City of NPR, Summer 2011 Newsletter

Save the Date!

the

Community Newsletter

City Parks and Recreation Department Hosts Open House Sat, May 21, 8-9:30AM at 6630 Van Buren St. No Cost Enjoy a free IHOP pancake breakfast and over 30 booths from community service groups featuring classes, demos, free giveaways, and more. The VWA Wrestlers will be available for autographs. Children can enjoy the Ladybug Release and Touch-A-Truck. Director Elaine Smith says, “We’re always looking for good interaction with our residents. We want them to know…that we’re listening to them, [and] we’re sure that [our] activities will strengthen and enhance New Port Richey’s community life.”

Open House May 21

Parks & Recreation Dept, 6630 Van Buren Street at 8AM, no charge

Coffee w/CM June 15

Coffee with your City Manager, NPR Library, 5939 Main St., 8:30AM

SRP June 6 Summer Reading Program begins at NPR Library. Sign up Now!

S U M M E R 2 0 1 1

NPR Policeman’s daughter wins

Little Miss Chasco New Port Richey’s own, Officer John Nohejl, is pictured below with his daughter Isabella who won the 2011 title of Little Miss Chasco. Congratulations!

Photo courtesy of Kim Mann

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THE LOREM IPSUMS SUMMER 2012

A Letter from yourCity Manager Greeting to all New Port Richey Residents and Visitors!

NEW PORT RICHEY CITY MANAGER SUMMER 2011

My name is John Schneiger, and I’m the City Manager for the City of New Port Richey. We have a lot of projects and meetings in the works for the City - let me give you a brief list of what’s happening.

We’ll celebrate the completion of the Railroad Square Project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tues, May 24 at 3PM. The project was nominated at the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council’s 19th Annual Future of the Region Awards. Railroad Square’s total expense was covered by Community Development Block Grant funding and Penny for Pasco dollars. The quarterly public meeting on community policing will be held at New Port Richey City Hall Council Chambers on Wed, June 1 at 6PM. It will feature the combined forces of the New Port Richey Police Department and the Pasco County Sheriff's Office. The goal of these meetings is to gain input from the community, so that we can tailor our policing strategies to issues that you feel are most important. We want to be sure your needs and concerns are addressed, and that you know we’re listening to you. We’ll hold our next “Coffee with the City Manager” on Wed, June 15 from 8:30-10:30AM at the New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main Street. Enjoy a continental breakfast at this City Manager meeting where I’ll discuss the upcoming Annual City Budget along with general City financial issues, and listen to your questions and concerns. Breakfast has been kindly donated by Starbucks #13368 and the Friends of the New Port Richey Library. As always, we welcome your comments and input. We have several Economic Recovery projects in progress. We’re being creative and innovative in finding ways that will bring needed income to the City. Here are some of the ideas we’ve begun to work on: Code Enforcement collections, red light cameras, and cell towers. Also, we’ve begun a program to charge back to criminals the cost of police and City services. We’re beginning work on the 2011-2012 City Annual Budget. We’ve scheduled Planning Sessions so that we can get started on improving New Port Richey’s financial status. We’re working on a Strategic Action Plan for the Community Redevelopment Area. We want to create a vision for New Port Richey’s future development and redevelopment. Much like a road map, the Plan shows us where we are, where we want to be, and the steps we need to take in order to get us there. With a Strategic Plan, everyone is on the same page, and we have a good idea about how to get to our destination. Although we still have some fiscal problems, I believe New Port Richey has great potential for turnaround and growth. While we know we have a few more tough years ahead of us, we also know that we’re all in this together, and that we have an excellent possibility of success. The best news is - we are very definitely moving forward. Please feel free to email or call me anytime with your City concerns. We are here for you!

Sincerely, John Schneiger

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NEW PORT RICHEY CITY COUNCIL SUMMER 2011

Your City Council

Rob Marlowe, Deputy Mayor - Councilman

Bob Langford, Councilman

[email protected] 727-853-1016 ext. 2033

Judy DeBella Thomas, Councilwoman

Your new Mayor, Bob Consalvo Mayor Bob Consalvo was sworn in on Tues, April 19. Consalvo

served as the city’s Parks and Recreation Director for twenty years.

[email protected] 727-853-1290

Ginny Miller, Councilwoman




City of New Port Richey - City Hall - 5919 Main Street - New Port Richey, Florida 34652

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FIRE DEPARTMENT WELCOMES NEW ASSISTANT CHIEF

Chief Onishenko (at left) congratulates Assistant Chief Exline on his promotion.

Extrication Training These photos show the New Port Richey Fire Department participating in vehicle extrication training, utilizing new equipment purchased with Penny for Pasco funds. The Department thanks Action Auto Salvage for the use of their premises and salvage vehicles.

Bureau of EMS Inspection The FL Dept.of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Svcs. conducted a 2011 on-site inspection of the New Port Richey Fire Department. The report notes, "This was an outstanding inspection. All potential deficiencies were addressed promptly. At the completion of the site visit there were no deficiencies. Your vehicles and service records were exceptional. Thank you for being a role model of excellence as a non-transport provider...Your agency's continued support of excellent emergency medical non-transport care is deeply appreciated."

NEW PORT RICHEY FIRE SUMMER 2011

Tim Exline has been promoted to Assistant Fire Chief of the New Port Richey Fire Department effective January 3, 2011. Tim started with the Department in 1987 as a reserve. He became a career Firefighter in 1995 and quickly moved through the ranks, becoming a Captain in 2005. AC Exline has served as the department’s EMS Coordinator and Task Force Leader of the Department’s Urban Search and Rescue Team. His experience as a Medical Unit Leader with the Division of Forestry’s National Response Team has helped the city implement a City-Wide Disaster Plan. As part of the City’s disaster planning, AC Exline implemented an action plan whereby City employees are obtaining the necessary FEMA certifications based on their job duties. These certifications will also assist the City in qualifying for FEMA grants.

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Mary Rabelo Retires After Over 34 Years of Service.

It is with mixed feelings that we say goodbye to Mary Rabelo, our Administrative Division Manager, who is retiring June 1st. Mary has been employed by the City of New Port Richey for over 34 years and has been a tremendous asset to the Fire Department. We wish her all the best with her well-deserved time off. She will be greatly missed!

Summer Safety Tips

Now that summer is here, please take a moment to review some important safety information

• Be mindful of the heat! Please do not leave children or animals in a car unattended. It only takes a few moments for the temperature inside a vehicle to become deadly.

• If you suspect someone is suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke, call 911 immediately. Move the person to a cool place and have them drink water slowly while waiting for help to arrive.

• Apply sunscreen. The Florida sun is hot and it doesn't take long for it to burn. Make sure that the SPF factor is sufficient and reapply often if you will be in the sun for an extended period of time.

• Do not leave small children unattended in or around a swimming pool, even for just a moment.

• As we approach the end of the school year, be mindful that children will be playing outside and riding their bikes. Please use an extra bit of caution when driving through our neighborhoods.

REMINDER:

If you did not change your smoke detector and/or carbon monoxide detector batteries when we moved the clocks forward in the spring, please change your batteries now. Smoke detectors can save lives, but they have to be in working order!

NEW PORT RICHEY FIRE SUMMER 2011

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What to do if you are driving a vehicle and are stopped by an officer:

• Safely pull over to the right side of the roadway in an area that you feel safe.

• If you do not feel that you are being stopped by an actual officer, contact 911. Dispatchers will have information regarding the traffic stop.

• Roll down your windows.

• When asked, provide the

officer with requested information.

• When released, safely merge back into traffic.

Lock it or Lose it! Remember: Burglary is a crime of circumstance.

Protect yourself and your valuables.

The New Port Richey Police Department would like to encourage vehicle owners to secure their vehicles when they are left unoccupied for any length of time. In 2010,there were 114 vehicle reported burglaries to vehicles. Simply locking your vehicle could prevent many of these thefts.

NEW PORT RICHEY POLICE SUMMER 2011

Emergency: 911 Phone: 727-841-4550 Fax: 727-816-1132 www.nprpolice.org

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Recreation & Aquatic Center

Classes and Events

Summer Membership Drive!

Kim’s Craft Class: Wed, May 25, 6-7:30PM

Swim Lessons Registration: Saturdays, 10-12PM and

Wednesdays, 6-8PM - Until all sessions are full Dance & Gymnastics for ages 3 and up:

Monday & Tuesday, 4:30-8:30PM * $30/month Gymnastics for ages 5 and up: Thursday * Beg., 5PM * Int., 6:10PM * $25/month

Karate for children & adults: Tuesday & Thursday: 7-9PM * $35/month

Yoga-lates for teens & adults: Tuesday: 9-10AM * $5/class

Tennis Lessons for all ages: Monday & Wednesday evenings * $10/lesson

Open Volleyball for all ages: Thursday: 6-9PM * $4/person, free for members

Women’s Self-Defense for female teens and adults: Monday, 6:30-7:30PM * $30/month

Tai Chi for adults – Tuesday & Wednesday, 10-11:30AM and Wednesday, 5:30PM & 7PM * $30/month

Painting for adults: Wednesday, 6-9pm * $12/class

Aquatic Exercise Classes for Adults: Monday-Friday, 9-10AM * $3/class

Jazzercise for adults: Monday & Wednesday, 6:30-7:30PM, Friday: 5-5:45PM & Saturday: 10-11AM

Zumba: Monday, 7:30-8:30PM * $5/class

Belly Dancing (adults only): Saturday, 1-2PM * $49/4 week session

Fit Forever Adult Exercise Program: Monday & Thursday * 10:30-11:30AM * $3/class

Senior Exercise Club: Monday-Wednesday-Friday, 9-10AM * $2/class

Personal Fitness Training: Available by appointment: $45/hour (private); $30/hour (semi-private); $20/hour (group)

NEW PORT RICHEY REC & AQUATIC SUMMER 2011

Save 25% off 3-month memberships purchased May 15-July 15, 2011!

6630 Van Buren Street Call 727-841-4560 for details and summer hours

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Yearlong programs @ your library

NEW PORT RICHEY LIBRARY SUMMER 2011

Mondays Writer’s Workshop, 5PM Hatha Yoga 5PM at Peace Hall, Donation: $6 Books 2 Movies 3rd Mondays at 5PM History Club, 2nd Mondays at 1:30PM Tuesdays Tell your Story (Writers, Poets and Storytellers), 1PM

Wednesdays Cleo’s Astrology for Beginners,1PM Hatha Yoga 5PM at Peace Hall, Donation: $6 Thursdays Toddler Time, 11AM Megan’s “Surf the Web” Lab, 6:30PM Pasco Writer's Workshop, 5:30PM. Creative Workshops for Adults, 5:30PM Fridays French Discussion Group, 2PM Saturdays Code Green Talks, 2nd Saturdays at 1PM Dogs Love Stories, 2nd Saturdays at 10AM Cotee River Flute Circle, 1st Saturdays at 1PM

Sign up now for Summer Reading Program!

Find yourself @ NPR Library

Monday Movies, Ages 11-17 June 6, 2PM I Am Number Four June 13, 2PM Justin Bieber June 20, 2PM True Grit June 27, 2PM Green Hornet July 11, 2PM Soul Surfer July 18, 2PM Red Riding Hood July 25, 2PM Harry Potter/Deathly Hallows

Tuesday Crafts, Ages 8-10 June 5 – July 28 Tuesday Crafts at 11AM July 27, 2PM Summer Party (Ages 8-10)

w/Tony the Balloon Guy!

Wednesday Specials – All ages June 8, 2PM Tampa Taiko June 15, 2PM Fairy Tales Gone Bananas! June 22, 2PM Mime Time June 29, 2PM Razzamatazz Ventriloquist July 6, 2PM The Amazing Steiner! July 13, 2PM Didgeridoo Down Under July 20, 2PM Mad Science

Thursday Storytimes – Ages 3-7 June 9,11AM Welcome Summer! June 16, 11AM Pirates June 23, 11AM Storyteller, Wendell Campbell June 30, 11AM Princesses July 7, 11AM Stuffed Animals July 14, 11AM Storyteller Katie Adams July 21, 11AM Anything Goes! July 28, 11AM Summer Party (Ages 3-7) w/Magician Cesar Domingo!

Family Programs June 11, 2PM World of Reptiles June 20, 6:30PM Giving Tree Drum Circle July 9, 2PM Hansel & Gretel

5939 Main Street, 727-853-1279, nprlibrary.org

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Your Public Works Department presents:

The 7 Principles of Xeriscape 1. Plan & Design

Pinpoint your shady and sunny spots. Decide whether you want to attract wildlife and which areas you would like for viewing or for privacy.

2. Assess the Soil

Select plants that are best suited for your existing soil conditions.

3. Select the Right Plants

and group according to water needs.

4. Use Grass Wisely

Grass requires more water than any other area in your landscape. Cut your grass on the highest setting to reduce the need to water.

5. Apply Mulch Mulching conserves water, adds nutrients, and prevents soil erosion. It reduces weeds, maintenance and upkeep.

6. Water Efficiently

Water slowly and long to prevent water run-off. Choose an efficient irrigation system for your landscape.

7. Maintain Proper plant selection, watering and mulching create a low-maintenance landscape. Save time and money with a pleasing yard that is compatible with the Florida environment.

Florida Friendly Fertilizing Recent studies show that rising nitrate levels in many local water bodies can be traced to inorganic fertilizer. When fertilizer is needed and applied correctly, the lawn absorbs the nitrogen. However, improper applied fertilizers run off lawns, harming water quality and threatening the plants and animals that need clean water to survive. The Southwest Florida Water Management District has started a campaign that focuses on these Florida-friendly fertilizing tips: Use slow-release fertilizers. Always follow package directions. Don’t fertilize before a heavy rain. Fertilize only when needed and only when grass is actively growing. Avoid Weed & Feed Products. Create a beautiful landscape while protecting our natural resources.

NEW PORT RICHEY PUBLIC WORKS SUMMER 2011

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PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

MONTHLY BILLING - Your utility account is billed for service each month and you will receive a monthly statement every month regardless if you do or do not have water going through the meter. Each month your account is charged a base and billing charge due to the meter being on the property. Once your account receives a Delinquent Notice your account could be shut off for non-payment. Contact our office if you do not receive your monthly bill. OWNER STARTING SERVICES - If you are an owner signing in for service you will need to provide us with a copy of your settlement form, purchase agreement or warranty deed along with a photo ID and the required deposit. If there are any outstanding charges on the location where services will be obtained they will need to be paid in full before we can sign in a new Agent. AGENT STARTING SERVICES - If you are an agent signing in for service you will need a contract or listing agreement, photo ID and the required deposit. If there are any outstanding charges on the location where services will be obtained they will need to be paid in full before we can sign in a new Agent, Owner or Renter. RENTER STARTING SERVICES - If you are a renter signing in for service you will need a copy of your lease or a copy of a letter from the landlord stating that you are going to be responsible for the water service at the property along with a photo ID and the required deposit. SERVICE INTERUPTED - In the event that service has been interrupted for non-payment we can only accept re-payment by Cash, Credit Card or Money Order. In the event that your service has been disconnected for non-payment, and your deposit was refunded to you previously, you will be required to pay a new deposit. If you are receiving assistance from any organizations such as Saint Vincent De Paul, Salvation Army, Metropolitan Ministries, etc we can only receive vouchers and/or checks directly from the organizations themselves.

NEW PORT RICHEY UTILITY BILLING OFFICE SUMMER 2011

UTILITY BILLING NEWS!

Did you know that you have access to a variety of choices when it comes to paying your water bill? The following is a list of the many options we now offer you the customer to make bill paying easier: Auto Pay – Have your utility bill automatically drafted from your checking or savings account each month. This is a great way to make sure you don’t incur any late fees or penalties. Come by, call or check the City Website to take advantage of this service. Online Payments – Pay your bill via the internet, 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Payments received after normal business hours will be processed the following business day. Visit the City Website, choose Online Resources, then Pay Utility Bill Online. You will set up your payment account thru Click-to-Gov, a secure website. Telephone Payments - Call (727) 853-1061 Mon-Fri, 8:30-4:30PM to pay your utility bill using your Visa, MasterCard or American Express. Payments are processed the same day. In Person – We are always happy to see you. Come inside or visit the drive-thru, Mon-Fri, 8:30-4:30PM. The night drop-box is also available - Please note: drop-box payments made after 4PM will be processed the following business day. Please no cash payments in drop-box E-Billing – Receive your bill via email. Just let us know. We’re happy to activate it for you.

At the current time there is no charge for the services listed above. We look forward to providing you with the most up to date conveniences as possible. Please contact the Billing & Collections Office at (727) 853-1061 to take advantage of any of these new services. Lobby: 5919 Main St., Mon-Fri, 8:30-4:30PM Drive thru: Mon-Fri, 8:30-4:30PM Phone: (727) 853-1061 - Fax: (727) 953-1245

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When you compare the cost of flood insurance (hundreds of dollars) to the potential devastation from flooding (tens of thousands of dollars) flood insurance makes good sense. Call your insurance agent today, or contact 1-888-724-6410, www.floodsmart.gov

There are 2 types of Flood Insurance Coverage:

BUILDING PROPERTY COVERAGE 1. This insures the building and its foundation.

2. The electrical and plumbing systems.

3. Central AC equipment, furnaces,water heaters.

4. Refrigerators, stoves and built in appliances.

5. Carpeting

6. Permanently installed paneling, wallboard,

bookcases and cabinets.

PERSONAL PROPERTY COVERAGE 1. Personal belongings such as clothing, furniture,

and electronic equipment.

2. Clothes washer and dryers.

3. Food freezers and the food in them.

4. Certain valuables (up to $2500.00) PROPERTY OUTSIDE THE BUILDING: Property such as: Trees, Plants, Wells, Septic Systems, Patios, Fences and Swimming Pools are not covered by either kind of coverage.

THERE IS A 30 DAY WAITING PERIOD ON NEW POLICES.

NEW PORT RICHEY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT SUMMER 2011

You don't have to live near water to be flooded. Everyone is in a flood zone. Approximately 25% of flood losses occur in low to moderate risk areas. And, homeowner’s policies do not cover flood losses. However, the City of New Port Richey participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. So, whether your flood risk is high, medium or low, you are eligible for flood insurance. A flood policy can help protect the most valuable assets you own: your home and your business and help you stay “afloat.”

WHY CAN'T YOU RELY ON FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE?

If the City has a serious flood, you can’t rely on Federal Disaster Assistance alone. Less than 50% of all flooding incidents are awarded a Federal Disaster Assistance declaration. And if the President declares a Federal Disaster Area, most assistance is provided in the form of a loan that must be repaid - principal plus interest.

Why Do You Need Flood Insurance?

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THE LOREM IPSUMS SUMMER 2012 NEW PORT RICHEY - DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT SUMMER 2011

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* If your company has moved to a new location/address within City Limits you will need to apply for a new Business Tax for your new location and obtain the necessary inspections in order to get a Tax Receipt for your new location. * If your company has a new owner the new owner will need to complete a new Business Tax Receipt application so we have their information on file and obtain the necessary inspections in order to get a new Tax Receipt in their name. * If you have a home business or operate your business out of your home you will also need to obtain and maintain a City of New Port Richey Business Tax Receipt and special conditions may apply. * If your company has moved outside the City Limits you will also need to let us know as soon as possible so we can inactivate your file and your company will no longer be responsible for renewing your Business Tax Receipt and any fees. To obtain an application or for more information please contact the Billing and Collections Department at City Hall (727) 853-1061 or visit www.CityofNewPortRichey.org. The application consists of the Application, Use of Property Application & Emergency Contact Form.

NEW PORT RICHEY - RENTAL PERMITS AND BUSINESS TAXES SUMMER 2011

RENTAL PROPERTY OWNERS & TENANTS Did you know? Back in November of 2006 a new ordinance took effect in order to protect Owners and Renters. All rental property owners with 5 units or less on one parcel are required by City Ordinance #1843 section 6-129 subsection (a) to acquire and maintain a Residential Rental Permit for each property located within the incorporated city limits of New Port Richey with an annual fee of $35.00. This ordinance was designed to protect both the owner and the renter. It protects the owner by identifying them and ensuring that the most current contact information is on file in case of an emergency. It also protects the tenant by ensuring that the residence they are renting has met the standards of the minimum housing code according to City of New Port Richey ordinance #1818 Section 6-96. To obtain an application or for more information, please contact the Billing and Collections Department at City Hall (727) 853-1061.

**PLEASE BE ADVISED

AS OF JANUARY 1ST 2007 OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE HAS

BEEN CHANGED TO A BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT**

NEW & CURRENT BUSINESSES WELCOME TO NEW PORT RICHEY! Do you have a current 2011 City of New Port Richey Business Tax Receipt? All businesses located with the incorporated City Limits of New Port Richey not only need a Pasco County Business Tax Receipt but also need to obtain and maintain a current New Port Richey Business Tax Receipt.

Enjoy your summer! Enjoy your summer New Port Richey style! Have fun, stay safe and keep it cool. Take advantage of all your city has to offer, from parks and recreation to library events and the Summer Reading Program. We hope that you have found this newsletter useful and entertaining. Have suggestions? Drop us a line, care of Ann Scott, New Port Richey Public Library, 5939 Main Street, New Port Richey FL or call 727-853-1265.

City of New Port Richey

c/o NPR Library 5939 Main Street New Port Richey, FL 34652

[Recipient]

NEW PORT RICHEY SUMMER 2011

For updates, visit your city newsletter online. www.nprnewsletter.wikispaces.com

Documents

City of NPR, Summer 2011 Newsletter