City Manager’s 2/1/2019 WEEK-IN-REVIEW Last Chance! Don’t miss out! The Citizen’s Survey ends this Saturday, February 2 nd and residents are invited to take the survey online at www.palmcoastgov.com. The survey is anonymous and it only takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Don’t miss your chance to shape the City’s future. It’s your voice, your future! Citizen’s Survey Ends Saturday!
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City Manager’s 2/1/2019
WEEK-IN-REVIEW
Last Chance! Don’t miss out!
The Citizen’s Survey ends this
Saturday, February 2nd and
residents are invited to take the
survey online at
www.palmcoastgov.com. The
survey is anonymous and it only
takes 10 to 15 minutes to
complete. Don’t miss your
chance to shape the City’s future.
It’s your voice, your future!
Citizen’s Survey Ends Saturday!
Palm Coast Historical Society Lecture Series Brendan Burke: Lighthouses of the Sunshine State
Saturday, February 2, 10am – 11am Palm Coast Community Center
Thursday February 7 thru Sunday, February 10 Palm Coast Community Center
Announcements
Mayors 90/90 Challenge:
It’s a new year, so why not join Mayor
Milissa Holland for the Mayor’s 90/90
Challenge, which kicked off on January
10th. The goal is to exercise at least a
mile a day for 90 straight days
(through April 9). You can still sign up
and log your success at
www.palmcoastgov.com/healthy. Don’t
forget to share your progress on
Instagram using the hashtags
#Mayors9090 and
#HealthyPalmCoast. It’s not too late to
participate in this exciting challenge!
Highlights
Next Week:
Tuesday, February 5, City Council Business Mtg, 6pm, City Hall – Community Wing, 160 Lake Avenue
Wednesday, February 6, Code Enforcement Board Mtg, 10am, City Hall – Community Wing, 160 Lake
Avenue
Administrative Services & Economic Development Department Update
BAC Update
Public Works Department Update
Community Development Department Update
Fire Department Update
Parks & Recreation Department Update
Utility Department Update
Humane Society Update
\
BOFF – The Pennas Family Story
Stormwater Enhancements
Garbage Collection Improvements
Community Cats Mtg
Computer Classes Available
News Releases
Attachments
ADMINSTRATIVE SERVICES & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT-Beau Falgout, Interim City Manager
Processed 6 public records requests.
Processed 1 litigation document.
Prepared and processed 26 documents for recording.
Prepared 3 agenda items.
Prepared 1 proclamation.
Prepared and posted 1 agenda to the web.
Processed 2 bonds.
City Clerk
Communications & Marketing The Birds of a Feather Fest takes flight this week, and preparations are being finalized by Event Coordinator Jason Giraulo
from our Division. The festival will run Thursday through Feb. 10, with guided birding trips, classes for nature enthusiasts, and
a national-level speaker. Preparations for the big weekend included a last push for registrations, coordination with the expert
guides and arrangements for park entries and transportation. We shared a story about a New York couple who will be attending
for the 5th straight year and did a Facebook Live videos previewing some of the parks we’ll be visiting for birding.
On Friday, Feb. 8, National Audubon Society executive David Ringer, who was on the front lines of the 2010 BP oil spill for
Audubon, will speak about humans’ impact on birds and how people can work together to protect their future. The FREE talk,
“Protecting Birds Together, Today and Tomorrow,” will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center. The program is free, but
please register in advance at www.birdingfest.com to guarantee a seat.
On Saturday, Feb. 9, we have a full schedule of guided birding trips, workshops and a Meet the Experts party. There are trips
and classes for beginners and experienced birders. FREE beginner bird walks start at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Saturday
at the Community Center. These are good for adults and children – it’s an easy walk down St. Joe’s Walkway. The schedule of
free classes, which are also good for families, are 30 minutes each – on topics such as bird ID, backyard birding, fire ecology,
gopher tortoises and Florida’s water.
Of course, if you’re an experienced birder or photographer interested in nature photography, you might want to sign up for one
of the bigger trips or classes! The festival actually runs from Thursday through Sunday, Feb. 7-10, and there’s still room in most
activities. Please look over the schedule at www.birdingfest.com and plan to join us at the Community Center for the 5th annual
Birds of a Feather Fest!
This week we also announced details for the City’s new stormwater management plan and a joint strategy between the City and
Waste Pro to improve garbage service. See details in the news releases below. Other news releases include, Animal Control
invited community cat caregivers to a public meeting next week and we’ve announced free computer classes for adults this
spring. We also staffed the Council Workshop.
On Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, topics included an announcement of Cmdr. David Williams as the new Flagler County
Sheriff’s Office liaison to the City, applications being accepted for summer internships, Mayor Milissa Holland and firefighters
reading to local schoolchildren for Literacy Week and a last chance to take the Annual Citizen Survey (wraps up Saturday).
Social Media
POST OF THE WEEK
Central Services Division
Purchasing
Status Ref. # Project
Pending ITB-UT-19-20 Water and Wastewater Emergency Construction Services Pending ITB-CD-19-22 Stormwater Utility Site Maintenance Open RFQ-UT-19-24 SCADA Support Software (Rockwell Factory Talk) and PLC Maintenance Open ITB-PW-19-14 Sign Shop Materials
Open RFSQ-CD-19-10 / ITB-CD-19-10 Whiteview Parkway Force Main Crossing
Evaluating RFSQ-CD-18-49 / ITB-CD-18-49 Palm Coast City Hall Emergency Generator
Evaluating ITB-UT-19-19 Master Services Agreement Contract for Solid Dried Lime Sludge removal, hauling and disposal from Water Treatment Plant #1.
Evaluating RFP-IT-19-21 City Wide VoIP Phone System
Evaluating LOI-CD-19-28 Request for Letter of Interest (LOI) for Water Treatment Plants Nos. 1 & 2 Lime Sludge Handling, Removal & Disposal Study Engineering Services
Evaluating RFP-CD-19-29 Single Family Housing Rehabilitation Inspection Services Completed RFSQ-SW-18-10 Professional Stormwater and Environmental Engineering Services Completed RFSQ-CD-19-12 Professional Utility Engineering Services
Completed RFSQ-CD-19-02 / ITB-CD-19-02 Pump Station “D” Improvement
Completed ITB-CD-19-04 Backup Power to Five (5) Pump Stations FEMA Contract #4283-27-R Completed ITB-CD-19-05 Backup Power to Five (5) Pump Stations FEMA Contract #4283-31-R Completed ITB-CD-19-06 Backup Power to Five (5) Pump Stations FEMA Contract #4283-33-R Completed ITB-CD-19-07 Backup Power to Five (5) Pump Stations FEMA Contract #4283-34-R Completed ITB-CD-19-08 Backup Power to Five (5) Pump Stations FEMA Contract #4283-35-R Completed ITB-CD-19-09 Backup Power to Five (5) Pump Stations FEMA Contract #4283-36-R
Completed RFSQ-UT-19-18 / ITB-UT-19-18 2019 Sanitary Sewer Lining
Completed ITB-CD-19-25 Resurfacing of Clay Tennis Courts
Contracts Processed:
Brink’s U.S. a Division of Brink’s Incorporated – Service Contract for Armored Car Pickup Service – Agreement Number 10000112910 – 01/26/2019 – 01/25/2020
BUSINESS ASSISTANCE CENTER
BUSINESS CONSULTING:
This week – 10 consulting sessions, 24 Consulting Hours
Total for Month – 39 Consulting Sessions, 131 Consulting Hours NEW PALM COAST COMMERCIAL BUSINESSES:
Adona Corporation – 1 Hargrove Grade - Consultant NEW PALM COAST HOME-BASED BUSINESSES:
LC’s Artistix LLC – Artist
John Reding – Landscape Service
John Reding – Tree Surgeon
Enchanted Cleaning Services – Janitorial Service
Fast Cash ATM Solutions – Unclassified Personal Service
Andrey Makarov – Handyman Service
Tatyana Makarov – Janitorial Service
Joe Goldsberry – Photography/Video
Elite Soil Solutions LLC – Trucking Company
Elite Cleaning Solutions LLC – Janitorial Service
Taylor Marlow’s Landscaping – Landscape Service
In Re
2,010 , 5%
35,635
Stormwater Division
Graded residential swale maint - LF Repaired outfalls Ditch maint LF Inspect ditch drainage problems
PUBLIC WORKS – Nestor Abreu, Director
6.86
125
43
48
65
6
PARKS & HIKING TRAILS INSPECTIONS # MILES
PARKS & TRAILS SIGN INSPECTIONS
INSPECT PKS & ATHLETIC FIELD IRRIGATION ZONES
PARKWAY MEDIAN MAINTENANCE
INSPECT MEDIAN IRRIGATION ZONES
LEVELED & ADDED CERTIFIED PLAYGROUND MULCH
Parks & Medians Division
3,045
1,346
37,270
Stormwater Division
Graded residential swalemaint - LF
Culvert pipe cleaning - LF
Ditch maintenance - LFSwale project crews
C section
Blowing off trails - Graham Swamp
Assembling new spray rig
Removing debris from ditch
W section
Swale maintenance
Cherry Court
Landscape maintenance
Old Kings Road South
Mulching - Heroes Park
Clearing debris
Heroes Park
Adding fresh playground mulch – Linear Park
Ditch maintenance
K section
Culvert pipe cleaning – Fleetwood Drive
Final ditch grading
and silt removal
L section
Trail cleanup
Graham Swamp
Irrigation repair - ITSC
Erosion control- F section
Hazard tree removal
Prichard Drive
Fire mitigation- Prichard Drive
FPL path
6,400
4 1,000
9 4 5 5 34 3 31 6
Streets Division
Site distance trimming LF Edge of roadway repair
Screen & recycle dirt for City projects - Cubic yards Pot holes repaired
Street Radii repaired Traffic signal work
Traffic control for special events Repair signs
After hours call Hazardous tree removal
Special Projects
FIRE FLEET TRANSPORT
CITYWIDE FACILITY REQUESTS
ROAD CALLS
VEHICLES - REPAIR
VEHICLES - INSPECTIONS
VEHICLES - PM'S
SMALL EQUIP - REPAIRS
HAND EQUIP & MOWERS - RD CALLS
HAND EQUIP & MOWERS - REPAIRS
HAND EQUIP & MOWERS - PM'S
3
2
9
3
3
2
10
1
20
13
13
2
38
4
Facility & Fleet Service
City Fleet Fire
Maintaining alarm system – Holland Park
Preventative maintenance on tractor
sweeper
Pouring concrete for new pathway – Sesame Boulevard
Road repairs
Pritchard Drive
Improving landscape drainage – Community Center
Hazardous tree debris cleanup – Blaketown Court
Constructing new pump
station signs for Utility
Adding gutter drain
Community Center
Mowing
Mulberry Branch Path
Commercial Permits Issued
160 Cypress Point Parkway A106 Interior Renovations - Clean Eats Kitchen
Chardani Building & Remodeling $14,000
101 W. Matanzas Woods Parkway
Site Work - Convenience Store and Gas Station ME Construction
Commercial Permits Applied
1000 Palm Coast Parkway NW
Chick Fil A - 2 canopies over drive through
Horizon Construction Company $90,000
3 Cypress Branch Way Unit 101 - 102
Interior Renovations - Sylvains Caribbean Restaurant East Coast Building Corp $15,000
101 W Matanzas Woods Parkway Convenience Store and Gas Station ME Construction $1,150,000
Occupancy Permits Issued
300 Palm Coast Parkway SW Unit 5 Just Train Fitness Alan Griner
21 Utility Drive Unit A Grand Living Realty Lindsay Dolamore
Construction value improvements from October 1, 2018 to date $99,084,961
Residential Single Family / Duplex Residences 17
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Wastewater Treatment Plant #1 Clarifier Equipment Replacement
City Capital Projects Under Construction
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Creekside Commercial Marina Del Palma Matanzas Lake Estates Sawmill Estates - US 1
Developer Projects Under Construction
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT – Stephen Flanagan, Director
StorQuest Express Summary of
Technical Site Plan Approval
#3832
On January 16, the Planning and
Land Development Regulation
Board approved a Tier 2,
Technical Site Plan for StorQuest
Express. This new self-storage
facility will be located on a 5+/-
acre site at 3895 Old Kings Road
North, which is on the west side of
Old Kings Road North about 1,000
feet north of Matanzas Woods
Parkway. This facility will have
four buildings totaling 57,303
square feet with an office and 51
exterior boat/recreational vehicle
storage spaces.
Discount Tire
City of Palm Coast’s first Discount
Tire store located in the Home
Depot Subdivision at 140 S.
Garden Street opened its doors on
January 10th 2019. Facility has a
total of 7,373 sq. ft., with bays and
office/lobby area
Spotlight Projects
StorQuest Express Technical Site Plan Approved
Discount Tire Now Open
FIRE– Jerry Forte, Fire Chief
COMMUNITY OUTREACH Basic First Aid & CPR: February 23rd 9 openings March 23rd 10 openings April 13th 12 openings
Healthcare Provider: March 22nd 5 openings
DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES Flagler Palm Coast High School students and Volunteer Firefighter Intern applicants have a total of 21 “Ride-Along” hours this week.
During the week, staff attended Southern Area Engine Academy hosted by the Volusia Fire Protection Service & Florida Forestry Service. Additionally staff attended Rope Operations at Lake Technical College. A lot of training and classes that are going on right now to help further the professional development of our fire staff.
The Palm Coast Fire Department launched its official Facebook Page. You can visit the page at www.facebook.com/palmcoastfire for more photos and updates on the department’s activities.
Tip of the Month:
Burn Awareness Week – Burn
Awareness Week, observed the first full
week in February, is a window of
opportunity for organizations to
mobilize burn, fire and life safety
educators to unite in sharing a common
burn awareness and prevention message
in our communities.
PSA –National Burn Awareness
Week -
http://bit.ly/Burn-awareness
Volunteer Intern
“Become a Volunteer”
http://www.palmcoastgov.com/govern
ment/fire/volunteer
Register for Basic First Aid & CPR
or Healthcare Provider:
http://www.palmcoastgov.com/govern
ment/fire/cpr
GUIDANCE
Palm Coast Fire Department is rallied around showing our love for 9-year-old Super Cooper – who underwent
his 7th heart surgery
Firefighter Brandon Davis reads to students at Wadsworth Elementary School
Literacy Week
Every year there is a week designated
as Celebrate Literacy Week across the
state. Palm Coast Fire Department
participated as guest readers. Driver
Engineer Juliano and Firefighter
Davis read to students at Wadsworth
Elementary School. Engine 21 – Lt.
Driscoll, Driver Engineer Bull and
Firefighter Pedersen stopped by to say
hello to the students!
Rope Operations Training
Driver Engineer Dan Bouillon,
Firefighter Joe Fajardo, Firefighter
Damiano Fortunato & Firefighter
Junelle Steward are attending the
Rope Rescue Operations Class at Lake
Tech Fire College in Tavares.
Wildland Fire Training
At Wildland Fire Training this week, we
had department members that were
students and an instructor at the Southern
Area Engine Academy. The Volusia County
Fire Services & Florida Forest Service
hosted the class.
The course is designed to provide the
trainee with the knowledge and skills
necessary to operate a type 6 wildland
brush engine on a wildfire or prescribed
fire incident. Trainees were instructed in
wildland fire hoses, packs, appliances,
hydraulics and tactics. The first part of the
course includes S- 211 Portable Pumps &
Water Use. Much of the course involves
field exercises and live fire suppression
work.
HIGHLIGHTS
Left: FF Fajardo & Damiano prepare to repel Right: FF Steward working on ropes & knots
DE Mark Davidson & Instructor/FF Travis Greco at the Southern Area Engine Academy at the Florida Sheriff’s
Youth Ranch in Barberville. Also in attendance was DE Dan Hackney
Parks & Recreation – Alex Boyer, Director
The Palm Coast Men’s 25K: A USTA M25 Event wrapped up on Monday, Jan. 28. Besides some rain and chilly
weather causing a few delays, the event ran smoothly. We had great attendance at our Net Generation Kid’s
Day with over 50 children compared to just 16 last year. By making it more of an event with pizza, face painting,
a DJ, and other activities, we were able to attract a wider demographic of children. The Singles Finals were
postponed from Sunday, Jan. 27 to Monday, Jan. 28 due to rain that lasted all day. It was a competitive match-
up and lasted about 3 hours. Ultimately, Nicolas ALVAREZ (PER) def. (3) Sekou BANGOURA (USA) 7-6(5), 1-
6, 6-4. We were also honored with a 10 year award from USTA as it was the Tennis Center’s 10th year of
hosting the tennis tournament. At the conclusion of the tournament, our Department received high remarks
from USTA in their evaluation of our event.
We were able to partner with a local girl scouts troop in our Palm Coast Master Builders: Mindstorm EV3
Robots. This program is designed to introduce youth to coding and computational thinking while also
encouraging collaboration. The Girl Scout troop first reached out to us after competing in a robot competition.
Our program helped to improve their knowledge and skills with robots, particularly sensors, and they hope to
attend the competition again and obtain a higher score in the event.
Winter/Spring 2018-19 Activity Guide http://www.palmcoastgov.com/recreation
Online Registration & Activities List http://www.parksandrec.fun
Adult/Senior Weekly Senior Social Programs Dance with Me Ballroom Dancing Line Dancing West Coast Swing A Matter of Balance Discover Trip Health & Wellness Yoga for All & Gentle Yoga Better Balance through Tai Chi Mayor’s 90/90 Challenge Indoor Rowing REFIT Revolution Family Fitness Zumba Gold Athletics Open Pickleball Adult Flag Football League Adult Open Gym Volleyball Tennis – Adults Beginners, Cardio, Morning Blast, Doubles Skills, & Round Robins Tennis - Youth Tennis Tots Rallies (Rookie, Red, Orange, & Green) Junior Development Toddler/Youth/Teen Beginning Ballet Musical Munchkins Awesome Alphabet Outing Kids in the Kitchen for Homeschoolers Teen Mountain Biking Awesome Art for Young Minds Cooking is Fun Monday Funday Teddy Bear Picnic Our Neck of the Woods Special Events Palm Coast Men’s 25K: A USTA M25 Event Tennis Pass Holder Appreciation Day Net Generation Kid’s Day
Programs Offered this Week
COMING UP
Feb. 7 – Discover Trip to Circle B Bar Reserve Feb. 7-10 – Birds of a Feather Fest Feb. 22 – Discover Trip to St. Johns River Cruises Feb. 22 – Parents’ Night Out Feb. 22 – The Chill Zone for Teens Feb. 23 – Doubles Cornhole Tournament
Girl Scouts in EV3 Robots Program
Net Generation Kid’s Day
USTA Presents 10 Year Award
+
1-31-2019
The average water demand for this week was 7.229 million gallons per day.
The average wastewater flow for the week was 7.857 million gallons per day.
The unidirectional flushing operation will continue on February 11th and crews will be working in Section 59 which includes Sesame Boulevard and surrounding streets.
Water Distribution crews installed 25 new water meters.
There are 216 new meter installations pending with 45 lots cleared and an average installation time of 4 weeks.
Wastewater Operations installed 3 new PEP tanks and replaced 3 tanks.
There are 35 new PEP tanks pending and 3 PEP tank replacements pending. Currently all new tanks are being installed within 6 days of site ready.
There were 37 calls after hours.
Water Distribution crews replaced 1 water service line, repaired 2 water service lines, 3 manifolds, completed 5 meter pit adjustments/replacements and tested and repaired 62 backflow preventers.
Wastewater crews replaced 16 PEP pumps, 11 ball valves and boxes, 9 floats and 1 back lid. Crews installed 11 new PEP pump assemblies and 11 PEP pump electric assemblies, 4 risers and repaired 1 service lateral. Inspected via CCTV 4,627 feet of gravity sewer and 24 manholes.
On January 29th, Water Distribution staff repaired a fire hydrant located on Chickasaw Court. A precautionary 48 hour boil water notice was issued to 42 residents, until lab samples confirmed the water was safe to drink.
On January 30th, Alternative Power Solutions finished the fuel pump rebuild for Well LW-49. They installed the fuel pump and test ran the generator.
Wastewater Operations completed smoke testing in section 13. (Brushwood)
The contractor near completion of installation of the Vapex Odor Control System located at Wastewater Treatment Plant #1. System startup and training is set up for February 11th and 12th.
Freeman Well Drillers repaired SW-133 as a result of the pump and motor separating from the column pipe. The cause was determined to be a faulty 6-inch coupling. The motor leads were also damaged and repaired along with a new coupling and a new cable wire.
Utility – Richard Adams, Director
The average wastewater flow was
7.857 million gallons per day
The average water demand for the week was
7.229 million gallons per day.
On January 25th, staff from Water Distribution responded to a water main break that occurred at 4:00 p.m. located on Seattle Trail. In order to repair the break, staff cut out the damaged section of the main and replaced it with new pipe. There were 15 homes without water service for approximately 45 minutes and a precautionary 48 hour boil water notice was issued, until lab samples confirmed the water was safe to drink.
On January 30th, staff from Water Distribution installed a new water main valve instead of replacing the existing one located on Fanbury Lane. The valve that was in need of replacement is located under a resident’s driveway. To prevent removing a portion of the driveway and inconveniencing the customer, a new valve was installed. The new installation was within close vicinity of the valve that needed to be replaced. There were 32 homes without water service for approximately 2 hours and a precautionary 48 hour boil water notice was issued until lab samples confirmed the water was safe to drink.
HIGHLIGHTS WATER DISTRIBUTION
Environmental Division
The Environmental Division hosted a Water Conservation Coordinators Meeting for the region at Water Treatment Plant #3. The meetings are held quarterly and include members from other utilities, municipalities and local and state regulatory agencies to provide information, and discussion of topics related to water conservation. For this meeting the main focus was on irrigation audits and two other utilities, JEA and Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC), gave presentations on their programs. At the conclusion of the presentations, staff provided a tour of Water Treatment Plant #3 and the Demonstration Garden in front of the Utility Office which was a cost-share project funded through the St Johns River Water Management District.
Water Distribution
On January 30th, staff from Water Distribution replaced a damaged post hydrant with a blow-off connection located on Atlantic Drive. The blow-off connection is installed in a meter box below ground, versus the post hydrant which is above ground. There were 17 homes without water service for approximately 3 hours and a precautionary 48 hour boil water notice was issued until lab samples confirmed the water was safe to drink.
HIGHLIGHTS
NEWS RELEASE – City of Palm Coast Contact: Kimberly Norman, Public Relations Associate 386-986-3717 Jan. 30, 2019
Longtime birders journey to Palm Coast for 5 straight years to see Florida birds Palm Coast – For New Yorkers Lon and Helen Penna, birding is a part of life. They journey south to Florida every year to attend the City of Palm Coast’s annual Birds of a Feather Fest. The appeal is the outdoors, the calm and relaxing atmosphere, and the opportunity to see wildlife in different environments. “We like that they have wonderful guides and the trips they plan are a little different each year,” Helen said. Helen has been a birder all her life – developing a love for birds at early age thanks to childhood camping trips. For Lon, his love for birds came a bit later. Inspired by Helen, he began birding while on a trip to Pakistan 20 years ago. “It gets us outdoors and it’s so relaxing and enriching,” Lon said. This year is no different. The couple plan to attend the 5th annual Birds of a Feather Fest from Feb. 7-10 while visiting Lon’s parents, who have lived here for the last two decades. The Pennas have been coming here for 20 years and have attended each festival since its inception in 2015, while also seeing the city grow in population, develop commercially, and evolve. They appreciate that the small-community feel remains strong, with sidewalks and bike paths, and rooted in nature. This year they have their hearts set on spotting a birds on the various trips such as the Florida Scrub-Jay, Roseate Spoonbill, Painted Bunting, Sandhill Crane and the Limpkin. “We love going out to the nature and exploring what birds are in different habitats,” Helen said. “Even if we don’t see any birds it’s still an adventure.”. The adventure of attending the festival includes trips to unique locales in Palm Coast, Flagler County and North/Central Florida, offering sights of native and migratory birds and a chance to connect and learn from bird experts in a small setting. “One of the most enjoyable experiences was hearing the keynote speaker Greg Miller describe the making of the movie about him ‘The Big Year,’” recalled Lon. “I felt very privileged to hear that story.”
Helen has standout memories, as well, including a trip to Frank Rendon Park in Daytona Beach where a birding expert pointed out the many differences between thousands of gulls. Helen has seen 60 different bird species in Flagler County during her trips. Now that the Pennas have been birding for so many years, they have some advice for new birders: get a good pair of binoculars, a good birding book, research birding hot spots online, join a birding club, and take some time to look outside your own home. At the couple’s Scotia, New York, home, they have 16 bird feeders and a heated bird bath. They’ve seen 17 different species in their own yard. While visiting Palm Coast has become an annual tradition, the Pennas say birding also takes them to the desert and the mountains. In retirement, the couple volunteer as humanitarians through Rotary International. They’ve provided 600 sewing machines to girls’ schools in Pakistan and have sent bicycles and medical supplies to the country. They have also been to China and made time for birding there. They also plan to go to Africa and explore birding there. A vacation or trip that includes birds is the icing on the cake. “It’s our favorite thing to do,” Lon said. Many guided birding trips, workshops, social events and the keynote lecture are still available for this year’s Birds of a Feather Fest. Some activities are geared toward beginners, while others are for more experienced birders. Many are free, including National Audubon Society executive David Ringer’s talk on Friday evening and four beginner bird walks on Saturday. See the schedule and register for events at www.birdingfest.com. Media interested in interviewing the Helen and Lon Penna, please contact Kimberly Norman at [email protected] or 386-986-3717.
NEWS RELEASE – City of Palm Coast Contact: Cindi Lane, Communications & Marketing Manager 386-986-3708; cell 386-214-4729 Jan. 30, 2019
City of Palm Coast takes comprehensive approach to improving stormwater drainage Palm Coast – The City of Palm Coast’s stormwater drainage system was built by ITT in the 1970s and ‘80s, when the population was one tenth of its current size. Now, after years of growth, an aging infrastructure and two hurricanes that put a spotlight on drainage issues, the City is embarking on an enhanced, comprehensive stormwater management plan to improve drainage system-wide. A City-wide Master Plan is under development with completion scheduled for this summer. Even before the plan is ready, the City has launched an aggressive ditch maintenance program to target overgrowth of aquatic vegetation and plans are being developed to address localized drainage issues in the W, E, F and R sections in the near future. A major drainage improvement project in the W Section will get underway in the first week of February. The Public Works Department will be cleaning and regrading the ditch system between Woodside Drive and Pine Lakes Parkway, including cleaning cross drains under roadways. Water levels in the canal that runs through the W Section will be intentionally kept lower than usual during the work. “Most of our stormwater drainage system was built 35 to 40 years ago, and it’s performed well to protect homes from flooding over the years,” said Palm Coast Mayor Milissa Holland. “But after Hurricane Irma in 2017, we discovered there were some areas that needed more attention than what routine maintenance can provide. That’s when the City Council approved a comprehensive and very proactive plan that will be carried out in the coming months and into the future.” The new Master Plan will consider all aspects of the drainage system – taking a big-picture look at the swales, ditches, canals, water control structures, pipes, and drainage basins and how they work together to protect homes and businesses from flooding, said Mike Peel, the City Engineer. The new solutions to be developed will focus more on the ditches and freshwater canals and will have a greater long-term impact on improving the drainage system across Palm Coast. LiDAR, a high-resolution surveying and mapping technology, and the latest stormwater computer modeling technology are being used to help develop the Master Plan. A consultant for the City and City staff will submit a comprehensive report to City Council by August. Recommendations will likely include freshwater canal dredging, ditch cleaning (in addition to the
spraying), and improvements for water quality as well as for conveyance and storage of stormwater. Projected costs will be provided during the planning process, and the computer modeling will help identify the most cost-effective options, Peel said. The enhanced stormwater management program will be funded by revenues from the stormwater fee, which was increased last fall. A pair of public outreach meetings to discuss the new stormwater management plan will be held at 2 and 6 p.m. Monday, March 25, at the Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Pkwy. NE. “Up until now, much of our focus has been on short-term solutions,” said Don Schrager, the City’s Construction Site Supervisor. “While swale work is important, the benefits are localized to the properties where the work is performed.” “It comes down to being able to move the water – if you improve the canals, the ditches drain better; if you improve the ditches, the swales drain better,” Schrager said. “By devoting more resources to improving the entire system’s ditches, canals and stormwater piping, the water will move better and the benefits will be seen across neighborhoods everywhere.” As part of the new system-wide management plan, the Stormwater Division will be reassessing the City’s swale maintenance program. Following Hurricane Irma in 2017 and the rain events that came in the weeks and months after the hurricane, the City’s list of needed swale projects has gotten backlogged. Residents who believe their swale needs to be regraded may still request an inspection and, if it is determined City maintenance is needed, that residential street is added to the list of needed swale projects. But the backlog means the City may not get to projects for a significant period of time. The City currently utilizes a GIS mapping system to track pending projects to ensure the projects remain in the scheduling pipeline until they can be scheduled and completed. In the meantime, there are some simple, yet significant, steps property owners should follow for routine swale maintenance, to minimize standing water:
1. Mow and maintain swale at an acceptable grass height. Tall grass slows water movement.
2. Do not fill in your swale or install a drain pipe from property line to property line. 3. Keep driveway culvert ends open by removing debris, grass and dirt. Blow grass
clippings back onto grass or landscaped areas. 4. Repair erosion from along the sides and under your driveway. 5. Do not have roof drains running onto the driveway or directly into the right of way. 6. Remove erosion that has built up in the bottom of the swale that could potentially block
the flow of water including (trash, leaves, limbs and grass). 7. Do not use an edger along the sides of your driveway. 8. Do not park on or drive across your swale. Cars and their tire tracks block the water flow. 9. Minimize the use of fertilizer, pesticides and herbicides within 50 feet of a swale. 10. Install plants/landscaping at least 15-20 feet from the road; they still add beauty, but
leave the swale functional. Additional information about swales and how to determine if a swale issue should be reported to the City can be found online at www.palmcoastgov.com/stormwater. Select the “swales” tab.
For more information, contact Cindi Lane, APR, Communications & Marketing Manager, at [email protected] and 386-986-3708.
NEWS RELEASE – City of Palm Coast Contact: Cindi Lane, Communications & Marketing Manager 386-986-3708; cell 386-214-4729 Jan. 31, 2019
Waste Pro adds 2 trucks, more staff to improve garbage service in Palm Coast Palm Coast – The City of Palm Coast and Waste Pro, the City’s contracted garbage collection hauler, are working together to improve service for pickup of garbage, yard trash and recyclables in Palm Coast.
“We are a customer-focused company and are working hand-in-hand with the City to adjust and enhance the service for our Palm Coast customers,” said Shea Drury, Waste Pro’s Division Manager for Palm Coast. “We saw a need for improved services and have already taken steps to make necessary changes.” Representatives from the City and Waste Pro met in mid-January to develop new service strategies. Those initiatives include:
Adding two new garbage trucks for Palm Coast routes – Waste Pro’s garbage trucks run on natural gas
Adding a second route supervisor position for Palm Coast – the new route supervisor has been hired
Hiring additional garbage truck crews – new staff is now in training
Re-routing Palm Coast’s pickup routes to make them shorter and, therefore, more manageable – new routes will begin in late February, once new staff is fully trained
With the route changes beginning in late February, customer pickup days will stay the same. However, the time of day when the pickup is made will likely change because routes will have new starting and finishing locations. Customers are reminded that garbage and recyclables collection in Palm Coast runs from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Garbage must be placed at the curb no later than 6 a.m., or the evening before scheduled pickup, to ensure it’s not missed. Waste Pro is unable to return to a route to collect garbage that was put out after that day’s collection. “By adding more staff, two new trucks, and shortening our collection routes, we are confident Palm Coast customers will experience improved service moving forward,” Drury said. Palm Coast Utility customers are advised to contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 386-986-2360 if Waste Pro misses their pickup. The City works with Waste Pro to resolve all concerns.
More information about Palm Coast garbage service is available online at www.palmcoastgov.com/trash.
NEWS RELEASE – City of Palm Coast Contact: Cindi Lane, Communications & Marketing Manager 386-986-3708; cell 386-214-4729 Jan. 29, 2018 Palm Coast Animal Control plans meeting for caretakers of community cats Palm Coast – The City of Palm Coast Animal Control Division is inviting caretakers of community cats to a public meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, at the Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Pkwy NE. Alice Burton and Brianna Lovell from Alley Cat Allies, a leading advocate for outdoor cats, will speak to the group via Skype, offering information about colony management, resources available, low-cost spay/neuter, and more. All are welcome to attend. The Palm Coast Animal Control Division would like to provide education and receive public information from community cat caretakers. For more information, contact Cindi Lane, Communications & Marketing Manager, at [email protected] and 386-986-3708.
NEWS RELEASE – City of Palm Coast Contact: Kimberly Norman, Public Relations Associate 386-986-3717 Jan. 28, 2019 ‘Learn the Basics of Your Computer’ with the popular Parks & Rec programs this spring
Palm Coast – Want to learn more about your computer? Palm Coast Parks & Rec is offering expanded classes this spring with more opportunities to learn about personal computers as well as tablets, laptops, and smart phones. These classes teach adults all about the basic care of a computer, the different programs offered, and internet security. There will be beginner and intermediate levels available. Classes are free and will be held at the Palm Coast Community Center located at 305 Palm Coast Parkway NE. Please register at www.parksandrec.fun/seniors. Here is the schedule: Beginners Tuesdays, Feb. 5 - March 19, 10 a.m. – noon Intermediate Tuesdays, Feb. 12 - March 12, 10 a.m. – noon Iphone/Ipad Tuesday, April 2, 10 a.m. – noon Tablets and Laptops Tuesday, April 9, 10 a.m. – noon There will also be a free ‘Let’s talk tech, learn the basics’ coffee series for adults on Friday, Feb. 1 from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. at the Community Center hosted by Andy Barr with Tech Talk Studios who will give tips on making complicated tech topics simple. Participants will learn the basics about popular technology terms and services. Pre-registration is required for this event 48 hours prior to the program date and while space is available. For more information about the classes and programs, contact Parks & Rec at 386-986-2323.
A pet or companion animal is an animal kept primarily for a person's company, protection, entertainment, or as an act of compassion such as taking in and protecting a hungry stray cat, rather than as a working animal, livestock, or laboratory animal. Popular pets are often noted for their attractive appearances, intelligence, and relatable personalities, or may just be accepted as they are because they need a home. This is the definition of a “pet” according to Wikipedia. The ownership of pets are on the rise with no stopping in sight. The Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook provides statistics on pet ownership. At the end of 2016, this sourcebook found that 57% of U.S. households owned a pet. Dogs are the pack leaders with approximately 38% of households owning one or more pet dogs. Cats come in second with 25% of households having a pet cat. Donation Opportunities: The Flagler Humane Society Thrift Store always accepts donations. They cannot take in any computers/printers or large appliances. Call for our new store location where we collect donations. “General Donations” can be dropped off anytime at your convenience. FHS appreciates all donations, especially those from our Wish List (available at flaglerhumanesociety.org/wish-list). You can also purchase items via the Amazon.com link on the FHS website and ship them directly to the shelter. Outreach Adoption Events: Don’t forget that FHS have volunteers and adoptable pets at Petco, PetSmart, PetSupermarket and Tractor Supply in Palm Coast. Stop by and see our adoptable pets! Want to be a volunteer? Attend an orientation! Orientations are held at noon in the Humane Society education room every second Saturday of the month. Applications can be found on the FHS website. Interested in fostering? Contact our adoption specialist at [email protected]. Adoption Specials: See the FHS Facebook or Website for upcoming adoption specials. Upcoming Fundraisers/Events: See the FHS Website for information on any upcoming events. Offered Services: The Flagler Humane Society has a variety of Subsidized Spay & Neuter Programs for members of the community that need to have their pets or community pets sterilized. Please call FHS at 386-445-1814, email [email protected] for questions. FHS has a Wellness Clinic for minor veterinary issues. Call 386-445-1814 for Appointments. Low Cost Vaccination Clinics are held every Saturday from 1pm-3pm. FHS also offers a “Pet Food Pantry” for those that are in need of assistance. Please call for more information. To keep up with Flagler Humane Society happenings – visit us on the FHS Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Website at www.flaglerhumanesociety.org, or via email at [email protected].
Animals ready for homes
Adoption specialist: Katrina Geigley [email protected] Outreach Manager: Katie Share [email protected]
CODY
Cody is a sweet 4 year old lab/spaniel mix. He is up to date
on vaccinations and already neutered. We got him from another
animal agency who had him for months. He gets along with all
dogs but is very high energy. He is going crazy in his kennel circling because he needs company and a job! We think that is why he was at the other humane agency so
long. He is very sweet and has a great personality. We think he
would be great with older kids as he may be too much for the
smaller ones. He is high energy so he would like to be placed with an active family. Come and meet him
today!
Pet of the Week
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