The National Flood Protection Program

The National Flood Protection Program is something that is available to property owners however a number of steps are needed before flood insurance is available.  Jurisdictions need to take some steps to comply with the rules to make this happen.  The process of mapping was accomplished by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) which has recently been reviewed and updated.  With this update the city can now take the next steps in moving the process along.  The first step was taken as an indication of intent accomplished by the city council with the adoption of a resolution acknowledging the requirements and recognizing the goals of the program.  The goals generally involve the restriction of building or expansion of buildings to prevent flood damage. 

The mapping shows the areas that could be prone to flooding.  It also recognizes an elevation in which all structures in these flood prone areas must achieve.  No structures can be built or expanded if the elevation is or will be below the required elevation.  We have a few areas with structures along Pelican and Ossawinnamakee Lakes that could fall within this area.

 

The next step in the process is to adopt an ordinance that makes these requirements part of the city code.  A sample ordinance has been provided but we have some leeway in modifying this to fit our needs.  The draft ordinance needs review and approval by the DNR prior to enactment.  They need to make sure what is to be accomplished meets the requirements of the program.  We have conditional approval from them to move forward.  This ordinance will be added to the zoning code.  A public hearing will be held at the August Planning Commission meeting.  Upon their recommendation it will be forwarded to the City Council for their action. 

Following the enactment of the ordinance the city would be bound to the restrictions that are imposed for building in flood prone areas.  It will also allow property owners to acquire flood insurance from the federal program, whether or not the property is in the floodway. 

Parks Accomplishments and Goals

The Park and Recreation Committee have been very excited about their most recent projects.  The Fishing Boardwalk was not working out as intended and needed a new plan to achieve the goals for the structure.  Fishing that required a fish to be dragged over slim to no water didn’t make sense.  The boardwalk was removed and reconstructed with floats and new railing structures.  The channel at the location was excavated so the boardwalk was able to float.  It was reconstructed in pieces, floated in place and linked together.  After assembly a review of the finished project revealed that the additional railing on each end caused those sections to dip somewhat.   This prompted the addition of an additional float leveling the structure.  The project has a nice feel, looks good, and provides much better fishing than the previous setup. 

Another project that has been ongoing is that of the Disc Golf Course.  We currently have 9 holes established and it was hoped that the back nine would be completed last summer.  With the numerous bad storms that hit Breezy Point last summer the Public Works crew were busy with more pressing matters.  Some of the course was cleared for fairways and brush piles were made.  A portion of the work continued to occur during the winter months with some tree clearing and brush being burned, but a good portion of the work needed to happen during warmer months. 

After seeing the course being used some improvements were felt necessary.  The tee mats were not staying in place.  With rains, sand was washing over them as well.  A better solution was required.   The tee marking which were painted on the mats was wearing off.  A better solution was needed for these.  Park Benches were installed in the front nine but were needed for the back nine.  Signage and the expansion of the parking area with improved drainage were also needed. 

The Parks Committee discussed these needs and agreed to amend the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to provide for these additional costs.  Tee boxes will be installed, tee makers of etched stones will be installed, park benches and signage will be purchased and the parking area will be expanded and regraded.  The plan was approved by the City Council at the June meeting.  These improvements are planned to be completed this summer. 

The CIP was also amended to deal with the possible paving of a parking lane at the Fishing Boardwalk.  For 2019 the committee felt we needed to have the city park reviewed towards a master development plan.  They have lots of ideas about what could go in the park but wanted to thoroughly review what should be included and what should go where.  Finishing out the plan it is hoped another ball field can be included in the park.  They feel the space available maybe too small for a regulation field so have contemplated a little league field. 

The plan has a number of long range goals.  Additional improvements to the ball filed are included.  Trails along all the collector streets are proposed.  There is mention of an additional disc golf course and a mountain bike trail near the existing disc golf course.  Other amenities being considered include a bocce ball court and a pickle ball/tennis court.  Lots of great ideas are being considered and are part of the long range plans.  With time and money they hope to make parks a more viable part of Breezy Point.     

2016 Audit Summary

The city is required to conduct an annual audit conducted by an independent auditor.  The firm of Schlenner Wenner & Co. was hired to conduct our audit.  The audit was presented to the city council at their April meeting. 

Some of the highlights from the presentation include: 

·         Revenues were up slightly from that of 2015 with an increase of $13,778

Building permit revenues were very strong with $56,616 over budget

Fund transfers of $69,000 as budgeted were not transferred

·         Expenditures were over budget for 2016 by $46,068

General Government category of expenses was $326,376 under budget

Capital Outlay expenses were higher than anticipated by $207,184

Operating Transfers to Revolving Capital Fund was more than budget by $210,491

·         Debt Service Funds ended the year with $11,550 revenues over expenses

·         One General Obligation Bond is outstanding with a balance of $1,695,000

·         Revolving Capital Fund ended the year $272,229 stronger than 2015

·         Cemetery Fund balance is $106,704, which includes the Perpetual Care Fund

·         EDA Fund balance is $5,120

·         Sewer Fund balance is $3,347,530 which includes Capital and Operating Funds

This budget year was somewhat unusual.  A grant replaced some of the capital expenditures incurred with the project not being budgeted.  Building permits were far stronger than anticipated which affects both revenues and expenditures, both beyond budget.  Revenues that are earmarked for capital expenditures were stronger than anticipated increasing the transfer to the Revolving Capital Fund.   The city is doing very well financially and is positioned well for the future.