August 16, 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 was included in the FY-04 FDOT Work Program. FDOT’s contractor will block off a portion of the turn lane for eastbound motorists on US-192 from approximately 123 Fifth Avenue eastward for installation of the pipe. Contract cost is $336,626.
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, 390 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. Work completed to date includes installation of the drinking fountain, adding most of the sidewalk with area around it sodded, reconstruction of crossover #1, construction of a ramp from the sidewalk to the boardwalk, reconstruction of the sand volleyball seating, relocating a handicap parking space and adding a space, and replacement of the boardwalk from the restrooms to the sand volleyball seating.
FRDAP Grant/Sunrise Park: The application for FRDAP monies was submitted 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. 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. Reconstruction of the ocean side of the Watson Drive crossover and construction of the covered observation deck have been completed.
Site Plans: Applicants have provided plans that are in the review process to relocate the drive-thru windows of Riverside National Bank and to replace the house at 100 Eighth Avenue with three condominium units.
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 has been approved for funding. A title search has been requested to complete the required commencement document package grant process.
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 Five-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.
NUI has extended 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 a portion of S. Shannon Avenue and in the 100 block of Eighth Avenue. Staff is reviewing the request.
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 sent to the Florida Department of Community Affairs on May 2, 2005.
Fire Department Grant: The Assistance to Firefighters grant application ($42,921 non-local & $2,259 local match) was submitted for consideration. Council authorized submitting the application on April 19, 2005 (agenda item V-C) to have an exhaust system installed in the firehouse and to secure replacement hose.
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 indicated that he has forwarded information to Melbourne Beach 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 was proposed 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 above noted improvements to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for Urban & Community Forestry funds on February 17, 2005, which has been approved and executed. Council determined on April 19, 2005, to adjust the plantings being requested through FDOT to be as follows: 69 Sabal Palm trees, 21 Silver Buttonwood trees, 11 Sea Grape trees, and 11 Gumbo Limbo trees. The JPA is being reviewed for modifications.
Douglas Park Seawall: While FEMA had initially estimated the cost at $20,878.50 they approved the added funds enabling Council to award a contract to the low bidder, i.e. Santa Cruz Construction, in the amount of $49,967. The Town will be responsible for approximately $2,300 of the project costs.
Nance & Sunrise Park leases: Staff has requested that the County extend the leases that it has with the State and follow-up with extensions of the County leases with the Town for the properties that the Town operates as Nance Park and Sunrise Park. Both properties have leases that expire in 2037. State FRDAP grant requirements stipulate that the Town, when applying for FRDAP monies, have control of the property for at least thirty years.