HomeMy Public PortalAboutSeptember 1994CURRENTS
The Official Newsletter of the Town of Gulf Stream September 1994
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WATER RATES TO CHANGE
A major repair to the water line under the
Intracoastal Waterway -- coupled with increased rates
from Gulf Stream's water supplier, Delray Beach --
have forced the Town to overhaul our water rates. We
have hired a utility financial consultant to develop an
equitable rate schedule to offset these increased
expenses and promote water conservation. Although
the billing structure will be different, most customers
will see an increase in their total bill due to the
increased expenses.
The line under the Intracoastal is the main artery for
Gulf Stream's entire water system. Earlier this year,
an analysis showed the line needs an immediate
replacement at a cost of about $200,000.
To finance the repair, the Town will take out a loan
with a seven- to 10 -year payback schedule. As a
condition of the loan, the bank is demanding the Town
conduct a rate study to prove that water revenues will
be sufficient to meet loan payments.
HistoricHighwayCommittee
(No set schedule. Call Town Hall for future dates.)
*All meetings at Town Hall. Dates and times subject
to change. Please call Town Hall to confirm.
Rather than just increase the rates under the current
rate formula to offset these new expenses, the Town is
taking this opportunity to incorporate water
conservation incentives into the rate schedule. When
finalized, the new formula likely will charge
customers based on the size of their property and lawn
watering needs.
Currently, the Town bills customers for the total
amount of water they use with the first gallon costing
as much as the last gallon. In addition, the Town has a
15,000 gallon per month minimum use charge. There
are several inherent problems with this type of a
billing system that the new system will address. Chief
among these will be a method to distinguish between
acceptable and wasteful usage.
The Town Commission is expected to adopt a new rate
schedule at their meeting on October 14; however, the
rates will be effective retroactive back to October 1,
1994. The first bill with the new rates will be mailed
in early December for usage from October 1 through
the end of November.
NO NEW TAXES
The Town Commission has approved a budget for
Fiscal Year 1994-1995 that holds the line on Gulf
Stream's property taxes.
By carefully managing expenses, the Town has been
able to hold down taxes -- despite an inflation rate
that is 10 times higher than the growth in our tax base.
As significant future increases in the tax base are
unlikely, the Town will continue to scrutinize expenses
and explore other revenue sources to avoid or
minimize any future tax increases.
Please remember that the Town's tax is but one of
several that appears on your property tax bill. Your
total tax bill may increase or decrease depending upon
any changes in your appraised value and the actions
that other taxing authorities -- such as the county,
school board and water management district -- may
take.
September 1994 CURRENTS Page 2
TASK FORCE CREATES NEW HOME DESIGN STANDARDS
During the past several months, the Zoning Code
Task Force has crafted a new development and design
manual for single family homes. Appointed last year
to establish specific design guidelines, the Task Force
created the new manual with the help of a consultant
and Town staff. Together, they defined Gulf Stream's
unique character and developed standards to ensure
new and renovated homes will maintain and enhance
that character.
The new guidelines would significantly change the
zoning and design requirements for new and renovated
homes. The Town would be broken into five separate
districts, each with its own set of design standards. In
addition, homes would have to comply with a series of
Town -wide design criteria. These standards range
from an outright prohibition of certain architectural
styles (such as geodesic domes) to specific landscaping
requirements to a limit on the size of homes.
DON'T GAMBLE WITH FLORIDA'S FUTURE
The Town Commission unanimously passed a
resolution opposing casino gambling in the State of
Florida. In the November statewide election, the
ballot will include a state constitutional amendment
that would permit casinos in certain areas of the
state -- including Palm Beach County. Commission
members believe that casino gambling will have a
negative impact on the economy and will be of no
benefit to either the public or the government.
Town of Gulf Stream
Town Hall
100 Sea Road
Gulf Stream, Florida 33483
A draft design manual will be presented at a joint
meeting of the Task Force, Architectural Review and
Planning Board and Town Commission on November
17 at 3:30 p.m. at the Town Hall. All residents are
encouraged to attend the meeting and share their
comments.
Following the joint meeting, the Architectural Review
and Planning Board and Town Commission will hold
formal public hearings with final adoption of the
manual expected at the January Commission meeting.
Stream. Questions or comments should ` be
directed to the Town Hall at 100 Sea Road, Gulf
Stream, Florida 33483, or phone (407) 276-5116.
COMMISSIONERS
William F. Koch, Jt., Mayor
Alan I. Armour, Vice Mayor
James E. Cross, Commissioner
A. Curtis True, M.D., Commissioner ,
Kathleen S. Wallace, Commissioner
STAFF
E. Scott Harrington, Town Manager
Roberti F. Schultz, Police Chief
Rita Taylor, Town Clerk