1. SR-A1A/Fourth Avenue intersection:
A meeting was held between FDOT, the Town Engineer, and the Town Manager to inspect the site and review drawings prepared by the Town Engineer. The purpose of the modifications is to improve safety at this location. FDOT is proceeding toward placing a raised concrete median on SR-A1A at Fourth Avenue to insure that the present restriction prohibiting northbound SR-A1A motorists from turning west onto Fourth Avenue is enforced. The work is projected to be accomplished by April, 2001.
2. Fifth Avenue turning lane extension at SR-A1A:
Project waiting on progress at S. Riverside Drive turn lane.
3. Outfall Drain in Wavecrest Park:
Mr. Cassedy and I met with FDOT officials on 4/12 to review the problems resulting from the transmission of a significant volume of water through the outfall structure. The structure appears to serve the Town and FDOT. A meeting was held on 5/11 with FDOT staff person Armand Yvel with a recommendation from FDOT to channel the initial water from SR-A1A west under Fifth Avenue with the excess going through the existing beach structure. The proposal is being analyzed by FDOT for funding prioritization in September. Estimated outside cost is projected to be $100,000 to $150,000. The Town may want to seek funds through the MPO if the project does not rank highly enough internally with FDOT. No FDOT ranking determination as of this date.
4. Fifth Avenue Median:
Staff has contacted FDOT and the Town Engineer to address any concerns regarding sight distance from side streets. Weeds in median are now being addressed by the firm with which the Town has contracted for certain mowing and landscape work. Plants are being monitored and replaced as needed by Town forces.
5. Wavecrest Park Water Fountain:
The members of the Parks & Recreation/Beautification Committee have indicated that while they do not support the operation of the water fountain, they do see some merit in utilizing part, or all, of the fountain absent water. The insurance company has provided $1,485 to the Town to cover damages to the fountain. The Parks & Rec. Committee is working on a plan for a replacement item at the location of the broken water fountain.
6. FRDAP Grant/Wavecrest/Nance Park:
The executed agreement has been received from FDEP and we are preparing the commencement documents—e.g. lease, boundary survey, site plan, and permits—for State review. The grant amount is $112,500 FRDAP share and $37,500 Town share.a. The grant application as approved by the Council includes adding playground equipment, shade landscaping, a split rail fence, and a bicycle rack; and performing rehabilitation work on the existing boardwalk, crossovers, and restrooms.
7. FRDAP Grant/Riverside Park:
The grant application has been approved for $86,000 FRDAP share and $28,668 Town share.a. The grant application as approved by the Council includes park and shore preservation work; adding a bicycle rack, picnic tables, benches, waste containers, a gazebo; and providing for improved signage. The shore preservation work included in the application was funded by FEMA. Staff is requesting Council consideration regarding other improvements for this park.
8. Pavers/Fifth Avenue:
The Parks & Recreation/ Beautification Committee has worked with staff toward having pavers installed along the north side of the 300 block of Fifth Avenue and to have spots in the 100 and 200 blocks repaired. Funds were included in last year’s budget for this improvement. Staff has ordered the pavers. Work will not progress until the Fifth Avenue School crossing sign work has been completed which is now slated to be November 6, 2000.
9. Urban & Community Forestry Grant:
Council initially authorized the use of funds to plant trees in the Fourth and Sixth Avenue areas. As previously noted, the intent is to utilize the grant funds to plant trees in the Causeway median, along the north side of the Melbourne Causeway, along a portion of Riverside Place to connect to Riverside Park, and along SR-A1A past Nance Park. The grant agreement has been approved by the Council and returned to the State. Recent conversation with State personnel indicates that the document is expected to be signed by the State and returned to the Town shortly. The Council has for consideration on October 17, 2000, a request by Eastminster Presbyterian Church to not plant trees within the Town’s road right-of-way along the west side of N. Riverside Place which will require an amendment of the previously approved and signed agreement with the State.
10. Lily Park:
Work has been completed on the replacement gazebo that was funded by the Garden Club-by-the-Sea. They have scheduled a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony for October 18, 2000 at noon.
11. Dr. Saxe’s Property on Fifth Avenue:
Negotiations are in process toward a possible purchase.
12. Fifth Avenue turn lane @ Riverside Drive:
Discussions continue with regard to details of the agreement with Mr. Haley. The Town Attorney, Town staff, Mr. Haley, and Mr. Haley’s attorney are working to resolve outstanding concerns. Final preparations concerning the agreement are in process. It is expected that this item will be placed on the November 21, 2000 Council agenda.
13. Fifth Avenue school crossing fixture replacement:
FDOT awarded a contract to have the work completed by October 6, 2000. Unfortunately, the final product was not satisfactory causing the contract to be extended by the State to November 6, 2000. The additional work will involve relocating to the west the two standard mounted crossing signals for eastbound motorists and replacing the 20 mph signs with ones noting the Town’s historic 15 mph.
14. Causeway Vulnerability Study:
The consultant has been engaged by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to perform a vulnerability study on eight causeways in Brevard County. The purpose of the study is to address water and wind induced damage. The end result is to determine those improvements that can be made to help in the recovery effort after a storm. The study is projected to be completed in November, 2001. As a member of the Technical Advisory Committee I expect to attend all future meetings. The next meeting has been scheduled for November 6, 2000.
15. SR-A1A Resurfacing with sidewalk on west side:
FDOT has indicated that the resurfacing is expected to begin in June, 2001.
16. FEMA damage:
Work has been completed. The Town has been reimbursed for Irene expenses and is waiting for Floyd funds.
17. S. Riverside Drive Sidewalk:
Staff is working with the Town’s engineer so that this project, financed with County provided transportation impact fee funds, can proceed to be constructed.
18. FRDAP Grant/Orlando Park:
An application for State grant funds in the amount of $28,517 to secure increased accessibility for the handicapped in Orlando Park was approved by the Council on September 12, 2000—no Town match is required. Application deadline is October 13, 2000.
19. S. Riverside Drive:
The center double line has been repainted and reflective pavement markers (RPMs) have been placed along the centerline.
20. Personnel/Civil Service Manual:
Staff solicited comments regarding the current Personnel/Civil Service Manual from Town employees. Proposed revisions have been forwarded to the PBA to address those areas that affect bargaining unit members. Additionally, the document, which includes the new drug-free workplace language, will be reviewed by the Civil Service Board as well as by Mr. Fawsett.