HomeMy Public PortalAboutNovember 2000COMMISSIONERS
WILLIAM F. KOCH, JR-, Mayor
JOAN K ORTHW EIN. Vice Mayor
FRED B. DEVI T M
ROBERT W. HOPIONS g
WILLIAMA. LYNCH
TOWN OF GULF STREAM
PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA
NOVEMBER 2000 COMMUNITY UPDATES
Dear Town Residents,
Following are several updates on issues of importance to this community.
Telephone
(501) 276-5110
Fax
(501) 737 -0100
Town Manager
KRISTIN KERN GARRISON
Taws Clerk
RITA L TAYLOR
Tax Rate Held Steady
On September 26, 2000, the Town Commission adopted a Town budget and millage rate
f6r fiscal year 2000 /2001. The $1.6 million Town budget maintains the existing millage
rate of 3.7853 mills per $1,000 property valuation. Additionally, no water rate increases
are proposed for the fifth consecutive year.
Operating costs were generally held steady, and all excess revenues were designated for
Town drainage and paving improvements. The Commission and Town Management are
dedicated to providing exceptional services to the Community in the most cost - effective
and sensible manner.
Drainage Improvement Update
During the past year many improvements to the Town's drainage system have been
accomplished and other efforts are ongoing, as summarized below.
❑ Drainage pipes were installed along 2930 Gulf Stream Road and 2950 Polo while the
lots were cleared for new construction, in preparation for future drainage connections.
❑ New drainage pipes and an outfall flap gate are planned along 600 Wright Way. This
installation is also scheduled to occur while the lot is under construction.
❑ Aerial Topographic Maps of the core part of Town have been prepared. These are
proving very helpful in weighing options for drainage improvements.
• Drainage studies have been conducted for the vicinity of Polo and Old School Road.
The concept being explored as the cornerstone of our drainage strategy was expanded
use of the Little Club Golf Course drainage lakes and installation of additional pumps
at the southern lake. However, our negotiations with the Club have been unsuccessful
as of this date. In light of the foregoing, the Town is now exploring a promising
alternative drainage improvement involving pumps in the right -of -way at the
intersection of Polo and Old School Road.
• As mentioned in the March newsletter, an interconnection between the Gulf Stream
School's drainage system and the Town's system was installed in June. This project,
jointly funded by the school and Town, is designed to reduce run -off directly onto
Gulf Stream Road.
❑ A study of the area in the vicinity of Gulf Stream Road between Middle Road and
Lakeview has been conducted. Ideas for improved drainage in this area are being
explored for future implementation.
Flood Zone Information Available at Town Hall
The Town of Gulf Stream provides the following information upon request:
• Whether a property is in or out of the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) as shown
on the current Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) of the Town.
• Additional flood insurance data, such as the FIRM Zone and the base flood elevation
or depth, if shown on the FIRM of the Town.
Call 276 -5116 or visit Town Hall during normal hours (9 AM to 4 PM non - holiday
weekdays) to obtain this information.
On the subject of Flood Zones, it is important to note that the Federal Emergency
Management Agency has conducted a flood insurance study and has released preliminary
updated flood insurance rate maps. Some of the changes to the maps may increase the
minimum flood elevation for homes in portions of Gulf Stream. Copies of the maps and
the study are available for viewing at Town Hall.
CIVIC ASSOCIATION GIFTS
The Gulf Stream Civic Association's generosity continues. During the past year, the
association has graciously gifted the following:
❑ A water pump for use by the Town during flooding emergencies.
❑ Funds toward the purchase of two lap top computers to be used by the Police
Department, as part of a pilot project. The system will ultimately be connected to
Delray Beach's computer records and Federal Department of Law Enforcement
records.
❑ A retirement luncheon and gift contribution for retiring Chief Schultz. The small
luncheon was attended by Town staff, Commissioners and Civic Association
Officers.
The Town Commission greatly appreciates these valuable gifts.
Chief Schultz's Retirement
After ten years of outstanding service to this community, Chief Robert Schultz retired on
September 30`h to spend time at his new home in Bent Tree, Georgia. Chief Schultz has
been known for his dedication, dignity, effective communication skills, unflappable
composure, and hands -on approach. He can be credited for countless improvements and
enhanced professionalism in the Police Department.
Fortunately, the Department is staffed with exceptional law enforcement professionals
who are capable of maintaining the standards established by Chief Schultz. The Town
Commission has appointed Deputy Chief Gary Ward as Interim Police Chief, with the
position to be made permanent upon the successful completion of a six-month
probationary period.
Chief Schultz has asked us to express his farewell wishes and great appreciation for the
residents' support during his tenure. He will be greatly missed.
(If residents wish to send farewell notes to Chief Schultz, Town Hall will forward them to him in Georgia.)
Town Ordinance Amendments
Earlier this year, the Town Commission adopted amendments to our Town ordinances,
primarily in the area of design standards. The changes represent ongoing efforts to refine
our codes to ensure that they successfully preserve the Community's unique character.
Copies of the amendments are available at Town Hall.
As always, please feel free to call Town Hall if you have any questions about these news
items or any other Town business.
OOnB lf o own Commissi and Staff,
tlliam F.'Koch Jr.
Good Neighbor Reminders
Garage Doors - In the interests of crime prevention and neighborhood aesthetics,
residents are asked to keep garage doors closed except when used for vehicle access.
Dog Courtesy - When walking your dog, please be courteous to other residents and
pedestrians by taking responsibility for your dog's waste.
Paint Color and Exterior Improvements - If you are planning to change the color of
your home, or make other external improvements such as a new mailbox, lighting,
windows, front door, roofing, landscaping, et cetera, please call Town Hall to learn which
design and color regulations may apply.