July 20, 2004

 

1.                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 is included in the FY-04 FDOT Work Program as conveyed at FDOT’s presentation on November 12, 2002.  The project was advertised in March, 2004; however, the bid was high resulting in FDOT re-evaluating the project.

 

2.                FRDAP Grant/Nance Park:  The application for FRDAP monies was submitted to FDEP on September 8, 2003.  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.  The County has approved the plans and the State has forwarded an approved agreement to the Council for approval on July 20, 2004.

 

3.                FRDAP Grant/Sunrise Park:  The application for FRDAP monies was submitted to FDEP on September 8, 2003.  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.  The County has approved the plans and the State has forwarded an approved agreement to the Council for approval on July 20, 2004.

 

4.                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.  The Town has entered into a contract with Traffic Control Devices to install green fluted style post mast arms at a cost of $134,025.  The contractor was expected to be on-site beginning June 15, 2004; however, due to a recent decision to adjust power lines the project is expected to fall 6 weeks behind schedule.

 

5.               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.

 

6.                Melbourne Causeway Median:  Sea grapes have been planted to replace dead cord grass plants.

 

7.                Melbourne Causeway:  FDOT has included in the Tentative Five-Year Transportation Plan to replace the easternmost relief bridge on US-192.  The plan includes monies in FY-05 for design and monies in FY-09 for construction.  The Brevard County Causeway Vulnerability Study and the Indian River Lagoon North Restoration Feasibility Study will impact this project.

 

8.                Solid Waste:  The current franchise agreement with the Town’s solid waste hauler expires September 2004.  Council approved the extension on April 20, 2004, (first reading) and on May 18, 2004, (second reading).  The document extending the agreement was executed on July 8, 2004.

 

9.                Causeway Emergency Vehicle Access:  Preliminary design plans were reviewed and edited by staff for an access point on the south side of the Melbourne Causeway at which the Town’s fire/rescue boat can be launched.  The scaled down plan version is being reviewed.

 

10.            Nance Park Sign:  A new sign, financed by Mr. Nance, is being installed to replace the 1989 County park format sign that has deteriorated.

 

11.            Parking Lot at the Southeast Corner of Shannon & Fifth Avenues:  The Zoning & Planning Board approved the site to pave the shell parking lot on March 23, 2004. The property owner has had some difficulty in having his contractor move forward with the project; however, he expects to have a contractor on-site by July 19, 2004.

 

12.            Sunrise Park:  FDOT drainage staff met with Town staff to review lessening the SR-A1A storm water impact on the beach at the east end of Watson Drive.  Options are being considered by the State for State/Town participation in a JPA to fund the proposed improvements (estimated cost is $178,000).  FDEP personnel are reviewing the park’s acquisition restrictions to assess compatibility issues.

 

13.            Orlando Park:  A large play item, approximately 13 years old, has been assessed to have failing components.  It has been roped off for safety reasons and will be removed if not repairable.

 

14.            FRDAP future application:  A new funding cycle for FRDAP monies will close October 13, 2004.  Staff is expecting to present to the Parks, Recreation, & Beautification Committee the FY-06 application in August for improvements to Orlando Park to be funded through this grant process.  The Town is eligible to submit only one application since it has two open applications (i.e. Nance and Sunrise parks).

 

15.            Sixth Avenue Parking Lot:  The buffer wall along the south side of Lots 11 and 12, Block 28, has been constructed in accordance with Town Code requirements.    Construction of the nine-space parking lot should commence within a few weeks.

 

16.            Magnolia Drive walkway:  The Board of County Commissioners approved the technical advisory committee report on March 16, 2004, authorizing the use of impact fee monies to construct a walkway along the east side of Magnolia Drive between Melbourne Avenue and Ormond Drive.  Council approved the project on February 17, 2004 (item V-E).  County planning department staff is recording the agreement.

 

17.            Outdoor Lighting:  The Zoning & Planning Board will consider at the August meeting of the Board whether it wants to pursue regulating lighting in residential zoning districts.

 

18.            Decorative Fences:  The Zoning & Planning Board is exploring the possibility of allowing fences in the front setback area in C, C-1, and/or C-2 zoning districts with significant restrictions.