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NEWS & DATES
Upcoming Meetings
Notice is hereby given that the regular monthly meetings of the Board of Supervisors of the South Indian River Water Control District will be held on the dates listed below at 7:30 p.m. at the Jupiter High School, 500 N. Military Trail, Jupiter, Florida 33458 for the fiscal year October 1, 2011 through September 30, 2012.
October 19, 2011
November 09, 2011 *
December 15, 2011 CANCELLED
January 19, 2012
February 16, 2012
March 15, 2012
April 19, 2012
May 17, 2012
June 21, 2012
July 19, 2012
August 16, 2012
September 20, 2012 **
* Meeting will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 6 pm at the District Work Center
** Annual meeting (Jupiter High School Cafeteria)
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NOTE: meeting dates are linked to the meeting's agenda and reports.
Notice is given that if a person decides to appeal any decision with respect to any matter considered at a meeting, a record of the proceedings will be needed for such purpose, and said person will need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record shall include the testimony and evidence upon which any appeal is to be made.
Pursuant to the provision of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in the Board of Supervisors meetings and the Annual Landowners Meeting because of a disability or physical impairment should contact the District at (561) 747-0550.
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New Landowner-Initiated Roadway Improvement Project
Cut-Off Date Set for December 31, 2011
At the October 19 monthly Board of Supervisors meeting, District Engineer Lennart J. Lindahl reported that petitions had been received from two roadways in Palm Beach Country Estates for the application of asphalt to Palm Beach County standards:
- 73rd Terrace N. between 155th Place N. and 159th Court N.
- 79th Terrace N. between 155th Place N. and 162nd Court N.
In addition, three roadways in Jupiter Farms have petitioned for the application of Open-Graded Emulsified Mix (OGEM):
- 126th Terrace N. between 165th Road N and 169th Court N
- 127th Drive N between 187th Place N and Old Indiantown Grade
- 151st Lane N between 133rd Terrace N and Canal 12
Lindahl asked for clarification on an earlier board policy that petitions be acted on within one year, since two of the roadways had exceeded this time limit. He noted that due to the economics of project size, a small roadway improvement project may not interest contractors in bidding on the project and could make the project more expensive for those landowners wishing to pave their roads.
After discussion, the board unanimously passed a motion to re-verify any petitions that exceeded the one-year time limit and to advise affected landowners of the status. The board also set December 31, 2011 as the cutoff date for this next roadway improvement project.
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Tom Powell Sworn in at SIRWCD
Board of Supervisors Rescheduled Monthly Meeting
Thomas Powell was sworn in at a rescheduled monthly meeting of the South Indian River Water Control District (SIRWCD) Board of Supervisors on October 19. The board accepted the certified results from the Supervisor of Elections office with Powell receiving 1,665 votes and Susan Kennedy of Jupiter Farms receiving 1,277 votes. Powell has served on the board since 1981.
The board also moved to keep the current slate of officers--Thomas Powell as President, Thomas Rice as Vice-President, and Jane Woodward as Secretary. In addition, committee heads are also to keep their positions--Powell, Budgeting; Rice, Communications; David Beane, Policies and Procedures; and Michael Ryan, Parks, Recreation and Water.
District Engineer Lennart J. Lindahl reported that petitions had been received from two roadways in Palm Beach Country Estates for the application of asphalt to Palm Beach County standards:
- 73rd Terrace N. between 155th Place N. and 159th Court N.
- 79th Terrace N. between 155th Place N. and 162nd Court N.
In addition, three roadways in Jupiter Farms have petitioned for the application of Open-Graded Emulsified Mix (OGEM):
- 126th Terrace N. between 165th Road N and 169th Court N
- 127th Drive N between 187th Place N and Old Indiantown Grade
- 151st Lane N between 133rd Terrace N and Canal 12
Lindahl asked for clarification on an earlier board policy that petitions be acted on within one year, since two of the roadways had exceeded this time limit. He noted that due to the economics of project size, a small roadway improvement project may not interest contractors in bidding on the project and could make the project more expensive for those landowners wishing to pave their roads.
After discussion, the board unanimously passed a motion to re-verify any petitions that exceeded the one-year time limit and to advise affected landowners of the status. The board also set December 31 as the cutoff date for this next roadway improvement project.
District Treasurer Charles Haas stated that the District had received two proposals for the Egret Landing bond refunding from Regions Bank and Wells Fargo. Based on the lower cost to landowners and less restrictive conditions, he recommended the Board approve the Regions proposal. He added that it would save the Egret Landing landowners over $600,000. The board approved the recommendation to use Regions. District Attorney William Capko stated that the refunding of the Egret Landing bond would close by November 15, and as a result, requested that the board reschedule the November 17 monthly meeting to earlier in the month. The board set the rescheduled date of the board meeting to November 9 at 6:00 p.m. at the District's work center.
Manager of Operations Michael Dillon recommended the District renew Terra Tech's aquatic spraying contract at the same cost as the previous year, which the board approved. He also reported that he had received additional bids for the Palm Beach Country Estates park landscaping, and the low bid was from Paul Leffler for $36,754. This includes trees, shrubs and irrigation for the perimeter of the park and did not include installation of turfgrass. The board approved the expenditure.
In other business, the board unanimously approved the employment agreement of Michael Dillon. Supervisor Michael Danchuk noted that he had been receiving comments from residents regarding the excellent job Dillon was doing for the District, and he also thanked Haas for his work on behalf of the District and its landowners.
SIRWCD serves Palm Beach Country Estates, Jupiter Farms, Egret Landing and the Jupiter Park of Commerce. For more information contact the District office at 747-0550.
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Election Results for SIRWCD Board of Supervisors
Thomas Powell has been re-elected to a three-year term on the South Indian River Water Control District's Board of Supervisors. Powell has served on the board since 1981.
Certified totals from the Supervisor of Elections office show that Powell received 1,665 votes, while Susan Kennedy of Jupiter Farms received 1,277 votes.
In addition, there were 48 unsigned, 3 under votes, 3 duplicate, 3 undeterminable, and 2 over-vote ballots. Undeterminable, unsigned, duplicate, and over votes invalidate ballots and are not counted in the totals. Under votes are included when more than one supervisor seat is up for election.
SIRWCD serves Palm Beach Country Estates, Jupiter Farms, Egret Landing and the Jupiter Park of Commerce. For more information contact the District office at 747-0550.
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SIRWCD Board Approves 2011/2012 Budget
The Board of Supervisors of South Indian River Water Control District approved the 2011/2012 budget at their monthly Board meeting on July 21. The required public hearing on the budget was held prior to the board meeting.
District Treasurer Charles Haas reported that the total assessments from ongoing programs will decrease $298,000 from $5,339,000 in 2010/2011 to $5,041,000 in the 2011/2012 budget year. A breakdown of the decrease is as follows:
| Water Control |
$ 48,000 |
| Road Maintenance |
$130,000 |
| Egret Landing Debt Service |
$ 90,000 |
| Palm Beach Country Estates Debt Service |
$ 30,000 |
| TOTAL |
$298,000 |
New assessments this year are $25,000 for the Palm Beach Country Estates (PBCE) park maintenance and $177,000 for the 16th Plan of Improvements. Including the new assessment for park maintenance, the total assessment to maintain the District is $2,210,000, a reduction of $153,000 from last year, and $440,000 from its high in 2008/2009. The proposed budget will result in reduced assessments for most landowners, with the exception of those affected by the landowner-initiated 16th Plan of Improvements.
The largest reduction is for the parcels paying the debt service on the 2007 open-graded emulsified mix (OGEM) road improvement project, which is proposed to drop from $480.00 to $306.39.
The second largest drop is for the parcels in Egret Landing, where a $138.90 (approximately 14%) reduction is proposed. Egret Landing will benefit from a planned refinancing of the 2001 Section 15 bond issue.
In addition, most of the parcels in Palm Beach Country Estates are expected to realize a drop in assessments of approximately $65.00, or about a 5.5% reduction, while most parcels in Jupiter Farms are expected to see a drop in assessments of approximately $14.00, or about 4.7% per parcel.
Haas also stated that the District is fiscally sound and has received 95% of assessments for the current budget year.
After a discussion, the board approved a resolution adopting the budget and the levying of special assessments for 2011 on all lands within the District, pursuant to Section 197.3632, Florida Statutes.
As previously mentioned, Haas proposed refunding the Egret Landing bonds. Improvements in Egret Landing were originally financed by a 1993 bond issue, payable over 25 years. In July 2001, this issue was re-funded with a new bond issue payable over 17 years, with a savings in debt service of $1,119,000. Haas noted that the District may call the bonds once again on November 1, 2011. The bond issue requires a trustee and a full year's debt service to be maintained in a reserve account that generates immaterial amounts of interest income. As a result, Haas recommended calling the bond and securing a bank loan at an estimated interest rate of 3%, which would save approximately $650,000 in debt service over the remaining term of the bonds. Following a discussion by the Board, they authorized Haas to get proposals from banks and make plans to call the bond.
Haas also discussed the District's Palm Beach Country Estates (PBCE) potable water hook-up agreement with the Town of Jupiter, which is due to expire in June 2012. Haas said that staff met with Jupiter's Director of Utilities, David Brown, to discuss whether an extension of the agreement, including a possible financing plan, would be beneficial to the District and the Town. Haas noted that as more landowners hook up to the system, the District is refunded money by the Town and bonds can be called, saving significant interest over the years and resulting in reduced assessments for all PBCE landowners, regardless of whether they hook up to the system. The District has already called bonds in the amount of $2,150,000 in August of 2010. He noted that every $10,000 of called bonds generates a reduction in assessments (over the remaining life of the bonds) of at least $20,000. Haas reported that there are 873 connections to date, with 535 taking advantage of the original financing program. The Board directed staff to continue discussions with the Town of Jupiter and work with them to develop an agreement that can be brought back to the Board for consideration.
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16th Plan of Improvements Financing Update
Financing for the 16th Plan of Improvements has been concluded. The total estimated annual payment per parcel for the Palm Beach County standard asphalt roads is approximately $869 per parcel for a period of 15 years, 11% below the previous estimate.
The total estimated annual payment per parcel for OGEM roads would be approximately $501 per parcel for a period of 15 years, 21% below the previous estimate.
If landowners choose to, they may pay in full without financing -- estimated at $9,036 for the asphalt roadways and $5,208 for the OGEM roadways.
The actual per parcel assessment may be more or less than the estimate. Should the actual cost be less than the estimate, a refund will be sent to those landowners who prepaid. If the actual cost is more than the estimate, an additional billing would be sent to those landowners who prepaid.
The cut-off date for prepayment is August 10, 2011. Please call Holly Rigsby at the District Office at 747-0550 for details.
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Palm Beach Country Estates Fire Hydrant Letter
Please click this link for an official letter from the District Engineer regarding the installation of fire hydrants throughout Palm Beach Country Estates as part of the potable water project. Residents have requested such a letter to provide to their insurance companies.
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SIRWCD Board of Supervisors Recent Actions
The South Indian River Water Control District's (SIRWCD) Board of Supervisors held a workshop meeting on February 10 at the District's Work Center to discuss a proposed Palm Beach County environmental restoration plan adjacent to SIRWCD Canal No. 2 and the status of the South Florida Water Management District's (SFWMD) operation of the G-160 structure and its effects to SIRWCD.
District Engineer Lennart J. Lindahl reported that the Palm Beach County proposal includes expanding the existing SIRWCD lake on Canal 2, adding a lake, and restoring existing wetlands. The project could function in concert with the District's system provided that a satisfactory operation agreement and protocol was executed and certain structural additions or modifications were included in the plan. SIRWCD would work with Palm Beach County on concluding these details for the project.
Lindahl then stated that the levees in Palm Beach Country Estates may be impacted by South Florida Water Management District's operation of the G-160 structure by raising the water elevations as mandated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The subject levees were improved in 1984 under the 7th Plan of Reclamation. Since 1984, new design standards have been developed by SFWMD. These standards and the operation of the G-160 are being studied for the purpose of understanding the potential risks that might occur with increased water surface elevation against the levees.
The Board discussed the need to improve the existing levee to its original design and to present SFWMD with a detailed plan to bring the levees to the standards necessary for the increased water levels. The District Engineer was directed to prepare a plan and an estimate for construction costs and engineering to restore the levees.
At the February 17 monthly board meeting at Jupiter High School, Lindahl reported that the proposed plan of improvements for applying open-graded emulsified mix on 1.5 miles of roads and asphalt on 4 miles of roads in the District would be ready to bid in March. The Board unanimously directed the District Engineer to proceed with the public bidding process.
In addition, staff presented a proposed Minor and Insubstantial Amendment to the 13th Plan of Improvements for parking, a maintenance shed, drainage, paths, landscaping and fencing in the Palm Beach Country Estates park, which was passed by the Board. Palm Beach Country Estates landowner Bob Berman requested that a budget be established for the park improvements based on estimates that were received by the park committee. Board of Supervisors' President Tom Powell noted that because this was a maintenance item, the Board did not need to take action to fund it. After further discussion, it was agreed that expenditures for the park will be subject to Board approval.
The Board also approved awarding the contract for the District's monthly water quality sampling to HBEL, Inc., as recommended by the District Engineer.
Also, a presentation was made to the Board by Steve Lienhart, an expert in water quality, who discussed the EPA's numeric nutrient criteria and its potential impact on SIRWCD. Lindahl noted that because SIRWCD's NPDES permit is scheduled for renewal this year, the EPA rules will not affect the District until 2016; however, there was still the need to work with them to meet the criteria.
At an emergency meeting held at the District's Work Center on March 5, the Board of Supervisors approved a motion to offer Michael Dillon, former Field Superintendant for the District, the position of Manager of Operations, due to the sudden illness of District General Manager, Gale English.
A moment of silence for Gale English, who passed away on March 13 after a brief illness, was observed at the Board's monthly meeting on March 17. A crystal sculpture commemorating Mr. English's 30 years of service to the District has been presented to his wife Betty, along with a photo album.
District Treasurer Charles Haas discussed financing for the 16th Plan of Improvements and indicated a commitment letter had been received from the bank and the interest rate would be fixed at the time of closing, which is expected at the end of April.
District Engineer Lennart J. Lindahl discussed the Palm Beach County proposed environmental restoration plan and noted that the concerns expressed by the Board at the earlier workshop meeting had been addressed in a re-submittal of the application. The permitting process is expected to take approximately a year or more and construction approximately four years. Rob Robbins from Palm Beach County Environmental Resources stated the items still pending include an operating agreement between the County and SIRWCD. He requested a letter of support or no objection from the District to aid in their permitting process, and the Board unanimously approved staff to draft a letter of no objection.
Lindahl reported on the information that was sent to affected Palm Beach Country Estates residents regarding possible FEMA insurance cost savings through a District application for a Letter of Map Revision. Of 457 letters and notices that were mailed directly to landowners, as well as information included in the District's newsletters and on the website, only 79 responses were received, with 64 landowners wishing to participate. At this number, Lindahl said the cost per parcel would be approximately $500.00 to complete the application. The Board instructed the District Engineer to proceed with the application process, noting that if additional participants come forward in the next month, they can be added to the application.
A special meeting was held on April 17 at the District's Work Center. A number of policy options were discussed by the Board regarding referendums and petitions for capital improvements that are initiated by landowners. The following policies were approved at the meeting:
- Petitions must be acted upon within 12 months, subject to qualification if there are extenuating circumstances.
- Require a one-year waiting period after failed referendums, before a new petition is accepted, subject to qualification if there are extenuating circumstances.
- Require 35% of affected landowners for a petition before being approved for referendum. The previous percentage required was 25%.
In addition, the Board approved Manager of Operations Michael Dillon's request to purchase a new John Deere side-arm mower to replace the District's old mower.
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SIRWCD to Celebrate 20th Annual Landowners'
Family Day on Saturday, March 12, 2011
South Indian River Water Control District (SIRWCD) will host their 20th annual Landowners' Family Day at the District Work Center on Saturday, March 12 from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm. Residents from Jupiter Farms, Palm Beach Country Estates, and Egret Landing are invited to enjoy a barbecue lunch, live music, and displays by local and state community and service organizations. District Supervisors, General Manager Gale English and Staff will be on hand to welcome residents to the event.
A free barbecue lunch by Sonny's Real Pit Bar-B-Q will be featured. Entertainment will be provided by the Tom Jackson Band. A favorite of the kids, Cock-A-Doodle-Doo will feature a petting zoo, pony rides, a bounce house and the ever-popular face painting.
Exhibitors will offer visitors information on local and state organizations, governmental agencies, local services, and fire safety and prevention, with free give-a-ways such as plants, pens and pencils, hats, pins, coloring books, and more. Here are some of the exhibitors:
- Citizens on Patrol
- Florida Division of Forestry
- Florida's Blood Centers
- Jupiter Farmer
- Jupiter Farms Residents
- Loxahatchee River Coalition
- Northeast Everglades Trail Association
- Palm Beach County Fire Rescue
- Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation Department
- Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office - Crime Prevention Unit (Featuring McGruff the Crime Dog)
- Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office - Mounted Unit
- Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections
- Safety Council of Palm Beach County, Inc.
- Solid Waste Authority
- South Florida Water Management District
- Young Marines of the Palm Beaches (color guard to present the nation's colors at noon)
If you haven't been to a Landowners Family Day yet, you're missing out on all the family fun. The event is free and open to all landowners in the District. It is a great way to meet your neighbors, discuss concerns with your Supervisors, and meet the District staff! Please RSVP to Greta at the District Office at 747-0550 by March 10.
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Roadway Improvement Project Referendum In Palm Beach Country Estates Roadway Passes
South Indian River Water Control District reports that the 154th Court N between 69th Drive N and 75th Avenue N Roadway Improvement Project referendum in Palm Beach Country Estates has passed.
Gale English, general manager for the District was notified by the Supervisor of Elections for Palm Beach County, Susan Bucher, that she has certified that ten (10) votes were cast in favor of the project and seven (7) votes were cast against paving the roadway to Palm Beach County local standards.
In order for a project to pass, 51% or more of the ballots cast in the referendum must be in favor of the project for construction on roadways to proceed.
As requested by landowners at a previous Board of Supervisors meeting, signs notifying affected landowners about the referendum were posted on 154th Road N. Unfortunately, the signs were removed by unknown persons within a day.
A final public hearing on the project is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Jupiter High School.
For additional information on the project, contact the District office at 747-0550.
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ROAD IMPROVEMENT REFERENDA RESULTS
The following road referenda have passed in favor or constructing asphalt roadways in Palm Beach Country Estates:
- 67th Avenue N between 141st Lane N and Donald Ross Road
- 71st Drive N between 150th Place N and 154th Road N
- 72nd Drive N between 150th Place N and 154th Road N
- 72nd Drive N between 155th Drive N and 159th Court N
- 75th Way N between 165th Street N and 167th Court N
- 84th Avenue N between 155th Place N and 159th Court N
- 140th Lane N between 64th Drive N and 69th Drive N
- 151st Court N between 69th Drive N and 69th Trail N
- 154th Road N between 69th Drive N. and 75th Ave. N
- 165th Street N between 75th Avenue N and 79th Terrace N
- 167th Court N between 75th Avenue N and 78th Drive N
In addition, the following road referenda have passed in favor or applying open-graded emulsified mix (OGEM) in Jupiter Farms and Palm Beach Country Estates:
- 80th Drive N between 155th Place N and 159th Court N
- 92nd Way N between 150th Court N and 154th Road N
- 98th Trail N between 150th Court N and 154th Road N
- 187th Place N between 126th Terrace N and 129th Terrace N
- 129th Terrace N between 186th Court N and 187th Place N
- 151st Lane N between 133rd Terrace N and Canal 13
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Palm Beach Country Estates FEMA Flood Zone Revision Opportunity
Notices were sent out to those landowners in Palm Beach Country Estates that own property located in Flood Zone A0 as determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). South Indian River Water Control District (SIRWCD) is considering applying for a Letter of Map Revision based on Fill (LOMR-F) with FEMA for the effective property structure(s) that are located within this flood zone.
- If SIRWCD is successful with this application, the structures on the effective property could be removed from the flood zone designation, making the purchase of flood insurance optional instead of a requirement
- This could save affected landowners hundreds of dollars annually in future insurance costs
By requesting SIRWCD to apply for this application, the affected residents of Palm Beach Country Estates could save money by submitting one application for multiple parcels rather than each landowner processing one individually. The cost to process this application is dependent on the number of landowners who participate and the number of required elevation surveys and is estimated to range from $200-$500 per landowner (a one-time cost), which would be offset by your flood insurance savings.
SIRWCD had previously investigated trying to get the FEMA maps changed based on the drainage work done in the District in 1989, however, the cost of re-certifying the improvements that were done would have exceeded the costs for this proposed approach.
If you are interested in participating in this process, either return your notice or contact SIRWCD at 15600 Jupiter Farms Road, Jupiter, FL 33478. If you are in this Flood Zone and did not receive a mailing, please contact the District office at 747-0550.
This is a voluntary program. If you wish to retain your FEMA flood insurance you may do so.
PBCE FEMA Flood Zone Revision
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Earl Smith Retires After 32 Years with SIRWCD
Earl Smith, the first employee hired by the District in 1978, was honored with a retirement party at the District's offices on May 21. Board of Supervisors president, Tom Powell honored Earl's 32 years of distinguished service to the District with a black, beveled glass engraved plaque.
District Manager Gale English presented Earl with a watch and thanked him for years of faithful service and acknowledged his dedicated work ethic. He also thanked him for being an excellent role model for other District employees.
Board members Mike Danchuk and Bob Berman also were in attendance, as well as Earl's fellow equipment operators, Operations Superintendent, Mike Dillon, Office Administrator Greta Rayman, who has also been with the District for 32 years, office staff Holly Rigsby and Carol Wise, and Tom Powell's wife Karen. Earl's wife Joan and his daughter and son-in-law were also on hand to celebrate with Earl. Best of luck in the future Earl...you will be missed!
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Board of Supervisors Rescind Motion on Requesting Authority for Sewer and Water in Jupiter Farms
At their November 19 monthly board meeting, the Board of Supervisors, after taking landowner comments and discussion by the board, unanimously voted to rescind a previous motion to request the state legislature for authority, under the District's Special Act, to provide potable water and fire hydrants in Jupiter Farms should the landowners petition for such improvements.
This referendum was sent out on December 17 and is due by January 22, 2010. LANDOWNERS ON THESE ROADWAYS MUST CAST A BALLOT IN ORDER FOR IT TO COUNT, WHETHER IT IS YES OR NO!
If you have any questions regarding the ballot, the improvement project, or if you have lost or misplaced your ballot, please call the District Office at 747-0550.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Regarding District Road Improvements
Recently there have been a number of questions regarding roadway improvements within the District, so we thought that we would try to answer some of them in this edition of the District Newsletter.
Some of the most frequently asked questions are:
(Q): What are the District plans for additional road paving?
(A): There is no District initiative for additional paving. Roadway improvements are limited to those initiated by landowners.
(Q): How do landowners initiate road improvements?
(A): The first step is a petition. If 35% of the affected landowners request that their road(s) be considered for upgrade, the District may initiate an Engineering Road Improvement Study.
(Q): What does the Engineering Study consider?
(A): Many things are evaluated in an Engineering Road Improvement Study. The conditions of the current dirt road, the traffic situation, structural considerations of the roadway base, drainage considerations, cost, impact on the community, and many other issues may be considered in the study.
(Q): How is the Engineering Road Improvement Study used?
(A): The study creates an Engineering Plan that defines the project. It will define the specific road (or roads) recommended for paving and it will define the benefited area (those landowners that will benefit from the improvements). The plan also defines the technical details of the proposed project such as base and sub-base requirements, road surface material specification, roadway elevation, and so forth. And, most importantly, the plan will define the cost.
(Q): Then what happens with the Engineering Plan?
(A): If the Board of Supervisors accepts the Engineerís Plan, it can be put to the landowners for a vote in the form of a referendum. If the referendum passes, then the District may construct the improvements as defined in the plan and levy a special assessment against the benefited landowners.
(Q): Can the cost of these improvements be financed?
(A): Yes, and the cost per parcel per year would be presented in the referendum.
(Q): What roadway surfacing materials are currently available to landowners and what about other roadway surfacing or stabilization materials?
(A): The District is constantly searching for and evaluating alternative road surfacing materials that can provide an improved surface at an affordable cost. The Open Graded Emulsified Mix (OGEM) material has been evaluated and approved by the District as an alternative to hard-surface asphalt (built to Palm Beach County road standards) at a significant cost savings to the landowners. Other surfacing and stabilization materials are currently being evaluated as alternatives. However, the OGEM material is becoming very popular because it provides a very good, durable surface at significant savings. It is currently being successfully used by Palm Beach County and other counties in the state, as well as this District, at a cost of approximately half that of conventional paving.
(Q): Will the soil stabilization product known as PX-300 be considered as an alternative road surface material for the District?
(A): Based on initial engineering testing, it has been determined that this product is not suitable for use by the District and no further evaluation is warranted.
(Q): How frequently are the unsurfaced roads graded?
(A): A detailed work schedule is available at the District Office. On average, the major roads on the east side are maintained twice a week and on the west side, two or three times per week. Traffic volume, weather conditions, mechanical failure, priority emergencies, or personnel availability may alter the schedule without notice.
(Q): What about "Safe-Zones" or other improvement projects?
(A): As a "Special District" (Water Control District) that is limited to surface water management and road maintenance, SIRWCD would need to determine whether certain projects fall under our jurisdiction. If they do, "Safe-Zones" or other improvement projects would follow the same process as described for a road improvement program. First, the landowners would need to petition the District. If more than 25% of the affected landowners request the "Safe-Zone" improvement project, an Engineering Plan and cost could be developed, and a referendum could be held.
(Q): What if there is an obstruction in a swale or major canal?
(A): Contact the District Office and report the location and problem as soon as possible.
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