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News Release Highlights Several Municipal Offices Returning to City Hall City Employees are Saluted for Their Service Veteran Public Works Manager is to join Melbourne Public Works Director Completes 3 Decades of Service Grant Funds Support Efforts to Reduce Traffic Crashes
Opportunities for Recreation Announced Melbourne City Hall Relocation is Completed Council to Act on CDBG Recovery Act Funds
Melbourne ‘Firefighter of the Year’ Honored ‘Vision Plan’ Seeks to Shape the Future of Melbourne Observance Salutes ‘911’ Emergency Communication Professionals Police Ask for Location Information with 9-1-1 Cell Phone Calls  DCA Notice of Intent - Comprehensive Plan Amendment 

Several Municipal Offices Returning to City Hall

City offices that were temporarily located to 830 N. Apollo Boulevard during construction of a new City Hall and a parking garage are to return to 900 Strawbridge Avenue during a move that is to begin on Friday, Nov. 20, and be completed on Monday, Nov. 23.  Some disruption of services will result.

The offices that are to return to the City Hall building are the Engineering Department; the Code Compliance Division, which includes building inspection and fire prevention services; the Personnel Division; and the Risk Management Division.

The relocation will require that the offices involved in the move be closed at noon on Friday at the Apollo Boulevard location and remain closed until noon on Monday at City Hall. The operating hours of City Hall offices not directly involved in the move will not be affected.  However, activities required for the relocation could inconvenience some visitors.   

The City Hall building was completed earlier this year.  Work is underway on the four-story parking structure, with a completion expected in late November.  The parking garage, located between Strawbridge Avenue and Palmetto Avenue, is to serve the historic Melbourne downtown area along with accommodating City employees and visitors.

A parking management plan is being developed and is to include some charges for use of the garage. The revenue is to be used to help pay for operations and maintenance. Parking is to be free until the management plan is implemented, expected early in 2010.

City Employees are Saluted for Their Service

Six employees are to be honored with the City Manager’s ‘Service Is Our Business’ Award, an annual salute to those who make a special effort to serve the public and improve municipal operations. Each was nominated by fellow employees and then selected by City department directors.  They are to receive the awards during a ceremony in December.

City Manager Jack Schluckebier said the honored employees exemplify the City’s ‘Service is Our Business’ slogan. “The award indicates that each of these individuals makes an extra effort to serve the public, and they also support their co-workers in maintaining a high level of municipal services for the Melbourne community.”

The responsibilities of the individuals receiving the awards reflect the diverse work assignments in the municipal organization.

Mike Brink has served the City for 18 years, beginning work as an electrician and advancing through several utilities assignments on his way to becoming the water and sewer operations superintendent.  He has held that management post since promotion from the assistant superintendent's position in 2007.  Brink now oversees operations that include maintenance and repairs to critical public works infrastructure.  "He goes out of his way to help all of the customers and fellow employees who come to him with a problem," his nominator writes.  "Mike is an understanding and caring person who puts 110% into everything he does." 

Linda Drake has completed 10 years of City service, beginning as an accountant and earning two promotions to become the financial reporting administrator.  Her job includes ongoing analysis of the accounting system as well as long-term projects.  With duties that include preparing financial documentation for FEMA reimbursements, Drake is cited as a resource person "for co-workers who need assistance with learning the City accounting practices and the history of the finance operations for all facets of government accounting."  She is an honors graduate of Florida International University.

Chris Mavis, a senior recreation supervisor who joined the City in 2006, is credited with successfully encouraging people of all ages to enjoy tennis.  "Chris has shown outstanding service to the City in running the tennis facilities at Fee Avenue and at Jimmy Moore Park," a nominator says.  Mavis was commended for overseeing improvements in operations and facilities, for his rapport with players, and for his efforts in organizing clinics, leagues, and tournaments.  Mavis earned a degree in recreation and park management from Penn State University.

Jim Nickelson was nominated by three fellow employees who commended his quiet, steady work pattern in maintenance of City facilities.  One nominator points out that "Jim's excellent customer service, attention to detail, and his willingness to go above and beyond what is asked of him makes him the perfect candidate for this honor."  Nickelson, who is a carpenter in the Facilities Maintenance Division, has completed extensive training as a locksmith with expertise in electronic systems.  He has earned two promotions since joining the City in 1999.

John Prescott was cited by two co-workers for the key role he plays in operations of the City's Information Technology Division.  They pointed to accomplishments ranging from coordination of major computer system projects to his ongoing encouragement of a team effort among employees.  "He gives everything a high level of his attention whatever the assigned task, be it a minor or major project, or something that pops up out of nowhere," one nominator said.  Prescott joined the City in 2004.  He was commended for determining how cost savings could be achieved as he handled such projects as movement of a data center to the new City Hall building and implementation of a new telephone system.

Sean Riordan, a police sergeant who joined the Melbourne Police Department in 1987, heads a traffic enforcement unit credited with reducing accidents by 20% during a period of 18 months.  Riordan is cited for his leadership in targeting traffic enforcement activities to locations where the most crashes had been recorded.  "This reduction in accidents has saved the citizens of our City thousands of dollars in property damage and untold pain and suffering," his nominator writes.  The sergeant was also saluted for providing information about traffic law to the public and for assisting internally as a representative of the police union.

NOTE TO EDITORS: High-resolution photos of the award recipients are available on request.

Veteran Public Works Manager is to join Melbourne

The selection of Ralph Reigelsperger to serve as Melbourne's public works and utilities director has been announced.  Reigelsperger is currently the public works director for Hamilton, Ohio, where he has also served as the city engineer.  He is to replace Bob Klaproth, who is to retire at the end of October after nearly 30 years of service to the City.

City Manager Jack Schluckebier said Reigelsperger has been responsible during his career for public works and utility operations similar to those he will oversee for Melbourne.  "Mr. Reigelsperger has excellent credentials and a wealth of experience in public utilities, including successes in addressing the type of challenges that often come with the job." 

Reigelsperger is expected to begin service in Melbourne in November.  "I am excited about this opportunity to continue the groundwork set by Mr. Klaproth to provide the best services with our resources to the citizens," Reigelsperger said of his new job. 

Reigelsperger earned his civil engineering degree from the University of Dayton, where he also studied computer science.  Beginning in 1988, he served in engineering positions with the City of Hamilton, Ohio, and Montgomery County, Ohio, before working as a manager for an engineering firm in that state.  He returned to government service in 1997 as public works director for the City of Trotwood, Ohio.  He was hired by the City of Hamilton as city engineer in 2000 and became public works director less than a year later.  At Hamilton, he is responsible for a $32-million public works operation with 92 employees.

As public works and utilities director for Melbourne he will be responsible for seven divisions and 230 employees.  Melbourne operations that range from water production and water reclamation to streets, stormwater management, facilities, and fleet management.  Utility systems are funded by a $45-millon water and sewer fund, while non-utility operations are funded from general government accounts.

Student Parker Jacques received a citizenship award from the City of Melbourne, FL.

 

CITIZENSHIP AWARD: Melbourne student Parker Jacques was presented with a Citizenship Award by the City of Melbourne, FL, in recognition of his decisive action in reporting a fire at a residence after he spotted the blaze while on a school bus. He quickly notified his mother by telephone, and she called for the Melbourne Fire Department after confirming a fire at the back of a nearby home. The fire was contained with minimal damage. Firefighters credited Parker with preventing severe damage to the home.

Presenting the award to Parker on behalf of the Melbourne City Council is Council Member Mark LaRusso, pictured at right. Pictured at left are Melbourne Fire Chief Paul Forsberg and Fire Lt. Tom Urban. The award was presented at a Melbourne City Council meeting.


Public Works Director Completes 3 Decades of Service

Bob Klaproth, who for more than two decades has been responsible for ensuring that Melbourne area residents have critical public works services, leaves the job for retirement at the end of October.  The search for a manager to take over that role is now underway, with five finalist candidates being interviewed this week.

Klaproth began service to the City of Melbourne nearly 30 years ago, working as a construction supervisor and then as a water and sewer project coordinator before being promoted into leadership of the municipality’s second largest department.   As public works and utilities director he now manages seven divisions and 230 employees.

Through the years Klaproth has overseen facility expansions and improvements to services that amounted to a metamorphosis as Melbourne emerged as the urban center for South Brevard County and the regional water supplier.  The infrastructure advances range from new water treatment plants to modernized water reclamation facilities, upgrades to 500 miles of water distribution pipes, development of an effective stormwater drainage system, and improvements such as citywide street lighting.

The employee force that Klaproth leads, although still required to brave the Florida heat and humidity and sometimes defy hurricane conditions to clear storm drains or repair streets, must now also embrace technology.  “It has been quite a change.  Our employees now need to be computer literate and use the advanced technologies,” Klaproth explained.
“I have enjoyed my job thoroughly.  It has just been a great career,” Klaproth said.  “Sometimes people don’t realize it, but they are affected by what we do in public works every day.”

The search for a person to take over leadership of public works operations drew nearly 100 applicants.  Five finalist candidates are being interviewed by a committee that will make recommendations to City Manager Jack Schluckebier.  The city manager is expected to select a replacement for Klaproth within the next two weeks.

The candidates being interviewed are:

-- Pam Keyes, who has worked as a project manager for CH2M Hill since 2008.  Prior to that she served as deputy director of public works at Sarasota and as a director and city engineer for Culver City, CA.  She earned her engineering degree from the University of Alaska.  She holds an advanced degree in environmental quality engineering from that school and in public administration from California State University.

-- Robert Kosoy, who is currently a northwest Florida area manager for HDR Engineering, Inc., a company he joined in 2004.  He was public works director at Atlantic Beach, FL, for 14 years and holds an engineering degree from the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

-- Bruce McNabb, public works director for Polk County, FL, since 2005.  He was previously a public works manager in Virginia and holds advanced degrees in civil engineering and public administration.

-- Harold Nantz,  who has served as Melbourne’s assistant public works and utilities director since 2004.  Before joining the City staff in 1993 as a utilities engineer he was an environmental engineer for a private company.  His engineering degree was earned at North Carolina State University

-- Ralph Reigelsperger, who has served since 2000 as city engineer and public works manager for the City of Hamilton, Ohio.  He previously served in the same capacity for another city and also has additional experience in both the public and private sectors.  He earned a civil engineering degree from the University of Dayton.  

Grant Funds Support Efforts to Reduce Traffic Crashes

An ongoing program that has been successful in reducing the number of vehicle accidents on Melbourne streets is entering a new phase with the assistance of a $24,423 grant from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

Sgt. Sean Riordan explained that Operation "Slow Down," as the new phase is called, is to focus on slowing drivers at five intersections where speed has proven to be a cause of crashes.  Melbourne police officers will be checking the speed of vehicles with laser devices purchased with the state grant money.

"Over the past few years we have been working hard at creating a safe driving environment for our motoring community," said Riordan, who heads a 10-member Selective Traffic Enforcement Unit (STEU).  “We work closely with FDOT and with city and county traffic engineering departments to improve safety.  The grant funding makes the newest laser technology available to improve our efforts to reduce crashes.”

Riordan said work by the patrol and traffic divisions of the police department are credited with reducing the number of auto accidents by an average of 12% in each of the last two years.  Citywide, 3,028 traffic accidents were recorded in 2008, down from 3,443 in 2007 and 3,570 in 2006.

The new operation seeks to reduce crashes at the five high-risk intersections by at least 5%.  Motorists may notice an increase in the number of citations being issued. 

The targeted intersections are Babcock Street and New Haven Avenue, U.S. 1 and Eau Gallie Boulevard, Post Road and Wickham Road, Eau Gallie Boulevard and Wickham Road, and Sarno Road and Wickham Road.  “These are the locations where we will conduct heavy speed enforcement in an effort to identify drivers who are committing traffic violations,” Riordan said. 

Opportunities for Recreation Announced in New Publication

Recreational opportunities ranging from classes in karate and belly dancing to indoor rummage sales and holiday events are announced in the newest edition of “Leisure Pursuits,” a free publication available at City of Melbourne facilities and online at www.melbourneflorida.org/leisure.

Recreation Administrator Wendi Reilly said registration for a variety of fall classes for people of varied interests and ages is to begin on Monday, August 17, at the class sites.

Reilly said that “Leisure Pursuits’ offers a guide to recreation programs available in coming months.  “Along with listing classes that are held at the various recreation centers, the publication also serves as a comprehensive resource for people interested other recreation opportunities including aquatic programs, tennis, golf, and additional athletic programs offered by the City,” Reilly said.

The publication also offers rental information for those interested in utilizing City buildings, pavilions, and pools for special events.

Melbourne City Hall Relocation is Completed

The relocation of Melbourne’s City Hall was completed and the new building was opened to the public as of noon on May 18.  Offices now located in the municipal building at 900 E. Strawbridge Avenue are to move to an adjacent, five-story structure just completed by Certified General Contractors, Inc., a Melbourne company.  The old municipal building, a two-story structure opened in 1964, is to be razed to make way for a parking garage.

Because parking spaces will be limited during construction of the parking garage, several City offices are to remain at a temporary location at 830 N. Apollo Boulevard until the garage is completed later this year.  Those offices include Code Compliance, Engineering, Personnel, and Risk Management.


Council to Act on CDBG Recovery Act Funds
NOTICE  Of  Availability  And  Public  Hearing  On  The  Community  Development  Block  Grant  Recovery  (CDBG-R)  Substantial  Amendment  To  Annual  Action  Plan  For  Fiscal  Year  2008-2009 (Proposed Amendment)
 

Melbourne ‘Firefighter of the Year’ is Honored

The Melbourne Fire Department honored a ‘Firefighter of the Year’ at a recent ceremony that continued a tradition of saluting one or more firefighters for their performance on the job and volunteer service in the community.  This year the recipient is Lt. Shane Leech, cited for his positive influences in the department, his mentoring of others in the fire service, and his assistance in training Melbourne’s firefighters.  He has been with the department for 10 years and has served as a lieutenant since May of 2008.

The annual honor, along with quarterly awards that lead up to the annual selection, are part of an effort to recognize those who excel as the traditional tasks of firefighters continue to evolve.

Assistant Fire Chief Joe Sunday points to training levels in the department as an indication of the amount and complexity of work needed in preparation for emergency responses. Melbourne’s 127 firefighters usually spend more than 1,300 hours in training each month.  About 900 hours of training focuses on techniques and strategies for fire responses.  Another 400 hours is devoted to the extensive medical training required of first responders.  Additional, specialized training prepares firefighters for unusual situations such as hazardous chemical spills and marine and aircraft emergencies.

“These extensive training activities, along with the ongoing maintenance of stations and equipment, are critical to our readiness,” Sunday said.  “The training is one reason that fire department vehicles are frequently out in the community even when there is no emergency,” Sunday said.  “Even though the work that the fire department does is critical to the community, much of what is required on a day to day basis goes on behind the scenes.”

Sunday noted that onlookers are sometimes concerned about the number of fire and rescue vehicles that respond to an emergency incident.  “There is always a reason, even if it is not obvious to onlookers,” Sunday explained.  “We have to arrive on the scene with the resources that may be needed to mitigate loss of life and property.”  At a structure fire, for instance, that means that four vehicles will be dispatched.  In planning responses, the department follows standard operating guidelines, countywide medical protocols, and recommendations from the National Fire Protection Agency and the Division of State Fire Marshall.

Sunday explained that responses to medical incidents involve both the Melbourne Fire Department and Brevard County.  “Typically, a Melbourne rescue squad with two paramedics or emergency medical technicians will be dispatched as the advanced life support first response.  The Melbourne firefighters stabilize the patient and prepare the person for transportation to the nearest hospital.” An ambulance that will be used for transport is sent to the scene by Brevard County Fire Rescue.

Between calls, firefighters participate in other activities away from stations.  Sunday explained that the work can include building pre-planning, hydrant inspections, and area familiarization.  “Being familiar with the buildings and street locations not only provides for a quicker response, but also makes the firefighters knowledgeable of potential hazards at an emergency scene.”  As they work a twenty-four hour shifts, firefighters also stop to purchase their daily provisions while performing other tasks.

‘Vision Plan’ Seeks to Shape the Future of Melbourne

The opinions and preferences of current residents of the City of Melbourne are reflected in ‘Vision Plan 2020,’ a document that seeks to provide a blueprint for growth of the municipality.  The plan, which has been reviewed and approved by the City Council, is available at the City’s web site (www.melbourneflorida.org).

The 65-page plan reflects public comment gathered during a series of workshop meetings in which topics ranged from transportation and jobs to the environment, the visual appearance of Melbourne’s buildings, and opportunities for recreation and night life.  The plan was drafted by Land Design Innovations and City planners.

“The adoption of a vision plan is strongly recommended by the state Department of Community Affairs, and is intended to be a planning tool that examines both current and future conditions,” said Cindy Dittmer, Planning and Economic Development Director. 

Dittmer explained that an approved vision plan would provide direction as the Melbourne’s state-mandated comprehensive plan is updated. “The vision plan will form a basis for amending the comprehensive plan to assist in making it a more effective long-range planning tool,” Dittmer said.  Melbourne is preparing to complete a major update of the comprehensive plan, which the state requires every seven years.

The vision plan that is to be considered by Melbourne’s City Council outlines efforts to foster both business and residential activities in the two traditional downtown areas and along the commercial area of Babcock Street.  Mixed-use activities would be encouraged along roadways that serve as main corridors.  Extensive efforts would be made to improve transportation opportunities, including accommodations for pedestrians, bicyclists, and mass transit.

The vision plan also proposes an ‘urban service boundary’ to indicate areas where Melbourne already provides municipal services or will in the future, a step that could expedite planning activities by allowing local approvals of ‘Future Land Use Map’ amendments to Melbourne’s comprehensive plan that now need state or regional review.

Police Ask for Location Information with 9-1-1 Cell Phone Calls

The use of cell phones to replace traditional telephones at homes and businesses may cause location information to be inaccurate or incomplete when emergency 9-1-1 calls are made.  The Melbourne Police Department is recommending that all callers using cell phones recognize that they must report a location to ensure that a response will target the right address. 

Commander Jim Gibbens explained that location information that is electronically reported to emergency call centers may not be completely accurate.  “Even when the person using a cell phone is inside a structure, the mapping system that is used for 9-1-1 calls may be off by one or two houses.”  The Melbourne Police Department has experienced calls that indicated an apartment complex but not the unit from which the call was made. 

“Many citizens who buy or receive cell phones as gifts may believe that their phone will always reveal their exact location if 9-1-1 is called.  We would like people to be aware that the phones may not really do that,” Gibbens said. 

Police make these recommendations to help citizens utilize 9-1-1 emergency call services: 

-- If you use a cellular phone and you can only provide one piece of information, it should always be the location of the incident. 

-- If a residence has a phone but service is not connected, it still should allow you to dial 9-1-1 as long as there was phone service in the residence at some time. 

-- Cellular phones that do not have service still may have the capability of dialing 9-1-1.  Many people give their old cellular phones to children to play with and don’t realize that they still have the capability to make emergency calls. 

-- If you dial 9-1-1 by accident, do not hang up.  Stay on the line with the call-taker so they can verify your information and confirm that it was a misdial.  If you hang up, the call-taker will need to call back to verify information or send an officer out to make sure there is no emergency.

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