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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-02-2016 NRB Agenda 1225 Main Street, Sebastian, FL 32958 NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD AGENDA REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY – FEBRUARY 02, 2016 - 6:00 P.M. “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. CALL TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL 4. AGENDA MODIFICATIONS 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES December 01, 2015 - Amended Meeting Minutes January 05, 2016 - Meeting Minutes 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Oyster Restoration Project Update – (LPOH) B. Champion Tree update - brochure C. Earth Day Event 2016 Update  Update on Youth board meeting from Wednesday January 03, 2016  Sponsorship update in regards to music?  Fat Bike Tire Challenge D. Water Way Herbicide Spraying - Request for Applied Aquatics site manager. E. NRB Budget - $923.47 F. Recycling Efforts – Rose to update on findings from Pelican Wildlife of whom picks up the recycling for them and if CURB can provide bins to the NRB for events. 7. PUBLIC INPUT 8. NEW BUSINESS A. Environmental Learning Center – NRB to participate in Eco feast B. The Parks and Recreation Board requesting the NRB to take on the Stonecrop Clearing. C. Sewer Hookups - Grants  Andrea Ring - update from attending the City Council meeting 9. STAFF MATTERS 10. MEMBER MATTERS A. Jack Lampiasi Resignation B. Keerthi Weragoda will be absent from several NRB meetings. 11. ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA 12. ADJOURNMENT ANY PERSON WHO DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE ON THE ABOVE MATTERS, WILL NEED A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS AND MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH APPEAL IS TO BE HEARD. SAID APPEAL MUST BE FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE WITHIN TEN DAYS OF THE DATE OF ACTION. (286.0105 F.S). IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA), ANYONE WHO NEEDS SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS FOR THIS MEETING SHOULD CONTACT THE CITY'S ADA COORDINATOR AT (772)-589-5330 AT LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THIS MEETING. TWO OR MORE ELECTED OFFICIALS MAY BE IN ATTENDANCE. Natural Resources Board Meeting December 01, 2015 Page 1 1225 Main Street, Sebastian, FL 32958 NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD AMENDED - MEETING MINUTES REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, December 01, 2015 - 6:00 P.M. “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. Vice Chair Gordian called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 2. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 3. ROLL CALL Members Present: George Millar – Chairman (sat in around 6:28) Gil Gordian - Vice Chairman Jim Clifton Rose Glaser Jack Lampiasi Andrea Ring Vicki Tunker - Alternate Members Not Present: Bob Progulske Keerthi Weragoda – Alternate Also Present: Frank Watanabe, City Engineer Michelle Stromberg, Environmental Technician 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Per Vice Chair Gordian – any changes to the November 03, 2015 meeting minutes? Per Jack Lampiasi - Motion to approve Per Rose Glaser - 2nd motion to approve meeting minutes 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Item A: Champion Tree Per Jim Clifton – No applications received at this point and working on a template for a brochure. On Brochure will have other NRB references and bring up on next month agenda. Thus far this is on the website. Working on brochure for the program. On the last page there is input that I will get to. W ill have space available other NRB references Natural Resources Board Meeting December 01, 2015 Page 2 and projects, etc. and bring up on next month’s agenda. Thus far this information is on the website. Item B: Clambake Review Per Vice Chair Gordian – Good Weekend, great participation and Informative for the public. Per Jack Lampiasi – Loophole with two (2) members being in booth, is it necessary? Per Andrea Ring – Recycling Bins. Had many people ask about recycling. Can we bring this up to Council? Per the City Engineer Watanabe - Will check with the City Attorney. Item C: Christmas Parade Per Vice Chair Gordian – Takes place on Saturday December 05, 2015. Per the City Engineer Watanabe – Need to submit application to Bruce. Chair Millar wanted the NRB to have more public presence. Email Michelle to let her know if you would like to. Per Rose Glaser – Truck or a ride with Andrea Ring? Per Vice Chair Gordian – Will keep in touch with Michelle on who is coming possibly. Item D: Island Adoption Per Vice Chair Gordian – On hold for the moment – no island currently available. Item E: Oyster Mat Restoration Project – Phase I Update of Status Permit status of Agency Permits Per the City Engineer Frank Watanabe – Met with the John Giordano on the status of the Boys Scout project. John has put together information for the oyster bags, which included the area, number of bags and identified the requirements for the bags. There were two items per SJRWMD requirements to be completed. One item is the bags cannot be more than 18” in depth. The proposal by John is 24”. The other requirement is the 100 ft. perimeter check of any impacts. Check within the 100’ there is no obstructions. Need to stay away sea grass. In addition, the oyster shells need to be re- cleaned that are at the City compound. The shell has to be a cleansed sanitized shell. Per Andrea Ring - Where did we get the shells? Per The City Engineer – In Melbourne, the shells at the compound still in good shape. Per Vice Chair Gordian – We can clean the shells. Per Andrea Ring – When will the project be in the water? Per The City Engineer Watanabe – April and May 2016 is the best time to put the oysters in the water. The Boy scouts are concerned with non-movement of the project. What I need is someone to go out and check that there are no obstructions, a perimeter search, and the two bags are not higher than 18”. Need a 3 months incubation period after cleaning the oyster shells. Per Andrea Ring – Suggested the shells to be cleaned sometimes this month. Per The City Engineer – Please email the results and findings then I can submit the permit before the next NRB meeting. Natural Resources Board Meeting December 01, 2015 Page 3 Per Jims Clifton - Set a motion to approve the information provided by the City Engineer to submit to SJRWMD with the add information on depth and 100 ft. perimeter check. Item F: Earth Day Event Update Per Ms. Rose Glaser – Barbara Brooke-Reese created an updated application online. Up to five food vendors. K-9 unit to do there demonstration at 12:00. At that time to give the bands time to break down and set-up. Per Vice Chair Gordian – Have communicated with a couple of animal sanctuaries and a bird sanctuary. Per Ms. Rose Glaser – Asked that the emails in regards to the animal sanctuaries be copied to the Earth day email. Two music acts are on at 11:00 -12:00 and 12:30 – 1:30 Still have room for someone prior and someone after. Per Vice Chair Gordian – Can send possible music acts and a DJ, NRB may be able to have radio times. Per Barbara Brooke Reese – The vendor application and flyer is now available online as of this afternoon. Per Andrea Ring - Could we change the word “Festival” to “Celebration”? Per Vice-Chair Gordian – In favor and take a vote. Per Andrea Ring - Made a motion to change the word from “Festival” to “Celebration” Per Chairman Millar – Concerned perception of public if wording is changed from “Festival” to “Celebration”. Per Rose Glaser- 2nd motion to change the wording from “Festival” to “Celebration” and approved by all. Per Barbara Brooke Reese – W ill update the vendor application. Per Rose Glaser- Currently have 8 prize donations. Introduced the “Fat Bike Tire Challenge”. Per Kristian Beck – Per the Florida Outdoor Center – Have received grant a couple of years ago and have purchased a fleet of 16 fat tire bicycles and have a course challenge. It is a series of challenges. Just need a section of road to setup. May need road closure for safety. Per The City Engineer Watanabe – Believe it may be feasible, As we get closer need to update the City Council, may want City attorney review, may need a hold harmless form. Per Kristian Beck – We have liability insurance and the city is named additionally insured. Can have parents sign waiver. Have flags Per The City Engineer Watanabe – If there is a road closure, the City will provide staff and look into officers. Per Rose Glaser – Working with the newspapers to get press coverage, reviewing rules and regulations and when complete will send out to the vendors. Will send to Barbara when completed as well. Per Andrea Ring – Send out applications to the schools? Per Vice chair Gordian – Will try to contact the Per Chairman Millar – Will try to contact the high school and middle school. Natural Resources Board Meeting December 01, 2015 Page 4 Per the City Engineer Watanabe – The City has a youth commission, suggested the NRB to reach out to them. Their liaison is Officer Pen – they are meeting in January. 5. PUBLIC INPUT Per resident Bob Steven – Lives on Concha Drive concerned with the spraying of the invasive species. Applied Aquatics said if the homeowner did not want their home area to be sprayed can put sign out not to. Concerned wildlife went away after spraying and it took 6 weeks for the wildlife to come back. Then AA sprayed again. Bob spoke of the materials used to be sprayed and is concerned. Would like to see the spraying stopped. How to start a petition and the surrounding homeowners would be willing to pay. Per The City Engineer Watanabe - The City will verify the chemicals used by Applied Aquatics. The waterways are man-made system to convey storm water. The applied chemical should be all certified and approved by permit agencies. Understand about the sensitive issues and keep the roads. Per resident Bob Steven – Would like to look into other alternatives to keep up the waterways. Per Chairman Millar – Is it possible to spray less? Per The City Engineer Watanabe – Applied Aquatics is allowed out on their boats to provide maintenance. South of 512 goes counter clockwise works. The canal system needs to be maintained to allow the flow of storm water. Per Rose Glaser – The Pepper trees are not affected by the spray. Clean out when not blooming. Per Vicky Tunker – Concerned with the toxicity Per chairman Millar – Will speak about this at the next meeting Per James Clifton – History on the spraying Per Andrea Ring – Next meeting to look into alternatives. 6. NEW BUSINESS Recycling Per Chairman Millar – Per the events, possibility for recycling. Per the council in the past it caused more of a mess. Maybe look into bringing it to council and making it mandatory. Issue is removal of all the recycling. Maybe a scheduling issue, look into the cost. Per the City Engineer Watanabe – Good idea. Approach - utilize earth Day to try out the recycling. No matter someone still needs to separate the recyclables. We will look into this. 7. STAFF MATTERS 8. MEMBER MATTERS Per George Millar – Discussed Parade – Saturday at 6:00 - Forming around 4:30. 3 members for sure. Look into an 8’ Dowel. Will form an email and send it to Michelle to send out to the NRB board. There was a suggested on using a car, contact Bruce Sigmund, and all agreed to walk, wear City of Sebastian shirt. 9. ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA Natural Resources Board Meeting December 01, 2015 Page 5 City to look into Legality of talking with members. 10. ADJOURNMENT: Being no further business, Vice Chair Gordian adjourned the Natural Resources Board meeting at 7:14 p.m. By: ____________________________ ______________ Chairman Date Natural Resources Board Meeting January 05, 2016 Page 1 1225 Main Street, Sebastian, FL 32958 NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD MEETING MINUTES REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, January 05, 2016 - 6:00 P.M. “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 Millar called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 2. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 3. ROLL CALL Members Present: George Millar – Chairman Gil Gordian - Vice Chairman Bob Progulske Jim Clifton Rose Glaser Andrea Ring Vicki Tunker - Alternate Keerthi Weragoda – Alternate Members Not Present: Jack Lampiasi Also Present: Frank Watanabe, City Engineer Michelle Stromberg, Environmental Technician 4. MEETING MINUTES – Approval/Discussion Chairman Millar – any changes to the December 01, 2015 meeting minutes? Per Andrea Ring – Yes - incomplete, they were a couple of spaces, where the motion was made, the motion was not in the minutes and where it says, the Vice President is going to contact somebody, it was blank. Chairman Millar – Which page? Per Andrea Ring – Page 3. It says that Barbara Reese is going to make a change but it doesn’t say to what. Like some clarification. Per Chairman Millar – Are we talking about in the area “Per Vice Chair in favor to take a vote then Andrea Ring made a motion concern, I talked a concern perception of the Natural Resources Board Meeting January 05, 2016 Page 2 Public if wording is changed from festival to celebration, then Rose second to change and approve by all” is that where we are talking about? Per Andrea Ring – Yes because the motion is not listed in the minutes at all. Per Chairman Millar – I think where it says, where it’s taken as a motion is where it says, “Per Andrea Ring, can we change the word from festival to celebration”? I think that was taken as the motion being made? Is that correct Michelle? Per Andre Ring – Yes but it was to the web page that’s why Barbara had to be involved with it. Per Chairman Millar – Ok so we want that included on the web page, is that correct? Per Andre Ring – I like the wording of the motion that was made in the minutes. Per Chairman Millar – Do you recall them? Per Andre Ring – I don’t recall No. Per City Engineer Watanabe – I think what we can do is go back to the tapes and pull these items, we will bring the minutes back to the next meeting. The minutes generally highlight the commission meetings. W e try not to take every word, every note but generalize, paraphrase the overall sense and sometimes we do not even put down the motions, we just say it was passed. The consensus on most of these commission meetings is to summarize it. Per Chairman Millar – I think what Andrea is wanting is the motion to be stated, if we can do that, I understand the summary, I all in favor of summarizing because then our minutes would be extremely long and laborious. So we will get that changed. Any other notes? Per Andre Ring – Just down below “We will try to contact…” and it’s blank, I don’t know who they were trying to contact. Per City Engineer Watanabe –Michelle will go through the entire tape and try to fil in the blanks. My recommendation again is we are trying to do the best we can when we have dialogue’s and discussions and to try to get every word, it’s not going to be feasible. We try to summarize and in the future these notes and meeting minutes will be more of a summary as all the other commissions do. Per Chairman Millar – I think what she was talking about was we will try to contact and it just stopped and I think it was referring to when Andrea says about contacting the schools and Gill reconfirmed that, I believe. If memory serves me correctly because I think I was there during that portion of the meeting, I came in at that point. Any other notations, being none do I have second for approval with the revision for this coming up? Per City Engineer Watanabe – My recommendation is to just bring the minutes back the next meeting. Per Chairman Millar – So be it. We will table this item for the next meeting. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Item A: Christmas Parade Review: Per Chairman Millar – I was there participating, Jack Lampiasi was there, our alternate and Rose was there. Very nice turn out. Nice the public to see the NRB active and in other activities. The NRB received exposure. Very positive. Per Rose Glaser – Ask people in the floats to put there candy in baskets. Plastic bags were just flying off the floats as they got empty. When I was going back to my ride the Streets were littered after the Parade with trash, paper candy wrappers. Maybe we could go after a parade and pick up? Natural Resources Board Meeting January 05, 2016 Page 3 Per Chairman Millar- Does PW follows up after the parade? Per City Engineer Watanabe – After most events we have a crew that cleans up but it would nice to have support. Per Chairman Millar – We can look at that, Next parade – July 4. Item B: Oyster Restoration Project Update: Per Chairman Millar – Status of Project Update of Status Permit status of Agency Permits Per the City Engineer Watanabe – The City had a meeting with SJRWMD at the project site on December 22. This new site we are looking at is pretty much across from Harrison Street on the City shoreline, there is a beach area that we identified to be within City property and that the area that appears has past Oyster habitat The rep likes the new site. In addition to that we provided documents that is within your packet.. I believe Gil did a seagrass assessment. We created a cross section per their request where the bags are going to go with the set back of 22’ away 3’ spacing in between the bags. Reviewed attachments. Prepared and reviewed response letter to ACOE per the RAI for the permit we need to obtain. Handed to you the SJRWMD draft application. May have a dual meeting with both agencies Per Chairman Millar - Placement of bags at the proposed distance is ok? Per the City Engineer Watanabe – We are in a more shallow area versus before and going in the direction SJRWMD recommends Per Rose Glaser – Is this in the middle of the Kayak launch? Per Vice- Chair Gordian – no slightly to the left Per the City Engineer Watanabe – When we implement we can better sign the area. Per Jim Clifton – Motion for Frank to submit letter Per Vice Chair Gordian – Second the motion Per the Chairman Millar – Invited Boy scout John Giordano up to speak about his project. Per Boy Scout John Giordano – (Passed out information) On Wednesday December 30 went to project location 100’ from the shoreline with a stick and camera and canvased area and took underwater photographs, there was nothing but sand. Snorkeled as well. He shared his poster board that documents what he has performed. Per Vice Chair Gordian – would you be able to show the Public the pictures that are on the poster board? Per Boy Scout John Giordano – showed his video he took of the project site. Depth of water approximately 1’ – 1’-1/2” Per the Chairman Millar – Confirmed wth Boy Scout John Giordano that there was no sea grass per his exploration of area. Per Andrea Ring – Asked the Boy scouts project update statement – the shells will not need an additional 3 months? Natural Resources Board Meeting January 05, 2016 Page 4 Per Boy Scout John Giordano – The shells were already cleaned, they just need to be re-cleaned and won’t need to go through the bleaching process again. Per Vice Chair Gordian – Will go out to re-clean the shells with the boy scouts Per the City Engineer Watanabe – The project is not close to any obstructions. The agencies will do their own review. Thank you to John Giordano for all his efforts and hard work Item C: Champion Tree Update; Per Chairman Millar – update. Per James Clifton – Last month gave draft, will take verbally if the board has anything to ad. Next month will get together with staff to put together the brochure and have a final draft for approval for next NRB meeting. Item D: Earth Day Event 2016 Update Per Chairman Millar – Update. Per Rose Glaser – Barbara has put the information on website, go to NRB website – go to left to click on the page to pull the registration application, up 19 vendors, 4 are food vendors. Inquired about budget. Allow $50 per person like last year? It would be $300 for the 3 bands and have an opening slot in the morning that can be filled. Breakdown is $100 for the band and $200 for the big band at the end? Per Michelle Stromberg – Will check on budget Per Chairman Millar - DJ alternatives – maybe the NRB could MC – an hour at a time – Master of Ceremonies , take turns. Per Rose Glaser – Half hour between music acts. Per Vice Chair Gordian – 30 minutes is to long in-between Per Andrea Ring - Going to the Youth Board to ask schools? Like to see every school invited given a slot in the park Per Chairman Millar – Andrea and Chairman Millar will be at the Youth Board meeting tomorrow at 3:00 to see if they like to participate in Earth Day. Per Rose Glaser – Time on bands Per Vice Chair Gordian - Don’t be time specific Per Andrea Ring - Go to high school to see if they like to DJ Per Rose Glaser – Is Sponsorship allowed? Per the City Engineer Watanabe – Will look into clarification on sponsorship from City Attorney. K-9 unit will be at the Earth Day Event. 6. PUBLIC INPUT Per Ben Hocker – The Oyster Mat location is a great project concept, questions into Canoe launch and why the rocks were removed along the shoreline. How can oysters be placed there to shore up the shoreline? W hen did it become a kayak launch location, which is was originally to be at Main street, how it occurred, no information making it the kayaking launch area. We have 2 main piers that go out, boats cannot tie up to them would it be adverse to place piles of oyster shells under the docks? It would make a larger Oyster bed. Natural Resources Board Meeting January 05, 2016 Page 5 Per Chairman Millar - Maybe in the future, get first set out there make sure it is productive and research future development. Concern of exposure , enough space. Per the City Engineer Watanabe – Good suggestion by Ben Hocker, The City will look into the signage regarding the Oyster Project, kayak and canoe launching area. There is sufficient room to have both. Also will take a look into the twin piers. Per Vice Chair Gordian – There is an Oyster bed East of the dock.. Per the City Engineer Watanabe – Maybe an expansion project can be entertained. 7. NEW BUSINESS A. Information on Applied Aquatics Maintenance of canals with herbicides Per Chairman Millar - Inquired into the Cities recommendations and City’s care of the canals. Per the City Engineer Watanabe – Reviewed Applied Aquatics information. Within the agenda packet there is the work scope for Applied Aquatics. They are a certified DEP firm that helps to mitigate in terms of vegetation, keeping it under control. They have been servicing the canal systems for 10 years. In the scope as well are the types of Herbicides they use that are approved and certified through DEP. Home base is out of Bartow. When they come out they bring 5 or 6 airboats. Information provided in packet. Per Jim Clifton – Who is the commission’s site manager and maybe come out and discuss? Per City Engineer Watanabe - I can inquire and see if they could show up. Per Chairman Millar - The issue on the frequency and wildlife disappears when there is spraying and lengthen in span of spraying. Per the City Engineer Watanabe – These are manmade water conveyance systems and need to be clear. The agencies help us keep it maintained. These are manmade waterways designed to move the waterway. If the waterways are not sprayed they can turn into a wetland with invasive species. We do not have drainage pipe systems. The waterway systems keep water off the roadways as well. Per Vicky Tucker- Mr. Stevens concerns was about the chemicals that he was provided that was not on the list on the Scope of services. Per the City Engineer Frank Watanabe – They are contracted out. Will check on chemicals. They have to be certified to spray. We are held to the contract. Per Bob Progulske – Commented on areas treated by AA, could be a naming convention. Per the City Engineer Watanabe – AA is certified, licensed, no complaints. Per Vicky Tucker- Verify what they are using maybe. Per Vice Chair Gordian – Other alternatives, mortality rate don’t see - human animal conflict. Per Rose Glaser- Can put sign – Not to spray here, just have to be diligent to clean your own area. Per Resident Mr. Stevens – Have signs up. Per Resident Hocker – Spoke of concern and of products being used. Natural Resources Board Meeting January 05, 2016 Page 6 B. Possible Recycling at future NRB events Per Chairman Millar- Recycling program better – blue container with plastic bags, contact waste management to get these containers? Per the City Engineer Watanabe – Start with Earth Day, issue is who is going to pick up all the bens. W aste Management will not pick up. City is limited on resources. Up to the City council. Will commit to Earth Day for pick up but the City does not have the man power otherwise. Per Chairman Millar- When contracts are negotiated – other contracts possibility or to negotiate recycling disposable. Per Andrea Ring - Can we get a commercial recycling ben that waste management could pick up, could help keep the spoil islands clean. Per Rose Glaser – The Pelican Wildlife Festival recycles and will look into whom carries their recycling away and if Curb can provide bins for the NRB events. C. City Attorney opinion on NRB members communication with one another Per Chairman Millar- Only place we can discuss is at the meeting. Are we able to discuss beyond meetings. What does City attorney say? Per the City Engineer Watanabe – Asked the Attorneys about 2 or more members can discuss – not recommended. Gray area. In the Future no longer have 2 commissioners at events. The Attorneys says to avoid it. Best to stay separated out, City Attorneys suggestion. Per Bob Progulske – Rhetorical question – organizing email to arrange times and scheduling appointments, not a decision making email. Per Chairman Millar- Area I was worried about what Christmas Parade, who does what or picks up items - ok to inquire on these types of these things? Per the City Engineer Watanabe – Best to stay separated out and at events only have 1 member at the booth Per Andrea Ring - Rules of order – my impression is it was ok because we were talking with the citizen it was ok. Made no comments no decisions just talking to the citizens, is not a violation 8. STAFF MATTERS • Additional Items distributed, please see attached 9. MEMBER MATTERS 10. ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA 1. NRB members communication with one another – clarification 2. Earth day 3. NRB budget update – provided by Michelle Stromberg 4. Oyster Mat 5. Sewer Hookups Frank to look into grants Per Chairman Millar Natural Resources Board Meeting January 05, 2016 Page 7 • Per City Engineer – At the next Council meeting – City Manager giving presentation - Step program – gravity – per Grant program 5k towards – force main under pressure. Cost is so high. NRB be aware of. • Andrea to go to Council meeting an convey a report on what the discussion was 10. ADJOURNMENT: Being no further business Per Chairman Millar adjourned the Natural Resources Board meeting at 7:33 p.m. By: ____________________________ ______________ Chairman Date Stormwater What is Stormwater? Pollution Solutions After the Storm Illicit Discharges Composting What is Compost? Benefits of Composting. Dos and Don’ts Compost at Home Additional Information Videos Videos of presentations by speakers at NRB meetings. News & Events Provides links to NRB news and event participation. Links Links to organizations and information that provides further information on how to preserve and protect our natural resources. ©2016 City of Sebastian, Natural Resources Board Champion Tree Program The Sebastian City Council established the Sebastian Champion Tree Program in 20ll. The goal of the Sebastian Champion Tree Program is to recognize the largest tree of each species growing within its city limits. Details about the Program and links to resources referenced in the following discussion are provided on the City of Sebastian Natural Resources Board (NRB) web page (Sebastiannrb.com). Sebastian’s program is fashioned after the Champion Tree Program created in 1940 by American Forests, the oldest national nonprofit conservation organization in the United States. The goal of the national program is to recognize the largest known tree of each species in the United States. Every two years American Forests publishes their National Register of Big Trees. The Florida Forest Service website maintains a list of Florida Champion Trees. Many of the Florida Champion Trees are also national champions. Only native and non-invasive naturalized tree species are eligible for consideration. The current listing of City of Sebastian Champion trees is maintained at the City’s NRB web page. Do you have a Champion Tree in your yard? Is there a Champion Tree in your favorite park? EVERYONE impacts the lagoon water quality. The rain water flowing in the ¼-round pipe and swales along our streets eventually flows into the Indian River Lagoon - along with the excess fertilizer and other pollutants that it carries.  Candidate trees must be located within the City of Sebastian city limits. They may be located on public or private property.  First, check the City of Sebastian Champion Tree Inventory on the NRB web page to see if your tree species is listed and check the current champion’s statistics. Keep in mind that only native and non-invasive naturalized tree species are eligible.  If your tree is not listed and seems like it might be competitive with those listed, submit a nomination form available on the Sebastian NRB web page.  Nominations can be mailed to or dropped off at the Sebastian City Hall.  Nominations are reviewed and assigned for measurement at regular Natural Resources Board meetings on the 1st Tuesday of each month.  You will be contacted by a NRB member to arrange a convenient time to obtain the measurements of your candidate tree. There are a number of native trees that do not yet have State Champions. They can be found at Native Tree Species in Florida without Champions. Check the Florida Forest Service database for that list. Keep in mind that, depending on the tree species, a champion may be relatively small. Measuring Trees Tree measurements and point scores follow the procedure for Nomination of a Tree to the Florida Champion Tree Record. Measurements include:  Trunk circumference, in inches, at 4 ½ feet above average ground level.  Height in feet.  Crown spread diameter in feet. Points are given as follows:  Circumference – 1 point per inch.  Height – 1 point per foot.  Average crown spread – 1 point per 4 feet. Historic Hardee Oak The Hardee Oak was planted in 1891 by Robert Hardee when he was 19 years old. In 1925, when Main Street was paved and sidewalks installed, his mother Emma Hardee saved the tree from being cut down. The Hardee family lived just to the north of the Hardee Oak in a ten room house large enough to be called a mansion, owned the Hardee Gas station on the corner of what is now Indian River Drive and Main Street, and the Eagle Fish Company at bottom of Main Street. In 2008 when the City realigned Main Street for the boat parking area, a group of concerned citizens rallied once again to save the Hardee Oak. It stands today as a testament to Sebastian’s short, but dynamic history. Other City of Sebastian NRB Projects and Priorities Additional detail and credits for the following topics is provided on the Sebastian NRB website. Lawn Care and Fertilizer Florida Friendly Lawns 1. Right Plant, Right Place 2. Water Efficiently 3. Fertilize Appropriately 4. Mulch 5. Attract Wildlife 6. Manage Yard Pests Responsibly 7. Recycle Yard Waste 8. Reduce Stormwater Runoff 9. Protect the Waterfront Florida Friendly Fertilizing Tips and Guidelines Fertilizer Ordinance – Amends the Florida Friendly Fertilizing Tips and Guidelines. It is a must read for all property owners. Fertilizer is not to be applied:  Without soil testing to verify need.  Between June 1 and September 30. City of Sebastian Natural Resources Board Mission Statement 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.