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July 2008 |
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| The Charlotte E-News is distributed by the Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners. If you have any questions or comments please direct them to the Communications & Marketing Department ENEWS@CharlotteCountyFL.com or call 941.623.1092.
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TOPICS County "Going Green" - Commissioners recently approved a new program that provides for methane gas collection from the Charlotte County landfill. Garbage decomposing in the landfill naturally creates methane gas which can be collected, processed, and sold to Florida Power & Light. Each year the program is expected to create 3.2 megawatts of electricity; enough to power 2,000 homes. It is estimated that this project will prevent 6,375 tons of methane per year from being released into the atmosphere, the equivalent of removing 26,000 vehicles from our roads or planting 38,000 acres of forest. This is part of a county initiative to become a “green” community and to reduce our carbon footprint. Over time, the collection of methane gas to be processed into electricity is anticipated to generate approximately $1 million a year, which will be used to support landfill operations. Goals Set - County Commissioners held a workshop with Roger Baltz, County Administrator, to establish the organization's goals for the upcoming fiscal year. Over the coming months the County will be sharing more details on the goals and our plans to accomplish them. The goals identified are:
Charlotte Alert - The County has launched a new mass notification system called Charlotte Alert. Charlotte Alert delivers information by request on a variety of topics, from breaking news and road closures to County newsletters and CCTV-20 program schedules. Sign up and you can select the news you want to receive. Messages will be sent in a variety of ways, depending on the type of news. The County will utilize e-mail, telephone, fax and TTY. Once registered, users can log-in at any time to change preferences, add or remove alerts or change the delivery method. Smart Charlotte 2050 - The County continues to seek citizen input on the future growth of Charlotte County. Smart Charlotte 2050 is the community planning process that will be used to redefine the state-mandated Comprehensive Plan. To stay informed on local meetings, workshops, and to submit your ideas and opinions visit CharlotteCountyFL.com and click the Smart Charlotte 2050 link. ATMS Unveiled - The County's new Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) recently went into service. The system monitors 53 intersections on US 41 and 28 intersections on SR 776. ATMS allows the County to monitor traffic flow directly from a Traffic Management Center within our Public Works Department in Punta Gorda. This information can be used to modify signal timing, or notify the appropriate authorities in case of accidents, and assist in keeping traffic flowing smoothly. Innovative Trial Program to End - Geo-tubes have generated a lot of comment from Englewood residents over the last few weeks. These special tubes were installed near Stump Pass, in Englewood, as part of an innovative trial program to preserve the beaches from erosion and reduce the need to dredge the Pass. Charlotte County was asked to be a host county for the Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection’s project. The DEP has determined that the geo-tubes have not been effective and ordered the County to remove them or face fines. Area boaters and beach residents had felt that the geo-tubes were successful and had petitioned the Board of County Commissioners to allow them remain. DEP has given the County a final order of removal, which is to take place no later than December 31, 2008. This date was established by DEP to accommodate turtle and shore bird nesting in the area. Cost Savings - The County has successfully completed the refinancing of Utility System Refunding Revenue Bonds. By locking into a new interest rate of 3.94% we will experience a gross savings of $2,823,764 over the term of the bond. Charlotte County Utilities to close West County Office - Due to recent budget reductions, Charlotte County Utilities (CCU) will be closing its West County customer service office at 6868 San Casa Drive, Englewood. Thursday, August 28, 2008 is the last official day the San Casa office will be open for business. For the convenience of our West County customers, a drop box will remain available at the San Casa location for Utilities bill payments and contents will be picked up daily. The main CCU customer service office at the East Port Environmental Campus, 25550 Harbor View Road, Port Charlotte, will remain open for business, including cash payments, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Customers may also pay their Utilities bill by mail or by phone (941.764.4300), and may access customer forms and information and pay bills online at CharlotteCountyFL.com. CCU’s EZ-Pay service allows customers to pay their bill online with a personal checking account, credit or debit card. Don't Forget to VOTE - August 26 is election day. If you'd like to vote by mail, contact the Supervisor of Elections at 941.833-5400, or request a ballot on-line at Charlottevotes.com. SPECIAL NOTICE to E-News subscribers - If you wish to continue receiving the Charlotte County E-News please take a few moments to sign up at Charlotte Alert and then subscribe to "County Commission Newsletters." Starting with the next issue, we will be utilizing Charlotte Alert to distribute this newsletter.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES Upcoming Grand Opening Events to be held by Charlotte County Government -
August 22, 11:00 a.m., Grand Opening of Englewood Fire Station - 6350 Vermillion St., Englewood Fertilizer Workshop for Homeowners - The recently enacted Charlotte County Fertilizer Ordinance has changed standards for home application of fertilizer. The Charlotte County Environmental & Extension Services is conducting a Homeowner Fertilizer Workshop on Thursday, August 21 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Tringali Park Community Center, 3460 N. Access Road in Englewood (next to the Englewood Library). The workshop will provide an overview to homeowners of the new Fertilizer Ordinance, as well as information on determining fertilizer needs, selecting and purchasing a fertilizer, and correct fertilizer application. This workshop is free to the public. Pre-registration is suggested but not required. To pre-register for the class contact the Horticulture Department at the Charlotte County Environmental & Extension Service at 941.764.4340. Adult Co-Ed Volleyball - The Charlotte County Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department will be starting their Fall Adult Co-Ed Volleyball League. This league will begin play September 4, 2008 on Thursday nights at South County Regional Park from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The volleyball season will be 11 weeks in duration and the cost per player is $50. The league format is 4 on 4 and a minimum of one female must be registered on each team and a minimum of one female must be in play at all times. South County is located at 670 Cooper Street in Punta Gorda and can be contacted at 941.505.8686. Registration is required and teams and individuals alike are encouraged to participate. Youth Co-Ed Basketball - Charlotte County Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department will be starting their Youth Co-Ed Basketball Program. This league will begin play on Saturday, October 11, 2008 at South County Regional Park from 11a.m. to 6 p.m. The basketball season will be 8 weeks of regular season play and 3 weeks of playoffs, and the cost per player is $50. South County Regional Park is located at 670 Cooper Street in Punta Gorda and can be contacted at 941.505.8686. Registration begins on August 4th and all youths are encouraged to participate. Ultimate Rib Fest - Bring a hearty appetite and handful of wet naps to the Ultimate Rib Fest in Punta Gorda’s Laishley Park on August 23, 2008. Hosted by the Charlotte-DeSoto Building Industry Association, this new “spigtacular” family-friendly event is the landlubber’s complement to the Charlotte Harbor Challenge annual fishing tournament taking place that morning. Local restaurants will compete in the “porkstigious” Ultimate Rib Challenge and the public is invited to sample the ribs between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. In addition to a “pig out” at Laishley Park, event goers can browse booths of local businesses, enjoy local entertainment and families can visit the children’s area. Admission to the Ultimate Rib Fest is free. A portion of the proceeds from both events will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Charlotte County. Dance Like the Stars - Charlotte County Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources is offering Ballroom Dancing to all residents. This new class will take place at South County Regional Park located at 670 Cooper Street in Punta Gorda, FL. The cost of this program is $35/individuals/month and $60/couples/month. Classes will be offered on Tuesday evenings from 7p.m.to 8p.m. Come and join Barbara File-Marangon, instructor, as she waltzes, foxtrots and tangos her passion for dance into your life. For more information please contact South County Regional Park at 941.505.8686. Classes will begin on August 5 and will continue monthly.
MEETINGS Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners holds its regular meeting at 9:00 a.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Land use issues are addressed on the third Tuesday. These meetings are held at the Murdock Administrative Complex, 18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, Room #119. The Charlotte County Commission meeting room is accessible to the physically disabled. However, if you need assistance or require auxiliary aids and services please contact our office at 941.743.1392. FM Sound Enhancement Units for the Hearing Impaired are available at the Front Desk. If Sound Enhancement Units are insufficient for you, please contact our office TTY #941.743.1234. View the agenda for the Board meetings: Commission Agenda. The meetings can also be viewed live on CCTV-20, (Comcast Channel 20) or can be viewed via live stream on our website - Streaming Video. A variety of government meetings are archived for on-demand viewing: On Demand Video. Charlotte County has dozens of official meetings and activities each month: Meeting Calendars.
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