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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07092001 TREEf04k� CITY OF SEBASTIAN TREE ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING J U LY 91 2001 Chairman Cardinale called the meeting to order at 5:34 pm and noted that this will be a joint meeting with the Vero Beach Tree Board. 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 -Bella) ALSO PRESENT: Terrence Moore, City Manager Chris McCarthy, Supervisor, Parks and Recreation Dept. Ann Brack, Recording Secretary ANNOUNCEMENTS: Chmn. Cardinale announced that Beverly T -Bell is excused from this meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MOTION by Fulton/Cardinale I'll move that we approve the minutes to our meeting of June 5th, 2001. A voice vote was taken. 5 — 0, motion carried. ANNOUNCEMENTS: (continued) Chmn. Cardinale also noted that City Manager, Terrence Moore is present, along with Beth Mitchell, Executive Director of the Sebastian Chamber of Commerce. The Chairman suggested changing the agenda and placing NEW BUSINESS before OLD BUSINESS. MOTION by Fulton/Dann I'll move. Voice vote. 5 — 0, motion carried. TREE ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 9, 2001 NEIN BUSINESS: A. TREE BOARD OF VERO BEACH Chmn. Cardinale turned the meeting over to Dr. Michael Baker, Chairman of the Vero Beach Tree Board. Dr. Baker commented that one of the factors of getting together with the Sebastian Tree Board is to discuss tree protection in the County. Dr. Thomas Lowe explained that the Publix Shopping Center project on U.S. 1 in south Sebastian was the motivating factor in this joint discussion. He suggested that the City of Sebastian could have a stricter program in place to save trees when new construction begins. He noted the tree survey process that is utilized in the Wabasso corridor, and commented that the County must give them permission for every tree that they want to remove. He then posed the question of whether or not the Vero Beach and Sebastian Tree Boards could have any say on this subject beyond their respective City limits. VC Cathy Fulton commented that enforcement of the landscape code was discussed at length at the last meeting of the Sebastian Tree Board along with education of the public, land clearing businesses and builders and developers. She noted that this Board is very concerned with these issues, also. There was much discussion on various methods of tree protection. There was more discussion about the clear cutting and lack of proper landscaping at the Publix site. It was noted that the City of Vero Beach enforces planting of major trees through their Planning Department. The subject of fines for tree removal was briefly discussed. Mr. Lowe noted that the County now has a designated person to be on the building site during construction to act as a "watchdog" and prevent the removal of trees that should not be removed. This person is paid by the developer. Dr. Baker noted that a new ordinance is being developed in Vero Beach specifying what trees, etc., are/are not allowed to be cut down, and what the fines will be. He suggested that a tree survey is needed of the trees of the municipality, but funding for this type of project is lacking. Mr. Karl Zimmerman, Vice Chairman, spoke of the possibility of both Tree Boards having some impact on the County Commission to encourage the County to establish a Tree Commission. He suggested that having a Tree Commission at the County level could help to pull all of the activities together and asked the Sebastian Tree Board to consider joining them in this endeavor. Various members of both Boards discussed how a joint effort could be accomplished. It was suggested that membership in the Tree City, USA program might be a common denominator. � Dr. Baker complimented the Sebastian Tree Board on their accomplishments. 2 1110� TREE ADIVSORY BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 9, 2001 A Chmn. Cardinale asked for input from the other Board members. There was some discussion about what impact could be made by individuals as opposed to groups. It was suggested that the individual Tree Boards should express their feelings to the County, and also influence their individual City Councils to do likewise. Terrence Moore, Sebastian City Manager, spoke of the changes in Sebastian over the last year in terms of the Land Development Code. He noted that the Publix site plan was approved prior to the adoption of the new code, but any new commercial development will require enhanced plantings. He then explained some of the problems encountered at the Publix site. He also noted that many of the same procedures that are used in Vero Beach are also in place in Sebastian in the Planning and Building Departments in reference to new building practices. Larry Birchmeyer noted that Sebastian's requirements look good on paper but upon looking at many sites, it seems basic requirements are met, but it doesn't seem to be enough. Anne Dann noted that new trees are planted but many die off, and enforcement seems lacking for requiring re -planting. She also commented that enforcement is a problem. There was more discussion on the enforcement issue. VC Fulton noted that this Board has to function within the scope as contained in the Ordinances, but the Board would like to do more. Mr. Lowe suggested contacting the Tree City USA organization for suggestions on what our Boards can do. John Almada commented that the loss of the Urban Forester in our County resulted in a loss of tree care in our area. He suggested advocating restoration of this position to aid in prevention of tree removal. Methods of accomplishing this were discussed. Dr. Baker noted that the City of Ft. Pierce has hired an urban forester who is also employed by different other departments of the City. He suggested that the County and other government agencies could join together and create such a position, since it is badly needed. He also noted that more publicity is needed on this subject. There was discussion about fund raising, and comparisons were made between the involvement of the two cities as far as Arbor Day ceremonies and funding of trees for planting. The suggestion was made that educating young people is important for the future of trees. The subject of grants was briefly discussed. There was more discussion on how to influence the County Commission to consider an urban forester. Ruth Davies suggested the Tree Board send a resolution by way of City Council, and individual letters. Dr. Baker suggested that both Tree Boards develop correspondence requesting the 3 TREE ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 9, 2001 establishment of an urban forester position within the County, and work through their respective City Councils to this end. Copies of correspondence on this subject should be sent to adjacent City Councils to show that this is a joint effort between the two cities' Tree Boards. There was discussion about how the two Boards could get together again since one meets during the day with several staff members present, and the other meets in the evening. It was more or less determined that this could be worked out in the future. Mr. Zimmerman gave more information about the activities of the previous urban forester. He also complimented Dan Culbert, the Agricultural Extension Director who was present, and noted the difference in his activities compared to those of an urban forester. In summary, Chmn. Cardinale noted that each of the respective Tree Boards would create a letter advocating the hiring of an urban forester, and requesting a Tree Commission at the County level, directing the letters through the respective City Councils to the County Commission. He also noted that the Boards would work on arranging a process in which they could meet in a joint session in the future. In response to a question from Larry Birchmeyer, Dan Culbert noted that the previous urban forester was funded through the Division of Forestry, Department of Agricultural Consumer Services under the Urban Forestry Program. Dan also offered assistance in any way that he could. He then suggested that information on the "grades and standards" as mentioned in local landscape codes, is available from his office and he gives educational sessions to groups on this subject. He also recommended the use of a certified arborist whenever possible as they can answer most questions about trees. Mr. Culbert also spoke on invasive species. He urged the Sebastian Tree Board to share their method for Arbor Day success with the Vero Beach Tree Board. He also mentioned a Junior Master Gardener program that he plans to launch, and stressed the importance of educating youth and working with schools. He noted the old laurel oaks in Vero Beach that have lived beyond their lifespan, and urged the City of Vero Beach to work on a plan for removal and replacement. He noted that the Florida Division of Forestry, which is part of the Department of Agriculture, has offered, in the past, grants, to perform tree canopy surveys, and he offered to see if this program is still in existence. Mr. Moore spoke on methods for the Sebastian Tree Board to raise funds. The Vero Beach Tree Board members departed the meeting at 6:36 pm. B. FILBERT STREET PASSIVE PARK CONCEPT — TERRENCE MOORE Mr. Moore introduced Mr. Burton Jones, Engineering consultant with the City Engineering Department, who has worked on several other projects within the City, and is currently working on the Filbert Street Park concept. He then gave a presentation on the conceptual plan for this Park and provided drawings and information. 4 TREE ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 9, 2001 Burt Jones explained the drawing of the site and the different amenities it contained noting that everything is ADA compatible. He also noted that lots of landscaping will be utilized, and inquired if a scrub -oak area to attract scrub jays would be possible. This topic was discussed. Mr. Moore explained the grant that is available and the portion that the City would contribute. The grant application is due July 18th, 2001 and final determination would probably be available in 2002. Anne Dann requested the use of permeable pavement at this Park. Burt Jones suggested using handmade bird houses of various types to attract many species of birds. Larry Birchmeyer also noted the location of a Gopher Tortoise nest. Some type of lighting will be used. Bert noted that a landscape buffer will be utilized where needed. He also commented that he plans to confer with this Board for recommendations and assistance as the plan progresses. Mr. Moore noted that on July 11th, at 5:30 pm, input will be taken from residents on the plans for this park. This activity as well as a recommendation from this Board is necessary according to the grant requirements. It was determined that the Tree Board will make a motion on this issue, and provide a letter of support. The possibility of a scrub jay habitat was discussed including their flight paths. MOTION by Cardinale/Davies I'd like to make a motion that the Tree Board approve the concept for the Filbert Street Passive Park. Roll call: VC Cathy Fulton - yes Chmn. Cardinale - yes Ruth Davies - yes Anne Dann - yes Larry Birchmeyer(a) - yes The vote was 5 — 0. Motion carried. (Lynn Albury left the meeting early and Lany Birchmeyer voted in her place.) The Chairman noted that several Board members will be attending the July 11th meeting at 5:30 pm on the future Filbert Street Passive Park. He also volunteered to draft a letter to the City Manager in support of this proposed Park. C. SEBASTIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE — BETH MITCHELL Beth Mitchell, Executive Director of the Sebastian Chamber of Commerce was present, along with Sylvia Friedel. Beth gave a presentation on a proposed landscape plan for the Chamber building at Main Street and U.S. #1. r401 TREE ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 9, 2001 Sylvia Friedel, a Sebastian resident, a certified Florida Nursery Professional and a dedicated gardener, explained her stage -one landscape design for the Chamber site, utilizing plants and trees that are already growing there. She described existing plants, their problems and solutions, and suggested that the flag pole across the street be re- located to the site of the present Historical Museum/Chamber of Commerce site. She noted that stage -two would cover the front of the building. Beth Mitchell spoke of the irrigation system, timing for the project -possibly September, and the need of top soil, and labor. Dan Culbert provided information about a "new grass" for Florida — Sea Shore Paspalum, which has just been released commercially on the west coast. He noted that it has been given good reviews by the horticulture industry, and suggested that he would assist in obtaining some for this project to be used as a demonstration site. He also indicated that this is a salt water tolerant grass. Beth noted that a live oak has been donated for this project by the Sons of the American Revolution. There was discussion about improvements to the irrigation system. Beth then requested a letter of endorsement from the Tree Board for this project. After some discussion about where to find some labor to help with this project, Beth asked the Tree Board members to help coordinate a plan to obtain assistance from the Scouts and/or the High School students. VC Cathy Fulton volunteered to draft a letter of endorsement for the Chamber landscape project. D. ACCOUNTING OF ENVIROTHON PROJECT — EAST SIDE OF CITY HALL Chris McCarthy noted that there is money remaining from the Envirothon grant, and requested that the Chairman give him a list of materials needed for the benches. Dan Culbert recommended the benches be made utilizing "Trex" boards, which will last longer than wood. OLD BUSINESS: C. SHADE HOUSE OPERATIONS: John Almada has the key and will maintain the trees for the month of July. Because of the length of today's meeting, it was determined to postpone items A. & B. until the next meeting. MEMBERS MATTERS: None 6 /0001\ TREE ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 9, 2001 r W CHAIRMAN MATTERS: It was determined to develop ideas and suggestions for a letter in reference to the discussion with the Vero Beach Tree Board at the next meeting in August. Chmn. Cardinale will create a draft letter on this subject and the members will offer additions and suggestions. The Chairman adjourned the meeting at 7:30 pm. 7 (7/12/01 AB)