Loading...
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.