INDIALANTIC
                RECORD        February 2005

CANDIDATES FOR THE FEBRUARY 8, 2005 SPECIAL ELECTION

DAVE BERKMAN

Dave Berkman and his wife Cathy have been residents of Indialantic since 1993 when they bought their first home together.  After transferring to the Melbourne facility with Grumman Aerospace, they quickly fell in love with the quaint beach town of Indialantic and have called it home ever since. They have two wonderful children, Alexa age 7 and Brett age 4.

Dave holds an AAS in Business Administration, a BS in Computer Science and a MS in Technical Management from Embry Riddle University where he graduated with a 4.0 GPA.  He has held numerous positions at Northrop Grumman over his nineteen year career, including multiple disciplines of Engineering, Engineering Manager and Program Management positions where he successfully managed several multi-million dollar contracts.  Currently, he is senior staff member in the Systems Engineering & Technology department leading special Research projects in the area of his expertise, Simulation. 

Dave has served on our town’s Board of Adjustment from 2002 – 2003, and now hopes to better serve our town as one of your councilman.  Please visit www.VoteForBerkman.com for more about Dave and the election.  Also, please look for the IHA newsletter this month for more information.  Please make sure you vote on February 8th!!


MIKE FISCHER

I am in my second year serving on the Board of Adjustment.  Previously, I served as your councilman for four years.  I also served on the Zoning and Planning (1994 – 1998), Budget and Finance (1994 – 1997) and Code Enforcement (1992-1994) boards.

My priorities, if elected, will be:

  1. Reviewing our codebook for out dated (sunset) ordinances.  This can be accomplished by working with staff to improve our written code eliminating ambiguities and obsolete codes.

  2. Grant Funds.  Grant funds are a means to continue to improve our quality of life while keeping our costs in line.  I will continue to work with staff in pursuit of these types of funds.

  3. Code enforcement.  We need to uphold our codes and preserve the residential nature of our town.

  4. Programs for our youth; More and more young families have moved to Indialantic.  We need to support our Parks and Recreation Committee in addition to developing outlets for our children.

  5. Business District:  A vibrant business district contributes to our quality of life, not to mention increasing property values which will in turn increase tax base in these area

THANK YOU AND I WOULD
 APPRECIATE YOUR VOTE.


LORI TYLER

A native of New Orleans moved to Merritt Island in 1965.  The space program was just getting started.  Raised two children in what was essentially a one movie town.

Went back to college when my children started talking back to me; BCC, UCF, FIT, got my masters degree in Psychology.  Have been in private practice in Indialantic for sixteen years.

After residing in Melbourne for 16 years moved to Indialantic when housing was affordable: 2+ years ago.

I am happily married, love the town of Indialantic and want to give back to my community by serving on town council.

One impetus for me to run is there are no females on the council, the second is we are at a crossroads in this town the direction that we take will affect the quality of our day-to-day life.  We need to be united in this direction.  I am strongly in support of habitat conservation efforts.  This direction will enable us to take a fresh look at our redevelopment efforts.

I encourage the residents of Indialantic to take the time to vote in this election

RECENT COUNCIL ACTION

December 16, 2004 Meeting

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 approved parking meter use agreements for Bizzarro’s and Shagg’s for 2005

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approved extending waiving of permit fees for damage incurred due to hurricanes Frances and Jeanne until March 31, 2005

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adopted Res. 05-02 approving a supplement to the Joint Project Agreement with FDOT extending the project period for the continuation of the Riverside Drive/Fifth Avenue Turn Lane Project, including mast arms, through March 31, 2005

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approved a modification to the Indialantic One/Watson Drive access agreement

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approved a Homeland Security Grant in the amount of $73,887 non-local monies with a Town match of $8,210

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 adopted Ord. 05-01 extending the sunset provision relating to hours of operation for certain outdoor cafes through April 30, 2005

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adopted Ord. 05-02 extending the sunset provision relating to transient signs through December 31, 2005

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 adopted Ord. 05-03 amending Sec. 17-88 by allowing decorative fences within the front yard areas of commercial properties

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 adopted Ord. 05-04 increasing the annual rate for parking spaces covered under agreements

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adopted Ord. 05-06 extending the sunset provision relating to outdoor display of goods in the C-2 zone through December 31, 2005

January 18, 2005 Meeting

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 adopted Ord. 05-07 amending Sec. 17-132 – fences required for outdoor cafes

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approved extending the employment agreement with the Town Manager through March 27, 2009

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 approved 2005 art and craft show dates  – Art show January 22-23, craft show March 5-6 and October 8-9

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approved a budget amendment to purchase a police cruiser

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agreed to refer the Town’s color code to the Parks, Recreation, Beautification Committee for review

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awarded the bid and approved the contract for the Sunrise Park observation deck to the low bidder, C & D Construction, in the amount of $29,975; agreed to reject all bids for the Nance Park ramp

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approved a mutual aid agreement with the Sheriff’s Dept., the School Board, the Airport Authority and other municipalities for law enforcement assistance

NEW FACES IN TOWN

Wired -  239 Fifth Avenue –   Women’s fashions

Jade Palms – 18 S. Riverside Dr.  – Acupuncture

Anthony J. Mazza Architects – 134 Fifth Avenue, Ste. 103 – Architects

Steven J. Pindiak, M.D. – 105 S. Riverside Dr. #154 – Medical office

Meridian Construction – 100 S. Riverside Dr., #2 – Residential Contractor

CVS Pharmacy – 100 N. Miramar – Drug store 

 

Atlantic Development of Cocoa, Inc. replaces the failing storm drainpipe along the east side of S. Riverside Drive from Miami Avenue to approximately one hundred feet south of Palmetto Place and under S. Riverside Drive south of Palmetto Place.  The pipe was estimated to be forty years old.

POLICE BEAT
Home Improvement/Home Repair Scams

Scam artists can show up at any time, but particularly after a disaster such as a hurricane.  Unlicensed contracting is a felony as provided in FS 489. The following tips can help you avoid becoming a target:

DO hire someone from a local and reputable company. Ask friends, co-workers or neighbors for referrals.

DO get written estimates from several firms.

DO be cautious of anyone soliciting for work door-to-door, pressuring you for an immediate decision, or requesting payment in full up-front. 

DO read all documents prior to signing any agreement.

DO make sure the work is completed to your satisfaction prior to payment in full.

DO obtain a “release of lien” from the contractor once the work is complete. This protects you from any responsibility for payment in case the contractor did not settle the bill with building material suppliers.

DON’T trust any potential contractor that suggests the permits be obtained by you. This usually means the potential contractor cannot obtain one. The building official checks licensure, insurance and worker’s compensation insurance prior to approving a permit.

DON’T fall for financing offers made by contractors. These can be in the form of a home equity loan with high interest and payments.

DON’T trust salespeople that use scare tactics and threats like “your roof will fall in if it’s not done today”.

Deal only with licensed contractors. The work of unlicensed contractors is usually substandard and ends up costing much more in the long run. Once you have decided on a contractor:

Keep good records - all paperwork related to your project should be kept in one place including:

·      Copies of the contract,

·      Log or journal of correspondence with the contractor

·      Photographs taken as the job progresses.

If you do have a problem:

·      Try to work it out with the contractor

·      Follow up any phone conversations with a certified letter, so you have documentation that the letter was received.

You can also contact the Building Department at 727-3377, Brevard County Licensing Regulation and Enforcement at 321-633-2058 or the Department of Business and Professional Regulation at 407-245-0750 or 850-277-9577 for further guidance.

Detective Stephanie Altvater

INDIALANTIC FIRE RESCUE

 The cold weather has recently touched our area and it is important that heating systems be inspected before operating. Chimneys and heat strips need to be cleaned and inspected prior to turning on the heat.  The use of portable kerosene heaters is not recommended inside the house.  Oil heaters should be inspected for proper operation.  This will prevent overloading the oil burner with fuel causing the furnace to become extremely hot and starting a fire.  Electric heaters must have a tip-over switch that will turn off the heater in the event it is tipped over.  Smoke alarms should be tested to be certain they are operational.  The safest use of portable heaters is to turn them off before retiring for the evening or leaving the home.

Indialantic Fire Rescue will hold a CPR class for the public on March 5th and 6th.  A nominal fee will be charged to cover course materials.  Please call 723-0366 to register or to obtain additional information.  Registration deadline is February 18, 2005.

Jon Macdonald, Fire Chief

Conserving water is in your hands! 

Saving Florida’s water resources is a vital responsibility that will take everyone’s participation to be successful.  The Water Conservation Rule – water before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.- was adopted by the St. Johns River Water Management District in 1991 and is in effect year-round.

Why do we have this rule?

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Irrigating during the hours when it will do your lawn the most good can save you money on your water bill or on your electric bill if you have a well/pump.

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Watering your lawn before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. allows the water to seep into the ground where thirsty grass and plant roots can drink it up, promoting healthy plants with deep root systems.

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Water sprinkled on lawns during the hottest part of the day is wasted – 65% evaporates

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Water droplets on plants can act like a magnifying glass, causing the sun to burn the leaves.

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Though Florida usually receives about 50 inches of rain each year, only a small amount seeps into the ground to replenish underground aquifers.

To lean more about the Water Conservation Rule, or for tips on conserving water inside and outside, call the St. Johns River Water Management District’s Office of Communication at 1-800-725-5922 or visit their website at http://sjr.state.fl.us.

ü    Rep. Mitch Needelman will hold a Town HallMeeting February 5th from 10 am to noon in the Council Chambers

ü    The craft show will be held March 5-6 in Nance Park

ü    The Heritage Committee is sponsoring an Oral History Workshop on Saturday, March 12th from 10 am to 5 pm in the Council Chambers

EASTER EGG HUNT

The Parks, Recreation and Beautification Committee is once again sponsoring the annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 19 in Orlando Park.  The festivities begin at 9:00 am with visits from the Easter Bunny and Chicken Little.  Come to the park to share some fun, prizes and surprises.

Traffic Control Devices representatives are installing the green fluted mast arm signals at the Riverside Drive/Fifth Avenue intersection.  The contract is for $134,025 and funded through the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)

UPCOMING MEETINGS 

FEBRUARY

15          8:00 AM         Heritage Committee

15         7:00 PM           Town Council

22          5:30 PM         Zoning and Planning

28          9:00 AM        Parks/Recreation

 MARCH

12           10:00 AM        Heritage Workshop

15             8:00 AM        Heritage Committee

15             7:00 PM        Town Council

22             5:30 PM        Zoning and Planning

28             9:00 AM        Parks/Recreation

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

The Indialantic Elementary Chorus spread cheer at the annual Tree Lighting ceremony in Nance Park.  Singing was followed by the arrival of Santa in the Town fire truck spreading joy and cookies for all to enjoy.

The Indialantic Record is published every other month by the Town of Indialantic, 216 Fifth Avenue, Indialantic, FL  32903 at an outside cost of $.22 per resident.  Daniel S. Trott, Mayor; Michael McCabe, Deputy Mayor; Councilmembers Vincent Benevente and Bruce Bogert; Christopher W. Chinault, Town Manager; Laura Eaton, Town Clerk – www.indialantic.com - (321) 723-2242