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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-08-2016 NRB MinutesCITY OF SEBASTIAN NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 8, 2016 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 Rose Glaser Ann Lucier Bob Progulske Vicki Tunker Dick Krull —Alternate Keerthi Weragoda — Alternate Members Not Present: Mr. Gilbert Gordian, Jr. Also Present: Frank Watanabe, City Engineer Susan Mann, Recording Consultant 4. Agenda Modifications — None 5. Approval of Minutes — September 6, 2016 Meeting Minutes Ms. Glaser requested the minutes be amended to show her as an excused absence. A motion to approve the minutes as amended was made by Mr. Krull, seconded by Mr. Clifton and passed unanimously with a voice vote. 6. Unfinished Business Item A. Elections — Vice Chair Ms. Ring called for nominations for Vice Chair, hearing none she asked Mr. Progulske if he would serve in that position. Mr. Progulske responded he would with the understanding that his term expires in July, 2017 and he may not be reappointed. Ms. Ring called for any further nominations, hearing none, she thanked Mr. Progulske for accepting the position. Natural Resources Board Page 2 of 5 Meeting Minutes of November 8, 2016 Item B. Invasive Plant Brochure — Purchase Ms. Ring stated that she has seen the brochure and it is very attractive; she has taken a supply to the Master Gardner at the Library for their distribution. Ms. Ring continued that the Master Gardner expressed her appreciation for the brochures and assured her that they would definitely be used. Mr. Progulske asked how many would be available for the Board's distribution at upcoming functions. Ms. Ring responded she did not know the exact number, but it was a full box. Item C. Champion Tree Update — Purchase Ms. Ring stated that she had taken some of these to the Master Gardner as well. She explained that the Master Gardner was impressed by the brochure especially that the State's Champion Tree website was included. Item D. Working Waterfront Oyster Bao Update Mr. Watanabe reported that he is still working on the permitting paperwork. Item E. Earth Day — Saturday April 22, 2017 Ms. Ring called for suggestions for Earth Day activities. She suggested an adult scavenger hunt with prizes, possibly Visa gift cards. Mr. Progulske asked Ms. Glaser for her suggestions since she had successfully chaired the event in the past. Ms. Glaser stated it would be appropriate, at this time, to start contacting the vendors and letting them know the date of the event. She asked if the Board wanted to allocate $50 per member of the bands that would perform. Mr. Watanabe responded that the Board has $1,000 budgeted for Earth Day and it is at the Board's discretion what it is used for. A motion to approve $50 per member for the bands performing at Earth Day was made by Ms. Glaser, seconded by Mr. Progulske. Ms. Ring asked if there was any further discussion, there being none she called for a vote. Roll Call: Ms. Ring —Yes Mr. Clifton —Yes Ms. Glaser—Yes Ms. Lucier —Yes The vote was 7/0. Motion Carried. Ms. Tunker—Yes Mr. Progulske —Yes Mr. Krull —Yes Natural Resources Board Page 3 of 5 Meeting Minutes of November 8, 2016 In response to discussion about which vendors to contact, Mr. Watanabe suggested contacting the larger ones early so they may possibly donate more. Also during discussion it was agreed that the event would last all day in order to attract more people. Mr. Watanabe suggested bringing last year's program to the next meeting and assigning tasks to various board members. Mr. Progulske asked about food vendors being able to set up on the grass. Mr. Watanabe responded that he would speak with the City Manager and determine what the process will be. The Board expressed concern that the food vendors be located in places where there would be more foot traffic because last year some were not in locations that gave them good visibility. The consensus was that the food vendors are an important part of Earth Day and an effort should be made to help them do as well as possible by giving them good locations. Item F. Sewer Brochure — Purchase Ms. Ring stated that the brochure had just been delivered and it looks fine to her. She explained that all the Board's materials, i.e. brochures, banner, etc. are in one location that is secure which is in Community Development. Mr. Watanabe confirmed that. Item G. Spoil Island Update by Mr. Clifton Mr. Clifton stated that he had submitted a memo but it was not included with the agenda package. He explained that there are some non-native species on the island that need to be removed and DEP is anxious to move forward. He stated that he will need one or two people, a boat and a chain saw. Ms. Tunker responded that she had a boat and chain saw and would help. Ms. Lucier volunteered to help also. Mr. Watanabe stated that if they would do the cutting and pile up the debris that the City Works staff would use the City's boat to pick it up and dispose of it. Following discussion it was decided that those participating would determine a date that was convenient to their schedules. 7. Public Input Ms. Ring called for anyone, from the Public, wishing to speak before the Board to do so at this time. Mr. Bob Stephen, 150 Concha Drive, expressed his appreciation for so many of the Board Members being present. He explained that he is back asking for support to stop the use of Glyphosate on the vegetation in the canals. He expressed concern that it not only kills the vegetation but the fish too. He stated that after the spraying the odor is very bad and the birds leave the area. He explained that he has done research on alternatives and found that there are grants available to help with the cost of cleaning up the canals. He stated that last year he had provided the Board information on 6 alternatives to what is currently used that may be safer for the environment. He invited the Board Members to come to his house and observe the damage the spraying does. Natural Resources Board Page 4 of 5 Meeting Minutes of November 8, 2016 He closed by urging the City to consider making every effort to use safer and less damaging products to accomplish the same results. Following discussion the Members of the Board asked Mr. Stephen to provide them copies of the information on the alternative treatments and a copy of his proposed plan. Mr. Graham Cox, 1213 George Street, stated that he too is concerned about the lack of care for the environment that is demonstrated by the crews doing the spraying. He explained that there are many more alternatives than 6 to controlling the vegetation in the canals and on the banks. He stated that he had provided information on these alternatives last year but will be happy to provide the information again. Ms. Ring called for any further public input, hearing none she continued with the agenda. 8. New Business Item A. NRB Mission: Ideas, Goals & Objectives for FY16/17 Ms. Ring explained that she put the item on the agenda so the members can express their thoughts on the goals that should be set, the accomplishments that have been achieved and what the goals for the future should be. She asked that everyone compose their thoughts on the board's mission and be ready to discuss at the next meeting. Ms. Lucier stated that previously some of the goals of the board were the clean-up of the islands and educational presentations. She stated that when the meetings were televised these educational presentations were an opportunity to share information with the public. Ms. Ring asked if televising the meetings could be reconsidered. Mr. Watanabe responded that not regularly televising any meetings except the City Council and Planning and Zoning was a Council decision to achieve cost reduction. During discussion it was suggested televising only the portion of the meeting that contained the presentation. Mr. Watanabe stated that he would look into what alternatives may be available. Ms. Ring requested that this topic be placed on next month's agenda so further discussion could be conducted. Item B. Gooher Tortoises Day, April 10th Ms. Ring reported that April 101" will be designated Gopher Tortoises Day. Ms. Lucier responded that she will download the proclamation, handle preparing it and getting it to Council for signature and reading. Ms. Ring suggested possibly setting up a Gopher Natural Resources Board Page 5 of 5 Meeting Minutes of November 8, 2016 Tortoise burrow at Earth Day. Ms. Lucier responded that having anything that interacts with the children is a great idea. 9. Staff Matters — None 10. Member Matters Ms. Glaser asked if the starting time for Earth Day could be moved back from 8:30am. The consensus was changing the time would be fine and would be set at the next meeting. Mr. Weragoda stated he was glad to be back after his extended absence. Ms. Ring reported that she had been a judge at the Halloween costume contest where the prizes were Visa gift cards and that is where she got the idea for Earth Day, Ms. Ring asked if the Board was still interested in marching in the Christmas Parade. She stated that she would not be able to participate because she could not walk that much. Ms. Glaser suggested putting lights on the banner so it would show up better. The consensus was that was a good idea. Mr. Watanabe suggested that with the shortness of time a Board Member purchase the lights and hold the receipt. The purchase would be placed on next month's agenda and at that time reimbursement will be requested. Ms. Glaser stated that she will handle the light purchase. 11. Items for Next Agenda A. NRB Mission: Ideas, Goals & Objectives for FY16/17 B. Parade participation and lighting reimbursement 12. Adiourn — There being no further business Chairwoman Ring adjourned the meeting at 6:48 p ma��/&r // By:Date: 7, / Chairwoman Andrea Ring /sm Use suggestions for US En vironmenta/ Protection Agency -approved aquatic herbicides. Compound Exposure Time Advantages Disadvantages Systems where used Plant species response (Water) effectively Complexed Intermediate (18-72 Inexpensive, rapid Does not biodegrade, but Lakes as algicide, Broad-spectrum, acts in Copper hours) action, approved for biologically inactive in herbicide in higher 7-10 days or up to 4-6 drinking water sediments exchange areas weeks 2,4-D Intermediate (18-72 Inexpensive, systemic Public perception Waterhyacinth and Selective to broad - hours) Eurasian watermilfoil leaves, acts in 5-7 days control, Lakes and slow- up to 2 weeks flow areas, purple loosestrife Diquat Short (12-36 hours) Rapid action, limited Does not affect Shoreline, localized Broad-spectrum, acts in 7 drift underground portions treatments, higher days exchange rate areas Endothall Short (12-36 hours) Rapid action, limited Does not affect Shoreline, localized Broad spectrum, acts in drift underground portions treatments, higher 7-14 days exchange rate areas Fluridone Very long (30-60 Very low dosage Very long contact period Small lakes, slow flowing Broad spectrum, acts in days) required, few label systems 30-90 days restrictions, systemic Glyphosate Not Applicable Widely used, few label Very slow action, no Nature preserves and Broad spectrum, acts in restrictions, systemic submersed control refuges; Emergent and 7-10 days, up to 4 weeks floating -leaved plants only Triclopyr Intermediate (12-60 Selective, systemic Not currently labeled for Lakes and slow -flow Selective to broad - hours) general aquatic use areas, purple loosestr fe leaves, acts in 5-7 days, up to 2 weeks Application restrictions of US Environmental Protection Agency - approved aquatic herbicides. Compound Persistence Maximum Maximum water Safety Factor Application Notes WES Recommended (helf-lite, in days) Application concentration for Rate Complexed 3 1.5 1.0 mg/L >50 Algicide / Herbicide Hydrills, other Copper gal/R/acre submersed spp. 2,4-D 7.5 0.5 gal/acre 2.0 mg/l. >25 Some formulations for Eurasian waternilfoil, special permits only water -hyacinth, and others Diquat 1-7 ----------- 2 gal/acre 2 mgfL 5 Binds with particles All (suspended solids) in water Endothall 4-7 13 gallacre 5.0 mg/L >10 (Aquathol) Fish are sensitive to All submersed spp. <1.0 (Hydrothel) Hydrothal 191 - over 1 mg/L :. may cause fish Idll Fluridone 21 1.1 citfacre 0.15 mg/L >20 Applications have been Most submersed spp. (150 ppb) successful below 10 ppb Glyphosate 14 2 gallacre 0.2 mg/L >20 Aerial portions only - not for Most emergent and submersed plants floating spp. Triclopyr na na 2.5 mg/L >50 EUP/Spedal Needs only - Eurasian watermilfoll, US EPA label expected In water -hyacinth, 1997 others y O N O r n N L Characteristics of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency -approved d 3 N aquatic herbicides. Compound Trade Name Company Formulation; Mode of Action Bluegill 96 hr. Contact vs. Systemic LCA (mg/L) Complexed Cutrine-Plus Applied Biochemists Various complexing Plant cell toxicant 1250 Copper Komeen (Cutrine) agents with copper, Koplex Griffin Corporation superior to CuSO4 K -Tea Systemic T -0_ "3 o m 2,4-D Aqua-Kleen Applied Biochemists BEE salt Selective plant- 1.11-U3= Weedar-64 Rhone-Poulenc DMA liquid growth regulator O—,'_ 123-2%CP° � Wee-Rhap A -6D Inter -Ag IEE liquid o o c Several Others Systemic S c Uquat Reward Zeneca Liquid Disrupts plant cell o to a 10-10r- v C Contact membrane integrity :r o ;D Endothall Aquathol K Elf Atochem (All Liquid or granular Inactivates plant 12E� <0 C- Hydrothal 191 Formulations) Contact protein synthesis 0.06 Aquathol granular v_ a N Fluridone Sonar AS SePRO Liquid or granular Disrupts carotenoid 9-12.5 Sonar SRP Systemic synthesis, causing bleaching of chlorophyll Glyphosate Rodeo Monsanto Liquid Disrupts synthesis 4.2-14 Systemic of phenylalanine Tridopyr Garlon 3A (EUP) SePRO Liquid Selective plant 148 Renovate (EUP) Systemic gmwth regulator SLA 0 Summary of biological management methods for aquatic plants. Management Method Grass Carp/ White Amur Herbivorous Fish Advantages Long -tens (decades), relatively inexpensive Disadvantages Cannot control feeding sites, difficult to contain in water body, tendency for "all or none" community response, persistent Neo0wriaspp. Waterhyacinth Species selective Not effective in reducing weevils areal coverage In many situations Hydre//iaspp. Hydrilla fly, hydrilla Species Selective Has not yet been Bagousspp. stem weevil established Euh0Th1 psis Weevil - native or Already established Less selective, currently /econtai and other naturalized in U.S. under R&D native insects Myc%todisaus Fungal pathogen; Low dispersion, Expense, cross- hsr wft (Mt) acts as a contact fairly broad contamination, inconsistent bioherbicide spectrum viability and virulence of formulation Native Plant Planting of Provides habitat, Expensive, techniques still Community desirable native may slow reinvasion under development Restoration plant species or or initial invasion community Systems where used effectively Isolated water bodies, effective against hydrilla and other preferred species. Operational. Released in Florida, Gulf Coast states. (Developmental) .................... . Released in Florida, Alabama, Texas. (Research) Currently under study in Vermont, Minnesota (Research) Under R&D for both Eurasian waternilfoil and hydrilla Under R&D around the country Plant species response Fish have strong preference for hydrilla and some native plants, avoid Eurasian watermilfoil, generally do not prefer floating plants Leaf scars, some reduction in growth Limited Plants loose buoyancy, weevil Interferes with transfer of carbohydrates °Contact Bioherbicide", plants rapidly fall apart, but regrow from roots Native plants provide ecosystem benefits, slow invasion Characteristics of physical management techniques. Management Description Advantages Disadvantages Systems where used Plant Spscies Response Method effectively Dredging/ Use mechanical Creates deeper Very expensive, must Shallow ponds and Often creates large usable &diment Removal sediment dredge to water, very long- deal with dredge lakes, particularly those areas of lake, not selective remove sediments, tens results sediment filled in by 0 - ii r 0 deepen water sedimentation Q,rawdown "De -water a lake or Inexpensive, very Can have severe Only useful for Selective based on d river for an extended effective, environmental manmade lakes or perennation strategy; period of time moderate -term impacts, severe regulated rivers with a effective on evergreen '= recreational! riparian dam or water control perennials, less effective 3 user effects structure on herbaceous perennials 0 a, fLbnthic Barrier Use natural or Direct and Expensive and small- Around docks, boat Nonselective, plant N synthetic materials to effective, may last scale, nonselective launches, swimming mortality within one month cover plants several seasons areas, and other small, underneath barrier intensive use areas grading /Light Reduce light levels Generally Nonselective, controls Smaller ponds, man- Nonselective, but may be Attenuation by one of several inexpensive, all plants, may not be made waterbodies, long-term A means: dyes, shade effective aesthetically pleasing small streams o cloth, plant trees ,a A (rivers) - s 0 int Inactivate Theoretically Impractical for rooted Most useful for Variable IQcffivation phosphorus (in possible plants limited by controlling A A parti!lar) using nitrogen phytoplankton by E 0 alum inactivating water Characteristics of mechanical management techniques. Management Method Description Advantages Disadvantages Systems where used effectively Hand- Cutting/ Pulling Direct hand pulling or Low -technology, use of hand tools affordable, can be Suction Harvester remove plant stems, selective Cutting Cut weeds with More rapid than mechanical device harvesting (typically boat -mounted sidle bar) without collection Harvesting (Cut and Mechanical cutting with Removes plant Remove) plant removal biomass Grinder or "Juicer' Mechanical cutting with Immediate relief of (Cut and Grind) grinding of plant plant nuisance, no material and In -lake disposal disposal Diver -Operated Vacuum lift used to Moderately selective Suction Harvester remove plant stems, (based on visibility roots, leaves, sediment and operator), left in place longer-term Rotovating Cultivator on long arts Disrupts Eurasian for tilling aquatic watermlifoil stem sediments bases, intermediate- term results Labor-intensive, cost is labor -based Large mets of cut weeds may become a health and environmental problem, may spread infestation Slower and more expensive than cutting; resuspension of sediments Resuspension of sediments, decomposition of plants In lake, floating plant material Slow and cost -intensive May spread large numbers of fragments; resuspension of sediments Most of the undeveloped world, volunteer labor pools Heavily -infested syseams Widespread use with chronic plant problems Useful for chronic plant problems where disposal of plants is problematic Useful for smaller nuisance plant populations in which plant density is moderate Used extensively in the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia, with mixed results Plant species response Very effective in very localized areas Nonselective, short- term Like cutting, it is cosmetic, non-selective short-term Like cutting and harvesting, it is cosmetic, non-selective short -tern Typically have minimal regrowth for Eurasian waternilfoii; not effective for tuber - setting hydrilla Effective in disrupting Eurasian waterniffoll dense stands; not selective and only intermediate-term