NEWS & DATES
Board Meeting Date Change
The October 21 Board meeting has been rescheduled for October 7 and the first Public Hearing on the Palm Beach Country Estates and Jupiter Farms roadway improvements will be held prior to the meeting. The second Public Hearing is slated for December 2, prior to a Board meeting that will be held in lieu of the November 18 and December 16 meetings. Please check the SIRWCD website for possible schedule changes.
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Upcoming Meetings
Notice is hereby given that the regular monthly meetings of the Board of Supervisors of the South Indian River Water Control District will be held on the third Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Jupiter High School, 500 N. Military Trail, Jupiter, Florida for the fiscal year October 1, 2009 through September 30, 2010. The following is a schedule of meetings:
NOTE: meeting dates are linked to the meeting's agenda and reports.
Notice is given that if a person decides to appeal any decision with respect to any matter considered at a meeting, a record of the proceedings will be needed for such purpose, and said person will need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record shall include the testimony and evidence upon which any appeal is to be made.
Pursuant to the provision of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in the Board of Supervisors meetings and the Annual Landowners Meeting because of a disability or physical impairment should contact the District at (561) 747-0550.
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Notice of Annual Landowners' Meeting and Election of Supervisors
Nhe annual Landowners Meeting of the South Indian River Water Control District will be held on September, 16, 2010 at 7:30 p.m.in the cafeteria of the Jupiter High School at 500 N. Military Trail, Jupiter, Florida. Annual reports will be presented by District General Manager Gale English and District Engineer Lennart J. Lindahl.
Two Board of Supervisor's seats are up for election this year. Two (2) Supervisors will be elected for terms of three (3) years each. Both Supervisors to be elected at this time must reside in the District and at least one Supervisor must reside in the area east of the South Florida Water Management District Canal 18. Candidates include Robert Berman and Michael Danchuk who are seeking re-election and Michael Ryan.
Ballots were sent out on August 6 and must be returned to Susan Bucher, Supervisor of Elections, Palm Beach County prior to September 16. You can also bring your ballot to the annual meeting. Please sign, indicate the acreage you own, and your vote for the two supervisors of your choice and send your ballot in the provided return envelope promptly to avoid last minute processing delays. Pursuant to state law, landowners whose assessments are delinquent are not entitled to vote. If you do not receive or have lost your ballot, please contact the District office at 561-747-0550.
The following biographies are provided for your information:
Name: Bob Berman (Resident East of Canal 18)
Occupation: Realtor/Builder/Developer
Comments: Even though my land ownership and involvement in SIRWCD started in 1979, I have only been an elected Supervisor for 9 years. My goal, both personally and professionally for the area, is to do those things that "Increase Property Values and Improve the Quality of Life". I firmly believe that SIRWCD plays a large role in accomplishing those goals at the lowest possible cost to landowners. I believe I have been successful in that regard and it would be an honor to continue to work for all the property owners in the District. Please vote for Bob Berman.
Name: Michael Danchuk (Resident East of Canal 18)
Occupation: Law firm administrator, Realtor, Marine business owner
Comments: As a Board member of SIRWCD for the past 8 years, I have been a supporter of property owners deciding their own future, if it does not hurt neighbors and the environment.
My relevant community work has included being the President of PBCE Landowners Association for 20 years, the P.B. County Solid Waste Citizens Advisory Board, the Northern P.B. County Planning Forum, the Coalition of Northwestern Communities, and the DEP Jupiter Farms/PBCE Wetlands Task Force. Currently I volunteer with our COP program.
In these difficult economic times I offer the knowledge. experience, and contacts necessary to lead the District, so it can provide services at a reasonable cost.
Name: Michael J. Ryan (Resident East of Canal 18)
Occupation: State Certified Electrical Contractor
Comments: I've been a resident of the District for 25 years along with my wife, Carol. We have two children, Veronica 10 and Theresa 14. I have been a successful electrical contractor since 1991. Of all the candidates and existing Board members, I am the only one living on a dirt road and am the only one currently raising young children. These two points give me a perspective not shared by the others. I am looking forward to serving our communities by protecting the country lifestyle that we all moved here for. Feel free to call me at 747-3233.
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ROAD IMPROVEMENT REFERENDA RESULTS
The following road referenda have passed in favor or constructing asphalt roadways in Palm Beach Country Estates:
- 67th Avenue N between 141st Lane N and Donald Ross Road
- 71st Drive N between 150th Place N and 154th Road N
- 72nd Drive N between 150th Place N and 154th Road N
- 72nd Drive N between 155th Drive N and 159th Court N
- 75th Way N between 165th Street N and 167th Court N
- 84th Avenue N between 155th Place N and 159th Court N
- 140th Lane N between 64th Drive N and 69th Drive N
- 151st Court N between 69th Drive N and 69th Trail N
- 151st Lane N between 133rd Terrace N and Canal 13
- 165th Street N between 75th Avenue N and 79th Terrace N
- 167th Court N between 75th Avenue N and 78th Drive N
In addition, the following road referenda have passed in favor or applying open-graded emulsified mix (OGEM) in Jupiter Farms and Palm Beach Country Estates:
- 80th Drive N between 155th Place N and 159th Court N
- 92nd Way N between 150th Court N and 154th Road N
- 98th Trail N between 150th Court N and 154th Road N
- 187th Place N between 126th Terrace N and 129th Terrace N
- 129th Terrace N between 186th Court N and 187th Place N
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Possible FEMA Flood Zone Revision Opportunity
Notices were sent out this week to those landowners in Palm Beach Country Estates that own property located in Flood Zone A0 as determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). South Indian River Water Control District (SIRWCD) is considering applying for a Letter of Map Revision based on Fill (LOMR-F) with FEMA for your structure(s) that are located within this flood zone.
If SIRWCD is successful with this application, the structures on your property could be removed from the flood zone designation, which would allow the purchase of flood insurance to be optional instead of being a requirement.
By requesting SIRWCD to apply for this application, the affected residents of Palm Beach Country Estates could realize cost savings by submitting one application for the entire area rather than each landowner processing one individually. The cost to process this application is dependent on the number of landowners who participate and is likely to range from $200 to $500 per landowner.
SIRWCD would like to know if you are interested in participating in this process. Please send back the notice to SIRWCD at 15600 Jupiter Farms Road, Jupiter, FL 33478 by August 6, 2010.
If you are in this Flood Zone and did not receive a mailing, please contact the District office at 747-0550.
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Earl Smith Retires After 32 Years with SIRWCD
Earl Smith, the first employee hired by the District in 1978, was honored with a retirement party at the District's offices on May 21. Board of Supervisors president, Tom Powell honored Earl's 32 years of distinguished service to the District with a black, beveled glass engraved plaque.
District Manager Gale English presented Earl with a watch and thanked him for years of faithful service and acknowledged his dedicated work ethic. He also thanked him for being an excellent role model for other District employees.
Board members Mike Danchuk and Bob Berman also were in attendance, as well as Earl's fellow equipment operators, Operations Superintendent, Mike Dillon, Office Administrator Greta Rayman, who has also been with the District for 32 years, office staff Holly Rigsby and Carol Wise, and Tom Powell's wife Karen. Earl's wife Joan and his daughter and son-in-law were also on hand to celebrate with Earl. Best of luck in the future Earl...you will be missed!
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Recent Meeting Information
March 2010 Meeting
At their March 18 meeting, the South Indian River Water Control District (SIRWCD) Board of Supervisors approved an agreement with the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections to conduct elections and referenda for the District. The Supervisor of Elections has instituted a new policy regarding elections conducted for municipalities and special districts.
A previously-issued referendum regarding the application of open-graded emulsified mix to 187th Place N between 126th Terrace N and 129th Terrace N and 129th Terrace N between 186th Court N and 187th Place N, was returned by the Supervisor of Elections Office to the District as they could not certify the results without the required agreement. As a result, the Board directed this referendum be reissued once the agreement is signed.
In other business, the Board of Supervisors passed a motion directing the District's attorney to send a letter to landowners on 133rd Way North in Jupiter Farms regarding the illegal use of the right-of-way along Canal 2 as a roadway. The Board authorized corrective action be taken 30 days after issuance of the letter.
In addition, the Board approved three proclamations. April has been designated as Water Conservation Month by Governor Christ and the Florida state Cabinet to encourage Floridians to conserve the state's precious water resources. The District will join the state, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and South Florida Water Management District to encourage and promote water reuse and conservation by proclaiming the week of May 16-22, 2010 to be Water Reuse Week. In addition, the Board proclaims May 17, 2010 as Wild and Scenic Loxahatchee River Day to mark the Loxahatchee River's 25th anniversary as a national "Wild and Scenic" river.
District Engineer Lennart J. Lindahl, PE, and District Attorney William Capko reported on the status of the state adoption of numeric water quality standards that are being required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Staff attended an EPA public hearing on February 18 in West Palm Beach, where concerns regarding how criteria would be developed and applied were discussed. Due to the comments and concerns by Florida citizens, groups, municipalities and special districts, the EPA is extending the comment period. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is in the process of developing rules to establish water quality standards for all of Florida's springs, lakes and flowing waters this year, and estuaries and coastal waters next year. It is possible that the implementation of these new water quality standards for Florida waters, including man-made canals, may negatively impact the day-to-day operations of the District and significantly impact the District and its landowners economically. As a result, the District had previously approved working with the Florida Association of Special Districts to help develop reasonable numeric water quality standards so that they won't adversely impact Special Districts, municipalities, and residents in the state.
District Engineer Lennart J. Lindahl said that the District has received petitions to apply asphalt from the following roads in Palm Beach Country Estates that have demonstrated 25 percent requirement for the project:
- 64th Way N between 143rd Street N and Donald Ross Road
- 67th Avenue N between 141st Lane N and Donald Ross Road
- 70th Trail N between 155th Place N and 159th Court N
- 71st Drive N between 150th Place N and 154th Road N
- 72nd Drive N between 150th Place N and 154th Road N
- 72nd Drive N between 155th Drive N and 159th Court N
- 73rd Terrace N between 155th Drive N and 159th Court N
- 75th Avenue N between 165th Street N and 169th Street N
- 75th Avenue N between 150th Court N and 154th Road N
- 75th Way N between 165th Street N and 167th Court N
- 82nd Terrace N between 150th Place N and 154th Court N
- 82nd Terrace N between 155th Place N and 159th Court N
- 83rd Way N between 150th Place N and 154th Court N
- 84th Avenue N between 155th Place N and 159th Court N
- 85th Way N between 155th Place N and 159th Court N
- 140th Lane N between 64th Drive N and 69th Drive N
- 141st Drive N between 64th Drive N and 69th Drive N
- 151st Court N between 69th Drive N and 69th Trail N
- 154th Road N between 69th Drive N and 75th Avenue N
- 154th Road N between 69th Drive N and 89th Avenue N
- 165th Street N between 75th Avenue N and 79th Terrace N
- 167th Court N between 75th Avenue N and 78th Drive N
Lindahl noted that the 154th Road N petitions overlap each other. The project consists of approximately 9.3 miles of roadway. Also, he states that the District has received petitions to apply open-graded emulsified mix (OGEM) on five roadways in Jupiter Farms and one road way in Palm Beach Country Estates that have demonstrated the 25 percent requirement for the project:
- 92nd Way N between 150th Court N and 154th Road N
- 98th Trail N between 150th Court N and 154th Road N
- 101st Terrace N between 150th Court N and 154th Road N
- 151st Lane N between 133rd Terrace N and Canal 13
- 159th Street N between 133rd Terrace N and Canal 13
- 80th Drive N between 155th Place N and 159th Court N
These roadways equate to approximately 2.2 miles of roadway improvements. The Board had previously directed staff to define the benefited areas and develop costs for the projects at their January meeting. Lindahl and District Treasurer. The Board directed staff to proceed with a referendum for the project.
May 2010 Meeting
At the May 20 meeting, District Treasurer Chuck Haas reported that they are working on a bond call for the 2006 Series B Palm Beach Country Estates (PBCE) Water Distribution System bonds. The source of the funding for this call is Town of Jupiter Water connection fee reimbursements and monies remaining in the construction and cost of issuance account that are no longer needed for their intended purpose. The call is expected to redeem an estimated $2,150,000 in bonds, resulting in a reduction in debt service payments over the remaining 20 years of approximately $4,300,000, which will save landowners in PBCE approximately $30-$35 per year.
District Engineer Lennart J. Lindahl said that the District has executed agreements with the Supervisor of Elections on the three referenda for roadway improvements that were approved at the March meeting. The referenda are currently being prepared to be mailed in June, with the request that affected landowners submit their responses to the Supervisor of Elections office by July.
Lindahl also reported that FEMA is currently in the process of updating Palm Beach County's floodplain mapping and that staff has been contacted by FEMA representatives to provide any modeling information concerning the area. He also noted that they have been researching the process to revise a FEMA floodplain map and said this might be done through a letter of modification, which is a shorter process.
In addition, Lindahl said that monitoring wells have been installed in the levee around Palm Beach Country Estates that provide continuous monitoring for seepage. South Florida Water Management District is paying for the cost of the wells and monitoring. An interlocal agreement between SFWMD, SIRWCD, the City of Palm Beach Gardens, and Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District addresses the phased operational schedule for the G-160 structure and potential mitigation measures to protect existing facilities. Incremental increases in control elevation began in June of 2009.
Supervisor Tom Powell expressed concern about the levee if levels increased and a hurricane or severe storm were to hit the District. The Board passed a motion to direct the district engineer to investigate whether the existing levee would hold up under this scenario and provide technical documentation should the District need SFWMD to reinforce the existing levee or build a new structure.
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Board of Supervisors Rescind Motion on Requesting Authority for Sewer and Water in Jupiter Farms
At their November 19 monthly board meeting, the Board of Supervisors, after taking landowner comments and discussion by the board, unanimously voted to rescind a previous motion to request the state legislature for authority, under the District's Special Act, to provide potable water and fire hydrants in Jupiter Farms should the landowners petition for such improvements.
This referendum was sent out on December 17 and is due by January 22, 2010. LANDOWNERS ON THESE ROADWAYS MUST CAST A BALLOT IN ORDER FOR IT TO COUNT, WHETHER IT IS YES OR NO!
If you have any questions regarding the ballot, the improvement project, or if you have lost or misplaced your ballot, please call the District Office at 747-0550.
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SIRWCD 2009/2010 Assessments to Decrease
At the annual budget meeting for South Indian River Water Control District (SIRWCD) on Aug. 20, 2009, District Treasurer Charles Haas reported that the District's annual budget will decrease from $5,162,000 in 2008/2009 to $5,092,000 in the 2009/2010 budget year. Haas noted that the major decrease was for the Special Revenue budgets. Haas also stated that the District is fiscally sound and has received 99% of assessments for the current budget year.
The required public hearing on the budget is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 10 at the District Work Center offices at 5:00 p.m.
In other business, the Board of Supervisors passed a motion to request the state legislature for authority, under the District's Special Act, to provide potable water and fire hydrants in Jupiter Farms should the landowners petition for such improvements. With heightened concerns regarding possible tainted wells in the Acreage, as well as other environmental issues, the board wanted to be able to respond to any future residents' requests in a timely manner, as the process for this type of improvement can take a number of years. It was noted that there were no current requests for potable water in Jupiter Farms and that this type of improvement may never be requested by the landowners due to the large lots and high expense. However, a majority of the board felt that the motion was a proactive stance should the issue come up in the future.
In addition, the Board approved a resolution relating to the state adoption of numeric water quality standards that are being required by the Environmental Protection Agency. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is in the process of developing rules to establish water quality standards for all of Florida's lakes and flowing waters, which are scheduled to become effective as of Dec. 20, 2009. It is possible that the implementation of these new water quality standards for Florida waters, including man-made canals, may negatively impact the day-to-day operations of the District and significantly impact the District and its landowners economically. As a result, the District approved working with the Florida Association of Special Districts to help develop reasonable numeric water quality standards so that they won't adversely impact Special Districts, municipalities, and residents in the state.
District Engineer Lennart J. Lindahl, PE, reported that the District has received petitions to apply asphalt from the following roads in Palm Beach Country Estates that have demonstrated 25 percent requirement for the project:
- 72nd Drive N between 150th Place N and 154th Road N
- 73rd Terrace N between 155th Drive N and 159th Court N
- 165th Street N between 75th Avenue N and 79th Terrace N
- 154th Road N between 69th Drive N and 75th Avenue N
- 154th Road N between 69th Drive N and 89th Avenue N
Lindahl noted that the last two petitions overlap each other. The project consists of approximately 3.2 miles of roadway.
Also, he said that the District has received petitions to apply open-graded emulsified mix (OGEM) on roadways in Jupiter Farms that have demonstrated the 25% requirement for the project:
- 98th Trail N between 150th Court N and 154th Road N
- 151st Lane N between 133rd Terrace N and Canal 13
- 92nd Way N between 150th Court N and 154th Road N
These roadways equate to approximately 1.1 miles of roadway improvements.
A cut-off date of Dec. 31, 2009 had previously been set by the Board of Supervisors for petitions for the 2009 Landowner-Initiated Roadway Improvement Project.
Lindahl also reported that staff attended a meeting at South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) on July 30, 2009 with other representatives from Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District and the City of Palm Beach Gardens regarding outstanding issues relative to the development of a program to monitor surface and groundwater levels in conjunction with the raising of the water control elevation of the G-160 structure. He said that SFWMD is committed to coordinating with the communities adjacent to the east of the slough to implement additional monitoring to determine the impacts of the increased water levels to those communities.
District Manager Gale English noted that two employees, Arie Raz and David Duckett, were awarded plaques for ten years of service to the District.
He also reported that the District had received a $1,698.83 rebate from Zurich Insurance for the new underground fuel tanks that had recently been installed.
In addition, English recommended renewal of the Aquagenix aquatic weed control contract for another year, which the board approved.
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SIRWCD To Celebrate 19th Annual Landowners'
Family Day on Saturday, March 13, 2010
South Indian River Water Control District (SIRWCD) will host their 19th annual Landowners Family Day at the District Work Center on Saturday, on March 13 from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm. Residents from Jupiter Farms, Palm Beach Country Estates, and Egret Landing are invited to enjoy a barbecue lunch, live music, and displays by local and state community and service organizations. District Supervisors, General Manager Gale English and Staff will be on hand to welcome residents to the event.
A free barbecue lunch will be provided. The Untold Riches, a bluegrass band will perform and for the children, Cock-A-Doodle-Doo will feature their popular petting zoo, a clown who provides face painting and guided pony rides.
Exhibitors will offer visitors information on local and state organizations, governmental agencies, local services, and fire safety and prevention, with free give-a-ways such as plants, pens and pencils, hats, pins, coloring books, and more. Exhibitors this year will include:
- Jupiter Farms Residents and the Jupiter Farmer
- Florida Blood Centers
- CMH Swim School
- Community Connection, Inc.
- Florida Jupiter Farms Citizens on Patrol
- Palm Beach County Fire Rescue
- The Safety Council of Palm Beach County
- Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County
- The Loxahatchee River Center
- Florida Trail Association Loxahatchee Chapter
- Jupiter Farms Environmental Council
- NE Everglades Trail Association
- South Florida Water Management District
- Florida Division of Forestry
- West Jupiter Recreation Center - Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation
If you haven't been to a Landowners Family Day yet, you're missing out on all the family fun. The event is free and open to all landowners in the District. It is a great way to meet your neighbors, discuss concerns with your Supervisors, and meet the District staff! Please RSVP to Greta at the District Office at 747-0550.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Regarding District Road Improvements
Recently there have been a number of questions regarding roadway improvements within the District, so we thought that we would try to answer some of them in this edition of the District Newsletter.
Some of the most frequently asked questions are:
(Q): What are the District plans for additional road paving?
(A): There is no District initiative for additional paving. Roadway improvements are limited to those initiated by landowners.
(Q): How do landowners initiate road improvements?
(A): The first step is a petition. If 25% of the affected landowners request that their road(s) be considered for upgrade, the District may initiate an Engineering Road Improvement Study.
(Q): What does the Engineering Study consider?
(A): Many things are evaluated in an Engineering Road Improvement Study. The conditions of the current dirt road, the traffic situation, structural considerations of the roadway base, drainage considerations, cost, impact on the community, and many other issues may be considered in the study.
(Q): How is the Engineering Road Improvement Study used?
(A): The study creates an Engineering Plan that defines the project. It will define the specific road (or roads) recommended for paving and it will define the benefited area (those landowners that will benefit from the improvements). The plan also defines the technical details of the proposed project such as base and sub-base requirements, road surface material specification, roadway elevation, and so forth. And, most importantly, the plan will define the cost.
(Q): Then what happens with the Engineering Plan?
(A): If the Board of Supervisors accepts the Engineerís Plan, it can be put to the landowners for a vote in the form of a referendum. If the referendum passes, then the District may construct the improvements as defined in the plan and levy a special assessment against the benefited landowners.
(Q): Can the cost of these improvements be financed?
(A): Yes, and the cost per parcel per year would be presented in the referendum.
(Q): What roadway surfacing materials are currently available to landowners and what about other roadway surfacing or stabilization materials?
(A): The District is constantly searching for and evaluating alternative road surfacing materials that can provide an improved surface at an affordable cost. The Open Graded Emulsified Mix (OGEM) material has been evaluated and approved by the District as an alternative to hard-surface asphalt (built to Palm Beach County road standards) at a significant cost savings to the landowners. Other surfacing and stabilization materials are currently being evaluated as alternatives. However, the OGEM material is becoming very popular because it provides a very good, durable surface at significant savings. It is currently being successfully used by Palm Beach County and other counties in the state, as well as this District, at a cost of approximately half that of conventional paving.
(Q): Will the soil stabilization product known as PX-300 be considered as an alternative road surface material for the District?
(A): Based on initial engineering testing, it has been determined that this product is not suitable for use by the District and no further evaluation is warranted.
(Q): How frequently are the unsurfaced roads graded?
(A): A detailed work schedule is available at the District Office. On average, the major roads on the east side are maintained twice a week and on the west side, two or three times per week. Traffic volume, weather conditions, mechanical failure, priority emergencies, or personnel availability may alter the schedule without notice.
(Q): What about "Safe-Zones" or other improvement projects?
(A): As a "Special District" (Water Control District) that is limited to surface water management and road maintenance, SIRWCD would need to determine whether certain projects fall under our jurisdiction. If they do, îSafe-Zonesî or other improvement projects would follow the same process as described for a road improvement program. First, the landowners would need to petition the District. If more than 25% of the affected landowners request the ìSafe-Zoneî improvement project, an Engineering Plan and cost could be developed, and a referendum could be held.
(Q): What if there is an obstruction in a swale or major canal?
(A): Contact the District Office and report the location and problem as soon as possible.
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Disclaimer
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