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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWeekly Update 02-27-15 Weekly Update Week Ending February 27, 2015 Cape Canaveral VISION Statement Administrative Services Community Development Economic Development Leisure Services Public Works Services Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Canaveral Fire Rescue 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. Administrative Services Update for Week Ending February 27, 2015 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 City Engineer, Economic Development Director, Community Development Director and Public Works Services Director regarding the draft Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan. • Met with Mayor Pro Tem Hoog regarding various City initiatives. • Executive Assistant provided two days of counter coverage in City Clerk’s Office during lunch hour in absence of City Clerk. • Executive Assistant received/time-stamped five sealed bids for construction of 2.5 Million Gallon Reclaimed Storage Tank & WRF Filter Press Addition and delivered to Public Works Services for opening in absence of City Clerk and Deputy City Clerk. • Executive Assistant 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 and the City Manager’s Office. Highlights: • 3332 pages of documents scanned/verified. • Council Meetings – continued preparation of Agenda/Packet for Regular City Council Meeting of 3/17/2015. • Performed a/v equipment breakdown/setup at Library in preparation for Friends of the Library Book/DVD/VHS sale and Board of Adjustment Meeting being held in the main Library. • Request for Bids – continued to answer/forward inquiries to Public Works Services regarding: o #2015-01 - 2.5 Million Gallon Reclaimed Storage Tank and WRF Filter Press Addition – Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting was 1/29/2015 at 10 a.m.; Sealed Bid deadline was 2/24/2015 at 2 p.m. o #2015-05 - Lift Station Nos. 6 & 7 Improvements – Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting was 1/29/2015 at 2 p.m.; No Sealed Bids were received by deadline of 2/24/2015 at 2 p.m. o #2015-06 – N. Atlantic Ave. Streetscape Improvements – Publication of Notice of Bid advertisement 2/20/2015; Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting will be 3/3/2015 at 2 p.m.; Sealed Bid deadline is 3/24/2015 at 2 p.m. • Team Sun, Space and Sea prepared to participate in the Relay for Life Central Brevard Beaches Yard Sale on Saturday, 2/28/2015 from 8 a.m. to Noon in Cocoa Beach (see flyer). Financial Services Staff performed day to day duties/responsibilities and assisted various telephone/walk-in requests from the Public. Highlights: • Completed Monthly Financials for January 2015 (attached). • Met with James Moore & Co., P.L. (City’s auditor) to finalize financial statements for the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report ending September 30, 2014. • Met with City Manager, Community Development Director, Economic Development Director and Public Works Services Director to discuss plans going forward regarding rehabilitation of the City’s Lift Stations. • Finalized March Training Schedule with Springbrook for Implementation of Code and Contact Management. Human Resources/Risk Management Staff performed day to day duties/responsibilities and assisted various telephone/walk-in requests from the public. Highlights: • No Report – HR Director was out of office. 8am - 12pm SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2015 Executive Tower and Plaza 813 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 (parking lot at the corner of A1A and Cocoa Isles) City of Cape Canaveral - Team Sun, Space & Sea ON BEHALF OF Relay For Life of Central Brevard Beaches Saturday, April 11, 2015 - 3:00PM Exploration Tower Grounds at Port Canaveral   Community Development Update for Week Ending February 27, 2015 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. • Along with Economic Development Staff, met with Homewood Suites developer to discuss status of the project. Construction is on schedule. • Met with property owner and contractor to discuss redevelopment of 350 Monroe Avenue. Project would include demolition of the existing structure and construction of new townhouse units. • Met with City Manager and Staff to discuss the draft pedestrian/bicycle master plan. Staff will be preparing needed materials to formalize the plan and to identify cost estimates for top priority projects. • Met with attorney for property owner of 7521 Magnolia to discuss redevelopment of the property. • Participated in Staff training related to the City’s concurrency ordinance and outdoor entertainment events permit. • Met with City Manager to discuss the current 911 agreement with Brevard County. It is expiring and it needs to be determined what, if any, revisions need to occur to make the current agreement more workable. • Conducted Board of Adjustment meeting where Special Exception 2015-01was denied by a vote of 5-1; the request was for the construction of a Cumberland Farms convenience store at 6455 N. Atlantic Avenue. Economic Development Update for Week Ending February 27, 2015 Performed day to day duties/responsibilities, conducted various meetings with business stakeholders, potential investors, citizens, realtors and Staff. Performed site visits and conducted research as necessary. • Met with City Manager, Public Works Services Director and Community Development Director regarding implementation of the draft “Cape Canaveral Pedestrian and Cycling Plan”. The Plan will enhance the City as a walkable/bikeable location and furthers its Visioning agenda related to “Complete Streets” and safe pedestrian crossings that invite pedestrians and bicyclists to access many of the City’s amenities. Future communication with FDOT, both directly and through a revised City Council Resolution, will be reflective of this emphasis. • Met with a commercial property owner regarding the upcoming phase of his redevelopment plan in the Economic Opportunity Overlay District (EOOD). This next phase will encompass a mix of restaurant and retail components while removing an underutilized use. A site plan is anticipated in the near future. • Spoke with a commercial property owner regarding a potential redevelopment project which would transform an older building and storage yard into a more visually appealing and economically sound multi-use property in the EOOD. • Met with Community Development Director, Building Official and Project Development Team for the Homewood Suites by Hilton, currently under construction. The project is proceeding on schedule. The second floor elevated slab should be in place within two weeks. The building is expected to be “topped-out” in July. • The Branding contract with Prismatic has been extended in order to intensify the focus on community engagement. The survey will be kept open until March 20th. Local outreach programs will be increased with additional Blackboard Connect messages, representation at upcoming community events (Friday Fest, Movie in the Park, etc.) and other available resources such as direct emails to businesses and various Associations’ contacts. If you have not yet taken the short survey, please go to www.mycapecan.com and click on the survey link. It is a rare opportunity to shape the message our City sends to the world. • Continued implementation of departmental restructuring. Activities included: Meetings with Community Development Director and Building Official on various projects/issues as well as ongoing new employee training on Concurrency and Outdoor Entertainment Procedures. • Attached are the following: o Q1 release of EDC’s latest news and information from Washington, D.C. affecting Space Coast Businesses. o EDC’s Press Release showing Brevard County’s current ranking on the list of areas with the greatest share of Advanced Industries Employment. o January 2015 MLS Statistics. Vol.3 | No.1 | 1st Quarter 2015 FY 2016 President’s Budget Request – The President’s Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2016 was delivered to Congress on February 2nd, the first time in five years, the Obama administration released its budget proposal for the upcoming year by the statutory deadline. Meeting the February 2nd deadline will allow Congress more time to complete the budget and appropriations process. The budget includes $534.3 billion for the base defense spending and an additional $50.9 billion for overseas contingency operations. The $534 billion for base spending exceeds by $35 billion the Budget Control Act (BCA) sequestration cap which will automatically return in 2016 unless Congress acts to repel the BCA or provide further mitigation. The budget request for non-defense discretionary spending is also in excess of sequestration levels. There is support on both sides for eliminating sequester cuts for defense, but no agreement on how to pay for the increased defense spending. The President outlined his plan to increase revenues in the State of the Union address, while congressional Republicans favor further cuts to non-defense discretionary spending. Range Communications Facility Military Construction – The President’s Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2016 includes $21 million for the Range Communications Facility Military Construction project at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. This mission critical project replaces the existing dilapidated Range Communications building (often referred to as the XY Building) with a state of the art facility. The Range Communications Facility has long been the top military construction priority for the 45th Space Wing and Air Force Space command for several years. The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast has advocated on behalf of the project to our congressional delegation and at the Pentagon. In July 2014, the EDC spearheaded an effort to have a Florida Congressional Delegation letter sent to Secretary of Defense Hagel reminding him of the importance of space infrastructure to not only national defense but also to our economic security. Likewise a bipartisan group of 17 Members of the House of Representatives from Florida led by Congressman Bill Posey sent a similar letter to Secretary Hagel. The joining of this bipartisan group was a direct result of the EDC’s efforts to bring together the delegation through meetings with the Chiefs of Staff. The current building was originally constructed in 1957 and has had seven additions since 1970. It has numerous structural deficiencies, requires 11 separate HVAC units, and fails to meet Antiterrorism/Force Protection Standards. When completed, this project will provide a modern, efficient facility to support space launches from the Eastern Range. The Air Force budget documentation projects a start date for construction of March 2016 with completion in November 2017. The project also entails a significant investment in equipment. The budget projection calls for $134 million in equipment funding over fiscal years 2017-2020. The EDC will continue to interface with our delegation and communicate the critical need for this project to move forward. We will advocate to our Congressional Delegation that they support the project to ensure that it is authorized and funded as part of the FY 2016 Defense Authorization Bill and Military Construction Appropriations Bill. Air Crew Life Support Facility Military Construction – The Budget Request also includes a $3.4 million Air Crew Life Support Facility project for Patrick Air Force Base. The project will construct an addition to an existing building to provide the 920th Rescue Wing with a suitable space for parachute packing and aircrew flight equipment. Parachute packing is currently performed in a hangar lacking temperature and humidity controls, which risks allowing moisture into the parachutes impairing their ability to effectively deploy. Construction is scheduled to begin in October 2016 and complete in October 2018. This information is provided by Madison Government Affairs, a Washington, D.C.-based full-service government relations firm which has provided federal representation and strategic consulting to the Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast since 2004. 597 Haverty Court, Suite 40, Rockledge, FL 32955 | (321) 638-2000 | www.SpaceCoastEDC.org Page 1 of 2 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Trudy McCarthy, Senior Director of Operations (321) 638-2000 TMcCarthy@SpaceCoastEDC.org Brevard named top ten Advanced Industry Region High concentration of high technology, engineering workforce positions Space Coast at #7 Brevard County, Fla. (February 24, 2015) – In a recently released Brookings Institute report focused on the next generation workforce, Brevard County took the #7 spot on the list of metropolitans with the greatest share of Advanced Industries employment. The Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville metro was listed in impressive company with heavy technology hitters like San Jose, Seattle, San Francisco and it beat out Boston, Houston and San Diego to round out the top ten. In the Brookings report, America’s Advanced Industries: What They Are, Where They Are, and Why They Matter, the Advanced Industries sector is noted as encompassing 50 industries ranging from manufacturing such as automotive and aerospace to high-tech services such as computer software and computer system design. It’s also deeply engrained with technology research and development (R&D) and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) areas where Brevard maintains a strong foothold. “Advanced industries power our national and regional economies, but their preeminence is in no way assured — and in fact it’s challenged,” said Mark Muro, Brookings senior fellow and director of policy at the Metropolitan Policy Program. “America’s advanced industries are going to be critical to restoring broad-based prosperity in U.S. regions and in the nation. We should work hard and in new ways to enlarge them and increase their vitality.” The fifty industries within this sector directly employ 12.2 million Americans and, factoring in both direct and indirect employment, supports over one-quarter of all U.S. jobs. The average advanced industry worker earns nearly twice as much as the average worker in other industries — nearly $90,000. In Brevard County, Advanced Industries employ nearly 26,570 workers and contribute $3.9B in economic expenditures. “Being measured against the largest metropolitan areas in the country is a recognition that solidifies the effort and focus we have placed on growing a stronger, more competitive Advanced Industries sector,” said Lynda Weatherman, president and chief executive officer, Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast. “Even today, the skill sets required for these STEM related jobs continue to evolve which is why we continue to partner with higher education institutions, public schools and even industry to grow awareness of careers in this growing sector.” 597 Haverty Court, Suite 40, Rockledge, FL 32955 | (321) 638-2000 | www.SpaceCoastEDC.org Page 2 of 2 With a high technology focus and high concentration of innovative workforce, the Space Coast is routinely included in a number of rankings and lists focusing on high tech talent including recent recognition from Forbes Magazine, the Milken Institute, Area Development Magazine and more. “The Space Coast’s innovation stock is rising, and is rivaling some of the bigger cities in the nation for the top spot of technologically-advanced locations,” said Dr. Abram Walton, EDC Innovation Council Chair and Associate Professor - College of Business at the Florida Institute of Technology. “This ranking, combined with the additional attention we have received from similar studies, are combining to make the region a leading choice for companies in search of and looking to relocate to an area with an advanced workforce and flourishing industrial base.” ### About the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast is dedicated to attracting new business and investment and expanding existing industry throughout the Space Coast, influencing change on government laws and regulations affecting economic development, promoting the Space Coast to encourage new investment, supporting efforts of Space Coast military installations, and relaying new programs and procedures to assist manufacturing and high tech companies. The EDC is a private, not-for-profit coalition whose stakeholders are business leaders committed to the economic growth and stability of Florida’s Space Coast. Visit www.SpaceCoastEDC.org. January 2015 MLS Statistics Courtesy of Florida Realtors®' Industry Data and Analysis Team This member update is brought to you by the Space Coast Association of REALTORS® as a service to our members. Feel free to contact us with any real estate questions you might have. We have years of experience, and we are here to assist you. Leah Selig,CEO MLS Statistics - January 2015 You will find monthly, quarterly and yearly reports of Brevard County Sales, detailed by Single Family Homes and Townhouses/Condos, on our website at www.Space321.com. Use the link at the bottom of this report to access them. As well, there are also Yearly Distressed Market Summaries for both types of properties. A quick recap of the Brevard County Residential Report for January 2015 compared to January 2014: • Closed Sales are up 8.1% for January 2015 in which the number of units closed were 611 compared to 565 in January 2014, with a decrease in cash sales by -10.2% compared to January 2014. • New Pending Sales are up 8.2% and New Listings are up 16.0%. • Median Sales Price for Brevard County Single Family Homes are up 13.0% to $140,000 compared to a year ago, which was $123,900. • Median Days on the Market are down -10.9%, which is 41 days compared to 46 in January 2014. • Months Supply of Inventory is down -18.5% to 3.4 months compared to 4.2 months in January 2014. • Traditional Sales are up 20.3%, with a median sales price of $166,454. • Foreclosure/REO Sales are down -7.8%, with a median sales price of $86,000. • Short Sale Closings are down -35.9%, with a median sale price of $104,000. A quick recap of the Brevard County Townhouses/Condos Report for January 2015 compared to January 2014: • Closed Sales are down -4.6% for January 2015 in which the number of units closed were 166 compared to 174 in January 2014, with a decrease in cash sales of 8.2% compared to January 2014. • New Pending Sales are up 31.3% and New Listings are up 2.5%. • The Median Sales Price for Townhouses/Condos is up 17.5% to $116,000 compared to a year ago, which was $98,750. • Median Days on the Market are down -9.1%, which is 40 days compared to January 2014, which was 44 days. • Months Supply of Inventory is down -26.3%, which is 4.6 months compared to January 2014, which was 6.2 months. • Traditional Sales are up 6.3%, with a median sales price of $128,000. • Foreclosure/REO Sales are down -37.5%, with a median sales price of $60,101. • Short Sale Closings are down -12.5%, with a median sale price of $85,000. Leisure Services Update for Week Ending February 27, 2015 Staff performed day to day duties/responsibilities and assisted various telephone/walk-in requests from the public. Director Meetings • Library Director • Public Works Services Deputy Director Athletic Leagues Advanced Monday tennis completed the championship match and is ready to start a new season next Monday. Monday night kickball league was cancelled due to an FPL issue and will make up the game next week. Wednesday intermediate tennis continued its ongoing season; the undefeated leader is dominating the league at 76 years young. Everyone was excited on opening night of the Wednesday night kickball league with seven teams participating. Wednesday advanced racquetball started a new league with 14 players ready for the competitive season. Thursday’s intermediate tennis league completed the second week of the season. A captains meeting was held for Thursday night softball and six teams will start the league next week. Special Events Friends of the Library Media Sale Friends of the Cape Canaveral Library will be having a huge VHS, DVD & CD sale on Friday, February 27 and Saturday, February 28 during regular library hours. This will be the last time that VHS tapes will be available for sale. Farmers Market The Farmers Market continues to grow thanks to the new day and location. The event organizer has been made aware that as the event grows, the City’s intent is to maintain the highest standards in terms of aesthetics, safety and caliber of vendors. Everyone is invited to enjoy the fresh produce, baked goods and handmade arts and crafts made by local artists. See you Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in front of City Hall. Go to www.brevardfarmersmarkets.com; for a virtual tour click: Cape Canaveral Farmers Market Promo. Space Coast Little League Opening Day Ceremony Everyone is cordially invited to Canaveral City Park, Saturday, February 28th at 10 a.m. to enjoy the Space Coast Little League Opening Day Ceremony. Please see attached flyer for event information. Public Works Services Update for Week Ending February 27, 2015 Staff performed day to day duties/responsibilities and assisted various telephone/walk-in requests from the public. Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP)/Sanitary Sewer System • WWTP Building Refurbishment. Staff is performing various in-house duties (i.e., reorganizing storage buildings, moving equipment, painting, etc.) to complete this Project. A “walk-through” of the Building is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4; Department Directors and City Council Members are welcome to visit PWS any time during normal working hours. • Public Bids. Five sealed bids were received on February 24 for the 2.5 Million Gallon Reclaimed Storage Tank and WRF Filter Press Addition Project (State Revolving Fund [SRF] Project). Bids are currently being reviewed. No bids were received on February 24 for the Lift Station Nos. 6 (Imperial Boulevard) and 7 (Thurm Boulevard) Improvements Project. The Project is currently being reviewed to determine a future course of action. Infrastructure Maintenance (IM) • North Atlantic Avenue Streetscape Project. Project was advertised for public bids on February 20; sealed bids are due on March 24. • Beach Crossover Closure. The Jackson Avenue beach crossover is closed for repairs until March 6, 2015. The general public should avoid this area and use another beach crossover during these construction activities. • Florida Power & Light (FPL) Utility Pole Replacements. Between March 2 and December 31, 2015, FPL will be replacing over 70 utility poles at the locations listed below. This is part of FPL’s infrastructure hardening program: o West Central Boulevard between North Atlantic Avenue and SR A1A; o Rosalind Avenue between Washington Avenue and Chandler Street; o Washington Avenue between Ridgewood Avenue and North Atlantic Avenue; o Ridgewood Avenue between East Central Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue; o East Central Boulevard between North Atlantic Avenue and Ridgewood Avenue; and o North Atlantic Avenue between George King Boulevard and East Central Boulevard. Maintenance of traffic (MOT) will be arranged by FPL; temporary road closures will be in effect. Pedestrians and vehicular traffic should avoid these areas if possible during the construction activities. Meetings Attended/Scheduled • Contractors • City Manager • Finance Director • City Engineer • HR Director • Economic Development Director • Community Development Director Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Cape Canaveral Precinct Update for Week Ending February 27, 2015 Patrol Division Weekly Statistics February 19 thru February 25, 2015 Type Weekly Total Total Calls for Service 562 Case Reports Written 26 Case Reports Closed 15 Arrests Made 2 Felony Charges 1 Misdemeanor Charges 2 Traffic Citations Issued 5 Traffic Warnings Issued 35 Front Desk Weekly Statistics February 19 thru February 25, 2015 Type Weekly Total Phone Calls Answered 134 Walk-ups Assisted 85 Fingerprint Cards Completed 46 Notary Assistance for Citizens 16 Case Reports Processed 15 Citations/Warnings Processed 40 Citizen On Patrol Weekly Statistics February 19 thru February 25, 2015 Type Weekly Total Patrol Hours Completed 50 Special Detail & Meeting Hours 2 Training & Office Hours 4 Miles Driven 703 Calls Initiated 17 Total Volunteer Hours 56 Page 1 of 1 CANAVERAL FIRE RESCUE Serving the city of Cape Canaveral & Canaveral Port Authority Update for Week Ending February 27, 2015 1. Approximately 350 Citizens attended the Fire House 53 Open House. The Public was truly impressed with the Facility. CFR would again like to thank the Citizens, Council and City Staff for making this a reality. 2. Emergency Management training G-775 at Brevard E.M. 3. Volunteer training Wednesday evening. 4. Testing of 7 1/4 inch hose complete. 5. Staffing meeting for upcoming Thunder on the Beach Boat Races. 6. Payroll processed and transmitted. 7. All vehicle Mobile Data Terminals updated. 8. Prevention conducted 14 annual and 13 follow up inspections. 6 Public assists for information. Station #1: 190 Jackson Avenue •Cape Canaveral, Florida 32920 • (321) 783-4777 • Fax: (321) 783-5398 Station #2: 8970 Columbia Road •Cape Canaveral, Florida 32920 • (321) 783-4424 • Fax: (321) 783-4887