March 15, 2005
Outfall Drain at the beach at Fifth Avenue: FDOT developed an approach to channel the initial water from SR-A1A west under SR-A1A with the excess water going through the existing beach structure. Funding in the amount of $212,000 was included in the FY-04 FDOT Work Program. The project was redesigned because bids were too high. The project is being redesigned with a plan completion date of February, 2005, and a letting date the following June.
Outfall Drain at the beach at Watson Drive: FDOT met with Town staff to review lessening the SR-A1A storm water impact on the beach at the east end of Watson Drive. FDOT is considering State/Town/County participation in solving the problem with the Town entering into a JPA with FDOT to fund the improvements (estimated cost is $178,000). FDEP has determined that the proposal complies with FDEP requirements concerning use of the land.
FRDAP Grant/Nance Park: The application for FRDAP monies was submitted to FDEP on September 8, 2003, with the approval letter being sent July 1, 2004. The project improvements, costing $50,000, include 500 feet of boardwalk deck replacement, refurbishment of the sand volleyball seating, 320 feet of sidewalk to connect the parking spaces with the pavilions and play area, a drinking fountain, and play items for youngsters 2-5 years of age. Boardwalk deck from the restrooms to north of Access #2 has been replaced. Staff members are constructing the ramp from the boardwalk deck to the play area. Reconstruction of Crossover #1 has been completed.
FRDAP Grant/Sunrise Park: The application for FRDAP monies was submitted on September 8, 2003, with the approval letter being sent July 1, 2004. The project improvements, costing $50,000, include 700 feet of sidewalk through the park, a covered observation deck, exercise stations along the sidewalk/path, and site irrigation. Commencement documents were submitted to FDEP and subsequently approved subject to the Town securing the permit for the covered observation deck. The FDEP permit was secured on 9/20/04 and FRDAP personnel were so notified. On 2/8/05 the required meeting with FDEP was held and the Notice to Proceed for construction of the deck was issued. Deck construction has commenced. Reconstruction of the ocean side of the Watson Drive crossover has been completed.
FRDAP Grant/Orlando Park: The application for $50,000 was submitted on October 5, 2004. Improvements are to consist of a gazebo, play item, extending certain walking paths, replacing the asphalt portion of the path to the west of the park, and resurfacing the basketball court and the half basketball court. The project received a ranking of 8 out of 34 small project fund/development applications.
Fifth Avenue Right Turn Lane at Riverside Drive and Left Turn Lane at SR-A1A: The left turn lane on Fifth Avenue at SR-A1A was extended, the right turn lane at Fifth Avenue and S. Riverside Drive was constructed, and a sidewalk with retaining wall and limited railing along the S. Riverside Drive turn lane and a bicycle path through Douglas Park were installed. Traffic Control Devices has installed green fluted style post mast arms at a cost of $134,025. The contractor is completing punch list items.
Dual northbound turn lanes on SR-A1A @ US-192: FDOT has determined that a second northbound left turn lane can be installed within the FDOT right-of-way, which will improve the operation and efficiency of the intersection. The MPO Traffic Operations Committee recommended this project as the third prioritized project. FDOT has included $416,000 for the project in the tentative 5-Year Transportation Plan for FY-07.
Melbourne Causeway: FDOT has included in the Tentative Five-Year Transportation Plan replacing the easternmost relief bridge (bridge number 700037) and the parallel pair of relief bridges (bridge numbers 700173 & 700175), which are east of the Ernest Kouwen-Hoven Bridge on US-192. The plan includes monies in FY-06 for design and monies in FY-10 for construction. The Brevard County Causeway Vulnerability Study and the Indian River Lagoon North Restoration Feasibility Study will impact this project. It is expected that a temporary bridge will need to be constructed south of the existing bridge, which will protrude about 30 feet south of US-192 between the bridge and S. Riverside Place.
Causeway Emergency Vehicle Access: Design plans were reviewed and edited by staff for an access point on the south side of the Melbourne Causeway immediately west of the westernmost relief bridge (bridge #700173 & #700175) at which the Town’s fire/rescue boat can be launched. FDOT expects to have a contractor install a portion of the water access ramp when restoration work progresses as FDOT rebuilds the bike path; however, the contractor is not authorized to extend the material into the water.
NUI is extending a gas line along SR-A1A from Grosse Pointe Avenue to about Ninth Avenue to serve properties in this area. Additionally, they plan to provide service to certain properties on Sixth Avenue.
Mitigation Grant: The County granted approval for the Town to apply for $53,000 in non-local (FEMA) funds for shutters and an emergency generator for Town Hall. The local share is $17,667. The application was delivered to the Brevard County Emergency Operations Center on February 25, 2005.
Waste Disposal: Waste Management has indicated that it is proceeding with efforts to implement an automated cart system in Satellite Beach over the next 8 to 12 months with the possibility of including Indialantic at the same time. Mr. Geletko presented information regarding the cart system to Council on April 20, 2004.
Fire Department Grant: Approval was received for $73,887.30 in non-local (Homeland Security) funds for portable and mobile radios, a thermal imaging camera, a generator for the firehouse, and ten sets of bunker gear. Local required match is $8,209.70. Council authorized staff to apply for these monies on March 16, 2004 (agenda item V-D) and accepted the grant on December 16, 2004 (agenda item V-G).
Miami Avenue/S. Riverside Drive sewer system back-up: The Town Attorney and I met with the Melbourne Beach Town Manager and agreed to have Dick Martens develop a plan outlining the type and location of an emergency generator for the B-7 Lift Station to avoid future sewer system overflows at the intersection of Miami Avenue and S. Riverside Drive. Mr. Martens, the Melbourne Beach Town Manager, and I met on February 7, 2005, at the B-7 Lift Station and explored possible ways to address the need. Mr. Martens will prepare a plan for consideration.
Melbourne Causeway (south side): FDOT provided the forms to complete the Joint Participation Agreement (JPA) for FY-06 funds to install trees along the south side of the Melbourne Causeway between the Ernest Kouwen-Hoven Bridge and Bridge #700037 (the easternmost relief bridge). The JPA will be for $20,100 to install 78 Sabal Palm trees, 11 E. Palatka Holly trees, and 14 Silver Buttonwood trees. The area is approximately 2400 feet in length and is 18 to 20 feet wide (i.e. between the State’s required clear zone and the new bike path). A grant application was provided for the same improvements to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for Urban & Community Forestry funds on February 17, 2005.
Street Resurfacing: The contractor has resurfaced the driving area in a portion of the Nance Park parking lot, the zero block of 14th Avenue, and Palmetto Place. The contractor left a thin partial coat of asphalt on Magnolia Drive, south of Orlando Boulevard; however, this will receive a full inch as will the 100 and 200 blocks of 6th Avenue.
Beach Renourishment: The contractor is expected to begin pumping sand onto the beach for the South Reach (i.e. south of Flug Avenue) in mid-March.
Reflective Pavement Markers (RPM): Blue RPMs are being installed on street pavement near fire hydrants and yellow RPMs are being installed on S. Riverside Drive. Most of the blue RPMs have been installed. Fire/Rescue personnel will check to insure none are missing when they test hydrant flows over the next few weeks. Many of the RPMs were scraped off Town streets when the hurricane debris was removed.
Orlando Park Play Equipment: The seesaw has been removed from Orlando Park because a portion of the footing area has rotted. It will be repaired by Public Works personnel and replaced.
Parking Lot Signs: On February 15, 2005, Council requested the Zoning & Planning Board to review Section 17-106.4 (10) of the Town Code with regard to the restriction that parking lot signs are required to be black and white. The Board determined to take no action.
Firefighters: Fire/Rescue Chief Macdonald proudly announced that three of our volunteer firefighters completed fire school leaving with honors. This is a 480 hour course that is required for Florida State Firefighter Certification. Nikolai Pippa received an award as the Class Leader as well as the Space Coast Chief’s Association Award. Chief Macdonald notes that the Chief’s Award is provided to the most outstanding recruit. Jameson Fullick received a Squad Leader award. Matthew Luisi received the Commander’s Award and a Squad Leader award. Indialantic Volunteer Firefighters received 5 out of the 8 awards that were presented. Chief Macdonald noted his pride in our volunteers in conveying this information to me. Additionally, he credited the work of former Chief Barker with our volunteers.