Welcome to the

Weekly Roundup!

This week in West Melbourne...

Leap Day! With 366 Days in 2024, West Melbourne Jumps!

Every four years, all residents of our planet adjust the calendar by adding February 29 to the typical 28 days of February. The reason for this has to do with the giant star at the heart of our solar system, the Sun. As the Gregorian calendar follows the earth's orbit around the sun, it takes 365.25 days annually, which is rounded to 365 days. So, if you get out your calculator, that 0.25 hours equals six hours each year. After four years, those six hours add up to one full day, which gives us Leap Day!

There are a lot of fun facts involving Leap years, but one that stands out is that people born on February 29 only get to "technically" celebrate their birthdays every four years (these people are called "leapers" or "leaplings"). Probably the most famous leaper of all is not a real person - Look up in the sky! It's a bird, it's a plane, it's Leapling Superman! Continuing in the spirit of strong individuals, the Summer Olympics are always held on Leap Years. The original Olympics were held in Athens, Greece around 700 B.C. and they were so successful that the organizers decided to hold them on February 29 since it was an "extra" day.

Since February 29 only rolls around once every four years, take this opportunity to do something interesting or different - reconnect with a friend, eat at one of our great West Melbourne restaurants, or train to compete in a decathlon. However, you choose to recognize it - or not - rest assured that the hard working staff of West Melbourne always welcomes performing amazing, Herculean service for our residents - whether it's 365 days a year or 366!

New Design of Utility Bills

At West Melbourne, City staff strives to provide our residents with the highest quality of customer service every day. One of the foundations of excellent service is to provide information and documentation that is easy for all to navigate and to understand. To achieve that, the diligent staff in our Finance Department, Utility Division, spent several weeks reviewing the design of the monthly utility bills.

The new utility bill design offers a single, user-friendly place for all your essential account details, featuring a modern and stylish design. The updated layout and wording enhance clarity and comprehension of the information provided. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our helpful staff at 321-837-7750.

Continuing to Succeed - Septic to Sewer Project Awarded!

West Melbourne remains proud of our continuing efforts to convert many of our homes from septic systems to sewer. Connecting to our centralized sewer system reduces nitrogen and phosphorous pollutants that migrate into the groundwater and negatively impact the health of the Indian River Lagoon and its seagrass, fish, and marine life.

At the City Council Meeting of February 20, the Septic to Sewer contract to convert 119 homes located on Manor Place, Dundee Circle, Lake Ashley Circle and 15 homes located on the south side of Sheridan Road was awarded to Young's Communication, LLC. We are excited for this progress and, so far, there are three positive impacts:

First - the project protects and saves our beautiful Indian River Lagoon;
Second - the residents will experience upgrades to their properties; and
Third - the project came in under budget!

Letters to residents will be sent out once construction schedules have been established. The estimated start date will be in May or June of this year.

Mayor, Council and Staff Welcome Sunflower House

Aging Matters in Brevard

On February 20, Mayor Pat Bentley, Deputy Mayor Diana Adams, Council Members Daniel McDow and Helen Voltz, together with City Manager Tim Rhode and staff, attended the grand opening of Sunflower House, a caregiver resource center that is offered by Aging Matters in Brevard. While enjoying the acoustical guitar music, all attendees toured the facility and learned valuable information concerning the resources offered at this outstanding facility, which is located on the property of the West Melbourne Community Park. The Sunflower House offers information and assistance to those caring for their loved ones living throughout Brevard County. In addition to printed materials, monthly programming includes Seniors at Lunch, caregiver support groups, exercise and entertainment, disease management workshops, and classes/presentations for caregivers.

Space Coast League of Cities Scholarship Program

Don't Delay! Deadline is noon on March 1, 2024

The Space Coast League of Cities has announced that applications are currently being accepted from students who wish to be considered for a financial award in the amount of $2,500 to residents of Brevard County.

If you are interested, keep in mind that the deadline for applications is noon on March 1, 2024.

Citizens Leadership Academy Promotes Positive Participation!

West Melbourne began its first of five weekly educational sessions tailored to providing information to citizens who want to learn more about the inner-workings of municipal government. The first session on February 21 included a plethora of information from the City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk - the trifecta of the administrative function of government.

While it is too late to join this Spring Academy, keep an eye out for your opportunity to enroll in the Citizen's Police Academy - enrollment begins this Fall.

Recreation Department

Thanks for your Invaluable Input!

The Parks Master Plan public workshop was a great success, with strong community participation and valuable input gathered. Attendees had the opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas regarding the future of the parks system. Overall, the workshop was a step towards shaping the future of our parks system. Your voice matters and, together, we can make our community thrive!

We Still Need Your Help!

If you were unable to attend the workshop, we encourage you to provide your parks preference! The website playwestmelb.com remains dedicated to engaging the community in the development of a master plan for parks and recreation in West Melbourne. Please participate in the City's survey and provide feedback and input on improving existing parks, recreational facilities, and related amenities. This initiative aims to gather community perspectives to shape future developments and enhance the overall recreational experience in the area.

We welcome your point of view! Visit this website or scan the QR Code below.

Police Department

West Melbourne's remarkable Police Department continues to provide excellent service to our community to ensure that we live in the safest City possible! We remain proud of the members of our force who work tirelessly each and every day to protect and serve.

Crisis Response Partnership

West Melbourne Police Department has been working with Brevard C.A.R.E.S. to implement a crisis referral program for those situations where a person facing a mental health crisis can utilize additional resources that do not necessarily need law enforcement action. It will allow officers to provide family referrals and immediate assistance when necessary on a 24/7 basis. The department will begin training next week and begin referrals by March 1. Some of the services offered (free of charge) include:

· Evaluation and assessment

· Development of safety and crisis plans for patient and family

· Stabilization services

· Supportive crisis counseling

· Education

· Development of coping skills

· Development of a care plan

· Linkage to appropriate resources

· Care coordination

Range Training

This week, all sworn members of the Department participated in range training at the Palm Bay training range. Activities included training and qualification on handgun, rifle, less lethal, and building entry.

High Visibility Enforcement

West Melbourne Police continued its grant-funded high visibility enforcement near U.S. 192 and Hollywood Boulevard, after the area was identified as having a higher incidence of bicycle and pedestrian incidents with vehicles. The Department has been conducting ongoing education, distributing pamphlets, and is conducting enforcement activities when violations are observed.

Chief Gregory Vesta Connects with the Business Community

Last week, Chief Vesta attended a meeting of the West Melbourne Business Association. He learned about the organization and its goals for the upcoming year. The Chief provided a brief overview of the Police Department's support for the annual Elves Run.

Welcome our newest Officer!

Janice Reynolds began her service to West Melbourne this week as a sworn officer. She will be undergoing three weeks of orientation training prior to entering the Field Training and Evaluation program on the street. Janice joins us with over 20 years of law enforcement experience. We are so excited to have her join our City!

Public Works

The City’s Public Works Department continues to provide a broad range of services that keeps West Melbourne running smoothly and efficiently.

Municipal Maintenance

The Streets and Drainage Department were busy preparing the Westbrook Park, Basketball Court to be removed in anticipation for a new concrete surface to be installed. Work is scheduled to begin this coming Monday, February 26, and and the court will be closed for a week to complete the work.

This week, the Parks Maintenance crew began power washing the Field of Dreams Skate Park in preparation for the contractor, Team Pain, to perform maintenance and minor repairs to the skate park. This project will also begin on February 26 and the skate park will be closed for the week to finish repairs.

Water and Sewer

The Public Works Water Department completed 202 work orders, serviced six fire hydrants, and exercised five in-line gate valves. The Crew also responded to an 8” water main break located on Sheridan Road.

This week, the Sewer team completed 140 Work Orders, 13 sewer inspections, and 46 Sewer/Reuse locates. Maintenance crews were on hand to assist Danus Utilities to make repairs to four manholes located on Henry Avenue. During routine maintenance inspection of the Greenwood Lift Station, the crew found and replaced a bad gasket on the discharge side of Pump #1.

Vision Zero

What is Vision Zero? Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all.

The goal is simple: saving lives. Zero traffic deaths. Everyone should be able to travel safely without the fear of death or serious injury.

Community Development

West Melbourne remains one of the fastest growing communities in Brevard County. Our remarkable and dedicated team of Planners, Plans Examiners and Building Inspectors keep a busy schedule!

New Permit Applications: 66

Inspections Completed: 309

Significant Projects

Publix, Palm Bay Road
Eden at Heritage Lakes, 72 individual apartment structures
Epoch West Melbourne, Norfolk Parkway, 280 units
Another Broken Egg, Palm Bay Road
Town Place Suites hotel, Norfolk Parkway
Banfield Pet Hospital, West New Haven Avenue
Chick-fil-A restaurant, Palm Bay Road
Promise in Brevard, LLC, Fell Road
Spring Hill Suites hotel, Hollywood Boulevard
Fifth Third Bank, West New Haven Avenue
Take 5 Car Wash and Oil Change, West New Haven Avenue
Coastal Hyundai, Dorchester Avenue
Planet Fitness, West New Haven Avenue

Join Our Team

The City of West Melbourne is committed to being a vibrant, growing, and caring community that continually seeks excellence for residents. Our vision is to grow West Melbourne into the Space Coast’s premier location for homes, careers, and families.

We are looking for bright, motivated people who want to work in a challenging and dynamic environment while contributing to the success of their local government.

Positions Currently Available:

Inspector, Code Enforcement

Police Officer in Training

Police Officer

Apply Now!

www.westmelbourne.gov/careers