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Patricia NortheyPatricia NortheyPatricia NortheyPatricia Northey Volusia County Council District 5

COUNTY COUNCIL UPDATE COUNTY COUNCIL UPDATE COUNTY COUNCIL UPDATE COUNTY COUNCIL UPDATE April 2011

2011 Goal Quarterly Update

JOBS AND THE ECONOMY!

Jobs are job one. Our Volusia County Economic Development Department is working closely with Team Volusia and the CEO Cabinet in retaining current jobs and growing new ones. We are taking advantage of every opportunity we can to put our residents to work.

Recent accomplishments include: • 30 new inquiries/prospects and 16 new proposals; 300+ jobs retained with Project Gator • $400,000 in Quick Response funding obtained for training local company employees • Payroll of new and retained jobs for 2010 of $31 million • Assisted with 150 new jobs; retained 350 jobs • Economic Gardening Program (GrowFL): Added four new companies for a total of five( fourth in the state) • Working with our educational partners to develop an Entrepreneurial Academy • Volusia Manufacturers Association resource directory Guide to Education in Volusia County ( a

compendium of all of the county’s educational resources including: Volusia County K-12 Schools; Advanced Technology College; Career Academies and Futures Foundation)

In addition, we are working with Embry Riddle and the University of Central Florida on the County’s Business Incubator (site to be managed by UCF in conjunction with their award winning

incubator program) at the Daytona International Airport. Target date for the renovation to be finished is mid-June. Work will include extensive remodeling to accommodate meeting rooms and business offices with advanced telecommunications capabilities. Our first client has been accepted by UCF.

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Along with our in house efforts, Volusia County is participating in a new public private partnership organization known as TEAM VOLUSIA. While Volusia County is committed to SunRail, the multi county commuter rail project, this venture is on hold pending the Governor’s decision to sign contracts to begin construction of the necessary infrastructure. Expect some news in early summer, after the State Legislative session is over. The economic impact in jobs and redevelopment projects, along the corridor, is significant. For a review of the economic impact system wide and Volusia specific go to www.sunrail.com to review the report. 2. Sustainable Volusia: As promised, I am committed to acting on those items that will increase our energy efficiency in our buildings and our fleet while advancing the sustainability initiative within the County. Volusia County’s Office of Sustainability and Energy Management (OSEM) continues to collaborate with other county departments, businesses, non-profits, and other partners to ensure the long-term economic, social, and environmental sustainability of Volusia County. Action has been taken on the following activities:

� Investment Grade Energy Audit - Staff from the County’s Facilities division have worked with Johnson Controls Inc. (JCI), to complete the building walk throughs on the 11 identified buildings for the investment grade energy audit and OSEM staff are working with Johnson Controls Inc. (JCI) to development the final draft of the Investment Grade Energy Audit.

� Strategic Energy Efficiency and Climate Protection Plan - County staff have begun work with AECOM

Consulting Firm who was hired with the EECBG funds to assist the county in developing a Strategic Energy Efficiency and Climate Protection Plan. This project will be completed by December 2011.

� Facility Retrofits – $1.1 million in building retrofits will be completed based on priorities identified in the

Investment Grade Energy Audit. The specific projects will be selected by summer 2011.

� ISB Green Development Plan – County staff have begun work with HDR Consulting and Engineering who was hired with EECBG funds to assist the county is developing a sustainability plan for the International Speedway Boulevard corridor. This project will be completed by December 2011.

� Green Rehabilitation on Neighborhood Stabilization Program Homes - OSEM staff has been working with the

county's Community Assistance Division who oversees the Neighborhood Stabilization Program to provide energy efficient retrofits to the rehabilitated homes. The county has also continued the partnership with the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) who conducts pre and post energy retrofit analysis on the homes. To date, 11 homes have been completed under this joint project with 7 more pending.

� Green Building Program –County Council has adopted a Green Building Incentive Program to provide rebates for residential, commercial, and land development projects that acquire third-party certification through the Florida Green Building Coalition, United States Green Building Coalition, National Association of Home Builders, or the Green Building Initiative. The program provides fast-track permitting, recognition as a green project and rebates of $60 for residential homes, $1500 for commercial buildings, and $2500 for land developments.

To follow our efforts I encourage you to check out www.greenvolusia.org for all things sustainable and links to efforts throughout our County government.

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3. County Budget: We are on the trail to reducing the cost of government. We have set our annual calendar of budget workshops for this next year. We are looking at further reductions of our budget that would set a credit goal of $5 million against the General Fund to offset anticipated unfunded mandates from the State. As the Legislators reduce the Florida budget, it is expected many of those costs will become the responsibility of local government. We are working now, to prepare for the worse.

As part of our budget discussions, the Council has agreed to move to a countywide dispatch system for our emergency operations including the Sheriff, Fire Services, and EVAC Ambulance, as identified in the Halifax Civic League study. This move will provide savings to everyone in the County. Those cities not currently using the County system will see a savings in their public protection costs. More on this and other tax saving public protection recommendations can be found at www.civicleaguehalifaxarea.org. 4. Volusia ECHO: in 2000, we voted to tax ourselves for the program called Volusia ECHO (Environmental, Cultural, Historical, and Outdoors). This program provides resources to build renovate or restore. It is very successful and administered fairly throughout the County and within each of the elements. We have built art centers, beachfront parks, and added miles to our showcase trails system. We have restored historical buildings and developed Environment Learning Centers. ECHO has enriched all of our lives. With approximately $40 million left in the program to use for projects, the Council made the wise decision to look at potential water recreation sites on the St. Johns River, the Halifax River, and the Atlantic Ocean for purchase. 50% of the remaining dollars will go towards this program. Staff is in the process of recommending a procedure for acquisition of sites that would promote water access. With Volusia surrounded on three sides by water, it is a wise investment in our future recreation opportunities. Here in West Volusia, I am very interested in finding locations along the St. Johns that will accommodate boaters.

The other half of the funding will directly support the current ECHO program of Capital projects. We will be going out, conducting a review of the program, and seeking input on projects pending. It is more important than ever to step back, celebrate the successes, and consider how we manage the next 10 years of funding to ensure that Volusia ECHO matches the mission of improving our quality of life. We need to hear from you, the stakeholder, on what our focus should be for the final ten years of this program. 5. Trails: I am committed to completing the Volusia Showcase Trails system and those sections of the River to Sea Loop that remain unfinished. Ground has been broken on the first 6 miles of

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the Rail Trail through Deltona to Osteen. Expect the ribbon to be cut by the end of the year. (You can get a glimpse of the construction by driving down Braddock Road in Enterprise.) In addition, many of you (including our local tourism interests) have been asking for completion of the missing link under Interstate 4. That short segment will soon be constructed linking the Gemini Springs segment of the Spring to Spring trail with the Rail Trail. Additinally we will soon be in construction on the segment through Blue Springs State Park south to Detroit Ave in DeBary.

VERNA TITUS

It is with great sadness and sorrow that the Enterprise Preservation Society announces the passing of our director and dear friend Verna Titus. Verna passed away Saturday, March 5th, after a sudden and very short battle with cancer. Verna will always be revered as a

tireless advocate for the preservation of Enterprise, the community she loved so much. Verna served as a devoted volunteer, director and fundraising chairwoman for the organization since its inception, 11 years ago. Verna’s leadership and efforts on behalf of EPS in organizing fundraising events for the Heritage Center Project will continue to be the guiding spirit behind the

mission of EPS directors to complete the task to which she devoted so many years of her life. Additionally, Verna stood alongside residents and activists through difficult land use battles over the years and in the significant accomplishment of securing a protective “Enterprise Local Area Plan” in Volusia County. Most recently, she was able to rejoice with her community at the opening of Thornby Park, the original crusade that drew Verna and her husband Marvin into the Enterprise Preservation Society back in March of 2000. “Miss Verna,” born and reared in Danville, West Virginia, embodied Southern gentility and grace, with a twinkle in her eye and an affinity for the humorous side of life. She loved parties and was the go-to chef of Enterprise! She never knew a stranger, nor did an unkind word cross her lips—she seemed to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. In our tiny community, Verna was beloved wife, mom, grandma “Mimi,” favorite aunt, counselor, and friend. EPS directors will always cherish our memories of Verna Titus, and we are planning a special community tribute to this unforgettable woman at one of our upcoming events. We love you, Miss Verna.

Carol Aymar & Mark Matzinger (On behalf of EPS board of directors)

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CALLING ALL GRADUATING SENIORS

Deltona Spring Fest is a non-profit organization that celebrates Deltona's diverse culture through Arts, crafts, food

and entertainment. Proceeds from the Fest support our local youth by providing a $500.00 scholarship to a

graduating senior at each of the following high schools: Deltona

High, Pine Ridge High, and Trinity Christian.

Applications may be obtained from the schools guidance office or

by calling or sending an email to Spring Fest. Applications must be

postmarked by April 20, 2011.

Deltona Spring Fest: A Celebration of Cultural, Heritage and Education!

www.deltonaspringfest.org

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WORKING FOR YOU, VOLUSIA COUNTY!WORKING FOR YOU, VOLUSIA COUNTY!WORKING FOR YOU, VOLUSIA COUNTY!WORKING FOR YOU, VOLUSIA COUNTY!

Attended Volusia Forever Land Manager Doug Weaver’sDoug Weaver’sDoug Weaver’sDoug Weaver’s retirement celebration; Ribbon Cutting for ECHO Project at Rob Sullivan Rob Sullivan Rob Sullivan Rob Sullivan Park in DeBary; Met with Deltona City

Commissioner Mike Carmolingo; Mike Carmolingo; Mike Carmolingo; Mike Carmolingo; Leadership Florida Recruitment event for Class 30; Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board discussion on consolidated dispatch; Radio interview w/ Greg Blose Greg Blose Greg Blose Greg Blose of WNDB: ECFRPC meeting; SunRail Charette; DeVante GonzalezDeVante GonzalezDeVante GonzalezDeVante Gonzalez Fundraiser; cut a promotional ad at WSBB for the Daytona CubsDaytona CubsDaytona CubsDaytona Cubs; ; ; ; Attended: TPO meeting; Volusia Day in Tallahassee; Induction Ceremony for Mary Brennan Karl into the Women’s Hall of Fame; Volusia League of Cities Dinner; Wildflower Festival;

DeBary City CoDeBary City CoDeBary City CoDeBary City Councilmembersuncilmembersuncilmembersuncilmembers and I joined by Former City Coand I joined by Former City Coand I joined by Former City Coand I joined by Former City Councilmanuncilmanuncilmanuncilman Rob Sullivan cut the ribbon on new ball fields at the Rob Sullivan ParkRob Sullivan cut the ribbon on new ball fields at the Rob Sullivan ParkRob Sullivan cut the ribbon on new ball fields at the Rob Sullivan ParkRob Sullivan cut the ribbon on new ball fields at the Rob Sullivan Park, a , a , a , a Volusia ECHO project! Volusia ECHO project! Volusia ECHO project! Volusia ECHO project!

PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO!PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO!PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO!PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO!

DID YOU KNOW THAT

THE MUSEUM OF FLORIDA ART THE MUSEUM OF FLORIDA ART THE MUSEUM OF FLORIDA ART THE MUSEUM OF FLORIDA ART

IN DELAND IS OFFERING FREE 2011 ADMISSION TO

VOLUSIA COUNTY RESIDENTS IN CELEBRATION OF THE

MUSEUM’S 60TH ANNIVERSARY? CHECK IT OUT

BEFORE THE YEAR GETS AWAY FROM YOU. IT IS A

GREAT FAMILY OUTING.

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Other activities for the nexOther activities for the nexOther activities for the nexOther activities for the next few months include: t few months include: t few months include: t few months include:

April 9April 9April 9April 9----10: Deltona Spring Fest10: Deltona Spring Fest10: Deltona Spring Fest10: Deltona Spring Fest @ Dewey Boster Sports Complex. Hours Sat - 10-6, Sun - 12-5. Free admission, $3 wrist bands for amusements for the children, art, crafts, food, and Deltona entertainment. Kiwanis Club will be at the Spring Fest grilling hot dogs and hamburgers as a scholarship fund raising event. Cost for a hot dog or hamburger with chips and a soda is $5.00. You can pre purchase your food tickets for $4.00. See AnnAnnAnnAnne Plocke Plocke Plocke Plock at Federal Trust Bank on

www.deltonaspringfest.org Doyle. Rd. for tickets. For more information on the Fest go to:

April 9April 9April 9April 9thththth: Razz Ma Tazz: Razz Ma Tazz: Razz Ma Tazz: Razz Ma Tazz at the Gateway Center. . . . (6:00p(6:00p(6:00p(6:00p---- 10:00p)10:00p)10:00p)10:00p)The theme this year is a mystery theater dinner from the 30’s. Guests are sure to have a great time. Call the center @386-668-5553 for tickets and additional information

NEW LISTING NEW LISTING NEW LISTING NEW LISTING

April 16April 16April 16April 16thththth: Annual EPS : Annual EPS : Annual EPS : Annual EPS Fish FryFish FryFish FryFish Fry at Mariner's Cove: Enjoy Goodwin's Famous Fried Catfish, Gator Bites, and Chris' Ragin Cajun Crawfish.... Get them while they're hot! Sausage and Onions, Hamburgers and Hot Dogs will also be available for your dining pleasure. Wash it all down with a cold beer or Lemonade, and do not forget to leave room for a fabulous dessert!

NEW LISTING NEW LISTING NEW LISTING NEW LISTING APRIL 16APRIL 16APRIL 16APRIL 16: Easter FEaster FEaster FEaster Funununun for the Kidsfor the Kidsfor the Kidsfor the Kids. Children are invited to hop, skip, walk, ride or roller blade on down the bunny trail and scavenge for eggs, at Gemini Springs Park in DeBary. The free event starts at 10 a.m. Children who find special eggs can claim a prize at DeBary Hall’s stable, where the Easter bunny will be available for photos. Families should meet in the overflow parking area at Gemini Springs Park. Signs will be posted. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Light refreshments will be available at this event, which is sponsored by DeBary Hall Inc. and Volusia County’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Division. For more information, please call 386-736-5953.

NEW LISTING NEW LISTING NEW LISTING NEW LISTING

April 16:April 16:April 16:April 16: Join us at DeLand’s annual Green FairGreen FairGreen FairGreen Fair (10-2 downtown)

NEW LISTING NEW LISTING NEW LISTING NEW LISTING

April April April April 30303030thththth:::: Marine Science Center Turtle Day Festival: (10-3: Free admission to the Center. ). Join us at the Marine Science Center to learn all about turtles, marine habitat and shore and wading birds. Check out

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the new Sting Ray Touch Tank and stick around for the turtle and shore bird release at 3pm. For more info on the Center go to the County web site at www.volusia.org. NEW LISTING NEW LISTING NEW LISTING NEW LISTING

May May May May 14141414thththth: DeBaryDeBaryDeBaryDeBary----Deltona Rotary Benefit Golf TournamentDeltona Rotary Benefit Golf TournamentDeltona Rotary Benefit Golf TournamentDeltona Rotary Benefit Golf Tournament (DeBary Golf and Country Club; 8:30am Shotgun Start) Proceeds to benefit local charities and Rotary International Polio Plus Program. Entry Fee $75.00 a person. Register w/the Club c/o Blaine Timmer @ PO Box 530217; DeBary, FL 32713-0217 NEW LISTING NEW LISTING NEW LISTING NEW LISTING

June 4June 4June 4June 4thththth: Annual : Annual : Annual : Annual Trails Trails Trails Trails Day:Day:Day:Day: DeBary Hall Barn (9:00am): Bring your bike and join us for a ride to Lake Monroe Park; see the progress we’ve made on our trails and view vendor displays. The fun begins at 9:00am.

June 26June 26June 26June 26thththth: The West Volusia Hispanic : The West Volusia Hispanic : The West Volusia Hispanic : The West Volusia Hispanic AssociationAssociationAssociationAssociation presents the 16th Annual Latin Music Festival at one of central Florida’s premier facilities, the Dewey Boster Sports Complex, Deltona, Florida.

Check out the County Web site for information on Summer Camp opportunities! Check out the County Web site for information on Summer Camp opportunities! Check out the County Web site for information on Summer Camp opportunities! Check out the County Web site for information on Summer Camp opportunities!

We have day camps and specialty camps at sites across the county. Registration will We have day camps and specialty camps at sites across the county. Registration will We have day camps and specialty camps at sites across the county. Registration will We have day camps and specialty camps at sites across the county. Registration will

be in May. You can find out all about the offerings on the be in May. You can find out all about the offerings on the be in May. You can find out all about the offerings on the be in May. You can find out all about the offerings on the County web page. County web page. County web page. County web page.

Please note: Please note: Please note: Please note: TTTThe he he he last sign up flast sign up flast sign up flast sign up foooor summer r summer r summer r summer day day day day camps camps camps camps in Deltona in Deltona in Deltona in Deltona will be held @ the Deltona will be held @ the Deltona will be held @ the Deltona will be held @ the Deltona

Library, Wednesday, April 6, 2011, from 9Library, Wednesday, April 6, 2011, from 9Library, Wednesday, April 6, 2011, from 9Library, Wednesday, April 6, 2011, from 9----6. Bring your child's SS card and/or 6. Bring your child's SS card and/or 6. Bring your child's SS card and/or 6. Bring your child's SS card and/or

birth certificate. For more information, contact the VC Community Assistance birth certificate. For more information, contact the VC Community Assistance birth certificate. For more information, contact the VC Community Assistance birth certificate. For more information, contact the VC Community Assistance

Division at 386Division at 386Division at 386Division at 386----736736736736----5955.5955.5955.5955. Please note:Please note:Please note:Please note: This is a monthly newsletter, written and edited by yours truly, updating you on what is happening in District 5 and in the County. If you prefer not to receive it, just send me a note asking to be removed. I appreciate the volume of email we all receive and do not want to unnecessarily clutter your in box. This is a public record and is intended for broad distribution. It may be shared. Please feel free to email me on any issue you are concerned about. My email address for official county business is: pnorthey@co.volusia.fl.us. Or you can reach me at the numbers below.

C) 386-717-0505 O) 386-789-7500 F) 386-789-7501 Volume Volume Volume Volume 5555: issue # : issue # : issue # : issue # 4444