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09/1993 Atlantic Beach CourierR.A V�, NWml, William I. Gulliford, Mayor Commissioners; Lyman T. Fletcher, Glenn A. Edwards, Adelaide R. Tucker, J. Dezmond Waters, Alan C. Jensen, City Attorney, Kim D. Leinbach, City Manager, Maureen King, City Clerk VOLUME 4, NO.3 SEPTEMBER 1993 "1W ffte' City of Atlantic Beach BOARDS A FINAL NOTE.... I am stepping down as mayor of our community on CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD November 2nd,1993. This honors both a prior campaign George Bull, Jr. Heywood Dowling, Jr. commitment not to run again, and a sincerely belief that we need fewer long term, "professional" politicians. You John J. Venn Kathleen Russell have honored and humbled me by permitting me to serve Suzanne Shaughnessy Barbara Bonner as your Mayor these past five years. I will miss the Edward Martin experience primarily because of the many wonderful (Meets 1st Tuesday every two months) people in Atlantic Beach I have met and known during my tenure. You have made my job easier because of your intelligence, your courtesy, and yes, even your diversity of COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BOARD opinion and background. Ruth Gregg Mary Walker I believe our City is a wonderful, ongoing experiment in W. Gregg McCaulie Robert Frohwein local government that has continued to thrive and improve Don Wolfson Mark McGowan because of its closeness and responsiveness to each Patricia Pillmore citizen, and the reciprocal involvement of so many people (Meets 3rd Tuesday of each month) in the community. Space does not permit me to thank the many volunteers who have served the City during my term, and have contributed so much to their fellow PENSION BOARD OF TRUSTEES citizens. I will carry my appreciation of those many volunteers throughout the years to come. Each of you Joseph Garvin Don Ford has made our local government work so very well. John C. Fletcher, Jr. Richard White I will remain active in several efforts in the City which I believe are important to its future. I will continue to speak HOSPITAL BOARD out against the one-sided relationship with the Dorothy Kerber, Atlantic Beach Representative Consolidated City of Jacksonville which places an unreasonable financial burden on each of our taxpayers. Additionally, I will contribute whatever time necessary to TREE CONSERVATION BOARD see the resolution of that inequity. John Weldon, Jr. Thomas Frohne Carolyn Woods Hope VanNortwick I have thrived on my contact with you. You have given Jim Pelkey me strength and purpose during my time of service. I cannot adequately convey my appreciation for the (Meets 3rd Monday of each month) experience you have allowed me. Although there are many of you I don't know personally, I have felt a bond with you, as a neighbor, a friend, and a fellow resident. RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD Therefore, I wish each of you the very best, and please Donald Fagan Henry Batts know that I am always available to assist in any effort to Jeff Croom Henry Isaacs further our community. Thank you and goodbye. Richard Riley Bill Gulliford (Meets 2nd Thursday of each month) Mayor DIV ' '•t 1 When it comes to hurricanes we tend to adopt the philosophy of "Out of sight, out of mind." However, the city considers the threat of a hurricane a very serious matter and for that reason a good portion of this newsletter has been devoted to the subject of hurricanes. For the past few years the city has been developing a hurricane plan to help us provide essential services to our citizens in the event a hurricane strikes this area. The plan addresses both the preparation for and the recovery from a storm. Most of us do not worry unless a hurricane threatens the area where we live. Then we run around trying to take all the steps which should have been taken months before to protect our homes and loved ones. If we are really serious about protecting our loved ones and property, now is the time to do it; don't wait until we are threatened by a hurricane. THE FOLLOWING CHECK I,TST FOR FTTIRRIC'A,NF SAMPLE OF THINGS WHICH SHOULD BE CONSIDERED: 1. Develop a written evacuation plan for the whole family. 2. Evacuate early; don't wait for the government to tell you when to leave. 3. Jacksonville will not be a safe place to go. 4. Plan on leaving for all hurricanes; don't try to ride it out. 5. Go to a public shelter only as a last resort. 6. Have all materials on hand to protect your property. 7. Make sure your insurance policy covers all aspects of potential hurricane damage. 8. Do not count on government services like police, fire, water and electricity during the hurricane, or for several days afterwards. The following articles have been written by various city departments to provide you with more in-depth information concerning what you can do to prepare for a hurricane. THE SAFETY COORDINATOR suggests you listen closely to weather updates on hurricanes or dangerous weather. STAY INFORMED. Understand pre -storm terminology and know the severity of the various hurricane categories. Gas your car early - gas lines at the last minute will be long and time consuming and can cause evacuation route tie-ups; plan for the safety of your pets; secure boats and campers; have a hurricane kit ready (first aid, food, water, radio, flashlights, etc.); pack only needed items; take important papers and cash with you; cut off electricity, gas and water supply to your house. ONCE THE ORDER TO EVACUATE IS GIVEN, cooperation with city officials, police and fire department personnel is essential. They have planned on meeting your needs to assist in quick and efficient evacuation, but your cooperation is necessary. The Jacksonville Electric Authority has provided us with the names and addresses of thirty disabled Atlantic Beach residents who need assistance with evacuation. Other disabled citizens who may need similar help should register with the Fire Department at 249-5606. While working outside before a hurricane wear safety equipment such as goggles, gloves and other equipment for ear, head or foot protection. Watch for power lines, flying PLEASE, if evacuation notice is given, DO SO QUICKLY, Atlantic Beach is located on an island. Remember the devastation from recent hurricanes HUGO and ANDREW. THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT suggests the following steps be taken to protect property: 1. Tape and close all glass windows, sliding glass doors, etc. This reduces shattering when glass breaks. 2. Board up all openings with minimum 1/2" plywood or equally strong shutters. Use 2" screws or 12D nails to attach plywood. 3. Houses built before 1985 (Florida Coastal Construction Code went into effect in 1986) should be checked by a contractor or building inspector to ensure hurricane resistant construction. 4. Store all outside items, i.e., barbecue grills, yard tools, trash cans, etc., in a secure building. Plastic or fiberglass yard furniture may be immersed in a swimming pool. POLICE DEPARTMENT ADVISES in the event of a hurricane their primary responsibility will be evacuation of citizens before the storm. Intersections have been identified for posting police officers and barricades to aid in evacuation. The traffic will basically be routed to Atlantic Boulevard and then west into Jacksonville. Atlantic Boulevard is only about six feet above the water level at the Intracoastal Waterway and we encourage citizens 4. It is further prohibited to post any city right-of-way *ith any unauthorized sign or structure prohibiting parking of motor vehicles. As always, the purpose of the sign ordinance (Chapter 17 of the City Code) and all city ordinances is to ensure our continued quality of life and maintenance of all of our property values. I V.11 I tol DEG] . � , The staff at the Adele Grage Community Center are well versed in the words and music to ALICE IN WONDERLAND - the play performed by the summer drama workshop students. Our thanks to the competent staff who have worked with these talented students. For the adults in our community, we extend an invitation to "come back to school." The Adele Grage Community Center will offer a Creative Crafts class beginning September 22, and an art class beginning September 23. These classes are offered to senior citizens through the FCCJ Gold program and are either free or are offered at a very nominal charge. If you would like to have other classes, please call Rose at 247-5828. We have two people who would like to start a Canasta club, just to play and meet new people. Call Rose if you are interested. A Cribbage group meets every Wednesday from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM and they would like some new members. Kirk Farber, an Atlantic Beach resident and owner of Body Arts will conduct a seminar entitled "Common Sense and Self Defense for Women" on Wednesday, September 15, 1993 at 7:00 PM. The course consists of common sense topics, forty-five minutes of hands-on techniques that are simple and effective, and a question and answer period. The seminar lasts about ninety minutes and costs $1.00, with proceeds going to Atlantic Beach recreational activities. Gail Baker, the Donner Park activities coordinator, reports that the Donner Park Community Center served 1,370 children in the summer camp program from June 21 to August 20. Activities at Donner Park Community Center will begin again on Tuesday, September 7, 1993, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM Monday through Friday, for homework help, play, movies, etc. Again this year we will accept donations of food to provide a Thanksgiving meal for the less fortunate. We do not plan to prepare food baskets this year. Instead we are working to coordinate this function with the Fleet Reserve Association which has offered to serve the Thanksgiving meal in their facilities on Mayport Road. For further information or to register for any of these programs, please call Rose Blanchard at 247-5828. Rose will be out of town from September 16 through September 22, so if you need reservations for this period or for the week following her return, please call before September 15 so you can be assured of the facilities you need. The "Newcomers" have groups who meet once a month in the library in Neptune Beach for Bridge, Scrabble, Arts and Crafts. "Newcomers" are defined as beaches residents of less than three years. For more information, please call Barbara Hoggatt at 273-5226. BEAUTIFICATION The Beautification Committee is very proud that our community has been nationally recognized as a TREE CITY, U.S.A. This was the result of the combined efforts of our citizens and government and demonstrates our commitment to providing a healthy, beautiful community for our residents and visitors. During the long, hot, and dry summer days many residents have managed to maintain outstanding yards. The committee's "Yard of the Month" recognition program is alive and well! Recent locations receiving this distinctive award include: 327 Tenth Street, 220 Twelfth Street, 1820 Sea Oats Drive, and 1913 Selva Marina Drive. Since the program was initiated, there have been more than thirty recipients of the award. Take a minute to nominate a yard that you find attractive and worthy of recognition. Any residential property within our city limits is eligible. Our thanks to our good neighbors and friends in Fleet Landing for providing a watering system for the landscaping surrounding the "Welcome to Atlantic Beach" sign on Mayport Road. A group of Fleet Landing residents have also undertaken a clean-up program on Mayport Road in an effort to reduce litter. With the coming of fall, the committee is planning improvements which will require ideas, time and lots of dedication. Join us and be a part of the "doers." Meetings are held at 7:30 PM the second Wednesday of each month in the conference room in City Hall. In August the police department mailed citizen surveys to randomly selected citizens. We are seeking your input as to what we are doing right, where we need to improve, and what citizens consider to be the most important police problems in the community. We hope that everyone who receives a survey will take the time to complete it and return it to us. The more we know about your wishes, the better we can serve you. Due to humitures exceeding 100 degrees on many days Public Works and Sanitation crews have been instructed to take additional breaks to prevent dehydration. Crews have been very productive, however, we ask you to be understanding should additional time be needed to complete certain non-priority work orders. Yard trash must be -placed on homeowners' property and not on vacant lots. Priority is given to occupied lots. 101 UN 03 11 D1 '' ' 1 Learn the Gift of Life - Learn CRR The Atlantic Beach Fire Department is teaching CPR classes to the general public. Classes are based upon demand; we need a minimum of five people per class. The course being taught is the American Heart Association C - course which covers adult, child and infant resuscitation. The course consists of two sessions and costs $25.00 per person. Classes are being offered on September 15 and 16, October 13 and 14, and November 17 and 18. All classes are from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. For further information, or to register for a class, please contact the Fire Department at 249-3173. Brochures on Fire Extinguishers, Match and Lighter Safety for Kids, Fire Safety for Baby Sitters, Teach Pre- Schoolers to be Safe; Fire Safety for People with Disabilities, and many others, are available in the Fire Marshal's office at 716 Ocean Boulevard. Please come by or call for a brochure on any and all topics covered. The Fire Department also offers free home fire safety surveys. Call for an appointment if you are interested in receiving this service. Thanks to the efforts of citizen volunteers and the generous donations of many citizens we have just placed an order with Laerdal Medical Supplies for an automatic electronic defibrillator at a cost of $6,197.80. This piece of life-saving equipment will be used by our Emergency Medical Technicians responding to calls to heart attack victims. To date we have received donations totaling $8,865.00. We are hoping to purchase a second unit to be used as a backup when the first unit is in use, and further donations will be gladly accepted at the Fire Department. COMMUNITY NEWS Residents may have noticed that a new bulletin board has been placed at the Shoppes of Northshore, where Third Street intersects with Atlantic Boulevard. This has been a favorite area in the past to display banners announcing community events. No banners will be allowed at this location in the future but the Shoppes of Northshore have agreed to provide limited space on the sign for city or community notices. Anyone wishing to advertise an event on this bulletin board should contact George Bull, Jr. at 246-4469. CODE ENFORCEMENT As one drives through Atlantic Beach, particularly on weekends, one's eyes are suddenly struck with a proliferation of signs ranging from real estate signs to garage sale signs. The city has a sign ordinance and, yes, it is enforced. 1. Real estate signs shall not be more than four square feet and only one sign is permitted. Signs should not be placed on the city right-of-way. 2. Any sign over four square feet requires a permit from the city. 3. No person shall paint, paste, print, nail or fasten in any manner whatsoever, any sign, banner, paper, notice or advertisement on any curb, pavement, sidewalk or upon any tree, lamp post private wall, window, door, gate, fence, telephone or electric pole within the limits of any street or city right-of-way. (continued on next page) to evacuate early. When Atlantic Boulevard goes under water, citizens still on the barrier island will be trapped until after the storm. In a major storm the entire city of Atlantic Beach will be covered with water and waves. The Atlantic Beach Police Department is focusing its hurricane preparedness plan on the preservation of lives. The early evacuation of residents from the beaches is the single most important goal of the city and we expect to keep traffic flowing away from the beach until gale force winds create too great a hazard for police officers to remain. At that time, all officers will be evacuated from the beach. Before the storm arrives in Atlantic Beach, all electric power will be cut. All police officers and fire fighters will be evacuated. There will be no emergency services personnel in the city to respond to calls for service. We strongly recommend that all citizens leave early to evacuate and seek shelter away from the beaches. THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT will be responsible for street maintenance, sanitation, water and sewer service. Many of you who experienced problems in the windstorm in March 1993, will recall that trees and debris on city rights-of-way were cleared as quickly as possible by city crews; however, trees on private property are the responsibility of property owners. In the event of a hurricane rights-of-way will receive attention in priority order of the importance of the thoroughfare. Garbage and trash collection will resume when roads are cleared. The Atlantic Beach and Buccaneer water and sewer systems have strict procedures for providing backup power, storage and disinfection of water. Prior to a hurricane residents should store water in bathtubs or similar containers. After a hurricane water should be sanitized before being used for drinking, cooking or for consumption by mouth. Water can be sanitized by adding two drops of household bleach to each quart, or eight drops per gallon of clear water and allowing it to stand for thirty minutes before using. The amount of bleach should be doubled if the water is cloudy. Alternatively, water may be disinfected with tincture of iodine at the rate of five drops per quart if the water is clear or ten drops per quart if the water is cloudy. Water may also be used after boiling vigorously for five minutes. FROM PARKS AND RECREATION. PLEASE, do not allow your children in any park during or after a hurricane or storm. Old trees break easily and may be in a dangerous condition; canals and swails fill with water and harbor mosquitos and snakes, some poisonous; animals, even pets, can become dangerous when afraid and hungry. This is not a time to go exploring. Please keep children away from parks until the parks have been inspected and rendered safe by the parks department. We hope you find this information helpful. Additional hurricane information is available at Atlantic Beach City Hall, American Red Cross, area radio and television stations, Winn Dixie Stores, Atlantic Beach Fire Station and the community interest pages of the telephone book. CITY CLERK The city will hold its biennial election on October 5, 1993 with run-off, if needed, on October 19, 1993. The offices up for election are the office of mayor and three commissioners. POLLING PLACES ARE AS FOLLOWS: 03F - Adele Grage Community Center 716 Ocean Boulevard 03G - Community Presbyterian Church 150 Sherry Drive 03H - City Hall 800 Seminole Road Look for our candidates as they introduce themselves throughout the city. Vote for the candidate of your choice. YOUR VOTE IS YOUR VOICE. POLICE DEPARTMENT For the first six months of 1993 the Atlantic Beach police officers made 175 arrests for violations pertaining to driving under the influence of alcohol. We are continuing this emphasis on enforcement to reduce the number of alcohol related crashes and injuries. The "Every Child a Swimmer" program reached over one hundred children this year. Through the efforts of volunteers, we were able to provide swimming lessons and water safety instruction to many children who may not otherwise have been able to take lessons. This program provided a valuable service to the community at virtually no expense. FREQUENTLY Called Numbers Tax Collector (Auto Tags)..............................246-7407 .....................249-5606 Supervisor of Elections...................................630-1410 Public Library (Beaches Branch) ...................241-1141 Driver's License Bureau (For appointment)......................................241-3215 Bus Schedule Information ..............................356-5521 .....................247-5828 Dial -A -Ride ....................................................246-1477 Atlantic Beach Elementary School.................249-2794 Mayport Middle School..................................241-2441 Fletcher Middle School ..................................246-6484 Fletcher Sr. High School ................................249-5635 Councilman Dick Brown (Council District 3) ....................................630-1386 Rep. Joe Arnall (State House District 19) ...........................249-1990 U" nann Ln V✓UV Tallahassee .................................................488-0001 Newsletter Staff Maureen King Trudy Lopanik Donna Bussey City of Atlantic Beach Courier 800 Seminole Road Atlantic Beach, Florida 32233 IMPORTANT Telephone Numbers Police & Fire Emergencies....................................911 Police & Fire Non -Emergencies .....................249-5606 Police Records ................................................249-4629 City Hall (Information)...................................247-5800 Animal Control...............................................246-1648 Garbage & Trash ............................................247-5834 Parks & Recreation Department .....................247-5828 Recycle Hotline ..............................................247-5834 Building Department ......................................247-5826 City Clerk.......................................................247-5810 City Manager..................................................247-5800 Finance Director.............................................247-5800 Public Works ..................................................247-5834 Purchasing......................................................247-5818 Utility Billing ..................................................247-5816 J. A. (ui.%i 11gu O) ........................................__ U" nann Ln V✓UV Tax Collectors Office .....................................630-2000 Property Appraisers Office .............................630-2025 Bulk Rate U.S. Postage PAID Jacksonville, FL Permit No. 1645