City of New Smyrna Beach

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1 Quarterly Newsletter - January, February, March 2014 City of New Smyrna Beach I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E : 1st Quarter H A P P Y NEW YEAR! Awards & Recognition 2-5 Historic Preservation 6 Projects Update 7-10 Meetings & Board Info. 11 Resident s Corner 12 Special Events Financial Report 15 - Notice - City offices will be closed January 1st, New Year s Day & January 20th in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday. CONGRATULATIONS By Resolution No Commissioner McGuirk was appointed Vice Mayor of New Smyrna Beach, effective November 5th, He was preceded by Vice Mayor Grasty. M A R T I N L U T H E R K I N G Martin Luther King Day celebrates the life and accomplishment of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. MLK promoted Civil Rights through nonviolent civil disobedience. He is perhaps best known for his "I have a dream..." speech in He was assassinated in Martin Luther King, Jr. day became a federally recognized holiday in Martin Luther King Jr. Day takes place on the third Monday of January each year. N EW Y E A R ' S D AY H I S T O R Y New Year's Day marks the start of a new year on the Gregorian II calendar. This calendar was first introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in It is celebrated every year on January 1st Community Visioning With the creation of a Neighborhood Council, the Planning Manager and City Manager have been working to expand the City s community engagement efforts. The 2014 City-wide community based Visioning Session is being planned to begin in February and conclude by May That timeframe allows for a review and discussion by the City Commission for priority items requiring funding in the FY 14/15 proposed budget. The City has become very active in the National Alliance for Innovation and as such requested guidance and assistance in securing a facilitator for the main event and a nationally prominent speaker as well. The schedule for the Community-wide event would begin in February with four 1/2 day community meetings (one in each Commission district and hosted by the District Commissioner) which seek to have the community provide input and rankings to identify major community issues. For more information please call

2 City of New Smyrna Beach Page 2 A W A R D S A N D R E C O G N I T I O N S October 2013 was National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and had New Smyrna Beach firefighters seeing pink again. This was the department s third year of adding pink to the uniform during the month of October. Pink duty apparel helps to promote awareness of breast cancer. Not only were the crews wearing the shirts on shift, they also were selling them to raise money for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer annual walk on October 26 in Daytona Beach, which is an annual fund raiser hosted by the American Cancer Society. Year to date the NSB Fire Department helped raise $ to donate to breast cancer charities. The truck wrap was designed and applied by Hawkeye Brothers Signs & Graphics. The vinyl was donated by 3M for the purpose of wrapping the truck for Breast Cancer Awareness month. NSB Police motor unit brings home the hardware Riding a police motorcycle is dangerous work, so practicing those skills regularly can be life saving for the officers. Create a competition where you can win awards and recognition from your fellow riders and the practice becomes exciting. Several members of the New Smyrna Beach Police Motors Unit took top honors in the Space Coast Police Motorcycle Safety Training and Trial October 12 in West Melbourne. Motor Officer Josh Holloway took home several awards including first place individual rider in the Harley Davidson division, third place in the challenge ride and was named Mr. Rodeo as the overall top rider of the event. Motor Officer Jason Reve was awarded with first place novice rider, while Investigator Chris Salomone took home third place in the Harley Davidson division. In addition to all the trophies and plaques their team efforts earned the agency two laser speed measurement devices, a $5,000 value. Competitions such as these showcase the professionalism in our agency, while honing the skills of the riders, said Police Chief George Markert.

3 City of New Smyrna Beach Page 3 A W A R D S A N D R E C O G N I T I O N S The City of New Smyrna Beach again has earned national recognition for its governmental accounting and financial reporting. The City has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its 2012 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating constructive spirit of full disclosure to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR, according to a press release issued by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) in Chicago, IL. In 2012, the City received national recognition for possessing the highest principles of governmental budgeting by earning the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the GFOA. The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving nearly 17,500 government finance professionals throughout North America. This award was presented to Althea Philord, Finance Director and Emily Ollila, Assistant Finance Director. Doing the LOOP in NSB has redevelopment experts taking notice. The New Smyrna Beach Community Redevelopment Agency s (CRA) marketing initiative for its NSB Waterfront LOOP has earned the Roy F. Kenzie award for marketing and communications from the Florida Redevelopment Association. The NSB Waterfront LOOP is an initiative by the New Smyrna Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to promote waterfront, historical and commercial core areas of the City. The LOOP includes Canal Street, the North Causeway, Flagler Avenue, Third Avenue and parts of the Historic Westside Community. Pictured: Tony Otte, CRA/Econ. Dev. Director A NSB case study (City of New Smyrna Beach, Utilization of Citizen Task Forces) has been selected for presentation at the 2014 Transforming Local Government Conference (TLG) on April 23-25, 2014 in Denver. Out of the 90+ case studies received, the top submissions were selected to share their stories and present at this prestigious national conference. The City of New Smyrna will co-present with the City of Marana, AZ. On November 5th, 2013 staff submitted an entry (Hampton Inn and Suites) to the Florida Planning and Zoning Association (FPZA) Surf Coast under the category of Outstanding Private Public Partnership for 2012 and received an award for this submittal.

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5 City of New Smyrna Beach Page 5 A W A R D S A N D R E C O G N I T I O N S

6 City of New Smyrna Beach Page 6 Historic Preservation The Historic New Smyrna Beach Preservation Commission is accepting nominations for the 2014 Donnadine Miller Memorial Historic Preservation Award. Buildings at least 50 years old or sites associated with a historic event are eligible. The nomination deadline is January 31, Winners of the 2014 awards will be presented a bronze plaque at a March City Commission meeting in conjunction with Florida Heritage Week. The City created the Historic preservation award program in 2002 to promote pride in the City s past and increases awareness and appreciation for buildings that contribute to the history and character of New Smyrna Beach. In 2009, the award program was renamed in memory of Donnadine Miller, who was an active volunteer and member of the community. Miller served as Historic New Smyrna Beach Preservation Commission Chair; worked as an amateur archaeologist; and participated in numerous other events and activities. The 2013 award winner in the residential category was 508 Ball Street (left). The 2013 award winner in the non-residential category was 115 Canal Street (below) While award recipients are encouraged to apply for local landmark designation, receiving an award does not place any restrictions on the property. Applications are available at City Hall, 210 Sams Avenue, the New Smyrna Museum of History, 201 Sams Avenue, and online at

7 City of New Smyrna Beach Page 7 UNDER CONSTRUCTION, AND NOW OPEN FOR BUSINESS. Shoppers visiting New Smyrna Beach s Canal Street Historic District have more options for parking. A new parking lot on the site of the former Dunn Lumber is now open on the Northwest corner of U.S. 1 and West Canal Street. The lot provides 36 additional paved parking spaces. The construction cost of the project including design and permitting is $207,680 and is funded by the County of Volusia and the City of New Smyrna Beach through the City s CRA. The decorative light posts are anticipated to be installed by February Progress photo 11/22/13

8 City of New Smyrna Beach Page 8 S OON T O COME. The Babe James Community Center will be expanded to accommodate a larger social hall, an improved kitchen, separated adult and youth computer rooms, improved storage and enhanced security. Local Architect, Gerard J. Pendergast, is heading up the design team that most recently submitted 90% construction documents. Funding of $650,000 is though the Community Redevelopment Agency. For fitness enthusiasts, a 12-foot wide bicycle and foot path will soon course the landscape between Pine Street and Sugar Mill Drive within the utility corridor, wholly owned by the Utilities Commission, City of New Smyrna Beach. The length of this trail segment will be 2.2 miles with future plans to interconnect with the countywide trail network. The Design Team was headed up by Parker Mynchenberg and Associates from nearby Holly Hill. Bids were received on November 19, 2013 with Masci Corporation of Port Orange submitting the lowest responsive bid in the amount of $1,793, Funding is through Grants from the Volusia County ECHO Program and the Florida Department of Transportation and the City s General Fund.

9 City of New Smyrna Beach Page 9 C R A D O L L A R S AT W O R K... ~ Recent CRA Grant Completions ~ BEFORE AFTER 409 S. Orange St. from residence to law office - Combined Grant

10 City of New Smyrna Beach Page 10 C R A D O L L A R S AT W O R K... ~ Recent CRA Grant Completions ~ BEFORE CONSTRUCTION - VACANT LOT AFTER CONSTRUCTION Canal St. J&J Building Recent site of Disney filming of movie Tomorrowland Opportunity Site Grant

11 City of New Smyrna Beach Page 11 City Commission and Board Meeting Calendar JANUARY 03 Plan Review Committee 06 Planning & Zoning Board 08 Historic Preservation Board 14 City Commission 14 Community Redevelopment Agency 13 Housing Authority 21 Code Enforcement Board 15 Economic Development Advisory Bd 16 CDBG Advisory Board 16 Building Trades Board 28 City Commission 15 Airport Advisory Board 22 Golf Advisory Board 30 Leisure Activities Advisory Board FEBRUARY 03 Planning & Zoning Board 07 Plan Review Committee 10 Housing Authority 11 Community Redevelopment Agency 11 City Commission 12 Historic Preservation Board 14 Fire Pension Board 14 Police Pension Board 18 Code Enforcement Board 20 Economic Development Advisory Bd 20 CDBG Advisory Board 20 Building Trades Board 25 City Commission MARCH 03 Planning & Zoning Board 07 Plan Review Committee 10 Housing Authority 11 Community Redevelopment Agency 11 City Commission 12 Historic Preservation Board 18 Code Enforcement Board 20 Economic Development Advisory Bd 20 CDBG Advisory Board 20 Building Trades Board 25 City Commission 27 Leisure Activities Advisory Board BOARD VACANCIES In most cases, to be eligible for appointment to a Board, an applicant must be a registered voter and resident of the City of New Smyrna Beach for one year immediately prior to the appointment. To be considered for appointment, please complete a City Advisory Boards and Commissions Volunteer Application which can also be found on the Boards and Commission webpage and submit the completed form to: City Clerk s Office New Smyrna Beach City Hall 210 Sams Avenue New Smyrna Beach, FL Current Vacancies: Economic Development Advisory Board - A vacancy exists for a regular member to fill a term expiring June 8, Personnel Board Four vacancies exists for a regular member to fill a term expiring May 1, STATEMENT OF BOARD APPOINTMENTS Winter/Spring 2014 JANUARY Building Trades Board The three-year terms of members William Cowherd and Paul Heer will expire January 1, FEBRUARY MARCH None Code Enforcement Board The three-year terms of members Pat Arvidson, Thomas Briggs and Sylvan McElroy will expire March 3, Please call the City Clerk s Office at (386) if you have any questions regarding Boards and Commissions or you can visit the webpage for additional information as well. Boards and Commissions

12 City of New Smyrna Beach Page 12 R E S I D E N T S CORNER On January 18th, 2014 the City will again participate in the Home Show & Business Expo hosted by the Southeast Volusia Chamber of Commerce. The purpose of the booth is to inform citizens of City services as well as marketing the efforts of the NSB waterfront loop. The City of New Smyrna Beach 2014 Citizen s Academy April 4th through May 14th, 2014 This event is an interactive civic & public information program designed for residents of New Smyrna Beach. The Citizen s Academy is an opportunity for residents to learn more about City government and the services delivered. It is a seven week program that is intended to provide participants with insight on how local governments work, promote open lines of communication, and offer a clearer understanding of municipal government. Sessions will be hosted by various City departments and the Utilities Commission. If you are interested in participating in the New Smyrna Beach 2014 Citizen s Academy please complete this information & return to: City Manager s Office 210 Sams Avenue New Smyrna Beach, Fl Office (386) Each weekly session 6:00 p.m. and is approximately three hours long. Sessions will be held at various locations outlined on the program schedule. Enrollment to the Citizen s Academy is limited to 10 to 15 residents on a first come, first registered basis. Applicants must be a resident of New Smyrna Beach to participate in the program. Citizen Volunteer Program Since 2009, the use of citizen volunteers has grown significantly as a result of budget constraints and decreased staffing levels. Our citizen volunteers help us to minimize the impact these reductions pose on the services we provide to the public. For the past 20 years, the Recreation and Special Events Department and the Police Department have been using volunteers. However, today volunteer responsibilities have broadened. Our volunteers specialize in traffic control, parking enforcement and special event security. This year, 10 citizen volunteers worked alongside staff to provided administrative assistance within the police department in the areas of data entry, records management and fingerprinting. The Police Department s Citizens on Patrol program has been exceedingly successful given the strict selection process and advanced training provided to each member. We constantly are recruiting new volunteers. Applications are available on the city website may also use the Government Jobs tab to search through your municipality's employment opportunities. Subscribe to job posting notifications to be automatically alerted of the latest career opportunities by clicking on the Notify Me button.

13 City of New Smyrna Beach Page 13 SPECIAL EVENTS - J A N UA R Y - Martin Luther King Celebration The MLK celebration in New Smyrna Beach will be on January 21st beginning with breakfast at 7:30 a.m. at the Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 214 S. Myrtle Avenue. The march will begin at the Black Heritage Museum, 314 S. Duss Street at 9:00 a.m. & proceed to Old Fort Park for the memorial program. 10:00 am Service to be held at Old Fort Park. 38th Annual IMAGES - A Festival of the Arts Presented by Atlantic Center for the Arts January 25, 26 & 27, :00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 Sunday Riverside Park - Free and Open to the Public - Kick off for the Mayor s Fitness Challenge - January 6th, 5:30 pm The kick off for the Mayors Fitness Challenge is at the Brannon Center. This is a 10 week get fit program with the final prize being $1000 to the overall male and the overall female. It is also part of a National Program called PHIT America. For more information contact Resolution January 4th, 2014 The City of New Smyrna Beach and the Canal Street Merchants are hosting this new event called Resolution which is similar to the Blocktoberfest that took place in October. Canal Street will be closed from US 1 to Live Oak Street starting at 3:00 pm on January 4th. Food trucks will line the street and you may enjoy their fares while listening to live music. The event runs from 5pm 9pm - R E G U L A R M O N T H L Y E V E N T S - The 1st Saturday of every month Canal Street features a Art Stroll/Gallery Walk from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The second Saturday of each month is Cruise Night on Canal Street from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Come enjoy antique cars, music, food and fun! And don t forget, every Saturday Farmers Markets are open on Sams Avenue in front of City Hall (7:30 am - 1:00 pm) and at Norwood s on Third Ave (8:00 am -l 12:30 pm) featuring fresh produce, hand made crafts and many other special items of interest. These events are free and open to the public!

14 City of New Smyrna Beach Page 14 SPECIAL EVENTS - F E B R UA R Y nd ANNUAL ART FIESTA Date: February 15th and 16th Time: 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Location: Old Fort Park and Sams Avenue (across from City Hall, 210 Sams Avenue) The art show will feature over 240 artisans and crafters from around the country to show and sell their wares. Browse the street and park while listening to musical entertainment throughout the weekend. Free to the Public For more information, contact the Recreation Department at nd Annual Black Heritage Festival - Date: Friday - Sunday, February 7-9 Time: 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m., (ending times vary) Location: Pettis Park, 314 North Duss Street Enjoy live music and entertainment, food, arts & crafts, hair weaving and face painting, cane grinding and syrup making, soap making, storytelling, a school art display and a tour of the Black Heritage Museum. For more information, call or visit - M A R C H - Daylight Savings time was begun in an effort to help save energy and provide workers with more hours of serviceable daylight during the long summer days. Daylight Savings Time was first introduced in the U.S. in However, it was not until 1966, when the Uniform Act was passed, that all states had to either observe DST or pass a state law to abstain. Sunday March 9th Nice saying to remember Spring Forward and Fall Back SAVE THE DATE! The 2014 New Smyrna Beach Balloon & Sky Fest will be March at the Municipal Airport. It will feature hot-air balloons, two night and two daytime air shows, a new 4-H Animal Encounter, lots of live music and entertainment, the newly-expanded Inspiration Village, veterans ceremonies, a carnival and much, much more - all benefitting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia County and other civic and youth groups. Visit for details.

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