Posts tagged PZB

St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine news highlights – August 31, 2012

Sep 1st

Posted by St. Augustine Channel 1 in St Augustine Channel 1

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City offices closed on Labor DayCity of St. Augustine offices will be closed on Monday, September 3 in observance of the Labor Day holiday, but there will be no change in the solid waste collection schedule.
Next step in 2012-2013 budget process: Public HearingsTwo public hearings on the City of St. Augustine’s 2012-2013 budget are scheduled for Thursday, September 6 and Thursday, September 20, each starting at 5:05pm in The Alcazar Room at City Hall, 75 King St. The 2012-2013 budget goes into effect with the start of the fiscal year on October 1.In preparation for the workshop, staff prepared a workbook for commissioners with a budget summary of each of the funds on which the city relies for operations. To view the workbook, click here.Additional budget information was made available to the Commission with a staff developed presentation. To see the presentation, click here.
City’s 447th anniversary to be commemorated on September 8
St. Augustine’s Founder’s Day, the annual commemoration of the founding of the city in 1565, is usually held on the Saturday closest to the city’s actual anniversary. This year that date is the actual founding day: September 8.
   Held on the grounds of the Mission Nombre de Dios starting at 10:00am, the commemoration, as is traditional, will include a reenactment of the landing of Pedro Menendez de Aviles, the city’s founder, followed by a Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated by Bishop of St. Augustine Felipe J. Estevez.
     After the Mass, Dr. Timothy J. Johnson, Chairman of the Flagler College Humanities Department will offer a presentation related to the city’s founding. Activities then continue at the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park.
     The Founder’s Day commemoration is sponsored by the Mission Nombre de Dios and the La Compania de Santiago, a member unit of Florida Living History, Inc.. The event is free and open to the public.
    For more information contact Florida Living History, Inc. at 877.352.4478.

City’s Ceremony of Remembrance set for September 11

Annual observance of 9/11 set for city’s main fire station starting at 8:30am
The City of St. Augustine continues its annual recognition of the anniversary of 9/11 with its Ceremony of Remembrance, a community gathering to remember those who died in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The ceremony will be held on Tuesday, September 11 starting at 8:30am at the St. Augustine Fire Department’s main station, 101 Malaga Street. The ceremony is open to the public.
The city’s first Ceremony of Remembrance was held just two days after 9/11 and has continued each year on the anniversary of the attack. The 15-minute program will include a presentation of the colors by the St. Augustine Police Department Honor Guard, an invocation by Larry Clay, St. Johns County Fire Rescue Chaplin, musical presentations by Bob Patterson, and remarks from Vice Mayor Leanna Freeman.The ceremony will conclude with a minute of silence at 8:45am, timed to coincide with the time the first plane hit the first tower of the World Trade Center in 2001. Then after the Fire Department’s historic 1900 fire bell rings 11 times, once for each year since 9/11, the ceremony will end with the playing of Taps by Arthur Tenney, Florida National Guard Master Sergeant, Ret.For more information, call the Public Affairs Department at 904.825.1004.
Break Room topic: Where’s the right-of-way and why do I need a permit
One might think the only activity in the city’s right-of-way is driving, but that would be wrong. Utilities of all types pass under and over the area generally defined as “from the outer edge of the sidewalk on one side of the street to the outer edge of the sidewalk on the other side,” and activity in that narrow zone has to be carefully monitored.
     That’s the responsibility of the city’s Construction Inspector, Xavier Pellicer, who stops by The Break Room this week to discuss his work and the this important space: the right-of-way.
      Each week the friendly and informative style of The Break Room offers the community an opportunity to know a little more about how their city works by getting to know those who do the work every day. The Break Roomairs Wednesdays at 5:30pm and Saturdays at 8:00am, and each program is archived at www.breakroom.info as podcasts available for download anytime. To listen to this week’s program immediately, click here.
Public Works Department moving aggressively against “red water”The City of St. Augustine delivers three million gallons of water per day to more than 10,000 utility customers through a complex and intricate delivery system that includes more than 200 miles of pipe. That system, managed by a team of skilled professionals, ensures that every home, restaurant, school and hotel room receives quality water at the moment it is needed.Like every other municipal or private utility system, the City of St. Augustine’s system demands constant monitoring and an ongoing program of repairs and upgrades in order to maintain reliability and quality. Nonetheless, the city has had recent challenges from its aging distribution system and buildup of sediment from under utilized water lines resulting in “red water,” water that’s tainted because of corrosive pipes.
The Public Works Department has now launched an aggressive program of immediate actions, new procedures and a stepped-up construction plan of replacement lines all in an effort to eliminate “red water.”To learn more about these increased efforts and the source of increased funds available to update the city’s utility system, read High priority given to upgrading infrastructure and adopting new procedures to eliminate red water on the city’s web site.
St. Augustine Mobility Institute offers community avenue for input
Moving to and through St. Augustine, whether in a personal or commercial vehicle, is a challenge. The city’s compact historical district’s small, narrow streets draw millions each year, and when volume meets capacity, there can be gridlock.
In recent years there have been many studies by governmental and private entities evaluating the existing traffic systems and proposing ways to increase the ease of moving around St. Augustine. Some studies focused just on street use, others on pedestrians and bicycles, still others on light rail and shuttle services, but there has not been one with the complete, overall view that is likely to result from the St. Augustine Mobility Institute.
Running September 17- 21, the Institute is a week long intensive effort to learn about mobility challenges along the city’s three entrance corridors – King Street, San Marco Avenue, and Anastasia Boulevard – and by week’s end propose solutions based on input from a series of public workshops.

     The Institute, a partnership between the City of St. Augustine and the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization,(NFTPO) will be managed by the engineering consultation firm of HNTB. It was City Commissioner Nancy Sikes-Kline who, as a member of the NFTPO, became aware of the program and the with the help of the city’s Planning and Building Department was able to secure an allocation of $125,000 to cover the cost of the study.
For complete details and a schedule of the corridor, neighborhood meetings, read St. Augustine Mobility Institute set for September 17-21 on the city’s web site.
More recycling will Make St. Augustine Cleaner & Greener
City and Advanced Disposal partner on effort to boost both recyclers and recycled materials
If, as a resident of St. Augustine, you recycle, chances are you are not recycling as much material as you could. Most everyone is certain they can place newspapers, glass and cans in their recycling bin, but those are just a few of the items welcomed.
     The city and its contractor, Advanced Disposal, are launching the Make St. Augustine Cleaner & Greenercampaign to encourage residents to recycle and thus increase the amount of recycled material collected. But, with increased recycling comes the need for increased capacity, so a second bin is being provided, free of charge, to every one of the city’s more than 4,600 customers. Bins currently used throughout the city are 18-gallon capacity, as will be the additional one. The new bins will be delivered the week of September 24-28.
     For an up to date list of what is and what is not accepted for recycling, and a map illustrating the collection schedule, visit www.StAugRecycle.info, and watch for your additional recycle bin the last week of September.
Wanna be on the PZB?
The City Commission is currently accepting applications to fill two, three-year terms on the Planning and Zoning Board. Applicants must be city residents. Those wishing to apply much be city residents and submit a completed application by Friday, September 14. For more information on the Planning and Zoning Board, click here.
AgendasPlanning and Zoning Board meets on September 4.The agenda is available here.City Commission meets on September 10. When available the agenda will be posted here.

Planning and Zoning Board will hold a Special Meeting on September 11.The agenda is available here.

Code Enforcement, Adjustments and Appeals Board will meet on September 11. The agenda is available here.

Budget public hearings

First Budget Public Hearing — Thursday, September 6 at 5:05pm. When available, the agenda will be here.

Second Budget Public Hearing — Thursday, September 20 at 5:05pm. When available, the agenda will be here.

All agenda, minutes and GTV info

Agendas and minutes for all city meetings can be found at www.staugustinegovernment.com with a schedule of upcoming meetings listed under City Calendar. City Commission meetings are broadcast live via GTV (Comcast Channel 3 in St. Augustine) each second and fourth Monday at 5:00pm. Commission meetings are also recorded and rebroadcast as are Planning and Zoning Board and Historic Architectural Review Board meetings. For a current schedule of all programming on GTV, click here.

Source: City of St. Augustine

St. Augustine news highlights – August 17, 2012

Aug 19th

Posted by St. Augustine Channel 1 in St Augustine Channel 1

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Community asked to be alert with the start of school

Monday 20 is first day for St. Johns County 2012-2013 school year

St. Augustine Police Chief Loran Lueders is asking the community to be aware of the start of the new school year on Monday, August 20.

“Specifically in all those areas where there may be children such as bus stops and school crossings, we want both those who live in the city and those who daily pass through the city to be a bit more aware as they travel. We also remind the community to strictly observe school zone speed limits, and perhaps adjust personal schedules to allow for increased traffic near schools. This is an important time in the lives of so many people, parents, children, teachers and so many others, we want to do all we can to make it a safe time.”

For more on the start of school, visit the St. Johns County School District web site, which contains lots of helpful information including the 2012-2013 school calendar.

Concerts in the Plaza 2012 drawing to a close

Series concludes with Labor Day afternoon concert

When the last musical notes drift out of the Plaza on Labor Day afternoon, Concerts in the Plaza 2012 will conclude and will do so counting a very successful 22nd season. The series has been called “the best way to spend a Thursday night in St. Augustine,” and it’s easy to understand why when sitting under the majestic oaks of the Plaza de la Constitución enjoying quality musical entertainment surrounded by friends and family.

The two-hour concerts are on Thursdays starting at 7:00pm except for the concluding concert on Labor Day which is set for the afternoon from 1:00pm until 5:00pm. A cancellation necessitated a scheduling change for the Labor Day concert with Jazz Piersonified & Friends stepping in to fill the vacancy. The remaining 2012 schedule features:

— August 23: The Mike Hart Band – blues, jazz & rock

— August 30: Lonesome Bert & The Skinny Lizards – original Americana folk

—  September 3: Jazz Piersonified & Friends – jazz standards.

Concerts are free and attendees should bring lounge chairs for seating. Picnic dinners are popular, but alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the Plaza. Complete schedule and maps to the Plaza and The VIC are available at www.plazaconcerts.com.

Concerts in the Plaza is produced by the City of St. Augustine with support from the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council — a great partnership providing great entertainment in a great place.

City Commission holds budget workshop

The St. Augustine City Commission held its workshop to discuss the 2012-2013 budget on Thursday, August 16. The workshop was held in The Alcazar Room in City Hall, 75 King  Street.

The workshop is an opportunity for the commissioners to review the proposed budget in an informal format. No votes are taken during a workshop and public comment is not scheduled, but public hearings on the budget are scheduled for September 6 and September 20, each starting at 5:05pm. Those public hearings will also be held in The Alcazar Room. The 2012-2013 budget goes into effect with the start of the fiscal year on October 1.

In preparation for the workshop, staff prepared a workbook for commissioners with a budget summary of each of the funds on which the city relies for operations. To view the workbook, click here.

Additional budget information was made available to the Commission with a staff developed presentation. To see the presentation, click here.

News from the PD on The Break Room this week 

Mark Samsom, Public Information for the St. Augustine Police Departments, stops by The Break Room this week and shares information on a number of initiatives in the department and an update on programs and activities.
Each week the friendly and informative style of The Break Room offers the community an opportunity to know a little more about how their city works by getting to know those who do the work every day. The Break Room airs Wednesdays at 5:30pm and Saturdays at 8:00am, and each program is archived at www.breakroom.info as podcasts available for download anytime. To listen to this week’s program immediately, click here.

 

Applications being accepted for PZB
The City Commission is currently accepting applications to fill two, three-year terms on the Planning and Zoning Board. Applicants must be city residents. Those wishing to apply much be city residents and submit a completed application by Friday, September 14. For more information on the Planning and Zoning Board, click here.

 

Agendas

The Ciy Commission meets on August 27. When available the agenda will be availale here.

The Planning and Zoning Board meets on September 4.The agenda is available here.

Budget public hearings

First Budget Public Hearing — Thursday, September 6 at 5:05pm. When available, the agenda will be here.

Second Budget Public Hearing — Thursday, September 20 at 5:05pm. When available, the agenda will be here.

All agenda, minutes and GTV info

Agendas and minutes for all city meetings can be found at www.staugustinegovernment.com with a schedule of upcoming meetings listed under City Calendar. City Commission meetings are broadcast live via GTV (Comcast Channel 3 in St. Augustine) each second and fourth Monday at 5:00pm. Commission meetings are also recorded and rebroadcast as are Planning and Zoning Board and Historic Architectural Review Board meetings. For a current schedule of all programming on GTV, click here.

Source: City of St. Augustine

St. Augustine News

St. Augustine news highlights – August 10, 2012

Aug 11th

Posted by St. Augustine Channel 1 in St Augustine Channel 1

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Last chance to vote early is today and tomorrow

Early vote on Friday or Saturday, August 10 & 11, or vote on Election Day, Tuesday August 14

For those who planned on voting early, there is still time. Six polling places located around St. Johns County are open today and tomorrow, Friday and Saturday, August 10 and 11 from 8:00am until 6:00pm. All voters in St. Johns County may vote at any of these six early voting locations (click on each name for a map to the voting site):

For those who missed early voting, make plans now to cast your ballot on Election Day, Tuesday, August 14. Polls are open from 7:00am until 7:00pm.

On Election Day, voters must vote at the precinct of their legal residence, and as a result of the changes necessitated by redistricting, some voters’ precinct number may have changed, and thus may be voting at a new polling location. So before you go, get election ready by visiting the St. Johns County Supervisor of Elections web site for sample ballots, to check your registration, locate your polling place and lots more information for the voter.

City Commission holds budget workshop August 16

The St. Augustine City Commission will hold a workshop to discuss the 2012-2013 budget on Thursday, August 16 starting at 9:00am. The workshop will be held in The Alcazar Room in City Hall, 75 King  Street.

The workshop is an opportunity for the commissioners to discuss the budget in a more informal format than in a regular meeting. No votes are taken during a workshop and public comment is not scheduled, but public hearings on the budget are scheduled for September 6 and September 20, each starting at 5:05pm. Those public hearing will also be held in The Alcazar Room. The 2012-1013 budget goes into effect with the start of the fiscal year on October 1.

In preparation for the workshop, staff prepared a workbook for commissioners that provides a budget summary of each of the funds on which the city relies for operations. Those funds are:

General Fund

Community Redevelopment Agency Fund

Utility Fund

Stormwater Fund

Solid Waste Fund

Municipal Marina Fund

Visitor Information Center Fund

450th Commemoration Fund.

View the workbook, click here.

One week left to answer the question “What’s your story?”
450th Commemoration contest deadline is Thursday, August 16
As part of the city’s 450th anniversary commemoration, the city has launched a contest inviting the public to use their skills at photography, videography or the written word to answer one question: What is your St. Augustine story?
      Of course, it is not just St. Augustine residents who have a St. Augustine story. Lots of people do and so the contest is open to photographers, writers and videographers regardless of age, residence, citizenship, or ability level.
     And for telling your story, there is the possibility of winning cash prizes.

     Complete contest details and guidelines are available by calling the 450th Commemoration office at 904.825.1053or by visiting the 450th Commemoration web site here.

Rob Ellis Peck & Friends set for next Concerts in the Plaza

As the summer slips away so do opportinuties to enjoy the 22nd season of Concerts in the Plaza. with just four more concerts scheduled, don’t miss next Thursday’s performance by Rob Ellis Peck and Friends, a band well known for delivering a great show with the best of acoustic R&B and classic rock

So call your friends and have them meet you in the Plaza at 7:00pm on Thursday to enjoy St. Augustine’s great free summer concert series. It’s still “the best way to spend a Thursday night in St. Augustine.”

The two-hour concerts are free and attendees should bring lounge chairs for seating. Picnic dinners are popular, but alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the Plaza. For a schedule and helpful map-links visit www.plazaconcerts.com

Seawall progress report this week onThe Break Room 

The Seawall Rehabilitation Project, called one of the city’s most important infrastuucture projects in years, is on schedule and work is continuing without any major challenges reports Public Works Director Martha Graham during her stop by The Break Room this week. Join host Paul K. Williamson, the city’s Public Affairs Director, as he and Martha discuss the project and its progress.
     Visit the city’s web site to read two articles related to the Seawall Regibilitation Project: Saving the Seawall andCeremony marks start of Seawall Rehabilitation Project.
     Each week the friendly and informative style of The Break Room offers the community an opportunity to know a little more about how their city works by getting to know those who do the work every day. The Break Roomairs Wednesdays at 5:30pm and Saturdays at 8:00am, and each program is archived at www.breakroom.info as podcasts available for download anytime. To listen to this week’s program immediately, click here.

Your opinion counts so make it known in 450 branding survey

The City of St. Augustine is currently surveying a thousand people to gain a better understanding of the needs, experiences, attitudes and expectations of three distinct groups: community members, merchants in the historic area, and visitors. The survey results gathered from at least 600 community members, 200 merchants and 500 visitors will enable the city to develop a strong brand message for the 450th anniversary and beyond.
     Your answers will be kept confidential and will only be used for this research study. Thank you for your participation in this very important project. The survey takes only 10 minutes to complete and your participation as a community member or merchant is most appreciated.
     Click this link for the Community Member Survey (includes all residents of St. Johns County).
     Click this link for the Merchant Survey (includes business owners in St. Johns County).

Don’t wait…express your opinion now!

Applications being accepted for PZB
The City Commission is currently accepting applications to fill two, three-year terms on the Planning and Zoning Board. Applicants must be city residents. Those wishing to apply much be city residents and submit a completed application by Friday, September 14. For more information on the Planning and Zoning Board, click here.

Important budget dates announced

As summer begins to wind down, local governments start the final stages of preparing their budgets for the next fiscal year. For the City of St. Augustine whose fiscal year begins October 1, the series of meetings begins with theCommission’s annual budget workshop. Then three weeks later there is the initial public hearing on the proposed budget and two weeks after that, the final public hearing. The dates for the three meetings are:

– City Commission Budget Workshop, Thursday, August 16 at 9:00am.

–  First Budget Public Hearing, Thursday, September 6 at 5:05pm.

–  Second Budget Public Hearing, Thursday, September 20 at 5:05pm.

All meetings will be held in The Alcazar Room, City Hall, 75 King St.

Agendas

City Commission meets on Monday, August 13. The agenda is available here.

Code Enforcement, Adjustments and Appeals Board meets on Tuesday, August 14. The agenda is available here.

The Historic Architectural Review Board meets on Thursday, August 16 at 2:00pm. The agenda is available here.

Budget related meetings

City Commission Budget Workshop — Thursday, August 16 at 9:00am. The agenda is available here.

First Budget Public Hearing — Thursday, September 6 at 5:05pm. When available, the agenda will be here.

Second Budget Public Hearing — Thursday, September 20 at 5:05pm. When available, the agenda will be here.

All agenda, minutes and GTV info

Agendas and minutes for all city meetings can be found at www.staugustinegovernment.com with a schedule of upcoming meetings listed under City Calendar. City Commission meetings are broadcast live via GTV (Comcast Channel 3 in St. Augustine) each second and fourth Monday at 5:00pm. Commission meetings are also recorded and rebroadcast as are Planning and Zoning Board and Historic Architectural Review Board meetings. For a current schedule of all programming on GTV, click here.

Source: City of St. Augustine

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