ARKS t Inside! On The Move - Cape Coral, Florida

20 Pages·2013·2.66 MB·English

SUMMER 2013
Check Out Our
CITY PARKS
Insert Inside!
On The Move
A QUARTERL y UpdATE FRoM y oUR CIT y HALL
Council Takes First Step toward Economic Sustainability for Cape Coral
Council adopts public service tax at reduced rate, exempts first 500 kWh
C
ity Council took the first step toward ensuring that The need for additional revenues and General Fund
Cape Coral is economically sustainable now and diversification became an immediate priority after City
well into the future. On April 29, Council estab- Manager John Szerlag was advised by his budget staff that
lished a public service tax, which will help diversify the Cape Coral would be unsustainable in two years if past
revenue sources used to fund the City’s general operations. budgeting practices continued. Cape Coral had been
The tax will be applied to the consumption of electricity developing budgets to meet a shrinking revenue line by
and goes into effect on October 1. ignoring capital, which could no longer continue. Tak-
Initially proposed as a 10 percent tax on consumption, ing a professional city manager’s evaluation of the City’s
City Council reduced the rate to 7 percent and exempted financial condition, Szerlag determined that an additional
the first 500 kWh, the franchise fee and gross receipts tax. $20 million was needed to properly fund the capital needs.
The 500 kWh exemption applies only to residential cus- This would require either new revenue sources or mas-
tomers per Florida state statute. The additional monthly With approval of the PST, deteriorating resi- sive cuts in services (lay off 749 employees). A 10 percent
cost for the average LCEC electric customer (1,200 kWh dential streets like this one in the north Cape public service tax was one of two new revenue sources
will be resurfaced.
per month) will be $5.41 per month or $64.92 a year. presented for Council consideration.
Cape Coral was one of only two Florida cities with a population over 50,000 Florida law provides municipalities only a limited number of options for
that did not have a public service tax. In fact, 83 percent of Florida cities have a revenue sources. The public service tax is one of these options. A public service
public service tax to diversify their General Fund revenues. Some of these cities tax can help stabilize the General Fund and insulate municipalities from the
established the tax as far back as the mid-1940s and 1950s. continued on page 4 
H I G H L I G H T S
R 2013 Hurricane Season Begins
PRSRT Standard US Postage PAID FT. MYERS, FL Permit No. 521 OSTAL CUSTOMEECRWSS T he 2013 hurricane June 1 nnn 2CC0oit1uiz3ne cHni luS Qrururicvaaelniyfye Ri nSeegsua Wsltoesn . e . . k . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
P season is June 1 through n
Path to Economic Sustainability . . . . . . . . . . 5
November 30. History
n
Tim Hayes is New Fire Chief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
teaches that a lack of hurricane
n
awareness and preparation are “Feed the Cape” Food Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
common threads among all n
Southwest 6 & 7 UEP Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
major hurricane disasters. By
n
Cape Coral’s Flooding Threat . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
knowing your vulnerability and
n
what actions you should take, Parks & Recreation Month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
you can reduce the effects of a n Summer Hours at Sun Splash . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
hurricane disaster.
n
Lisa Sonego is New HR Director . . . . . . . . . 17
The summer issue of On The Move is our annual hurricane information
n
issue. This issue has several articles and information about preparation. We Cape Coral Bike-Ped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
receive valuable points from FEMA for providing this information to all of our n Lee County Days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
residents every year. This contributes to our Flood Insurance Rating, which n
Red/White/Boom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
provides discounts on flood insurance to our residents. Please take time to
n
read through these articles and be prepared for our storm season. n FOP Provides $74 Million in Pension Savings . . . 20
2 SUMMER 2013 www.CApECoRAL.nET
City of Cape Coral Council Members
DISTRICT 1 DISTRICT 2 DISTRICT 3 DISTRICT 4
Kenneth “Marty” McClain John Carioscia Lenny Nesta Chris Chulakes-Leetz
239-574-0437 239-574-0437 239-574-0437 239-574-0437
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
DISTRICT 5 DISTRICT 6 DISTRICT 7
Rana Erbrick Kevin McGrail Derrick Donnell, Ed.D
239-574-0437 239-574-0437 239-574-0437
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
City of Cape Coral Administration
City Manager City Clerk Financial Services Information Technology Services Public Works
John Szerlag Rebecca van Deutekom Victoria Bateman, Director John MacLean, Director Steve Neff, Director
Fire Services
City Attorney Community Development Parks and Recreation Utilities Department
Bill Van Helden, Chief
Dolores Menendez Paul Dickson, Team Leader Steve Pohlman, Director Jeff Pearson, Director
Human Resources
City Auditor Economic Development Lisa Sonego, Director Police Department Editor/Public Information
Margaret Krym Dana Brunett, Director Jay Murphy, Chief Connie Barron, Director
On The Move is a quarterly newsletter produced by the City of Cape Coral for the citizens of the city.
The publication is mailed as a courtesy to every household and business in the city. Comments or questions can be directed to the
City Manager’s Office, P.O. Box 150027, Cape Coral, FL 33915-0027 or by email to [email protected].
www.CApECoRAL.nET SUMMER 2013 3
Mayor’s Message
W
elcome to the summer issue of On The those who gave their lives for Operation Iraqi Free- Charitable contri-
Move. We just celebrated Memorial Day dom. The WW II monument in Washington, DC butions can be made
– a time when America pays tribute to was unveiled in 2004, nearly 60 years after the end through The Cape
the men and women who have served our coun- of the war. I do not think we should wait that long Coral Community
try and fought for the freedoms we enjoy. Gath- to honor our Iraq veterans and those who made the Foundation, which
erings were held at war memorials, flags were ultimate sacrifice. has agreed to col-
flown at half-staff, and families and friends placed For some time now, I have been working with lect and oversee all
flowers and flags at the graves of loved ones who interested groups on a plan to build a monument donations, charitable
gave their lives in defense of freedom. They also in Cape Coral to honor the Iraq Veterans. We gifts and bequests on
honored those who survived the battles of war but instituted a plan that allowed the veterans to select behalf of The Iraq Veterans Monument Fund. If
no longer are with us today. the monument design from a conceptual design you want to help make this monument a reality,
Popular memorials are located in Washington contest that was held in the school system in Cape please make checks payable to:
DC to honor those who served. There are memo- Coral. Veterans selected from the entries and chose Cape Coral Community Foundation
rials for our military participants in the Civil War, a design for the monument, which would be built in (Ref: The Iraq Monument)
WW I, WW II, Korean War and Vietnam War. Eco Park. The student who designed the monument 4729 Vincennes Boulevard
Even here in Cape Coral, we can claim one of the will receive a check for $500, and the concept will be Cape Coral FL 33904
most recognizable of all the war monuments – a made public at a ceremony in Eco Park, which will Email: [email protected]
replica of the Iwo Jima statue. be the kick off for the fundraising effort to make the Phone: [phone]; Fax [phone]
There is one war that lacks a monument to building of the monument possible. www.capecoralcf.org. n
those who served – the Iraq War. It has been 10 I would like to thank Lee County School Super-
years since the war began in Iraq. We have lost intendent Joseph Burke for allowing access to the
more than 4,000 lives in this war, and I believe it schools, and I also want to thank all the students,
is important to build a monument now to honor teachers and parents who participated.
City Manager’s Message
W
elcome to our summer issue of On The Move. to reforms to save the City about $73 million over the next our present. It is no
In the last issue of the newsletter, I wrote about 25 years. And we are currently negotiating with the Gen- longer possible to “cut”
the need for our residents to determine what eral unions and Fire unions to achieve pension reforms. our way out of the
kind of Cape Coral they want for their families. From Implementation of “best practices” for pension reform financial predicament
a professional city manager’s perspective, the desired and service delivery brought the cost down to about $150 that was several years
city would be one that is economically sustainable and per year. To raise funds requires two new revenue sources. in the making.
provides high-quality services. But the opposite path The first revenue source is a public service tax on electric Taking the path to
also is an option. use. There is an article in the newsletter explaining this new economic sustainability
After several meetings with our citizens, the decision tax adopted by City Council. The second revenue source will ensure that our
was made to move forward with a plan to make Cape is a fire services assessment. This assessment will fund fire citizens and families will live in one of the best and most
Coral a vibrant, sustainable city – one where people operations separate from the General Fund. This assess- affordable cities in Florida. In fact, even with the ad-
aspire to live. Your City Council now is taking the nec- ment should be presented to City Council in June. The final ditional $150 per year, the cost for City services in Cape
essary steps to ensure that Cape Coral has strong public revenue piece involves reducing the property tax rate, which Coral still is lower than comparable Florida cities from
safety departments, good infrastructure, high quality of will ensure the average cost remains around $150. the Burton model.
life venues, increased property values, great city image, Choosing to establish new fees and raise revenues is If you have questions about our path to economic sus-
economic development expansion and an organiza- not a popular choice. No city manager wants to tell the tainability, please visit our website at www.capecoral.net
tional culture of professionalism. community or City Council that without an influx of new and visit our dedicated web page. There is a great deal
To accomplish these goals, an independent con- money, their city will not be sustainable and major service of information available. If you have more questions,
sultant (Burton & Associates) determined that the cuts are imminent. A softer message would be “we are please email Public Information Director Connie Barron
City needs about $250 more per year from the average just fine” and can find more “savings” here and there, trim at [email protected]. We encourage questions and
homeowner (taxable home value of $100,000). We more costs. Unfortunately, cutting costs, ignoring capital, look forward to continuing our discussion with
thought that was too much, and we looked at “best reducing employees and payroll have been the budget bal- our citizens as we move forward with
practices” to find ways to reduce this amount. City em- ancing practice the past several years. These past budget this very important effort.
ployees stepped up with pension reforms. Police agreed decisions mortgaged our future, and that future is now Thank you for your time. n
4 SUMMER 2013 www.CApECoRAL.nET
Sustainability
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . from page 1
unpredictability of the real estate market and public service tax will be identified as a tax assessed by the City
fluctuating property values. Relying on property of Cape Coral. Cape Coral customers should note that LCEC
taxes to fund our City budget has become even has not raised their electric rates. LCEC rates have not changed
more challenging these past few years. Property in five years, and LCEC does not foresee a rate increase in 2013.
values (and property tax revenues) have tumbled, The City has set up an online calculator so residents can calcu-
voters gave themselves an additional $25,000 late their monthly public service tax. Go to www.capecoral.net
homestead exemption, and the Legislature tin- and enter your kWh usage on PST Calculator.
kered with municipal taxing authority by placing The second new revenue source is a fire services assessment.
additional restrictions on ad valorem taxes. A study is being completed by Burton & Associates and will
LCEC will collect the tax from customers who be presented to Council for discussion in June. Council also
purchase electricity in Cape Coral and transfer the intends to reduce the millage rate to keep the annual financial
funds to the City of Cape Coral within an agreed impact to the average homeowner ($100,000 taxable value) to
upon timeframe. On the monthly LCEC bill, the about $150. n
2013 Atlantic Hurricane Season Set to Begin
T
he 2013 Hurricane Season begins June 1, and Floridians should begin mak- If you are requested to evacuate, you need to know what evacuation route to take
ing annual preparations for the Atlantic hurricane season, which continues out of Cape Coral. Evacuation signs are posted on the major roads leading out of
to November 30. Cape Coral. Review a map of the area now while the weather is still calm. Learn the
In Cape Coral, hurricane planners continue to work toward educating the public safe routes inland, north, south or east of our area. You will be directed based on
on evacuation zones due to the latest storm surge maps issued just two years ago.  the category of the impending storm and the direction the storm is traveling. You
These updated maps note a significant expansion of Category A, B and C zones.  may be asked to evacuate north toward Tampa, east toward Orlando or south to the
Know your zone! Miami area, depending on the direction and intensity of the storm.
Based on the storm surge maps and actual data specific to each storm, you may be A disaster preparedness kit is essential. There are a number of
required to evacuate sooner than in the past.  If you live south of Cape Coral Park- items necessary to have on hand to help weather
way you may be asked to evacuate when Sanibel, Pine Island and Fort Myers Beach a storm. A list is available on the Red Cross
evacuates.  This is one example of how the County and City will be using a phased web site, www.redcross.org, the FEMA web site,
evacuation approach to respond to the threat from storm surge.  Each storm is dif- www.fema.gov, and the State of Florida web site,
ferent, and it is critical to listen to local media and public officials when they make www.floridadisaster.org.
evacuation requests. Detailed hurricane information for this area
Hurricane experts typically issue an early hurricane season prediction, with fine- is available on the Lee County web site, www.
tuning to follow as the season more closely approaches. Early predictions from Dr. lee-county.com. If you do not have access to
William Gray (Colorado State University) indicate an above-average season, with the Internet, an “All Hazards” booklet with
18 named storms, nine being hurricanes and four categorized as major or intense, extensive hurricane preparation information is
which means a Category 3 or higher. available from the Fire Department/EOC
What does above-average mean to you? It means the same as every administrative offices at 1115 SE
year: Have your plan updated and in place, be ready to enact it should a 9th Avenue and from City Hall
storm approach, and then enjoy your summer. on Cultural Park Boulevard. It
The names for the 2013 hurricanes are: Andrea, Barry, Chantal, is also available at the Cape Coral Public Library, and
Dorian, Erin, Fernand, Gabrielle, Humberto, Ingrid, Jerry, Karen, the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce. This publication is free. In
Lorenzo, Melissa, Nestor, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, addition, Lee County is producing this All Hazards guide in Spanish
Van and Wendy. to assist our diversified population in preparing for storms.
With tropical storm systems, we can experience extremely high When considering a disaster plan, please remember to plan for any
winds, massive amounts of rain and the possibility of tornadoes. One pets, and have food, water and a pet carrier on hand for them. Pets are
of the most deadly aspects of a hurricane is storm surge or a massive not allowed in general population shelters, although limited availability
wall of water making landfall. A good portion of Cape Coral is sus- with certain restrictions will now be made at the Lee County Civic
ceptible to storm surge, and this could result in the loss of property Center. Please contact Lee County Emergency Management at 533-
or life if one chooses to stay through a storm. 0622 for additional details.
Many people believe that Southwest Florida is not susceptible If you or a member of your family needs medical assistance, i.e.,
to storm surge; however, Cape Coral could experience substantial oxygen or other medical problems that require monitoring, or if you
storm surge if a storm hits our area. Residents need to continue need assistance in getting to a shelter, please make arrangements to
to be very aware of storm surge predictions and plan accordingly. register for a spot in the Special Needs Shelter in advance by calling
Remember: Hide from wind and run from water! continued on page 13 
www.CApECoRAL.nET SUMMER 2013 5
2013 Citizen Survey Results Show Positive Trends for Cape Coral
T
he 2013 Citizen Survey is complete, and When asked specifically about cutting programs, more
there is much to like about this year’s survey than 60 percent “strongly opposed” or “somewhat opposed”
results. Many areas continued trending in cuts to Police Services, Fire Services and Road Maintenance,
a positive direction and scored their highest ratings while more than 50 percent had the same opposition for
since 2005. Other areas showed significant improve- “Economic Development” and “Parks Programs.”
ments just from the prior survey conducted in 2011. The ratings for “overall quality of life” and “Cape Coral
A key area for increased ratings was in “public as a place to live” were the highest since 2005. The survey
trust.” Almost half of respondents rated the value of showed 81 percent of respondents were “somewhat” or
services for the taxes they pay as “excellent” or “good” compared to 35 percent “very likely” to recommend living in Cape Coral to others. Other areas scoring
in 2011. The survey showed 47 percent gave “excellent” or “good” ratings to the their highest ratings since we began using the Citizen Survey were “overall
overall direction of the city compared to 32 percent in 2011. “City image,” one appearance of Cape Coral,” “shopping opportunities,””cleanliness of Cape Coral,”
of City Council’s strategic priorities, had “excellent” or “good” ratings from 59 and “sense of community.”
percent of the respondents compared to 48 percent in 2011. This year’s rating Even with these improvements in ratings, many categories still fall below other
was the highest since the “City image” category was added to the survey in 2007. cities in our benchmark analysis. However, Cape Coral was hit harder than most
As City Council and City staff work toward economic sustainability, the municipalities by the collapse of the real estate and financial markets. These
responses to “custom” questions gauging public support for increased revenues factors, along with a continued spate of negative publicity, drove citizens’ opinions
were extremely important. Citizens “strongly supported” or “somewhat of Cape Coral to very low levels from 2007 - 2011. To see ratings trending
supported” an increase in fees/taxes for the following services: Road Maintenance upward – some significantly – should be viewed as positive for the City.
(71 percent), Fire Services (68 percent), Economic Development (66 percent), The 2013 Citizen Survey results as well as a separate benchmark report is
Recreational Facilities (64 percent), Recreational Programs (63 percent) and posted on the City’s website – www.capecoral.net – under the “Publications”
Police Services (59 percent). These ratings were significantly higher than in 2011. and “Reports.” n
Stormwater Demonstration Project Qualifying Week for City
in CRA to Start this Summer Council Election Begins July 1
A T
stormwater demonstration project is set to begin this sum- he City of Cape Coral will have four Council seats on the ballot in this
mer in the South Cape. Phase I of the $1.2 million project will year’s election. The Mayor’s seat along with Council districts 1, 4 and
provide drainage improvements along Lafayette Street between 6 will be up for election. Three incumbents (Mayor Sullivan, Council-
Vincennes Street and Cape Coral Street. The improved drainage system member Leetz, Councilmember McGrail) have announced their intentions to
should help redevelopment efforts and revive interest in the Cape’s down- seek a second term (the maximum allowed by City Charter), while District 1
town area. Councilmember Marty McClain will not be seeking re-election.
Cape Coral and South Florida Water Management District stormwater The official qualifying begins Monday, July 1 at 7:30 a.m. and ends Friday, July
rules require property developers to construct onsite surface water man- 5 at 1 p.m. (excluding July 4th). Qualifying is completed in the City Clerk’s Office
agement systems. This rule restricts the size of any planned improvement in City Hall (1015 Cultural Park Boulevard). A candidate for City Council must
and adds significant costs to develop the small lots typically found within qualify for the district in which he/she resides. Qualifying documents must be
the CRA. This has proven to be an impediment to reinvestment within the filed at the City Clerk’s Office. Note: To qualify by mail, arrangements must be
area. Installing a better drainage system could remove this impediment on made with the City Clerk to ensure that a candidate has all necessary documents
properties throughout the CRA. and the documents are returned prior to the end of the qualifying period.
The purpose of the demonstration project is to show property owners in Municipal elections in Cape Coral are nonpartisan. To become a candidate,
the CRA the advantages to the system. If the advantages are attractive to a person must have been a continuous full-time resident of the city for the
property owners, the system can be installed at other locations throughout entire calendar year immediately preceding his/her qualification for office. (City
the CRA and paid for by the property owners. This creates a stormwater Charter Section 4.02 Eligibility)
system that is self-sustaining while promoting growth and redevelopment. A candidate may announce his/her candidacy at any time; however, before
The stormwater demonstration project is being funded from the Storm- accepting any contribution or making any expenditure, the Appointment of
water Fund. The City is developing a Stormwater User Fee, which will be a Campaign Treasurer and Designation of Campaign Depository must be filed
voluntary fee a developer can pay to buy into the City’s system rather than with the City Clerk’s Office.
building their own. The structure of the user fee is being finalized. Candidates may open campaign files with the City Clerk’s Office any time
In addition to the stormwater drainage construction that will occur on prior to the qualifying period. Certain documents pertaining to a candidate’s
Lafayette Street, the CRA is paying for additional upgrades to the area to campaign only can be finalized and submitted to a candidate’s file during the
include wide, brick paver sidewalks, bulb outs, improved landscaping and qualifying period.
lighting upgrades. The project is expected to be completed by the end of For more information on City elections, call the City Clerk’s Office at (239)
the year. n 574-0411 or email [email protected]. n
6 SUMMER 2013 www.CApECoRAL.nET

Lot Mowing Schedule Information Online for City’s
Path to Economic Sustainability
T
he City of Cape Coral has a voluntary lot mowing program for owners
of vacant parcels. Parcels enrolled in the program receive seven mows “
R
each year, beginning in April and through December. Lots are mowed evenue diversification” has been part of the City of Cape Coral’s
every five to six weeks. vernacular for the past 15-plus years. Previous administrations (City
Council and City staff) have lamented the fiscal challenges that an
 District 1A, 1B, 1C overreliance on a single revenue source present for funding the City’s general
START FINISH DURATION operations (General Fund). This revenue source is property taxes. Revenue
diversification became a strategic priority at annual Strategic Planning meet-
CYCLE 1 APRIL 8 MAY 17 6 WEEKS
ings between City Council and City staff. Ultimately, while revenue diversifi-
CYCLE 2 MAY 20 JUNE 21 5 WEEKS cation was a priority, steps were not taken to establish new revenues.
The need for new revenues reached critical mass when, shortly after ar-
CYCLE 3 JUNE 24 JULY 26 5 WEEKS
riving in Cape Coral, City Manager John Szerlag was informed by his budget
CYCLE 4 JULY 29 SEPTEMBER 6 6 WEEKS
staff the City would be unsustainable in two years if the City continued its
CYCLE 5 SEPTEMBER 9 OCTOBER 18 6 WEEKS past budgeting practices. That budget practice was to ignore capital needs and
craft a spending plan to meet a declining revenue line. For several years, the
CYCLE 6 OCTOBER 21 NOVEMBER 22 5 WEEKS
City made no investment in road paving and only minimal expenditures for
CYCLE 7 NOVEMBER 25 DECEMBER 27 5 WEEKS equipment repair/replacement. This was not a “best practice” for responsibly
managing a municipality.
Contractor: Montgomery Mowing
City Manager Szerlag determined that funds were needed to meet the City’s
capital needs. This could be accomplished in two ways: 1) Diversify revenues;
 District 2, 3 & 4
START FINISH DURATION or, 2) Dismantle the organization to free up funds for capital. This would involve
laying off 749 employees (including some reductions in police/fire), closing sev-
CYCLE 1 APRIL 8 MAY 17 6 WEEKS
eral Parks & Recreation facilities/programs and cuts in Public Works programs.
CYCLE 2 MAY 20 JUNE 21 5 WEEKS After discussion, City Council chose to take a Path to Economic Sustain-
ability. This involves a combination of new revenues, property tax rate reduc-
CYCLE 3 JUNE 24 JULY 26 5 WEEKS
tions and “best practices” to keep the organization efficient.
CYCLE 4 JULY 29 SEPTEMBER 6 6 WEEKS
Information is available online about the City’s Path to Economic Sustain-
CYCLE 5 SEPTEMBER 9 OCTOBER 6 WEEKS ability. There are Frequently Asked Questions on a variety of subjects, re-
sponses to misinformation, powerpoint presentations and videos. We encour-
CYCLE 6 OCTOBER 21 NOVEMBER 22 5 WEEKS
age you to visit the web page if you have any questions. Go to www.capecoral.
CYCLE 7 NOVEMBER 25 DECEMBER 27 5 WEEKS net and select the “Path” link at the top of the page. n
Contractor: CBI, Inc.

SCHEDULES SUBJECT TO CHANGE Early Voting Offered
for Local Elections

City Council Candidate
C
ity Council approved early voting dates for the upcoming Primary
and General elections for Mayor and Council Districts 1, 4 and 6.
Debates Scheduled
The Primary Election is September 10 and the General Election
will be held November 5.
T he City of Cape Coral and CapeTV 98 will be hosting candidate debates To ensure maximum voting opportunities, the Council approved six
for the upcoming primary and general elections. The Mayor’s seat and early voting days for Cape Coral voters in each election.
Council seats in District 1, District 4, and District 6 will be on the ballot n Primary Election Early Voting Days
this year. Jeff Koehn, editor of www.capecoral.com will be the moderator.
August 31 (Saturday) and September 3 – 7 (Tuesday – Saturday)
The dates for the primary debates will be Thursday/Friday, August 29 and
30. The dates for the general election debates will be Thursday/Friday, Octo- n General Election Early Voting Days
ber 24 and 25. October 28 – 31 and November 1 – 2 (Monday – Saturday)
The debates will be 90 minutes with the exception of the mayoral debate There are two locations for early voting:
for the general election, which will be 60 minutes. Debates will begin at 7
Lee County Elections Cape Coral Branch Office, 1031 SE 9th Place, #3, Cape Coral
p.m. in Council Chambers and will be broadcast live on CapeTV and via vid-
Lee County Elections Main Office, 2480 Thompson Street, 3rd Floor, Fort Myers
eostreaming. The debates will be taped for replay on CapeTV, Channel 98 on
Comcast and will be available for downloading/viewing on the City’s website: Questions regarding Cape Coral elections should be directed to the City
www.capecoral.net. n Clerk’s office at [phone]. n
www.CApECoRAL.nET SUMMER 2013 7
City Budget Staff Developing 3-Year Budget for FY 2014
C
ity staff is continuing to develop the operating budget for Fiscal Year used by the operating departments. The capital needs also include infrastructure
2014. In accordance with the City’s Strategic Plan, a multi-year budget is maintenance for roads, parks, and public buildings. The General Fund’s invest-
being developed. The development of a multi-year budget provides for ment in capital averaged $17.3 million annually during the period of FY 2003
greater pre-planning. The recognition of potential financial issues can be identi- – 2008. The average annual investment since FY 2009 has been $2.2 million with
fied and addressed before reaching a crisis point. While City Manager John Szer- only $1.3 million being budgeted in FY 2013.
lag will present a three-year budget for the period of FY 2014-2016, City Council As part of the development of this multi-year budget, the City engaged Burton
will adopt only the first year as required by state statute. & Associates to create a 10-year financial model for the General Fund based on
While the City’s budget consists of multiple funds, the General Fund is the budgets developed for the operating departments for FY 2014. The financial model
primary operating fund of the City. The cost of providing police and fire services, is an interactive model, which has allowed the City Council the opportunity to
parks and transportation maintenance as well as the basic administrative services consider operating alternatives today as well as their impact on the future.
of the City are budgeted in the General Fund. The revenue available to support Meetings between staff and City Council will continue through the final adop-
these operations has been dramatically reduced as a result of decreases in taxable tion of the budget. Listed below are some important dates:
property values which began falling in FY 2008.
July 17 – Release of City Manager’s Proposed Budget
In recognition of the reduction in revenue, City Administration and City
July 22 – City Council Meeting - Review of City Manager’s Proposed Budget
Council took many cost-cutting measures over the years. While these measures
July 29 – City Council Meeting - Setting of proposed millage rate
allowed the City to operate year-to-year, the underlying challenge of diversify-
ing revenue sources was not addressed. The greatest impact of the cost-cutting Two public hearings will be held in September but the dates have not yet been
measures was on the City’s capital needs, which includes vehicles and equipment determined. n

City Manager Selects 1st Annual “Feed the Cape”
Timothy Hayes as Cape Coral’s Community Food Drive
T
New Fire Chief
he 1st Annual “Feed the Cape”
Food Drive is underway. The
C
ity Manager John Szerlag has hired three-month event will be
Timothy Hayes as Cape Coral’s new from May 15 – August 15 to help
Fire Chief.  Hayes is the Deputy collect food, money and other items
Chief of Operations for Gainesville Fire for Cape Coral families. The drive is
Rescue.  He was selected from a group of five sponsored by the Cape Coral Caring
finalists. Center, City of Cape Coral, Cape
Chief Hayes took the helm of the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce, Cape
Coral Fire Department as the new Fire Chief/ Coral Construction Industry As-
Emergency Management Director on April sociation, Fox 4, News-Press, Spiro & Associates and Arthur Printing.
8. During his 24 years, he served the City of The Cape Coral Caring Center is entering the summer months, which
Gainesville as a Paramedic/Firefighter, Train- actually is the Center’s greatest time of need. During the summer months,
ing Specialist, Driver Operator, Lieutenant, children are home from school for the summer break and do not have access
District Chief, Training Chief, Assistant Chief to the meal programs provided by the schools. Snowbirds have returned to
of Fire Safety Management, and Deputy Chief their northern homes, which results in loss of hours or jobs for many resi-
of the Risk Reduction Bureau. dents who work in food services or other retail industries. In Cape Coral, we
He was sworn in as the Fire Chief by City do not want any of our residents to want for food during the summer. All of
Manager John Szerlag during the Fire De- Timothy Hayes the sponsors, along with many other businesses, are stepping up and partici-
partment’s Annual Ceremony of Recognition pating in this summer food drive.
held on May 2. That evening, Chief Hayes instituted the Fire Department’s first There are many drop-off locations at businesses throughout the city includ-
“Bell Ceremony.” The Bell Ceremony is a ritual of ringing the Fire Bell on three ing City Hall and all City fire stations as well as Sun Splash Family Waterpark.
occasions: One ring, three times for newly hired personnel; two rings, three A list of items needed and drop-off locations can be found on the Cape Coral
times for those who have retired; and, the last occasion, which is never heard by Caring Center website: www.capecoralcaringcenter.org.
the firefighter, three rings, three times for a fallen firefighter. The Cape Coral Caring Center was founded in 1990 and has been a place
Chief Hayes, an Executive Fire Officer, has quickly gained the respect of Cape where Cape Coral residents in need of assistance could go for help with
Coral’s Fire Department personnel. His extensive background in the fire service electric bills, food and other items. All citizens can help feed our friends and
and emergency management will lead to much success as he serves the City of neighbors during the summer by bringing canned goods and non-perishables
Cape Coral at the executive command level. n to the drop-off locations. n
8 SUMMER 2013 www.CApECoRAL.nET
“An American WWII Hero” Code Does More Than What
Wins ‘Award of Distinction’ at 19th
Meets The Eye
Annual Communicator Awards
T
he biggest challenge with Code Enforcement is the perception of ineffec-
T he World War II documentary feature tiveness. This perception reflects a general misunderstanding of the work
about Cape Coral resident Harry Bee- and role of Code Enforcement.
man won an Award of Distinction at the The main objective is quite simple – Obtain voluntary compliance through educa-
19th Annual Communicator Awards. The fea- tion. Code enforces ordinances and regulations in place and these ordinances are the
ture film, produced by the City and 1Pro Media, community expectations and the acceptable social norms. To enforce these ordinanc-
won the award in the “Online Video” category. es, Code is required to follow laws that protect the community’s private property rights.
“This is a nice story about Harry’s service Here are some common misperceptions followed by some clarification:
onboard the USS Ellet during WWII, and we n Misconception #1: Code waits for a complaint before they do anything.
are pleased the video continues to receive high Code is reactive rather than proactive.
recognition,” said Public Information Connie n Fact: Code has been functioning at near 75 percent proactive rates the past
Barron, who produced the video with Jozef three years and must be proactive to handle foreclosures effectively. Code priori-
Lenders, 1Pro Media. tizes calls to ensure the most serious issues are addressed first – those that threaten
Harry Beeman
The Communicator Awards is the leading the health and safety of the community. Unfortunately, the public does not see all
international awards program honoring creative excellence for communica- the “right” things Code is doing – they tend to focus on that single property or is-
tion professionals. Founded by communication professionals over a decade sue not yet corrected.
ago, The Communicator Awards is an annual competition honoring the best in n Misconception #2: Code is harassing people. Officers drive by all the time.
advertising, corporate communications, public relations and identity work for n Fact: Code cases require several inspections to ensure proper service as
print, video, interactive and audio. well as to substantiate the existence of a violation. The process is complicated and
Lenders and Barron worked for several months with Beeman to capture on requires multiple checks for compliance and case status. Neighbors also have been
film his WWII experiences onboard the USS Ellet, a U.S. Navy Benham-class known to use Code Enforcement as a tool to harass their neighbor or “get back”
destroyer assigned to the Pacific Theatre. The 71-minute documentary had its at their neighbor. Since Code must respond to every complaint and process every
world premiere at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival last Novem- case, we might be more visible in a certain location.
ber and also won two Crystal Reel awards from the Florida Motion Picture and n Misconception #3: Code is not doing anything about the violation.
Television Association. The video can be viewed on YouTube by searching for n Fact: The code enforcement process can be lengthy and take time. Code
“Harry Beeman WW2.” n must exhaust all requirements within Florida State Statutes and due process before
any action can be taken on private property. To provide faster results for neighbor-
hood blight issues, Code has come up with some creative solutions to problems.
Code established the Take Pride in the Cape volunteer group to help with property
Rental Property Registration Gives
mowing and cleanup. Code developed and implemented a graffiti removal pro-
gram, painted houses, created a program through Waste Pro to remove trash and
Code a Contact for Violations
debris from abandoned properties. Code works with Keep Lee County Beautiful,
A Inc., other organizations and the police to target violations and address issues. n
voluntary Rental Property Registration Program has created a part-
nership between the property managers and Code to effectively ad-
dress code violations at rental properties. This program was modeled SW 6 & 7 Utilities Project Update
after the successful Foreclosed Property Registration Program.
The registration program provides a free database for property managers
T
and homeowners who have rental property. The database provides local con- he Southwest 6 & 7 utilities extension project continues to move forward.
tact numbers for Code officers when violations are found on rental properties. The City has completed the prequalification process and identified 10
This allows the Code officer to contact the responsible party and get the viola- construction firms that meet the criteria for utilities construction. Bids
tion addressed quickly. This will avoid the usual lengthy and expensive code are being solicited for the project, which could begin by the end of summer. There
enforcement process. will be seven contracts issued for the 12 construction areas in Southwest 6 & 7.
To date, there are more than 2,000 properties registered. The program is a Once bids are received, the City can establish the cost for each of the assessments
problem-solving tool and a communications tool between the City and the (water, sewer, irrigation). Property owners in Southwest 6 & 7 will be notified of the
property managers. assessments and the public hearing dates. Public hearings and discussion meetings
The program was developed with the help of District #6 Councilmember involving the utilities extension projects are being held on Wednesday rather than
Kevin McGrail and the local realtors. during the regular Council meetings on Monday. This provides a dedicated forum for
If you have rental properties, please consider registering the property in the the City Council, City staff and public to discuss all matters related to utilities projects.
City’s database. The information can be entered via the City’s website, www. The City and construction engineer, Tetra Tech, will develop a website specifically
capecoral.net and type “rental registration” in the “search” box. addressing the Southwest 6 & 7 project. The website will provide regular updates
For more information, contact Code Compliance at [phone] and ask and information as the project proceeds. The address is www.swuep6and7.com.
for Larry Rogowski. n The site should be live sometime in June. n
www.CApECoRAL.nET SUMMER 2013 9
Cape Coral Police “Project Lifesaver” Hertz Relocation Good
Receives Generous Donation for Cape Coral
T C
he Cape Coral Police Department’s “Project Lifesaver” program has just ongratulations to our friends at Lee County on landing the Hertz deal.
received a large donation from the Sons of Italy Cape Coral, Charles J. It is a tremendous accomplishment that can have a remarkable impact
Bonaparte Lodge #2504. on Southwest Florida. But what kind of impact can the Hertz reloca-
Sons of Italy member Dolores Bertolini delivered a $3,000 check to the depart- tion have on Cape Coral?
ment on behalf of the organization. The money will help maintain existing equip- The impact could be significant. On the direct side, about 25 percent to
ment and also allow the department to purchase new equipment for the program. 30 percent of new jobs created in our region go to Cape Coral residents. That
Project Lifesaver is a program where law enforcement is able to track and could mean 70 – 100 jobs for our citizens. This project also could drive more
recover individuals who wander off and become lost. Those affected are gener- new home construction in Cape Coral as jobs are created and new families
ally the elderly suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease as well as younger relocate from New Jersey.
members of the community with Down’s syndrome or Autism who are prone to Indirectly, having a world headquarters located in our region helps put
wandering off. Southwest Florida on the map nationally and internationally. This will assist
Cape Coral Police have made successful recoveries of individuals because of with recruiting efforts because our region is becoming a serious player in the
Project Lifesaver. This sizable, generous gift will ensure that the program contin- world of business. This event along with continued policy support from State
ues in Cape Coral. and local governments will make us a more desirable location.
“Project Lifesaver is a program that is near and dear to my heart,” said Mrs. Cape Coral has taken steps to make new development more affordable by mod-
Bertolini, whose late husband Aldo suffered from Alzheimer’s. “I was thrilled to ifying our utility fees. Our City Council also is working with City staff to make
be able to deliver the check to keep the program going.” our community more economically sustainable through revenue diversification.
“We’ve had a partnership with Mrs. Bertolini for many years, and we are grateful These changes create a more desirable location for new investment. Our Building/
for her generosity and that of the Sons of Italy, Charles J. Bonaparte Lodge #2504,” Permitting department is working to bring change to our permitting and approval
said Lt. Tony Sizemore. “Project Lifesaver is just that – a lifesaver for this community.” processes to make us more business friendly – fast, fair and predictable.
For more information on the Project Lifesaver program, please visit These positive steps will support our Economic Development efforts. Over
www.CapeCops.com/programs and click on the Project Lifesaver button. n time, this will bring more jobs and investment into Cape Coral, which will
have a positive effect on our commercial tax base and help ease the tax burden
on our residents. n
Gator Dredging Completes
Successful First Year of Contract Emergency Operations Center
I Expansion Nearly Complete
n March 2012, City
Council approved
a three-year con- T
he expansion of the existing Emergency Operations Center is near-
tract with Gator Dredging
ing completion. The EOC is the headquarters for the Cape Coral
to dredge selected canals in
Fire Department as well as the City’s central command and control
the southeast Cape. More
facility. The EOC provides a safe environment for carrying out the principles
than 14 miles of canals have
of emergency preparedness and emergency/disaster management functions
been dredged, which results
at a strategic level in an emergency situation.
in better stormwater drain-
The new expansion is about 4,400 square feet and will support Fire and
age and happier boaters. Dredge material removed from the canals is being
Emergency Management Administration. The addition includes nine offices,
stored on City sites to use for current and future projects.
a conference room and restrooms. Like the existing EOC, the new addition
Dredging continues for the remaining canals identified in the Dredging
will be able to withstand Category 5 hurricane conditions as well as sustain
Management Master Plan including:
fire and emergency services.
 Alicante South  Biarritz  Campo
The emergency team working in the EOC collects, gathers, and analyzes
 Malaga  Nassau  Sierra South
data that will help make decisions to protect life and property and maintain
 Whipporwill South
continuity of the City. Emergency managers disseminate those decisions to
One challenge the City continues to face in dredging operations is all concerned agencies and individuals.
the availability of vacant lots near the canals being dredged. These lots Space was limited in the existing EOC and could not accommodate the
are needed for “holding cells” to deposit the dredge material temporar- growing demands. Rooms initially designed for other purposes (i.e. the food
ily until it dries and can be transported. Property owners are contacted pantry and media room) were being used as office space. With the new
for permission to use their property. If you receive this request, or if expansion, these rooms will return to their intended use.
you would like to offer your lot as a cell site, please call 574-0588 for Funds for the $1.3-million expansion came from the All Hazards Fund,
more information. n and no General Fund dollars were used to build the facility. n
10 SUMMER 2013
2013 Storm Season –
Cape Coral’s Flooding Threat
I
t is important for all citizens and business owners to
understand the potential risks of flooding. In 2008, the
federal government issued new flood hazard maps for
Lee County based on updated engineering studies. Please famil-
iarize yourself with the maps and review the actions you can take
to minimize health and property risks associated with flooding.
Flooding in Cape Coral can occur from two causes--heavy
rain and storm surge. Aside from localized street flooding, the
Cape’s stormwater infrastructure has proven to perform well
relative to preventing flood losses to homes and businesses
during torrential rainstorms. However, it may not have ad-
equate capacity if it rains hard enough for an extended period
or if pipes get clogged. The other flood threat, storm surge, is a
phenomenon usually associated with hurricanes. Amazingly,
the storm surge can be as high as 25 feet in an intense hurri-
cane. The areas most susceptible to storm surge are located near
the coastline of Charlotte Harbor, the Caloosahatchee River
and Matlacha Pass. Historically, high tides up to 12 feet above
normal were reported at Fort Myers and Punta Rasa during the
1926 hurricane. In 1960, Hurricane Donna caused high-water
marks of 10 to 11 feet on Estero Island.
In 2004, Hurricane Charley made landfall on the southwest
coast of Florida, near Cayo Costa, with maximum sustained
winds of 130 knots. Because the eye shrank considerably in the
12 hours before landfall, these extreme winds were confined
to a very small area, reducing storm surge potential. During
landfall, the local area received an average of 3.91 inches of
rainfall. Other municipalities within Florida reported storm
surge of more than 7 feet and North Naples reported rainfall of
7.48 inches.
If a hurricane watch is issued, please keep in mind that every
hurricane is different. Base an action plan on information spe-
cifically pertaining to the incoming storm.
The flood map in this publication is transcribed from large-
scale flood maps and shows the “Special Flood Hazard Area”
(SFHA) within the City of Cape Coral. The SFHA is the area
where floodplain management regulations must be enforced
and mandatory purchase of flood insurance applies. The SFHA
includes Zones AE and VE. These large-scale flood maps and
other flood protection references are available at City Hall and
the Cape Coral Public Library. If you would like assistance with
reading the map, please call [phone] to ask for help from
the Planning Division staff.
The following information provides suggestions of actions
you can take to protect yourself and your property.
 What You Can Do:
Several of the City’s efforts to prevent flooding depend on
your cooperation and assistance. This is how you can help:
 Do not dump or throw anything into the swales, drainage
inlets, canals, basins or river. Dumping into these waters is a
violation of City of Cape Coral Code of Ordinances, Section 9-15.
continued on page 12 