city offices closed monday-december 23,...
TRANSCRIPT
Memorandum To: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Jim Landon, City Manager
Date: December 20, 2013
Re: Week-In-Review
CITY OFFICES CLOSED Monday-December 23, Tuesday-December 24, and Wednesday-December 25
For the Christmas holiday
Holiday Starlight Event and Parade
On Saturday, December 14 the City hosted its annual holiday event at Central Park in Town Center. The day began
with the Holiday Event that featured a snow slide, pictures with Santa, crafts and face painting, local entertainment
and refreshments. The highlight of the event was the visit by the Grinch, who danced with the crowd, played
tennis at the PCTC display and visited with those who enjoyed his quirky sense of humor.
The Starlight Parade had 98 registered participants with Art Dycke, City Historian featured as the Grand Marshal.
The Starlight Tornado
The parade was cut short, and a half hour later a tornado hit the B, C and F sections – damaging or destroying more
than 180 homes. Our Fire Department, Public Works, Community Development, Utility and Stormwater crews
immediately responded to help with the cleanup, assess the damage, and assist residents with starting their
recovery. We have heard from many residents about how pleased they were by the City’s response and we plan to
be there with our residents until everything is rebuilt. We would like to thank Flagler County Emergency
Management, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Flagler County Government and Property Appraiser, Waste Pro,
Flagler County Volunteer Services, the American Red Cross, the SBA, the State Division of Emergency
Management, and the many residents and businesses who provided volunteer hours and donations.
FDOT Public Hearing
Staff attended the Florida Department of Transportation 5-year Work Program Public Hearing. Staff provided a
letter for the public records that thanks FDOT for their coordination efforts to fund the City’s priority projects. The
letter further states the need for further coordination to address other City priority projects.
City and HUD
Staff met with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to discuss the City’s CDBG
program. The main topic of discussion is the advancement of the Seminole Woods neighborhood Multi-use path
using CDBG funds. HUD staff in the Jacksonville district office agreed with staff’s proposal to have the costs of
completing the Seminole Woods neighborhood multi-use path covered using CDBG allocation in future years.
This proposal will need to be approved by HUD office in Washington D.C. Other items of discussion include the
administration of the recreational scholarship program (for summer camp) using CDBG funds, and clarification of
where CDBG funds may be used. (CDBG funds may only be used within the City boundaries).
Next Week:
City offices open normal business hours, 8am, Thursday, December 26 and Friday, December 27.
Attachments: Administration Division Updates
BAC Update
Community Development Update
Information Technology Department Update
Engineering & Stormwater Department Update
Fire Department Update
Parks & Recreation Update
Event Calendar
Public Works/Utility Update
News Releases: Tornado News Releases (3), and Christmas Tree Recycling Event
160 Cypress Point Pkwy, Suite B-106, Palm Coast Florida 32164
386-986-3702
City Manager’s Office
Administrative Divisions Week in Review
Friday, December 20, 2013
City Clerk
Processed 9 public records requests.
Processed 12 litigation documents.
Prepared and processed 10 documents for recording.
Prepared and posted 2 sets of approved meeting minutes to the Web.
Processed 16 resolutions.
Processed 3 ordinances.
Coordinated OnBase changes for Utility/Wastewater with Information Technologies.
Communications & Marketing
Managed media relations and conducted three press conferences related to tornado
Preparing for Long Creek Nature Preserve groundbreaking on Jan. 7 – invitations sent, parking
area at Yacht Club secured
Completed design of Long Creek Nature Preserve Construction Sign
Handled numerous media requests
Coordinated advertising
Oversaw social media, including Facebook posts and responses related to the tornado
Reviewed magazine article submission to the Alliance of Innovation; subject of article is the LITE
team structure and how the SAP was impacted
Videotaped and photographed tornado damage, City crews working on the cleanup, media covering
tornado, and City press conferences; also videotaped field interviews in neighborhoods
Videotaped and photographed 2013 Starlight Parade and Event
Edited 2013 Starlight Parade video – now airing on TV199, posted to YouTube
Videotaped, aired live the Palm Coast City Council meeting.
Edited, distributed, aired excerpt from Council meeting featuring overview of Starlight Tornado
event and Sunday morning’s press conference related to tornado
Assisted Matanzas High School TV class with YouTube distribution of new anti-texting while
driving video the students produced
Updated storm event news and announcements on TV199's ticker tape....performed holiday
scheduling on channel
160 Cypress Point Pkwy, Suite B-106, Palm Coast Florida 32164
386-986-3702
Human Resources
Great West Visit – January 19th
in HR Office
Purchasing and Contracts Management
Purchasing & Bidding:
Posted ITB-CD-NSP-14-06 - NSP 3 Home 119
Posted ITB-CD-NSP-14-07 - NSP 3 Home 120
Review Committee Meeting for RFP-PW-U-14-02 - SCADA Uniform Systems Conversion
Advertised and posted ITB-PW-FM-14-01 - Replacement Tank for the Water Truck
Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting for ITB-CD-NSP-14-06 - NSP 3 Home 119
Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting for ITB-CD-NSP-14-07 - NSP 3 Home 120
Bid Opening for ITB-CD-NSP-14-04 - NSP 3 Home 117
Bid Opening for ITB-CD-NSP-14-05 - NSP 3 Home 118
Advertised and posted ITB-PW-U-14-04 - Bulk Chemical Storage Tank Replacement Project
Advertised and posted ITB-CD-CM-14-03 - Scoreboards for Indian Trails Sports Complex
Contracts:
First Renewal Option with Karpetmaster, Inc. for RFQ-CM-10-05 - Prequalification for
Contractual Cleaning Services
Renewal Option with Utility Service Company, Inc. for Fee Service Maintenance Program for
Water Storage Tank
C.T. Hsu + Associates for RFQ-CP-11-02 - City Hall Architectural Services
Impact December 20, 2013
Week: December 16 – 20 Month: December To Date: Since May 1, 2011
RESULTS EFFORTS
cons
ultin
g
Hours
# Sessions
14 26
1244
Attendees
0 0
1097
Hours
#
trai
ning
Current R O I = per invested
jobs
158 Total
new businesses 38 Total
INVESTMENT salaries
capital
sales
BAC PARTNERS
0 0
158
The Palm Coast Business Assistance Center Managed by the SBDC at UCF
Located at City Offices at City Market Place
160 Cypress Point Parkway, Suite B-105 Palm Coast, Florida 32164
(386) 986-2499 www.PalmCoastBAC.com
Highlights Happy Holidays – Don’t forget to shop at your favorite small local business!
New Palm Coast Businesses
Agua Construction Company – 4 Office Park Drive – General Contractor Alison Ballentine Designs – Home Based – Interior Decorator Serge Stockert Detailing – Home Based – Auto/Mobile Detailer JRA Adult Family Care Home – Home Based – Adult Day Care
Week-in-Review – December 20, 2013 – Nestor Abreu, Director
PERMITTING ACTIVITY
The following is an update of permit and development application activity in Palm Coast from December 12,
2013 through December 18, 2013:
Total number of permits issued: 158
Since January 2009, $456,708,009 construction dollars have been invested in Palm Coast.
Commercial Permit Applications
4895 Palm Coast Parkway
Site Development - Verizon
Store Galvis Construction $80,000
4851 Belle Terre Parkway
Site Development -
McDonalds Fast Food
Restaurant Southland Construction Inc.
(Value
included in
the number
below)
4851 Belle Terre Parkway
McDonalds Fast Food
Restaurant Southland Construction Inc. $800,000
11 Market Ave Dollar General Fulcrum Construction $715,000
Residential Permits Issued
7 Pin Oak Drive Addition Ideal Homes $3,000
7 Whittier lane Addition Intervest construction $2,000
Check out Palm Coast
Prosperity at Work
http://prosperity.discoverpalmcoast.com/
2
Water Treatment Plant
186 Westhampton Drive Alteration D & C Restoration $6,000
36 Seville Orange Path Single Family Residence Flagler Habitat $164,000
82 Rymshaw Drive Single Family Residence Adams Homes $277,000
4 Ludlow Lane E Single Family Residence Adams Homes $175,000
1 Barkwood Lane Single Family Residence Vanacore Construction $318,000
Occupancy Permits
15 Palm Harbor Village Way
Unit A Lug Nutz Pub - Restaurant Cheryl Hulse
337 Underwood Trail Alison Ballentine Designs Alison Ballentine
Application Submittal
Technical Site Plan Tier 1
Pine Lakes and Wynnfiled C-
Store M&R United, Inc.
3
PLANNING
Staff attended the Florida Department of Transportation 5-year Work Program Public Hearing. Staff provided a
letter for the public records that thanks FDOT for their coordination efforts to fund the City’s priority projects. The
letter further states the need for further coordination to address other City priority projects.
Staff met with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to discuss the City’s CDBG
program. The main topic of discussion is the advancement of the Seminole Woods neighborhood Multi-use path
using CDBG funds. HUD staff in the Jacksonville district office agreed with staff’s proposal to have the costs of
completing the Seminole Woods neighborhood multi-use path covered using CDBG allocation in future years.
This proposal will need to be approved by HUD office in Washington D.C. Other items of discussion include the
administration of the recreational scholarship program (for summer camp) using CDBG funds, and clarification of
where CDBG funds may be used. (CDBG funds may only be used within the City boundaries).
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
The following is an update since last week for capital projects in the City from December 12, 2013 through
December 18, 2013.
Road and Median Projects
Bulldog Drive Roadway
Improvements Design 95%
A construction contract, grant easement to FP&L, grant
easement to Town Center CDD, a Bulldog Drive Right-of-
Way Map, FP&L street light agreement, and for a Change
Order to Consultant to provide construction engineering &
inspection services were all approved by City Council on
12-17-13.
Pine Lakes Parkway
North Construction 99% Final Completion on 12-19-2013. Contractor working on
final documentation submittals.
Palm Coast Parkway Six-
Laning Construction 0%
A construction contract, a contract for construction
engineering & inspection services, FP&L street light
agreement, and a FP&L street light relocation agreement
were all approved by City Council on 12-17-13.
Bridge Projects
Palm Harbor Bridge near
Long's Landing
(#734062)
Construction 0% A Notice-To-Proceed was issued with a construction start
date of 1-6-14.
City Facility Projects
Long Creek Nature
Preserve
Design
Construction
90%
0%
Design - Phase Two; Design Team currently working on
Phase Two 90% submission. Construction - Phase One;
A groundbreaking was scheduled for 1-7-14 at 9:00am.
4
Christmas is just around the corner and the Flagler Humane Society is offering gift
certificates for pet adoptions, pet sterilization services and pet products. If you are
stuck on a gift idea for the friend or family member that has everything, you can also
make a contribution to the homeless pets in honor of them. They will receive an
acknowledgment via mail.
If you were considering getting someone a pet as a gift, FHS encourages the use of
the pet adoption gift certificate instead of coming and picking out a pet for them. Pets
are a lifetime commitment and future owner should pick the pet that’s right for them.
This cuts back on returns after the holidays for pets that were adopted as “gifts” but
weren’t the type of pet that the person would have chosen. The shelter will be open
for ½ a day on Christmas Eve for those last minute adoptions or gift certificate sales,
so you can bring your loved in to choose their forever friend themselves.
Upcoming Events: Stay tuned to the FHS website and Facebook for upcoming
outreach events.
Snack Jacks will be hosting the January Yappy Hour on January 19th
. Join us for
music, food, and fun! (More information as the event gets closer.)
Coming Soon: FHS is planning on having even more adoptable cats at PetSmart on
SR 100. Plans are in the works for outreach events during the week to try to increase
the cat adoptions. Please like FHS on Facebook for upcoming updates.
Outreach Event Updates: Indian Trails Middle School hosted an Adopt-a-thon for
Pawsitive Change on December 14. Flagler Humane Society adoptable pets were
onsite along with those from Second Chance Rescue and Saffari Rescue. FHS wants
to thank all the supporters who came out and made donations for the homeless pets of
Flagler County.
Public Announcements: The Flagler Humane Society has a variety of subsidized
spay and neuter programs for members of the community that need to have their pets
sterilized. Please call FHS at 386-445-1814 or email [email protected]
for general questions, or email [email protected] for grant-specific
questions that we can be of assistance to you.
Animals for Adoption: FHS currently has an overabundance of cats and pocket pets
available for adoption. Check our website, www.flaglerhumanesociety.org, for
December Adoption Specials.
Classroom Pocket Pet Program: Do you know of a teacher that would like to have
a classroom pet? Please contact [email protected] or 386-445-1814
ext. 501 for more information. This program is a great way to place an animal in a
forever home and teach students about responsibility and self-confidence.
283 cats 51 dogs 4 rabbits Animals ready for homes
Remember Healy? This lovely little tortoiseshell cat, who grew up in
the Shelter since arriving in March, finally found
her forever home when she was adopted the week
following her being the Featured Pet. We love
happy endings!
Adoption specialist:
Danielle Camic
(All adoptions and outreach)
Information on events to benefit our
homeless animals can be found on our
website, www.flaglerhumanesociety.org.
ULAN
Ulan is a sweet little kitten who
loves to be the center of attention.
If he doesn’t think that you are
paying attention to him, he will
try everything he can to get you
to pay attention to him. He is
approximately 6 months old and
came in with his sister (who is
also still at the shelter) as strays
from Palm Coast. He is already
neutered and up to date on all of
his shots. He is super friendly
and gets along great with other
cats. He is not easily scared and
has attended a number of
outreach events. Stop by FHS
and meet this wonderful playful
kitten.
Pet of the Week
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
TO : Jim Landon, City Manager
FROM : Steve Viscardi, IT Director
DATE : 12/19/2013
RE : Week In Review
Operations Division planning inventory of both COLO network cabinets. Some clean up and streamlining is overdue.
DEPARTMENT/DIVISION SUPPORT
CODE ENFORCEMENT
Applications Division made changes to the Abandoned Property Application to allow City staff to add notes and manually mark a registration as inactive.
Applications Division created an online search for Abandoned Properties. The online search will be made available on the website when staff has been able to review.
ENTERPRISE
Applications Division assisted with the response to the Starlight Tornado event including - setting up the Damage Assessment application, creating Damage Assessment reports andsetting up a callout for the Citizens in the affected area.
Applications Division created new report to calculate City Facility consumption by time period, account and specific charge codes for comparisons with numbers generated from our Water Plants
GIS Division staff provided maps of tornado affected properties in support of emergency response efforts.
GIS continues migration of historical aerial photography to the new GIS server /ArcGIS 10.1 format.
Operations Division received 70 Track IT’s this past week.
Operations Division supported City staff with Starlight Tornado efforts. Good to see the plan go into action and thankful none of our citizens were hurt.
Operations Division continues to upgrade VMware for our cloud devices. Process is 75% complete.
Operations Division completed converting department telephone spreadsheets to database format. Will help us keep better track of items and produce better reporting.
FINANCE
Applications Division updated Munis environment with requested code to correct payroll inconsistencies
M-3 Water Control Structure Rehabilitation Project for 2014 (ITB-SW-14-01) - Four (4) qualifications was received on 9-23-13, two (2) of the four (4) met the qualifications. Council approve contract award for S.E. Cline Construction, Inc., in the amount of $439,325.00 on 12-17-13. Construction should begin in January-February 2014.
Stormwater Model Construction Improvements for Sections 35 and Section 37 Public Works continues construction on Bunker Lane pipe crossing. Road is paved and spillways were poured on 12-11-13. Ditch Line seeded and strawed.
Identify and Resolve FPL Billing Descrepancies in Street Light Power Bills - Strategy is complete, field varifications complete, currently working on the account audit- 50% complete.
Seminole Woods Multi Use Path – Council approved purchase of materials and other associated expenses for the MUP from SR 100 to Sesame Blvd on 12-17-13. Phase 1 scheduled to start 1-6-13. Phase 2 in design, phase 3 being surveyed.
Engineering & Stormwater Department
John C. Moden, City Engineer
Week In Review December 12 – December 18, 2013
Total Aquatic Weed Control on Freshwater Canals Herbicide application continues on freshwater canals.
Wynnfield
Waterway in
Section 20
Pine Lakes
Tropical Strm/Depression Debby
Where Does the Rain Water Go?
BA-1 Struture
Left – Post Debby minimal flow over weir
Below - Structure is dry before Debby
K-6 Structure
Left – Post Debby minimal flow over weir
Below – Dry before Debby
Big Mulberry Creek Structure
Left – Post Debby minimal flow over weir
Below – Dry structure before Debby
SE Cline
Construction, Inc.
awarded contract in
the amount of
$1,254,325.00 with
a start date of 2-18-
13 for a 6 month
contract time
Palm Harbor @ College Waterway Bridge Rehab Construction – Notice To Proceed date is 1-6-14.
Colechester @ College Waterway Bridge Rehab Design - The Letter of Intent was received and staff is currently meeting with Stone Engineering Group.
Long Creek Nature Preserve Construction Phase 1 – Ground Breaking Ceremonies set for 1-7-14. With the Notice to Proceed date of 1-8-14.
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
SURVEY TASKS:
Set 7 bench mark locations
Surveyed for 2 new home construction driveway culvert and swales
Surveyed for 3 driveway culverts and swales
Surveyed for 1 valley gutter installation
Survey continues for the swale rehab project on East Diamond Drive - 11 lots, Pin Oak Drive -
15 lots and Beachway Drive- 1 lot
Seminole Woods MUP Phase 1 - staking silt fence from Ulaturn (S) to Ulaturn (N)
REVIEW TASKS:
20 - Right-of-Way Permits
5 - Project Reviews
DESIGN WORK PERFORMED:
7 – Driveway swale designs
1 – Valley gutter installations
2 – Drainage pipe for street crossings design
Continuing Seminole Woods Multi Use Path Phase 2 design
Continuing work on the swale rehabilitation program
Swale Rehabilitation Projects Released for Construction – 7,550 LF released this week
Bayside Waterway
Starlight Tornado -- Trees Downed
Total Aquatic Weed Control on Freshwater Canals
Aquatic Management Plus, LLC continues herbicide spraying on the
canals.
Fire Department
To: Jim Landon, City Manager From M. C. Beadle, Chief Date: December12, 2013 Re: Week in Review
In the past week, the department responded to 171 calls. There was 1 minor structure fire. A total of 110 EMS calls was logged and the balance was miscellaneous in nature. The drought index is at 230 out of a possible 800 and the fire danger is low.
Recreation & Parks
To: Jim Landon, City Manager
From: Luanne Santangelo, Parks and Recreation Director
Date: December 20, 2013
Re: Week in Review
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:
Movie in Central Park – Hosted by the City of Palm Coast and the Flagler County School District
on Friday, December 13. Over 75 of our neighbors enjoyed the showing of “The 12 Dogs of
Christmas” presented this evening.
Holiday Starlight Event and Parade – On
Saturday, December 14 the City hosted its annual holiday
event at Central Park in Town Center. The day began with the
Holiday Event that featured a snow slide, pictures with Santa,
crafts and face painting, local entertainment and refreshments.
The highlight of the event was the visit by the Grinch, who
danced with the crowd, played tennis at the PCTC display and visited with those who enjoyed his quirky sense of humor.
The Starlight Parade had 98 registered participants with Art Dycke, City Historian featured as the Grand Marshal.
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES:
♦Toddlers
Little Chefs – Do you have a little “Guy Fieri” or “Rachel Ray” in your home? Bring your “Little
Chef” to the Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Parkway, NE on Tuesday, January 21
from 10-11 am to learn how to make a healthy, tasty snack. For Chefs ages 2-5 years. Pre-registration
required.
Teddy Bear Picnic – Monday, January 6, 2014; 10-11 am at the Palm Coast Community Center,
305 Palm Coast Parkway, NE. Toddlers aged 2-5 will enjoy story time, crafts, games and snacks.
Free to attend but children must pre-register. Next Teddy Bear Picnic held on Monday, February 3.
Munchkin Sports – This parent with child program teaches the basics of soccer, baseball, golf,
football and tennis. This 6-week program is designed to allow parents to participate with their child.
The next program will be held at the Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Parkway, NE
beginning Saturday, January 11. Ages 2-5 years. Pre-registration required.
Playground Pals – Join us on Wednesday, January 29 from 1-2 pm as we visit the playground at
Seminole Woods Neighborhood Park, 350 Sesame Boulevard. Playground Pals fosters socialization
among toddlers, ages 2-5 years old, through organized games and playground time. Pre-registration
required. The next Playground Pals will be held on Wednesday, February 26 from 1-2 pm at
Waterfront Park, 150 Waterfront Park Road.
♦Adults & Seniors
Game Day Social This relaxed social atmosphere allows our participants to meet new friends while enjoying the friendly
competition of dominos, cards, or the game of their choice. Participants are encouraged to bring their
own games to share with others. Held every Thursday from 1-4pm at the Palm Coast Community
Center.
Wood Carvers All levels of experience are welcome at this weekly activity held at the Palm Coast Community
Center. Just curious about how beautiful pieces of art are crafted from a block of wood, stop in any
Tuesday from 1-4pm. The Carvers are happy to share their skills with others. (No class on Tuesday,
December 24)
Co-ed Athletics at ITMS Volleyball – Mondays & Wednesdays beginning January 6 from 7-9:30pm
Basketball – Tuesdays & Thursdays beginning January 7 from 7-9:30pm
Critic’s Choice Club –Do you like to eat? Want to meet new friends? This is the Club for you.
Each month we will visit a new restaurant to enjoy a new cuisine or new location. Our next meeting
will be held on Thursday, January 9 at Sweet Waters Smokehouse & Grille in Flagler Beach at 5:30
pm. Pre-registration required.
AARP Driver Safety Program –The nation’s first and largest classroom course for motorists
ages 50 and older. This Driver Safety Program provides research based information to help older
drivers update their driving knowledge and skills. To register for the next class held at Palm Coast
Community Center on Wednesday, January 15 contact the AARP representative Mary Jane Harris at
386-445-1476.
Women’s Self Defense Class – Instruction provided by Corporal Lutz of the Flagler County
Sheriff’s Office. Women will learn effective methods to ward off an attacker. This class is perfect for
those individuals wanting to learn how to better protect themselves.
Ages 12 years and up. Class is held at the Palm Coast Community Center from 6-8 pm for three
weeks beginning Monday, January 27. Pre-registration is required; cost is free.
Pin with Us Do you love Pinterest? So do we!!! Join the Palm Coast Parks and Recreation Department on
Thursday, January 16 from 6-8pm at the Palm Coast Community Center, as we lead “crafty” projects
found on the Pinterest website. Follow us on Pinterest-The City of Palm Coast. Pre-registration and
payment of $15 fee is required. Materials are included in the class fee.
Flagler CountyFlagler Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count12/20/2013 7:00 AM
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler BeachStand-Up Paddleboarding and Salt Marsh Eco Tour12/21/2013 9:00 AM
Fuego Del Mar Restaurant s/o PierSing Carols Around The Fire12/22/2013 4:00 PM
Palm Coast Tennis CenterWinter Break Junior Camp12/30/2013 9:00 AM
Indian Trails Sports ComplexBox Lacrosse Tournament1/4/2014 8:00 AM
Belle Terre Swim and Racquet ClubTummy Time Class for Babies1/8/2014 10:30 AM
Oceanshore BoulevardFlagler Film Festival of Palm Coast1/10/2014 12:00 AM
The Conservatory Golf Course21st Annual Family Life Center Golf Tournament1/13/2014 12:30 PM
Meeting Calendar for 12/20/2013 through 1/31/2014
Old Dixie ParkThe Bunnell Open Horseshoe Pitching Tournament1/18/2014 9:00 AM
Palm Coast Hilton Garden InnPennsylvania Club Luncheon Meeting1/18/2014 1:00 PM
Community CenterYour Kids Got Talent1/18/2014 6:00 PM
Palm Coast Tennis CenterUSTA Pro Circuit Men's Futures Tournament at Palm Coast1/24/2014 12:00 AM
Indian Trails Sports ComplexFlorida Flag Football Tournament1/25/2014 8:00 AM
Meeting Calendar for 12/20/2013 through 1/31/2014
M e m o r a n d u m
To: Jim Landon, City Manager
From: Richard Adams, Public Works Director
Date: December 19, 2013
Re: Week in Review
Starlight Tornado – Crews worked from Saturday night until about 3:00 AM Sunday clearing roads and
safing up the area after the tornado touched down. Supervisors spent part of the day Sunday surveying
the damage and developing a plan to begin clean-up efforts on Monday. Two five-man crews with
heavy equipment worked throughout the week on clean up in the “B”, “F” and “C” sections. The City is
working to neutralize dangerous trees in the affected lots to include private property. Debris removal
continues to reduce hazards and litter predominantly in the area of Bayside Drive and Bannbury Drive.
Crews also worked with inmates cutting and removing trees from the Bayside Drive waterway.
Customer Service went door to door to assist residents who were having difficulty with their insurance
carrier as well as providing information to those who call.
Sign Shop replaced 4 street signs, one stop sign and 2 speed signs due to storm.
The average water demand for the week was 6.399 million gallons per day; average wastewater flow
was 5.381 million gallons per day.
This week 310 utility customers were shut off for non-payment. Any customers scheduled for turn-off
in the tornado-affected area were exempted from cutoff for now.
Installed 9 new domestic meters, 5 new PEP tanks and replaced 1 existing PEP tank.
Palm Coast Parkway west median improvement project – Working on Phase II (East of Pine Lakes) –
2300 plants installed, coquina rock retention pond was created, final grade completed and sod
installation is in progress. Turn lane completed and thermo striped, two additional stamped bull noses
completed.
Zero Liquid Discharge Water Treatment Plant #2 – The electrician continues to install pull boxes and
electrical conduits on site. Back filling and compaction continues around the EQ tank. The existing
swale on the west side of water plant site has been regraded and is ready for seed and mulch.
Beachside Pump Station and Sewer Force Main – Substantial walk–thru was completed and punch list
has been created for the sewer force main. The water samples were taken for the water line and check
valves and flush points are being painted.
Mowing in “B” and “R” sections. Mowing Belle Terre Parkway and Palm Coast Parkway. Performed
site distance trimming in “W” & “E” sections.
Graded 5,905 feet of swales, repaired 1 outfall, and cleaned 137 culvert pipes. Screened 200 cubic yards
of swale material for recycling.
Special Events – Staffed assisted in setup and breakdown for Starlight Parade along with traffic control.
Inmate labor crew mowed and weeded 14,725 linear feet of ditch in the “R” section and worked with
crews on the aftermath cleanup.
NEWS RELEASE – City of Palm Coast Contact: Cindi Lane, Communications & Marketing Manager 386-986-3708; cell 386-214-4729 Dec. 15, 2013
City of Palm Coast provides updated damage report following Saturday’s tornado Palm Coast, Fla. – The National Weather Service has confirmed it was a tornado that hit the Indian Trails neighborhood of Palm Coast on Saturday night, Dec. 14, and has given the tornado a preliminary rating of a strong EF1 with evidence of winds as high as 110 mph. The tornado was 25-75 yards wide; length has yet to be determined. City damage assessment teams have completed their assessments. In all, 171 houses were affected:
7 houses destroyed
22 houses with moderate damage
142 houses partially damaged The value of the damage is estimated at $5,355,611.
A tornado warning was issued at 6:56 p.m., and Flagler County Emergency Management issued a Code Red warning at 6:58 p.m. The first call reporting the tornado came in to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office dispatch at approximately 7 p.m. The heaviest damage is to houses and property in the B Section in the Indian Trails neighborhood, but damage also occurred in the C Section and F Section. No injuries were reported. Additionally, power lines were down, power poles and trees were broken or blown down, and many roads were impassable. Power has been restored to most households, and there are no reported problems with water or sewer service. There is still a large amount of debris and there may be downed lines, and all members of the public are urged to use caution in affected areas. Roads have been reopened. The public is asked to stay away from damaged areas unless they live there. The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is providing a heavy law enforcement presence to discourage people from being in the affected areas unnecessarily. The Palm Coast Fire Department and Flagler County Sheriff’s Office were assisted in the response by Flagler County Fire and Flagler County Emergency Management. City crews from Fire, Public Works, Building and Utility worked into the night to check for injuries, clear debris and assess damage, and then returned back to work early Sunday, Dec. 15. Florida Power &
Light also responded immediately and worked through the night to restore power; at one point, there were nearly 3,000 households without power. The American Red Cross is serving the City in areas where needed, providing food and shelter assistance. Anyone who experiences an injury in the aftermath of the storm and needs emergency assistance should call 911. To report other storm-related issues, the public should call the Sheriff's Office non-emergency dispatch number at 386-313-4911. For a building- or code-related issue, call 386-986-3780 during regular City operating hours. For other issues, call Customer Service at 386-986-2360 during regular business hours. After hours, call 888-635-9806. Contractors are already in Palm Coast neighborhoods seeking to assist with repairs and cleanup. The City advises property owners to carefully consider the hiring of a contractor. Before you hire a contractor, ask to see a copy of his/her license and insurance. Then call the Building Department at 386-986-3780 and verify the license. The Building Department is happy to search our database and the state to check for active licenses. An unlicensed person may ask you to pull the permit or they try to convince you a permit is not required. A licensed contractor should always obtain the permit and never ask you to get it for them. Any and all business cards, contracts and vehicles that advertise their business should always have a license number – it’s the law. ###
NEWS RELEASE – City of Palm Coast Contact: Cindi Lane, Communications & Marketing Manager 386-986-3708; cell 386-214-4729 Dec. 16, 2013
State of local emergency declared in City of Palm Coast Palm Coast, Fla. – Palm Coast Mayor Jon Netts declared a state of local emergency Monday afternoon, Dec. 16, as the community moves into recovery and rebuilding following Saturday’s tornado that damaged at least 171 houses in the B, C and F sections of Palm Coast. Declaring a state of local emergency allows the City to:
apply for state and federal assistance;
expedite permitting for construction and debris removal;
implement a system of trash and debris removal beyond the normal collection schedule;
access state assistance for regulation and enforcement of licensing and worker’s compensation insurance; and
access additional services and resources from Flagler County and State of Florida. Services for Affected Residents The City is using all available resources to assist affected homeowners and property owners, and is receiving assistance from Flagler County Emergency Management, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and the State of Florida. The majority of damage assessment has been completed, and the City is now in the recovery phase. At least 171 houses were affected, with seven houses destroyed, 22 houses with moderate damage and 142 houses partially damaged. Beginning Monday morning, a team is in place at City Offices to expedite permitting and inspections for affected properties. Building inspectors, code officers, landscape architects, tree inspectors, arborists are in the affected neighborhoods working one-on-one with homeowners to assist them, answer their questions, and help them get their cleanup and repairs started. In addition, representatives of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation are already in Palm Coast to work with the City to help protect residents from unlicensed contractors and unscrupulous business practices. The state officials are also working with local law enforcement to catch unlicensed contractors. Also, the Florida Division of Worker’s Compensation is here protecting residents from contractors who don’t have worker’s compensation insurance.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office will continue its heavy law enforcement presence in the affected neighborhoods to protect citizens, homes and property and to keep traffic flow moving in areas where there is still significant debris and residents and contractors are cleaning up and beginning repairs. Advice on Contractors The City is reminding residents to carefully consider the hiring of a contractor. State law requires owners to use a licensed contractor. Unlicensed contractors may charge less, but they often do sub-standard work, and they put residents at substantial financial risk should something go wrong with the job. Before hiring a contractor, ask to see a copy of his/her license and liability and worker’s compensation insurance. Their license number should be shown on business cards, contracts and vehicles. Then call the Building Department at 386-986-3780 to verify the license. The Building Department is happy to search our database and the state to check for active licenses. A licensed contractor will always pull the permit for the property owner. An unlicensed contractor will ask the homeowner to obtain the required City permit or will tell you a permit or inspection isn’t needed – those are both warning signs. Debris Pickup Schedules In the affected areas in the B, C and F Sections, the City will be working daily to pick up debris the residents pile up street-side. From now until it is no longer needed, there will be daily pickups by City crews and the City’s contractor, Waste Pro. If debris is not being picked up in a timely manner, please call the City’s Customer Service number at 386-986-2360. Donations and Volunteerism Coordination Donations and volunteer efforts will be accepted for tornado victims. Flagler County Volunteer Services is coordinating donations and people who want to volunteer in the recovery effort. Please call Flagler County Volunteer Services at 386-597-2950 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. For more information, contact Cindi Lane, communications and marketing manager for the City of Palm Coast, at 386-986-3708.
NEWS RELEASE – City of Palm Coast Contact: Cindi Lane, Communications & Marketing Manager 386-986-3708; cell 386-214-4729 Dec. 18, 2013 Palm Coast, Fla. – Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), State of Florida and local officials will be in Palm Coast neighborhoods affected by the tornado beginning Thursday morning to further document damage. The federal, state and local assessment task force will visit every house damaged by the Dec. 14 tornado. FEMA and the state are working with the City of Palm Coast, Flagler County Emergency Management and the Flagler County Property Appraiser. The assessments to begin Thursday are in addition to initial damage assessments conducted by the City. The task force’s documentation will be used to help the community qualify for federal programs to help with recovery and rebuilding. Homeowners and rental occupants do not need to be home at the time of the visits from the assessment task force. In advance of this assessment, the City is asking all property owners in the B, C and F Sections of Palm Coast to inspect their houses for damage, especially if they have not yet had the opportunity. Even minor damage such as loss of shingles and damage from debris should be reported if it has not already been reported or documented by a City damage assessment team. The number to report damage is the City’s Customer Service number at 386-986-2360. Based on the results of the assessment by FEMA and the state, qualified residents may be eligible for federal low-interest loans. Those loans – which would have to be re-paid – would provide stop-gap funding to help residents begin repairs before insurance money is received. The City of Palm Coast was declared to be in a state of local emergency as of Dec. 16. The strong EF1 tornado that cut across the City on Saturday night, Dec. 14, damaged or destroyed at least 180 homes. The City’s initial damage assessment found that 171 homes were damaged or destroyed; that number continues to grow as homeowners return home or find damage that wasn’t immediately apparent. As of Wednesday morning, the City has documented damage to 180 homes, with the value of the damage now estimated at $5,625,885.50. Of those 180 houses, seven were destroyed, 22 received substantial damage, and 151 sustained partial damage. Flagler County Volunteer Services has received a number of calls from businesses and individuals who want to volunteer to help with cleanup or make donations of furniture, clothing
and household items. Victims of the tornado who would like to receive the assistance of volunteers or donated items should contact Flagler County Volunteer Services at 386-597-2950. In addition, the American Red Cross is still in Palm Coast assisting residents, as needed. Residents who need assistance should call 386-226-1400, ext. 5250. For more information, contact Cindi Lane, communications and marketing manager for the City of Palm Coast, at 386-986-3708.
NEWS RELEASE – City of Palm Coast Contact: Cindi Lane, Communications & Marketing Manager 386-986-3708; cell 386-214-4729 Dec. 20, 2013
Palm Coast’s annual Christmas tree, electronics recycling event is Jan. 4 Palm Coast, Fla. – For many local residents, the start of the New Year also signals a final holiday tradition: getting rid of the Christmas tree! Recycle your Christmas tree and receive a free three-gallon evergreen tree in exchange at the City of Palm Coast’s seventh annual Christmas Tree Recycling Event Saturday, Jan. 4, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Palm Coast Fuel Depot, 22 Utility Drive. DVD and CD players, computer monitors, keyboards, old wires, cell phones, Christmas tree lights, Styrofoam and gift wrap will also be accepted for recycling by Girl Scout troops 966, 987 and 1307. No TVs, please. All trees donated for recycling will be ground and used as mulch to beautify the parks and trails across Palm Coast. “It helps the environment and saves the City and our residents money by us not having to purchase as much mulch for projects,” said Palm Coast Urban Forester Carol Mini. “There are residents who come out year after year for their free tree to plant in their yard.” City staff requests that residents remove all decorations, lights, tinsel and ornaments from trees prior to donation. For more information, contact Carol Mini at 386-986-3722.