Phase III watering restrictions: Just the FAQs, ma’am

Phase III watering restrictions are in effect. Here are some answers to some Frequently Asked Questions.

QUESTION: When can I water my newly planted landscaping and sod?

Answer: New plantings, sod or landscaping in place for 30 days or less can be watered:

• From 2 a.m. to 8 a.m., Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, on properties less than five acres in size. Irrigation is not permitted on Fridays.
• From 12:01 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays on properties more than five acres in size. Irrigation is not permitted on Fridays.

New plantings, sod or landscaping in place for 31 to 60 days can be watered:

• From 2 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, on properties less than five acres in size. Irrigation is not permitted on Tuesdays or Fridays.
• From 12:01 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, on properties more than five acres in size. Irrigation is not permitted on Tuesdays or Fridays.

These rules permit new landscape watering only. Homeowners should keep documentation on any new landscaping, such as a dated receipt of purchase, in case they are required to provide proof of the installation date.

QUESTION: I water my lawn from a well, canal, pond or surface lake. Do these restrictions apply to me?

Answer: Yes. Surface and groundwater sources are connected. Water in lakes and canals helps to protect private and public wells from saltwater intrusion, and helps store rainfall to recharge wells and aquifers.

QUESTION: Can I hand-water my lawn?

Answer: Yes, you can hand water stressed plants and existing installations for 10 minutes per day using a single hose with an attached automatic shut off nozzle. New installations are not subject to this 10-minute rule, although voluntary watering reductions are encouraged.

QUESTION: What other low-volume watering methods are allowed?

Answer: Drip, bubble and micro-jet systems that apply water directly to root plant zones may be used at any time. However, a voluntary reduction in use is encouraged and any low-volume system should not produce water runoff. Watering cans are also low-volume and can be used anytime.

QUESTION: When can I wash my car or boat?

Answer: Anytime. Vehicle washing is not restricted. When washing a car, best water conservation practices are to park it over a non-paved or porous surface to limit water runoff, and always attach an automatic shut-off nozzle to your hose. Best water conservation practices are to limit boat rinsing to 15 minutes after it has been in saltwater.

QUESTION: My organization is scheduling a fundraising car wash. Do we need to apply for a variance?

Answer: No. There are no restrictions on vehicle washing. Best water conservation practices are to always attach automatic shut-off nozzles to hoses and, if possible, channel runoff water to a grassy area or porous surface.

QUESTION: When can I use a pressure washer?

Answer: Anytime. Pressure washing is not restricted. Best water conservation practices are to use low-volume equipment that produces water pressure of 1,000 pounds per square inch to 4,000 pounds per square inch. Channel runoff water onto the grass or another non-paved surface.

QUESTION: Is there some way I can get permission to change my watering day or times?

Answer: Yes. You may apply for a variance from water restrictions. However, you must demonstrate a hardship in complying with the restrictions and certify that you will implement an alternative method for achieving the target cutbacks.

Source: South Florida Water Management District

Meet Gloria Kovacs

As you may know, one of Coquina Sands’ residents, Gloria Kovacs, is running for city council. She invites you to attend a candidate meet-and-greet from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 18 at Vergina’s Restaurant, 700 Fifth Avenue South.

Appetizers will be served and drinks will be half-priced.

Elections will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 29.

Early voting begins today

Early voting begins today, Monday, Jan. 14, for city elections and the presidential primaries.

Registered voters can vote from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at their early voting locations now through Saturday. Click here for a list of early voting locations!

Seeking a few good men/women

Want to get involved and serve the community in the new year?

Well, the City of Naples often posts a notice on its website calling for residents to join various boards and committees. The Citizen Advisory Committee reviews and provides feedback on plans that are presented to the Collier Metropolitan Planning Organization Board — it needs one city representative. Or, there’s the Fifth Avenue South Action Committee, which reviews applications for exterior improvements — it needs two new members.

Like Moorings Bay? Join the Moorings Bay Citizens Advisory Committee, which is seeking one new member, and make recommendations to City Council about the use and maintenance of this important waterway.

Reminder! Reminder!

You may all have started to receive your pretty postcards by now — thank you, Gloria Kovacs, for making them — but our Annual Coquina Sands Association Meeting will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 20, at the Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club.

Special speaker is new City Manager Bill Moss; mayoral and city council candidates will attend, too, to visit with Coquina residents.

Light refreshments will be served, and the Association provides two complimentary cocktail tickets. Also, there will be a cash bar and, of course, all the nice music and sunset at Sunday nights at the Beach Club. See you then!

“Phase III” watering restrictions set to begin Jan. 15

Florida is in the clutches of a nasty drought — one water manager has used the term “Biblical proportions.”  Yipes. As a result the city has announced plans for its “Phase III” watering restrictions.

Anyway, here’s your new watering schedule. Read it and weep — ideally, into your landscaping, as it will need it.

From the City of Naples:  

City of Naples residents are restricted to watering one day per week either between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. or between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. The day residents water depends on the last digit of their street address, and enforcement begins January 15, 2008.

• Addresses ending in 1 or 2 can water on Monday.
• Addresses ending in 3 or 4 can water on Wednesday.
• Addresses ending in 5 or 6 or irrigation systems that serve multiple addresses can water on Thursday
• Addresses ending in 7 or 8 can water Saturday
• Addresses ending in 9 or 0 can water Sunday

No irrigation is allowed on Tuesday or Friday. Please reset all automated irrigation systems to the new restrictions. Automated systems should also have backup power available to maintain the schedule during and after power outages. The use of a rain gauge is recommended on all automatic irrigation systems.

Properties with more than five acres have extended watering hours between 12 a.m. and 8 am. or 4 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. on their respected days

During the first 30 days after planting new landscaping, homeowners can water once per day between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. every day but Friday. Between 30 and 60 days after planting, homeowners can water Monday, Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m.

Car washing, boat washing and pressure cleaning are not restricted. Washing of vehicles should be done on permeable surfaces, such as grass, to prevent runoff from entering the street and the city’s stormwater drainage system.

City Council candidate forums

Election Day approaches: January 29 is the day we’ll pick a new MAYOR and new CITY COUNCIL members.

But before then, there will be some City Council candidate forums. Here’s two you may wish to attend.

6:30 p.m. on Monday, January 14 at Moorings Presbyterian Church Hall

6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 17 at Norris Community Center

Also: We, the Coquina Sands Association Board, have invited all the City Council and Mayoral candidates to our Annual Meeting (5 to 7 p.m. on January 20 at the Naples Beach Club). They will not be speaking, but have been asked to attend and mingle and introduce themselves to Coquina community members.

Important: If you have a question to submit for one of these forums, please email Dolph von Arx at dval@comcast.net

Maybe we’ll see you there!

New City Manager, Bill Moss, to be speaker at annual Association Meeting

The Coquina Sands Association is pleased to announce that Bill Moss, the new Naples City Manager, will be the featured speaker at the annual Association Meeting, which will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 20 at the Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club.

Mr. Moss is the former Marco Island City Manager, and will have been on the job in Naples for only a few days when he speaks to the Coquina crowd. He is sure to have many interesting things to say!

The Annual Meeting is an important meeting for Coquina Sands, as it is when the Association Board gives several reports and a new Board is confirmed for the year. But it’s also meant to be fun — this year, we’ve decided to hold it at the Beach Club on a Sunday night to make it extra-special for residents who decide to attend. Please be our guest and enjoy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and and the celebrated Sunday night Beach Club scene — on us!

Holiday party to be held Sunday!

Our annual neighborhood holiday party will be held THIS SUNDAY, Dec. 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the home of Kevin and Anne Killilea (623 Coral Drive).

Drinks will be provided, but please bring an hors d’oeuvre to share. Many thanks to Kevin and Anne for hosting this always-fun holiday event.

We’ll also be mentioning the names of the proposed 2008 Association Board members during this party; this proposed board will be voted on during the annual Association Meeting, which will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 20 at the Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club.

Holiday Cheers until Sunday!

Tree Board

The City of Naples Community Services Advisory Board (CSAB) also acts as our Tree Board. The Tree Board is responsible for providing a comprehensive tree plan to the Naples City Council.

Residents are invited to join the Tree Board to discuss revisions to our city codes regarding trees located on all city property and their care and preservation.

DETAILS:

Tree Board meeting

Tuesday, Nov. 6 at 8: 30 a.m.

Council Chambers, 785 8th Street South

In accord with the city ordinances, the Tree Board will be reviewing current codes and evaluating enforcement and penalties to be considered by Council. This is a public opportunity to come and participate directly the Tree Board.