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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWeekly Update - 07-22-16 Weekly Update Week Ending July 22, 2016 Cape Canaveral VISION Statement Administrative Services Action Tracking Community Engagement Community Development Economic Development Culture & Leisure Services Public Works Services Brevard County Sheriff’s Office – No Report Canaveral Fire Rescue – No Report 5-17-2016     Cape Canaveral Vision Statement We envision: A bikeable and walkable Cape Canaveral that retains and enhances its residential feel, characterized by low-rise buildings. This residential and business friendly atmosphere is a liveable, attractive, safe, inclusive and sustainable coastal community that embraces the seaside and riverside as the main amenities, and supports local culture, commerce 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 travel calmly to intimate waterfront destinations and a walk- able uptown 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 “uptown” and other areas 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.   Administrative Services Update for Week Ending July 22, 2016 The City Manager’s Office is responsible for the day to day administration of all City departments in accordance with City Council’s established policies/direction, local ordinances, resolutions and State/Federal laws/rules and regulations. Telephone conferences, meetings with citizens, documents prepared/reviewed/approved and meetings/conferences held are numerous and may not be included in the Weekly Updates. Highlights:  Met with Department Directors regarding various projects/issues/initiatives.  Met with Council Member McMillin and Administrative/Financial Services Director regarding Budget.  Attended City Council Budget Workshop/Regular Meeting.  Facilitated Team Staff Meeting.  EA attended Team Staff Meeting.  EA updated Action Tracking.  EA provided assistance to City Council Members and select Department Directors. City Clerk’s Office Staff performed day to day duties/responsibilities and assisted various telephone/walk-in requests from the Public/Staff and provided assistance to City Council. Highlights:  Records Management – 25 pages of documents scanned; 880 pages verified; 16,670 pages of documents transferred from Captaris/Alchemy database to Laserfiche; continued preparing records for offsite scanning and disposition/destruction;  Council Meetings – attended Budget Workshop & Regular Meeting of 7-19-2016; continued preparing for 8-16-2016 Regular Meeting.  Community Redevelopment Agency Board – continued preparing for 8-16-2016 Meeting; attended Florida Redevelopment Association Webinar for End of Year Community Redevelopment Agency Compliance; met with Community Development Director, Administrative/Financial Services Director and Staff regarding upcoming CRA Meeting Agenda items.  Election – Notice of Election ad to run in Florida Today 7-28-16 as per State statute (see attached); the City Qualifying Period begins noon, 8-12-16 through noon, 8-26-16; go to www.votebrevard.com for information regarding Primary and General Elections.  Attended Brevard County City Clerks Association Meeting.  Attended Staff Meeting.  Met with City Manager regarding various items/issues. Financial Services Staff performed day to day duties/responsibilities and assisted various telephone/walk-in requests from the Public. Highlights:  Met with Council Member McMillin and City Manager regarding Budget.  Attended Budget Workshop and City Council Meeting.  Attended monthly Staff Meeting.  Attended Webinar for End of the Year Compliance for Community Redevelopment Agencies. Human Resources/Risk Management Staff performed day to day duties/responsibilities. Highlights:  Legal Update Federal “Ban-the-Box” Law “Ban-the-Box” refers to prohibiting the “common” practice of requiring job applicants to disclose whether or not they have ever been convicted of a crime on their initial application for employment. For many employers, an affirmative response will result in a candidate’s automatic elimination from consideration for employment. “Ban-the-Box” legislation seeks to give individuals convicted of a crime, but otherwise qualified for a position, the opportunity to personally discuss the nature of the offense and number of years since the conviction during the interview process. On November 2, 2015 President Barrack Obama issued Executive Order “banning the box” in federal recruitment. This was seen as the first step towards the introduction of a federal “ban-the- box” law. Clamor for such a law has been growing. This is after numerous US states and cities introduced their own “ban-the-box” laws. The bill, called the “Federal Fair Chance Act (FFCA)” was introduced on September 8, 2015 by Senators Cory Booker (D – N.J) and Ron Johnson (R – Wis). The bill was co-sponsored by a total of 11 senators – both Democrat and Republican. The Federal Fair Chance Act is one of the most widely supported legislations across the political spectrum. There is also a large wave of support from activists including influential associations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the NAACP. The overwhelming support for a federal “ban-the-box” law has many experts anticipating the FFCA to be passed in 2016. Currently, there is not a clear timeline as to when the law will be passed.  HR continues to search for qualified Professional Engineers with Wastewater/Reclamation municipal plant leadership experience for the Public Works Services Director vacancy.  A third highly qualified Plant Operator has been hired on a part-time basis to provide greater flexibility for Staff plant operations scheduling. Our part-time Plant Operator Staff, the majority of which are fully employed by other plants outside the City, share best practices beneficial to the City.  Claim for $1,544.39 was submitted to Insurer Security National Insurance Company for property damages to lighting system incurred 7/8/2016. Full restitution is anticipated.  Participated in Brevard County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) conference call where information regarding Space X launch activity was discussed. The EOC has indicated that the Cities of Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach are located in the “debris field” for said launches. With a significant increase in launch activity anticipated, HR/Risk Management has requested further clarification on what the City can expect. Additionally, issues relating to algae blooms were briefly discussed, with the EOC promising to provide additional information and warnings as needed. The EOC will be conducting an operational orientation workshop August 10, from 1:00-4:00 PM. The City will refer management Staff to the event.  ZIKA UPDATE (NBC News) The Florida Department of Health announced it is conducting an investigation into a possible non-travel related case of Zika virus in Miami-Dade County. The Department is actively conducting an epidemiological investigation, collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and will share additional details as they become available. At this time, state and local officials in Florida are leading the investigation and CDC is closely coordinating with Florida officials. To date, Florida public health officials have confirmed Zika infection through laboratory testing. Total number of confirmed Florida cases of Zika as of July 20, 2016: 326 (43 pregnant women) Please welcome Matt Prendergast assigned to Public Works Services as a part-time Plant Operator. Matt was awarded his Associates Degree from Eastern Florida College and holds Wastewater C, B and A licensures. With over 23 years of Water and Wastewater Plant Operations experience, Matt promises to bring additional resources to an already highly experienced and talented team. In an effort to engage the younger members of our community, Florida Department of Health in Brevard County has asked that we share the following message. Don’t let Florida’s kids be a mosquito snack. Teach them to cover up and Spill the Water! SPILL THE WATER - GENERAL SOCIAL MEDIA MESSAGES TWITTER Keep kids safe from mosquito-borne diseases! Visit #SpilltheWater for info & activities! www.spillthewater.com [attach photo below] Visit #SpillTheWater for a fun way to teach kids how #mosquito bites can make you sick: www.spillthewater.com [attach photo below] Use #SpilltheWater video and activity sheets to teach kids how to protect themselves from mosquito bites. See more: www.spillthewater.com Don’t let Florida’s kids be a #mosquito snack! Teach them to cover up and #SpilltheWater! www.spillthewater.com [attach photo below] Watch this video to find out how you can #SpillTheWater in your neighborhood & prevent #mosquitoes: https://goo.gl/bLI5iQ FACEBOOK Don’t let Florida’s kids be a mosquito snack! Visit www.SpilltheWater.com for ways to teach kids how to protect themselves from mosquito bites this summer. Kids can help prevent the spread of mosquito borne diseases and be super heroes in their community. All they need to do is cover up and #SpilltheWater! Watch this video to learn more: https://goo.gl/bLI5iQ. CITY OF CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA NOTICE OF ELECTION QUALIFYING INFORMATION On Tuesday, November 8, 2016, the City of Cape Canaveral, Florida will hold a General Municipal Election for the purpose of electing two (2) City Council Members. Term of Office – Three (3) years, through November 2019. Qualifications – All candidates shall be qualified electors who are residents of the City of Cape Canaveral for at least one year prior to the date of qualifying to run for City office and registered to vote. Qualifying Period – Friday, August 12, 2016 at 12 noon through Friday, August 26, 2016 at 12 noon. As per Florida State Statute 99.012 no person may qualify as a candidate for more than one public office, no officer may qualify as a candidate for another municipal public office if the terms or any part thereof run concurrently with each other without resigning from the office presently held. The resignation is irrevocable and written resignation must be submitted at least 10 days prior to the first day of qualifying for the office sought. State law requires candidates for municipal office to comply with state regulations and accounting instructions for candidates and committees as set forth in Florida Statutes. Candidates shall file qualifying papers with the City Clerk’s Office. City Hall 105 Polk Avenue (321)868-1220 x220/221 Community Engagement Update for Week Ending July 22, 2016 Community Engagement is primarily responsible for implementation/evaluation of public programs, community meetings, public gatherings and more. Staff attended various meetings, performed day-to-day duties/responsibilities, website maintenance/improvements and performed content sourcing throughout the City for various digital/social media platforms. Other highlights include: Conversations with residents/pedestrians/business owners in regard to:  Stormwater/sewers  City Hall/Polk closure/SCAT bus routes  Lift stations  Trees/Tree City  Loose Rooster  North Atlantic Streetscape Project  Trash cans on the beach Thirteen (13) residents/visitors attended the Tech Talk: How to Use Modern Technology class on July 18, 2016. Attendees brought their own devices (kindle readers, cell phones and tablets). These events are held to assist attendees of all skill levels, and anyone with technology questions is encouraged to attend. Some questions answered during this class were:  What is a network/WI-FI? o How do I connect? o Is public WI-FI safe?  What is Pokemon Go? o How do I play? o What is a Pokemon?  How do I turn off phone notifications?  What is a SIM card?  How do I use a Square device and app?  How do I put “credit” on my phone?  How do I unlock my phone?  How do I change the security settings from swipe to a pin number? The next Tech Talk event will be held on Monday, August 15, 2016 from 5-7 PM at the Canaveral Public Library. For more information, please follow this link: cityofcapecanaveral.org/events In coordination with the Canaveral Public Library, the Community Engagement Department will instruct a basic computer skills crash course for 5 registered students. The first Computer ABCs class will be held on August 1, 2016 from 12:30-1:30 PM at the Canaveral Public Library. Anyone interested in attending these classes should reach out to the Canaveral Public Library by calling (321) 868-1101. The second City of Cape Canaveral wrist band give away was at the Movie in the Park on Saturday, July 15, 2016. This giveaway consisted of 60 wristbands (30 adult/30 children sized). The giveaway was promoted on City social media platforms and included a secret phrase, “The Space Between High-tech + Hightide”. City Staff on hand said the bands were a hit and created lots of smiles. The next wristband giveaway will be at Friday Fest on August 5, 2016. Make sure you connect with the City social media accounts to find out the secret phrase for this event! Designed print collateral/website digital imagery/social media posts for:  Friday Fest! (August 5, 2016)  Summer Camp / NRPA  City signage  3v3 Youth Center banner  Beach & Kite Fest Connect with the City of Cape Canaveral on social media! Facebook – cityofcapecanaveral, 3,267 page likes, +32 Recent post:   Instagram – cityofcapecanaveral, 310 followers, +17  The City broke the 300 follower milestone! Recent posts: Twitter – capecanaveralfl, 324 followers, +12 Recent tweet: Pinterest – capecanaveralfl, 442 inspiring pins, +47 Periscope – capecanaveralfl, 447 hearts Snapchat – capecanaveralfl, 142 score, +3 points, 20 followers, +1 followers MailChimp has 175 subscribers, +3 Social Media Weekly Bests Tag us in photos, tweets and posts to be considered for the social media weekly bests!     Community Development Update for Week Ending July 22, 2016 Staff performed day to day duties/responsibilities and assisted various telephone/walk-in requests from the public, including performing plan reviews, processing permits, conducting inspections, performing site visits, issuing Notices and conducting research. The Building Division conducted 48 inspections; processed nine (9) new building permits; processed 173 new/renewal Business Tax Receipts (BTR’s).  Provided inspections for New City Hall to include pre-pour tie beam.  Attended monthly City Hall progress construction meeting. Code Enforcement performed day-to-day duties/responsibilities, assisted with various requests from the Public and provided office coverage throughout the week. Highlights:  Issued two (2) notices of violation.  Tagged one (1) vehicle to be towed for not having a current tag or expired tag.  Responded to six (6) lien search requests.  Received four (4) new requests for tree removal and three (3) new Tree Removal Applications.  Received 10 new requests giving life-safety issues priority, followed closely by community appearance and property maintenance.  Code Enforcement Officers continue to conduct daily community sweeps for visible violations throughout the City.  Continued to reach out to commercial/residential property owners with non- conforming ground signs in an effort to provide awareness of the upcoming requirement for all existing pole signs to be modified into pylon signs by September 16, 2016.  Sent out eight (8) Code Enforcement Board cancellation notices due to lack of quorum; updated City/Library calendars and posted notices at Library and City Hall.  Issued 41 new building permits.  Processed one (1) re-inspection request.  Reactivated one (1) existing permit.  Responded to 46 voicemails regarding permits and Code Enforcement requests.  Records Management – 246 pages of documents scanned/verified; continued preparing records for disposition/destruction and 3.0 cubic feet prepared for destruction.  Prepared Agenda packet for Planning and Zoning Board meeting on July 27th to include an item related to a Special Exception/Site Plan request for proposed Cumberland Farms project at 8000 Astronaut Blvd.      Prepared Agenda packet for Community Appearance Board meeting on July 28th to include a Level 1 request for proposed Twistee Treat Ice Cream Shop at 8200 Astronaut Blvd.  Attended CRA Webinar and meeting for training/discussion regarding budget amendment. Attention Technology Entrepreneurs! NASA is seeking to gauge your level of interest in a Subtopic Workshop that would allow industry to learn about, ask questions, and comment on topic areas of interest for NASA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program FY 2017 solicitation. The questions and feedback obtained through the workshop may result in refinements to the FY17 SBIR/STTR solicitation, but the primary purpose of this workshop is to inform solicitation development for the FY18 SBIR/STTR solicitation. The Subtopic Workshop is planned for September 12 – 13 at NASA Ames Research Center and via virtual connection. Dates and venue are subject to change based on the level of interest from industry to participate in this workshop. This workshop will provide small businesses with a great opportunity to interact with SBIR/STTR program experts, NASA mission directorate representatives, and technologists! To view additional details and submit your indication of interest, please visit: NASA SBIR/STTR Sub-Topic Workshop Indication of interest must be submitted by no later than July 27, 2016. Thank you, NASA SBIR/STTR Program Office SpaceCoastEDC.org • 597 Haverty Court, Suite 40 • Rockledge, FL 32955 • p (321) 638.2000 • tf (800) 535.0203 Culture and Leisure Services Update for Week Ending July 22, 2016 Staff performed day to day duties/responsibilities and assisted various telephone/walk-in requests from the public. Director Meetings  City Council  City Manager  City Engineer  Banana River Park Bocce / Golf Contractor  Air Conditioning Company  Community Input Meeting for Manatee Sanctuary Park  Interim Public Works Services Director Summer Food Program – Did you know that there is a free lunch available to any child under 18 years old at the Cape Canaveral Youth Center on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays? Share the word if you know anyone who might benefit from this great program. Summer Camp Monday morning campers enjoyed a presentation from the nutrition extension of the University of Florida completing a healthy workbook and watching a movie on healthy foods and exercise. In the afternoon kids headed to the bowling alley for the last round of bowling for the summer. Some campers reached triple digits with their scores and were so happy when they finished. Tuesday’s weekly movie theater trip had the kids super thrilled to see Hotel Transylvania 2. On Wednesday campers enjoyed a few rounds of jump the river; an activity where players must jump over a river that is filled with alligators and snakes. As a round of players makes it through, the river grows wider. If a player falls in the “river”, they are out and can cheer on the other players until only one is left standing. In the afternoon campers walked to the library for show by magician John Anderson. The day was capped by a craft where kids made their own wooden surfboards. On Thursday morning campers participated in a scavenger hunt throughout the Youth Center, Canaveral City Park and Sandpiper Park. Camp counselors prepared a list of items and clues for teams to figure out and try to complete quickly so they could move onto the next hint. Thursday afternoon ended with a pool party at the Cocoa Beach Aquatic Center. Campers thoroughly enjoyed playing on the diving board, water slide, splash zone and kids area. On Friday kids enjoyed some free time before heading to the library for a craft and game. The ultimate award, “Camper of the Week”, was awarded Friday afternoon to the camper who demonstrated exceptional skills in the special area of behavior and leadership throughout the week. Athletic Leagues Monday morning mixed doubles completed the first week of play. Wednesday and Thursday intermediate tennis is off to a very strong start with new players enjoying the friendly competition. Wednesday night advanced racquetball has one player in the lead with a perfect 3-0 start. Wednesday night kickball completed the championship with GTR becoming the new league champions. Monday night advanced tennis will resume July 25. Banana River Park Phase II / III– Phase II of this project continues on schedule. Ribbon curbs have been poured, sub surface material is being applied and compacted with asphalting expected to commence the week of August 2nd. The layouts / locations for the synthetic putting green, bocce courts and shade shelter have been demarked and work is expected to commence the week of August 25th. Farmers Market Due to lack of a produce vendor, the Farmers Market will resume in September. The contractor in charge of the Market has a new produce vendor who could not start vending products until then. Public Works Services Update for Week Ending July 22, 2016 Staff performed day to day duties/responsibilities and assisted various telephone/walk-in requests from the public. Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP)/Sanitary Sewer System  Oxidation Ditch Rehabilitation. Bids were received/opened on June 30; Staff requested additional information from the three lowest bidders. Contractor recommendation will be made to City Council at the August 16th meeting. This is one of the projects funded through the City’s State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan.  Force Main Leak/Repair. Force Main #3, located at the western end of Columbia Drive, experienced a significant leak the morning of July 21. A summary of the site activities to repair the Force Main (through the afternoon of July 21) is as follows: o At approximately 9:15 am, the City was notified of a sewer line break near the western end of Columbia Drive; o PWS Staff immediately attended to the situation and determined that a break had occurred in the force main; o An emergency contractor was dispatched and arrived by 10:30 am; o An assessment was made/contractor assembled a crew/necessary parts on-scene by approximately noon; repair work completed by 4:00 pm with normal service restored. o The break was under the roadway and a repair was initiated to include a vacuum truck to remove as much effluent as possible from the storm drain where flow had entered; and o Staff is currently focused on restoring service and minimizing impacts to the Banana River Lagoon. Stormwater  Canaveral City Park Ex-filtration Project. Pre-construction meeting with selected contractor (Villages Construction, Inc.) was held on July 13. Anticipated Project start date is August 1. Staff is currently preparing other initial documents per grant requirements. Project is being funded with two grants from (1) Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and (2) State Legislature funds as well as funds from the City’s CRA.  Annual Stormwater Permit Report. Staff is currently preparing the Year 3 Annual Report for submittal to FDEP.  Manatee Sanctuary and Banana River Parks Shoreline Restoration Project. Staff continues to prepare the Grant Work Plan and other preliminary Project documentation. Grant funds (EPA 319 Grant) from FDEP are not available until October 1, 2016. Aerial photographs of both Parks showing the shoreline areas to be “armored” are attached. Infrastructure Maintenance (IM)  North Atlantic Avenue Streetscape Project. Pedway construction on the western side of the street continues along North Atlantic Avenue. Contractor will install a French drain in front of the Villages of Seaport property the week of July 25. Due to utilities being present at shallow depths along the western side of the street, the pedway will be constructed with six-inch thick concrete in lieu of asphalt. Maintenance of traffic (MOT) includes closure of one lane on North Atlantic Avenue during working hours; flagmen are utilized to direct traffic. All roads will be open after working hours. Estimated time of construction is eight months (early-October 2016 completion date). NOTE: All businesses in the North Atlantic Avenue corridor will remain open during construction activities. In addition, Florida City Gas Company is performing construction tasks in the vicinity of the intersection with SR A1A which will require temporary lane closures. New pedway construction on North Atlantic Avenue – looking north. Miscellaneous  Estuary Rehabilitation Grant. Staff is working with US Army Corps of Engineers to finalize documents for this Project on the 7.9-acre, City-owned property located at the western end of Long Point Road. The scope of work includes clear-cutting all Brazilian pepper trees and replanting with native vegetation. The Grant is a 65% - 35% match with an initial budget of $306,420; remaining Project budget is approximately $250,000. To save costs, the City will prepare the bid specifications/drawings. Aerial photograph showing City-owned property at the western end of Long Point Road.