January 2004.pdfcity of atlantic beach newsletter
VOL.3 NO.1JANUARY 2004
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www.ci.atlantic-beach.fl.us
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The City of Atlantic Beach
would like to hear from citi-
zens interested in serving on
citizen boards. We have a
Code Enforcement Board,
Community Development
Board, Cultural Arts and
Recreation Advisory
Committee, two Pension
Boards, one for police
employees and the other
for general employees, and
a Tree Conservation Board.
For information about the
responsibilities of these
boards or to obtain an appli-
cation form, please contact
the City Clerk, at 247-5809
or visit our web site at
www.ci.atlantic-beach.fl.us.
We would also like to hear
from anyone who would like to
volunteer a few hours a week
in City Hall to help with tasks
such as filing or preparing
documents for imaging. You do
not need to have experience in
these areas as we would
assist you and make sure you
are comfortable with anything
you are asked to do. Call
Maureen King at 247-5809
if you would like additional
information.
HOUSINGREHABILITATIONASSISTANCE
The City of Atlantic Beach is
now accepting applications
for the 2003-2004 Community
Development Block Grant
(CDBG) program, which
provides help to low income
homeowners for certain
housing renovation activities.
Funds will be awarded based
upon the most serious need,
and please bear in mind that
these funds may be used
only for basic housing needs
and repairs, such as failed
plumbing or septic tanks, to
provide heating or hot water,
to correct dangerous
structural or electrical
problems, or other
similar serious
problems which might make a
home unsafe or uninhabitable.
(These funds are not intended
for general upgrades or
enhancements, room additions
and enclosures or cosmetic
repairs.) Applications may
be obtained at the Building
Department located in the
Atlantic Beach City Hall or
by calling (904) 247-5826.
In order to be considered,
homeowners must demonstrate
that their income qualifies for
participation in the program
and that all eligibility require-
ments are met.
Revisions to the Zoning
and Land Development
Regulations
On December 8th, the City
Commission adopted revi-
sions to Chapter 24 of the
City Code, which contains
the Zoning and Land
Development Regulations.
Most of these revisions were
needed to simply update
the regulations or to clarify
certain provisions, which
seemed to be unclear or
subject to interpretation. The
amended regulations are
available on the Planning
and Zoning page of the
City’s website, or you may
purchase a copy of the zon-
ing regulations for $15.00 at
the Building Department
counter located at City Hall.
New Crime Suppression Unit
The Atlantic Beach Police
Department plans to
implement a new Crime
Suppression Unit in January
of 2004. This Unit will employ
one full-time Sergeant and two
full-time police officers to tar-
get the high crime/complaint
areas, narcotics, prostitution
and violent felonies and
crimes in Atlantic Beach. The
Unit will also be available to
provide education on various
safety topics and crime
prevention to citizens and
Atlantic Beach organizations.
If interested, you can contact
the Atlantic Beach Police
Department to arrange a
time to have a Crime
Suppression Unit member
meet with your organization
to determine your specific
needs and help establish
future strategies for the unit.
If anyone has any specific
concerns about the City or
would like more information,
the Crime Suppression Unit
can be reached at (904)
247-5859 Ext 17.
Yoga Classes
Yoga classes are held at
Adele Grage Cultural
Center, 716 Ocean
Boulevard at 11:30 a.m.
every Tuesday and
Thursday, and at 4:00 p.m.
every Sunday. Call our
Recreation Department at
247-5828 for information.
USE WATER-SMART LANDSCAPING TO SAVE WATER - CONTINUED
Although the number of traffic
crashes remains very low,
there are occasional questions
relative to the 5-Way intersec-
tion where Plaza, Seminole
Road, and Sherry Drive inter-
sect. Motorists generally rec-
ognize that they must wait for
their turn to enter the intersec-
tion, but occasionally the
question arises, “When does
my turn start?”
The simplest answer to this
question is that a motorist’s turn
starts when they actually reach
the “front of the line.” Under
state law, motorists are required
to stop at the stop signs before
entering the intersection. The
time spent waiting in line does
not fulfill this requirement.
Consistent with this position, a
motorist’s “turn” begins at the
time that the motorist actually
reaches the front of the line,
and after the motorist has
stopped for the stop sign. In
other words, the first one to the
stop bar goes first.
THE 5-WAY STOP: WHEN IS IT YOUR TURN TO GO?
Xeriscape is merely using the right
plants in the right place to promote
a water conserving landscape. The
first two principles of Xeriscape were
covered in the November issue. Here
are the next two principles:
Principle 3 Soil Analysis - Soil is
the basis for healthy plants. The local
County extension service may be able
to assist with soil testing. Knowing the
characteristics of the soil helps in
selecting plants that will prosper more
easily. Call 387-8850 for information.
Principle 4 Practical Turf Areas - The
selection of appropriate grass varieties
is important in creating a Xeriscape, as
water requirements vary with the type
of grass selected. Because grass tends
to use more water and requires more
maintenance than other parts of the
landscape, lawn grasses should be
used only where appropriate or neces-
sary, and areas should be of sizes and
shapes that can be easily watered and
maintained. Good horticultural practices,
such as mowing at the proper height
and frequency, fertilizing and appropriate
pest control, are necessary to maintain
a healthy lawn. Try to preserve natural
areas or use ground cover plants,
mulches or pervious decks and patios
to reduce the need for turf in your
landscape.
For more information on Xeriscape, check out the Southwest Florida Water Management
District's website: http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us.
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Another year is upon us and I hope every
citizen of Atlantic Beach enjoyed the holiday
season. Many good things occurred last year
in the city. Major upgrades to our infrastructure
were accomplished, while we improved the
look of the city at the same time. Challenges
remain, but with a well thought-out strategic
plan we know we have the resources to continue the progress.
We have received significant financial grants towards the
design of improvements to Mayport Road, our top strategic
plan issue. We believe we can turn what is now an unsafe and
unattractive highway through our community into a tree-lined
village road that will attract new and beneficial businesses to
the area and enhance the quality of life for those who live both
East and West of Mayport Road. Signs of business interest
in the area are already evident. We will continue to tackle
drainage problems, particularly in the Hopkin’s Creek area.
We will continue planting trees in the city. This will include
planting on private property where the owners agree to
provide the necessary maintenance and the
general public will benefit. All in all, Atlantic
Beach has a conservative government, with
long-range plans to ensure the financial
health of the community.
Presort Standard
US Postage Paid
Jacksonville FL
Permit No. 1645
City of Atlantic Beach
800 Seminole Road
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
January Calendar
SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT
12
4
3
56 879
11
10
13 1514
18
17
19 22
16
23
27 28 31
Teen Council Meeting
7:00 p.m.
716 Ocean Blvd.
*Tree Conservation
Board Meeting
7:00 p.m.
Code Enforcement
Board Meeting
7:00 p.m.
12
Community Devel.
Board Mtg. 7:00 p.m.
*Teen Council
Meeting 7:00 p.m.*Public Art Fact FindingComm. 7:00 p.m.*Songwriters Workshop7:00-9:00 p.m.
Hazardous Waste
Collection
City Hall parking lot
8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
*Cultural Arts
& Recreation
Committee Meeting
7:00 p.m.
*Tree Conservation
Board Meeting
26 2925
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
John S. Meserve
MAYOR
Richard M. Beaver
MAYOR PRO TEM
J. Dezmond
Waters, III
COMMISSIONER
Sylvia Simmons
COMMISSIONER
Paul B. Parsons
COMMISSIONER
James Hanson
CITY MANAGER
Alan Jensen
CITY ATTORNEY
Maureen King
CITY CLERK
John S. Meserve
Mayor
LETTER
FROM THE MAYOR
Commission Meeting
7:15 p.m.
30
Meetings are held in the Commission
Chambers unless otherwise indicated
*These events will be held at Adele Grage
Cultural Center, 716 Ocean Boulevard
Commission Meeting
7:15 p.m.
2421
H OUSEHOLD H AZARDOUS WASTE AND E-WASTE C OLLECTIONThe City of Jacksonville will have a household hazardous waste collection at the Atlantic Beach City Hall parkinglot (next to Russell Park), 800 Seminole Road on Saturday, January 24th from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Many materials used in the home and gardens are considered hazardous and must NOT be thrown into house-hold trash. These materials can cause serious safety and health problems. Check the list below for types of
products to take to the household hazardous waste and e-waste collection on January 24th.
WILL BE ACCEPTED:
The following items will not be accepted: Bio-Hazardous (medical) waste, Explosives, Tires, Large Household
Appliances (Washers, dryers, stoves, refrigerators), Commercial E-Waste or Hazardous Waste
Paint, paint thinners &
strippers
Fertilizer
Computer monitors,
terminals, CPUs, key-
boards
Rechargeable batteries
Acids
Photographic chemicals
Flares
Antifreeze
Used oil
TVs/VCRs
Lawn & Garden
chemicals
Ammunition
Printers & Scanners
Pool chemicals
Drain cleaners
Stereo Equipment
Aerosol cans
Varnish/shellac
Desk and mobile phones
Pesticides
Car care chemicals
Pagers
Small propane (lp) tanks
Fire extinguishers
Power tools
Car batteries
Small kitchen appliances
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