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april is water conservation month
In Florida, the month of April is dedicated to water conservation. This annual proclamation emphasizes the importance of conserving water to ensure an ample supply for the present and future. Let’s delve into the details:
- Observance: Florida has recognized Water Conservation Month since 1998. During this time, the state, water utilities, and conservation organizations come together to raise awareness about water conservation and encourage responsible water use by residents and businesses.
- Water Usage: Approximately 3 billion gallons of water are consumed daily in Central and Southern Florida by 9 million residents and visitors. This water is used for various purposes, including watering lawns, drinking, bathing, crop irrigation, and industrial processes.
- Projected Demands: Future water demands are expected to increase to approximately 4.1 billion gallons per day by 2040. To address this, water conservation becomes crucial.
- Efforts and Rules:
- Year-Round Landscape Irrigation Rule: The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has implemented a year-round rule that limits the days and hours allowed for landscape irrigation. Efficient irrigation practices are essential.
- Local Ordinances: SFWMD encourages local governments to adopt similar irrigation ordinances to promote responsible water use.
- Ensure your rain sensor device is working properly to prevent unnecessary irrigation during rainfall.
- Set an irrigation timer according to local rules (see City of Stuart irrigation schedules below) and avoid mid-day watering when evaporation rates are high.
- Consider installing a “smart” irrigation controller that uses weather data or soil moisture information.
- Fix any water leaks promptly.
- Embrace Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles by using low-maintenance plants and sustainable practices.
Let’s all do our part to conserve water and protect this precious resource! |
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EPA Announces National Standard to Address PFAS in Drinking Water
City of Stuart Drinking Water: Non-Detectable Levels
The recent EPA announcement about setting national limits on PFAS chemicals in drinking water won't prompt any changes in operations at the City of Stuart Water Treatment Plant. Surprised? Don't be. Rest assured, the city's proactive measures include the implementation of an advanced pretreatment ION exchange system five years ago, effectively eliminating PFAS prior to the water treatment process. Thanks to this system, PFAS levels in Stuart's drinking water have remained undetectable for quite some time.
Peter Kunen, the Utilities and Engineering Director for the City of Stuart, discussed the new EPA regulations with Jade Jarvis from WPBF 25 News this week.
"It's not a surprise for us; we've been anticipating this and preparing accordingly," commented Peter Kunen. "Our city has stayed ahead of the curve in terms of EPA regulations concerning PFAS, which now require limits ranging from 4 to 10 parts per trillion in water."
For more details, check out the news clip below. |
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Quiet Zones being studied
During the latest City Commission meeting, Milton Leggett, Public Works Director, and Peter Kunen, Utilities and Engineering Director, delivered a presentation on the establishment of "quiet zones."
Currently, the City of Stuart is in Phase I of this process, which involves studying the five rail crossing intersections within the city, coordinating with relevant agencies, conducting conceptual designs and safety analyses, engaging in public outreach, and compiling a final report. Upon completion of Phase I, the subsequent phase will focus on implementation. This includes obtaining permits from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Florida East Coast Railroad, finalizing designs, securing funding, commencing construction, and ultimately obtaining FRA Certification.
If you were unable to attend the presentation, you can watch it HERE.
Subsequent to the discussion on April 8th, Cassandra Garcia, a reporter from WPTV, delved deeper into the potential establishment of "quiet zones" in the City of Stuart. She visited the five rail crossings requiring upgrades to meet regulatory requirements and conducted an interview with City Manager Michael Mortell on the matter. You can view this informative news segment below: |
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STUART VOTED #1 BEST COASTAL SMALL TOWN IN USA TODAY 2024 READERS' CHOICE
Just in case you missed it, Stuart, Florida has been selected as #1 in USA TODAY's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards 2024 for Best Coastal Small Town.
Last year, Stuart was voted number two in the nation, but this year Stuart earns the "bragging rights" to the number one spot after four weeks of voting by the public.
“This isn’t the first time Stuart, Fla has been recognized,” shares City of Stuart Mayor Becky Bruner. “Distinguished awards over the years have included Best Small Town” (Smithsonian Magazine), “Florida’s’ Most Beautiful Small Towns and Cities” (MSN.com), “Happiest Seaside Town” (Coastal Living), “America’s Most Beautiful Town” (House Beautiful), “The South’s Best Small Towns 2022” (Southern Living), and “10 Best Boating Destinations in Florida” (Discover Boating), to name a few. In addition to being a great place to visit, Stuart is a great place to live, work, and play. We are very proud of our beautiful city.”
Nominees for the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards are chosen by a panel of relevant experts which include a combination of editors from USA TODAY; editors from 10Best.com; relevant expert contributors; and sources for both these media and other Gannett properties.
The top ten winners in the 2024 Best Coastal Small Towns awards announced today are:
- Stuart, Florida
- Saugatuck, Michigan
- Key West, Florida
- Gulf Shores, Alabama
- Pismo Beach, California
- Newport, Rhode Island
- Sandusky, Ohio
- Cape May, New Jersey
- Washington Island, Wisconsin
- Long Beach, Washington
The 10Best Readers’ Choice Award contest lives on 10Best.com. -- a standalone travel media site - it is promoted across USA TODAY Travel Media Group's digital and mobile products, as well as via social media. Nominees are also announced and/or promoted across relevant USA TODAY departments, and through Gannett media outlets.
WPBF News interviewed Vice-Mayor Campell Rich and City Clerk Mary Kindel on the ranking. You can view the interview below: |
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City notes
Sailfish Fountain Upkeep
Our beautiful and very photographed Sailfish Fountain will be "dark" and "dry" for a few weeks while undergoing some maintenance and repairs. Photographers, we're sorry.
Poppleton Creek Dog Parks
Poppleton Creek SMALL & LARGE Dog Parks closed for turf repairs April 15-May 10, 2024.
All other amenities at Poppleton Creek will remain open.
During this closure, please feel free to take your pups to our other dog park at Haney Creek, 391 Baker Road, Stuart.
QUESTIONS? Please call (772) 288-5398. |
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Temporary road/lane closures
- Temporary full lane closure, NW Dixie Highway from NW Fern Street to NW Flagler Ave., Monday, April 1 - Monday, April 15, 2024. One travel lane will be closed. Motorists will be detoured to NW Alice Street for access to NW Fern Street and NW Flagler Avenue. Road closure for NW Dixie Highway Ditch Improvements. For more information, contact Marc Rogolino, City of Stuart, (772) 221-4700.
- Temporary lane closure, eastbound Monterey Road and Monterey Road Extension (section of extension from Monterey Road to US 1), Monday, March 25, through Tuesday, May 26, 1 of 2 lanes closed for utility work. Motorists should expect delays in this area.
- Temporary lane closure, S.E. 5th Street eastbound and Dixie Highway southbound, Friday, April 12, 6 a.m. - 4 p.m.and Friday, April 19, 2024, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. for stormwater drainage project. Traffic will detour from 5th Street onto Delaware Avenue. For more information, contact Public Works at (772) 288-5398.
- SE Tressler Drive at SR 5/ US 1 will be closed daily, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, beginning Monday, Mar. 25 through Friday, Apr. 19, for drainage work across the roadway. For more information, contact FDOT Community Outreach Specialist Samantha Kayser at (772) 579-5479.
- All left turn movements at the intersection of SW Ocean Boulevard and SR 5/US 1 will remain closed through April 2024 for sidewalk restoration and traffic signal work. For more information, contact FDOT Community Outreach Specialist Samantha Kayser at (772) 579-5479.
- For more information, contact FDOT Community Outreach Specialist Samantha Kayser at (772) 579-5479.ADDITIONAL FDOT CLOSURES.
- SW Ocean Boulevard from SR5/US 1 to approximately 200 feet west of SR 5/US 1 will have one westbound lane closed, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday, Apr. 14 through Friday, Apr. 19, for drainage work.
- SR 5/ US 1 from approximately 500 feet north of SW Ocean Boulevard to approximately 500 feet south of SW Ocean Boulevard will have one southbound lane closed, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday, Apr. 15 through Friday, Apr. 19, for drainage work.
- SR 5/US 1 from NW Jensen Beach Boulevard to the northside of the Roosevelt Bridge will have one northbound lane closed, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday, Apr. 15 through Friday, Apr. 19, for silt fence installation, concrete removal, concrete pour, and traffic signal work.
- SR 5/US 1 from NW Jensen Beach Boulevard to the northside of the Roosevelt Bridge will have one southbound lane closed, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday, Apr. 15 through Friday, Apr. 19, for silt fence installation, concrete removal, concrete pour, and traffic signal work.
- SR 5/US 1 from the southside of the Roosevelt Bridge to SE Contractors Way will have one northbound lane closed, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday, Apr. 15 through Friday, Apr. 19, for silt fence installation, concrete removal, concrete pour, and traffic signal work.
- SR 5/US 1 from the southside of the Roosevelt Bridge to SE Contractors Way will have one southbound lane closed, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday, Apr. 15 through Friday, Apr. 19, for silt fence installation, concrete removal, concrete pour, and traffic signal work.
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SPECIAL NOTICES AND EVENTS
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Looking for a new career opportunity (or know someone who is)? Look no further, the City of Stuart is hiring! Great benefits, medical and dental insurance, vision insurance, tuition reimbursement, retirement benefits, an award-winning wellness program, and more!
To learn more, scan the QR code or visit https://www.cityofstuart.us/253/Careers-at-Stuart. |
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aPRIL 8, 2024, Regular City Commission Meeting SUMMARY
City of Stuart Commission meetings are conducted in the City Hall Chambers and are streamed live. (View HERE). City Hall Chambers are open to the public during the meetings.
The following is a summary of the Monday, April 8, 2024, City Commission Meeting.
ROLL CALL
INVOCATION
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
1. ARTS MOMENT - STUART MIDDLE SCHOOL MARKETING & ARTS
PROCLAMATIONS
2. PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATORS WEEK - APRIL 14-20, 2024. Proclamanation accepted by the City of Stuart Police Department Dispatch Department.
3. DONATE LIFE MONTH - APRIL 2024 - Proclamation accepted by Tara Mahovetz, Volunteer for LifeLink.
4. CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH - APRIL 2024 - Proclamation accepted by Suzy Hutcheson, President/CEO, Helping People Succeed.
5. STAMP OUT HUNGER DAY - MAY 11, 2024 - Proclamation accepted by Deidre Kinnaman, Director of Operations, House of Hope.
6. LUPUS AWARENESS MONTH - MAY 2024 - Proclamation accepted by Pamela Klinger-Milazzo, Southeast Region Ambassador of Lupis Foundation of America.
PRESENTATIONS
7. SERVICE AWARDS - APRIL 2024. Robert Carson, Stuart Fire Rescue, 10 years; Jordan Pinkston, Community Redevelopment Agency, 5 years; and Jerry Thomas, Jr., Utilities & Engineering, 5 years. Presentations may be viewed HERE.
8. 2024 LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY. Summary given by Ben Hogarth, may be viewed HERE.
9. CHILDRENS SERVICES COUNCIL OF MARTIN COUNTY (SCMC) "BOOK SMART WORLD READER" AWARD FOR ESYI. Kiana Kelly, Martin Reads Coordinator, Children Services Council of Martin County, announced that the East Stuart Youth Initiative Students won the BookSmart World Reader reading challenge. She presented awards to the top readers. Her presentation may be viewed HERE.
10. FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION QUIET ZONE ESTABLISHMENT PROCESS. Presentation on Quiet Zone establishment was presented by Public Works Director Milton Leggitt, and Utilities and Engineering Director, Peter Kunen. The presentation may be viewed HERE.
COMMENTS BY CITY COMMISSIONERS
COMMENTS BY CITY MANAGER
APPROVAL OF AGENDA. Approval moved by Commissioner Troy McDonald and seconded by Vice-Mayor Campbell Rich. Motion carried: 5:0.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC (Non-Agenda Related - 3 minutes max.)
CONSENT CALENDAR - Vice Mayor Campbell Rich voted for approval, pulling item 14. Commissioner Eula Clarke seconded. Motion carried: 5:0.
11. APPROVAL OF 03/11/2024 CCM MINUTES (RC)
12. CHILDRENS SERVICES COUNCIL OF MARTIN COUNTY ANNUAL GRANT FOR THE EAST STUART YOUTH INITIATIVE (RC):
RESOLUTION No. 42-2024; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF STUART, FLORIDA AUTHORIZING AN APPLICATION TO THE CHILDREN’S SERVICES COUNCIL OF MARTIN COUNTY FOR THE EAST STUART YOUTH INITIATIVE GRANT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025; AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE AND EXPENDITURE OF THE CHILDREN’S SERVICES COUNCIL GRANT IF APPROVED; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF CONTRACTS BETWEEN THE CITY OF STUART AND CHILDREN’S SERVICES COUNCIL OF MARTIN COUNTY FOR GRANT ADMINISTRATION; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
13. COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT BOARD RATIFICATION (RC):
RESOLUTION No. 43-2024; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF STUART, FLORIDA, RATIFYING THE ADVISORY BOARD APPOINTMENT OF A COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT BOARD (CRB) MEMBER, FULFILLING THE VACANCY ON THE BOARD FOR THE REMAINING CURRENT TERM FROM PRESENT TO DECEMBER 31, 2024; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
14. ROAD TO VICTORY MILITARY MUSEUM (RC):
RESOLUTION No. 44-2024; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF STUART, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN A LETTER ALLOWING A UNITED STATES ARMY TANK TO BE DISPLAYED ON CITY PROPERTY LEASED BY THE ROAD TO VICTORY MILITARY MUSEUM, INC. LOCATED AT 319 E. STYPMANN BLVD. STUART, FL 34994 AS WELL AS ALLOWING THE ROAD TO VICTORY MILITARY MUSEUM TO RELOCATE THE FRANKLIN MONUMENT IF DEEMED APPROPRIATE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
After discussion, Commissioner Troy McDonald moved approval; motion seconded by Commissioner Eula Clark. Motion carried: 5:0.
15. CRA APPOINTMENT FOR CRB BOARD MEMBER MARK BRECHBILL (RC):
RESOLUTION No. 45-2024; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF STUART, FLORIDA APPOINTING MARK BRECHBILL AS A BOARD MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CRA); FULLFILLING A VACANCY ON THE BOARD FOR THE REMAINING CURRENT TERM FROM PRESENT TO DECEMBER 31, 2024; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
COMMISSION ACTION
16. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) BETWEEN PROJECT LIFT AND THE CITY OF STUART (RC):
RESOLUTION No. 03-2024; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF STUART, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING TO EXECUTE THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN PROJECT L.I.F.T., INC. AND THE CITY OF STUART TO CREATE A FACILITY REFERRED TO AS THE "STUART JOB TRAINING AND ENTREPRENEUR CENTER" FOR VOCATIONAL TRAINING, WORKFORCE AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMING AND BUSINESS INCUBATION, WHICH IS TO BE LOCATED AT 720 SE MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BOULEVARD, STUART; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Commissioner Christopher Collins moved for approval. Motion seconded by Commissioner Troy McDonald. Motion carried: 5:0.
ORDINANCE SECOND READING
ORDINANACE FIRST READING
DISCUSSION AND DELIBERATION
ADJOURNMENT: 6:30 p.m. |
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TOP LEFT: Certificate of Appreciation presented by Mayor Rebecca Bruner to educators from Stuart Middle School Marketing & Arts for the Arts Moment presentation on April 8, 2024. TOP RIGHT: East Stuart Youth Initiative Students with Michael Redstone, Recreation Division Manager (left), Mayor Becky Bruner (center), Kiana Kelly, Martin Reads Coordinator, Children Services Council of Martin County (back right), Dar Monique, Butler, Program Leader (front right) and Jim Chrulski, Director of Community Services. BOTTOM LEFT: Suzy Hutcheson, President/CEO, Helping People Succeed, Mayor Becky Bruner, and Helping People Succeed Board member, Tom Campeni. BOTTOM RIGHT: Pamela Klinger-Milazzo, Southeast Region Ambassador of Lupus Foundation of America, with Mayor Becky Bruner. |
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TOP LEFT: Jerry Thomas, Jr., (Utilities & Engineering Department), with Mayor Becky Bruner. TOP RIGHT: Jordan Pinkston (Community Redevelopment Department) and family with Mayor Becky Bruner. BOTTOM LEFT: Deidre Kinnaman, Director of Operations, House of Hope. with Mayor Becky Bruner and a U.S.P.S. mail carrier representative. BOTTOM RIGHT: Tara Mahovetz (right) and friend with Mayor Becky Bruner. |
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Stuart Police Department Dispatch Department with Mayor Becky Bruner accepting a proclamation for Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. |
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City Attorney Lee Baggett, City Clerk Mary Kindel, Commissioner Troy McDonald, Mayor Becky Bruner, Commissioner Eula Clarke, Vice Mayor Campbell Rich, Commissioner Christoper Collins, and City Manager Michael Mortell. |
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Future city of stuart meetings
Regular City Commission Meeting
April 8, 2024, 4:00 p.m.
Local Planning Agency (LPA)
April 11, 2024, 5:30 p.m.
Joint CRA/CRB/CCM
April 22, 2024, 4:00 p.m.
Regular City Commission Meeting - 4th Monday
April 22, 2024, 5:30 p.m. |
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Calendar of Events
Riverside Yoga
Every Tuesday, 11:45 a.m.
Every Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.
Riverwalk State, 300 St. Lucie Avenue
More information: (772) 288-5340
Zumba
With Certified Instructor Linda Mendoza
Every Tuesday, 10 a.m. AND 5:30 p.m.
Downtown Riverwalk Stage, 300 St. Lucie Avenue
More information: (772) 288-5340
Tai Chi on the River
With FAI Certified Instructor Patti Craig
Every Thursday, 10 a.m.
Downtown Riverwalk Stage, 300 St. Lucie Avenue
More information: (772) 288-5340
Market on Main
Every Sunday, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Flagler Park, 201 SW Flagler Avenue
Produced by Stuart Main Street
More Information: (772) 286-2848
Rock'n Riverwalk
Every Sunday, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Riverwalk Stage, 300 St. Lucie Avenue
Produced by Stuart Main Street and DBA
More information: (772) 286-2848
First Friday Art Walk
First Friday of Every Month, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Produced by the Creek District of Arts & Entertainment
More information: http://thecreekdistrict.org. |
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Copyright 2024 City of Stuart. All Rights Reserved.
121 Flagler Ave. Stuart Fl. 34994
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