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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.
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City Employees are Saluted for Their
Service |
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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. |
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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." |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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. |
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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.
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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.
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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. |
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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. |
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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)
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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. |
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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. |
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‘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. |
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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:
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If you use a cellular phone and you can only provide one piece of
information, it should always be the location of the incident.
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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.
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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.
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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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