Cape Canaveral Council Tackles Stormwater System Discrepancies
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
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Recording Published:
04/23/2024
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Duration:
163 Minutes
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State:
Florida
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County:
Brevard County
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Towns:
Cape Canaveral
- Meeting Overview:
The Cape Canaveral City Council conducted a special meeting to tackle a range of issues, with the most pressing being the discrepancies in the stormwater management system that were identified by a professional engineer from Kimley Horn. The engineer’s report highlighted significant differences between the approved and as-built plans, recommending reconstruction to align with the original approved plans. The discussion also covered crucial code enforcement challenges, data integrity issues following a system transition, and the establishment of new administrative procedures for code enforcement officers.
The stormwater management report became the focal point of the meeting as the professional engineer’s presentation shed light on inconsistencies that had emerged during construction. The engineer pointed out that the retention area, the size of the outfall structure, and the elevation of the bottom of the retention area did not match the approved plans. To rectify these issues, the engineer advised reconstructing the stormwater management system in accordance with the approved plans and ensuring that new as-builts are provided once the reconstruction is completed. The recommendation included a suggestion to monitor any further modifications to the retention area closely.
The council engaged in a detailed inquiry into the discrepancies, with questions about the review of the former engineer’s letters and the alignment of the drainage swell with the as-built plans. The size of the drain compared to the swell was also scrutinized. A council member raised questions about the alignment of pavers on the as-builts, leading to further clarification from the engineer.
Further complicating the stormwater management issue, there was a debate regarding the preferred plan’s pavers, with the possibility of needing to remove some to fulfill the plan due to the retention area shifting south. The impact on homeowners and the contractor’s responsibility to obtain a revised plan were among the contested points. Concerns about delays and the necessity of homeowner involvement in the decision-making process were raised. Additionally, the council grappled with safety issues related to the removal of overhead lines by Florida Power & Light (FPL) and the installation of parallel lines outside the public utility easement, which still awaited resolution.
The council also confronted challenges related to the placement of utilities. Members discussed potential safety concerns if utilities were not installed in the designated easement area, which could result in accidents when digging in yards. The City Attorney mentioned the city’s limited jurisdiction in enforcing utility placement, especially on private property. The council discussed engaging with FPL to verify the location and depth of utilities and the importance of marking the current locations before further work proceeds.
Addressing long-standing code enforcement challenges was another focus of the meeting. The council was dissatisfied with a report on code enforcement activities on Jackson Avenue, which had been provided in March but was found difficult to understand and access. The city manager acknowledged the need for a better report and committed to improvements. The council also stressed the importance of transparent and accessible records, a better understanding of bsna software functionalities, and clearer communication.
The creation and distribution of administrative procedures for code enforcement officers, which must comply with both Florida state law and city code, were discussed. The city attorney had not yet thoroughly reviewed a draft of administrative procedures, which prompted the council to highlight gaps in current standard operating procedures and the need for flowcharts to aid understanding. The council planned to make the flowcharts public and establish metrics for code enforcement processes to ensure transparency and eliminate perceptions of bias.
In terms of education and tools for code enforcement officers, the council learned that the City Manager confirmed opportunities for team members to attend various courses to enhance their skills. It was also mentioned that starting April 1st, 2024, monthly reports on open and closed code enforcement cases would be distributed, though concerns about data integrity and accuracy were raised.
The council recognized the challenges faced during the city’s data transition, emphasizing the management of public expectations and the need for disclaimers regarding the data transition gap. The preference for electronic distribution of monthly reports was noted, and the possibility of adapting older data structures to the current system was discussed.
Wes Morrison
City Council Officials:
Mickie Kellum, Kim Davis, Kay Jackson, Don Willis
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
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Recording Published:
04/23/2024
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Duration:
163 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Florida
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County:
Brevard County
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Towns:
Cape Canaveral
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