I think we have taken three significant steps toward improving the lagoon’s health by setting up the STEP system, developing the stormwater utility program, and by joining the lagoon coalition. The lagoon’s health is a key asset to for our community and is fundamental to our recreation, property values and our choosing Vero Beach as home.…
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Recently the Vero Beach City Council was asked to approve the sale of approximately 9% of Vero Beach Electric to Florida Power and Light for $30 million. The City Council effectively said, no, but it would consider an offer of $47 million. Where upon, Florida Power and Light said, we will stand by our offer…
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The City’s annual budget is about $20 million, a reasonable size for a population of 15,000. The budget process, internal controls, reporting, and management are excellent, achieving its goals each year within 1% or 2%. Our cash position is just under $10 million, our debt below that. We enjoy a good credit rating. The City…
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The Vero Beach Regional Airport is a lot more than it appears, as it is the 6th busiest airport in the state, and is one of the only self-sustained municipal airports in the country. It is the home of both Piper Aircraft, and Flight Safety. It is not only convenient for those who have their…
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Two weeks ago the Vero Beach City Council agreed to spend up to $10,000 on a survey to understand the attitude of Vero Electric customers to Solar Energy. The survey is being done in conjunction with FMPA who is combining the wisdom and client base of several municipalities in order to receive wide feedback on…
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Proponents of the fast train scheduled to be built from Miami to Orland continue to push ahead with their plans. Because these officials do not adequately explain the details of their plans to the affected local communities like Vero, it is difficult or nearly impossible to determine the negative outcomes on Vero in terms of…
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Vero is blessed to be next to the Indian River Lagoon, as its citizens and visitors enjoy what the lagoon provides in recreation and in scenery. So it is vital that we preserve its health, which is presently threatened by too much nitrogen, part of which is caused by runoff from parking lots and streets…
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I have learned how the City operates and what the job of City Council entails. Major efforts have included: Working with Vero Electric–fighting off lawsuits, understanding issues by serving on FMPA’s board for 12 months, renegotiating the OUC power supply contract, undertaking both the efficiency study and the rate study, closing down the utility plant,…
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