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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05052015NRB MinutesCM Lx 5EW`S-T_L4ii,N HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD MINUTES REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2015 - 6:00 P.M. 1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FL "To improve the quality of life in Sebastian by nurturing the balanced relationship between our citizens and our environment by protecting, preserving and promoting our natural resources" 1. Chairman Northcott called the Natural Resources Board meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 2. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 3. ROLL CALL Members Present: Alan Northcott — Chairman Gil Gordian —Vice Chairman Rose Glaser George Millar Andrea Ring James Clifton — Alternate Jack Lampiasi —Alternate Members Not Present: Bob Progulske (excused) 4. AGENDA MODIFICATIONS There were no modifications. Staff Present: Frank Watanabe, City Engineer Michelle Stromberg, Environmental Specialist Chairman Northcott reported that after attending the Joint Council Board Workshop he was under the impression that a motion had to be made before discussion and was told by the City Attorney that could be done at the discretion of the chair. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. April 7, 2015 Regular Meeting MOTION by Mr. Clifton and SECOND by Mr. Millar to approve the April 7, 2015 passed with a voice vote of 6-0. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. 2015 Earth Day i. Event Summary Chairman Northcott reported the chalk art was well received. Mr. Millar thanked the staff for providing the appropriate fire extinguishers; reported vendors wished there had been more advertising of the event; overall the event was well received. Natural Resources Board Meeting May 5, 2015 Page Two ii. Suggestions for Next Year Ms. Glaser suggested a vendor list be kept and distributed periodically to board members prior to the event to ensure different kinds of vendors are invited; vendor locations be assigned prior to the event; a door prize list be kept; and, have a prize description with booth location attached to the door prizes. Mr. Millar suggested having an event question for those present to answer in order to receive a door prize. Chairman Northcott suggested printing a two-sided program for next year with a vendor map and event schedule. Mr. Gordian said telephone numbers could be obtained when passing out the door prize tickets. He reported 37 vendors signed up and 28 vendors came. Ms. Ring offered to make a vendor list and pre -call them for next year To have more involvement by children, Chairman Northcott suggested having an Earth Day Poem Contest that the Board could judge and announce the winner at the event. Ms. Ring suggested giving away a house plant to demonstrate oxygen replenishment. Mr. Gordian thanked the Sebastian Police Department and the K-9 Unit for their demonstration. Ms. Ring asked the vendors could be on the street behind the stage so they are closer. Mr. Millar said the vendors probably enjoyed the shade trees and might not want to be so close to the speaker system. Mr. Gordian said he will try to get wildlife vendors for next year. iii. Thank You Notes to Vendors/Exhibitors, Donators Mr. Gordian reported he thanked the vendors personally as he picked up the door prizes. iv. Thank You on Website MOTION by Mr. Millar and SECOND by Ms. Glaser to post an appreciation for all the citizens of Sebastian, Indian River County and local area, who participated, especially the vendors that made successful event, look forward to seeing you next year passed with a voice vote of 6-0. Mr. Gordian thanked the seniors of the Sebastian River High School Green Club that helped out and noted next year they will need typewritten thank you notes to log their community volunteer hours. Natural Resources Board Meeting May 5, 2015 Page Three B. Oyster Mat Project Update i. Status of Permits The Environmental Technician reported she received an e-mail from Mr. Progulske that he is still putting the permit together. Mr. Gordian asked if anyone knew how far along Mr. Progulske has gotten and maybe another Board member could take care of the permit. Mr. Millar noted Mr. Progulske was waiting for the location maps. The Environmental Technician said she did provide those. Mr. Gordian asked that the permit indicate that some of the locations would require a vessel to place the mats. The City Engineer advised them to stay true to what they put on the permit application and the Board should approve the permit application as a whole whether they walk the mats out or use a vessel. The Recording Secretary asked that the Board Liaison contact Mr. Progulske to check on the permit and advised if a special meeting is needed to discuss the status and how they want to place the mats, it can be scheduled. In response to Chairman Northcott, Mr. Millar said he would review the proceeding permit to see if he can help out. The City Engineer said the proceeding permit should go in their June agenda packet and reviewed by the whole Board. The Environmental Technician said she would e- mail Mr. Progulske and let the Board know of the status. Chairman Northcott said if she determined extra work is needed they should have a special meeting to have the permit ready for agency submittal at their June meeting. ii. Status of Proposed Eagle Scout Project Approval Proposed Eagle Scout Candidate John Giordano reported the Eagle Scout Board has asked for more information along with a letter from the City authorizing his participation with the project; the project should be signed off this week; he will do a workshop at Boy Scout Camp the second week of June; and, he hopes to have a booth at the Fourth of July Freedom Festival. iii. Status and Cost of Supplies In response to Mr. Gordian, the City Engineer explained their project invoices should be submitted by September Vt. Mr. Gordian said he priced out $4,500 to place 240 mats in two locations. He asked the Board for permission to spend the remainder of their budget allocation for supplies should the proposed Eagle Scout project fall through. Mr. Millar said he anticipates the Eagle Scout project will be approved. The City Engineer pointed out the $2,000 Eagle Scout allocation will cover one phase/250 mats. If the Board wanted to use the Eagle Scout allocation it would have to go back to Council for approval. Natural Resources Board Meeting May 5, 2015 Page Four iv. Review of Deployed Oyster Spat T's Mr. Gordian displayed some shells from the test mats he deployed which did pick up some spat; he offered to help the proposed Eagle Scout with his presentation to the Eagle Scout Board; he is in the process of confirming that he collected viable spat with the Aquatic Preserve office. The City Engineer offered to check if the Board could use their budget allocation to purchase mat supplies. 7. PUBLIC INPUT Bruce Zingman thanked the Board and the City for putting on the Earth Day Event; thanked the Sebastian Property Owners and volunteers that helped with the Community Shredding Event held the same day. He also thanked the Board for allowing him to pay tribute to local balladeer Pete Harris during the Earth Day event. He offered to distribute flyers for next year's event throughout the community. 8. NEW BUSINESS Mr. Gordian asked the Environmental Technician to let them know of the projects the City is working on. She offered to check on how she could align the Board with what is happening. Mr. Millar suggested they start participating in local events such as the upcoming waterway cleanup. Mr. Gordian reported the Lagoon Preserve office is looking into an island for them to adopt. Bruce Zingman offered to inform the Board of the next day of service 9. STAFF MATTERS — None. 10. MEMBER MATTERS Chairman Northcott reported the gopher tortoise nests have been marked in the Stormwater Park. The Environmental Specialist reported the tortoise crossing signs are erected on Main Street. Mr. Clifton noted Champion Trees is noted on the website and asked for a presentation of what the program is all about. The Environmental Specialist said she would research the program. Chairman Northcott publicly asked for applicants to fill the current Board vacancy. 11. ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA Mr. Millar requested a report on opportunities to serve to them to decide together as a Board. Natural Resources Board Meeting May 5, 2015 Page Five Bruce Zingman added that Daisy Packer from Keep Indian River Beautiful will be speaking at the next City Council meeting where they might be able to help. Mr. Gordian asked if the Board should give City Council a report on the Oyster Mat Project. The City Engineer suggested they come to Council meetings when they have reached a milestone point. 12. Being no further business, Chairman Northcott adjourned the regular Natural Resources Board meeting at 7:13 p.m. By: � Z 1 Chairman Alan Northcott Date