Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-06-2016 NRB MinutesCITY OF SEBASTIAN NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 6, 2016 1. Chairwoman Ring called the Natural Resources Board Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 2. Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all. 3. Roll Call Present: Chairwoman Andrea Ring James Clifton Ann Lucier (arrived at 6:35 p.m.) Vicki Tunker Bob Progulske Dick Krull —Alternate Members Not Present: Vice Chairman Gilbert Gordian, Jr. — Excused Rose Glaser— **Excused Keerthi Weragoda — Alternate Also Present: Frank Watanabe, City Engineer Jeanette Williams, Recording Secretary Susan Mann, Recording Consultant 4. Agenda Modifications Ms. Williams introduced Ms. Mann and stated that she would be the Recording Consultant for the City Boards and would be attending meetings, taking roll call and preparing minutes. Ms. Ring called for any agenda modifications, hearing none she continued with the agenda as written. 5. Approval of Minutes July 5, 2016 Minutes — A motion to approve the minutes was made by Mr. Progulske, seconded by Mr. Clifton and passed unanimously with a voice vote. August 2, 2016 Minutes — A motion to approve the minutes was made by Mr. Progulske, seconded by Mr. Krull and passed with a voice vote of 4-0. Mr. Clifton and Ms. Tunker abstained because they did not attend the meeting. Natural Resources Board Meeting Minutes of September 6, 2016 6. Unfinished Business Page 2 of 2 Item A. Elections — Vice Chair Nomination of Mr. Gordian as Vice Chair was discussed, it was agreed that he did want to remain in that position, but since he was not present finalizing the matter was tabled until the next meeting. Item B. Invasive Plant Brochure Ms. Ring stated that it was agreed that the City wanted to help with the cost of the brochure and the method is at the discretion of the Board. She suggested that rather than handling the printing, a decided upon amount of money could be provided allowing the brochures to be printed in quantity to take advantage of any possible discount. Ms. Schnee responded to Mr. Progulske's question about receiving any other contributions for the project by explaining she had not received any money but had several commitments from several organizations and individuals who indicated they will make up whatever short fall there may be. She stated that the printing would be done by Minuteman for a cost of $557.44 for 5,000 if they could place a small version of their logo at the bottom of the brochure; this is about half of what it would cost otherwise. She stated that whatever amount the City wanted to give would be greatly appreciated and the City could have as many as they wanted and have it for their website. A motion to give $100 for the Invasive Plants Brochure was made by Mr. Progulske, seconded by Ms. Tunker. Ms. Ring asked if there was any further discussion, there being none she called for a vote. Roll Call: Ms. Ring —Yes Mr. Progulske —Yes Mr. Clifton —Yes Mr. Krull —Yes Ms. Tunker —Yes Motion: Carried 5/0 Mr. Watanabe stated that he would take care of the necessary paperwork. Ms. Schnee asked if there were any corrections, none were indicated. Mr. Progulske responded to her question about how many hard copies the City wanted, that 500 should be sufficient. Item C. Champion Tree Update — Vote on Price and paper type Mr. Clifton made a motion to print 100 copies on glossy paper at a cost of $85.00 and seconded by Mr. Progulske. Natural Resources Board Page 3 of 3 Meeting Minutes of September 6, 2016 Ms. Ring called for discussion, hearing none, she called for a vote. Roll Call: Ms. Ring —Yes Mr. Progulske —Yes Mr. Clifton —Yes Mr. Krull —Yes Ms. Tunker—Yes Motion: Carried 5/0 Item D. Working Waterfront Oyster Baa Update Mr. Watanabe reported that staff is waiting for the final paperwork related to the grant from the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program and permits from the Army Corp of Engineers and DEP. He stated that he does not expect any problems with getting the permits because the agencies had been supportive of the previous project. He explained that the planned time frame for implementation has been moved from October until next April. Mr. Watanabe stated that the ARC will handle collecting and bagging the oyster shells but will not be involved in the implementation phase. He stated that oyster bags will be placed off the area of the Working Waterfront, for that reason he wants to complete the shoreline project first so the oyster bags won't be damaged during construction. Item E. Earth Day — Saturday April 22, 2017 Mr. Watanabe advised the Board that staff has confirmed Saturday, April 22, 2017 as Earth Day with the table space, stage and audio equipment are reserved for the Commission for the entire day. Ms. Ring stated that she had found a brochure regarding septic systems on line with space for the City's logo. She asked if the Board would want to print these for distribution at Earth Day, other events and display in the lobby. She stated that with the fiscal year end close they could use the remaining funds for the printing. A motion to approve having the brochures printed using the remaining funds for as many as it would cover was made by Ms. Tunker and seconded by Mr. Krull. Roll Call: Ms. Ring —Yes Mr. Progulske —Yes Mr. Clifton —Yes Mr. Krull —Yes Ms. Tunker—Yes Motion: Carried 5/0 Mr. Watanabe suggested that due to the short time left, the amount of money remaining be determined, Total Print be contacted to determine how many can be printed and order that number and have it charged to the City's account. Ms. Ring stated that she will take care of the project. Natural Resources Board Page 4 of 4 Meeting Minutes of September 6, 2016 Item F. Sewer Ms. Ring stated that she enjoyed the presentation regarding sewers that was presented by Mr. Vincent Burke, Utility Director of IRC, at the last meeting. She stated that it is still her opinion that the sewers should be installed at no cost to the property owner. Mr. Watanabe stated that he and the City Manager had met with County officials to discuss the septic to sewer program. He stated that as a result of that meeting he believes implementing the program again will be addressed with the County Commission. 7. Public Input Mr. Ben Hocker expressed concern about the negative impact the commercial boat traffic will have on the oyster bags because of the shallow water and the docking arrangements. He stated that the proposed septic to sewer arrangement presented by the County at the last meeting was very similar to one that the Council declined to participate in about a year ago. He stated regarding spoil island, that he does not believe it is within the jurisdiction of the City. He provided details on a previous dredging project and how disposal of the dirt was handled. He suggested the Board look in to locating the group that is planting small mangrove plants to address the island. Mr. Watanabe responded to Mr. Hocker's concern about the oyster bags that staff is aware of the problem and it will be addressed. He stated regarding the septic to sewer program that the City is in negotiations with the Indian River Lagoon Council to receive a grant to help with the conversions. He stated that with that grant and the grant the County has provided the City should be able to offer property owners more help to cover their cost of conversion. Mr. Progulske asked if commercial properties have a higher priority than residential properties. Mr. Watanabe responded that originally the priority was residential, but recently the American Legion approached the City and were provided $50,000 to help cover the conversion. He explained that the City now bases the amount provided on a scale similar to the sewage usage, the higher the usage the higher amount is provided for the conversion. Mr. Clifton expressed concern about using gravity sewers due to the water table. Mr. Watanabe provided an explanation of how the system is proposed to function and stated that it is in the experimental stage and is being implemented along the waterfront only at this time. Ms. Lucier stated that the gravity sewers are much less expensive than the other types which would make it less burdensome to property owners. Natural Resources Board Meeting Minutes of September 6, 2016 8. New Business Page 5 of 5 Item A. Spoil Island Memorandum by Mr. Clifton Mr. Clifton stated he believes the island is within the jurisdiction. Mr. Watanabe responded that he will verify. Mr. Clifton stated that he had met with the Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preservation Board and they are very excited about the City's help with the islands. He explained that prior to any definite proposal be made a site visit would be necessary. Following an in-depth discussion of the process, transportation, City involvement, etc. it was agreed the site visit would take place on Friday, 9/23/16 at 9:30 a.m. Mr. Clifton stressed that this visit will be for observing what areas of help could be provided. 9. Staff Matters — None 10. Member Matters Mr. Krull cited the Board's mission statement and stated that since Sebastian's signage refers to being the Home of Pelican Island that it is a shame help could not be provided to maintain it. Mr. Progulske responded that he has spoken with Mr. Bill Miller, Project Manager, Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge and asked that a presentation be made to the NRB regarding their function and needs. He stated there might be opportunities available. Ms. Ring stated that she had attended the gopher conference. She suggested doing gopher burrows for Earth Day. She explained that instructions are online for how to build them and what materials to put inside. She felt it would be fun and educational for the children. Ms. Lucier stated that April 10th is Gopher Tortoise Day and the City could get a proclamation from Florida Wildlife and declare April 10th as Gopher Tortoise Day in Sebastian combined with Earth Day. Following discussion the consensus was for staff to place the item on the Board's next agenda. Mr. Clifton reported that the request for bid is out for the removal of the derelict boat on island IR3. 11. Items for Next Agenda Item A. Gopher Tortoise Day Proclamation. 12. Adiourn — There being no further business Chairwoman Ring adjourned the meeting at 6:53 p.m. By: -2�. &Z- Date: H / Chairwoman Andrea Ainq /sm " Approved as amended on page 1.