October 19, 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, 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.  Commencement documents were submitted to FDEP and subsequently approved for the Town to proceed with improvements.

3.      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.

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 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:  FDOT has included in the Tentative Five-Year Transportation Plan to replace the easternmost relief bridge (bridge number 700037) 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.  FDOT is analyzing the possible replacement of the two parallel relief bridges (bridge numbers 700173 & 700175) immediately west of the easternmost relief bridge at the same time that the easternmost relief bridge is replaced.  The consultant for FDOT is evaluating the project to determine what level of effort has to be expended within FDOT’s process.  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.

7.     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 considered.  All is on hold due to the extensive damage that this area suffered from Hurricane Frances.

8.     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 has determined that the proposal is in compliance with FDEP requirements.

9.      Orlando Park:  A large play item, approximately 13 years old, has failing components.  It has been roped off for safety reasons.  The manufacturer will provide some parts through the existing warranty and the Town has ordered certain other parts to enable Public Works personnel to repair the item.  Public Works personnel will proceed with this work when they complete hurricane damage work.

10.    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.

11.  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.    Concrete has been poured for the construction of the nine-space parking lot. Public Works personnel will proceed with additional work when they complete hurricane damage work.

12.  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).  The check for $13,434 has been received and the contractor has nearly completed the work.

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

14.   NUI is planning to extend 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 from Fourth and Sixth avenues.  Due to recent hurricane activity they have placed this project on hold.

15.  Water Re-Use:  Brevard County government and Satellite Beach are working together toward evaluating the possibility of providing re-use water from the County plant south of Melbourne Beach to Satellite Beach under an arrangement involving the annexation of the area now known as Pelican Coast.  It is expected that the County will have sufficient capacity to service Satellite Beach, but no one else.  The County was attempting to determine if any other governmental entity was interested in having re-use water. There will be some availability for incidental use (e.g. Fifth Avenue median).  The cost is projected at this time, including the availability of grant funds, to be about $4,400 per property.  Based on past studies it is expected that in the future, irrigation wells in Satellite Beach will have too much salt to support plant life.  I expressed interest on behalf of the Town in possibly being an incidental re-use customer, depending on cost, and in the route that is eventually chosen to run the line.

16.  Fourth Avenue sidewalks (south side of 400 block):  A small section of sidewalk east of Fifth Avenue Plaza was replaced and a new small section added east of Danish Interiors.

17.  Fire Chief:  Mr. Macdonald is scheduled to start November 1, 2004.  James Haggas is serving as the Acting Fire Chief for the month of October, 2004.

18.  Hurricane Damage:  Significant damage was inflicted on the Douglas Park seawall and the mid-section of the Nance Park restroom facility.