed of five main categories and includes:  Sustainable Sites – curtail pollution and soil erosion;  Water Efficiency – use 20% less water than standard buildings of similar size;  Energy and Atmosphere – use 10% less energy that standard buildings of similar size;  Materials and Resources – use recycled materials in building construction and ongoing operations; and  Indoor Environmental Quality – use ventilation and off-gassing of materials to reduce energy demands. LEED standards (Silver Certification) will continue to be used as a guide for all future construction and renovation of City buildings, specifically, in the construction of the New City Hall. Tree/Shrub/Flower Plantings The City maintains an aggressive tree, shrub and flower planting program in City parks and rights- of-way. Through these efforts, the City has been designated a “Tree City USA” by the Arbor Day Foundation for the past 25 years. Just a few of the plantings that have occurred during the past few years include:  Manatee Sanctuary Park: Over 100 large palms moved from Port Canaveral/West Central Boulevard; numerous large shrubs planted around the pavilion and turtle sculpture; two trees and eight large shrubs planted in the parking lot median; seven wax myrtles replaced along the property line; and hundreds of flowers/low-lying shrubs/ground covers/chord grasses planted throughout the Park.  Banana River Park: Over 15 large palms moved to Park; 12 wax myrtles replaced along the property line; will add trees/shrubs/ground covers/flowers as part of future Park improvements in 2016.  Ridgewood Avenue Streetscape Project: Additional trees, large shrubs and thousands of flowers/low-lying shrubs/ground covers/chord grasses planted.  North Atlantic Avenue Streetscape Project (to be completed in 2016): 97 trees, hundreds of large shrubs and thousands of flowers/low-lying shrubs/ground covers/chord grasses will be planted. 88 In general, it is City policy to:  Move trees whenever possible – do not cut down;  Replace dead trees/shrubs as needed (funds budgeted annually);  Continue to add flowers/low-lying shrubs/ground covers/chord grasses to ROWs, medians and parks throughout the City (funds budgeted annually); and  Trim Oak trees by a licensed arborist only. The City will continue to include funds in the annual budget for planting new trees at selected locations throughout the City. Conclusion The City recognizes the concept of sustainability and embraces these principles into all planning activities, budget preparation and building designs. One of the City’s goals is to “lead by example” when utilizing sustainability principles so that activities conducted by private enterprise will follow the same principles. As previously stated, the ultimate sustainability goal is detailed in the City’s Vision Statement: 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. CANAVERAL SERVICE PROVIDERS 89 B REVARD C OUNTY S HERIFF’S O FFICE CAPE CANAVERAL PRECINCT ANNUAL REPORT 2015 90 CAPE CANAVERAL PRECINCT FRONT DESK The Cape Canaveral Front Desk is staffed by two (2) civilians and open Monday thru Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Front Desk Totals 2015 Data collected from October 1, 2014 to September 30, 2015 Type of Assistance Rendered 2014 2015 % Change Total Citizens Assisted 3279 3764 15% Fingerprints Completed 269 771 187% Notary Services Provided 210 457 118% Record Checks Completed 48 50 4% CAPE CANAVERAL PRECINCT PATROL DIVISION The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Cape Canaveral Precinct staffs 28 sworn law enforcement officers serving the citizens of the City of Cape Canaveral and Avon by the Sea. Statistical Trends for 2014 – 2015 Data collected from October 1, 2014 to September 30, 2015 Category 2015 Total Calls 23,567 Case Reports 1,710 Arrests Made 943 Traffic Citations 427 In June 2015, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office began utilization of New World Systems software countywide. This software will handle our dispatching, report writing and record keeping needs into the future, and we are very excited about the change. This software is customized to our needs and uses; however, when you begin using anything new, there will be issues. At the time of this report, we are still adjusting to the software and all its capabilities. Therefore, we are unable to produce comparisons for the Patrol Division. It is our hope to have these numbers for next year’s report. COMMUNITY OUTREACH The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Cape Canaveral Precinct Special Operations Unit assisted with numerous events and programs during the year to include:  National Night Out – The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office partners with the Cape Canaveral Volunteer Fire Department to host National Night Out each year. This event provides the community a hands-on understanding of the equipment/resources available through the Sheriff and Fire Departments. 91  Thanksgiving Meals – The Cape Canaveral Precinct helps to provide local families in need and those who are a part of the Meals on Wheels program with complete Thanksgiving meals.  Christmas Angels – Partnering with local businesses, the Cape Canaveral Precinct and Fire Department provides toys for local children whose families are under financial strain. The program provided 115 local children and senior citizens with items for Christmas. We provided 21 families, including seniors, with Christmas dinners compliments of Publix.  Cape Canaveral Police Athletic League (PAL) – This program provides recreational activities for youths as an alternative to involvement in criminal conduct or gang involvement. It is open to youths, age 13 to 17.  Citizens Observer Patrol (COP) – The Citizens Observer Patrol is designed to assist deputies in combating crime. These volunteers are an extra set of eyes and ears in local neighborhoods and help to report and deter criminal activity. During the year, these volunteers logged 1,792 volunteer hours.  Neighborhood and Business Watch – The Neighborhood and Business Watch programs center on neighbors and law enforcement personnel working together to increase community awareness and reduce crime. The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention unit offers a variety of programs to assist home and business owners in reducing their risk of crime. The Special Operations Unit also assists with many City sponsored events during the year such as Friday Fest, Music Festival, Chili Cook-Off, Reindeer Run and many more. They work hand in hand with the Leisure Services Department of the City of Cape Canaveral to ensure that each function runs smoothly by providing a Law Enforcement presence. CANAVERAL FIRE RESCUE Serving the city of Cspe Csnsversl & Csnsversl Port Authority o Canaveral Fire Rescue (CFR) responded to 2521 calls for service; 95 more calls than last year. 1731 were in the City. o The average response time in the City was 4 minutes and 1 7 seconds. o Emergency Medical Services represented 73.58% of all calls: 1429 ground transports, 9 Medical Helicopter fly outs, 81 Motor Vehicle Crashes, 13 Car vs Pedestrian, 105 physically disabled assist and 1425 Advanced Life Support patients. o CFR Volunteers contributed 2060.7 hours. The majority of these hours were dedicated to training/coverage of special events. o Shift personnel attended a 40 hour Technical Rope Rescue Course. o Seaport Canaveral sent two CFR personnel to Williams Foam School in Texas. o 3 personnel successfully completed Paramedic Internship and are now SOLO medics. o CFR personnel worked closely with BCSO to make sure that the neediest were taken care of during the Holidays and throughout the year. CFR continued to assist BCSO with donated funds to sponsor community events. As always, BCSO/CFR received overwhelming support from the Community. The area Corvette Clubs, The Cove Association, Sea Port Canaveral and numerous others continue to be gracious supporters in these endeavors. o Department personnel provided the City and Port employees training in Emergency Management. Additional, classes were provided on Safety, Haz-mat and First Aid! CPR. o Training hours completed in 2015 were in excess of 6650 hours. o The Department conducted several Mutual/ Automatic Aid trainings with Cocoa Beach, Brevard County and the U.S. Coast Guard. o 45 CPR and First Aid classes for 310 local Citizens and Business employees. o Over 500 contacts with grade school students throughout the year. o Numerous facility tours for community organizations. 92 CANAVERAL FIRE RESCUE Serving the city of Cape Canaveral & Canaveral Port Authority o Assisted with the City's and Community events: Kids Community Awareness, National Night Out, USCG Field Day, Summer Camp, Community Health Fair, Healthy Kids, Fall Festival, Reindeer Run, Santa in the City, Corvette Club Christmas, Cape View Elementary School Government Week, Friday Pests and numerous others. o Provided additional coverage for several major events including Concerts, Sea Food Festival, Space Coast Art Show, boat races and numerous activities at the Exploration Tower and in the City. o Completed 48 Port Canaveral Maritime Academy Firefighting trainings for 450 personnel. o 5 Live Fire Training for Cape Canaveral AFS, Cocoa Beach and Malabar Fire Departments. o Added a new burn room to the Training Tower. o All vehicles were equipped with Traffic light changing devices. o Specified, Bid and ordered a replacement for the 1991 Engine. o Conducted 22 firefighting days for Eastern State College. o All required Pre-Fire plan drawings and updates were completed for the City and Port. o Fire Prevention conducted 737 inspections, 624 re-inspections and 75 New Construction inspections. Performed 95 plan reviews and answered 154 request/complaints from the Public in regards to Fire Prevention. o Lifeguards performed 3 personal rescues, 12,663 preventative actions and located 62 missing persons. They treated 253 for minor injuries and provided major medical care to 9 patients. 93