INDIALANTIC RECORD
FEBRUARY, 1998
FIFTH AVENUE MEDIAN TO GET FACE LIFT
The fate of the median on Fifth Avenue was decided at the January 6, 1998 meeting of the Indialantic Town Council. For months leading up to that meeting, Council had reviewed and considered several modification options suggested by various individuals and groups. In fact, the Council had set aside January 14, 1998 for the purpose of reviewing and possibly taking action on certain modification options.
That said, Mayor Deratany put the issue to rest once and for all when he made the following announcement:
"At our last regularly scheduled meeting the Town Council set aside January 14, 1998 for the purpose of conducting a workshop and special meeting to discuss and possibly take action to make certain modifications to the median. As everyone knows, I was opposed to the establishment of the median from its inception because I believed it was unnecessary and it adversely impacted on a number of businesses along Fifth Avenue. Since its construction, I have openly supported examining various courses of action that would hopefully minimize the adverse effects.
Clearly the median has flaws, as evidenced by the fact that we lost the right turn lane on Fifth Avenue which facilitated traffic flow south on Riverside. In addition, the left turn lane on Fifth and A-1-A is too short which causes traffic to stack up past Shannon Avenue during rush hour. That is why I have pressed for a Joint Procurement Agreement (JPA) with FDOT to install a new right turn lane on Fifth and Riverside this year and why I will strongly act to extend the left turn lane at Fifth and A-1-A without delay. While there are other modifications I would like to see made to the median to not only relieve the burden it has placed on some of our business owners but also improve safety, they are either cost prohibitive or not permittable by FDOT.
Last month when I reviewed the preliminary cost estimates for options one and two obtained by our consulting engineer, I interjected option three which in my opinion was a significantly cheaper alternative. I have subsequently learned however that for safety reasons FDOT would not favorably consider it. I have always been and remain a strong fiscal conservative. After careful examination of the costs of options one and two and in view of the relatively few benefits either of these proposed modifications would yield, I have reconsidered my position on this matter.
Therefore, I submit that the only modification the Council should seek is to extend the left turn lane at Fifth and A-1-A as part of the JPA we are presently negotiating with FDOT. The estimated cost to effect this much needed improvement is roughly $12,000.00. Preliminary coordination with FDOT indicates that it can be accomplished in conjunction with the Fifth and Riverside project and that funds committed by the Town to effect the change would be reimbursed by the State.
Because of the costs involved I cannot support any other modifications to the median and will therefore vote to retain the Highway Beautification Grant and urge Council to begin making these improvements as soon as possible."
Since that time the Council, at its February 3, 1998 meeting, approved a draft joint-procurement agreement between the Town and FDOT that will lengthen the left turn lane at 5th Avenue and SR A1A by an additional 150 feet and establish a right turn lane at 5th and Riverside for motorists turning south. Under the terms of the agreement, the Town will perform the work and front the costs and then be reimbursed by FDOT.
In addition work will soon begin relative to landscaping and irrigating the median with the help of an FDOT Highway Beautification Grant which the Town has received.
CAROLYN HAZELGROVE SET TO RETIRE IN MARCH
Mrs. Carolyn Hazelgrove, the Town Clerk, has announced her plans to retire on March 9, 1998 after serving the community for over 21 years. There is no doubt that Indialantic is a better place because of Carolyn's loyal and dedicated service. A consummate professional, she is a woman of integrity, vision and wisdom. Though we all know her in different ways, the one common denominator we all share is the way she makes each and every person with whom she comes into contact feel special. During her illustrious career, Carolyn has served ten Mayors and six Town Managers and enumerable Council and Committee members. She will be honored at the Town's annual appreciation banquet on March 27, 1998. There will also be a reception held for her from 12:00 to 2:00 PM on March 6, 1998 at Town Hall that will be open to the public. Please plan to attend to wish Carolyn bon voyage.
COUNCIL CORNER
A letter from Councilwoman Lisa Leger Frazier:
Dear Neighbors,
I wanted to publicly thank all the citizens who have shown their support for the many programs initiated within the Town in recent years. Your presence at the Council meetings and phone calls are very much appreciated. However, the work is not done! The vocal minority of individuals is still strong in opposition to economic redevelopment and beautification in our Town. It is imperative that the silent majority of citizens continue to attend the Council meetings and voice their opinions. We all would like to see our tax dollars protect property values, provide amenities for our families, and preserve the best community in the South Beaches. Your involvement is essential to the success of this community. We are all very busy with our professions and family life but, a few hours a month is all it takes to direct this Council toward the new millennium. Please attend the Council meetings, join one of the numerous boards or committees and make your presence known! We cannot serve in your best interest if we do not know what those interests are! See you at the next meeting!
P.S. Check out www.indialantic.com for current meeting minutes, agendas and council forum.
BAGGING FOR A CAUSE !
Town Manager John Lynch and Police Chief Jesse Geiger were just two of the Celebrity Baggers packing your groceries at Winn Dixie for the benefit of the American Cancer Society. Also joining them were Ron Cassedy, Public Works Director, and Fire Department Capt. Dennis Greehy.
From Councilman Bob Hartman
Since the recent election we have seen a lot of renewed interest amongst the citizens of our town in the workings of our local government. This is heartening and I hope it is a trend that continues. Beginning in March, Council meetings return to their traditional time and date, the Third Tuesday of the month at 7:00 P.M. Everyone has a busy schedule these days, but I hope you will be able to make time to come to at least an occasional Council meeting to see what is going on.
Many positive things are being pursued by your Council. Recently we voted unanimously to repave several residential blocks instead of skipping this year. Discussion continues on paving and drainage projects in the business area. We are creating an Ordinance Sunset Committee to review our local laws, and we will soon be looking for volunteers to serve on it. Is this something you would like to do?
You can contact me at bhartman@ brevard.net or 953-3974.
ORDINANCE UPDATE
The following ordinances were recently adopted by the Town Council:
Ord. 97-14 - providing a moratorium on issuing land development permits for monopoles, towers and similar uses.
Ord. 97-15 - adopting the Town seal and logo.
Ord. 97-16 - adopting the Town logo
Ord. 98-3 - changing the regular Council meeting date to the third Tuesday of each month.
FIRE FACTS
from Chief Tom Barker
I am pleased to inform you that one of the projected improvements the volunteers promised in their fund drive letter has been completed and placed into service.
The six wheel drive, all terrain vehicle will greatly improve our ability to remove the sick and injured from the beach and other previously inaccessible areas. We will now be able to accomplish the job in much less time and with a greater margin of safety to our personnel. The unit is one of a kind in Brevard County. We are proud of that and very appreciative of your support for Indialantic Fire Rescue.
We also stated in the fund drive letter that we had plans to establish an educational fund to assist our volunteers financially with the cost of advanced training in firefighting and emergency medical skills.
We currently have one volunteer attending EMT school and four more will begin the class at Brevard Community College in May.
Our third annual Pork BBQ is scheduled for Saturday, April 25. Hope to see you all there to enjoy another delicious meal and visit with your friends and neighbors.
We continue to solicit your aluminum cans - drop off in front of the Fire Station.
Thanks again for your kindness and generosity in support of your Town's fire department.
Kathy's Korner
Kathy Maynor has recently assumed the position of Code Enforcement Officer. As an employee of the Indialantic Police Department for almost 13 years, she is familiar with the Town codes and her work as Evidence Specialist and Records Clerk, has afforded her much experience in dealing with the public.
Kathy has already noted that many code violations occur because people are unaware of the rules. She will use this space to remind you of some of the most frequently violated ordinances.
For example, Code Sec. 13-9 requires the house number of every residence and commercial establishment be prominently displayed on the face of the building, on the mailbox or other structure near the street. The numbers must be clearly visible from the street.
JOHN EDDY RETIRES
After 25 years of service to the Town of Indialantic, John Eddy retired January 2, 1998. Throughout his career with the Town, Mr. Eddy had worked as a dispatcher, police officer, building official, code enforcement officer and for the last 12 years as Director of Public Works.
Mr. Eddy retires to the new home he shares with his wife Dottie in Palm Bay. He looks forward to days on the golf course, bass fishing in the lake behind his house and traveling throughout the United States.
Ron Cassedy has assumed the duties of Director of Public Works. Mr. Cassedy has been with the Town's Public Works Department since 1992. His goal is to maintain the best possible service the department can offer with the resources that are available. Please call Mr. Cassedy at 984-5224 if you encounter any problems and he will do his best to resolve your concerns.
The Indialantic Police Department offers many community services to the residents of Indialantic. Programs include fingerprinting, house checks, facility tours, bicycle registration and well-being checks for people who live alone or are incapacitated in some way. A neighborhood watch program is offered for any interested citizens of Indialantic.
The Neighborhood Watch program consists of meetings between members of the police department and the residents. Discussions at these meetings will include topics such as criminal activity in the community, home security and neighborhood safety. Literature will be furnished and Neighborhood Watch signs will be posted on your block. Home security inspections and Operation Identification are also available to help you avoid being an easy target for criminals.
Anyone interested in any of these programs may contact Officer Tenpenny or Detective Casey at 723-7788. Check out our Web page at www.indialantic.com for additional information on these programs and others offered by the Town.
The Indialantic Volunteer Fire Department continues to solicit your aluminum cans. The monies made through the sale of these cans goes toward purchasing additional equipment. Keep the cans coming and thank you for your generous support. Drop off point is located at the Fire Station, 216Fourth Avenue.
Here comes Peter Cottontail - hopping down that bunny trail and straight to Orlando Park. The Parks/ Recreation/Beautification Committee will hold their Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 4, beginning at 10:00 AM.
Boys and girls (large and small) are invited to share in the prizes and surprises as they help find hundreds of eggs hidden by the bunny and his helpers. See you there!
Trash Bash '98/Great Florida Cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, April 25. Sponsored by Keep Brevard Beautiful, the trash bash affords an opportunity to join with others to improve the environment. This year's grand prize is $500 donated by Harris Sanitation to the winning city's favorite charity. For more information please contact Ron Cassedy at 984-5224.
Wear your Town support. Indialantic Tee shirts are available at the Town Hall. The shirts are white with a teal Town logo and are available for $12.00. They make great beach cover-ups or souveniors for your out-of-town guests.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
MARCH
10 10:00 AM Parks/Recreation/Beaut
17 7:00 PM Town Council
24 5:30 PM Zoning and Planning
April
14 10:00 AM Parks/Recreation/Beaut
21 7:00 PM Town Council
28 5:30 PM Zoning and Planning
The Volunteer Fire Department meets every Tuesday at 7:00 PM at the Fire Department, 216 Fourth Ave.
Reminders from Public Works:
Household Hazardous Waste - Drop-off for Indialantic residents only at the Public Works building, 225 Fourth Ave., Mon - Fri from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. A short form must be filled out at the time of drop-off. Please DO NOT leave hazardous waste unattended.
To report a pot hole, signs down or any unsafe conditions in our parks, please call 984-5224.
Harris Sanitation (723-4455) is responsible for trash pick-up throughout the Town. They maintain the following schedule:
Household trash - Wed & Sat
Yard Waste - Thurs
Recycled items - Thurs
Large brush piles - Fri & Sat
Report water problems to the City of Melbourne at 727-2900; sewer problems to South Beaches Sewer Maintenance at 952-6363.
Town of Indialantic
216 Fifth Avenue
Indialantic, FL 32903