Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-07-2017 NRB MinutesCITY OF SEBASTIAN NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING MARCH 7, 2017 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 Bob Progulske James Clifton Rose Glaser Ann Lucier Members Not Present: Gilbert Gordian, Jr. — Excused Vicki Tunker Also Present: Frank Watanabe, City Engineer Susan Mann, Recording Consultant Mr. Watanabe advised the Board that Mr. Krull resigned his position. 4. Agenda Modifications Ms. Ring called for agenda modifications, hearing none she continued with the agenda. 5. Approval of Minutes February 7, 2017 Meeting Minutes Ms. Ring asked if there were any corrections or modifications to the minutes. Hearing none she called for a motion. A motion to approve the February 7, 2017 minutes as presented was made by Ms. Glaser, seconded by Mr. Progulske and passed unanimously by voice vote. 6. Presentation SJRWMD — Charles Jacoby, PhD, MBA, Supervising Environmental Scientist, Estuaries Section Lead Scientist, Indian River Lagoon Basin. Natural Resources Board Page 2 of 5 Meeting Minutes of March 7, 2017 Ms. Ring introduced Dr. Jacoby and welcomed him to the meeting. Dr. Jacoby apologized for not being at the previous meeting as planned, but he is happy to be present this evening. He stated that his presentation will cover the Indian River Lagoon and some of the challenges that exist. He then reviewed the information contained in his Power Point Presentation (see attached). He concluded his presentation by stating that it was taken time for the lagoon to develop the problems that now exist and it will take time to resolve those problems, but everyone has to work together in the solution. Ms. Lucier asked how the proposed reduction or elimination of the EPA would impact the estuary. Dr. Jacoby responded that what impacts the estuary is the Clean Water Act, which he believes will remain as it is. The major are where he has seen great improvement is the local involvement and communications. People are much better educated about their impact on the waterways than in prior years. Mr. Progulske asked what steps Brevard County is taking to protect the estuary. Dr. Jacoby responded that they are addressing the major issues, i.e. muck removal, septic to sewer, stormwater treatment, education, etc. Ms. Ring asked what roll Sebastian could take in assisting the SJRWMD with protecting the lagoon. Dr. Jacoby stated that staying involved is an important step. Mr. Watanabe explained that the City had benefited from a cost sharing grant to install a water discharge system this summer. He stated that although it is not a big item, it does clean the water before it enters the lagoon. Mr. Progulske asked what causes the problem in the northern part of the lagoon. Dr. Jacoby stated that in the reverse of the southern part with low salinity caused by fresh water inflow, the norther part has a higher salinity due to the dry conditions. It is believed that is what caused the bloom; too the water does not empty frequently which results in the algae remaining in the that part of the lagoon for longer periods of time. Mr. Progulske asked how successful the oyster reef restoration has been in filtering the water. Dr. Jacoby responded that the information he has received indicates they are doing very well. He explained that for the larger part of the lagoon, clams may be used, but they seem to have cycles in which there are more, then cycles when their numbers are reduced due to over fishing. Ms. Ring called for comments or questions from the public. Ms. Jane Schnee asked for the location of the C1 Canal. Dr. Jacoby responded that it is connected to Turkey Creek which is in Melbourne. Mr. Mark Bonde, 997 George Street, asked for an update on the proposed plan to move water both south and north. Dr. Jacoby responded that there is concern about changing the water flow because of the possibility of water wars as have occurred in other areas. Natural Resources Board Page 3 of 5 Meeting Minutes of March 7, 2017 Ms. Ring called for any further questions, hearing none she thanked Dr. Jacoby for his presentation. Unfinished Business Item A. Earth Day — Saturday April 22, 2017 Update by Rose Glaser Ms. Glaser reported that 32 vendors, of which 3 are food vendors, have registered for the event. She stated that the City will be advised on the number of tables required; a volunteer policeman will be required for the crosswalk on Indian River Drive for the safety of the children; she thanked Mr. Watanabe for the draft brochure and stated that they are working to add some items; she registered the event on earthday.org; three bands have registered, she asked if anyone knew of a band or individual to please let her know; she provided details on the activities and asked if the City has received the brochures requested. Mr. Watanabe responded that he will follow up on securing the brochures. Ms. Glaser asked the Board if there are sufficient activities planned for the children to offer a grand prize. The consensus was to have the bicycle as the grand prize as was done last year. Ms. Glaser asked if there were any more ideas for activities. Mr. Watanabe asked what the expenses are to date. Ms. Glaser responded that the expenses are $530. He urged the Board to request items be donated from the vendors who supported the event last year. Ms. Lucier stated that she will contact her neighbor who teaches Hip -Hop dancing to children at no cost and see if she would like to participate in the event. Ms. Ring stated that she is planning to do the scavenger hunt and will add some questions for the adults and showed a piece of craftwork that could be used as a prize. Following discussion about keeping track of the activities completed and method of awarding the prizes, it was agreed that a ticket would be drawn and if the person was not present another ticket would be drawn until the prize was awarded. Additional discussion was conducted about work assignments and scheduling. Ms. Glaser urged the Board Members to be present and participate where needed. Mr. Watanabe suggested requesting the Mayor or a Councilmember be present to open the Ceremonies. He asked that the Board pass a motion for the request. A motion to request Mr. Watanabe to speak with the City Manager to determine the availability of the Mayor or a Councilmember to open the ceremonies was made by Mr. Progluske, seconded by Ms. Glaser and passed unanimously by voice vote. Ms. Ring stated that she would not be able to get onto the stage. Mr. Progulske stated that he would act in her place. Regarding purchase of the materials to build the Gopher Burrow, Ms. Lucier reported that she has spoken with Home Depot and the request was submitted to corporate about 2 weeks ago. She was advised that it would take about four weeks to receive a response. She thanked the Natural Resources Board Page 4 of 5 Meeting Minutes of March 7, 2017 Board for approving the expenditure of $150 for stuffed animals and stated that she will be shopping for them and anticipates being able to purchase them for much less than the $150. Ms. Lucier explained that the burrow is an educational exhibit that the children can crawl into and see examples of the animals to cohabitate with the tortoises. She stated that will be one of the activities required to be entered into the grand prize drawing. She stated that the Gopher Tortoise Day Proclamation would be read at the Council Meeting on March 22nd* Ms. Ring urged Board Members to attend if possible. Item C. Spoil Island Update — City boat is out of service Mr. Clifton stated that with the City boat being out of service he contacted DEP and they will - remove the debris from the island and dispose of it. He explained that DEP is seeking a grant to place signage on all the conservation islands in the lagoon. They expressed that if the City put the signage on IR8 that would be fine. He stated that DEP will provide the signage and installation materials and the City would install them. Item D. NRB Calendar of Events a) March 2017 — Pelican Island Event Ms. Glaser reported that the event is scheduled for March 18th from 10am until 4pm. Information on booth location will be provided that morning. Mr. Watanabe stated that staff will set up the booth. Ms. Lucier stated that she will bring the banner. b) April, 2017 — Shoreline Clean-up with KIRB Ms. Ring stated that clean-up scheduled in April is the same date as their event and the City would not be able to participate. Item E. Stormwater Park — Access along the pathways Mr. Progulske reported that he had visited the park, walked the trails and went into the scrub area. He asked for clarification of what information the City wants reported back to them. Mr. Watanabe responded that a resident living near the back entrance had reported that it appeared to need mowing or additional upkeep. The City Manager thought that members of the NRB could visit the park and make their recommendations as to whether the back entrance needed any changes or if it is alright in its natural state. Following discussion the consensus was to leave the back entrance in a more natural state and focus on maintaining the front entrance where there is parking and easy access into the park. There was a detailed discussion regarding invasive plants and how the City handles them. Mr. Watanabe explained that staff is very aware of residents' concerns about spraying and they try to balance that concern with what is necessary to maintain the landscaping and plantings in the City. He provided a description of the function of the Stormwater Park and stated that it is the City's responsibility to maintain the banks of the ponds and keep the paths and areas mowed. Ms. Ring asked if there is muck in the stormwater ponds. Mr. Watanabe responded there is not and provided a description of which waterways contain muck, the types of muck and how it impacts the various waterways. Natural Resources Board Meeting Minutes of March 7, 2017 Public Input Page 5 of 5 Ms. Jane Schnee, Sebastian, thanked the Board for their help with the Invasive Plant Brochure. The Friends of the St. Sebastian River mailed the information on invasive plants, fertilizer and the brochure to residents living along the river. She expressed concern about the invasive plants in Sebastian and there being no apparent action to remove them and replace them with native species. She distributed a flyer with information on the locations of the Old World Climbing Fern. She expressed concern about the number of these plants and urged the City to try to find a way to reduce or eliminate them. Mr. Mark Bonde, 997 George Street, stated that he was very impressed with how the Gopher Tortoise Burrow provides shelter to so many other species. He explained that he is still researching the Wabasso sewer proposals and will update the Board when he gets additional information. 9. Staff Matters Item A. Earth Day Brochure Mr. Watanabe stated that he will work with Ms. Glaser on the brochure and bring it to the Board at their next meeting for review. He explained that he could produce them in house with no impact on the NRB's budget. Ms. Lucier asked about the status of the Gopher Tortoise brochures. Mr. Watanabe responded he had not been able to locate any. Ms. Lucier stated that she will contact the gentleman who put on the last training session and see if she could get some from him. Ms. Ring stated that she thought there were coloring books as well. 10. Member Matters — None 11. Items for Next Agenda Ms. Ring reviewed the items to be brought forward to the next agenda and asked if placing clams in the lagoon could be added. Mr. Watanabe explained that to his understanding the water off Sebastian does not contain sufficient saline to support clams, but the matter could be discussed; the water is more suited for oysters and he will check on the status of the Boy Scout's oyster project and report to the Board. 12. Adiourn — There being no further business Chairwoman Ring adjourned the meeting at 7:28 p.m. /'I , -J4u C�, r� Date: L/ -/ 17 /