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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-07-2020 NRB MinutesCITY OF SEBASTIAN NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING JULY 7, 2020 Chairman Stadelman called the Natural Resources Board to order at 6:30 p.m. It. 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: Kathy Brothers — Excused Brian O'Neill -- Resigned Also Present: Kim Haigler, Environmental Technician Robert Loring, Senior Planner Susan Flak (Zoom) Janet Graham, Technical Writer (Zoom) IV. ADDroval of Minutes — March 3. 2020 Ms. Callaghan noted for the record that she was not at that meeting, hopefully being excused, being in Australia for work. Ms. Haigler stated she would make sure that is noted. Mr. Stadelman asked if there were any corrections/changes to the Minutes of the March 3, 2020 meeting as presented. Hearing none, Mr. Stadelman called for a motion. A motion to approve the March 3, 2020 Minutes as presented was made by Ms. Ware, seconded by Ms. Lovell, and passed unanimously via voice vote. V. Announcements A. New Board Member NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD PAGE MINUTES OF JULY 7, 2020 MEETING Mr. Stadelman announced that the new Board member is Mr. Patrick Powers and asked Mr. Powers to introduce himself. Mr. Powers stated it is a pleasure to become a member of this Board, and he is looking forward to contributing via his expertise to the Natural Resources Board. He stated he had been a golf course superintendent with the PGA for approximately 15 years. Prior to that, he was a Home Depot store manager for 12 years in Miami. He currently is semi -retired. He has attended several of the IPM Sub - Committee meetings and is very interested in their work. Ms. Haigler stated there is an open alternate position available on the Natural Resources Board. Mr. Stadelman invited anyone who is interested in the position to get an application. B. Treasure Coast Waterway Cleanup on Saturday, July 25th Ms. Haigler stated it was just decided the day before this meeting that due to the COVID- 19 virus, the meeting sites for this cleanup will not be opened. However, there will be a virtual cleanup. This event will run from July 18 to July 26. Basically, anyone can register online and can pick up any trash during this cleanup week. The data can be recorded using the digital collection link, and that goes right to the site where it can be recorded how much trash an individual has collected. Volunteers are encouraged to clean up multiple times during the week. Loaner grabbers and bungees for boaters will be available for pickup at various marina locations along the Treasure Coast. It is thought that this will be very successful, as people can do it on their own time in their preferred areas. She will have some buckets and grabbers available at City Hall for any of the Board members who would like to help. Mr. Stadelman reviewed that the website is tcwaterwaycleanu p.com. Ms. Ware inquired how this event is being advertised. Ms. Haigler stated there will be flyers distributed throughout the City. The group that organizes this event has a huge marketing program. They have already recruited volunteers online. She will provide flyers to anyone on the Board who wants them. C. IPM Sub -Committee Update Ms. Haigler stated that today the Sub -Committee agreed to the schedule that Is included in this agenda packet. She noted that at the next Natural Resources Board meeting on August 4th the final Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPM) will be presented to this Board for review and approval. The final presentation with an accompanying resolution will then be presented to City Council on August 27th. She reviewed elements of the Plan that have been approved so far by the Sub -Committee. The Sub -Committee is now NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD PAGE 3 MINUTES OF JULY 7, 2020 MEETING focusing on the Plan's chemical methodology, which will categorize all the chemical controls based on pest population assessments and tolerance thresholds. Last week, plants and seeds that were donated by the Audubon House were picked up and installed at the City's first native pollinator garden at Garden Club Park. The next Sub -Committee meeting will be on Tuesday, July 14th, at 3:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. Anyone who is interested is invited to attend the meeting in chambers and via Zoom. Mr. Stadelman noted that this is one of the first times the Natural Resources Board has been asked to participate at that level. Three people were chosen from the Natural Resources Board to work on the IPM Plan. Ms. Haigler stated that it is written into the Plan that the IPM Sub -Committee, who will review the annual report every year, will always have three members of the NRB, and any changes will always be reviewed by the NRB. Ms. Lovell inquired regarding the IPM Plan that will be reviewed by the NRB. Ms. Haigler stated as soon as the Plan is finalized, she will get copies out to all the NRB board members so that they have a chance to review it before their next meeting. VI. Public Input Dr. Graham Cox, Sebastian, welcomed Patrick Powers to the Natural Resources Board. Mr. Powers has been a regular attendant at the meetings of the IPM Sub -Committee. Dr. Cox is delighted that Mr. Powers is willing to give his expertise to the NRB and to the City. Dr. Cox also acknowledged the hard work that Ms. Haigler and Brian Benton have put Into this project. He is glad the City is moving ahead with the project. He is looking forward to the next step, which is creating an IPM Sub -Committee to address the canal system in Sebastian. Mr. Stadelman described how the City's boards and committees contribute to the overall workings of the City. He described the professionals who are on the NRB and asked for the public to attend these meetings and voice their input. VII. New Business A. Guest Speaker, Sue Flak, Indian River County Solid Waste Disposal District Ms. Flak introduced herself as the Recycling Coordinator for Indian River County. She gave a PowerPoint presentation (SEE ATTACHED) on the recycling program in the NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD PAGE MINUTES OF JULY 7, 2020 MEETING County. She emphasized what items should be put in the recycle carts and what items should go into the garbage carts. She described a program which is called "Strive For Five." This describes the only five Items that should be recycled: clean paper, clean cardboard, clean glass, clean rigid plastic bottles and jugs, and clean aluminum. She also covered many items which should not go into the recycle carts. She stated that on their website is a virtual tour of the landfill, which is very interesting. Part of her presentation describes what happens to recycled materials after they are collected. She then called for questions or comments from the Board Mr. Stadelman inquired if, at the end of life of the landfill, there are any plans to turn it into a park. He stated in some areas there are landfills that have been turned into parks. Ms. Flak said there are no plans for a park at this time. They are in the process of building a nature center. She stated their landfill is projected to be at capacity in approximately the year 2050. She stated the most important thing that she hopes people come away with from her presentations is to just recycle right. Ms. Callaghan staled that when the NRB had Earth Day in 2019 lots of people stopped by the booth. One of the items that was displayed at the booth was a poster listing the items that should and should not be put in the recycle carts. She observed many people who looked at the poster and said they had been recycling some of the wrong items. She stated education as to what should and should not be recycled is very important. She suggested to Ms. Haigler that a link could be added on the NRB website that shows the dos and don'ts of recycling. Ms. Flak stated she has lots of information that she will be glad to send to Ms. Haigler. Ms. Haigler stated that this PowerPoint will play all month on the City's cable channel, so it is going to reach a lot of people. She will be happy to add the information from Ms. Flak to that. Ms. Flak stated she will bring some literature to Ms. Haigler and will also send Ms. Haigler some links with more educational materials. She encouraged that people get on the website ircrecvcles.com and take the virtual tour of the landfill. Mr. Powers commented that some of the commercial businesses have gotten away from Styrofoam. Another important subject is getting the word out to these commercial businesses and educating them on recycling. Ms. Flak said that before COVID-19 came along, there was a lot of interest and enthusiasm for the Go Green movement. Since COVID, the restaurants and other hospitality businesses have gone back to single -use plastics for safety reasons. Ms. Ware asked if Ms. Flak is out in the schools as well trying to educate the students. Ms. Flak said she does all the schools K through high school in Indian River County. The NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD PAGE 5 MINUTES OF JULY 7, 2020 MEETING County and Indian River School District have recently formed a green team. There has also been a venue for all teachers for next year, and she will offer materials to them so that they have the information at hand. Mr. Carrano staled that the term "clean" is extremely important. Paper that is contaminated with food materials still has to go in the garbage. Plastic bottles that are not "clean" have to go in the garbage. He stated that, if it cannot be cleaned, it needs to be thrown away. Mr. Stadelman thanked Ms. Flak for her presentation. B. Sustainable Sebastian, Discussion of Goals and Tasks for: Initiative 3: Provide recommendations for City policies and Codes related to Natural Resources GOAL #1: Provide input throughout the Comprehensive Plan process Ms. Haigler reviewed what has been done by staff as well as the IPM Sub -Committee since this Board's last meeting in March. Mr. Carrano inquired as to when this Board will be able to see the final draft. Ms. Haigler stated it is not yet complete, but she will send it to all members of the Board as soon as it is completed. She invited comments or ideas on the subject to be sent to her, and she will see that they are disseminated to the consultants. Ms. Lovell asked that she receive any information that has been sent out since March. Ms. Haigler stated that it will be sent out as soon as the complete draft is finished. Ms. Lovell also suggested that more workshops would be beneficial. Ms. Mosblech stated she was not able to attend the workshop in March. She is looking forward to seeing what came out of the workshop. Mr. Stadelman reviewed the goals and objectives of Sustainable Sebastian. He reiterated the items which this Board was tasked with in implementation of the project. He also invited the public for input. He asked regarding Initiative 3 as well as other initiatives and plans that are related to the environment be brought first to the NRB. Ms. Haigler reviewed that the IPM Sub -Committee and the first workshop involved the NRB, so there has been that cooperation with City Council. NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD PAGE 6 MINUTES OF JULY 7, 2020 MEETING Goal #2: Assist City in creation of Integrated Pest Management plans for both the City Parks and Stormwater Departments Ms. Callaghan asked if there could be any dates or tasks included specifically to the City Parks and Stormwater portions that will come next after the Integrated Pest Management Plan. She wondered if there would be any sub -tasks that will be added. Ms. Haigler stated it will run pretty much the same as the IPM Plan. Board members will be asked to serve on both. Ms. Haigler stated she will add more details to Task A under Goal #2 which will be in both plans that the IPM Sub -Committee will always consist of three members of the Natural Resources Board, and that the IPM Sub -Committee will also be involved in the annual review of the IPM annual report. Ms. Lovell inquired whether there is needed a separate task to cover the stormwater and City parks. Ms. Haigler stated that both will be included in Task B. Goal #3: Assist City in revision of Tree Protection and Landscape Ordinances Mr. Stadelman asked for comments. Ms. Mosblech asked Ms. Haigler if there is a sub -committee for the landscape ordinance. Ms. Haigler stated that it was thought that the City would actually hire a consultant. She stated it was decided to do it with a sub -committee just like the IPM Plan. She stated that Mr. Loring is going to be a leader on that, as he has much experience in this regard. She added that this is a goal to get started on this after October. Mr. Carrano asked if Ms. Haigler would send the Board members a copy of the Code so that they can familiarize themselves with it. Ms. Haigler said she will do that. Ms. Ware asked if it is too far out to ask for volunteers to work on the landscape ordinance. Ms. Haigler stated that it is too far out. Ms. Haigler asked if anyone has suggestions for adding more tasks under Goal 43. Ms. Callaghan staled she has two new goals for consideration: (a) That the City will include Sustainable Sebastian considerations in the adoption of any new policy in the Code, where applicable. (b) The banning of the use of single -use plastics at City events was discussed previously. NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD PAGE 7 MINUTES OF JULY 7, 2020 MEETING She wondered if that then feeds into the Comprehensive Plan or can this be a new goal for that policy to be shaped. Ms. Haigler stated that is definitely something that should be looked at. Initiative 4: Reducing the City's operational carbon footprint by promoting sustainable energy resources through the implementation of sustainable technologies, where practical Goal #1: Add water bottle refill stations to all City parks and fountains. Task A: Funding added to currently proposed budget Mr. Stadelman asked for comments. Ms. Ware suggested attempting to get some of the businesses to buy into that idea, especially along the waterfront. That might mitigate some of the cost to the City. Ms. Haigler stated that in some of her discussions with the Leisure Services Director about this subject, he stated he had experience in another municipality that these bottle refill stations had corporate sponsors with some advertising at the stations. She added that having bottle refill stations at all the City's parks is in the current proposed budget. Mr. Sladelman asked if it would be permissible for corporate sponsors to have advertisements at bottle refill stations. Mr. Loring stated he is of the opinion that it would be permissible. Mr. Powers commented that his only concern would be having refill stations in the age of COVID. Mr. Loring stated that the experience he had in the past was that refill stations were a no -touch system. Ms. Lovell inquired if there more recycling stations can be added throughout the City. Ms. Haigler stated that is definitely something that can be looked at. She stated there are grants and funding for that. KIRB has grants for those kinds of things as well. There are recycle bins at the parks, but they are not uniform. Having them all look the same would give them better recognition. Ms. Haigler stated that could be added as Goal #3. Ms. Haigler also suggested as Goal #4 to read, "Resource conservation and maximizing recycling capabilities within the City offices." Mr. Carrano commented that if you are not recycling property, you are not recycling at all. He feels that what will happen is people will put everything in the recycling bins. He gave NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD PAGE 8 MINUTES OF JULY 7, 2020 MEETING the example of Disney having both garbage bins and recycling bins side -by -side so that people have an option of which bin to use. Ms. Lovell said it would be interesting to get a survey from offices other than City offices to see how they handle recycling versus garbage. Ms. Mosblech stated that when overall sustainability, and reducing the carbon footprint as well as resource conservation are thought about, pertaining costs, if those costs are compared, the payback or return on investment is not going to be seen for an extended period of time. She is wondering if the long-term return on investment can be put in here, or if that is part of the Comp Plan. She suggested also incorporating into that idea what is being saved or what is being reduced in terms of our natural resources. She added that the Green Building Council has a free platform called ARCSKORU. She described it as a data -inputting system where usage of water, use of electricity, etc., can be tracked over time, which speaks to what Ms. Callaghan was saying —that when updating things, it should be done in an intelligent manner, with a focus on resource conservation. Ms. Haigler added that when capital improvement projects and major purchases --things that go out for bid or things that are handled through a procurement coordinator —are done, an emphasis be put on energy -efficient choices and consider that when looking at the costs and overall savings. She added that regarding the last goal and task which talks about bikes and bike racks, she suggested making one of the tasks to include, when updating of roads or sidewalks is done, safe bike lanes throughout the City that are connected. Ms. Haigler stated that is definitely one of the subjects being discussed under the Livability section of the Comp Plan. Staff has been working on a map for better connectivity of walking and biking paths. Ms. Callaghan stated her thoughts are similar to what Ms. Mosblech said. In any City - owned facility there is lighting involved. When items need to be replaced, energy efficiency should be considered in regard to lighting, air conditioning, etc. Hybrid vehicles for City vehicles could be looked at. She suggested as a goal looking for opportunities to convert to energy -efficient, more carbon -neutral replacements and to look at over time what savings might be had as a result. Ms. Callaghan commented regarding the bottle refill stations. She wondered if City Hall is being considered. Ms. Haigler stated City Hall is at the top of the list. Mr. Stadelman commented that he works in the energy -efficiency business. There is a program called the LEED program which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is a national program that covers everything that has just been NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD PAGE 9 MINUTES OF JULY 7, 2020 MEETING talked about. He would like to see as one of the NRB's goals having the buildings in the City of Sebastian be LEED certified at the basic Silver level. Mr. Loring stated he has had some experience with the LEED program, and there is a cost involved in getting a Silver or a Gold designation for a building. In his experience, LEED's guidelines were striven for, but the actual certification was not applied for, which adds about 10% to construction costs just for the certification. Ms. Haigler stated that is the last initiative of the Plan, to have a guideline for future purchases. Mr. Stadelman stated that funding is one of the most important factors in the goals and tasks listed. He inquired if there is any way to look at taxes that have been sunseted to transfer over to any of these initiatives. Ms. Haigler stated funding for these things has already been added to the proposed budget. The funding is just waiting for approval. Goal #2: Increase the availability of bike racks around the City Task A: Funding added to currently proposed budget Ms. Stadelman suggested availability of solar -powered electric charging stations at the public parking areas. VIII. Old Business A. Earth Day & Arbor Day Event Ms. Haigler stated that the thought was originally to reschedule this event. She now thinks the window for rescheduling it has passed. She suggested that, when City events are allowed to resume, at the next City -sponsored event a booth regarding Sustainable Sebastian be set up so that there is some outreach to market the initiative. Ms. Ware suggested focusing on the schools, as it will probably not be possible to have a large event. There could be an education program into the schools, and maybe there could be some positive outreach that way. Mr. Stadelman suggested the possibility of a virtual Earth Day and Arbor Day. Ms. Haigler stated it would be difficult for her to coordinate that. Ms. Callaghan suggested working on a theme or catchword for Sustainable Sebastian and getting that out to the press and the public, which feeds into educating the community. She would recommend spending some time on a one -page flyer that could be distributed. Mr. Stadelman and Ms. Lovell agreed. NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD MINUTES OF JULY 7.2020 MEETING IX. Member Matters PAGE 10 Mr. Carrano commented that the NRB website is missing a lot of information. That is another thing that this Board could work on. Ms. Haigler stated that the City's entire website just got a whole redesign. Staff will now start updating the site. This website was just set in a week and a half ago. She has been on hold with items until the new format was completed, and now she has lots of information that she needs to set up. Mr. Loring asked if there are things that members of this Board would like to see, to let him or Ms. Haigler know. Mr. Carrano suggested putting this matter on the next NRB meeting agenda. Ms. Lovell inquired whether the City still uses a consultant for the website. Ms. Brooke -Reese, MIS Manager for the City, stated that it is hoped that it can be presented to the public in the next two weeks. Once that is done, it will be a work in progress for a while, and staff will be looking for everyone's comments. She also stated that the NRB website will be integrated into the City's main website. There is no consultant who is doing the content migration. Her department has been the driving force, and their directive from City Council and the City Manager is to bring all the different looks together, have the information updated, and make the website more user friendly and less outdated. Ms. Haigler stated the NRB website was very outdated. There will now be crossover links for IPM that is going to be its own page. She has rebuilt the base menu, and staff is building off that at this point. Ms. Callaghan commented that it was nice to see people out and about during this time. More people were walking and biking. She also noted an increase in trash around the City. Mr. Stadelman stated regarding the coronavirus that everyone in Council Chambers is social distancing. If you cannot socially distance, try to wear a mask X. Items for Next Acenda A. Discussion of the last two initiatives of the Sustainable Sebastian Resolution for the Action Plan Ms. Haigler stated that Item A is going to be a lot to cover at the next meeting. She is asking to postpone the discussion on Sustainable Sebastian and the discussion on the new NRB website until the next meeting. It was the consensus of the Board that those two items be postponed. NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD MINUTES OF JULY 7. 2020 MEETING XI. Journment PAGE 11 There being no further business, a motion to adjoum the meeting was made by Mr. Carrano, seconded by Ms. Lovell, and approved unanimously via voice vote. Meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. EM ig Date: Chairman Charles Stadelman SOP, pace to