************************************************************

Take the time to come out and enjoy Downtown this weeken or just take a stroll on the Beach!

Community Sustainability Highlights 

The Planning, Zoning and Preservation Division is diligently moving forward on the draft amendments to the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map in order to achieve consistency with the proposed Land Development Regulations (LDR’s).  The Comprehensive Plan Amendment schedule is as follows:

• May 22, 2012: City Commission Workshop
• June 6, 2012: Public Hearing before the PZB
• June 13, 2012: Public Hearing before the HRPB
• June 19, 2012: Public Hearing before the City Commission
• July, 2012: State Review of draft amendments
• July 17, 2012: Public Hearing and Second Reading before the City Commission

The Economic Development Division, in conjunction with the Finance Department, is working on developing a compelling case to receive a grant from the US Department of Commerce, Economic Development Agency.  If successful, grant funding would enable the construction of infrastructure for Phase 1 in the Lake Worth Park of Commerce.

The Code Compliance Division has been working closely with two volunteer groups, Neighbors Helping Neighbors and Genesis Neighborhood Association.  These two grassroots organizations offer residents with low and moderate income help bringing their property into compliance and are highly effective.  We are very fortunate to have their involvement.

The City Commission will hold the second reading and public hearing of the Florida Building Code 2010 edition including administrative amendments for the City of Lake Worth on May 1, 2012.

Planners are available to the public daily during the Planner-on-Call sessions, which are scheduled mornings from 9:00AM – 10:30AM; and afternoons from 3:00PM – 4:30PM.

 See full departmental report

Library Happenings

This week brings yet another full calendar of  amazing upcoming events at the Library.  Highlighted is a selection for your viewing pleasure:

• “Kids Music Circle” with Noam Brown (registration req)
• Friends of the Library Book Sale on April 28th
• Read Together Palm Beach County book selected

 Click here for details & registration info  

Conservation Management

On Saturday April 21st, the Conservation Management Division participated in Earth Day, at the Cultural Plaza.  Besides a bit of rain and wind, Conservation had a good turnout of people interested in signing up for energy audits.  Anyone who signed up for an energy/water audit automatically was entered into a free drawing to win a power cost monitor. More details inside report

The Conservation Management Division provides energy audits to all customers upon request. In addition to this personal service, staff members make themselves available to customers with high bill complaints, those who need assistance managing water and electric usage patterns, and to large commercial accounts to provide key account services. See Utilities Report Tables

Golf Specials

Highlights this week . . .

                 Mother’s Day Brunch  Golf & Lunch Specials

Bring her out for Mother’s Day Brunch, it is sure to be a treat for Mom and the whole family! See Flyer

We are also starting a Birthday Club, when you stop in – don’t forget to sign-up.

With Summer fast approaching, the Golf Course is stirring up some great deals and delicious lunch specials. Our Course is now offering special deals weekly. Take a look at the Flyer and take advantage of the savings. Don’t forget to print your coupon and take it with you!      See Coupon & Flyer

JOIN US AT LAGOON BAR & GRILL NEXT WEEK FOR THESE DELICIOUS LUNCH SPECIALS . . .

Monday - Buy 10 wings get 10 wings FREE $7.99 until 4pm

Tuesday - Southwest chicken sandwich, grilled chicken topped with American cheese, bacon and BBQ sauce served with baked beans $9.50

Wednesday - Garden Salad topped with a generous scoop of our homemade chicken salad $8.50

Thursday -BLT served on white, wheat or rye bread with your choice of side $7.50

Friday- 10 % off entire check for all Lake Worth City employees until 4pm

Look forward to seeing you here!

Highlighted this week:

Lake Worth’s Pride 8th Grade Travel Team Wins the 1st Tournament of the 2012 Season. Go Team!

• Register now for the 9 week Summer Sports Camp – June 18 to August 17.
• LakeWorth Warrior Football and Cheer 2012 Registration now open.

“DON’T FORGET TO CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK!

Highlighted This Week

Lifeguards reviewed medical training this week.

See Training Photo

From April 18^th to the 24^th lifeguards saw 9,200 beach patrons. This week were mostly calm seas and lots of good swimming. There were three minor medicals this week.

The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance recently announced the availability of funding under the Fiscal Year 2012 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. The City of Lake Worth is eligible to apply for $33,937 in funding offered through the Fiscal Year 2012 Local JAG Program for eligible activities that include the following:

• Law enforcement programs;
• Prosecution and court programs;
• Prevention and education programs;
• Corrections and community corrections programs;
• Drug treatment and enforcement programs;
• Planning, evaluation and technology improvement programs; and
• Crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation).

City staff will be conducting a public meeting to gather public input from the community about the best use of these JAG funds. This meeting will be held on April 24, 2012, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Shuffleboard Courts Community Center.

It is further anticipated that the activity proposed for this application will be presented to the City Commission at its Regular Meeting of May 1, 2012, for its consideration and approval. A public review period of the application will be provided by the City through May 31, 2012. The application will be made available for public review and comment at the Office of Management and Budget, Third Floor, City Hall, 7 N. Dixie Highway, Lake Worth, FL 33460 during regular business hours through this period.

At a Special Meeting on April 12, 2012, the City Commission approved comprehensive improvements to the Shuffleboard Courts Community Center site as the activity to be submitted to Palm Beach County Department of Economic Sustainability for the FiscalYear 2012-2013 allocation of $194,859 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Specifically, these CDBG funds will be used forrestoration of fourteen shuffleboard courts, demolition of the other fourteen shuffleboard courts, installation of lighting and security devices, installation of decorative perimeter fencing, provision of shaded areas for activities, and intensive landscaping of the site. All improvements will be in compliance with ADA standards.

City staff will be requesting authorization from the City Commission at its Regular Meeting of May 1, 2012, to re-allocate $62,000 in Fiscal Year 2009-2010 CDBG funds for the installation of playground equipment at Sunset Ridge Park. The existing playground equipment is beyond its useful life and presents a safety hazard in its current condition. Sunset Ridge Park is currently undergoing comprehensive improvements with an allocation of $170,000 in Fiscal Year 2008-2009 CDBG funds, and a large void would be left in the Park if the playground equipment is not replaced.

This allocation of $62,000 in 2009-2010 CDBG funds is currently proposed to be used for improvements to the Shuffleboard Courts Community Center site. Since the Fiscal Year 2012-2013 CDBG allocation of $194,859 will be used for comprehensive improvements to the site, the Fiscal Year 2009-2010 CDBG allocation will not be needed for this purpose.

The Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners approved the Agreement between the County and the City to make $255,000 in Florida Inland Navigation District funds available for improvements to the Bryant Park Boat Ramp and Public Launch Facility. This facility is currently undergoing comprehensive improvements that include replacement of the boat and construction of floating docks and a kayak/canoe launch. This project is scheduled for completion by October 4, 2012.

See full OMB Grants Update Report

          ************************************************************

Tonight, the Second Annual Peeps Show presented by Clay Glass Metal Stone features dioramas made from Easter Peeps. Last year over 2000 visitors viewed scenes of Sergeant Peepers Lonely Hearts Club Band, Cannibal Peeps roasting Peep marshmallows over open fires, and Picket Line Peeps. This year Peep Haute Couture will be the rage. Peeps Show begins at 6PM at 605 Lake Avenue in downtown Lake Worth.

Downtown Lake Worth will be celebrating Earth Day on this Saturday, April 21st, from 10AM to 10PM in the Downtown Cultural Plaza, located between Lake and Lucerne. All funds raised will be donated to Kiwanis. See press release for more

Also, on April 21st Veteran’s Services of America will present the Welcome Home Heroes Tribute to all our returming service men and women, as well as our heroes of all wars. The Tribute will be held at the Meyer Ampitheatre in West Palm Beach. Flyer attached

Community Sustainability Highlights 

• The City Commission decided not to move forward with the Zoning in Progress for the Revised Land Development Regulations.
• The Planning and Zoning Board and Historic Resources Preservation Board met on Wednesday to begin the discussion of the anticipated changes needed for the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map in order to have the Plan and the Revised Land Development Regulations be in harmony.  The next meeting will be May 2, 2012 followed by a City Commission workshop on May 22, 2012.
• The City Commission approved an ordinance provided clearly defined duties and responsibilities for each the Planning and Zoning Board and the Historic Resources Preservation Board.  The ordinance affected the qualifications and membership of both boards.  In addition, any development and/or site plan issues in the City now will be heard by only one board.  This change should streamline the approval process for all property owners.
• The Economic Development Division is putting together an Enterprise Zone study hopefully leading to the establishment of the City being an official Enterprise Zone.  The process requires support from the Florida Legislature in the form of an approved bill.  Hopefully, the Enterprise Zone can be established by mid 2013 and will afford a vast area of incentives and financial credits for economic development, job creation, and business expansion.
• The Code Compliance Division is organizing 64 cases to be heard by the Special Magistrate on April 26, 2012.  The firstChronic Nuisance Abatement cases will be heard the following month in May.  At this time there are as many as 40 cases that are being managed as chronic nuisances.
• The City Commission approved on First Reading adoption of the Florida Building Code 2010 edition including administrative amendments for the City of Lake Worth.  Second reading and a public hearing are scheduled for May 1, 2012.

Planners are available to the public daily during the Planner-on-Call sessions, which are scheduled mornings from 9:00AM – 10:30AM; and afternoons from 3:00PM – 4:30PM.

See full departmental report       See Workload Tables

Library Happenings

This week brings yet another full calendar of  amazing upcoming events at the Library.  Highlighted is a selection for your viewing pleasure:

• 3rd Saturday Book Club “Winter Garden”
• “Kids Music Circle” with Noam Brown (registration req)
• Friends of the Library Book Sale on April 28th
• Read Together Palm Beach County book selected

 Click here for details & registration info  

Derelict Vessels at Bryant Park . . . Still in Progress

Public Services Department is pleased to announce that we have made contact with the owners of the sailboat tied to our seawall and the derelict cabin cruiser that have become an eyesore for residents at the south east end of Bryant Park in our Intracoastal Waterways. Owners have been made aware of their rights and responsibilities on the removal of these two vessels by both the PBSO and the Public Services Department.

Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit (PBSO) has also taken the initiatives on this situation and are in the process of enforcing the following:

• Tagging the boat as a derelict vessel
• Enforcing any statutes prohibiting occupancy
• Investigating any other boats being used to board the derelict vessel
• Meeting with Fish Wildlife and Conservation (FWC) to see if the boat can be removed. (This is a lengthy and complex process)

As of April 12, 2012 the PBSO department has reported the Cabin Cruiser was still in ICW east of Bryant Park.  The PBSO Marine Unit and the FWC boarded the vessel, and FWC will enter the vessel as derelict into their database and notify the last owner of record.  Once this is completed the vessel can be tagged as derelict.

Residents are asked to be patient and know that every effort is being made to remove unsightly vessels; nonetheless, Florida State and PBC statutes regarding the removal of derelict vessels need to be followed. Pictures of derelict vessels attached

Golf Specials

Highlights this week . . .

                 Mother’s Day Brunch  Golf & Lunch Specials

Bring her out for Mother’s Day Brunch, it is sure to be a treat for Mom and the whole family! See Flyer

With Summer fast approaching, the Golf Course is stirring up some great deals and delicious lunch specials. Our Course is now offering special deals weekly. Take a look at the Flyer and take advantage of the savings. Don’t forget to print your coupon and take it with you!      Click here for savings

JOIN US AT LAGOON BAR & GRILL NEXT WEEK FOR THESE DELICIOUS LUNCH SPECIALS . . .

Monday - DOUBLE Bacon cheeseburger w/ cole Slaw/Chips.. $9.50

Tuesday - Corned Beef Sandwich on Rye w/ cole Slaw/Chips.. $8.99

Wednesday - BLT w/ Chips ..$6.50

Thursday - Individual Pizza..$6.50

Friday - Lake Worth Employee Day 10 % off entire check ’til 4 pm

Look forward to seeing you here!

Highlighted this week:

If you missed it last week . . . there is coverage of the Easter Celebration inside!

Register now for the 9 week Summer Sports Camp – June 18 to August 17.

LakeWorth Warrior Football and Cheer 2012 Registration now open.

“DON’T FORGET TO CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK”

see color flyer for more details

Highlighted This Week

Lifeguard training: doing pier jumps to reach rescue victims faster in the rough surf.

See Training Photo

From April 11^th to the 17^th lifeguards saw 11,800 beach patrons. High winds causing rough seas and strong rip currents and southeast winds pushing in some man-o-war. There was one rescue, four minor medicals, one EMS/911 call. The beach was closed for one hour due to lighting this week.

The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance recently announced the availability of funding under the Fiscal Year 2012 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)Program. The City of Lake Worth is eligible to apply for $33,937 in funding offered through the Fiscal Year 2012 Local JAG Program for eligible activities that include the following:

• Law enforcement programs;
• Prosecution and court programs;
• Prevention and education programs;
• Corrections and community corrections programs;
• Drug treatment and enforcement programs;
• Planning, evaluation and technology improvement programs; and
• Crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation).

City staff will be conducting a public meeting to gather public input from the community about the best use of these JAG funds. This meeting will be held on April 24, 2012, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Shuffleboard Courts Community Center.

It is further anticipated that the activity proposed for this application will be presented to the City Commission at its Regular Meeting of May 1, 2012, for its consideration and approval. A public review period of the application will be provided by the City through May 31, 2012. The application will be made available for public review and comment at the Office of Management and Budget, Third Floor, City Hall, 7 N. Dixie Highway, Lake Worth, FL 33460 during regular business hours through this period.

At a Special Meeting on April 12, 2012, the City Commission approved comprehensive improvements to the Shuffleboard Courts Community Center site as the activity to be submitted to Palm Beach County Department of Economic Sustainability for the Fiscal Year 2012-2013 allocation of $194,859 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Specifically, these CDBG funds will be used forrestoration of fourteen shuffleboard courts, demolition of the other fourteen shuffleboard courts, installation of lighting and security devices, installation of decorative perimeter fencing, provision of shaded areas for activities, and intensive landscaping of the site. All improvements will be in compliance with ADA standards.

The Palm Beach County Board of County

Commissioners approved the Agreement between the County and the City to make $255,000 in Florida Inland Navigation District funds available for improvements to the Bryant Park Boat Ramp and Public Launch Facility. This facility is currently undergoing comprehensive improvements that include replacement of the boat and construction of floating docks and a kayak/canoe launch. This project is scheduled for completion by October 4, 2012. 

See full OMB Grants Update Report 

City staff will be requesting authorization from the City Commission at its Regular Meeting of May 1, 2012, to re-allocate $62,000 in Fiscal Year 2009-2010 CDBG funds for the installation of playground equipment at Sunset Ridge Park. The existing playground equipment is beyond its useful life and presents a safety hazard in its current condition. Sunset Ridge Park is currently undergoing comprehensive improvements with an allocation of $170,000 in Fiscal Year 2008-2009 CDBG funds, and a large void would be left in the Park if the playground equipment is not replaced.

This allocation of $62,000 in 2009-2010 CDBG funds is currently proposed to be used for improvements to the Shuffleboard Courts Community Center site. Since the Fiscal Year 2012-2013 CDBG allocation of $194,859 will be used for comprehensive improvements to the site, the Fiscal Year 2009-2010 CDBG allocation will not be needed for this purpose.

Join us in a warm welcome to our new City Manager, Michael Bornstein. His first day here is this coming Monday, April 16th.

My thanks to the Commission, staff and Citizens for the help during this transition period and I’m looking forward to returning to the Finance Office, so welcome Mr. Bornstein!!

This week the Florida Green Energy Works is partnering with the local Branches of The Chamber of Commerce to offer a variety of free workshops to property and business owners. The workshop covers Funding for Energy-Saving Projects  and Green Certification.

See flyer for more information

Don’t forget the Green Market and the Library book sale on this Saturday, as well as the Second Saturday Sidewalk Sale from 10AM to 4PM. Vendors set up booths up and down Lake Avenue. The town bustles with activity as street performers sing, street dancers dance and hula hoopers hoop. So come on out.

On April 20th, the Second Annual Peeps Show presented by Clay Glass Metal Stone features dioramas made from Easter Peeps. Last year over 2000 visitors viewed scenes of Sergeant Peepers Lonely Hearts Club Band, Cannibal Peeps roasting Peep marshmallows over open fires, and Picket Line Peeps. This year Peep Haute Couture will be the rage. Peeps Show begins at 6PM at 605 Lake Avenue in downtown Lake Worth.

Downtown Lake Worth will be celebrating Earth Day on Saturday, April 21st, from 10AM to 10PM in the Downtown Cultural Plaza, located between Lake and Lucerne. All funds raised will be donated to Kiwanis. See press release for more

Also, on April 21st Veteran’s Services of America will present the Welcome Home Heroes Tribute to all our returming service men and women, as well as our heroes of all wars. The Tribute will be held at the Meyer Ampitheatre in West Palm Beach. Flyer attached

On April 28th, the Tree Board Giveaway takes place in the Downtown Lake Worth Cultural Plaza. During the last hurricane Lake Worth lost 80% of its tree canopy. The tree board has been giving out free trees ever since to replant and restore the beauty of the area. The Tree Giveaway takes place from 8AM to Noon.

The Bryant Park boat ramp reconstruction began this past Monday, April 9th and will be closed for four to five months. During construction, the nearest boat ramps in close proximity to Lake Worth are Lantana, the Boynton Beach Inlet to the south, and Currie Park in West Palm Beach.  

See aerial view or architectural plan

As always there are a lot of things to do in Lake Worth, I hope to see you out and about this weekend enjoying our great little City.

Steve

Community Sustainability Updates  

The Historic Resources Preservation Board met on Wednesday and approved four (4) certificates of appropriateness applications as well as made significant changes to the approval matrix affording Staff the ability to turn a variety of applications more quickly.  Items under Staff review currently are:  fences, decks, awnings, some signage, and roofing material changes.

The City’s long awaiting Zoning in Progress for the revised Land Development Regulations was approved on first reading with the second reading and a public hearing scheduled for April 17, 2012.

The City Commission also voted to approve first reading a series of modifications to the qualifications and memberships of both the Planning & Zoning Board and the Historic Resources Preservation Board.  The second reading and public hearing will be held on April 17, 2012.

Planners are available to the public daily during the Planner-on-Call sessions, which are scheduled mornings from 9:00AM – 10:30AM; and afternoons from 3:00PM – 4:30PM.

See full departmental report       See Workload Tables

Library Happenings

This week brings yet another full calendar of  amazing upcoming events at the Library.  Highlighted is a selection for your viewing pleasure:

• Library Book Sale with “Tampa Taiko” on April 14th
• 3rd Saturday Book Club “Winter Garden”
• “Kids Music Circle” with Noam Brown (registration req)
• National Library Week, Aril 8th – 14th
• Friends of the Library Book Sale on April 28th
• Read Together Palm Beach County book selected

 Click here for details & registration info  

Derelict Vessels at Bryant Park Update

Public Services Department is pleased to announce that we have made contact with the owners of the sailboat tied to our seawall and the derelict cabin cruiser that have become an eyesore for residents at the south east end of Bryant Park in our Intracoastal Waterways. Owners have been made aware of their rights and responsibilities on the removal of these two vessels by both the PBSO and the Public Services Department.

Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit (PBSO) has also taken the initiatives on this situation and are in the process of enforcing the following:

• Tagging the boat as a derelict vessel
• Enforcing any statutes prohibiting occupancy
• Investigating any other boats being used to board the derelict vessel
• Meeting with Fish Wildlife and Conservation (FWC) to see if the boat can be removed. (This is a lengthy and complex process)

As of April 12, 2012 the PBSO department has reported the Cabin Cruiser was still in ICW east of Bryant Park.  The PBSO Marine Unit and the FWC boarded the vessel, and FWC will enter the vessel as derelict into their database and notify the last owner of record.  Once this is completed the vessel can be tagged as derelict.

Residents are asked to be patient and know that every effort is being made to remove unsightly vessels; nonetheless, Florida State and PBC statutes regarding the removal of derelict vessels need to be followed.

Golf Specials

Highlights this week . . .

 City Employee’s League & Mother’s Day Brunch  

Bring her out for Mother’s Day Brunch, it is sure to be a treat for Mom and the whole family! See Flyer

With Summer fast approaching, the Golf Course is stirring up some great deals and delicious lunch specials. Our Course is now offering special prices for a City Employee League and other Summer Membership Club packages. Take a look at the Flyer and take advantage of the Club savings.

 Click here for savings

Highlighted this week:

The 4th Annual Community Easter Celebration was a great success! More citizens showed than we expected, and all had a fun-filled adventure. A special thanks goes out to Commissioner Amoroso for pitching in to keep us up-to-speed with the crowd. Thank you so much!

• Register now for the 9 week Summer Sports Camp – June 18 to August 17.
• LakeWorth Warrior Football and Cheer 2012 Registration now open.

“DON’T FORGET TO CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK”

see color flyer for more details

Highlights This Week

• Easter weekend, surfers enjoyed the rough surf.

See Beach Photo here

• Phase One of the Beach Redevelopment is underway. The top of the dunes parking lot, locker room facility grounds and water main east of the Pavillion are currently being newed. You can see the updates in the photos attached.

See Project pics

From April 4th to 10th, 2012, lifeguards saw 16,000 beach patrons.

High winds causing rough seas, strong rip currents and southeast winds pushed in some man-o-war. There was one rescue, seven minor medicals, one EMS/911call, and two missing/lost children this week.

Conservation Management       

The Conservation Management Division provides energy audits to all customers upon request. In addition to this personal service, staff members make themselves available to customers with high bill complaints, those who need assistance managing water and electric usage patterns, and to large commercial accounts to provide key account services. The weekly workload measures are reported in the table linked below. 

System Operations

Hypoluxo Substation Switch and Breaker change out was completed on Wednesday morning 04/04/12 by internal work crews. Click the link below to see the report and pictures.

The Peak Load on the system occurred on Tuesday 04/03/12 @ 16:48 with 71.3 MWs.

Hurricane Season starts June 1, 2012 and runs through November 30, 2012. The first seasonal predictions have been published and are in the report attached.

Workload Statistics 

Workload Statistics are prepared for your review  by each Utilities Division on a weekly basis.

 Click here for weekly report   see all Utilities data    

Dear Susan,

The City of Lake Worth will begin construction on the Lake Worth Beach Redevelopment Project this coming Monday March 12, 2012.  Phase I of the project will require the closure of the Upper Parking Lot with only limited parking available along the beach roadway and lower parking lot.  Phase I is expected to conclude by the end of May and visitors to the beach are reminded to take particular care during this period.  Directional and informational signs have been erected and we apologize for the inconvenience but urge beach patrons to continue to patronize both the beach, the pier and Bennys during the beach rehabilitation - click here for press release and more details.

On Saturday March 3, 2012 over 100 volunteers along with the Public Services Ground Maintenance department and the Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society planted over 425 native plants at the new Snook Islands Public Access Area located on the north side of the Lake Worth Bridge.

This Upland Hammock restoration was coordinated by City of Lake Worth’s residents Gael Silverblatt and David Neimi.

On behalf of the City of Lake Worth I would also like to send a special thanks to Jane Thompson of the Indian Trails Native Nursery for her plant donations and also to Buck Thorton of JDT Nurseries who donated seven pallets of mulch and transported the plants and mulch to the Arthur R. Marshall Foundation for this project.   Please see article below with before and after photos.

We are hoping the volunteer event will develop further into a Stewardship Group to care and maintain the Snook Islands Natural Area.  What a wonderful addition to Lake Worth.

Steve    

See full Department Update

Community Sustainability Highlights

The revised Use and Occupancy Program is proving its worth in the dramatic increase in the number of businesses obtaining the appropriate City Business Tax Receipt registrations as well as hundreds of properties being inspected.  The program is still evolving but it already is showing its value on the ground and in the operations of businesses throughout the City as more and more properties and businesses come into compliance with the City’s Codes.

Mitchell Wilson, Senior Code Compliance Officer, will attend at the Lake Osborne Heights meeting on March 13, 2012 to update the neighborhood on the progress of the Chronic Nuisance Abatement Program and other activities of the Code Compliance Division.

At last night’s Planning & Zoning Board meeting, a unanimous recommendation for approval was provided toward putting in place the Zoning in Progress Ordinance for the City’s Revised Land Development Regulations.  The next hearing will be March 14, 2012 before the Historic Resources Preservation Board followed by hearings in front of the City Commission beginning April 3, 2012.  The Board also approved a residential variance and a proximity waiver for 1212 Lake Avenue, Venus Café.  The proximity waiver will be presented to the City Commission on April 3, 2012.

Staff continues to organize and attend meetings with the Florida East Coast Railway, Flagler Development, Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, the South Florida Regional Transit Authority and the Florida Department of Transportation in order to facilitate and encourage passenger transit services along the FEC railway corridor.

 See full departmental report

- Check us out on FaceBook

A new recreation flyer has been prepared highlighting

•  Leisure Services on FACEBOOK
• The 4th Annual Community Easter Celebration in collaboration with “For the Children Inc”  Come help the Easter Bunny find the Golden Egg and take a picture with him too.
• Youth Soccer is almost full – don’t forget to register
• LakeWorth Warrior Football and Cheer 2012 Registration now open  

see color flyer for more details

- Beach Update; Lifeguard Medical Training and Shark Sighting

From February 29th to March 6, 2012 lifeguards saw 15,300 beach patrons. Rough surf and strong rip currents this week due to the cold fronts. Highlight this week, lifeguards review medical training.  (see photo)  There was one minor medical and the beach was closed for two hours do to shark sightings this week.

This week at the Library  

Library staff have prepared detailed flyers this week announcing the wonderful programs being offered by the City.  Highlighted this week are:

• A calendar of events and programs available at the Library(see calendar)
• Computer classes – sign up on the web or call the library at 533-7354
• Small business Seminar: Only the Social will Survive(see details)
• Third Saturday Book Club march 17th
• Author Event: Readings from Driving Woodie
• 2011 Tax Forms available
• Kids Music Circle Noam Brown
• Celebrate National Library Week April 8-14

see detailed explanation of programs and more information on the Small Business Seminar press release

Conservation Management       

Customers can take advantage of this year’s Fix a Leak Week, March 12 – 18, 2012.  Fix a Leak Week is sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) WaterSense® program as part of the We’re for Water campaign. The week will be an opportunity to improve the water efficiency of homes and propertiesnationwide by finding and fixing leaks.

Here’s how to identify leaks around your home or in the property you manage:

• Read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter changes at all, you probably have a leak.
• Winter months are the prime time to check water use and see if you may have a leak. If a family of four exceeds 12,000 gallons per month in the winter, you probably have leaks!
• Drop leak detector tablets into your toilet tank and wait a few minutes to detect whether you’re toilet is leaking.
• Look for dripping faucets, shower heads, and fixture connections. Don’t forget to check irrigation systems and spigots too.

Here’s how you can address leaks found at home or in the property you manage:

• Twist and tighten pipe connections. To save more water without a noticeable difference in flow, twist on a WaterSense® labeled faucet aerator or shower head.
• If you’re toilet is leaking from inside the tank, replace the toilet flapper or replace it with a Watersense® labeled toilet.
• WaterSense® labeled models are independently certified to use 20 percent less water and perform as well as or better than standard models

For participation and information pertaining to water conservation, step-by-step easy to fix household leaks, and much, much, more. Residents can log on to www.conservationwarehouse.com /fixaleak.html

The Conservation Management Division provides energy audits to all customers upon request. In addition to this personal service, staff members make themselves available to customers with high bill complaints, those who need assistance managing water and electric usage patterns, and to large commercial accounts to provide key account services. The weekly workload measures are reported in the table linked below.

System Operations

The peak load on the system was 65.1 MWs on Tuesday 02/28/12 @ 18:56

Testing began on the new 138kV 7W12 Mid Breaker at Hypoluxo Sub Station. It is anticipated that the new breaker will be placed in service by the end of the day Friday, 03/09/12.

Workload Statistics 

Workload Statistics are prepared for your review  by each Utilities Division on a weekly basis.   see all Utilities data