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City Manager’s Office

·        State Representative Paige Kreegel discussed the process for requesting State funding for City projects for the FY 2007 fiscal year.  Department Directors will submit their suggestions by August 1 to the City Manager, who will present the list to City Council for review and approval.

·        City Manager attended a meeting with city and county managers at the Charlotte Sun Herald offices to discuss issues that the media might want to focus on in future editions.

·        City Manager toured the public schools within the City limits (Baker, Sallie Jones, Punta Gorda Middle and Charlotte High) and gained information on their rebuilding plans.

·        City Manager and Public Works Director met with the representatives of the Isles Yacht Club to review an issue related to seawall and dock regulations and their potential impact on flooding during high tide.

·        City Manager and Administrative Services Director met with representatives of the YMCA to bring them up to speed on Bayfront Center renovations and the City’s plans to provide space for the “Y” (programming), Public Works and the Power Squadron once the reconstruction is complete.

Police Department

·        Representatives from Uniform Patrol participated in a mock hurricane training exercise at the Emergency Operation Center.  This was a state wide exercise in preparation of the upcoming Hurricane season.

·        Representatives from Uniform Patrol participated in the Operation Buckle-Up or “Click it or Ticket” seat belt and child restraint enforcement press conference at Laishley Park.  This enforcement initiative will begin on Monday, May 23^rd through Sunday, June 5^th.

·        The Community Relations Section conducted this year’s D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Graduation at Sallie Jones Elementary School.  This year 208 fifth grade children graduated, approximately half of which were displaced from East Elementary School.  Several members of the Police Department were in attendance.

·        Police Officers and Detectives pursued and arrested County Sex Offender Sylvester Bernard Camon after a four block foot chase in East Punta Gorda.  Camon was charged with Resisting an Officer and the second degree felony of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.

Utilities Department

·        Staff completed the 2004 water quality report, also known as the Consumer Confidence Report.  This annual report is required by Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).  The report summarizes compliance with State and Federal drinking water standards.  The report was approved by FDEP this week, and is on schedule for publishing and distribution the week of July 1, 2005.

·        Staff is currently seeking a 5 year operating permit renewal for the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP).  The WWTP permit must be renewed at 5 year intervals.  This week staff submitted additional materials requested by FDEP.  The common practice by FDEP is to submit Requests for Additional Information (RIA).  Staff has responded to the first RIA in this process.

·        Wasterwater Collections staff completed dig-up repair work to the gravity sewer on Gill Street between Marion and Olympia.  The brick resurface work is scheduled.

Fire Department

·        Hosted approximately 70 Pre-Kindergarten students and parents from Sallie Jones Thursday morning.  They split off into three groups to experience squirting the fire hose, the smoke filled Fire Safety House and then toured the firefighters living quarters.  After a short talk, they got demonstrations on Stop, Drop, and Roll, Smoke alarms, and Escape from your burning home.

·        The City was represented at the Annual Hurricane Caravan presentation, held at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center (CPAC) last night by the Mayor, Fire Chief, and Police Department Major.

·        Participated in Hurricane Training exercise at Charlotte County E.O.C.

·        Assistant Chief has completed and received certification for the following classes, “Principles of Emergency Management”, “Florida Fire Chiefs State Emergency Response Plan” and “Methodology in Urban Search and Rescue”.

·        Updated and completed 22 commercial occupancy Pre Fire Plans, utilizing in-service Engine/Truck crews.

·        32 In-Service fire inspections completed by Engine/Truck crews.

·        2 Forcible Entry Training Evolutions @ Hazel Street.

Community Development

·        Conducted workshop on the new Land Development Regulations (LDRs) in City Council Chambers for City Staff.  Two sessions were held and both were very well attended. 

·        BZA (Board of Zoning Appeals) will meet on Tuesday, May 24^th at 4:00 p.m. – Council Chambers.

·        HPAB (Historic Preservation Advisory Board) will meet on Thursday, May 26^th at 8:30 a.m. – Council Chambers.

·        DRC (Development Review Committee) will meet on Friday, May 27^th – Rick Bissonette will be making a presentation on the proposed Punta Gorda Trolley, and DRC will discuss event permit revisions.

·        Zoning Officer made a presentation to the Canal Maintenance Board regarding accessory structures abutting seawalls.

·        Reviewed new commercial project to be annexed into the City on Scott Street.

·        Reviewed with 5 Star Realty their new project at Maude and Marion Avenue; discussed the City’s expectations on parking abutting the MLK Mitigation Pond.

Finance Department

·        Received an e-mail from Charlotte County Property Appraiser’s Office stating that they are a bit behind because of additional duties brought on by last year’s hurricane season, and that they will be requesting a ten day extension beyond July 1^st  to provide the City with its taxable assessed valuation for the FY 2006 budget. 

·        Sent out letters to non-profits regarding their funding requests for the FY 2006 budget.

Administrative Services Department

Contract Awarded or in Award Process

·        Building Division Filing System – Direct Line

New Projects Received:

·        Manzana Avenue Improvements

·        Insurance Consultant

·        Generator Rental (EOC)

·        Filing System - Building

·        Generator Rental

·        Copier B/W - ComDev & Utility

·        Electromagnetic Meters – WTP

Project Openings Scheduled:

·        Janitorial Services

·        Hardening 2^nd floor for Building Division filing system

·        EOC – Mobile Kitchens

·        Water Quality Brochures (term contract)

·        Water Treatment Plant Hurricane Shutters

·        City Hall Annex Generator

·        Typewriter Maintenance

·        EOC – Vehicle Rental

Projects Opened:

·        Grant Administration (3 responses)

·        Park Concession Vendors (2 Reponses)

·        Bridge Repairs (0 responses)

Contract Renewal/Continuance

·        Bulk Chemicals

·        Ready-Mix Concrete

Projects to Department for Evaluation

·        Land Lease for Communication Towers – Committee meeting scheduled 6/6/05

·        Grant Administrator – Committee meeting scheduled 6/6/05

·        MLK Mitigation Pond Fountain

Facilities Maintenance

·        Continue work on the Memorial Plaque at Laishley Park.

Fleet

·        Hurricane Charley Vehicle Repair Status (No Change) 63.11% complete

Building

·        From Monday noon Thursday, 651 building inspections have been completed.  $31,112.27 in payments collected.

·        2,279 Building Inspection completed during the month of April ( 4X that of last year)

·        1,117 New Building Permits received during the month of April ( 5.8X that of last year)

·        Total All Building Permit Fee of $263,015 during the month of April (7.7X that of last year)

Code Compliance

·        Lot Mowing Inspections for PGI Sections 12, 14 & 26 – 206 lots/parcels in violation.

·        (Lot/Parcels in violation have not paid to be on the lot mowing program and a violation letter will be sent by Billing and Collections)

·        Violation Investigation Reports – 62

·        Total Stops - 158

·        Right of Way Permits – 25

·        Canal Construction Permits – 16

·        Dock Finals – 11

GIS

·        Address Verification Project by GIS to date 8,054 Points have been collected (66%)

MIS

·        Web Site Committee:  A significant amount of time was spent on researching, testing, and designing a 'mock-up' for the City's new Web Site.  The second meeting of the committee is scheduled for Friday, May 20^th.  Departments will be presented with the 'mock-up' as discussed at the May 6th meeting, and will bring their department suggestions with them.

·        ID Cards for City Employees – Safety Officer is in the process of taking pictures.  An employee badge has been designed and in the process of being approved by Human Resources and the Administrative Services Department.  On track to meeting June 1st deadline

·        Generator for City Hall Annex - Met with GERS to discuss final specifications and receive final drawings for the engineering specs for the generator required for City Hall Annex.  Worked with Procurement to final RFP going out for bid.

·        E-Mail Policy - Researched, polled other Cities/Counties, and wrote a draft policy not only covering E-mail, but Computer Hardware and Software, Internet.   Sent to Directors for their review and approval.  On track to meet June 1st deadline.

Public Works Department

Engineering:

·        Ponce de Leon Park fishing piers & Nature Walk:  FDEP permits on file.  Bid opening 5/24/05.

·        Cooper Street drainage project:  Pavement striping to be completed 5/20/05.  Project is substantially completed.

·        Bridge repairs:  Bid opening held on 5/13/05; two bids received, Marine Contracting Group was too busy and Misener Marine Construction did not have the ability to determine the scope of services.

·        BSI Mangrove Trimming:  Received e-mail 5/4/05 FDEP permit should be received within 90 days.

·        Downtown Flood Relief:  Joint Hazard Mitigation Grant Program & Flood Mitigation assistance       application submitted to FEMA & State of Florida; response expected Jul. 05 – Jan. 06.

·        West Marion Ave./Aqui Esta/Bal Harbor Traffic Study:  One bid received; meeting scheduled with Kimley-Horn & City staff 5/23/05 to discuss proposal.

·        West Retta Esplanade design:  Meeting held 5/13/05 with city staff & representative from Kimley-Horn to review proposal.  Procurement should receive revised proposal on 5/19/05 as discussed at the meeting.

Right-of-Way:

·        Mary Street 95% completed; pending cleanup.  Project consisted of new sidewalk, curb and paving.

·        Replaced 4,525 ft. of Citywide storm related broken sidewalk; 85% completed FEMA funded.

·        Assisted Parks & Grounds with traffic control of U.S. 41.

·        Cleaned up debris on Allen St. and Carmelita St.

·        Mowed right-of-ways in Section 15 & Section 18 Burnt Store Meadows.

·        Reworked swales on 321’ of swales on LaCosta Island Dr.

·        Cleaned culverts & basins on Monaco Dr.

·        Repaired 3 outfalls in Burnt Store Meadows with 3 scheduled to be completed.

Parks & Grounds:

·        Cleaning of U.S. 41 medians completed 5/18/05. 

·        Cul-de-sac tree replacement scheduled to begin week of 5/23/05.  50 cul-de-sacs, 108 trees; target date to complete 6/3/05.

·        P.O. for repair of Gilchrist Park gazebo erosion repair was awarded to Marine Contracting Group on 5/12/05.

BSI Canal Maintenance:

·        Seawall cap replacements projects in Burnt Store Isles have been completed.

·        Perimeter canal dredging continues; project is 70% completed with expected completion by 5/27/05.

PGI Canal Maintenance:

·        Seawall replacement project on Willet Ct. continues; scheduled completion on 5/27/05.

·        Work will continue by division employees on seawall cap replacement at Woodthrush drive the week of 5/23/05; 300 feet has been completed; 200 feet remain to be replaced. 

·        Division maintenance crews have filled sinkholes at 51 locations and repaired seawall caps at 7 locations.

Long Term Recovery

The list below outlines the majority of projects that are part of the Community Recovery process.  The listing is a summary of community successes or progress in the project implementation process. 

Please send corrections or updates to:

Benjamin Alexander, LTR Coordinator

c: 540-273-6121 benjamin.alexander@associates.dhs.gov

Charlotte County / City of Punta Gorda Projects (LTR Plan pg. no. as applicable)

·        HUD / CDBG - Disaster Recovery Funding Application (p. 25)

Charlotte County and City of Punta Gorda submitted a joint application for $9 Million in CDBG Disaster Funding for various Infrastructure, Economic Development and Affordable Housing projects.  Staff has been in contact with DCA and is waiting for final project approval and distribution of grant funds.

·        Visit Florida - Hurricane Impact Marketing Grant Application

The Charlotte County Visitor’s Bureau submitted an application for and received $50,000 (full funding) for two projects – an Outdoor Brochure and Postcard Series.  Project completion deadline is September 2005. 

·        Local Mitigation Strategy (p. 36)

The SWFRPC prepared the revised LMS document; the Working Group held a public hearing March 23.  The Board of County Commissioners approved the document April 26.  City of Punta Gorda will consider approval at its June 1 City Council meeting.

·        Memorial Auditorium – Demolition (p. 8)

Charlotte County issued a contract addendum to demolish the auditorium using insurance proceeds.  The demolition is substantially complete, including the sorting and removal of debris; the contractor must place an asphalt/hard surface in the area formerly occupied by the Auditorium to allow construction of a temporary 20,000 sf hard-sided tent.  (Tent Cost is $954,277)

·        Charlotte County Event Center - Request for Proposals (p. 8)

Charlotte County issued a RFP for professional design/build services for the redevelopment of the former Municipal Auditorium.  RFP’s are due May 19.  The County and the successful design/build professional will prepare a design for a $12 Million (project est.) redeveloped facility.  The County has not established a time line for redevelopment, to date.

·        Permitting and Inspection Staffing

Charlotte County BCC approved hiring 27 staff positions to address permitting and inspection backlogs related to recovery efforts and increased growth and development in the community.  Revenue obtained from an increase in additional permit fee revenues and Public Safety contingency reserves.

City of Punta Gorda is in the process of hiring 2 inspectors and 2 permit clerks to address permitting and inspection backlogs related to recovery efforts. Revenue obtained from an increase in additional permit fee revenues.

·        Hotel / Motel Tax – 1 Percent Increase (p. 4)

Charlotte County BCC approved an increase in the Hotel motel tax (from 3 percent to 4 percent).  Projected revenue from the tax increase is $425,000 annually.  The Commission’s intent is to use this revenue to leverage bonds to complete the $19.5 million worth of projects identified in the master plan for Charlotte Sports Park, including priority improvements to the five baseball fields which host local teams as well as national tournaments and construction of a large aquatics center and gymnasium. 

·        Fire Station #1 – Hardening and Building Elevation (p. 17)

Charlotte County BCC approved additional construction costs ($448,775) to harden the roof and elevate living quarters

·        US 41 Revitalization (p. 5)

Charlotte County BCC initiated approval of the first phase of streetscape design for US41 revitalization project.  Project cost is estimated between $8 and $10 million.  CC has $5.167 million and has applied for $2.25 through CDBG Disaster funding application. 

·        Tippecanoe Scrub Environmental Park II

Charlotte County BCC authorized parcel swap to obtain property that is better suited for the park.

·        Laishley Park (p.10)

Marina – Punta Gorda CRA approved preliminary costs, concept design and plan of action for the new Marina Building.  Cost estimate is $2.7 million for the Marina improvements.

Park – Construction documents are 60-percent complete.  Cost estimate is $1.8 million for the Park improvements.

·        Public Works Complex (p. 17)

Newly hired Punta Gorda City Manager appointed a staff committee and LTR Coordinator to begin concept planning and recommendations for the redevelopment of the damaged Punta Gorda Public Works Complex.

·        TEAM Punta Gorda – Master Plan 2005 (pp 10, 11, 14).

City and County staff and appropriate State agencies participated in the design charrette to prepare a master plan for Punta Gorda.  Completion of the final plan document will occur within the next couple of months for consideration and approval by City Council

Comments from Marilyn Smith-Mooney....
You may direct your feedback, regarding this "City News" information, directly  to  our City Manager Howard Kunik at:  citymgr@ci.punta-gorda.fl.us .  Your feedback to him from the "customer's" perspective is, I'm sure, his most valuable measure of his own performance -- such as:  degree and speed of responsiveness, leadership style, different or new policies/procedures he institutes, etc.