City Manager’s 3/22/2019

WEEK-IN-REVIEW

The City of Palm Coast has

been named a finalist in the

2019 North American

Smart Cities Readiness

Challenge. Five winners of

the 10 finalists will be

announced in April and

receive a year-long

Readiness Program to turn

smart cities visions into at-

scale projects. The City is

looking forward to

presenting at Smart Cities

Week in San Diego next

month. For more

information, see the

attached news release.

Palm Coast is a Smart Cities Finalist!

IT Director Chuck Burkhart & IT Tech Support Analyst Lead Mirna Crimi work in the server room at

Palm Coast City Hall.

NOW through July 6 https://www.palmcoastgov.com/photocontest

Stormwater Outreach Meeting

Monday, March 25, 2pm AND 6pm Community Center

Sculpture Dedication ~ Burro with Bird on Shoulder

Tuesday, March 26, 9am Central Park at Town Center

State of the City Address Friday, April 5, 4pm Community Center

Friday, April 12, 7:45pm Central Park in Town Center

Palm Coast Historical Society ~ Lecture Series Peggy MacDonald: Florida Woman Pioneers

Saturday, April 13, 10am Community Center

Announcements

Next Week:

Tuesday, March 26, City Council Workshop, 9:05am, City Hall – Community Wing, 160 Lake Avenue

Thursday, March 28, Beautification and Environmental Advisory Committee Mtg, 5pm, City Hall –

Community Wing, 160 Lake Avenue

Administrative Services & Economic Development Department Update

BAC Update

Public Works Department Update

Community Development Department Update

Fire Department Update

Parks & Recreation Department Update

Utility Department Update

Humane Society Update

\

Palm Coast is a Smart Cities Finalist!

Fire Department raises awareness about Firefighter cancer

Public Works Director Nestor Abreu retires

Summer Camps 2019

Stormwater project in E Section

Smoke Testing in B Section

Lane Closure – Belle Terre Elementary

News Releases

Attachments

ADMINSTRATIVE SERVICES & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT-Beau Falgout, Interim City Manager

Communications & Marketing

We are thrilled to announce Palm Coast has been selected as a finalist in the 2019 North American Smart Cities

Readiness Challenge, which helps cities and states advance their smart cities initiatives. We will find out if we are

one of the five winners in April. We have already received news coverage including a story on Central Florida News

13! See the news release below.

This week Fire PIO Patrick Juliano sent a news release about Palm Coast Fire Department raising awareness about

firefighter cancer and what the department is doing to help prevent exposure. The story received extensive

coverage in the media, including this piece on News 13:

https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2019/03/20/cancer-risk-sparks-new-initiatives-at-palm-coast-

fire-department.

Other releases that went out this week announced the retirement of Public Works Director Nestor Abreu; Summer

Camps for 2019; Lane closure in front of Belle Terre Elementary on March 27; and the start of a second large-scale

stormwater drainage project in E Section. We posted an announcement about Smoke Testing in the B Section

March 25-29.

Communications & Marketing Manager Cindi Lane spoke to the Survivors Group about Parks & Rec, Be Local Buy

Local and general city info on March 23. She also represented the City at the organizational meeting for Flagler’s

efforts to promote the 2020 Census. Staff also participated in the Employee Academy and staffed the City Council

meeting, including videotaping and airing the meeting live.

Graphic design produced by Digital Communications Coordinator Jason Giraulo included the finalized design for

the Annual Progress Report, and design of 3 posters for Monday’s Stormwater Outreach Meetings. Work also

continued on prep for the State of the City event, coming up April 5, including production of a video, “Future in

Focus.”

The team helped the Palm Coast Business Assistance Center (BAC) celebrate SBDC Day with a Facebook Live

video interview. The social media post of the week is the ‘Small Business Highlight” featuring the local Painting

With a Twist franchise. The owner used services with the BAC to start up, with her initial contact stemming from

2016. She is still in contact with BAC reps as her business grows. We featured her in the context that she used the

BAC, as we promoted the SBDC Day Facebook Live event. Read the blog post “Color and Happiness,” written by

Public Relations Associate Kim Norman, at https://www.palmcoastgov.com/discover/archive. Kim visited the

shop for the interview and took the photos. In all, the post reached about 3,800 people, receiving 37 likes, 4

comments, 14 shares, and 1600 views.

Kim also coordinated for WJXT – Channel 4 (news4jax) in Jacksonville’s request for the Eddie Eagle GunSafe

Program instructor (offered through Parks & Rec) to do an interview on The Morning Show, following a news

release being sent out about the program. The interview was this past Monday, March 18. You can watch the full

interview here: https://www.news4jax.com/video/eddie-eagle-gunsafe-program. We also posted the interview to

our Facebook page.

Plan to attend one of the Stormwater Outreach Meetings at 2 and 6 p.m. Monday at the Community Center to

learn all about the new accelerated stormwater management plan. Don’t forget to join us for the dedication of the

new “Burro with Bird on Shoulder” sculpture at 9 a.m. Tuesday in Central Park. And mark your calendars for the

State of the City address at 4 p.m. Friday, April 5.

Central Services Division

Purchasing

Status Ref. # Project

Pending ITB-UT-19-45 Replacement PEP Pumps - Price Agreement Contract

Pending LOI-CD-19-44 Request for Letter of Interest (LOI) for SWCS L-4 on Lehigh Canal Replacement Design Services

Open ITB-CD-19-22 Stormwater Utility Site Maintenance

Open RFSQ-CD-19-40 / ITB-CD-19-40 New Traffic Signal and Turn Lane at Belle Terre and Market Ave/Eastwood Dr.

Open RFSQ-CD-19-47 / ITB-CD-19-47 Belle Terre Bridge Rehabilitation

Open ITB-CD-19-32 Backup Power to Five (5) Pump Stations FEMA Contract #4283-27-R

Open ITB-CD-19-33 Backup Power to Five (5) Pump Stations FEMA Contract #4283-31-R

Open ITB-CD-19-34 Backup Power to Five (5) Pump Stations FEMA Contract #4283-33-R

Open ITB-CD-19-35 Backup Power to Five (5) Pump Stations FEMA Contract #4283-34-R

Open ITB-CD-19-36 Backup Power to Five (5) Pump Stations FEMA Contract #4283-35-R

Open ITB-CD-19-37 Backup Power to Five (5) Pump Stations FEMA Contract #4283-36-R

Evaluating LOI-CD-19-38 Request for Letter of Interest (LOI) for Central Park Master Plan Update and Design Services

Evaluating LOI-CD-19-41 Request for Letter of Interest for Professional Services for SWCS K-6/Smith Trail Replacement Design Services

Evaluating RFSQ-CD-19-43 / ITB-CD-19-43 Water Treatment Plant No. 1 (WTP1) Electrical Upgrades

Evaluating ITB-PW-19-46 Invitation to Bid (ITB) for Celebration Sod (265,000 square feet) installed on ITSC fields 1 & 2

Completed RFP-IT-19-21 City Wide VoIP Phone System

Completed RFQ-UT-19-24 SCADA Support Software (Rockwell Factory Talk) and PLC Maintenance

Completed LOI-CD-19-28 Request for Letter of Interest (LOI) for Water Treatment Plants Nos. 1 & 2 Lime Sludge Handling, Removal & Disposal Study Engineering Services

Completed RFSQ-CD-19-10 / ITB-CD-19-10 Whiteview Parkway Force Main Crossing

Completed RFQ-PW-19-39 Debris Disposal Services

Completed RFP-ADM-19-30 Request for Proposal (RFP) for Hearing Officer Services

Processed 5 public records

requests.

Processed 2 litigation documents.

Prepared and processed 63 documents for recording.

Prepared 2 agenda items.

Prepared 1 proclamations.

Prepared and posted1 agendas and 4 sets of approved meeting minutes to Web.

Processed 6 resolutions.

Processed 3 ordinances.

Completed 1 Proof of Life document for a citizen.

City Clerk

Social Media

POST OF THE WEEK

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE CENTER

BUSINESS CONSULTING

This Week – 9 Consulting Sessions, 37 Consulting Hours

Total for Month – 28 Consulting Sessions, 112 Consulting Hours

NEW PALM COAST COMMERCIAL BUSINESSES

Intracoastal Construction LLC – 101 Palm Harbor Pkwy – General Contractor

NEW PALM COAST HOME BASED BUSINESSES

Broad Stroke Painting LLC – Painting Service

J.R. Townsend – Handyman Service

Florida Paver Pros – Handyman Service

In Re

2,010 , 5%

35,635

Stormwater Division

Graded residential swale maint - LF Repaired outfalls Ditch maint LF Inspect ditch drainage problems

PUBLIC WORKS – Nestor Abreu, Director

7.38

53

9

57

22

178

PARKS & HIKING TRAILS INSPECTIONS # MILES

PARKS & TRAILS SIGN INSPECTIONS

ATHLETIC FIELDS PAINTED

INSPECT PKS & ATHLETIC FIELD IRRIGATION ZONES

PARKWAY MEDIAN MAINTENANCE

INSPECT MEDIAN IRRIGATION ZONES

Parks & Medians Division

4,530

2,860

24,330

45,295

Stormwater Division

Graded residential swalemaint - LF

Culvert pipe cleaning - LF

Ditch maintenance - LF

Ditch herbicide spraying-LF

Repairing bridge – Graham Swamp

Stump grinding ditch bank

Eagle Harbor Trail

Trimming hedges – Waterfront Park

Edging medians – Belle Terre

Lining sports fields – Ralph Carter Park

Ditch rehabilitation project – Eagle Harbor Trail

Vac Con Demo – Wood Haven Drive

Replacing slide – Waterfront Park

Trimming hedges – Tennis Center

Ditch rehabilitation project – Eagle Harbor Trail

Laser setup for swale projects

Robinhood Lane

Erosion control- F section

Hazard tree removal

Prichard Drive

Fire mitigation- Prichard Drive

FPL path

12,457

200 600 3 2 2 11 2 1 7

Streets Division

Site distance trimming LF Sidewalk Repair- Linear Feet

Screen & recycle dirt for City projects - Cubic yards Pot holes repaired

Traffic signal work Traffic control for special events

Repair signs Street light inspections

After hours call Special Projects

CITYWIDE FACILITY REQUESTS

ROAD CALLS

VEHICLES - REPAIR

VEHICLES - INSPECTIONS

VEHICLES - PM'S

SMALL EQUIP - REPAIRS

HAND EQUIP & MOWERS - RD CALLS

HAND EQUIP & MOWERS - REPAIRS

HAND EQUIP & MOWERS - PM'S

3

1

1

2

5

3

11

11

11

1

19

5

Facility & Fleet Service City Fleet Fire

Forming bench area

Sesame Boulevard

Installing new door closers

Ralph Carter Park

Repairing strobe lights on City truck

Power washing all walkways – Rymfire Drive

Cutting back vegetation

PCPW lift station (after)

Forming for sidewalk – Sesame Boulevard

Cutting back vegetation

PCPW lift station (before)

Grading new swale

Sesame Boulevard

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Wastewater Treatment Plant1 Clarifier Equipment

Replacement

Ravenwood Pre-TreatmentEffluent Pumping System

Improvements

Colocation Facility #1 RoofReplacement & Interior

Repairs

City Capital Projects Under Construction

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

American VillageSubdivision

Matanzas Lake Estates Sawmill Estates - WestPalm Coast

Developer Projects Under Construction

101 Palm Harbor Pkwy Suite C-133 Interior Alterations-Ice Cream Store Linear Group Inc $8,900

1385 Rymfire Dr. City of Palm Coast-Diesel Generator Atlantic Tower Services $20,000

14 Palm Harbor Village Way Flagler Sheriff Sub Station-Interior Renovations Flagler County Bldg. #2 $175,000

13 Hargrove Grade "Architectural Granite, Inc" Fabrication & Installation

264 Palm Coast Pkwy NE Suite B "Affordable Health Center, Inc"

36 Bronson Ln "Home Sweet Home Alf, LLC"

101 Palm Harbor Pkwy B-116 Office Buildout-Intracoastal Construction LLC

250 Palm Coast Pkwy NE 408 & 409 Oliv Restaurant

$135,749,729

16

Louis Salvagio

Southern Grace Homes, Inc

Commercial Permits Issued

Sebastian Puchalski

Construction value improvements  from October 1, 2018 to date

Residential Single Family / Duplex Residences

Christina Carlough

Certificate of Occupancy Issued

Intracoastal Construction, LLC

Occupancy Permits Issued

Commercial Permits Applied

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT – Stephen Flanagan, Director

Graders

Development Order Issued

for American Village

On March 20, 2019, the

Planning and Land

Development Regulation Board

(PLDRB) approved a Master

Site Plan for American Village

that is located on Pritchard

Drive, about one mile east of

Belle Terre Parkway and ½

mile north of White View

Parkway. The approval is for

the 8+/-acre multi-family

portion of American Village

that will have three 4-story, 32-

unit residential condominium

buildings that will be age

restricted to persons 55+.

Surrounding this multi-family

area are 45 single-family homes

in American Village, which will

be a gated community with

recreational facilities for

residents.

Spotlight Projects

Rendering for American Village Family Buildings

FIRE– Jerry Forte, Fire Chief

COMMUNITY OUTREACH Basic First Aid & CPR: April 13th 7 openings June 29th 11 openings August 10th 12 openings Healthcare Provider: July 27th 8 openings

DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES Flagler Palm Coast High School students and Volunteer Firefighter Intern applicants have a total of 29 “Ride-Along” hours this week.

Firefighters had an active week with Bike Week stretching across Volusia & Flagler Counties. The annual firefighter combat challenge tested their firefighter functional fitness. Lt. Rich Cline & Deputy Chief Clark were in the news for raising awareness about firefighter cancer.

The Palm Coast Fire Department launched its official Facebook Page. You can visit the page at www.facebook.com/palmcoastfire for more photos and updates on the department’s activities.

Tip of the Month:

Motorcycle Safety – Bike Week 2019

stretched across Volusia & Flagler

County from March 8th – March 17th.

There is an increased presence of

motorcyclists. Remember to look twice

& share the road.

PSA – "Look Twice for

Motorcycles"

http://bit.ly/2TH1XX3

Volunteer Intern

“Become a Volunteer”

http://www.palmcoastgov.com/govern

ment/fire/volunteer

Register for Basic First Aid & CPR

or Healthcare Provider:

http://www.palmcoastgov.com/govern

ment/fire/cpr

GUIDANCE

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! Engine 21 felt the Luck of the Irish with

Bagpiper Mike LaGreca

Engine 21 crew loads a patient in Fire Flight

Bike Week Trauma Alert

Palm Coast Fire Department Engine 21,

Fire Police, Flagler County Fire Rescue 21

& Rescue 62 responded to US1 North at

Hargrove Grade in Palm Coast for two

motorcyclists down. One patient was

transported to a local hospital with minor

injuries. Fire Flight airlifted a second

motorcyclist as a Trauma Alert to Halifax

Hospital. Fire Flight landed on US1.

Firefighter Combat Challenge

This week Palm Coast Firefighters are

doing our annual agility assessment. The

Combat Drill benefits structure

firefighter’s health & wellness. The

Firefighter Combat Challenge included:

1) Ascending 4 stories to the roof of the training tower with a high rise pack 2) Hoisting a donut rolled hose section up the side of the tower 3) Descending the 4 stories of the training tower 4) Keiser Sled - Forcible Entry Prop 5) 100' Hose Pull 6) Victim Rescue Drag

Firefighter Cancer Awareness

Firefighters have a 9% higher probability

of being diagnosed with cancer than the

public and are 14% more likely to die once

diagnosed than the general population.

Our own Lt. Rich Cline is a Thyroid Cancer

Survivor since 2014.

News 13 interviewed Deputy Chief Bradd

Clark & Lieutenant Rich Cline about the

new initiatives at the Palm Coast Fire

Department to limit the exposure to

cancer.

HIGHLIGHTS

Lieutenant Jon Kozloski striking the Keiser Sled

Deputy Chief Bradd Clark interviewed by News 13

Parks & Recreation – Alex Boyer, Director

This week we wrapped up our spring break with nearly 40 kids each day. Campers spent time in our parks,

played games, and worked cooperatively with each other. We also wrapped up our Lifeguard Certification

Class and Basic Swim Instructor Course this week.

We had a special guest at our Monday Funday this week: McGruff with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

Toddlers played games, had fun, and were active. Our Fitness on the Water sneak peek video performed highly

on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/palmcoastrec. It received an 8,278 reach, 1,683 engagements,

52 shares, and 3,200 views.

Summer 2019 Activity Guide http://www.palmcoastgov.com/recreation

Online Registration & Activities List http://www.parksandrec.fun

362

130 122104

50

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

Adult/Senior Tennis Toddler/Youth Athletics Aquatics

Nu

mb

er

of

Par

tici

pan

ts

Type of Program

Daily Program Attendance (March 14-20)

Adult/Senior Weekly Senior Social Programs Dance with Me Ballroom Dancing Line Dancing West Coast Swing Lunch N’ Lecture Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program Improv Classes Health & Wellness Yoga for All & Gentle Yoga Better Balance through Tai Chi Mayor’s 90/90 Challenge Indoor Rowing REFIT Revolution Family Fitness Zumba Gold Aquatics Lifeguard Certification Class Basic Swim Instructor Course Athletics Open Pickleball Beginner’s Pickleball Adult Open Gym Volleyball Adult Open Gym Basketball Tennis – Adults Beginners, Cardio, Morning Blast, Doubles Skills, & Round Robins Tennis - Youth Tennis Tots Rallies (Rookie, Red, Orange, & Green) Junior Development Spring Break Tennis Camp Toddler/Youth/Teen Munchkin Soccer Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program Monday Funday Teddy Bear Picnic Our Neck of the Woods Beginning Ballet Awesome Alphabet Outing Teen Mountain Biking The Chill Zone Spring Break Camp (Youth & Teens)

Programs Offered this Week

COMING UP

March 23 – NCCAA Youth Sports Clinic April 12 – Movies in the Park April 16 – Food Truck Tuesday April 19 – Teen Flashlight Egg Hunt April 20 – Egg’Stravaganza April 26 – Art Exhibition and Show April 27 – Annual Ladies Day Tennis

Monday Funday

Spring Break Camp

Fitness on the Water Facebook Post

+

3-21-2019

The average water demand for this week was 7.889 million gallons per day.

The average wastewater flow for the week was 6.561 million gallons per day.

The unidirectional flushing operation will continue on March 25th and crews will be working in Section 9 which includes Farmsworth Drive, Fellowship Drive and surrounding streets.

Water Distribution crews installed 15 new water meters, 14 reuse meters and 2 irrigation meters.

There are 170 new meter installations pending with 22 lots cleared and an average installation time of 3 weeks.

Wastewater Operations installed 7 new PEP tanks.

There are 36 new PEP tanks pending. Currently all new tanks are being installed within 5 days of site ready.

There were 52 calls after hours.

Water Distribution crews replaced 7 water service lines, completed 10 meter pit adjustments/replacements, repaired 2 service lines, 5 manifolds, and tested and repaired 143 backflow preventers.

Wastewater crews replaced 18 PEP pumps, 4 ball valves and 4 boxes, 18 floats, 8 cleanout caps and 4 back lids. Crews installed 5 risers, repaired 2 service laterals and inspected 10 manholes.

On Wednesday March 20th, Water Distribution replaced a broken flushing hydrant located on Atlantic Drive with a new in-ground flushing device. This resulted in 21 houses out of water service during the repair. All houses received a precautionary 48 hour boil water notification until lab samples confirmed the water was safe to drink.

On March 14th, American Water Chemicals completed the Ultra-Filtration membrane autopsy and cleaning study for Water Treatment Plant #2. The report included several inspections to determine the types of foulants and integrity of individual fibers. The cleaning study provided an advanced cleaning chemical to assist in removing organic foulants and recover the permeability of the Ultra-Filtration membranes.

On March 14th, Freeman Well Drilling installed a pump and motor at well SW-128.

Four staff members from Wastewater Collections and Wastewater Pumping attended Florida Water & Pollution Control Operators Association Spring Short School to receive certification in Wastewater Collection.

Wastewater Collections delivered 575 door tags for pending smoke testing in Section 12 east of Belle Terre Parkway.

Utility – Richard Adams, Director

The average wastewater flow was

6.561 million gallons per day

The average water demand for the week was

7.889 million gallons per day.

On Tuesday March 19th

Sensu USA, Inc. began

antenna installations for the

Advanced Metering

Infrastructure (AMI) system.

Sensus had contractors

onsite to begin the first

phase of the project along

with assistance from Water

Treatment Plant #2 and #3

staff. The first of five base

stations and antennas was

installed for the Sensus Flex

Net Communication

Network. An 11 foot receiving

antenna was attached to the

top of the existing 125 foot

tower which will receive data

from the water meter

transmitters and route the

data back to the city servers

via the city fibernet system.

The final stage will be to

connect the system online to

communicate with our utility

billing software.

HIGHLIGHTS ADVANCED METERING

INFRASTRUCTURE INSTALLATION

PHOTO: Palm Coast IT Director Chuck Burkhart and IT Technical Support Analyst Lead Mirna Crimi work in the server room at Palm Coast City Hall.

NEWS RELEASE – City of Palm Coast Contact: Cindi Lane, Communications & Marketing Manager 386-986-3708; cell 386-214-4729 March 15, 2019

Palm Coast selected as finalist in Smart Cities Readiness Challenge Palm Coast – The City of Palm Coast has been named a finalist in the 2019 North American Smart Cities Readiness Challenge, which helps cities and states advance their smart cities initiatives. Five winners to be selected from the 10 finalists will receive a year-long Readiness Program to help turn their smart cities visions into at-scale projects. The winners will be announced in April during Smart Cities Week San Diego. As a finalist, Palm Coast receives a scholarship to attend Smart Cities Week San Diego. Two staff leading the City’s smart city initiatives – IT Director Chuck Burkhart and Head of Innovation and Economic Growth Wynn Newingham – will also present at the conference. Finalists also receive access to the Smart Cities Council’s Smart Cities Activator, an online tool to help cities plan, manage, and finance their smart city projects. “Palm Coast is on a fast-track to becoming a smart city, and we’re incredibly pleased to be named as a finalist in the Smart Cities Readiness Challenge,” said Palm Coast Mayor Milissa Holland. “We need to be able to compete in a global market to be successful with our vision for the Innovation District, the expansion of our fiber optic network as an economic development driver, and the use of technology to improve our residents’ lives, and being selected for this opportunity will help us advance our priorities.”

Palm Coast is in good company on the list of finalists – Baltimore; Dallas; Edmonton; Jersey City, New Jersey; Montgomery, Alabama; Racine, Wisconsin; and regional efforts in San Diego County (Cleantech San Diego), Arizona/New Mexico/Texas and the Mexican state of Chihuahua; and North Florida. The North Florida Smart Region Coalition includes the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization, the cities of Jacksonville and St. Augustine, Jacksonville Transportation Authority and more than 100 public and private partners that are collaborating to advance new energy, safety, telecommunications, and health and human services initiatives.

The Smart Cities Council’s announcement on Friday described Palm Coast as “a comeback kid kind of city. In the mid-2000s, it was one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. when a recession put a heavy halt to the development of its promising downtown. Ten years later, its new approach and vision, driven by economic opportunities and smart cities principles, has

resulted in a new Innovation District that’s creating jobs and improving the quality of life for residents.”

The City’s application highlighted Palm Coast’s fresh vision for Town Center – the Innovation District, new economic incentives including the Kick Start program and the Opportunity Zone designation – and how Palm Coast is already using cutting edge technology. “Innovation districts can be a powerful urban strategy that takes the next step in generating ideas for technological advancement and economic growth,” Newingham said. “They allow for open environments where ideas can move freely and talented people can collaborate are key for creating the next big thing in urban and economic growth. Town Center and our Innovation District is in a unique position, as it’s truly being created from scratch in a place in an ideal location that already has great infrastructure, low-cost of living with high standards, absolutely stunning scenery less than five miles from the beach, and some key players from the private sector already in place to help tell our story.”

Digital city services added in recent years include advanced meter reading and online permitting, and a new Citizen Engagement Platform – giving residents an easy-to-use portal to access City services from their smart phones and tablets – will go live by summer. Streetlights have been converted to LED technology and high-tech solutions for security at City parks and facilities are being employed. The traffic signal optimization program is in its third phase of expansion. The City is currently expanding its fiber optic network for high-speed internet and data services. A new broadband business plan was finalized last fall, and now the City is seeking a public-private partnership to help expand the network so it’s more accessible to residents and businesses – and to help attract high-tech businesses to Palm Coast. For more information or to schedule an interview with IT Director Chuck Burkhart, contact Cindi Lane, Palm Coast communications & marketing manager, at 386-986-3708 or clane@palmcoastgov.com.

PHOTO attached and 2 others available. Captions below. You can download the other photos at: http://www.palmcoastgov.com/fileshare/sent/ceac7454-e02c-438f-9dbf-f10bcfa6afa1

NEWS RELEASE – City of Palm Coast Contact: Patrick Juliano, Fire Public Information Officer 386-986-2488; cell 386-290-9722 March 18, 2019

Palm Coast firefighters raise awareness about firefighter cancer

Palm Coast – Running into burning buildings is not the biggest killer of America’s firefighters – it’s the cancer they get from doing their job. Firefighters face a 9-percent higher rate of cancer diagnoses and 14-percent more in cancer-related deaths compared to the general population in the United States. That sobering statistic has a name and face in the Palm Coast Fire Department. In 2014, Lt. Richard Cline was diagnosed with Papillary Thyroid Cancer. He had his thyroid gland surgically removed, taking the cancer out and saving his life. Fast forward to earlier this month – on March 7 – when Lt. Cline proudly placed his boots on display at the Florida State Capitol to commemorate five years of being cancer free. He was one of many firefighters who journeyed to Tallahassee to participate in the event. In all, 500 pairs of firefighter boots lined the steps to raise awareness on firefighter occupational cancer, honoring those who died, those battling it, and those who survived. The commemoration was concurrent to start of the 2019 Florida Legislative Session where legislation has been proposed to provide workers compensation benefits to firefighters who are diagnosed with cancer. Florida is one of six states without such laws in place. “Cancer rates in our firefighters are absolutely alarming, and doing nothing is not an option,” Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said in an announcement. Across the country, there have been increased reports of occupational cancer in firefighters. Because of this, fire departments are working together to stop cancer before it starts. The Palm Coast Fire Department has implemented several new policies and procedures to limit firefighter cancer exposure – becoming a leader regionally in efforts to reduce cancer exposure risks. While at the State Capitol, Palm Coast firefighters were able to share their prevention practices with Patronis, Sen. Travis Hutson and Rep. Paul Renner. “Firefighters may not be able to avoid smoke, but they can limit exposure to carcinogens,” said Palm Coast Fire Chief Jerry Forte.

Palm Coast firefighters received Cancer Exposure Decontamination Kits from the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine last year. Each decontamination kit includes a 5-gallon bucket, detergent, a scrub brush, a hose and a spray bottle to help first responders wash soot from their gear. In addition, firefighters have adopted a Hood Exchange Program, which involves having backup sets of firefighter gear and embracing a clean-cab concept to keep contaminated firefighter gear and equipment away from firefighters and out of the cab of the fire engine. “We take the concept of cancer prevention serious,” Forte said. “Our next fire engine scheduled to be delivered this year will embrace the clean cab concept.” Lastly, firefighters undergo annual health screenings and full-body ultra-scans for early detection of diseases. “Our firefighters have invested their lives for our community,” said Palm Coast Mayor Milissa Holland. “It’s important for our community to invest in our firefighters by supporting their efforts in making health and wellness a priority.” For more information or to interview Lt. Cline, contact Patrick Juliano, Fire Public Information Officer, at pjuliano@palmcoastgov.com. PHOTO CAPTIONS: Group at Tallahassee steps: Palm Coast Fire Lt. Richard Cline, center, placed his firefighter boots on the steps of the State Capitol to raise awareness for firefighter cancer. His fellow firefighters attended to support him. Pictured front row from left are Firefighter Joseph Fajardo, Cline, Deputy Chief Bradd Clark, and back row from left are Firefighters Daniel Hackney and Patrick Juliano. Lt Cline with boots: Palm Coast Fire Lt. Richard Cline, a cancer survivor, places his boots on the steps of the State Capitol to raise awareness for firefighter occupational cancer. Cline was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2014. Group with Patronis: Florida Chief Financial Officer & State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis met with Palm Coast Lt. Richard Cline and other Palm Coast firefighters at the State Capitol. Pictured from left are: Firefighters Joseph Fajardo, Patrick Juliano and Daniel Hackney, Lt. Cline, Deputy Chief Bradd Clark and Patronis.

PHOTO: Palm Coast Public Works Director Nestor Abreu walks on the Forest Branch path built by Public Works. Abreu is retiring from the City after nearly 15 years of service.

NEWS RELEASE – City of Palm Coast Contact: Cindi Lane, Communications & Marketing Manager 386-986-3708; cell 386-214-4729 March 21, 2019

Palm Coast Public Works Director Nestor Abreu retiring from City March 30 Palm Coast -- Nestor Abreu was 14 years old in 1973 when he went to work part-time at a meat packing plant in Hialeah, a blue-collar suburb of Miami, in order to earn money for college. He’s been working ever since. Abreu earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Florida International University and was hired as a product design engineer by a world-wide medical diagnostic equipment manufacturer. In 1993, Abreu and his wife, Victoria, moved to Ocala, where he became an entrepreneur, starting a real estate investment and construction company. He earned residential and mechanical contractors licenses in addition to full certification as a building official, building inspector and plans examiner. He became a Chief Inspector and Plans Examiner for Marion County and gained expertise in managing the entire permitting process. After earning an MBA from Webster University in 2004, Abreu was hired to be the City of Palm Coast’s first Building Official and Director of Building and Code Administration by Palm Coast’s first City Manager, Richard Kelton. Subsequently, Abreu took post-graduate courses in human performance technology, a program designed to gain expertise as a workplace performance consultant to improve work processes, staff development, and technology. The knowledge gained from this program has been utilized since 2008, when the City reorganized its Community Development Department to add Planning/Zoning and Capital Projects. Since 2014, Abreu has used the same human performance principles to maximize efficiency and work output to the various Public Works Department processes. Abreu has announced his retirement as the City of Palm Coast’s Director of Public Works, effective March 30. “This is bittersweet,” Interim City Manager Beau Falgout said in announcing Abreu’s retirement this week. “He has truly been part of building this organization from the ground up. He’s very deserving of his retirement and we wish him the best.”

Abreu has helped Palm Coast weather many storms and crises, something he has experienced in his personal life. Abreu’s family fled Communist Cuba when he was just 7 years old. Some of his family members were arrested, sentenced and incarcerated as political prisoners for decades. While still a child in Cuba, he witnessed public executions of friends and neighbors. He was present when the Communist Party Militia showed up at the family ranch with weapons drawn to confiscate his family’s cattle ranch, citrus groves and sugar plantation, claiming it for the Communist State as part of Fidel Castro’s Agrarian Reform. “My family vehemently opposed the Communist revolution, the violation of human rights and the resulting decline of societal norms,” he said. “Living in revolutionary Cuba was terrifying, as was the exodus. Arriving in the United States was a frightening and confusing time, but a hopeful time nevertheless.” After a rigorous immigration and vetting process, Abreu, his parents, sister and an uncle were permitted to board a “Freedom Flight” organized by the U.S. government; they arrived in Miami, Florida in 1966. Classified as “political refugees,” the family settled in New Orleans. “I learned to be an American – the language, the food, the culture,” he said. “New Orleans was great; it was safe. As a child, I benefitted from Americans’ generosity of spirit and the United States as a beacon of hope and the place for a new beginning.” “As part of the classic immigrant experience, my parents worked several jobs to provide opportunities for my sister and me,” he added. “When I became 18 years old, with my heart full of pride for my adopted homeland, I joined the rest of my family as a naturalized American citizen.” Abreu has served on the City of Palm Coast’s Executive Team for 15 years. As he heads off to retirement, he and Victoria are looking forward to new adventures and discoveries. They plan to spend more time with each of their sisters, a niece and two grand-nieces. They will split their time between Miami, Denver, and Palm Coast.

PHOTO 1: Children enjoying their day on a field trip to a zip line adventure park. PHOTO 2: Children on the key log roller during one of the pool days.

NEWS RELEASE – City of Palm Coast Contact: Kimberly Norman, Public Relations Associate 386-986-3717 March 21, 2019 Palm Coast offers eight new summer camps, returning favorites to the summer 2019 lineup Palm Coast – Palm Coast Parks & Recreation is planning a summer of fun and recreation with the addition of eight new types of camps to appeal to children and teens alike in the Palm Coast and Flagler County area. Some of the new camps focus on special field trips, robotics, mountain biking, sports and art. Also back by popularity, are the Fun in the Sun Summer Camp and specialty camps like Firefighter Kids, Junior Lifeguard, golf, tennis and baseball. With so much variety, there is sure to be a camp for everyone. “We are consistently working to expand our program offerings to meet the growing needs of the community,” said Alex Boyer, Director of Parks & Recreation. “We are excited to offer even more camp options this year, including for toddlers and teens.” Registration is now open at www.parksandrec.fun/camps or at one of the following locations: -Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Parkway NE. -Palm Coast Aquatics Center, 339 Parkview Drive (when it opens on April 1). -Palm Coast Tennis Center, 1290 Belle Terre Parkway. Pre-registration is required for all camps. Registration will remain open until all camp spaces are filled. Here are details for the camps being offered this summer: New! Counselor in Training (CIT) Program – Learn to be a leader in our community. CITs assist with camp activities and act as role models for the younger campers. Lunch is available at no extra charge through the Flagler County School District summer lunch program. Applications are available at the Palm Coast Community Center or at www.palmcoastgov.com/camps. Deadline is Sunday, April 14. This is designed for grades 8-10 (grade just completed). It is offered Monday through Friday from June 3 to Aug. 9, from 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Palm Coast Community Center. The cost is $20/week (helps cover cost of t-shirt and other supplies).

New! Teen Adventure Camp – Campers will embark on eight exciting field trip adventures plus spend time at the Palm Coast Aquatics Center. They will go rock climbing and zip lining, visit a water park and trampoline park, and more. See the website for a full lineup of trips for each session, which are Monday through Friday, June 10-21 and July 15-26 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. This is for students grades 6-9 (grade just completed) and costs $275/session. A bagged lunch is available at no extra charge through the school district summer lunch program. New! Robotics Camp – Campers will spend their days learning how to code and compete amongst themselves to accomplish challenges with their robots. Plus, they’ll get to spend time in the pool and play some games. Lunch is provided at no extra charge through the school district. Camp runs Monday through Friday, June 24-28 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Palm Coast Aquatics Center. It’s for grades 6-8 (grade just completed) and costs $80/week. New! Mountain Biking Camp – Participants will learn basic off-road bike skills, explore and maintain trails, improve fitness and understand the importance of teamwork and goal setting. Trail location will vary throughout the week. Camp runs Monday through Friday, July 8-12 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at the Mala Compra & Graham Swamp, 5862 N Ocean Shore Blvd. This is for youth ages 11-18 and costs $50 for the entire week. New! All Sports Camp – Love sports? Then this is the camp for you. Campers will play football, soccer, kickball, dodgeball, ultimate Frisbee and swim in the pool, too. Lunch is provided at no charge through the school district. Camp runs Monday through Friday, July 8-12 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Palm Coast Aquatics Center. This is for grades 6-8 (grade just completed) and costs $80 for the entire week. New! Soccer Camp – Campers will increase their soccer skills while reinforcing the fundamentals. All skill levels are welcome. Camp will begin each day at Holland Park pavilion 3, 18 Florida Park Dr. It is held Monday through Friday, July 22-26 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. It is designed for ages 8-12 and costs $75 for the entire week. New! Art Camp – Love art? Campers will spend their days creating, drawing, sketching, painting and more. There will also be time for the pool and games. Lunch is provided at no extra charge through the school district. Camp runs Monday through Friday, July 29-Aug. 2 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Palm Coast Aquatics Center. This is for grades 6-8 (grade just completed) and costs $80 for the entire week. New! Munchkin Mini-Camp – This child-with-parent program will explore your munchkins’ summer interests through story time, art and crafts, and playing games both inside and outside. This mini-camp will end on the playground, so bring your own lunch to have a picnic with the group. There may be some water play, so please come prepared with a towel. Children will learn cooperation, listening, and sharing, as well as develop social, fine motor and gross motor skills. This is held at the Palm Coast Community Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 4-Aug. 1 from 10:30 a.m.-noon for ages 3-5. The cost is $15 for the entire summer or $1/day. Fun in the Sun Summer Camp – Fun-filled, themed activities such as arts and crafts, stories, recreational games, nature hikes, swimming and special guest presentations are planned for this camp for students in grades K-5 (grade just completed). Camp runs Monday through Friday from June 3-Aug. 9, from 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (late pick-up available, for an additional fee) at the Palm Coast Community Center. Campers are eligible for the free lunch program provided by the Flagler County School District. Field trips are scheduled weekly and are included in the cost of camp. Students can be registered for one or multiple weeks. The cost is $95/week.

Scholarships are available for this camp at www.palmcoastgov.com/camps. Deadline to register is April 15. Golf Summer Camp – Learn the game of golf during these weeklong, fun-filled days of short game, full swing, putting, golf etiquette, sportsmanship, and friendly competition at the Palm Harbor Golf Club, 20 Palm Harbor Drive. Open to all skill levels, ages 6-16. Camp dates are Monday through Thursday, with the following sessions: June 10-13; June 24-27; and July 8-11; 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Lunch, snacks and drinks included. $150/week. Deadline to register is one week in advance of the start of camp. More info: 386-986-GOLF (4653). Tennis Summer Camp – This camp uses team games and activities to introduce campers ages 6-13 to tennis and develop athletic skills while fostering a love for the sport. Camp will be at Belle Terre Park, 339 Parkview Drive, with four different sessions available: Monday through Friday, June 10-14; June 24-28; July 8-12; and July 22-26, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Campers should come with athletic clothes and shoes, swimsuit (for pool days), water bottle, sunscreen, lunch, snacks and drinks. Sibling discount is available in the same transaction. $175/week. Firefighter Kids Camp – Campers will meet at a fire station, use regulation fire equipment, and learn about firefighting techniques, the concept of CPR and first aid, home and fire safety and how to properly use a fire extinguisher during this week-long camp. The camp will be Monday through Friday, June 24-28, 8:30-11:30 a.m. at Palm Coast Fire Station 25, 1250 Belle Terre Pkwy. Camp is open to students in grades 3-5 (grade just completed). $60/week. Junior Lifeguard Camp – The Junior Lifeguard Camp offers step-by-step lifeguarding skill development. Swimmers ages 11-15 will learn water safety, lifeguard rescues, first aid and CPR/AED. There are two sessions on weekends, June 29-30 and July 20-21 from 8 a.m.-noon at the Palm Coast Aquatics Center. Class attendees will receive a CPR mask, Red Cross whistle and t-shirt. $70/session. More info: 386-986-4741. Daytona Tortugas Youth Baseball Clinic – The Daytona Tortugas will teach kids ages 7-13 skills to improve their ballgame in this half-day, co-ed baseball clinic at Indian Trails Sports Complex, 5455 Belle Terre Parkway. The clinic will be 8:30 a.m.-noon Tuesday, June 4. Grab your glove and bat and learn from the pros! Participants will receive a free ticket to a Daytona Tortugas game. $37. For more information, call Parks & Recreation at 386-986-2323.

NEWS RELEASE – City of Palm Coast Contact: Cindi Lane, Communications & Marketing Manager 386-986-3708; cell 386-214-4729 March 18, 2019

City of Palm Coast starts second large-scale drainage project – in the E Section Palm Coast – The City of Palm Coast on Monday started a second large-scale drainage improvement project – in the E Section – as part of its new stormwater drainage management plan. This project will focus on improvements to three ditches that run from: Belle Terre Parkway through the west end of Emerson Drive; Belle Terre through the west end of Eagle Harbor Trail; and Belle Terre through Eastwood Drive. Crews from Palm Coast Public Works will be removing silt and debris, improving access for future ditch maintenance, and cleaning/inspecting the culvert pipes along these ditches. This project will re-establish stormwater flow and improve drainage capacity for the surrounding neighborhoods. This is part of a wider scope of work that is currently being analyzed and planned for this particular drainage basin. Future work may include canal maintenance and culvert pipe replacement, depending on the findings during the first part of the project. Two crews will be working on the three ditches in the E Section in coming weeks. The project is expected to take at least two months to complete. Motorists and area residents are urged to watch for stormwater project crews and use caution when traveling in these project areas. The enhanced, comprehensive stormwater management plan to improve the drainage system city-wide launched recently, and projects will be ongoing for several years. The plan will address drainage issues resulting from an aging infrastructure and years of growth. A Master Plan is under development now. The new Master Plan for the system will take a big-picture look at the swales, ditches, canals, water control structures, pipes, and drainage basins and how they work together to protect homes and businesses from flooding. New solutions will focus more on the ditches and freshwater canals and will have a greater long-term impact on improving the drainage system across Palm Coast. City crews have already started an accelerated ditch maintenance program and worked on a large-scale project in the W Section. The Stormwater Division is also reassessing the City’s swale maintenance program. Following Hurricane Irma and heavy rainfall that year, the City’s list of needed swale projects has grown and gotten significantly backlogged. The City tracks pending projects to ensure they remain in the scheduling pipeline until they can be scheduled and completed.

On Monday, March 25, the City will provide information on the entire stormwater drainage management plan at a pair of public outreach meetings. The meetings will be at 2 and 6 p.m. at the Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Pkwy. NE. The public is invited to attend; advance reservations aren’t necessary. At the Stormwater Outreach Meetings on March 25, City staff will share details about the Master Plan now under way, explain the new approach being taken, and discuss immediate priorities for improving the drainage system. For more information, contact Cindi Lane, APR, Communications & Marketing Manager, at clane@palmcoastgov.com and 386-986-3708.

March 20, 2019

Smoke testing of sewer lines set for March 25-29 in the B Section

To improve sewer service to citizens, the City of Palm Coast will be smoke testing the sanitary sewer lines for the homes on all the B Section streets east of Belle Terre Parkway and between Bellaire Drive and Barrister Lane. This smoke testing will be done from Monday through Friday, March 25-29. This test, which involves forcing smoke into the sanitary sewer lines, will check for leaks, breaks and defects in the system.

The smoke is odorless, creates no fire hazard and will not enter your home or business unless you have defective plumbing or dried-up sink traps or floor drains. The smoke test should only affect your home for approximately 15 minutes. Homes affected by smoke testing will find a door tag hanging on the front door.

The smoke used for this test is manufactured strictly for this purpose, leaves no residuals or stains and has no effect on plants and animals. Direct contact with the smoke may cause minor respiratory irritation in some people.

If people in your building suffer from a heart condition, asthma, emphysema or some other respiratory condition and are planning to stay in the building during testing, notify the City of Palm Coast at 386-986-2371 to discuss your specific case.

Prior to testing, please pour two gallons of water in the seldom-used sinks or floor drains to prevent sewer gases, smoke or odors from entering the premises. If smoke does enter your home during testing, immediately remove yourself from the building, notify the crews that are conducting the test or call the City. Again, if smoke enters your home, it is an indication of a plumbing defect, so you should also notify a plumber. While we can assist in the location of any defects on private property, the correction of any defects are the responsibilities of the property owner.

Smoke that you will see coming from the vent stacks on houses is normal. However, smoke coming from holes in the ground IS NOT normal and is considered a defect. All such defects will be photographed and logged. The City will then contact the property owners if a defect is located on private property.

This smoke testing is part of the City's continuing effort to provide a safe, economical, efficient and environmentally sound sewer system throughout Palm Coast. The smoke testing procedure has been recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as an effective means of identifying problem areas in the sewer system. Eliminating system defects and illegal

connections will help our community remain in compliance with the new federal legislation regarding sewer systems maintenance and sanitary sewer overflows.

Thank you for your cooperation.

NEWS RELEASE – City of Palm Coast Contact: Cindi Lane, Communications & Marketing Manager Office: 386-986-3708; cell: 386-214-4729 March 22, 2019

One southbound lane in front of Belle Terre Elementary to be closed March 27 Palm Coast – The City of Palm Coast will be closing one lane of southbound Belle Terre Parkway in front of Belle Terre Elementary on Wednesday, March 27, as a contractor explores the cause of a pavement failure in that area. Signage will be posted, and one lane of southbound traffic will be maintained. But motorists should expect delays. The City of Palm Coast appreciates the patience and cooperation of residents and motorists during this important road improvement project. For more information, call Customer Service at 386-986-2360.

Did you know that the Flagler Humane Society has a wellness clinic that is open to the community? Your pets can be seen by the shelter veterinarian up to 3 times a week! They are increasing their hours due to the demand for appointments as they want to better serve the pet owner community. You can call their office at 445-1814 and request a wellness clinic appointment. The appointment fee is $29.99 and includes a consultation with the veterinarian. All vaccinations, testing, and procedures are done at a reduced price to allow pet owners to get their pets the medical help that they need. They are not a full service clinic so there are some services that they can’t help with but they will let you know if it is something that is beyond their capabilities (due to not having the right equipment, etc.). The clinic can help with skin issues, eye issues, sickness, and heartworm prevention. These are just a few of the things that they see. Don’t forget that FHS also offers a low cost vaccination clinic every Saturday from 1pm-3pm for those that just need to update their vaccines. Heartworm testing can no longer be done at the vaccine clinic if you are in need of heartworm preventions. This now requires a veterinary exam and the veterinarian is unable to do them during a vaccination clinic. Donation Opportunities: The Flagler Humane Society Thrift Store always accepts donations. They cannot take in any computers/printers or large appliances. Call for our new store location where we collect donations. “General Donations” can be dropped off anytime at your convenience. FHS appreciates all donations, especially those from our Wish List (available at flaglerhumanesociety.org/wish-list). You can also purchase items via the Amazon.com link on the FHS website and ship them directly to the shelter. Outreach Adoption Events: Don’t forget that FHS have volunteers and adoptable pets at Petco, PetSmart, PetSupermarket and Tractor Supply in Palm Coast. Stop by and see our adoptable pets! Want to be a volunteer? Attend an orientation! Orientations are held at noon in the Humane Society education room every second Saturday of the month. Applications can be found on the FHS website. Interested in fostering? Contact our adoption specialist at adopt@flaglerhumanesociety.org. Adoption Specials: Check out our Facebook for any upcoming specials. Upcoming Fundraisers/Events: See the FHS Website for information on any upcoming events. Offered Services: The Flagler Humane Society has a variety of Subsidized Spay & Neuter Programs for members of the community that need to have their pets or community pets sterilized. Please call FHS at 386-445-1814, email info@flaglerhumanesociety.org for questions. FHS has a Wellness Clinic for minor veterinary issues. Call 386-445-1814 for Appointments. Low Cost Vaccination Clinics are held every Saturday from 1pm-3pm. FHS also offers a “Furry Friend Food Pantry” for those that are in need of assistance. Please call for more information. To keep up with Flagler Humane Society happenings – visit us on the FHS Facebook/Instagram/Website at www.flaglerhumanesociety.org, or via email at info@flaglerhumanesociety.org.

Animals ready for homes

Adoption specialist: Katrina Geigley adopt@flaglerhumanesociety.org Outreach Manager: Katie Share kshare@flaglerhumanesociety.org

MIA

Mia is a 9 year old spayed female boxer/bulldog mix. She gets

along great with other dogs and loves people! She is very active

despite her age. You would never even know she was a golden

oldie! Come and meet her today!

Pet of the Week