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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-04-2020 NRB Minutes w/AttachmentCITY OF SEBASTIAN NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 4, 2020 Chairman Stadelman called the Natural Resources Board to order at 6:00 p.m. II. Pledae of Alleaiance was recited by all. III. Roll Call Present: Ms. Donna Ware Mr. Charles Stadelman Mr. Patrick Powers Mr. Thomas Carrano (a) Ms. Jessica Lovell (a) Ms. Ruth Callaghan (Zoom) Ms. Nikki Mosblech (Zoom) Absent: Ms. Kathy Brothers — Resigned Mr. Brian O'Neill — Resigned Also Present: Ms. Kim Haigler, Environmental Technician Mr. Robert Loring, Senior Planner Ms. Barbara Brooke -Reese, MIS Manager Ms. Janet Graham, Technical Writer (Zoom) IV. ADDroval of Minutes — July 7. 2020 Mr. Stadelman asked if there were any corrections/changes to the Minutes of the July 7, 2020 meeting as presented. Hearing none, Mr. Stadelman called for a motion. A motion to approve the July 7, 2020 Minutes as presented was made by Ms. Ware, seconded by Mr. Carrano, and passed unanimously via voice vote. V. Announcements A. Review of the Natural Resources Board Mission Statement Ms. Haigler read aloud the Mission Statement for the Natural Resources Board. She stated that everything that is being done regarding Sustainable Sebastian is directly related to the Mission Statement. She stated when this Board is working on coming up NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD PAGE 2 MINUTES OF MEETING OF AUGUST 4, 2020 with ideas for Sustainable Sebastian, the Board needs to make sure that everything that is discussed is relative to the Board's Mission Statement. Sometimes it is easy to get off track when discussions are held, and she emphasized staying on point in these discussions. B. Open Positions Ms. Haigler stated that there are two open positions. There were two resignations in the past month. Currently, Nikki Mosblech, Charles Stadelman, and Thomas Carrano had terms expire in July. She asked those members to notify the City Clerk and let her know if they want to renew. If their position is as an alternate and he/she desires to move up to a regular position, the City Clerk needs to know that as well. Regarding the two open positions, at the August 26th meeting of City Council, Council will be reviewing and accepting the applications. She also asked that, if anyone knows of someone who would be a good fit for the Board, to get their applications in a week before the August 26th date. C. Treasure Coast Waterway Cleanup Week Summary Ms. Haigler stated this was a virtual event, and approximately 50 participants signed up, including some of the NRB Board members. She created packets including tee shirts, masks, gloves, and the data cards. Those attending could pick up the packets at the front of City Hall. She thanked Ron from the Parks and Rec Department for passing out those packets. She said it went really smoothly and thanked all who participated. VI. Public Input — None VII. New Business A. Integrated Pest Management Plan for Parks and Properties: Presentation from Kim Haigler on IPM Plan Ms. Haigler made a PowerPoint presentation of the proposed Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPM). (SEE ATTACHED) She emphasized that this is only for the parks and properties. It does not cover any of the stormwater properties in the City, even those that are inside the parks. She did review that the Plan does provide for a 10-foot buffer around the waters that are within the parks and properties where no pesticide application will occur. The stormwater will be addressed in a separate IPM plan. NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD PAGE 3 MINUTES OF MEETING OF AUGUST 4, 2020 Ms. Haigler identified those Sub -Committee members and other professionals who were involved in implementing the Plan. Public input was solicited and welcomed throughout this process. She reviewed the goals of the IPM program and the personnel who will be involved in carrying out and directing the program. Information regarding the Plan can be found on the IPM website, social media, at community events, from landscape industry professionals' communications, and new homeowner folders. The IPM review process conducted each March will be open for public questions and comments, and all of the IPM data and reports will be posted on the IPM website. Ms. Haigler reviewed the complete process of deciding what products are used to treat which pests. Also reviewed was the process of record keeping and data accumulation. Mr. Benton thanked the Sub -Committee members who put so much and time and energy into developing this IPM Plan. He especially recognized Ms. Haigler for her outstanding work on assembling all the input and data and putting it all into the plan. Ms. Haigler asked for questions or comments from the Board regarding the Plan, the Resolution, and any ideas they may have on how the Plan may be presented to City Council. Mr. Powers inquired about what type of licensing the applicators have. Mr. Benton stated the main licensing is for right-of-way, ornamental, and turf. He Is not sure whether, when the waterways are addressed, aquatic licensing will be required. Mr. Carrano inquired about whether any notice will be posted before spraying is done. Ms. Haigler said no spraying will be done without prior posting of signage. The signs will be placed at all entry points for the areas being treated. On those signs is Mr. Benton's contact information. She added that any contractors will also be responsible for that signage as well. Regarding outside contractors, Ms. Mosblech asked whether the IPM policies will be retroactive for existing contracts. Ms. Haigler stated the only contract the City has is for the CRA area, including the waterfront and Riverview Park. That contract will be up and will be redone in the next couple of months, and the IPM Plan will be included with the new contract. Ms. Mosblech asked if there was a possibility of expanding what is done on City properties to residential properties as well, perhaps in some kind of workshop or some kind of public outreach. Ms. Haigler said outreach is one of the goals of the Plan, to educate the public on the IPM methods. The education component is going to be part of the website, and NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD PAGE MINUTES OF MEETING OF AUGUST 4, 2020 the Committee is going to search for different ways that outreach can be accomplished. Ms. Mosblech suggested having pictures of pests on the website that identify the different pests and how best to treat them. Mr. Stadelman asked for any public input. There was none. it. Board members vote to approve and send to City Council for approval. Mr. Stadelman called for a motion. A motion to approve the Resolution and the IPM Plan and send it on to City Council was made by Ms. Ware, seconded by Mr. Carrano, and passed unanimously via voice vote. B. Sustainable Sebastian, Discussion of Goals and Tasks for: Initiative 5: Protect and restore the water qualify of all City water bodies by supporting the City's stormwater program in the creation of loolkits emphasizing best management practices, low -impact design, and green infrastructure Ms. Haigler reviewed that the first 4 initiatives have been done, and the last two will be discussed tonight. After these last two goals and tasks, at the next meeting all of them that have been discussed to date will be reviewed, all of them will be in one action plan, and all of them will then be discussed. She reviewed what Initiative 5 is. One of the goals is to provide support to approved stormwater best management practices (BMPs). Ms. Haigler explained that there is a permit called the MS4. It is a table of best management practices. She will create a presentation on the approved BMPs, and then this Board could discuss ideas or programs that could support the implementation, especially those that are under Public Participation and Outreach. Under the Public Participation, there is only time for answering questions. The next part is to assist in planning community presentations at NRB meetings and the oyster garden sites with guest speakers and City staff regarding water quality issues. There have not been speakers for a while, and she did have a speaker at the last meeting. Once it is possible to have groups gather, she would like to use the oyster garden site. There are facilities there where a PowerPoint presentation can be done, and it has a great meeting space. It is a good place to have a community discussion. The next part of the goals and tasks is the creation of toolkits for a green infrastructure and low -impact design. She explained that a toolkit is summaries and data on the most NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD PAGE 5 MINUTES OF MEETING OF AUGUST 4, 2020 applicable practices for the City. There are many things that could be done, but they are not all useful to the City and the way the City is designed for its soils and water types. After the BMPs are chosen that would best suit the City's needs, then the ordinances have to be looked at to see if they support these practices. Ms. Haigler is currently working on a green infrastructure map which shows the existing City hubs and corridors. Hubs are green spaces, and corridors are trails and paths for stormwater channels and wildlife. They are areas that are undeveloped that serve as areas where wildlife can travel between hubs. Once she has developed the whole map with sidewalks, trails, parks, and undeveloped areas that the City owns, the pathways can be drawn. Then it can be seen what areas are needed to be preserved the most. As development goes into new areas, it can be made sure that those corridors are maintained. She also recommended developing a green infrastructure toolkit which will be a number of BMPs related to green infrastructure. Then this Board will review which ones really apply to Sebastian's map and situation. Ms. Haigler asked for comments/questions from the Board members. Ms. Callaghan asked, when the water quality of all City water bodies is being protected, is any part of the Indian River Lagoon part of City -owned waters. Ms. Haigler staled no, but the City protects them through protecting the City's drainage into it. She explained that everything from US-1 east are called DOT ouffalls because technically that is the Department of Transportation. There are eight outalls; six of them have baffle boxes. Any of them that have ouffalls on City property, unless it is a subdivision, have baffle boxes on them. Ms. Callaghan commented regarding the Parks and Recreation group that was reviewing the IPM Plan said that they had no idea about the oyster garden. She supports opening up that when it is possible to allow other members of the public to come and view what has been going on there. Ms. Callaghan asked if Ms. Haigler could give examples of green infrastructure. Ms. Haigler described that green infrastructure is about preserving the hubs and corridors. It is also about preserving lands that are going to absorb the water, where the water gets treated and infiltrated in the soil, instead of a lot of pavement and houses and other development. Green infrastructure crosses over with what BMPs are. For instance, in a sub -division 50% is an open -space requirement. Per the ordinance, that open space can be stormwater. That is not really providing the hubs and corridors that are needed, so it should be open space such as undeveloped, natural open space, not Just manicured stormwater ponds. Ms. Haigler stated yes. Ms. Lovell addressed "identified concerns." She inquired whether the City staff have identified specific concerns such as water quality. Ms. Haigler stated St. John's Water NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD PAGE MINUTES OF MEETING OF AUGUST 4, 2020 Management District tests water quality throughout the area regularly. They even test some of the City's stormwater areas occasionally, and there have been no immediate concerns. But it is the City's responsibility through the Indian River Lagoon Basin Action Plan and through the NPDES and MS4 permits. The City is supposed to preserve water quality to the maximum extent possible. Ms. Lovell is curious about the biosolids. Ms. Haigler stated the City does not allow those here. Ms. Lovell asked about fertilizers. Ms. Haigler stated where the San Sebastian River meets the Indian River Lagoon there has been a huge growth spurt of seagrasses. That is a good indicator that the nutrients are in balance. If St. John's Water Management District saw something questionable, they would bring it to the City's attention. Ms. Mosblech commented regarding green infrastructure. She stated she has seen developments in another community where, when the houses are built, they are built towards the middle of the area, and then a buffer or corridor can exist around the perimeter. She suggested that might be something to suggest putting into the City's new ordinances. Ms. Haigler said that Ashbury and Collier Club, two newer developments, have been laid out that way. That is not done all the time. In those cases, they had valuable scrub habitat that the City wanted to preserve as large hubs. Mr. Loring, who had previously worked in Palm Bay, described what was done there. Ms. Mosblech stated that a few of the stormwater areas in Sebastian do not serve as great role models for how to prevent runoff and clippings and excess plant materials from going into the stormwater ponds. She suggested using some of the City's properties as examples. That could be a task for this Board. Ms. Haigler agreed. She staled the actual stormwater ponds are very shallow, so sometimes when the emergent vegetation is enhanced, it can become a management problem. The purpose of the treatment ponds is to store and treat that water, and it loses some of its storage capacity when that vegetation builds up. Ms. Ware stated that signage could be put along those stormwater pond areas informing the public what ends up in those ponds and what the City is trying to do and that the public can aid in that endeavor. Ms. Haigler stated that is something the Board could look into. Initiative 6: Promote the City's overall livability through the promotion of active transportation, increasing the connectivity among trails and pathways, and promoting nature -based tourism Ms. Haigler said this initiative crosses over to the green infrastructure as well. In looking at the green infrastructure map, We look al the sidewalks and the bike trails. Where are NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD PAGE 7 MINUTES OF MEETING OF AUGUST 4, 2020 the areas where sidewalks stop in high traffic areas? Where are areas of concern? One idea is a walking tour audit of specific areas. She could develop a map of different sections. Each member would take a map and pick their own time to go over that area.There would be a month in which to do that and then identify areas that pose challenges to foot and bike traffic and why. Ms. Haigler said that Ms. Callaghan had brought up the challenges to cyclists crossing US-1 and Its intersection with Main Street. She asked Ms. Callaghan to elaborate. Ms. Callaghan described the circumstances that she has observed at that intersection. Ms. Haigler said this is something that would need to be discussed with Public Works/Traffic. Ms. Haigler commented regarding especially the stormwater park, that it is not on the birding trail, and it should be. There are a lot of migratory wading birds that go in there. There are scrub jay nests in there as well. She commented that anything that would bring tourism to the City parks and open spaces should be looked into. She asked if anyone is familiar with geocaching. Ms. Ware gave an example of how it was done behind an old school, and it was very popular. Ms. Haigler stated Mr. Loring had suggested a geocaching scavenger hunt that would bring people to the natural points of interest. Ms. Haigler also commented that many people in Sebastian are not aware of all the parks in the City, and a program to bring awareness of the parks to the public would be very Important. Mr. Benton agreed that Sebastian has plenty of parks and there are many opportunities to enjoy the parks. Mr. Stadelman commented that everyone is using the internet nowadays. He wondered If the City is using the best Internet search engine tools. Ms. Brooke -Reese stated yes, the new website has been up, and the vendor has been very proactive about giving them key words and descriptions. She said another important thing is notifying the public when information on the website is incorrect. She asked if someone notices something is wrong to notify her department so they can get it changed. Mr. Stadelman asked if there is any other mechanism strictly for marketing nature -based tourism that is available here. Ms. Haigler stated there are many, especially through the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Stadelman asked if Sebastian is involved with Pelican Island. Ms. Haigler stated that is a national wildlife refuge, so it is managed federally. Mr. Stadelman suggested increasing the budget for nature -based tourism would allow a larger market for people knowing about this area. Ms. Haigler staled that is handled through the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Benton said there are actually two entities that do the marketing forthis area, the Sebastian Chamber of Commerce, and the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce. They do a lot of marketing. He suggested working with the Chamber on promoting our nature -based tourism. NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD PAGE 8 MINUTES OF MEETING OF AUGUST 4, 2020 Mr. Stadelman stated when we create more nature -based tourism, that in turn may provide more jobs, which would increase the livability of this area. Mr. Loring stated that sustainability is a positive component of livability. He also stated that a lot of the issues that are being discussed here will be part of a comprehensive plan which will direct policy so that those issues which were just discussed will hopefully bring more sustainability, in terms of livability and all the other components that make the City what it is, and that is going to take some time. Ms. Callaghan commented that she wants to promote the City's natural resources. When tourism is talked about and bringing people in, she wants to do it in a way that preserves those natural resources. She suggested that geocaching can be done, and along with that a message behind it to keep the natural resources that are there. Ms. Haigler agreed on the geocaching. She also mentioned the story boards inside Fishermen's Landing that tell about the oyster garden project and the history of fishing in this area, and that would be a place to put it. There is also a lot of educational signage along the riverfront, and if tourists are brought to that signage, then there is an educational component to that. The goal is to promote the tourism, not the exploitation of it. Vill. Old Business Ms. Ware commented that a while ago in the newspaper St. Lucie Water Management put in several full -page color ads on protecting the lagoon. They were mostly photographs with a short descriptive statement. She suggested that when the Board goes back to promoting sustainability, that is something simple that could be done. Pictures are easily understood by everyone. Ms. Haigler said it was probably created with the Lagoon Council. She will contact them and ask them about that program and see if she can get the graphics. IX. Member Matters Ms. Lovell asked is this Board is going to submit anything for the budget. Ms. Haigler stated that will be discussed at the next meeting. Ms. Lovell asked if there is anything new on the Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Haigler said that she has sent the Board members everything she has received thus far on it. i X. Staff Matters Mr. Benton reviewed the Weedoo machine that does mechanical harvesting in the waterways and canals. That machine will be coming to Garden Club Park the day NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD PAGE MINUTES OF MEETING OF AUGUST 4, 2020 following this meeting for a demonstration for the City. There will be plenty of staff there to see what the results of mechanical harvesting are. He invited anyone who would like to see how it is done. It will begin at 9:00 a.m. He said staff will be videotaping the demonstration, and staff will send out an email with that video to each NRB member so they can view the demonstration. Ms. Haigler said she was just contacted by Missy Weiss regarding "A Day in the Life of the Indian River Lagoon" program. It is a yearly program when people all up and down the lagoon will take water quality assessments. It creates a snapshot of the condition of the water at that moment. The NRB always sponsors a site at the oyster garden location with home -schooled students. That is going to be done again this year on Saturday, October 24th. She will have more information at next month's meeting, and she will ask for volunteers at that time. XI. Items for Next Aaenda A. Review complete Sustainable Sebastian Action Plan B. Promoting Sustainable Sebastian C. NRB Website Edits D. Fiscal Year Budget Surplus XII. Adjournment There being no further business, a motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Mr. Carrano, seconded by Ms. Ware, and approved unanimously via voice vote. Meeting was adjourned at 7:14 p.m. By: \ J�AJ'Date: rt),4 DD�() Chairman Charles Stadelman 1 jg CITY OF SEBASTIM Imp- =--- - -_ HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND HNTJ�Ax"ATJ7�r�_.D IPEST MANA(��x�EMENT PLAN FOR it 7C r PARKS AND IPROIPERT�E& matuffa� Rasouffeaz o oaad City Staff: ME" Brian Benton, Leisure Services Director Kimberly Haigler, Environmental Planner Natural Resource Board: Brian O'Neill Kathy Brothers Thomas Carrano Jessica Lovell Scientific Consultants: Christine Kelly-Begazo, Director, OF IFAS IRC Extension Office Sharon Tyson, Florida State Parks Dr. Graham Cox, Pelican Island Audubon Society Ruth Callaghan, CEAC (Certified Environmental Analytical Chemist) • N' BLE IPM WORKSHOPS IPM SUB -COMMITTEE MEETINGS (13) ADDITIONAL UPDATES PROVIDED AT: Natural Resource Board Meetings (3) Parks &Recreation Board Meetings (2) City Council Meetings (5) VOICE MATTERS! esticicre use wa minima Most of the non -chemical methods in this plan were already part of regular park maintenance • Always maintained two licensed applicators on staff HOWEVER: • lacked thorough records on applications • No standards were set for City Contractors • Reducing the amount of pollutants entering surface and ground water • Minimizing effects on native plants, animals and habitats • Ensure effective, economic pest management • Minimizing health risks to the public, City staff, and the environment • Promote the transparency of the City's pest management activities • Increase public awareness of IPM methods and 101" benefits • IPM Policy, established with R-20-12 • Program Coordination • Tracking Pesticide Use • Staff Training • Licensed Applicators • Public Outreach • Contract Provisions MMI WIT 7 17 1471.7 EVALUATE i EFFECTIVENESS RECORD KEEPING BIOLOGICAL CONTROL INSPECTION & MONITORING IDENTIFICATION PLANNING IMPLEMENT IPM STRATEGY CULTURAL =MECHANICAL= CHEMICAL CONTROLCONTROLCONTROL COO MMUNI"I'Y II"M C;YCLL PUBLHC OUTREACH of FLORIDA COO MMUNI"1'Y II"M CYCLI✓ ttJJfjjrJI' rj�D p -flier \vve el<J y ' vidence u-1 pests Inspection recorded on r'rljemjn;JJ rJ�ll� • Correct identification and understanding life history attributes is KEY • Estimated populations and extent of pest damage is recorded on the "Chemical Control log Form" as well COO MMUNI"1'Y II"M CYCLI✓ • Think PREVENTION • Determine tolerance threshold • What action is needed? • Consider All costs equally • Classification system for the parks and properties COO MMUNI"1'Y II"M CYCLI✓ PARK CLASSHFHCATHOM WIN "I nmir:r, I V P, R .. t Fit M Barber Street Complex Rverview Park Easy Street Widaire Park Friendship Park Feld Schumann Park Filbert Park Historical Park Hardee Park Friendship Park Ba rk Pa rk Pickleball Complex Barber St. Common Areas Cemetery Brya nt Park Periwinkle Park Cheltenham Park Yacht Club Community Center Medians George Street Park Blossom Park Garden Club Park Main St. Boat Ramp Storm wa ter Pa rk City Hall/ PD Grounds BIOLOGICAL IMPLEMENT CONTROL JER"ffj,am%. IPM STRATEGY CULTURAL CONTROL MECHANICAL CONTROL CHEMICAL CONTROL COO MMUNI"1'Y II"M CYCLI✓ � ]tfJ _:jrlSty jrJ Jf fJJfJ��IJ�ff]]r�]� ffJ�rIJJr.I� r ff]-) I rfJ � �11✓ 1 IPJA LDIEJ, rDfffJ r ! .rrf] ' f ffJ rfl J J JfI COO MMUNI"1'Y II"M CYCLI✓ -rl]� ! 1aE)r rD'�)J IpIVI r�a� �]JJ� 1�J JJ11 l] fJ J ,rf]��! J� -rrJ �11 \�1V� ����]f�]J� �f] J r �JJJJ �JJ -D��J�;� cord ORRITpection and pesticide application data on "Chemical Control Log" Determine Application rate: mix chemicals and calibrate equipment accordingly • Routinely scheduled applications and broadcast applications should be avoided • Establish buffer zones around bodies of water • Safety Data Sheets (SDS) will be on site at all times • Notification signage must be posted in treated areas at least 24 hours before application • Pesticides utilized are limited to those listed on the "Approved Pesticide Table" hemic—aTs previously utilized by sta Recommended through OF WAS publications Discovered through sub -committee member research and discussion Selection of pesticides for use are based upon a combination of a low Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ), low cost, and maximum efficacy. Pesticide table data includes attributes such as: active ingredients and their percentages, EPA Registration #, targeted pest, a cost rating per 1000 ft2, and the observed staff efficacy COST RATING/ CITY STAFF ACTIVE APPLICATION RATE COST(only includrs 1,11 W (only ACTION EPA REG. # IN LABELED HAZARD LEVEL EIO LES PER ACRE FIELD USE EIO TARGET PESTS PERMITTED USE cost at p�aduct) Includes cast of OBSERVED product) EFNCACY PROS • Only contain naturally occurring substances • Break down rapidly in sunlight & water • Least risk to non -target species • Fast -acting CONS • Multiple applications may be required • Exempt from EPA review • No data on long-term risks or efficacy r May not be mass produced for 10"A commercial use Monterey B.t. It is recommended to keep every possible "IPM tool" in the toolbox • "Restricted " pesticides are to be avoided • tse preparea Tor extenuating circumstances • Incorporate new products as they are available PESTICIDE EXEMPTION FORM • The use of any new or "Restricted" pesticide requires a "Pesticide Exemption Form" • Thorough justification for its use is required • Must be submitted 4 days prior to application. • Requires IPM Coordinator, Leisure Services Director, and City Manager signatures All Pesticide Exemption Forms will be incorporated a part of the annual review process .......... COO MMUNI"I'Y II"M C;YCLL IENVEst':_ SDI riijNif `,L l�MIPACT Q,UOT�ENT (E�Q) toxicity to humans leachability to groundwater runoff potential soil persistence wildlife toxicity risk to pollinators effects on aquatic species COO MMUNI"I'Y II"M C;YCLL T"I�RLD USE (RHQ) RATLNG Better comparison among pesticides when more applications are required of one pesticide vs. less applications required of another Assess the reduction in impacts over long periods of time Weed Eliminator �RY,tlmlm �tr...... �•OSX HER 11CIDE Kills x�KfION ni 102 i COO MMUNI"1'Y II"M CYCLI✓ • All data forms and purchase orders are submitted to IPM Coordinator monthly • Program transparency • Compile Data into an annual report each March • Sub -Committee reconvenes to F**VWV • Report data and assessment to Boards and City Council eturn to INSPECTION & MONITORING CITY OF SEBASTIM Imp- =--- - -_ HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND HNTJ�Ax"ATJ7�r�_.D IPEST MANA(��x�EMENT PLAN FOR it 7C r PARKS AND IPROIPERT�E& matuzal Ra2oulmao o oalcd