INDIALANTIC
                RECORD OCTOBER2000

GENERAL ELECTION
TOWN OF INDIALANTIC
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA
NOVEMBER 7, 2000

Mayor                                                                          Vote for One
 ROBERT L. COCHRAN, JR.                                                  +        
 JOEL I. ROSENBLATT                                                           +

CHARTER AMENDMENTS

 No. 1
CREATING OFFICE OF TOWN CLERK
SECTIONS 2.10 AND 4.06, TOWN CHARTER

Shall the office of Town Clerk be created to keep records of all ordinances and resolutions, to authenticate certain documents, to keep a journal of council proceedings, to perform duties as directed by the town manager, to appoint deputy clerks, to perform as town manager in the absence of the manager, to process referendum petitions, and to perform such other duties as may be prescribed by ordinance?       
                          YES (for approval)               +
                          NO (for rejection)                 +

No. 2
CIVIL SERVICE
SECTION 4.05, TOWN CHARTER

In an effort to permit the Town to have flexibility in collective bargaining with its employees and to allow the employee greater flexibility in addressing proposed disciplinary action, this amendment will permit, rather than require, the Town Council to provide civil service and will permit, rather than require, that the system provide an appeal of employee discipline by the Town Manager.                  
                                 YES (for approval)                 +
                                 NO (for rejection)                 +

No. 3

THREE YEAR TERM OF OFFICE
SECTIONS 2.03 AND 2.05, TOWN CHARTER

Commencing with the Mayor and Councilmembers elected on November 7, 2000, shall the term of the Mayor and Councilmembers be changed from two years to three years?
                                    YES (for approval)               +
                                    NO (for rejection)                 +

PROPOSITION “A”
PROPERTY FOR RIGHT TURN LANE;
FIFTH AVENUE AT RIVERSIDE DRIVE EASTBOUND

1,068 square feet of Town property along the South right-of-way of Fifth Avenue at Douglas Park and Riverside Place valued at $7,000 is proposed to be conveyed to the Department of Transportation and used for a right turn lane onto Riverside Drive from Fifth Avenue Eastbound.                           
                              YES (for approval)               +
                               NO (for rejection)                 +

ELECTION 2000

 The General Election will be held Tuesday, November 7, 2000.  Indialantic voters will be asked to elect a Mayor.  Deputy Mayor Mike Fischer, Seat 2, and Councilman Vic Kostro, Seat 4, are unopposed.

 Three referendum issues proposing changes to the Town Charter also appear on the ballot.  In addition, Proposition A, allowing the Town to convey Town property to the Department of Transportation for a right turn lane, requires voter approval.

 All electors of the Town vote at Precinct 50 located at the Eastminster Presbyterian Church on North Riverside Drive. The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

 PLEASE VOTE!

 

 

Trees - Trees - Trees

One hundred and thirty seven palm trees will be making their way to Indialantic for placement in support of the US-192 and SR-A1A corridors.  The Town Council has secured a $10,000 grant from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services that will be matched with $10,000 in Town funds for the planting of these trees.

 Thirty two trees are planned for the Melbourne Causeway median immediately east of the Ernest Kouwen-Hoven bridge.  Due to FDOT safety requirements trees cannot be planted the entire length of the causeway median.  However, approximately forty five trees will be placed in clusters along the causeway’s northern section.

 Additional trees will be planted on the west side of N. Riverside Place connecting Fifth Avenue with Riverside Park.  Trees will also be placed along the west side of Nance Park next to A1A.

 The Urban and Community Forestry grant will fund a combination of Washingtonian and Cabbage palm trees.

 

GENERAL FUND
BUDGET SUMMARY

FISCAL YEAR 2000-2001 BUDGET

 

 

On September 26, 2000 the Town Council adopted its FY 00-01 General Fund Budget in the amount of $2,591,256 and a total budget of $3,210,542.  The millage rate was adopted at 4.8451 which is the rate approved for FY 99-00.

Within its framework, the budget provides for street and drainage projects, 2 laptop computers for the Police Department to enable officers to prepare reports in the field, replacement of 6 analogue radios with digital radios for the Fire Department, replacement of light bars on 3 patrol cars, purchase of a SUV for the Police Department, and a renewal and replacement fund for vehicles, equipment and building repairs.  Money is also allocated as matching funds for three grants and to accommodate pay increases based on the new pay scale recently approved by the Council.

Many thanks to the members of the Budget and Finance Committee for their direction and input in formulating this budget.

Copies of the budget are available for public review in the Town Clerk’s office at Town Hall.

CANDIDATES FOR MAYOR

  ROBERT COCHRAN, JR

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your Mayor.  As someone who understands the construction and development community I am proud of my efforts to preserve the Florida Scrub Jay and its habitat, protect the manatee, and fight high rise construction.

 Together we have been able to work toward a more attractive community with an increased emphasis on code enforcement, a new vendor to maintain certain right-of-ways and parks and an increased emphasis on the planting of trees.

 Together we have improved our streets and implemented stormwater/drainage improvements.

 Together we have been able to ensure high quality police services and fire services, instill private sector confidence in the Town so that they will invest in constructing new buildings and improving existing buildings, rally from major storm damage, secure outside funds to improve the Town, maintain a reserve to help the Town recover from a natural disaster, and do this without a tax increase.

 I appreciate having had the opportunity to serve this community as your Mayor, Councilmember, and member of the Zoning and Planning Board.  However, the job isn’t done yet.

 Together we can continue the commitment by re-electing a Mayor with experience and enthusiasm.  Please continue the trend.

 JOEL I. ROSENBLATT

 As a candidate for Mayor, I am committed to protection of our residential zoning, sound fiscal management, improved oversight of Town operations and equal treatment of all residents before Town Boards with consistent application of Code Enforcement Procedures. 

 These goals can be accomplished through the establishment of a more open Council agenda. Requiring an “impact report” to accompany legislative initiatives together with solicitation of opinions from those likely to be affected will provide a public forum reflective of the public trust that remains the Council’s primary responsibility.

 Establishment of operating procedures for Town business and regulatory functions that must be accountable is essential. A commitment to cooperation with the business community and a stable commercial taxing base will enhance the Town’s fiscal viability.

 As a commercial attorney with a Masters in Business Administration, I am qualified to provide a leadership that will uphold the intent of our ordinances and protect our community, while providing the necessary accommodation that will continue to protect our residential property values.

 I am an independent candidate with no affiliation to any person or organization.  My goal is to serve the residents of Indialantic in a spirit of open communication and cooperation among all Council members.

CANDIDATES FOR COUNCIL SEATS 2 AND 4 UNOPPOSED

 Mike Fischer (Seat 2) and Vic Kostro (Seat 4) will retain their positions on the Town Council.  Both seats are now uncontested.  Rick Bertel and John B. MacNeill had earlier qualified for Seat 4, but both withdrew their candidacy placing their support behind incumbent Vic Kostro.

  The Council originally appointed Mr. Kostro in April 2000 to finish out the term of Deputy Mayor Lisa Frazier who moved with her family out of state.  Mr. Bertel and Mr. MacNeill will continue serving the Town as members of the Zoning and Planning Board

 

POLICE BEAT

Several months ago Chief Geiger was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer rarely seen in adults.  Fortunately, the cancer was discovered in its early stages and does not appear to have spread from a localized area on his hip.  The treatment protocol for this cancer involves approximately seven months of both chemotherapy and radiation, culminating in a complete bone marrow transplant and an operation to remove the affected portion of his hipbone.  I would like to thank everyone who donated so generously of time, money and energy in order to ensure the success of the various benefits held to help ease the financial burden on Jesse and his family.  For those of you who were unable to participate or who are hearing about this for the first time, donations can still be made at the Indialantic Police Department or at the Bank of American, Fifth Avenue, in the name of “Chief Jesse V. Geiger Family Trust Fund.”  I have been in frequent contact with Jesse and can tell you that he is both humbled and sincerely appreciative of the outpouring of community support that has occurred on his behalf.

 

I am pleased to report that we have been personally notified by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement that for the first six months of 2000 Indialantic is showing a significant decrease in reported criminal activity compared with the same period in 1999.  Please join me in thanking all of the men and women of the Police Department who work so hard every day to make our community as safe as possible for all of our residents, business owners and visitors.  In order to continue this positive trend we must remain vigilant in our resolve to maintain a strong interactive relationship between the citizens and the police department.  Please remember that we have various programs available such as Crime Watch, home and business security checks and the Police Explorers. These programs can only be successful with your participation.

 

Thank you for your continuing support.

Lt. Troy Morris, Acting Chief of Police

 

Public Works Update
Ron Cassedy

 DID YOU KNOW:

For safety reasons, Indialantic Code Section 17-97 requires that there be no obstruction to vision between the height of three feet and nine feet in a site triangle formed by measuring a distance of 50 feet from both intersecting streets. 

 If you live on or own property on a corner lot, please ensure that trees, bushes, shrubs, etc. are properly trimmed to meet this requirement.  Thank your for your cooperation.

 

Building Code Corner

Thank you for the warm welcome as your Building Official/Code Enforcement Officer.

 As a reminder:  numbering for businesses and residences per Town Code, Section 13-9:

 The house number of every residence and commercial establishment shall be prominently displayed on the face of the building, or on the mailbox or other structure near the street.  The numbers shall not be more than seventy five (75) feet from the property line, and shall be clearly visible from the street.

 Numbers may be numerals or script, and shall be in contrast with the color of the immediate background on which they are mounted.  The numbers shall be at least two and one-half (2 ½) inches in height for residences and three and one-half (3 ½) inches in height for commercial premises.

 Should you have any questions in regard to the code, please don’t hesitate to call me at 727-3377.

 Stanley Krulikowski, Building Official/Code Enforcement

FIRE FACTS

As the time change approaches, Indialantic Fire Rescue reminds residents to make another change that could save their lives – changing the batteries in their smoke alarms.

 Although 92% of American homes have smoke alarms, nearly 1/3  don’t work.  The most commonly cited cause of non-working smoke alarms: worn or missing batteries.

Changing smoke alarm batteries once a year is one of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce tragic deaths and injuries.  In addition, use the “extra” hour they save to vacuum your smoke alarms to ensure their sensitivity, test your alarms by pushing the test button, planning “two ways out” of your home in case of fire and practicing those escape routes with the entire family.

 Install at least one smoke detector on every level of your home and one in every bedroom.

 A couple of other simple changes that could save your life:

q        Change your flashlight batteries – use high-quality alkaline batteries.  Keep a working flashlight near your bed, in the kitchen and family room and use it to signal for help in the event of a fire.

q        Install a fire extinguisher in or near your kitchen and know how to use it.

 If you need a smoke alarm, batteries or need to know how to operate your fire extinguisher, please call your fire station at 723-0366.  We can help.

 Tom Barker, Fire Chief

 

 

Household Hazardous Waste Roundup

Homeowners will have the opportunity to turn in unwanted pesticides, pool chemicals, fluorescent lamps, batteries, used motor oil and old paint.  These items contain a variety of toxic substances which can not only cause health problems for users but also environmental damage when thrown out.

 Sponsored by the Board of County Commissioners, the Hazardous Waste Roundup provides a convenient opportunity to reduce the quantity of hazardous waste around the house. Drop offs  for the annual Roundup are:

 Saturday, October 7            Saturday, October 14
Bayside High School              Merritt Square Mall
1901 Degroodt Rd. SW          777 E. Merritt Island Cswy
Palm Bay                              Merritt Island

 This service is free to homeowners.  Both locations will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. only.

 Also remember, residents of Indialantic can bring some hazardous substances to the Public Works Department for disposal.  Please contact the department at 984-5224 to confirm what they can accept and to make sure someone will be available to receive the materials.

3-2-1- Blastoff!

 Effective October 1, 2000 the new 321 area code will be the only one functional for long distance calls into Brevard County.  The Public Service Commission reminds you to:

 1.   Notify friends, relatives, business associates, customers, etc.

2.   Reprogram computer modems, fax machines, security systems and other affected equipment

3.   Revise printed material such as stationary, business cards and checks

 

Visit our Website

www.indialantic.com is the place to look for information about the Town.  The website includes:
·            E-mail links for Council members and Town Hall
·            Meeting agendas and minutes
·            Applications for building permits, occupational licenses and membership on boards
·            The Indialantic Code of Ordinances
·            The current budget
·            Department reports and events

Scenic Highway Ribbon Cutting

Public officials gathered Wednesday, September 6, 2000 in Nance Park to cut the ribbon officially opening the Indian River Lagoon Scenic Highway.  The highway, which runs from the Canaveral National Seashore to the Wabasso Causeway, includes portions of US-1, SR-A1A and the causeways as connectors.  Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Tom Barry certified the corridor on June 13. Only two other such corridors exist in the State, neither of which is in Central Florida.  Similar ceremonies were held earlier in the day in Sebastian and Titusville.  “Florida, Florida” was performed for the enjoyment of all present by Libby Helseth’s fifth grade class from Indialantic Elementary School. The mission of the Florida Scenic Highways Program is to preserve, maintain, protect and enhance the intrinsic resources of scenic corridors through a sustainable balance of conservation and land use.

 

Indialantic Mayor Robert Cochran and Council members Mike Fischer, Vince Benevente, Bruce Bogert and Vic Kostro join Coalition representative Ray DiZefalo, IRLSH Chairman Ted Moorhead, Melbourne Beach Mayor Bob Wille and Palm Bay Mayor Edward Geier and Council member Jackie Colon.  

State Helps to Improve Parks

Funds totaling nearly two hundred thousand dollars were presented to the Town on July 18 by State Representative Howard Futch for improvements to Nance/Wavecrest Park and Riverside Park.

The funds were awarded to the Town from the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP).  $37,500 in Town monies will match the $112,500 State funds to provide for some boardwalk replacement, restroom renovation, certain crossover repair, including a handicap accessible ramp to  the beach, and play ground equipment.  Additionally, $86,000 in State funds will be matched by $28,667 in Town monies for a new gazebo and other improvements to Riverside Park.

Improvements to Nance/Wavecrest Park are scheduled to begin late this year.

Mayor Robert L. Cochran, Jr. and Councilmembers Vince Benevente, Bruce Bogert and Vic Kostro receive the ceremonial checks from Representative Futch

 

MAYOR’S ADDRESS

               

Considerable activity has been occurring throughout our Town over the past few months involving both the private sector and government. The private sector’s confidence in Indialantic has been demonstrated with the major facelift occurring to the Morgan Stanley building at 325 Fifth Avenue, the demolition and improvements that are happening on Wavecrest at the former Loco Lobster building, and renovations at the former Mac’s Fifth Avenue.  New retail buildings are proposed for the southeast corner of S. Miramar Avenue and Fifth Avenue as well as for N. Miramar Avenue between Third and Fourth Avenues with additional projects in the pipeline.

 Several storefronts have opened with business relocations and with new businesses joining our town.  A few months ago we welcomed Inter Bank to the Town at N. Miramar Avenue and First Avenue.

 We have been successful in convincing the Florida Department of Transportation to fund a new, more attractive, school crossing signal on Fifth Avenue.  All residents should welcome the removal of the old overhead signal system.  Illuminating lights along the eastern half of the causeway are to be repaired and/or replaced this December by the FDOT.

 Paving of town streets in excess of a mile was recently completed and staff is preparing the FY-01 resurfacing list for the Council’s consideration.  FDOT has targeted June to proceed with resurfacing S. Miramar Avenue as well as to add a sidewalk on the west side of the road.

 Significant park activity has occurred and will be occurring that includes the new gazebo in Lily Park.  This improvement was funded entirely by the members of the Garden Club by the Sea to whom we are especially appreciative.  Hurricane damage improvements have afforded us a more stable shoreline in Riverside Park.  A gazebo is planned for this park once the state grant agreement has been approved.  State grant funds will enable the Town to replace certain sections of the boardwalk in Nance/Wavecrest Park as well as renovate the restrooms, install playground equipment, repair some dune crossovers and install a handicap accessible ramp to the beach.  The following year the Town hopes to be able to make certain handicap accessible improvements in Orlando Park based on a grant application approved by the Council a few weeks ago.

 I’m excited about the private sector support for the Town and the community’s enthusiasm.  I appreciate the service afforded our community by a dedicated workforce.  I especially extend my thanks to all of the Town’s residents who contribute their time on our boards and committees and who promote special events to make this a quality community.  If I can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at 722-3830 or 723-0406.

 Sincerely,

Bob Cochran, Mayor

RECENT COUNCIL ACTION

June 20, 2000 Meeting

      ·         Extended the lease agreement with the County for Nance Park to expire in 2037 rather than 2017
·         Renewed contract with FDOT whereby the state pays the Town for maintenance of US-192 and SR-A1A right-of-ways
·         Approved January 20-21, 2001 for the Art Festival and July 21-22, 2001 for the Craft Festival
·         Amended parking meter lease agreement with Ocean View Diner to include seven parking spaces instead of 13 along Wavecrest Avenue

 July 18, 2000 Meeting

      ·         Revised Town Code to establish the Ordinance Sunset Review Committee as an ad hoc committee
·         Ratified the agreement with the Coastal Florida PBA covering police officers and communications officers – agreement runs through Sept. 20, 2002
·         Revised Town Code to enable the Council to meet outside of the Town limits if necessary
·         Approved the appointment of Stanley E. Krulikowski as the Town’s Building Official/Code Enforcement Officer
·         Set the tentative millage for FY-01 at the current rate of 4.8451

 

August 15, 2000 Meeting

·         Awarded the mowing and landscape bid to the low bidder – Fertig’s Sharper Cuts
·         Approved an updated pay schedule for Town employees for FY-01
·         Renewed the Medical Director Agreement between the Town, County and Space Coast Emergency Medical Service
·         Approved the agreement for Nance/Wavecrest Park for the Town to receive $112,500 in FRDAP grant monies

 

September 12, 2000 Meeting

      ·         Authorized a FRDAP grant application to improve handicap accessibility in Orlando Park
·         Authorized Harris Sanitation to adjust the trash collection charge in accordance with their contract
·         Directed staff to install a split rail fence along the east side of Riverside Park
·         Adopted ordinances and resolutions for a referendum election on November 7 (see Page 1)
·        Adopted a proclamation thanking the Garden Club by the Sea for the new pavilion in Lily Park

NEW FACES IN TOWN

 

Lunada Bay Swimwear – 115 Fifth Ave.– Customer service

 All About You Day Spa – 345 Sixth Avenue – Day Spa

 Travelmax Seaside – 117 Fifth Avenue – Travel Agency

 C-Trade Inc. - 101 N. Palm, #1 – Computer Broker

 Robert Beals, PA – 201 N. Riverside - Attorney

 Villa Palma Restaurant – 874 N. Miramar - Restaurant

 Theraputic Touch Massage- 405 Fifth Avenue- Massage Therapy

 Beach One Telecom, Inc. – 138 Fifth Avenue – Phone Cards

 

The City of Melbourne’s replacement of bolts in fire hydrants along south Brevard County beaches should be completed by the end of October.  This project, which replaces metal bolts with stainless steel ones, is to address any possible corrosion that may have occurred over time.

 

Homeowners are advised that salty well water accelerates the corrosion.  Therefore, affected homeowners are requested to focus lawn sprinklers so that they do not spray fire hydrants.

Pictured is Mayor  Cochran presenting Captain Jim Haggas with a proclamation in honor of “Indialantic Firefighters’ Appreciation Week” - August 27 through September 2, 2000.  The proclamation was sponsored by the Muscular Dystrophy Association

 

Town Hall will be closed on the following dates:

November 10th – Veteran’s Day
November 23rd & 24th – Thanksgiving
December 25th & 26th – Christmas

  The Town will be hosting the Fifth Annual Halloween Party on Saturday, October 28th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.  The haunted happenings will again feature a hay ride from Eastminster Church to the Fire Station. Arrival at the Spook House will provide some unexpected Halloween surprises!  There will be refreshments, entertainment, games and prizes furnished at no charge.  Come join the fun!

 

Our traditional Holiday Tree Lighting will take place Thursday, December 7 at 7:00 p.m. in Nance Park.  This annual observance of the holiday season will include a short program, a visit from Santa Claus and refreshments for the kids. 

Luminaria sales begin November 27 and continue through December 24.  The kits will be available at Town Hall during regular business hours and at the Fire Station on the 24th.  The lights will help Santa find his way as he travels through the  streets on Christmas Eve.  Proceeds from sales are used for beautification projects throughout the Town

UPCOMING MEETINGS

 

OCTOBER

              5            5:30 PM        South Beaches Coalition
            10           10:00 AM       Parks/Recreation
           17           7:00 PM        Town Council
            19           10:00 AM        Pension Boards
            24             5:30 PM        Zoning and Planning

 NOVEMBER

              2            5:30 PM        South Beaches Coalition
            14           10:00 AM        Parks/Recreation
            21           7:00 PM        Town Council
            28             5:30 PM        Zoning and Planning

 DECEMBER

              7            5:30 PM        South Beaches Coalition
            12           10:00 AM        Parks/Recreation
            19           7:00 PM        Town Council
           

The Volunteer Fire Department meets every Tuesday at 7:00 PM at the Fire Department, 216 Fourth Ave.

 

 ANNUAL TOWN CANDIDATES FORUM
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2000 – 7:30 PM
INDIALANTIC TOWN HALL

 As a service to the voters of Indialantic, the Indialantic Homeowners’ Association sponsors an annual public forum to acquaint the residents with the candidates for Mayor and Council.  This year we have five participants.  This is a public meeting to which all Indialantic residents are invited.