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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06052001 TREEf'0"N U =11 rim .1 CITY OF SEBASTIAN --- i TREE ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING JUNE 51 2001 Chairman Cardinale called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm. The Pledge of Allegiance was said. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Anne Dann Lynn Albury Chmn. Cardinale Larry Birchmeyer(a) Ruth Davies VC Cathy Fulton EXCUSED ABSENCE: Beverly T -Bell ALSO PRESENT: John Tenerowicz, Park Department Foreman Ann Brack, Recording Secretary John Almada, Advisor APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MOTION by Davis/Cardinale I make a motion that the minutes of the May 7th Tree Board meeting be approved. Voice vote: 5 — 0, motion carried. OLD BUSINESS: A. COMMUNICATION — TREE BOARD, VERO BEACH Chmn. Cardinale reported that he was unable to reach the Chairman of the Vero Beach Tree Board, but will continue to try to make this contact. B. ENFORCEMENT OF LANDSCAPING CODE / EDUCATION Larry B. provided written suggestions on changes to the last page of Article XIV — Tree Protection and Landscaping code, and the role of this Board. VC Fulton inquired about the feasibility of forming a sub -committee to recommend modifications to the Landscape code. The Secretary responded that because of the Sunshine Law requirements, this probably could not be done. There was discussion on this issue and it was mentioned that the Board could do workshop meetings. The Secretary noted that the subject of a sub -committee would have to be discussed with the City Manager and City Attorney. It was then suggested that each member bring their suggested changes to a meeting where a list could be developed for general discussion. 8 i"` -N TREE ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF JUNE 4, 2001 Larry B. noted that he has read this document many times and commented that he doesn't necessarily see so many changes, rather major additions, so that people have the choice of traditional landscaping, or receiving a financial incentive to have an alternate type. At this point, he suggested that each Board member say what they feel this Tree Board should do, what the Urban Forest should look like, what we should try to do over the next 10 years, and see where we stand. He also noted that he has traveled around Florida checking some small, heavily landscaped towns and spoken with some of their designers. He commented that the things he would like to see done are not that expensive, even in Sebastian. He also noted the increase in value of properties when good landscaping is present. His next comment was that he understands the present landscape codes are not being enforced within the city. There was discussion about the extreme number of building lots within our city that are clear-cut before construction. The subject of enforcement was strongly discussed, along with the issue of Certificate of Occupancy forms in relation to the tree requirements. It was noted that most of these items of concern are already contained in the. present code, but are not being enforced. VC Fulton suggested that the Board members might volunteer to investigate certain sites to keep City Council informed of enforcement issues. Lynn A. commented that she didn't think there was so much wrong with the code as written, but probably the lack of enforcement was the issue. Ruth D. suggested that enforcement probably starts with the Building Department. She suggested that this Department can require that, beyond so many feet from the house footprint, whenever possible, native vegetation should remain. Larry noted that the present code makes that suggestion, but does not require it. The suggestion was made that Tree Board members could be notified as soon as a land clearing permit is applied for, and they could visit the lot for recommendations. VC Fulton commented that a big concern for her is that when large, older trees are removed from lots to construct homes, they are not being replaced. Anne D. commented that even when they are replaced, many times, the new ones are not maintained and when they die, replacements are not being enforced. Anne D. commented that from information she has obtained, the trees on a lot are noted on paper when the land clearing is applied for, but somehow, those trees disappear by the time the house is built, which suggests a "missing link" somewhere. She asked if it could be the parties clearing the land, should they be educated? Should they be fined, as opposed to the Builders? Larry B. then suggested that possibly another Code Enforcement officer is needed. He also suggested that a sample demonstration project could be undertaken by this Board to show people what is available and plants could be raised at the High School; "yard raising parties" was suggested, giving the date and asking for volunteers. He also noted that the lots in Seaside are only 50' x 90' with 2 and 3 -story houses (valued at $300,000 2 eo%N TREE ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF JUNE 4, 2001 and up) with dense landscaping, and sod is prohibited except in the central plaza. He noted that the same concept could be effective in Sebastian. The subject of city water and sewer was mentioned and this issue was discussed. Anne D. suggested that each Board member come to the next meeting with at least two suggestions on the code. VC Fulton commented that there are no major problems with the present code, but the problem is in the enforcement. Chmn. Cardinale commented that in his view, enforcement and education are the main issues. There was common agreement that nothing should be forced on people, but an alternate method should be made available. Larry B. commented that if the remaining 5,000 or so lots are clear cut, what will this city look like? Lynn A. suggested finding a builder who would let this Board landscape a model home with natural habitat. This issue was discussed. Anne D. commented that Florida Yards and Neighborhoods certify yards, which include use of low water, carefully used fertilizer and pesticides, and a lot a native plants because of low maintenance. She offered to make a list of these homes within the community that have been certified. How best to get this information to the public was discussed. In summary, it was determined to make further plans at the next meeting. 114� John Almada commented that one of the weakest links in clearing lots is the person who runs the bulldozer. He also agreed that being selective in picking a lot for purchase is a very good idea. John then noted that the supply of native plants is difficult to find locally. He suggested that until residents start demanding these species, the local nurseries will not stock them in abundance. John then informed the members that the plant with the yellow flowers in the "Model Planting" area is a Cassia. VC Fulton provided copies of the Executive Order on Invasive Species for future discussion. C. SHADE HOUSE OPERATIONS (JUNE, JULY & AUGUST) Chmn. Cardinale reminded volunteers to be diligent about the shade house chores since the school is closed for the summer. It was noted that two (2) bags of fertilizer are needed at the shade house. VC Fulton arranged to pass the key to Lynn A. for the month of June. Volunteers for the Summer are as follows: JULY - JOHN ALMADA AUGUST - LARRY BIRCHMEYER(a) 3 /00*� TREE ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF JUNE 4, 2001 NEW BUSINESS: A. SELECTION OF NEXT PROJECT FROM WORK PLAN. Chmn. Cardinale suggested that members come up with- a design to pull the "Model Planting" area and the "Envirothon" planting area together so that any new planting can be done in the Fall. He then noted that weeding etc. needs to be done on the East side of the main building and he would like to arrange for the Boy Scouts to help with this project. He asked for cooperation from Board members on a Friday to be scheduled within the next few weeks. VC Fulton mentioned that the Boy Scouts might be better used for "Pepper Tree bashing" which is also on the work plan list. The Chairman responded that the Scouts help with both these projects. There was brief discussion about the condition of the mulch at this site. MEMBERS MATTERS: VC Fulton announced that the Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the Pelican Island Garden Club is going to spruce up the exterior of the Chamber. The Garden Club has provided drawings of landscaping and the budget is approximately $750 to $800 not /4"1 including labor and top soil. The City is reviewing the plan and asking for donations of plants, labor and money from Sebastian Chamber members. She noted that on June 9 there will be a pot luck dinner at the Chamber for volunteering, etc. Anne D. passed out photos of the High School Envirothon students working on their project on the east side of City Hall. CHAIRMAN MATTERS: Chmn. Cardinale noted the picture of the Envirothon project in the City's recent newsletter. He then inquired about the stepping stones for the Model Planting area. John T. will check with Chris about this item. The Chairman commented that Mr. Culbertson from the Extension office forwarded a check for $1,250 to Chris for the Envirothon project, and Charles asked for a total cost on the plants and material. He noted that benches are being provided and Mr. Anderson and Lisa commented that if there are additional dollars remaining, the benches could be upgraded. Larry B. inquired about a ton of gravel that was to be part of the drainage area on this project. STAFF MATTERS: John T. commented that he enjoyed this meeting and learned a lot tonight. Chmn. Cardinale adjourned the meeting at 7:03 pm. (6/8/01 AE) 4