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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08132001 TREEX CITY OF SEBASTIAN�� TREE AND LANDSCAPE ADVISORY BOAR"- MINUTES OAR -MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING AUGUST 13, 2001 Chairman Cardinale called the meeting to order at 5:37 pm. The Pledge of Allegiance was said. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Beverly T -Bella) Lynn Albury Anne Dann Larry Birchmeyer(a) Chmn. Cardinale VC Cathy Fulton Ruth Davies ALSO PRESENT: Chris McCarthy, Supervisor, Parks and Recreation Dept. Ann Brack, Recording Secretary ANNOUNCEMENTS: None OLD BUSINESS: Discuss Landscape Code Chmn. Cardinale introduced Article XIV. Tree Protection and Landscaping Code. Larry Birchmeyer(a) noted that he will be meeting with the City Manager and Tracy Hass, Growth Management Director (Mr. Birchmeyer(a) commented that Tracy Hass is Building Director, which is erroneous) to discuss his concerns as a Tree Board member and a Landscape Contractor and a concerned citizen of the City of Sebastian. He invited all other Board members to attend and noted that the Sunshine Law must be observed. Larry's announcement was discussed and it was determined that he should not represent this Board, rather that he should Mend for his own purpose, as the Board plans to have a joint meeting with these same officials after they have accumulated their suggested changes to the Code. Section 54-3-14.1 - There were no changes. Section 54-3-14.2 - There were no changes. The Chairman wants to discuss the designation of Historic Trees at a future time. Section 54-3-14.3 - Larry suggested allowing natural vegetation on residential lots beyond the footprint of the structure and drainfield, pool areas and driveways, and not requiring sod placement. The issue of the fill required on these lots was discussed, and the pros and cons of this suggestion were considered. (OON The final determination was to insert another option for naturalist landscaping with groundcover (at the proper place in the Landscape Code.) TREE AND LANDSCAPE ADVISORY BOARD eoo"111) MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING OF AUGUST 13, 2001 rool1 2 Larry also mentioned that this natural type landscaping has been done at 121 Miller Drive and was approved by the Health Department and the City of Sebastian. He also noted that this is more costly than the traditional type of sod coverage. The Chairman suggested obtaining some photographs of the sites mentioned by Larry for future discussions and promotion. Section 54-3-14.4 — There were no changes. Section 54-3-14.5 — Add Carrotwood to the Prohibited list. Anne Dann offered to compile a list of undesirable/prohibited ground covers to add to this section. Section 54-3-14.6 — There were no changes. Section 54-3-14.7 — There were no changes. It was noted that native plants and trees are not readily available in this area, and the lists of suggested trees and plants that was compiled by the Tree Board is not widely distributed to residents and suppliers. It was also suggested to hand out this information during the Arbor Day ceremony. There was some discussion on how restrictive the City of Sebastian can be in reference to demanding that only certain species can be planted, compared to the allowable restrictions that deed restricted communities can enforce. There was discussion about the landscape form in the homeowners packet requiring a signature of receipt by the homeowner. There was also some question as to whether new trees are measured at 18" above ground level or DBH. Chris noted that it is very difficult to obtain native trees that are Florida grade standards. The issue of establishing, maintaining, and promoting a tree "canopy" in the City was discussed. Enforcement of replacing trees that have died within 6 months was discussed. Section 54-3-14.8 - There was discussion about protection for gopher tortoises. The issue of enforcement was again discussed. Lynn Albury and VC Fulton left the meeting early. Anne Dan left at this point. There was discussion about the importance of retaining specimen trees and retaining large established trees on new sites. This section was not completely discussed. It will be continued at a future meeting. Since the next regular meeting date would fall on a holiday, a substitute date was discussed. September 17th was the first choice, and September 24th was the second choice. 2 TREE AND LANDSCAPE ADVISORY BOARD � MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING OF AUGUST 13, 2001 fo"'1 rlo%N 3 It was made clear to Larry Birchmeyer that he will not be representing this Board when he meets with the City Manager and other Department Heads. Ann Putman, 563 Cross Creek Circle, was present and spoke of the mangrove requirements. Chmn. Cardinale adjourned the meeting at 7:15 pm. 3 (8/9 7/09 AB)