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Winter 2001.pdf(7; http://ci.atlantic-beach.fl.ias nd recreation 247-5828 Jordan Park Community Center Now Open The City of Atlantic Beach recently completed construction of the Jordan Park Community Center, 1671 Francis Avenue, located directly behind Atlantic Beach Public Works facility. The Community Center consists of 10 new offices, a large conference room, and a kitchen- ette. The Center is available now for use to the general public for meetings, receptions, family reunions, etc. Jordan Park also has an after school program for children between the ages of 5- 16. The after school program consists of tutoring in arithmetic, reading, spelling and geography. The Center also has a full repertoire of activities daily. Call (904) 247-5828 for more details. Holiday Luminaries Fund Year -Round Beauty Luminaries will be on sale this year at the Adele Grage Community Center. Each luminaries kit comes with 6 bags and 6 candles. The cost is 82.00 per kit. You can pur- chase luminaries between 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.., Monday through Friday. ur annual "Lighting of Luminaries" is scheduled for December 21, 2001. The proceeds of your luminaries purchase go to beautifying and enhancing various areas in Atlantic Beach. For more information on purchasing your luminaries kits, please call (904) 247-5828. ABET Winter/Spring Productions Call 249-7177 Jan 3 -19 Crimes of the Heart is a Pulitzer Prize winning comedy/drama about three sisters who gather in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, and interact with a priggish cousin and an amorous young lawyer. March 7 -23 Uncle Vanya is a Chekhov drama set in the declining days of Czarist Russia in which the young wife of an older professor is attracted to an idealist doctor as is the professor's young daughter. April 25 - May 11 In Labor Day, a playwright's family, home for the holiday, fear their father is using them in his new play when the bright young director shows up at his Connecticut home, setting off fireworks. Camp -Out Under the Stars in March Camp -Out Under the Stars is scheduled for March 2-3, 2002 at Jack Russell Park. Camp sites are 810.00 each. Each site can hold approximately 6 people. There will be a variety of activities scheduled on the program for the event. Last year's camp out was a major success with approximately 30 families in attendance with children of all ages. Please check your local newspapers for press releases regarding the Camp Out Under the Stars 2002 or call Parks and Recreation at (904) 247-5828. Artlife Spring/ Summer 2002 Schedule The City of Atlantic Beach in conjunction with Artlife Productions, Inc., has a variety of programs and activities for the Spring and Summer. Some Atha& Mad& Stiy /liar.rs•Voice •Rem/ ez•7041 LU4tAie ed, M ed. Cizecdive44.6, 4/?each•matep@ .1.cow* 249-9100 of the programs on the calendar for the new year are: Film Cafe An evening program of film screenings for adults. Each evening would include an hour of lively, post -screening discus- sion led by a film professional. Refreshments will be served. Jazz Nights A program series of outdoor/ indoor musical presentations designed especially for our community. Staged for an interior venue or the open-air park space, the programs establish a cultural arts series FARM BUREAU INSURANCE based on a variety of jazz musical styles and themes such as Contemporary, Be -Bop, Classical and others. Storytellers from Around the World A multi -cultural experience for all ages. Programs could be scheduled to meet the needs of each age group from children to adult. Visiting local artists' presentations offer fresh perspec- tives and an access to global fellowship through the sharing of stories and cultures. For more information on the programs call, (904) 247-8337. Life • Health • Auto • Home • Annuities • Retirement Plans • Helping Von Is t {'lint We e Do Best! RICHARD J. MILLER CLU Agent Business (904) 992-8131 Fax (904) 992-8134 13500 Sutton Park Drive South Suite 801 Jacksonville, Florida 32224 www.floridafannbureau.com '2 CASTRO MORTGAGE ASSOCIATES,INC. an association of professionals serving Jax over 30 years a!tif -��-.- free consultation 249-7975 a licensed mortgage brokerage business Kr�afi i�� Marfre4in�. Gorrora+e. 4- Sc4iool kpparcf Promotional Citi f1S 61A/ Gan rut Your Loy on AH -in— from cvpc to C -u -f �r and $uazij GALL VS - We.'re. r+ ticre,e n ktiarrl-it- 13caUh 904/2-4 —53 5-2- vvvvvv.k.re,ative.marke-t n c om lialkincere wishes for a t*:our n = sletter sponsors !42Ga for your generous support of our city newsletter through this and past years 'aot &r¢�na ee editor, tideviews Ile are, curd leudeurt4 ail > itteet eeec V each 7 Gruhn May, Inc. was recently awarded a design - build contract to replace the existing 3 -inch through 6 - inch water main with a new 8 -inch water main on Beach Avenue, from Ahern Street to 8th Street. The contractor will ensure all residents have access to their property during construction, but there may be some tempo- rary re-routing of traffic. Waitz & Moye, Inc. is designing an upgrade to this lift station, located on West End Street. The improve- ments will consist of new pumps and controls. Meadors Construction Company is continuing to build a Master Lift Station at the Atlantic Beach Wastewater Plant, con- structing a new force main from the Lift Station on Donner Road, and upgrad- ing the Fairway Villas and Park Street Lift Stations. The 12 -inch water main installation is nearly complete, however the tie- in to the side streets, from Ahern Street to 8th Street, will require temporary outages. The contractor will make every effort to complete tie-ins during off coat 9 Donna Busse Selected August Employee of the Month Donna is responsible for the day to day operation of many of the city's key employee programs such as: recruitment, updating of position descriptions, processing, records, retirements, payroll, pay changes, deductions, employee benefits (health, life and dental insurance), workers' compensa- tion, and personnel system data updates. She is also responsible for both employee insurance claims and insurance claims against the city such as automo- bile, accident, liability, etc. Donna goes above and beyond the requirements of her job to assist department heads and employees with a "can do" positive and willing attitude that is not found in many employees today. She is always willing to help and is a team player. She was solely responsible for assisting two retiree spouses when the retiree passed away and one employee whose spouse passed away. This assistance involved contacting the surviv- ing spouses and ensuring that all city benefits were provided in a timely manner. She was also responsible for all actions required to advertise approxi- mately 53 positions over the past calendar year. Think Like a Burglar As we approach the holiday season, the Police Department asks citizens to spend a few minutes thinking like a burglar. Most burglars utilize logic and reasoning to choose a neighbor- hood, to break into homes or cars, and to select which items to steal. They look for neighborhoods and yards where they can travel in and out without being seen or noticed. They don't like burglar alarms or dogs, and they will typically look for houses where no one is home. They choose the easiest method of entry (which is often an unlocked door), and they often check under the mat and flower pot, and over the door sill for a key. If no key is available, then they look for the loose screen and window where the homeowner climbs through when he forget his keys. When it comes to selecting items to steal, burglars prefer items that are small, valuable, and easy to carry without being noticed. To have a security inspection of their home, residents can contact the Police Department by telephone or email, and an officer will provide the inspec- tions at no charge. However, for residents who prefer to do it themselves, they only need to spend a few minutes "thinking like a burglar" to improve their home security. There is a Reason Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is the Nation's Leading Retail Mortgage Lender • Wide Selection of Conventional & Government Loans • Full Range of Affordable Home Loan Programs • Builder & Renovation Products • Quick Loan Decisions • Service: How, When and Where You Prefer Call Today! Curtis Ford Wells Fargo Home Mortgage 7077 Bonneval Road 904-281-9181 Office • 904-333-4565 Cellular 2Q01 Welts; Fargo Hume Mortgage, Ine(- injured. You may purchase the license for a one-time fee of $5.00 if your pet has been neutered or spayed. Other- wise, the fee is $15.00. Please note that this tag is in addi- tion to your rabies tag. The Animal Control Division encourages citizens to assure that their pets' inoculations are kept up-to-date. There has been a Rabies Alert recently in the Mayport Road area, and the best protection for the family pet is to have a current rabies inoculation. As your local Nationwide° agent, I'm on your side whether you need life, home, auto or business insurance. For the service you deserve, please give me a call. Nationwide Is On Your Side Rusty Pritchett Owner/Agent 904-270-1900 Products underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and affiliated Companies Home Office: One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, OH 43215-2220 Nationwide is a registered federal service mark of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company Nationwide Insurance & Financial Services EQUAL HOUSING OPPOIMANTY INSURER St. John's River Ferry Service Linking Teaches to 4 s tet'ia Jsean% Operateel Ly AA HORNBLOWER MARINE SERVICES Enjoy a scenic crossing of the St. John's River as part of your journey on Highway A IA Operating schedule and fares: (904) 241-9969, ext 1 visit our online store at StiohnsRiverFerry.com Special event charters, ext 13 f. • Does caring for a loved one complicate yot s - Travel Plans? Leeward Manor Respite Care can provide a secure, caring setting for your loved one until you return FLEE tANDING Call today for a brochure 246-9900,ext 107 e.uww.fleetlanciing. corn One Fleet Landing Blvd., Atlantic Beach, FL assisted living facility AL07607 BAPTIST MEDICAL CENTER BEACHES Still Growing We continue to grow with the Beaches population. Look for us to move and expand to the Diagnostic and Rehabilitative Center on Roberts Drive to include: • Outpatient imaging services featuring bone density and ultrasound technology • Enhanced mammography suites offering private dressing and exam rooms • Newly renovated Sleep Disorders Center • Comprehensive rehabilitation services including pediatric therapy, occupational and speech therapy and cardiac rehabilitation 02001 Baptist Health riSBAPTIST HEALTH Depend On Us For Life. 5 code eoncennemt The City has a Code of Ordinances which is a collec- tion of the laws which govern the city and its citizens. Before an ordinance is adopted it is first introduced in writing at a meeting of the City Commis- sion and can be read in full or by title only on at least two separate occasions. If a pro- posed ordinance is amending an existing law, it must clearly state the section being revised or amended and include the new language being inserted. Public input is invited at the second reading of the ordi- nance and this public hearing is advertised in the Beaches Leader at least ten days prior to the public hearing stating the date, time and place of the meeting and indicating that interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance. A period of thirty days is required between the first and second readings of ordinances proposing to rezone land. All ordinances are on file in the office of the City Clerk and may be inspected or copies obtained prior to the public hearing. Florida Statutes also provide procedures for the passage of emergency ordi- nances and copies of this statute may be obtained at the office of the City Clerk or by calling 247-5809. Yard Sale! Garage Sale! Estate Sale! Moving Sale! For additional information regarding yard sales or to report a violation of City Code, contact your local City Code Enforce- ment Officer at (904) 247-5855. Whatever you want to call it, it's a sale of personal property, and is regulated by City Code. What are those codes and what do they regulate? Where and how often can you have a sale ? City Code, Chapter 13, identi- fies and limits the number of sales. No matter what you call it, these types of sales can be conducted on any residentially zoned property, but are limited to a maximum of 3 days per year. What about advertising? City Code, Chapter 17-1, Sec. 17-1.1 (16) limits the number of advertising signs, their size, location and duration for posting. ❑ You are limited to not more than four signs, one for the premises of the sale, and three for off-site advertising. ❑ Advertising signs may be as large as four square feet. ❑ Signs are not permitted on the city rights of way, medians or on utility poles. ❑ Signs can only be posted on the day of the sale, not earlier than one hour before the sale and must be removed one hour after the sale. Signs cannot be left up over night, even on weekends. Who Can Connect to Fire Hydrants? The City of Atlantic Beach allows contractors and others to connect to and use water from city fire hydrants while working in the area, however we require that they have proper authoriza- tion from the city, and that the water is metered and passes through a backflow preventer. If you notice any connections to city fire hydrants, please report this to the Public Utilities Department at 247-5834. The city will ensure that proper procedures were followed. Pet Tags and Innoculations If you live in the City of Atlantic Beach, or if you walk your dog on the beach in Atlantic Beach, you are required to have a pet license issued by the City of Atlantic Beach. The city issues a permanent license which helps Animal Control Officers contact the owner in the event that a pet is picked up or Weather a - WOW — N — �= inc. 7ee42(4terne emeeate4repe. Iiurvi(= . I Oil NT; roll -downs bahamas accordions colonials panels 4 free estiates 3 - 018 www.weatherguardshutters.com • a: First Night Returns , cont.from page 1 interactive Children's Playmarket and much more. Activities and performances will be held at various venues in the area, including Atlantic Beach Elementary School, Community Presbyterian Church and the Adele Grage Community Center. The evening will culminate in a grand procession to the beach for a dramatic mid- night bonfire. Sponsors of First Night include the City of Atlantic Beach, The Florida Times -Union and Shorelines, Kreative Marketing, Atlantic Video Productions and other area businesses. Tickets for First Night are $5 in advance and will go on sale at the beginning of December at Atlantic Beach City Hall and at area shops and restaurants. First Night Atlantic Beach is an independent not-for-profit organization whose mission is continue this New Year's Eve com- munity tradition. Volunteers work throughout the year to raise funds, organize and promote the event. Plans are to expand the event in the future to include other .Beaches communities. The local organization is an affiliate of First Night International a parent group promoting similar local New Year's Eve festivals throughout the U.S. and abroad. Volunteers are still needed to help out this New Year's Eve. For more information, contact Executive Director Lone Loving at 247-7843. ATLANTIICOWN To AGEN EAC 249-3804 • I I I7 ATLANTIC BLVD. • NEPTUNE BEACH ~ N'at_son RcaIIyCorp. It 11:rutiHIS11:fus- Underhill Nominated for Award by Co -Workers Mike Underhill is a Distribu- tion/Collection Operator in the Public Utilities Department, and has been working for the City of Atlantic Beach for three years. He was nominated for Employee of the Month by his coworkers and supervisor for his initiative and willingness to perform duties outside his normal job tasks. In addition to completing the coursework and obtaining his required Collection System Technician certification, Mike has attended an additional college course in wastewater treatment on his own time. He shows much interest in the water/wastewater field and his cooperative attitude is a good example for fellow employees. Hally Recognized for Outstanding Efforts Lisa Hally was recognized as Employee of the Month for October for her outstanding efforts in a recent reorganization of the Public Works Facility, her ability to work independently, her cooperation with other departments and the public, and, especially, her cheerful, positive attitude. Her ability to keep smiling, even when the workload became very heavy, is an inspira- tion for other employees and citizens alike. pktgia WArtISS peak hours. Unusual underground conditions, for example a buried brick vault and trees, have delayed the contractor, and may extend the completion date of the project beyond the end of January 2002. Aikenhead & Odom, Inc. submitted 90% plans to the St. Johns River Water Management District in late August. Water and sewer permits have been approved by the Florida Department of Environ- mental Protection, and this project is expected to be ready for bid in early 2002. The City has obtained easements needed for construction of drainage and roadway improvements, and accepted the streets at the October 8, 2001 Commission Meeting. JEA is nearing completion of their underground cable placement project. Construction on this project should begin in January 2002. _. i 9 Save Time and Money with Xeriscaping Below is some Xeriscaping information provided from the St. Johns River Water Management District for your use. Xeriscape landscaping protects the environment by using native plants that have adapted to local conditions, are drought -tolerant and have developed a resistance to many insects and diseases. • Get a soil analysis. Have a county cooperative extension service analyze soil samples from various areas of your yard. This analysis will tell you the level of acidity or alkalinity in your soil. This information will help you decide which plants will work best in your yard. * Plan your landscape. Evaluate the conditions of your yard for sunny and shady areas throughout the day and seasons, and for wet and dry areas. Determine how you will use sections of the yard, and how tall and wide you want mature plants to be. 4 Choose the proper plants. Determine each plant's need for sun, shade, soil and water, and its tolerance for cold or salt. Match the plant's need to the appropriate spot in your 441 --r•-y, • • Experience the taste of Thailand in an upscale tropical setting at Jacksonville's premier Thai Restaurant. Enjoy a selection from our extensiue wine list visit us at www.thai-room.com Reservations recommended for six or more Lunch on -Fri llam-2pm Dinner Sun-Thurs 5-9:30 pm Fri & Sat 5-10:30 p 1286 South 3rd Street 24L-£.21_44.4 <� 1 0 landscape. Ask a landscape professional to help you choose native plants. ellg Use grass wisely. Grass is often your yard's biggest water user. Save grass for areas where children or pets will play. In other areas, consider mulch or groundcover. * Irrigate efficiently. Group plants together according to their water needs. Place plants that need moisture in moist areas and plants that need less water in drier areas. Turf areas and planting beds should always be in separate irrigation zones. • Mulch. Mulch holds moisture in the soil, adds nutrients, reduces weed growth and slows erosion. Spread several inches of mulch, such as wood chips, pine straw or leaves, around shrubs, trees and flower beds. 4 Maintain your yard. Mow, weed, prune and irrigate as needed. Xeriscape landscaping reduces maintenance needs in your yard, but won't eliminate yard work. Rhone Chosen November Employee of the Month Kenny Rhone is a Distribution/Collection Operator in the Public Utilities Department, and has worked for the city for 22 years. Kenny has always done an excellent job, and even in the last two years has received several complimentary letters from citizens on his work ethic and pleasant attitude. Kenny was nominated for Em- ployee of the Month by one of his coworkers who appreciated Kenny's expertise, mentoring, and positive outlook FINE CARPET & RUGS SINCE 1966 NORTH FLORIDA'S BEST SELECTION OF AREA RUGS Avondale Beaches 4148 Herschel St (Pablo Plan) 388-4110 1836 3rd St South 247-0438 City of Atlantic Beach http://www.ci.atlantic-beach.fl.us Mayor John Meserve 246-9900,ex.105 Commissioners Richard Beaver Mike Borno Paul Parsons J. Dezmond Waters Ill City Attorney Alan C. Jensen City Manager Jim Hanson City Clerk Maureen King The City Commission meets in City Hall at 7:15 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month. Code Enforcement Curtis M. Sanders Jr., Chair James Pelkey Richard Mann Mamie Hurd Carl Russell Peter Wynkoop Raymond Breault Pension Boards General Employees: Ed Lipscomb Jeri Benjamin Tony Downing Harry McNally Tim Townsend Police Board Ed Lipscomb Henry Bartle Tony Downing Dale Hatfield Harry McNally Tree Conservation Richard Bell Judith Jacobson Barbara Mears Maureen Shaughnessy Carol Rockwood Cultural Arts Eloise Koerber, Chair Mary Lou Boyer Alice Gartland Joyce Totter Janelle Wagoner Margie Van De Guchte Gary Seabrook (ex officio) Community Development Don Wolfson, Chair Craig Burkhart Robert Frohwein Karl Grunewald Samuel Jacobson Mary Walker Steven Jenkins Recreation Advisory DeJean Melancon, Chair Peter Coalson Donald Coleman Phillip Corp Barbara Hopson Tom Vogel 100% ORGANIC 00% OF THE TIME HE BEST FRUITS AND VEGETABLES AT THE BEAC R HEALTH FOOD & GROCERIES 246 - (Next To R gi me) Your search for eyecare you can trust IS over... 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Beaches Location (904) 241-7865 3316 Third Street South, Suite 103 Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250 +16 ++w+�, eta- V� �rj-i` ,ir THE CRABAPPb PRE a contemporary gallery of fine art & crafts First Street cftery more than 50 local & regional artists represented 41-6928 &Al q4/41.4e4 jo4 a diarrif ancd JeaIaut �s ihe Hip4, cawv44,and dic4 44 &a Mayor, continued, pg 1 shape our efforts towards the future. Included in that Plan are long-range financial projections that are able to foresee both costs of doing business and expected revenues. I believe the entire Commission is able to feel much more comfortable concerning the annual budgeting process with this knowledge. We are precision mapping all of our utilities, utilizing GPS (global positioning system) for locations, a first for this city. We will finally get to a point of knowing exactly where the sewer lines, manholes, water lines and valves are located. This knowl- edge will save real dollars given the number of times our lines have been hit when other lines are installed, real $$$ can be saved now.... We were all pleased to finally bring the Selva Area under city maintenance. With good citizen participation we made a deal to take over ownership of the streets and common areas in Selva Marina, with a financial deal fair to both the residents of that area and to the rest of the taxpayers. The Commission is near the end of deliberations on updating the city's Zoning Code. This effort has taken several years and many public meetings, but we should be able complete this major re- write by year-end. We have a very able Staff, led by our City Manager. The infor- mation they provide us helps immeasurably for us to set policy and monitor the many city functions. Finally, I would wish every citizen of Atlantic Beach the very best this holiday season. We are blessed to live here, and I can assure you that this Com- mission will do all in its power to retain the quality of life that makes us just a little bit different. We are all facing tough times in one way or another. We pray for those protecting our country, and those many friends and families that will be unable to be together for the holidays 006n 74jeserve Mayor, Atlantic Beach Distribu 6000 Atlanti erly to ousehold , S is published by 202 e. a Made or advertising rates, co. 241-0603 h, FL 32233 1111 Flood Hazard Maps Now Available As a public service the City of Atlantic Beach can provide the following information upon requests: • 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 City. • Additional flood insurance data for a site, such as the FIRM zone on the FIRM. • We have a handout of the flood insurance purchase requirements that can help people who need a mortgage or loan for the property in SFHA If you would like to make an inquiry, please tell us the street address and, if available, the subdivision, lot and block number. We are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call us at 247-5826 or drop by the Department of Building and Zoning in City Hall. Anyone in the office can provide the needed information. There is no charge for this service. COMPLETE AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CENTER FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1972 CHIP PARMAN - OWNER • Air Conditioning • Complete Exhaust Repair • Computerized Diagnostics • Tune -Ups • Clutches SERVICES AVAILABLE ON ALL DOMESTIC 8G MOST IMPORTS AUTOMOBILES • Brakes • Electrical • Fuel Injection • Emissions System • Ignition MAYPORT CAR CARE la CENTER f,4) MVR#10454 246-4805' 246.4806 246.7131 2825 MAYPORT ROAD Teaque PL MBI G ARSAmerican Residential Services, Inc. BEACHES REPAIR & REPIPE SPECIALISTS "SINCE 1958" • SLAB LEAKS • WATER HEATERS • WATER SOFTENERS • CFC#056776 249-7100 ■ ■ uthentic Cuban -American Cuisine • T - Th 11-9 F - S 11 -10 Sun 12-8 Closed Mondays 1013 Atlantic Blvd. FREE DELIVERY N. OF BEACH, & E. OF HODGES ORDERS OIF $10 OR MORE 241-7022 • //&L, this conga r • 1 1 TdPVjtw`�� TUCKER RENTALS & SALES \J is ,�yC Ci 71 /��.I, LI-� -I t/ ::.nSI�.S LS �1� .��•_5�.1r5�.��,. r)�� TABLES & CHAIRS • BOBCAT • DITCH WITCH • CONCRETE SAW • COMPRESSORS • PRESSURE WASHER • GENERATORS • LAWN EQUIPMENT • SCAFFOLDING • MIXERS • AIRLESS SPRAYERS 113 11TH STREET • NEPTUNE BEACH MON-SAT 7:3o AM - 5 PM lAS use } BEHIND �` J AQUA EAST VISA Neel:1r StPto Group Piano Lessons Karin aa,* Music for Life! Director / Licensed Instructor Berth -> 9 yrs (904) 249-3828 Inside Yard Signs 4 Pets 4 Jordan Pk Center 6 Luminaries 6 Theater 6 Home Burglary 8 Flood Maps 11 www.heartsong-km.com FORTY-TWO YEARS OF PRIVATE CLUB TRADITION..: .. with a eye on the future law CumnoNsuir lions - mu 7,000 it F- S r• ` SELVA MARINA COUNTRY CLI CONTACT OUR MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR AT 246-4827 FOR A1ORR INFORMATION • airport transfers special occasions weddings proms large groups corporate accounts 7it�PViPwc�� 2021 Selva Madera Ct. Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 PRESORT STANDARD PAID Jacksonville, FL Permit No. 1645 fik Vol. 9 No. 4 CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH NEWSLETTER ith the holiday season at hand I would like to take this opportunity to review city accomplishments. While world events have certainly overshadowed what is occurring in our small community, the business of keeping Atlantic Beach functional and financially stable has gone on. The Presi- dent has asked that we carry on with normal routine business while being vigilant. We are doing just that. Atlantic Beach has taken action to protect our public utilities, particularly our water supply, and is in contact with the local emergency management team, even though the local threat is considered low. Sherry Drive is a mess, but the end result will be a totally rebuilt street without the bumps. What will be less visible in the Sherry Drive project is the major underground drainage system. That will be a significant part of the core city drainage improve- ment plan finally ready to get underway. The Commission and manage- ment staff have worked for the last several years to create and refine a Strategic Plan that will from the mayor /IA - ill \ri . WINTER 2001 more on page 2 Recap of Election Results In the city election in October voters re-elected John Meserve as Mayor for the next two years. Rick Beaver was re-elected and Paul Parsons was elected as Commissioners for four-year terms. The City Commission meets in City Hall at 7:15 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday each month. We appreciate the candi- dates, poll workers, voters, and all who participated in this election and encourage you to attend the meetings of the City Commission and participate in your local government. While we welcome Paul Parsons and look forward to working with him, we miss Theo Mitchelson on the City Commission. Theo began his service with the city by serving on the Code Enforcement Board. He was elected in 1997 and, as a City Commissioner, served on the Mayport Waterfronts Partnership, and was Commission Liaison to the Teen Council and Florida Shore and Beach Preserva- tion Association. Theo was dedicated to preserving the character and quality of life in the city and gave unselfishly of his time to make Atlantic Beach a better place for all. Under the Oaks First Night Celebration Returns on New Year's Eve First Night Atlantic Beach will ring in 2002 with singing, dancing and merrymaking. The festive New Year's celebration that started in 1996 has become a beaches tradition with families, couples and young people looking for a community -oriented, safe alternative to New Year's Eve. Event activities will begin at 5:30 p.m. and last through midnight on December 31, 2001. First Night is an alcohol -free evening of entertainment focusing on the visual and performing arts. This year's lineup will include live music, dancing, comedy improv, storytelling, street artists, an more on page 9 FfrstN4j&tATLANTICB E A C H