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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-07-2017 NRB MinutesCITY 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. Pledge 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. Approval 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 Inout — 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. By: �,�. "Xw Date: Chairman Gil Gordian '