2011 : Year at a Glance
Policy Actions & Accomplishments in 2011
After several years of reducing spending and staffing , the Town looked toward achieving sustainability in 2011 . The economic climate of the recent past provided Jupiter with an opportunity to develop a “ new normal ” in order to accomplish its objectives . A revised organizational structure , a focus on the local economy , and continued work to preserve the community ’ s quality of life were all areas of major accomplishment in 2011 .
Financial & Organizational Sustainability
• Established a Regional Communications Center to consolidate 911 operations with Palm Beach Gardens and Juno Beach . The RCC saves the Town from considerable capital investment to update its own communications center , and enhances levels of service by ensuring that the three neighboring agencies work more seamlessly together .
• Maintained flat property tax , utility and stormwater utility rates , and approved a budget that maintains levels of service despite lower revenue and staffing levels .
• Invested in capital programs to ensure the long-term health of important infrastructure such as our water system , roadways and stormwater management system .
• Revised the Police Pension program to reduce liability , maintain reasonable benefits , and reduce the overall cost of the program for the Town .
• Invested in process improvement and quality management programs to improve efficiency , reduce costs , and better position the Town ’ s workforce for the future .
Economic Development & Business Support
• Established three redevelopment areas in older areas of the Town , along with incentives to spur redevelopment activity . The three identified areas are along the east end of Toney Penna Drive , the eastern end of Center Street , and in the Inlet Village .
• Continued support for local biotech companies through the use of the Town ’ s Biotech Fund , established to assist in the growth of the bioscience cluster in northern Palm Beach County .
• Adjusted regulations such as sign codes and industrial uses within zoning areas in response to local business needs .
• Continued “ JBIZ ,” a local business support program to assist small businesses in doing business with the Town and thriving in the local economy .
Quality of Life
• Requested authority from the Department of Environmental Protection to regulate the permitting of mangrove trimming and removal .
• Installed the Town ’ s first “ green ” playground – Eco Island -- at Indian Creek Park , preserving portions of its beloved predecessor , Imagination Station .
• Advocated to include more public access to the water in the plans for shoreline stabilization on the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area property
• Allocated $ 200,000 in funding to support Palm Beach County ’ s dune restoration project from the Jupiter Inlet to the southern end of Carlin Park .
• Began patrolling County parks within the Town ’ s boundaries in order to maintain public safety after a reduction in park patrol by the Palm Beach County Sherriff ’ s Office .
• Realized a decline in the overall crime rate in the Town .
• Completed bus shelters around the Town of Jupiter in order to provide safe , attractive areas for mass-transit users .
A Look Ahead To 2012
2012 will be an important year for Jupiter ’ s Riverwalk , for redevelopment efforts , and for continued local government sustainability .
Some highlights to look toward in 2012 include :
• The completion of the Harbourside , Executive Park Plaza and Waterpointe sections of Riverwalk by the end of 2012 , resulting in a total of over 2 miles of completed Riverwalk .
• The evaluation of the undergrounding of utility lines in the Inlet Village during the project to re-build that section of A1A .
• Continuing to strive for flat property tax and utility rates , a sustainable local government organization , refined processes , and a declining crime rate .
• Continued advocacy for quiet zones along the FEC train lines .
• The moving of the historic Train Depot to Sawfish Bay , and partnership with local organizations to restore the building .
• Refinement of our master plan for traffic mitigation on Indiantown Road and Donald Ross Road , particularly as commercial development progresses .
• A regional look at how development and traffic outside of Jupiter may impact quality of life .
• A revised business tax and business registration procedure that is less burdensome to local business , and continued development of innovative support programs to help local businesses thrive .
• An analysis of Jupiter ’ s police and fire rescue service delivery .
• Initiatives to bring needed services to Jupiter , including becoming a HUD-qualified community and establish a community health clinic .