Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-05-2017 NRB Agenda(noF SEBAST�" HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD AGENDA REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2017 - 6:00 P.M. 1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FL "To improve the quality of life in Sebastian by nurturing the balanced relationship between our citizens and our environment by protecting, preserving and promoting our natural resources" 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES November 7, 2017 Meeting Minutes 5. PUBLIC INPUT 6. OLD BUSINESS Item A. Earth Day/Arbor Day Celebration 2018 Item B. Role of Natural Resources Board L Oyster Bag Project at Working Waterfront Update ii. Guest Speaker Suggestions 8. MEMBER MATTERS Item A. Potential topics of Discussion (Mr. O'Neill) 9. ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA: January 2. 2018 (Consideration of meetina chanae to January 9. 20181 10. ADJOURNMENT ANY PERSON WHO DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE ON THE ABOVE MATTERS, WILL NEED A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS AND MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH APPEAL IS TO BE HEARD. SAID APPEAL MUST BE FILED WITH THE CITY CLERKS OFFICE WITHIN TEN DAYS OF THE DATE OF ACTION. (286.0105 ES), IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA), ANYONE WHO NEEDS SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS FOR THIS MEETING SHOULD CONTACT THE CITY'S ADA COORDINATOR AT (407)-589-5330 AT LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THIS MEETING. TWO OR MORE ELECTED OFFICIALS MAYBE IN ATTENDANCE. ll " SEBASTIA►V HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND Board Meetina Date Aaenda Item and Title: Recommendation: Backaround: NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD AGENDA TRANSMITTAL FORM December 5, 2017 4, Meeting Minutes from November 7, 2017 If Aaenda Item Requires Expenditure of Funds: Total Cost: n/a Attachments: Natural Resources Board, Minutes of Regular Meeting, November 7, 2017 CITY OF SEBASTIAN NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 7, 2017 1. Mr. Gordian called the Natural Resources Board Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 2. Pledae of Allegiance was recited by all. 3. Roll Call Present: Gilbert Gordian, Jr. Rose Glaser Brian O'Neill Nicole Mosblech Charles Stadelman Members Not Present: James Clifton — Excused Also Present: Lisa Leger Frazier, Community Development Director, CRA Manager Margarita Hernandez, Parks Administrator Susan Mann, Recording Consultant 4. Aooroval of Minutes — October 3, 2017 Meeting Minutes A motion to approve the June 6, 2017 minutes as presented was made by Ms. Glaser, seconded by Mr. Stadelman and passed unanimously by voice vote. 5. Public InDut —None 6. Old Business Item A. Earth Dav/Arbor Dav Celebration 2018. Ms. Glaser reviewed each category shown in the Earth Day Celebration Plans Report in detail. She stated that the Budget is estimated to be $1,500. She provided information on the scheduled activities and volunteers required. She stated that she is excited to have Ms. Mosblech on the Board because being a school teacher she would be able to encourage children to participate in the event. She provided an explanation on the report format. She stated that she will continue to keep the Board and staff updated on her progress. Mr. O'Neill suggested having a corporate sponsor. Ms. Hernandez responded she had spoken with the staff and determined that is a very grey area. If the NRB wishes to solicit corporate sponsors it will have to be represented that it is the Board and not the City and it must be clearly stated what that sponsor is to provide. She explained that last year staff had assisted the NRB in preparing a letter asking for donations which could be done again this year. Natural Resources Board Page 2 Meeting Minutes of November 7, 2017 Ms. Frazier provided Ms. Glaser and Mr. Stadelman a copy of a publication and suggested that they may want to look into what the cost/return would be to advertise the event. Mr. Gordian urged the Board Members to make every effort to attend and help with the event. Item B. Role of Natural Resources Board i. Septic to Sewer Grants (CRA Map) Ms. Frazier stated that as requested at the last NRB meeting this information was included in the agenda package. She explained there is a matching grant of up to $15,000 for conversion in the designated areas; also included is a map of the area that is eligible. ii. Tree Protection Ordinance Mr. Frazier explained that the Tree Protection Ordinance is provided to the Board for their review it is an effort to protect the trees in Riverview Park by prohibiting such things as driving in the park because of the damage it will do to the tree's root systems. She stated that she had included the Arbor Day Foundation Membership Application as requested by Mr. Clifton. She explained that with membership the City will receive small trees at no additional cost. The consensus was to join the Foundation. iii. Oyster Bag Project at Working Waterfront Ms. Frazier stated that the material on the Oyster Bag Project covers both the one spearheaded by the Boy Scouts as well as the new project. She stated that she had found some information regarding the monitoring by the Boy Scouts, but asked for contact information to enable her to follow up. She stated that the new project is being postponed until the dock repairs are completed. She responded to Mr. O'Neill's question regarding to the procedure used for placing them in the water by stating that it is necessary to get into the water in order to place them properly. Mr. O'Neill expressed concern about the water quality in the Lagoon. Ms. Frazier responded that she is aware of the concern about the water quality but believes the Sebastian area is not impacted as much as the other areas of the lagoon. Mr. O'Neill stated that he would like information on the City's liability if someone went into the water and developed an illness from the water. He stated that there are no warning signs posted along the lagoon. He suggested posting a water quality report on the City's website. Mr. Gordian agreed that being informed is very important. He stated that he will contact one of the water testing agencies and arrange for a brief presentation at a future meeting. Ms. Frazier explained that at a workshop meeting in 2014 the NRB was designated the lead for the proposed oyster bag project. She asked for a volunteer to head the new project and follow up on the project conducted by the Boy Scouts. Mr. Gordian responded that he would be happy to do so. Ms. Glaser stated that she has friends who are experienced with oyster bag construction and would contact them. Mr. Gordian requested a date be selected for Ms. Frazier and himself to visit the Working Waterfront to view the proposed area. Ms. Frazier responded she would do so. Natural Resources Board Page 3 Meeting Minutes of November 7, 2017 Ms. Frazier reminded the Board of the Sunshine Law and the need for all Board Members to take care to observe the requirements of the law. Mr. Gordian asked if the permit issued for the project completed by the Boy Scouts is still valid. Mr. Frazier responded that a modification to the permit would have to be applied for, providing details on the proposed addition to the work covered by the original permit. Ms. Glaser commented that she was under the impression that the permit allowed for addition to the existing area. Ms. Frazier responded that she will verify permit requirements. Ms. Frazier explained that when evaluating the success of the oyster bag project it is done by determining the viability of the oysters themselves and not water quality. 7. Member Matters Mr. Gordian reported that due to personal commitments it was necessary for Ms. Lucier to resign from the Board. He stated that she had made a big contribution and would be missed. Mr. O'Neill stated that he printed the FEMA flood zone map and information from the SFWMD Advisory Board which he found very interesting. Mr. Gordian requested the Board Members provide suggestions for guest speakers. Ms. Glaser asked if the NRB was going to participate in the Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 2"d. The consensus was to participate in the parade. Ms. Glaser stated that she will be responsible for picking up the banner and getting the lights and pole. Ms. Frazier stated that the will get the NRB Shirts prior to the parade and email each member when they are received. 8. Items for Next Agenda: December 5, 2017 Ms. Glaser requested Earth Day be included. Mr. Gordian stated that he will arrange for at least two speakers for meetings in 2018. Ms. Frazier reported that she had reviewed the Storm Water Management Plan with Mr. Clifton, but is not yet prepared to make a formal presentation to the Board. She also reported that the Environmental Technician position is being advertised and promising applicants have submitted applications. 11. Adjourn — There being no further business Vice Chairman Gordian adjourned the meeting at 6:44 p.m. in Chairman James Clifton /sm Date: Mm s SEBASTIAN HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND Board Meeting Date: NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD AGENDA TRANSMITTAL FORM December 5, 2017 Aqenda Item and Title: 8. MEMBER MATTERS; Item A. Potential Topics for Discussion (Mr. O'Neill) Recommendation: Background: Mr. O'Neill has requested that the attached items be discussed at this meeting by the Board. If Agenda Item Requires Expenditure of Funds: Total Cost: n/a Attachments: 1) Cape Coral Eco Friendly Fertilizers/Solar Panels on New Construction 2) Commercial Restaurants Bottle Recycling/Composting South Miami Mayor Philip Stoddard, at the Jean Willis Park in 2016, asked city landscapers this year to begin using organic fertilizers and herbicides. Roberto Koltun - rkoltun@miamiherald.com ENVIRONMENT This Florida mayor takes his city organic with greener weedkiller and fertilizer BY JENNYSTAIETOVI(H istaletorirh@miamtheraldrom NOVEMBER 20, 201706:30 AM UPDATED NOVEMBER 20, 201712:34 PM Last summer, as South Florida descended into the hothouse season that makes it a growing haven for all things green, the city of South Miami quietly switched to organic landscaping. It isn't the most drastic change made by the small suburb of well -manicured lawns and leafy streets in its quest to become the greenest city on the planet. Last year the city became the first in the state to require solar panels on new homes and has long banned mosquito - spraying for marsh mosquitoes. But according to its mayor, the change was by far the simplest, and one that could be easily replicated by governments and residents across the state. "Herbicides are sort of the unrecognized peril," Mayor Phil Stoddard said. "I was horrified they were using all kinds of stuff that I would not want my child exposed to." ASV RTISING �1,1-� i--.d t, rases Never miss a local story. Sign up today for a free 30 day free trial of unlimited digital access. SUBSCRIBE NOW Ywaafd .iT�Y w[Yq..aw�' ..umw�v •� -..♦. - Y Over the summer, the city of South Miami began using only organic fertilizer and herbicides on city -owned land. Courtesy City of South Miami As the nation's winter breadbasket with a year-round growing season, Florida ranks among the biggest consumers of fertilizer and herbicides in the nation, according to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. During the winter, fertilizer keeps lawns lush. In summer, herbicides step in to combat the stampede of weeds. But they have also become a point of contention. Nitrogen in fertilizer can trigger tonic algae blooms while phosphorus can wreak havoc on Everglades marshes and bays that thrive with very low amounts of nutrients. And numerous studies have blamed chemical herbicides for harming people and wildlife. Many counties in the state, including those along the Indian River Lagoon and in Central Florida where freshwater bubbles up from underground springs, have a summer blackout on fertilizer use, although it remains a huge problem. Hundreds of tons of phosphorus still flow yearly into Lake Okeechobee, the eighth largest lake in the U.S., largely because limiting use of fertilizers is self -policed under a policy of best -management practices or BMPs. Along the Indian River Lagoon, cities have fertilizer regulations, but who enforces that?" asked Audubon Florida's Okeechobee Science Director Paul Gray. "They just talk to homeowner's groups. There's no one following people around to make sure no one's over - fertilizing." Blue-green algae spread through a canal in western Palm Beach County in 2016. Fertilizer containing phosphorus and nitrogen can trigger the blooms, prompting many cities and counties in Florida to issue "fertilizer blackouts" during rainy summer seasons when conditions can worsen. Allen Eyestone-TN5 fC07•CC�G. $(ug � Get MOPe from your Medicare with a B1ueMedieare A about the dangers to fish, insects and animals up the food chain, but leaves it open to homeowners to choose. Others, including the city of Miami's ordinance and North Miami Beach's rules, call for water -saving plants but make no mention of organics. "All of us are part of the problem and we can be neat or slovenly," Gray said. FLORIDA-FRIENDLYTH LANDSCAPING PRINCIPLES ' rensw..rrnl "Ire MW rnar Anne rrr �4a., f,n r.w�.v�W..xwn..wr m,n:eevsn .-mrt u� tl�w W1.P* «lrW Awwaw�.�... * atrnnl.eetnw a w..rrnwr.. T w newessouI �.' IFAS fi+Temfen In South Miami, Stoddard, who after Hurricane Irma distributed non -toxic mosquito traps to weary residents, hopes to lead by example. A neurobiologist who studies behavioral ecology, Stoddard has long advocated against environmental chemical use. He led an effort to ban mosquito -spraying, except for disease -carrying Aedes aegypti, in the city and has fought Florida Power & Light to allow homeowners to install solar panels, which he has on his own home. From left, Joseph Molina, Martin Cabrera and Luis Vergara install solar panels in South Miami -Dade County. This year, the city of South Miami began requiring solar panels on all newly constructed homes. AL DIAZ-adiaz@miamihemid.com After reading about research on atrizine, which is banned in Europe and has been the subject of a decades -long dispute over its health impacts, Stoddard said he started looking at the products being used on South Miami's parks and open spaces. "Every time you look at one of these herbicides, you find there's some thing going on," he said. Nitrogen Use Phosphate Use Potash Use vm GI VT 1'IJk�[ Y11:.aun His wife's family owns a farm, he said, and at his suggestion, they switched to organic products. The change was so effortless, he asked his staff to do the same for the city. Without fanfare or any public dispute, he said they asked contractors applying for the city's landscaping business to simply use organic fertilizer and herbicides, without increasing costs. They got a half dozen bids ranging from about $269,000 to $67,000 for a three- year contract and settled on Hialeah -based SFM Services, which started its business 40 years ago providing janitors to the Orange Bowl. "It just turned out to be that easy," Stoddard said. "We just did it and so far, so good." Follow Jenny Staletovich on 7tvltter @njenstaletowch In 2012, before the state ended reporting Find messages, documents, photos or people v i lome Inbox 999. Unread Starred Drafts 358 Sent Archive Spam Trash Less Me" Hide Q Photos Documents i Travel ® Tutorials Folders Hide + New Folder 1335 23 Stre... 2 1520 19th A... 516 22nd Ct... 2 782 Beard AB Beard Bertha BHM Bills t Chateau Mo... Coins 9 Dead and C... t Dr. Leiberman Drafts DSO Financial FTW Gabrielieno Indian River Investments Kraken Lori r.e..e..., c....i To ® Lisa Frazier Commercial Recycling - City of Sebastian I think this would be good, what do you think ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Himanshu Mehta <hmehta®ircgovoom> To:'sdbfo@yahoo.com' <sdbfo@yahoo.com> Cc: Stephanie Fonvielle <sfonvielle®imgovcom>; Vincent Burke <vburke@imgov.com>; 'Joseph Griffin' <JGriffin®City0fSebastian.org> Sent: Wednesday, November 29, 2017, 11:49:17 AM EST Subject: Commercial Recycling - City of Sebastian Brian, X yy CC/Boo �F It was a pleasure speaking with you and I greatly appreciate your enthusiasm in wanting to have a more active commercial recycling program within the City of Sebastian. I understand that you are on the City of Sebastian Natural Resources Board and would like to present some information on this topic on Tuesday, December 51h at 6 pm City of Sebastian Council Chambers. I'm copying Stephanie Fonvielle, our Education and Marketing Coordinator, regarding her ability to attend the meeting. I have also include the City Manager, Joseph Griffin, and our Utilities Director, Vincent Burke. Per your request, I have attached some information that our consultant, Robin Mitchell, put together for Commercial Recycling. Also here are links to Commercial Recycling Ordinance information: Lee County: htW;Lv2Wj=aov.com/solidwaste/business/recvciina Sarasota County: httos://www.scoov.net/a_overnment/utilities-water/solid-waste/trash- and-recyl J11J9 Thank you, Himanshu Himanshu H. Mehta, PE (FL) Managing Director Indian River County- Solid Waste Disposal District 1325 74th Avenue SW, Vero Beach, FL 32968 P: 772-770-6112, F: 772-770-5296, C:772-202-0069 e: hmehta@ircaov.com .._.I. %Q 2 9 9 Go B I " AA ... Saved m Recycling In Restaurants And Bars r Sustainability is more than a rising trend, it's a new way of doing business for bars and restaurants. In 2011, the National Restaurant Association in partnership with Georgia-Pacific Professionals completed a national study on restaurant recycling programs. The research revealed three out of five customers prefer to visit restaurants that have recycling practices in place. Customers take notice and appreciate a restaurant's efforts to reduce their impact on the environment, leading to a better public image. For those businesses who are unsure about recycling or need assistance implementing an effective recycling program, we are here to help. For additional information or to schedule an appointment with a Recycling Coordinator, please call us at (239) 252-25o8, our Customer Service Department at (239) 252-238o, or email us. It is estimated that 51% of consumers are willing to pay more for menu items if the restaurant recycles. On average, customers eat out three to five times a week. Think about the potential for profit increases and customer involvement by recycling at your restaurant or bar. Start recycling today! Recycling and Reuse in Bars and Restaurants Did you know that you can reduce your waste considerably by utilizing reuse and recycling techniques? Reusable Items to Think About Use cloth napkins instead of disposable ones. Use reusable dinnerware and flatware instead of one-time use disposable ones. Use glass cups instead of plastic cups. • Use cloth or reusable placemats instead of disposable ones. • Replace dishes, trays, and single -serving condiments with reusable items. • Replace beverage bottles and cans to on -tap beverages. This will reduce the cost of buying beverages and waste disposal costs. Recyclable Items to Think About Many restaurants and bars also generate significant quantities of glass, aluminum, steel, plastics and corrugated cardboard. Some methods for handling restaurant waste include • Recycling corrugated cardboard, glass, metals, and plastic. • Buying in bulk to reduce container waste. • Contacting your supplier about the feasibility of recycling polystyrene containers. Some fast food chains are currently recycling these containers. • Ask suppliers to provide you with products that are packaged in recyclable or reusable materials such as paper, glass, steel, aluminum or plastic. • Collect and dispose of used grease properly through your contracted hauler or by transporting it to any Collier County Recycling Drop-off Center. • Donate useable, outdated stock and leftover food to local charity organizations. Steps for Successful Recycling Be sure that recycling and trash bins look different from each other and are clearly marked. Both types of bins should be conveniently located in the kitchen and bar areas so that employees will use them. Take time to train employees about what gets tossed in which bin. Be specific, using product names used in your establishment. For example, cans from XYZ company get recycled, but ABC company containers go into the trash. Make up a "Do's and Don'ts" list for recycling and post it where employees are sure to see it. If your establishement is self -serve, post signs letting customers know that you are recycling and what they should do with their bottles and cans. Either put out a bin for these items, or have customers leave them on a designated counter for collection by your staff. How Can Your Business Help With E-Waste Recycling? Electronic devices are made from a variety of recyclable materials that can be reused, like steel, aluminum, copper, gold, silver, and plastic. Bars and restaurants can improve sustainability by disposing of those familiar restaurant appliances such as televisions, guest pagers, monitor screens and cell phones properly. Contact your electronic manufacturer or vendor; they will often take back equipment they sold. Or contact your recycling hauler and verify if they have an a -waste collection program. You can also bring your a -waste to a Collier County Recycling Drop-off Center. Help us preserve our environment, dispose of your a -waste properly. Recycling "Outside the Box" Many establishments are demonstrating their commitment to conservation by recycling "outside the box." Your recyclables are not just limited to your basic plastic, aluminum, tin, paper, steel, and glass. Many bars and restaurants have begun to participate in a program called ReCork that turns wine corks into footwear, floor tiles, shipping cartons, and other high -durability goods. The corks are collected in a bin that customers are invited to help fill. When the bin is full, corks are collected and converted into durable goods. Helpful Informabm Restaurants & Bars Brochure Business Recycling Mandatory Recycling arting a Recycling Program at Your Business Training Videos for Businesses 75% Recycling Goal Facts and information found on this web page compiled from various sources including Willistown Township, PA., Recycletogether.com, National Restaurant Association, Dosomething.org, and Facts- about-recycling.com.