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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-06-2020 NRB AgendaCriY OF SEBASTzt �I HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD AGENDA REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6TH, 2020 - 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" CALL TO ORDER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE III. ROLL CALL IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — ACTION ITEM August 4th, 2020 Meeting Minutes September 1st, 2020 Meeting Minutes V. ANNOUNCEMENTS Item A. Open position on the Board Item B. "A Day in the Life" Water Quality Event on October 24th —ACTION ITEM Item C. Keep Indian River Beautiful Coastal Clean-up Day on October 17th Item D. November 3rd Meeting— ACTION ITEM VI. PUBLIC INPUT VII. NEW BUSINESS Item A. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) i. Parks and Properties IPM Plan: presenting to City Council on October 14th ii. Stormwater IPM Plan: looking for at least three volunteers from the Board to serve on the Stormwater IPM Sub -Committee — ACTION ITEM Item B. Final Draft "Conservation and Coastal Management" Element of the City's Comprehensive Plan- per request VIII. OLD BUSINESS IX. MEMBER MATTERS X. STAFF MATTERS XI. ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA: Item A. Review draft the Sustainable Sebastian Action Plan Spreadsheet Item B. Raising Awareness of Sustainable Sebastian Item C. NRB Website Edits XII. 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 CLERK'S OFFICE WITHIN TEN DAYS OF THE DATE OF ACTION. (286.0105 F. S). 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. MOP SESAST�IAN HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND Council Meetinq Date Aqenda Item Title NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD AGENDA TRANSMITTAL FORM October 6th, 2020 IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES August 4th, 2020 Meeting Minutes Recommendation: Submitted for board Member review and discussion. Backqround: If Aqenda Item Requires Expenditure of Funds: Total Cost: n/a Attachments: Meeting Minutes from August 4, 2020 Meeting CITY 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. Pledqe of Allegiance 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. Approval 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 4 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. ii. 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 toolkits 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 stated 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 outfalls because technically that is the Department of Transportation. There are eight outfalls; six of them have baffle boxes. Any of them that have outfalls 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 6 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 stated 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. ii. 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 at 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 stated that is handled through the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Benton said there are actually two entities that do the marketing for this 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. VIII. 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. 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 9 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. Adiournment 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. IN Chairman Charles Stadelman ff Date: CIUCV NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD AGENDA TRANSMITTAL FORM HOME OF PELICAN 15LAND Council Meetinq Date: October 6th, 2020 Aqenda Item Title: IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES September 7th, 2020 Meeting Minutes Recommendation: Submitted for Board Member review and discussion. Backqround: If Aqenda Item Requires Expenditure of Funds: Total Cost: n/a Attachments: Meeting Minutes from September 7th, 2020 Meeting CITY OF SEBASTIAN NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 Chairman Stadelman called the Natural Resources Board to order at 6:00 p.m. II. Pledqe of Allegiance was recited by all. III. Roll Call Present: Mr. Charles Stadelman Mr. Thomas Carrano Ms. Jessica Lovell (Zoom) Ms. Ruth Callaghan (Zoom) Ms. Nikki Mosblech (Zoom) Mr. Marcus Bradley (a) (Zoom) Absent: Ms. Donna Ware -- Excused Mr. Patrick Powers -- Excused Also Present: Ms. Kim Haigler, Environmental Technician Ms. Lisa Frazier, Community Development Director Ms. Barbara Brooke -Reese, MIS Manager Ms. Janet Graham, Technical Writer (Zoom) IV. Announcements A. Welcome New Member, Marcus Bradley Mr. Stadelman announced that Marcus Bradley is a new Board member and asked Mr. Bradley to introduce himself. Mr. Bradley reviewed that his first degree is in Marine Biology. He has since switched into computers. He is involved with the local cub scout group in Sebastian and wanted to give back to the community by volunteering some time and felt the Natural Resources Board would be a good fit for him. B. Open Positions Ms. Haigler announced that the NRB has one alternate position open at this time. NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 MEETING C. Hardee Park Project PAGE 2 Ms. Haigler stated that during the week of August 11 the mechanical removal of vegetation was performed in the canal at Hardee Park and extended up to the canal at CR 512. The machine that was used is called a Weedoo. She does not yet have any data concerning that project. Ms. Callaghan inquired of Ms. Haigler what sort of data she expects to get from that project. Ms. Haigler stated that goes to the Stormwater Department, so she does not have any of that information at this point. V. Public Input -- None VI. New Business A. Sustainable Sebastian Initiative: 5-Year Implementation Plan Review comprehensive document Ms. Haigler stated this document is included in this evening's packets. (SEE ATTACHED) She reviewed that the information was garnered from reviewing the notes from NRB's last three meetings. She explained that the document lists the six initiatives that were established for implementing the Sustainable Sebastian Initiative. Under each initiative are listed the goals and tasks associated with that initiative. She stated that in reviewing the document she feels it can be streamlined somewhat. She also emphasized that the Board members keep in mind the Mission Statement of the Natural Resources Board. Mr. Stadelman read each initiative and each goal and task included under that initiative. Extended discussion was had regarding each item, and the Board members were encouraged to provide comments/suggestions as each item was discussed. As each initiative and its goals/tasks was discussed, suggestions for consolidating some sections were made. Ms. Haigler suggested adding a fourth goal under Initiative 1: To support and encourage volunteer participation in FDOT highway and Keep Indian River Beautiful (KIRB) cleanup events Regarding Initiative 2, Ms. Frazier discouraged the use of door hangers to promote lagoon friendly lawns, as it would cost money and create more waste. She challenged the Board to come up with a better way to raise community awareness of the program NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD PAGE 3 MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 MEETING Under Initiative 3, Ms. Frazier reviewed the timeline for getting this Board's suggestions to the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council for their consideration. The Board expressed wanting another chance to review the Comprehensive Plan Coastal Conservation Element as a group before the final version goes before City Council. It was agreed to add it to the October 6th NRB meeting, with the Board's recommendations being presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission at their October 15th meeting. Mr. Stadelman called for comments or questions from the Board members. Ms. Lovell thanked Ms. Haigler for her work on compiling this document, as did others. ii. Determine which tasks can be completed amid COVID restrictions. Ms. Frazier reviewed how the Board came up with the six initiatives. She stressed that this plan has a five-year timeline. She suggested that the Board come up with an annual action plan, focusing presently on which tasks can be completed during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. She described that the Board may encourage and support what actions City Council decides to take when adopting this Plan. Ms. Haigler stated the Board needs to look at which goals and tasks can reasonably be addressed during the COVID-19 restrictions. B. NRB Website Edits Presentation of current site organization and content ii. Discussion of additions and changes needed Ms. Haigler requested that Item B be tabled for now. She needs to arrange a meeting with the MIS Department before the Board can have this discussion. Mr. Carrano suggested that it be tabled until the November meeting, so that the October meeting can be spent on the Comprehensive Plan. It was the consensus of the Board that this item be tabled until the November meeting. C. NRB Budget Status Expenditures and surplus for 2019-2020 Fiscal Year Ms. Haigler reviewed that the NRB budget was decreased for FY19-20. However, there were extra funds made available for Sustainable Sebastian merchandise. She did get NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD PAGE 4 MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 MEETING the seeds and seed packets in. She did not get the other items because the businesses closed due to the pandemic before she could get the order in. They have now reopened, and she is going to proceed with ordering the merchandise the Board had already agreed to and the amount that was going to be spent on it. She explained that there is still approximately $500.00 left in the budget, and that has to be requested by September 14th. Mr. Stadelman asked, if that surplus is not used this year, will that amount be deducted next year. Ms. Haigler stated no. ii. Vote on use of surplus Discussion was held regarding voting on the surplus. A motion that the surplus of $500.00 be used to purchase additional Sustainable Sebastian marketing merchandise that has already been approved plus additional seed packets was made by Mr. Carrano, seconded by Ms. Lovell, and was approved unanimously via voice vote. VII. Old Business Mr. Stadelman inquired whether the Minutes from the last meeting are available for approval. Ms. Haigler stated they are not yet available. Ms. Callaghan inquired whether the subject of the one -page flyer can be added as an agenda item for a meeting. Ms. Haigler stated it is still on her action list, and it can be added to the November agenda. VIII. Member Matters Mr. Stadelman brought up the subject of the trash can at the boat ramp next to Rotary Park. He suggested that the garbage from that receptacle either gets removed by animals or it may blow out. He inquired if there could be a different garbage receptacle placed there that would prevent the garbage from being scattered. Mr. Carrano suggested that there may need to be a receptacle with more capacity placed there. IX. Staff Matters X. Items for Next Aaenda A. Review Completed Sustainable Sebastian Action Plan Ms. Haigler stated that the Comprehensive Plan Element review will be addressed at the October meeting. NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD PAGE 5 MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 MEETING B. ADIL Program on October 24th Ms. Haigler stated the ADIL program will also be addressed at that meeting. XI. Adiournment There being no further business, Mr. Stadelman adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m. :I IT11 71FraKyi ,Hr:=40M11 ", i1 r Date: OnCt SEBAST" NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD AGENDA TRANSMITTAL FORM HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND Council Meetinq Date: October 6th, 2020 Aqenda Item Title: VII. NEW BUSINESS Item B. Final Draft "Conservation and Coastal Management" Element of the City's Comprehensive Plan- per request Recommendation: Submitted for Board Member review Backqround: The Conservation and Coastal Management Element was first presented to the NRB at a workshop held during the March 3rd Board Meeting. The suggestions from that workshop and any submitted over the past months have been incorporated into this most current draft of the element. If Aqenda Item Requires Expenditure of Funds: Total Cost: n/a Attachments: Final Draft of the Conservation and Coastal Management Element of the City's Comprehensive Plan CONSERVATION & COASTAL MANAGEMENT ELEMENT The Conservation & Coastal Management Element sets the foundation for the City to protect and preserve its natural environment and coastal resources as well as protect life and property from natural disasters. This Element is broken into two goals: conservation and coastal management. The conservation objectives and policies encourage sustainability initiatives and ensure the protection of the City's natural resources such as lakes, rivers, wetlands, wildlife, shoreline, air, marine resources, native vegetation, and environmentally sensitive lands. The coastal management objectives and policies ensure the protection of the City's coastal shoreline as well as the protection of the City's residents and infrastructure from sea level rise and flooding risks. The Conservation & Coastal Management Element ensures the resiliency of the City and protects the quality of natural systems within the community. CONSERVATION &COASTAL MANAGEMENT ELEMENT HIGHLIGHTS 1. Requires the protection of the City's natural resources, wildlife, and habitats and encourages restoration efforts; 2. Protects the City's native vegetation and trees as well as its air quality; 3. Protects the City's surface waters and marine resources; 4. Protects water quality through the promotion of stormwater treatment and integrated maintenance practices; 5. Protects the City's shorelines and public access to shorelines; 6. Focuses on sustainability measures including green building design, green jobs, and green infrastructure; 7. Enforces the limitation of public expenditures and avoidance of population concentrations in areas subject to destruction by flood risk and natural disasters; 8. Encourages the implementation of mitigation strategies outlined in the City's Coastal Resiliency Plan to prepare against flooding and sea level rise as well as the maintenance of the City's floodplains; 9. Establishes emergency management measures and post -disaster development strategies for the City in the face of a natural disaster; 10. Establishes the use of an Adaptation Action Area (AAA) Overlay District and a Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program to further resiliency measures within the City; 11. Ensures development is compatible with sensitive coastal and wetland resources. 3 S NOMF cF rEucn� isuvn GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES Goal 5-1: Protection and Conservation of Natural Resources. Sebastian is home to a diverse collection of natural resources and habitats and as such shall conserve, protect, promote, and appropriately manage the City's natural resources in order to enhance the quality of natural systems and the sustainability of the community. Objective 5-1.1: Protection of Wildlife and Habitats. Protect the City's natural resources, wildlife, and habitats to improve the health of the natural environment. Policy 5-1.1.1: Protection of Natural Resources, Wildlife, and Habitats. The City's land development code (LDC) shall include: a. Performance criteria that protects the City's natural resources, wildlife, and habitats of endangered or threatened species from the adverse impacts of development by regulating the location, density, and intensity of those activities which cause the adverse impact. b. Standards which increase conservation incentives during development to further protect and preserve the City's natural resources. c. Provisions which recognize the rights of property owners to use their lands in a manner consistent with the rules, policies, and guidelines of the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD), Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Policy 5-1.1.2: Wildlife Protection. The City shall utilize the LDC and review processes to ensure that development projects evaluate potential environmental impacts and provide mitigation for negative impacts. Development shall not adversely impact any threatened or endangered species or species of special concern without appropriate permitting and/or mitigation. Policy 5-1.1.3: Endangered or Threatened Species. The City shall protect threatened or endangered native species by requiring that proposed new development and redevelopment (where applicable) be examined for location of Listed Species. The City through its LDC and review processes, will: a. Coordinate with the County, Federal, and State agencies for the identification and protection of endangered and threatened species b. Require applicants to consult with the appropriate agencies, to use recognized surveying techniques to identify listed species, and to provide documentation of such coordination and compliance prior to City approval to conduct any activities that could disturb listed species or their habitat • If endangered species, threatened species, or species of special concern are found, such species' habitat shall be identified on the proposed site plan and a plan for mitigation shall be discussed in the site plan narrative • Such information shall be addressed through the project staff report c. Promote connectivity and minimize habitat fragmentation 4 HOME Policy 5-1.1.4: Designation of Environmentally Sensitive Areas. This Element's DIA specifically includes areas reserved for conservation uses or restricted development. All conservation land uses identified shall either remain undeveloped or shall undergo "restricted development." "Restricted development" shall be regulated through performance criteria adopted and maintained within the LDC. Policy 5-1.1.5: Wildlife Corridors. Consistent with Policy 5-1.9.6 and Policy 5-1.1.6, the City shall encourage the provision of contiguous conservation easements and preservation areas to maintain wildlife corridors and minimize the fragmentation of habitat. Policy 5-1.1.6: Open Space Corridor System. Through the LDC and land development review process, the City shall continue to identify opportunities to: a. Provide an interconnected open space corridor system that links existing open spaces, greenways, public right of ways, and trails including new open space corridors b. Provide connections from adjacent development to existing or planned open space corridors c. Connect parks and civic resources (i.e., Community Center) d. Provide low -impact natural activities such as walking trails, benches, picnic areas, and canoe/kayak launches e. Connect the City and County's open space corridors f. Require that open space corridors minimize the fragmentation of significant wildlife habitat. Corridor widths shall be defined based on the natural range of targeted habitat/species; however, are generally considered to be a minimum of 25 feet in width Policy 5-1.1.7: Open Space Crossings. The City shall consider road construction, reconstruction or other similar improvements encroaching or crossing an open space corridor, encourage crossing design features, and consider alternative roadway design standards. Crossings shall be designed in accordance with the recommendations of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Policy 5-1.1.8: Native Habitats Inventory and Assessment. The City will update its inventory and assess significant native habitat remaining within the City limits. The City will also require development and redevelopment to determine the existence of any significant native habitats and such information will be added to the inventory. Policy 5-1.1.9: Restoration Efforts. The City shall encourage the restoration of degraded sensitive habitat in order to reestablish natural diversity and encourage connectivity of vital habitats. Policy 5-1.1.10: Open Space. The City's LDC shall include an open space requirement which: a. As density of development increases, the percentage of open space shall increase as well; and b. Open space shall be limited to a certain percentage of the stormwater retention area to ensure that native habitat is being conserved. Policy 5-1.1.11: Protection of Vegetative Communities. The City's LDC, including the adopted Tree Protection and Landscaping Regulations, shall be used in managing and protecting the impacts of development on major vegetative communities. These regulations shall mandate restoration in order to compensate for unauthorized removal of vegetation and to enhance stabilization of fragile slopes and/or shorelines impacted by development. 5 SE13ASTIAV Policy 5-1.1.12: Protection of Native Habitats. The City shall limit the disturbance of and protect significant native habitats through its LDC and review process including the following: a. Preserve existing native vegetation and natural areas including threatened native habitats; b. Encourage development forms that provide protection of significant native habitats such as clustered development and alternative roadway designs (i.e., reduced rights -of -way); c. Development shall first avoid impact to significant native habitats; d. Mitigate adverse impacts whenever areas of native habitats are involved in the development of property; e. Require development to first impact lower quality habitats and resources before impacts to higher quality habitats and resources are considered and used; f. Native habitat shall be used whenever possible to fulfill open space requirements; and g. Protect environmentally sensitive/significant areas (i.e., floodplain, watersheds, water recharge areas, etc.). Policy 5-1.1.13: Preservation of Native Vegetative Communities. The City's LDC shall include an open space requirement and mandate that new development set aside a minimum 25% of each native vegetative community including trees as identified in Policy 5-1.1.11. The ordinance shall provide incentives for increased conservation of native vegetative communities determined to be regionally rare or endangered. The City may require payment of a fee in lieu of or participation in a tree bank (as may be adopted by the City) for the described mandatory "set aside" of habitat. Such cash payment may be in the form of an impact fee in lieu of habitat preservation to be accumulated from development for the purchase of upland habit preservation off -site rather than on -site. Other adjustments may only be granted where compensatory mitigation is provided through revegetation with native vegetative species compatible with existing vegetative communities. Policy 5-1.1.14: Florida Friendly Landscaping. The City shall encourage the use of Florida Friendly landscaping which uses low -maintenance plants and environmentally sustainable practices. Policy 5-1.1.15: Removal of Undesirable Exotic Vegetation. The LDC shall require that, prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for a new development; the owner/applicant shall remove all nuisance and invasive exotic vegetation as defined by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) on the subject property. Policy 5-1.1.16: Invasive Exotic Vegetation and Wildlife. The City should help prevent the spread of non-native invasive exotic vegetation and wildlife and protect the health and well-being of the native environment through: a. Removal of existing invasive exotic species in coordination with City initiated work projects and replacement with native Florida plant species; b. Prohibition of the use of invasive exotic species; c. Public awareness about the harmful impacts of non-native species into the environment; and d. Regional, state, and federal partnerships on efforts to eradicate invasive exotic species IXI SEBASTIAN Policy 5-1.1.17: Tree Protection. The City shall continue to maintain the Tree Protection and Landscaping Ordinance within the LDC to address, at a minimum, tree protection and removal standards, historic trees, mangroves, undesirable exotic vegetation, suitable trees for planting, and residential/commercial development tree requirements. Policy 5-1.1.18: Urban Tree Canopy. The City shall focus on preserving and promoting its urban tree canopy and consider the addition and enhancement of trees and landscaping within specific public rights - of -way and other public areas. The City shall maintain their Tree City USA designation through the Arbor Day Foundation. Objective 5-1.2: Protection of Surface Waters. Implement policies that limit adverse impacts or alterations to surface waters to the greatest extent possible. Policy 5-1.2.1: Protect the City's Natural Lakes and Rivers. The City's LDC shall include performance criteria designed to regulate against land development activities which adversely impact water quality, contribute to shoreline erosion and sedimentation, or otherwise threaten the long-term existence of the City's surface waters. Policy 5-1.2.2: Required Dedication of Conservation Easements or Reservations. The City shall maintain regulations that provide for the dedication of conservation easements or reservations where the City finds that the dedication is reasonable in order to protect the value and function of a wetland or other surface water. Policy 5-1.2.3: Wetland Protection. Wetlands shall be defined as set by 373.421 F.S. and 373.019(27) F.S. According to Florida Statutes, wetlands are those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water or Groundwater at a frequency and a duration sufficient to support, and under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of veaetation tvpically adapted for life in saturated soils. Soils present in wetlands aenerally are classified as hvdric or alluvial, or possess characteristics that are associated with reducing soil conditions. The prevalent veaetation in wetlands aenerally consists of facultative or obligate hvdrophvtic macrophvtes that are tvpically adapted to areas having soil conditions described above. These species, due to morphological, phvsioloaical, or reproductive adaptations, have the ability to crow, reproduce, or persist in aquatic environments or anaerobic soil conditions. Florida wetlands aenerally include swamps, marshes, bavheads, boas, cvpress domes and strands, sloughs, wet prairies, riverine swamps and marshes, hvdric seepaae slopes, tidal marshes, mangrove swamps and other similar areas. Florida wetlands aenerally do not include longleaf or slash pine flatwoods with an understory dominated by saw palmetto. Wetlands have the following functions: • Wetlands serve important natural bioloaical functions, including food chain production: and general habitat: and nesting, spawnina, rearina, and resting sites for aquatic or land species: • Wetlands are an integral part of natural drainaae systems impacting sedimentation patterns, salinitv distribution, flushina characteristics, current patterns, and other environmental characteristics: • Wetlands can be sianificant in shieldina other areas from wave action, erosion, or storm damage: • Wetlands serve as valuable storaae areas for storm water and flood waters: • Wetlands can be prime natural recharae areas: and • Wetlands provide natural water filtration processes which serve to purifv water. 7 SE13ASTIAV Wetlands shall be protected from physical or hydrologic alterations in order to maintain natural functions. The City shall maintain LDC performance standards designed to protect, conserve, and enhance wetlands by directing incompatible land uses away from wetlands. The LDC shall also prohibit any development within the wetland shoreline or adjacent buffer area, with the exception of water dependent native shoreline vegetation programs, approved pervious or elevated accessways, or other uses approved by the City pursuant to other City regulations. Policy 5-1.2.4: Establishing the Wetland Line. No non -water dependent uses shall be permitted on submerged lands or wetlands. The LDC shall include a requirement that any development conduct a delineation of the landward extent of wetlands and other surface waters. The landward extent of wetlands and other surface waters shall be field delineated and flagged by a professional biologist provided by the applicant and formally approved by the SJRWMD, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), and/or the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Policy 5-1.2.5: Wetland Transition Area. Development on uplands adjacent to wetlands shall preserve a wetland transition area which will act as a buffer between wetlands and upland development or other land alteration activities. The LDC shall require this buffer to be in accordance to the minimum standards set by SJRWMD. The specific boundary of a wetland transition area shall be established by field investigation and must be indicated on site plans for development. The purpose of the transition area is to ensure the continuing function of respective wetland communities. Policy 5-1.2.6: Administration of Wetland Development Restrictions. The City shall coordinate with state and federal regulatory agencies in regard to the development rights to be permitted on wetlands and/or lands under thejurisdiction of the state or federal government. The developer of the parcel of environmentally sensitive land shall be responsible for obtaining permits or exemptions from SJRWMD, FDEP, and the USACE, as may be appropriate, prior to obtaining a development order or development plan review approval from the City. Regardless of permitting by Federal or State permitting agencies, the City shall reserve the right to determine the appropriate land use, density/intensity, and special mitigation measures including, but not limited to, the construction of culverts or other means. Policy 5-1.2.7: Development Requirements. The City's LDC shall include standards that require that the applicant shall bear the burden of proof in determining that development shall not adversely impact wetlands, transitional wetlands, and other environmentally fragile natural systems. The applicant shall prove that the type, value, function, size, and condition of the wetland will not be adversely impacted, such determinations shall be based on physical and biological data obtained from specific site investigations by a biologist, an engineer or by another professional competent in producing data and analysis necessary to support impact assessments. Applicants shall have an opportunity to demonstrate that any wetland designations within the confines of their property no longer function as wetlands. Objective 5-1.3: Protection of Marine Resources. Protect and appropriately manage the City's marine resources and living marine organisms. Policy 5-1.3.1: Protect Living Marine Resources, Coastal Marsh, Estuarine Water Quality, and Seagrass Beds. The City shall maintain the LDC to include performance criteria which shall regulate against adverse impacts of development on estuarine areas such as living marine organisms, seagrass, coastal marsh, and mangroves. The LDC shall require that plans for development impacting marine resources be coordinated with state agencies having jurisdiction. The applicant shall bear the burden of W SE13ASTIAV demonstrating that potential adverse impacts on estuarine resources have been or shall be prevented. The review process for all proposed development that fronts on Indian River Drive shall involve all local, state, and regional entities with regulatory authority. Impacts to be considered shall include the following but not be restricted to: a. Prevent estuarine pollution; b. Control surface water run off; c. Reduce exposure to natural hazards; d. Protect seagrasses and other living marine resources; e. Ensure adequate public access; and f. Ensure adequate sites and standards for regulating water -dependent and water -related uses. Policy 5-1.3.2: Manage Impact of Coastal Development on Tidal Flushing and Circulation Patterns. The City's LDC shall include standards that require that tidal flushing and circulation patterns shall not be altered by development activities. No development shall produce changes in the tidal flushing and circulation patterns unless the City and other public agencies having jurisdiction have granted requisite permits. No such permit shall be granted by the City unless all other agencies having jurisdiction have granted clearance and the applicant has submitted hydrographic information sufficient to clearly demonstrate that no adverse environmental impacts shall be occasioned by the proposed changes in tidal flushing and circulation patterns. No alteration in tidal flow shall be permitted which causes stagnation or siltation. Policy 5-1.3.3: Protection of Manatee Habitat. The City shall promote protection of manatees and manatee habitat in a manner consistent with applicable state guidelines and Indian River County's Manatee Protection and Boating Safety Comprehensive Management Plan (August 2004). Policy 5-1.3.4: Conservation Easements. The City shall work with private property owners to implement conservation easements to protect sensitive natural resources such as mangroves, dune systems, and coastal tidal areas. Objective 5-1 A Improve Water Quality and Quantity. Maintain policies and regulations to protect and improve the City's water quality and quantity. Policy 5-1.4.1: Water Quality. Water run-off and introduction of nutrients shall be regulated through effective water quality management criteria. In order to protect the water quality of the Aquatic Preserve, no new point source pollution shall be permitted to discharge into the lagoon or into ditches or canals flowing into the lagoon. In addition, in order to reduce non -point source pollutants, the LDC shall comply with FDEP, SJRWMD, and the Indian River Lagoon Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan. Policy 5-1.4.2: Requirements. In order to protect water quality the City's LDC shall require the following for new development or redevelopment: a. The use of Low Impact Development (LID) strategies and best management practices shall be encouraged including as part of the stormwater fee credit program; b. Erosion control consistent with Objective 5-1.7 and its related policy; c. Surface water management systems shall be designed and constructed to retain or detain with filtration, as a minimum the storm water run-off generated from the first one -inch of rainfall over the entire site; 9 SE13ASTIAV d. Landscaped buffer areas shall be required in accordance with the minimum buffer requirements established by SJRWMD; e. A vegetated and functional littoral zone shall be established as part of the surface water management system of lakes occurring on all property. Littoral zone plantings shall be encouraged in commercial and residential subdivision stormwater ponds including as part of the stormwater fee credit program. Prior to construction of the surface water management system for any phase of a project, the developer shall prepare a design and management plan for the wetland/littoral zone that will be developed as part of these systems; f. Require sewage pump -out facilities at all marinas and for facilities which sell petroleum products require adequate fuel spill containment facilities measures; and g. No new Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) may have septic. Policy 5-1.4.3: Class II Waters. Class II Waters (i.e., coastal waterbodies which currently do or have potential for supporting shellfish harvesting) shall be protected by incorporating and maintaining the following provisions in the City's LDC: a. Dredging activities shall be limited to approved maintenance dredging and shall minimize adverse impacts on shellfish propagation or harvesting. The City shall require that fill and dredging activities comply with all applicable local, state, and federal permitting requirements; b. Ensure good water quality by coordinating with the FDEP and the SJRWMD in monitoring the quality of storm water run-off. The City's LDC shall provide performance criteria designed to ensure that new development provides effective and adequate storm -water management improvements concurrent with the impacts of new development; c. Continue to asses needs for retrofitting stormwater outfalls without adequate treatment; d. Limit the use of Class II waters to water dependent activities that are not contrary to the public interest and satisfy a community need; and e. Limit modification of grass beds only to those cases involving overriding public interest. Policy 5-1.4.4: Regulate Agricultural Activities to Preserve Water Quality. The City's LDC shall include stipulations requiring that agricultural activities shall: a. Not be conducted adjacent to existing waterways and surface water management activities and shall comply with all applicable policies of FDEP, SJRWMD, and other agencies having appropriate jurisdiction as well as State laws, including administrative rules governing the Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserve. Such activities shall not threaten the water quality of the City's rivers and waterbodies; b. Maintain natural drainage patterns; c. Promote the use of surface water supplies for irrigation purposes; d. Prohibit the expansion of agricultural activities into wetland areas; and e. Use best management principles and practices in order to reduce pesticide and fertilizer run-off, prevent soil erosion, and preserve water quality. Policy 5-1.4.5: Protect Deep Aquifer Water Resources. In order to protect the quality and quantity of deep aquifer water resources, the City shall coordinate with SJRWMD and other applicable regulatory agencies in identifying the existence and location of free flowing deep aquifer wells and in requiring corrective measures, including capping, plugging, or installing regulatory devices which control the discharge of water from the deep aquifer pursuant to the SJRWMD policies. 10 Policy 5-1.4.6: Surficial Aquifer Recharge Area Protection. The City shall protect surficial aquifer recharge areas from impacts that would significantly alter their ability to function. The City's LDC shall include standards that restrict development within surficial aquifer recharge areas and that require retention of open space for all development in order to: a. Preserve the quality and quantity of water resources within the surficial aquifer; b. Promote improved surface water management; and c. Create natural or landscaped urban green space for enhanced community aesthetics and passive pedestrian activities. Policy 5-1.4.7: Protection and Conservation of Potable Water Supply. The City shall continue to require the LDC to incorporate performance criteria for public potable water wellfield protection. In addition, administrative procedures shall require applicants for development to coordinate with the SJRWMD in obtaining consumptive use permits. In order to comply with potable water conservation policies of the SJRWMD and achieve a reduction in the current rates of water consumption, the City's LDC shall incorporate the following performance standards: a. Where reclaimed water is available, potable water supplies may not be used to meet irrigation needs; b. Encourage the use of water -saving plumbing fixtures on all new development; and c. In order to reduce demand for irrigation water (which in turn often places greater demand upon potable water sources), at least 30% of all landscaping material obtained from off -site sources for use on any site should be native plants. Further, at least 50% of trees used in landscaping shall be native species in order to lessen water demand. Policy 5-1.4.8: Emergency Conservation of Water Sources. The City shall coordinate with the SJRWMD in implementing emergency water conservation measures based on the SJRWMD plans for management of the region's water resources. Policy 5-1.4.9: Managing Land Use Surrounding Water Well Cones of Influence. The City's LDC shall contain performance criteria designed to protect potable water supply and quality by restricting land development within public water well cones of influence in order to avoid potential adverse impacts on potable water resources. Policy 5-1.4.10: Resiliency. The City is susceptible to impacts of future sea level rise and combined rain events that would cause flooding based on data outlined in the City's Coastal Resiliency Plan. Best management practices to address flooding level of service violations and water quality shall be devised and, given the hydrology of the area, it is encouraged that there be the development of a pollutant load model. It is also encouraged that there be the hardening of pump -stations in order to increase resiliency against flooding events. Policy 5-1.4.11: Stormwater Management. Consistent with Policy 4-1.4.2 of the Infrastructure Element, the City shall pursue the development of an update to the 2013 Stormwater Management Master Plan. The plan shall provide a basis for adopting regulatory measures for enhancing water quality and shall identify capital improvements needed to improve the storm water management system. Policy 5-1.4.12: Illicit Discharge. Consistent with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) generic permit requirements for regulated municipal separate stormwater systems (MS4), the City shall implement a stormwater 11 management program to reduce the contamination of stormwater runoff and prohibit and eliminate illicit discharges to the MS4. The City's regulations related to illicit discharge detection and elimination will be informed by the Best Management Practices as established by FDEP. The City shall also continue to follow the regulatory requirements for the NPDES MS4 permit, as set forth in Chapter 62-624, F.A.C. Policy 5-1.4.13: Septic to Sewer Conversion. Consistent with Policy 4-1.2.3 of the Infrastructure Element, the conversion of septic tanks to centralized sewer services is critical, considering the location of existing septic tanks within environmentally sensitive areas and areas vulnerable to the impacts of flooding and sea level rise. The City shall continue to support the implementation of the Sebastian CRA Septic to Sewer Conversion Program and Indian River County initiatives to expand sanitary sewer service within the City such as the North Sebastian Septic to Sewer Phase I Conversion Project. Policy 5-1.4.14: Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs). The City shall continue to support the Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) for the Central Indian River Lagoon in meeting the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) adopted nutrient total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) for the main stem of the Indian River Lagoon Basin. Objective 5-1.5: Protect Air Quality. Protect and improve air quality by ensuring development meets or exceeds state and federal air quality standards and establishing regulatory programs to prevent and/or minimize non -point and ambient sources of air pollution. Policy 5-1.5.1: Combat Erosion and Generation of Dust Particles. The City's LDC shall incorporate performance standards which combat erosion and generation of fugitive dust particles. The regulations shall require that measures be taken on building sites or cleared areas which assure that exposed, destabilized, or other altered soil is expeditiously covered with an acceptable erosion control material. Policy 5-1.5.2: Air Pollution and Land Use Regulations. The City's LDC, including adopted soil erosion and sedimentation controls as well as nuisance abatement standards, shall continue to protect against loss of air quality by maintaining land use controls which promote only activities compatible with existing land uses and natural systems and prohibit activities which generate air pollutants and other adverse impacts on the environmentally fragile coastal ecosystem. The City shall also promote the function of trees in improving air quality through the Tree Protection and Landscaping Ordinance, consistent with Objective 5-1.9. Policy 5-1.5.3: Land Use and Transportation. Consistent with the Land Use Element and Transportation & Mobility Element, the City shall promote the reduction of vehicle emission by supporting land uses that promote walking, biking, transit, and alternative modes of transportation, and encourage urban infill development that limits the need for automobile use, increases trip capture, and reduces traffic congestion in a cost-effective manner. Objective 5-1.6: Protection of Shoreline and Public Access to Shoreline. Protect and preserve the City's shorelines and public access to water based facilities and natural resources. Promote post -development shoreline stabilization methods that mimic a natural shoreline and support native habitat. Policy 5-1.6.1: Public Access to Waterfront Areas. The City shall encourage developers to provide public waterfront access adjacent to the waterfront. Such access may include walkways, bikeways, water taxis, canoeing/kayaking, public spaces, dining areas, and the like. 12 SEBASTIAV Policy 5-1.6.2: Florida Native Vegetation and Features. The City shall require the use of native Florida vegetation and protection of natural features in coastal and waterfront development. Policy 5-1.6.3: Public Access to Indian River Lagoon. The City's LDC shall require shoreline access to the Indian River Lagoon to be promoted in order to maintain accessways along the shoreline. State assistance shall be enlisted to achieve land required to appropriately store vehicles, provide rest room facilities, and accessways designed in a manner compatible with the shoreline ecosystem. Policy 5-1.6.4: Waterfront Planning. The City's LDC shall include criteria for regulating water - dependent and water -related shoreline land uses. No structures which constrict water circulation in all flowing surface waters shall be permitted. Policy 5-1.6.5: Shorelines and Submerged Lands Planning. The City's LDC shall require all applicants proposing development activities along the City's shorelines or within submerged areas to submit a site plan which demonstrate how the development shall incorporate features designed to protect against potential adverse impacts to shoreline vegetation and stabilization, water quality, native habitat, and shoreline access. The City shall require surveys of existing conditions, specifications of planned site improvements, and the techniques to be used in constructing, operating, and maintaining the land use. No shoreline development permit or development order shall be approved until the applicant has demonstrated that potentially adverse impacts shall be prevented or that compensatory mitigation shall occur. Policy 5-1.6.6: Prioritizing Shoreline Uses and Public Shoreline Access. The City's LDC shall include the following criteria for prioritizing shoreline uses and public shoreline access: a. In reviewing applications for shoreline development First Priority shall be directed to non- structural shoreline protection uses (ex: native shoreline revegetation programs) and approved water -dependent shoreline uses (ex: pervious accessways, duly permitted dock facilities, and commercial marinas). Priority shall be directed to water dependent uses which are available for public use. b. In reviewing applications for shoreline development Second Priority shall be directed to water - related uses such as parking facilities for shoreline access, residential structures which comply with the building code for structures within the State coastal building zone, and recreational facilities which comply with applicable codes. Policy 5-1.6.7: Water Dependent Shoreline Uses. The City shall require that water dependent shoreline uses obtain requisite permits from all environmental permitting agencies prior to obtaining City approval. Docks or marina improvements shall not be approved by the City until the applicant demonstrates compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and administrative rules governing Aquatic Preserves as well as applicable policies of regional agencies. The City's LDC shall require site plans for all docks and marinas and no commercial marina facilities shall be permitted on the St. Sebastian River. Site plans must demonstrate to the City's satisfaction that the facilities shall not adversely impact natural marine resources. Policy 5-1.6.8: Water Related Shoreline Uses. The City's LDC shall require that all water -related uses be built on uplands landward of the floodway. Within the state coastal building zone all construction activities shall be predicated on plans compliant with applicable state and local building codes. Dredging and filling of wetlands or open water in order to accommodate water -related uses shall not be permitted 13 SEELASTIAN unless the City approves such activity pursuant to provisions of the wetland protection ordinance, the storm water management ordinance, and all other relevant site plan review criteria. Policy 5-1.6.9: Hardening of the Shoreline. Hardening of the shoreline with rip -rap, bulkheads or other similar devices shall not be allowed unless erosion constitutes a critical peril to upland property and the use of vegetation has failed to stabilize the shoreline. The City's LDC shall include design specifications of any shoreline hardening structure. Such shoreline hardening structures shall generally not be vertical seawalls or bulkheads. The specific location and design of such structures shall be approved by the City as well as by other public entities having jurisdiction in the matter. The LDC shall require an environmental impact study and a special City Council variance for any sea wall construction. The City shall require the compliance with state and federal permitting requirements in the removal and/or modification of protected shoreline vegetation. Policy 5-1.6.10: Protect, Stabilize, and Enhance the Shoreline. The City shall promote natural shoreline systems by utilizing the site and development process to promote the installation of native vegetation and living shorelines and the removal of existing hardening structures. The City's LDC shall stipulate that no native vegetation shall be removed from the shoreline without a duly authorized City land clearing permit. Similarly, criteria shall be included in the LDC which requires an applicant for development along the shoreline to be required to revegetate, stabilize, and enhance damaged shorelines by planting native vegetation. Objective 5-1.7: Minimize Soil Erosion. Reduce the incidence of soil erosion caused by land clearing, breaches in stabilized shorelines, and lands having exposed soil without vegetative cover. Policy 5-1.7.1: Implementing Erosion Control. The City's LDC shall require that appropriate measures be taken during land clearing and building operations to ensure that exposed, destabilized or otherwise altered soil is expeditiously covered with an acceptable erosion control material. The City's LDC shall require compliance with regulatory requirements and the City's NPDES MS4 permit, including consistency with Policy 5-1.4.2. The City's regulations related to soil erosion will be informed by the Best Management Practices as established by SJRWMD, FDEP, FDOT, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, and Natural Resources Conservation Service. Objective 5-1.8: Mining and Mineral Excavation Activities. Prevent the adverse effects of the extraction of mineral resources within the City. Policy 5-1.8.1: Prohibition Against Mining Activities. The LDC shall prohibit mining activities, except for existing sand mining operations, to protect the City's ecosystems. Objective 5-1.9: Green Infrastructure and Sustainability. Consider sustainability and environmental -consciousness in the City's operations and promote the utilization of green infrastructure. Policy 5-1.9.1: Sustainability. The City shall support the Sustainable Sebastian Initiative and Resolution in order to promote sustainability principles and encourage adaptation strategies. Policy 5-1.9.2: Sustainability Action Plan. The City shall consider the development of a Sustainability Action Plan to include long-term objectives and short-term actions to guide the City in areas including, 14 but not limited to, improving quality of life and community/individual health; energy conservation/independence; air quality, water quality, and natural systems; and economic sustainability. Policy 5-1.9.3: Green Jobs. Consistent with the Economic Development Element, the City shall explore strategies to leverage the City's natural and economic assets to attract `green jobs' and related nature based industries. Policy 5-1.9.4: Integrated Pest Management Plan. The City shall implement its 2020 Integrated Pest Management Plan in order to promote the most sustainable pest management methods which aim to minimize risks to human and environmental health through the limited use of chemicals, while also remaining economically feasible. Policy 5-1.9.5: Green Building Design. Consistent with Policy 1-2.3.4 of the Land Use Element the City shall encourage energy conservation in building and construction. The City shall encourage green building design (i.e. LEED) which promotes energy and resource efficiency, waste reduction, pollution prevention, respects natural topography, and improves occupant health and productivity. Policy 5-1.9.6: Green Infrastructure. Green infrastructure provides for wildlife habitat, stormwater management, and recreational opportunities. The City shall plan for and manage its green infrastructure including its parks, greenways, and protected conservation lands. The City shall also coordinate local open space plans with regional green infrastructure plans in order to promote connectivity, investment, and maximize the ecological and public benefits of green infrastructure. Goal 5-2: Coastal Management and Resiliency. The coastal community of Sebastian shall limit public expenditures in areas subject to destruction by flood risk and natural disasters. Objective 5-2.1: Coastal High -Hazard Area. The Coastal High Hazard Area (CHHA) is an area particularly vulnerable to the effects of coastal flooding from tropical storm events and is defined by section 163.3178(2)(h)9, Florida Statutes, as the area below the elevation of the category 1 storm surge line as established by a Sea, Lake, and Overland Surges from Hurricanes (SLOSH) computerized storm surge model (See Map 5-7). The City shall enforce development restrictions within the CHHA and any area found to have historically experienced destruction or severe damage from storm driven, wind, water, or erosion. The City has identified the high velocity storm surge area as indicated on the Federal flood insurance rate maps as the only such area. 5-2.1.1: Coastal High Hazard Area Application: The following shall apply for purposes of evaluating applications for development within the City, specifically comprehensive plan land use amendments, map and text, and rezoning: a. If 50 percent or more of a parcel of land is located within the Coastal High Hazard Area, then the entire parcel shall be considered within the Coastal High Hazard Area b. Isolated areas that are defined by the SLOSH computerized storm surge model to be at higher elevations, and are surrounded by the CHHA or by the CHHA and a body of water, shall be considered within the CHHA c. For purposes of evaluating development proposals or site plans, if any portion of the proposed building footprint is in the CHHA, then the entire parcel shall be considered within the CHHA 15 HOME Policy 5-2.1.2: Limiting Public Subsidy of Development in the Coastal High -Hazard Area. The City shall limit public expenditures that subsidize development permitted in the CHHA to restoration or enhancement of natural resources and public services for water dependent uses. The only exception to this regulation shall be that existing mobile homes within the CHHA shall be grandfathered in, thereby may be repaired and/or replaced as long as the density does not increase. The City shall aim to minimize the impact of natural hazards such as flooding and sea level rise to the community by directing development away from the CHHA as defined by State Statute §163.3178(2)(0, F.S. This policy shall not be interpreted as prohibiting the extension of sewer lines to replace failed septic tank systems identified in Policy 5-2.1.3 and Policy 5-2.1.4 below. Policy 5-2.1.3: CHHA Infrastructure. Consistent with Policy 4-1.2.3 of the Infrastructure Element, the City shall support septic to sewer efforts in order to preserve environmental integrity and protect the health of residents. Enhanced septic systems which include additional treatments may be allowed in the CHHA for areas not serviced by wastewater facilities. Policy 5-2.1.4 Infrastructure Extensions: The City shall encourage the extension of wastewater facilities to replace failing septic tank systems in areas subject to flooding as a means to protect ground water quality. Policy 5-2.1.5: Existing Infrastructure in the CHHA. The City shall establish a priority list of infrastructure facilities located in the CHHA which could be relocated, mitigated or replaced should state funding become available for such activities. Additional infrastructure and assets are inventoried in the City's Coastal Resiliency Plan. Policy 5-2.1.6: Public Investments in CHHA. Except as provided in Policies above, publicly funded facilities shall not be built in the CHHA, unless the facility is for public access, resource restoration, adequate evacuation, or service to water dependent activities. These facilities may face inundation and be impacted if they are outdoor facilities according to the City's Coastal Resiliency Plan. The City is encouraged to consider a funding source for purchasing CHHA properties and creating low impact/ low risk re -use of the property. Policy 5-2.1.7: Hazard Mitigation and CHHA. The City shall maintain LDC's which contain performance standards regulating development activities in a manner which minimizes the danger to life and property occasioned by natural hazard events including: a. Non-residential construction within the CHHA shall meet storm and floodproofing standards exceeding those required for a one hundred (100) year storm; and b. If a structure located within the CHHA receive storm damage in excess of fifty (50) percent of its physical size, all such damaged structures shall be required to meet all current laws and ordinances, including those enacted since construction of the subject structure. Policy 5-2.1.8: Avoid Population Concentrations in CHHA. The City shall restrict development and not increase or support densities or intensities beyond those depicted on the Future Land Use Map in the CHHA in order to minimize danger to life and property caused by hurricane events, flooding, or sea level rise. The City shall direct population concentrations away from CHHA. Policy 5-2.1.9: Restrict Development in CHHA. The City shall incorporate policies in the LDC in order to direct population concentrations away from known or predicted areas in the CHHA. Also, the City shall 16 SE13AS-IIAV direct population concentrations away from known areas that are vulnerable to flooding inundation and sea level rise as established in the City's Coastal Resiliency Plan. Development principles and strategies that eliminate unsafe development in the CHHA must be used as defined by §163.3178(2)(f), F.S. The following provisions shall restrict development within the CHHA: a. Water and sewer treatment plants, industrial holding ponds and other potential point pollution sources within the coastal high -hazard area are prohibited; b. Require construction within the hurricane flood zone to meet storm and flood proofing standards exceeding those required for a 100-year storm; and c. Residential development and/or redevelopment in the CHHA shall not exceed existing residential densities for that property. Objective 5-2.2: Maintenance of Floodplain. Protect the natural functions, including flood - carrying and flood storage capacity, of the 100-year floodplain. Policy 5-2.2.1: Enforce Policies to Maintain Floodplain. The City shall continue to enforce its surface water management and flood damage prevention regulations including the following: a. New development encroaching into the floodplain shall incorporate flood protection measures sufficient to protect against the 100-year flood. New development encroaching into areas subject to sea level rise, storm surge, and flood inundation shall incorporate flood protection measures as defined in the City's Coastal Resiliency Plan. b. The City's Storm Water Management and Flood Protection Ordinance shall maintain consistency with program policies of the Federal Insurance Administration including the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS). The City shall monitor new cost- effective programs for minimizing flood damage. Such programs may include compensatory storage for loss of floodplain or modification to construction setback requirements, or other site design techniques, as well as upgraded building and construction techniques. c. The City shall encourage the use of best management practices for development strategies that result in reducing flood risk and the removal of coastal real property from flood zone designations established by the Federal Emergency Agency as required by §163.3178(2)(f), F.S. Policy 5-2.2.2: Purchase of Floodplain. The City shall identify and recommend to the State and FDEP purchase of floodplains that would comply with program guidelines established under the Florida Forever Program. Objective 5-2.3. Emergency Management. Ensure City preparedness in the case of a natural disaster or emergency. Policy 5-2.3.1 Emergency Preparedness: Consistent with Objective 1-2.5 of the Land Use Element and Policies 4-1.1.10 and 4-1.1.11 of the Infrastructure Element, the City shall include emergency management criteria into the LDC to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters or emergency events, including fires, pandemics/epidemics, terrorism and other disasters in order to protect public health and safety. Policy 5-2.3.2: Hurricane Evacuation. The City shall coordinate with Indian River County in attaining a hurricane evacuation time of less than twelve (12) hours. There is the potential to put into place early warning notifications for elderly residents who are potentially more vulnerable as recommended in the 17 SEELASTIAN City's Coastal Resiliency Plan. According to the Coastal Resiliency Plan, inundation caused by flooding and sea level rise is predicted to impact evacuation routes on Sebastian Boulevard and this vulnerability should be addressed to increase resilience. Policy 5-2.3.3: Removal of Trees Causing Safety Hazard. The City's LDC shall require that trees, such as Australian Pines, that are prone to wind damage and blockage of evacuation routes be removed from areas deemed by the City to be critical corridors for evacuation purposes. In addition, the City shall consider the feasibility of imitating a similar program to remove any trees on public property which impose a critical threat to evacuation routes. Policy 5-2.3.4: Hurricane Evacuation Logistical Support. In order to prevent unnecessary evacuees crowding roads and shelters, the City shall coordinate with Indian River County in disseminating information concerning the need of residents to evacuate at various hurricane threat levels, flood events, and sea level rise events. The City shall coordinate with the County and the Indian River County Emergency Management Director in assisting the implementation of the County's campaign to educate the general citizenry regarding emergency preparedness plans, including specific citizen directives. Policy 5-2.3.5: Future Coordination with the County in Emergency Preparedness. In order to provide for safe and efficient evacuation of the residents of the City of Sebastian and other communities in the event of a hurricane or other disaster, a. The City shall enforce its Emergency Management Plan and continue to coordinate with Indian River County in annual updates of the County's Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan addressing future populations and responses (response times, evacuation times, shelter capacity, etc). b. The City's LDC shall mandate that new development maintain a density threshold which is consistent with the County's Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. This stipulation will assure that future density thresholds may be accommodated without adversely impacting hurricane evacuation time. The City shall also coordinate with the County in updating hurricane evacuation shelter assignments as well as other policy formulation surrounding land use and emergency preparedness. Policy 5-2.3.6: Coordinate Update of the Hazard Mitigation Plan. The City shall coordinate with the County in updating the hazard mitigation component of the County's Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan pursuant to the five (5) year interval schedule adopted by the County. Updates of the Plan shall identify specific actions that may be implemented to reduce exposure to natural hazards, include strategies for post -disaster recovery operations, and incorporate interagency hazard mitigation reports as such reports are generated in the future. The City shall also maintain, update, and enforce the City of Sebastian's Emergency Management Plan to ensure preparedness in the case of a natural disaster. Objective 5-2.4: Post -disaster Redevelopment. Coordinate with Indian River County in providing immediate response to post -disaster situations. Policy 5-2.4.1: Post -Hurricane Assessments. Consistent with the Citv of Sebastian's Emergencv Management Plan, tThe City Council shall appoint a Recovery Task Force (RTF) comprised of the City Manager, the Building Official, and others as determined by the City Council. The RTF shall be responsible for assessing the conditions following a hurricane or other similar disasters such as flooding events and IN HOME shall propose strategic actions necessary to establish order and re-establish communication and basic service delivery systems necessary for health, safety, and welfare. Within ninety (90) days after appointment of the Recovery Task Force, the Task Force shall meet to determine a management framework for resolving issues confronted in times of a natural disaster. The management framework shall be reviewed with the County Civil Defense Officer for compliance with the County's Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and shall be presented to the City Council for review and approval. The management plan should provide a basis for executing the following activities during times of natural disaster: a. Establishing a temporary moratorium on building activity; b. Reviewing and deciding upon emergency building permits; c. Coordinating with State and Federal officials to prepare disaster assistance applications; d. Analyzing and recommending to the City Council hazard mitigation options, including reconstruction or relocation of damaged public facilities; e. Developing a redevelopment plan including limitations on redevelopment in areas of repeated damage; and f. Recommending amendments to the Local Peacetime Emergency Plan and other appropriate policies and procedures. Policy 5-2.4.2: Repair and Clean-up. In planning post -disaster redevelopment activities, factors to be considered in order to protect the public health and safety shall include: a. Repairs to potable water, wastewater and power facilities; b. Removal of debris; c. Stabilization or removal of structures in a perilous condition; and d. Minimal repairs to make structures habitable. These considerations shall receive first priority in determining the appropriateness of emergency building permits. Long term redevelopment activities shall be postponed until the Recovery Task Force has coordinated immediate repair and clean-up operations. Policy 5-2.4.3: Redevelopment Activities. The LDC shall require the redevelopment of any structure within the City that received storm -damage in excess of fifty (50%) percent of its appraised value to meet all current laws and ordinances, including those enacted since construction of the subject structure. The city shall require that new development and redevelopment in areas that are at high risk of flooding to use best practices, strategies, and engineering solutions that may reduce risk and losses due to storms, flooding and sea level rise as defined by §163.3178(2)(f), F.S. Policy 5-2.4.4: Establish Public Facilities Review Committee. The City Council shall designate the Recovery Taskforce as the City's designated Public Facilities Review Committee charged with the responsibility for reviewing available alternatives for managing damaged public facilities following a hurricane event. The Committee shall evaluate future options for such facilities, including, but not limited to, abandonment repair in place, relocation, and reconstruction, with structural modifications. The Committee shall consider these options based on the following considerations: a. Cost to construct; b. Impacts on the environment; c. Cost to maintain; d. Public sector; 19 SEBASTIAN e. Recurring damages; f. Impacts on land use; and g. Other relevant factors. Objective 5-2.5: Establish an Adaptation Action Area Overlay District. To minimize future risk, establish an Adaptation Action Area (AAA) Overlay District for areas that are vulnerable to coastal flooding and the impacts of sea level rise, based on the data and modeling outlined within the City's Coastal Resiliency Plan and compliant with §163. 3178, F.S. Policy 5-2.5.1: Adaptation Action Area (AAA). Within the LDC, the City of Sebastian shall establish criteria for Low Impact Design and Flood Resistant Design for new development and redevelopment within the AAA. Development within this overlay district must comply with coastal development best practices including but not limited to construction engineering solutions and low impact development techniques that utilize vegetation and natural features to minimize surface runoff and reduce flood risk. Policy 5-2.5.2: Transfer of Development Rights Program. The City shall utilize the Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program identified in Land Use Policy 1-1.5.1 to incentivize the preservation of natural resources and habitats including those within vulnerable areas and also those identified within but not limited to the City's Coastal Resiliency Plan. The City shall designate parcels within the established CHHA or proposed AAA Overlay District as sending zones for development rights, and less vulnerable parcels outside of the established CHHA or proposed AAA as receiving sites for density and intensity transferred through the TDR program. This allows development at higher densities in low risk areas and encourages less intense development in the City's floodplains and natural areas. Objective 5-2.6: Continuing Evaluation of the Conservation & Coastal Management Element Effectiveness. Evaluate the effectiveness of the Conservation & Coastal Management Element. Policy 5-2.6.1: Review the Impact of Changing Conditions on Coastal Management and Conservation Policy. The City shall monitor and evaluate significant changes in the characteristics of natural coastal resources and natural resources within the City. Policy implications of such changes shall be examined, and corrective measures shall be pursued. Coastal management and conservation policies shall be refined as needed in order to remain responsive to evolving problems and issues. Policy 5-2.6.2: Schedule, Budget and Implement Programmed Activities. The timely scheduling, programming, budgeting and implementation of programmed coastal management activities and conservation activities identified in this Element shall be evidence of the City's effectiveness in carrying out a systematic program for implementing coastal management and conservation goals, objectives, and policies. Policy 5-2.6.3: Coordinate with Public and Private Sectors. While continually implementing and evaluating the Conservation & Coastal Management Element, the City shall maintain a process of intergovernmental coordination as well as coordination, with private sector groups interested in coastal management and conservation policy and programs. The effectiveness of this approach shall be evaluated by the success of coordination mechanisms in resolving coastal management and conservation problems and issues. 20 Policy 5-2.6.4: Achieve Effective Resolution of Coastal Management and Conservation Goals, Objectives and Policies. The effectiveness of the Conservation & Coastal Management Element shall be measured by the City's success in achieving coastal management and conservation goals, objectives and policies. The Conservation & Coastal Management Element incorporates a systematic planning process for identifying coastal management and conservation problems and issues and implementing corrective actions. Policy 5-2.6.5: Intergovernmental Coordination. Specific Objectives and Policies regarding intergovernmental coordination and this Element are provided and identified in the Governance & Implementation Element. 21 DATA INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Introduction Pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 163 of the 2019 Florida Statutes, the Conservation & Coastal Management Element consists of a data inventory and analysis that influences the overarching goals, objectives, and policies. This Element sets the foundation for the City to protect its natural environment and protect life and property from natural disasters. Waterbodies Utilizing data retrieved from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Map 5-1 illustrates the waterbodies located within and surrounding the City of Sebastian. The inland areas of Sebastian which are submerged during all of the year, with the exception of extreme dry periods, include streams, wetlands, lakes, ponds, canals, and waterways. Those areas of Sebastian classified as inland open waterways include Collier Creek, Schumann Lake, three unnamed lakes/ponds, Collier Waterway, and Elkcam Waterway. Wetlands are scattered throughout Sebastian, with concentrations in the northeast and southeast portions of the City. The St. Sebastian River runs along the west side of the City limits and has historically been preserved through setback restrictions. The Indian River Lagoon rests along the eastern border of Sebastian and is one of the most biologically diverse estuaries in North America. It has been designated as an Outstanding Florida Water and an Estuary of National Significance. The estuary's mangrove wetlands and salt marshes provide a plethora of benefits for the community such as filtering runoff, stabilizing sediments, maintaining water quality, and protecting shorelines from erosion. The Indian River Lagoon is protected by State regulations from impacts of development on its shores, as well as from fill and dredge activities within its waters. Waterways within the City are protected and will receive only minimal effects from future development. Although development will not encroach into the waterways, urban runoff from adjacent residential neighborhoods could possibly degrade their water quality. However, increases in pollution levels associated with runoff should be minimal, allowing the vegetation and wildlife now present therein to proliferate for years to come. Wildlife and Habitats The City of Sebastian's native vegetation and forests as well as wetlands, streams, lakes, ponds, canals, and freshwater waterways including the St. Sebastian River provide vital habitat for wildlife within the City. The Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge is found along the eastern border of Sebastian. The Pelican Island Wildlife Refuge was the nation's first national wildlife refuge and is designated as a National Historic Landmark and a Wetland of International Importance. The Refuge provides a habitat for endangered species and migratory birds. The Indian River Lagoon estuary also acts as a home for a large variety of plants and animals with concentrations of rare and endangered organisms including mammals, birds, reptiles, fishes, and invertebrates. These species exist in several communities, such as sea grass beds, deep water areas, tidal flats, saltmarsh grass, and oyster bars. Throughout the Indian River Lagoon there are a number of commercially and recreationally valuable species of fin and shellfish. Clams, oysters, crabs and shrimp are the major invertebrates that are commercially valuable in the area. Sea trout, snook, pompano, mullet, and redfish are among the finfish that are harvested both commercially and recreationally from the waters bordering the City of Sebastian. 22 SE13AS-IIAV Marine grasses are generally found in shallow water areas of estuaries. The Indian River Lagoon has a significant amount of grass beds in the vicinity of Sebastian. These species tend to form in distinct zones, with their location depending on water depth. These areas stabilize sediments, entrap silt, recycle nutrients, provide habitat, and are an important direct food source for a number of animals, including the endangered West Indian Manatee. Increased freshwater and storm water run-off as well as dredge and fill activities can cause increased turbidity, siltation, and subsequent degradation of these beds. Due to shallow waters within the Sebastian area, the top of seagrass beds lie near the surface, making this habitat susceptible to damage from motor boats, both pleasure and commercial craft. Any wildlife thriving in these shallow waters also are susceptible to harm from motor boats. Manatees are susceptible to detrimental impacts from both loss of seagrass beds as well as water crafts. Threats to manatees from water craft may be reduced in areas along the Indian River where reduced speed limits are posted or where manatee habitats are identified and posted as such. The City of Sebastian should continue to maintain and support Resolution No. R-08-14 which adopts guidelines for the City of Sebastian for the protection of protected animal and plant species in review of land clearing activities. The related goals, objectives, and policies that ensure the protection of wildlife and habitats within this Element are important including for the protection of the Gopher Tortious and Scrub Jay habitats within the City. The Scrub Jay is a bird presently listed as a threatened species by both the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. General locations of their habitat and nesting areas within Sebastian include the area just south of the airport and the Sebastian Highlands area. Map 5-3 identifies Scrub Jay locations within the City. Identification of their nesting areas has enabled the City, County, and State to preserve some areas from future detrimental impacts of development. The City's 2019 report, Conservation of the Florida Scrub -Jay within the City's Municipal Airport, includes a summary of more than 30 years of scrub -jay conservation efforts and regulatory requirements from the Habitat Conservation Plan (1999), the Incidental Take Permit (2000), and other City documentation. The Citv intends to continue to plan for and manage its green infrastructure including its parks, greenways, and Protected conservation lands. Green infrastructure provides for wildlife habitat, stormwater management, and recreational opportunities. Conservation of Resources Lands that are conserved within and adjacent to the City are identified in Map 5-2. Approximately 901 acres within the City of Sebastian are conservation lands. These areas include: • Ansin Tract • Archie Smith Fish House • Fischer Tract • North Sebastian CA • NSCA addition • Sebastian Harbor Preserve • Sebastian Scrub CA • St Sebastian River Greenway • Jane Schnee Scrub Preserve • Pelican Island Elementary Scrub Preserve • Rotary Park 23 SEELASTIAV These conservation lands help protect natural resources, enhance environmental quality, conserve vital habitats, and reduce fragmentation within the City. Threatened and Endangered Species Wildlife species which have been listed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission as being endangered or threatened in the City of Sebastian are documented in Table 5-1. This list is not all inclusive. Some of the species which are included in the list are found infrequently within the City but have ranges that do include Sebastian. Table 5-1: Threatened and Endangered Wildlife Species Everglade snail kite Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus Federally Endangered Red -cockaded woodpecker Picoides borealis Federally Endangered Wood stork Mycteria americana Federally Threatened Audubon's crested caracara Piping Plover Florida scrub -jay Rufa ed knot Bald eagle Least tern Black skimmer Tricolored heron Little blue heron Reddish egret American oyster catcher Florida sandhill crane Polyborus plancus audubonii Charadrius melodus Aphelocoma coerulescens Calidris canutus rufa Haliaeetus leucocephalus Sternula antillarum Rynchops niger Egretta tricolor Egretta caerulea Egretta rufescens Haemotopus palliates Antigone canadensis pratensis Federally Threatened Federally Threatened Federally Threatened Federally Threatened Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act State Threatened State Threatened State Threatened State Threatened State Threatened State Threatened State Threatened West Indian manatee (Florida M Mammals Trichechus manatus manatee) (Trichechus manatus Federally Threatened latirostris) Florida panther Puma concolor coryi Federally Endangered Southeastern beach mouse Peromyscus polionotus niveiventris Federally Threatened Florida bonneted bat Eumops floridanus Federally Endangered 24 SEELAST HOMF OF rEtIl-IAl NV Bottlenose dolphin I Tursioos truncates I Marine Mammal Protection Act American alligator Alligator mississippiensis Federally Threatened (Due to Similarity of Appearance) Hawksbill sea turtle Eretmochelys imbricata Federally Endangered Leatherback sea turtle Dermochelys coriacea Federally Endangered Loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta Federally Threatened Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle Lepidochelys kempii Federally Endangered Source: United States Fish and Wildlife Service and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Land Use Cover According to the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) 2013-2016 land use data set, primary land uses and their acreages within the City's boundaries are shown in Table 5-2 below. Each of these land uses and their corresponding detailed land use covers within Sebastian are broken out in this section. Map 5-4 delineates the generalized locations of these SJRWMD land uses within the City. Vegetative communities included within these land uses shall be protected to the maximum extent practicable to reduce fragmentation of wildlife corridors. Changes to the character of the community's vegetation and related -densities will likely induce species sensitive to environmental changes to seek more attractive, undisturbed habitats in areas outside Sebastian's corporate limits. However, no abnormal impacts on flora or fauna are expected to occur; only those impacts normally associated with an area experiencing further urbanization are anticipated. Table 5-2: SJRWMD Land Use Coverage Agriculture 238 2.5% Barren Land 13 0.1 % Ranqeland 898 9.5% Transportation, Communication, and 4.3% 412 Utilities Upland Forests 467 5.0% Urban and Built -Up 6,096 64.2% Water 853 9.0% Wetlands 514 5.4% Total 9,489 100% Source: Florida Department of Environmental Protection Agriculture: The Agriculture land use covers within Sebastian include the following: Improved Pastures 25 SEBASTIAN • Woodland Pastures • Tree Nurseries • Citrus Groves • Herbaceous (Dry Prairie) • Mixed Upland Nonforested • Abandoned Tree Crops Barren Land: The Barren Land land use covers within Sebastian include the following: • Disturbed Lands • Spoil Areas Rangeland: The Rangeland land use covers within Sebastian include the following: • Herbaceous (Dry Prairie) • Shrub and Brushland • Mixed Upland Nonforested Transportation, Communication, and Utilities: The Transportation, Communication, and Utilities land use covers within Sebastian include the following: • Airports • Roads and Highways • Electric Power Facilities • Auto Parking Facilities (When not directly related to other land use) • Communications • Electrical Power Transmission Lines • Wet Prairies • Water Supply Plants (Including pumping stations) • Surface Water Collection Features • Emergent Aquatic Vegetation • Freshwater Marshes • Surface Water Collection Features Upland Forest: The Upland Forest land use covers within Sebastian include the following: • Pine Flatwoods • Sand Pine • Longleaf Pine - Xeric Oak • Upland Hardwood Forests • Upland Mixed - Coniferous / Hardwood Urban and Built Up: The Urban and Built Up land use covers within Sebastian include the following: • Residential • Commercial and Services • Cemeteries • Commercial and Services Under Construction • Sand and Gravel Pits 26 • Holding Ponds • Other Light Industrial • Institutional • Marina's and Fish Camps • Parks and Zoos • Golf Courses • Community Recreational Facilities • Herbaceous (Dry Prairie) • Shrub and Brushland • Mixed Upland Nonforested Water: The Water land use covers within Sebastian include the following: • Streams and Waterways • Lakes • Reservoirs • Bays and Estuaries Wetlands: The Wetlands land use covers within Sebastian include the following: • Bay Swamps • Mangrove Swamps • Mixed Wetland Hardwoods • Cabbage Palm Hammock • Wetland Forested Mixed • Freshwater Marshes • Wet Prairies • Mixed Scrub -shrub Wetland • Emergent Aquatic Vegetation Primary vegetative communities within the City that are listed above include, but are not limited to, wet prairies, mixed scrub -shrub wetland, freshwater marshes, mixed wetland hardwoods, sand pine, upland hardwood forests, pine flatwoods, mixed upland non -forested, shrub and brushland, and herbaceous upland non -forested. These primary vegetative communities indigenous to Sebastian are described below based upon data and information from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Wet prairies: Wet prairies are flatland or slope with sand or clayey sand substrate. They are usually saturated but only occasionally inundated. They are statewide excluding the extreme southern peninsula. Wet prairies experience frequent fire (2-3 years). They are a treeless, dense herbaceous community with few shrubs. Included is wiregrass, blue maidencane, cutthroat grass, wiry beaksedges, flattened pipewort, toothache grass, pitcher plants, and coastal plain yellow -eyed grass. Mixed scrub -shrub wetland: Mixed scrub -shrub wetlands are wetland areas that are dominated by woody vegetation less than 20 feet in height. This can occur in many situations, but in most cases involves transitional or disturbed communities on drier sites. Persistent examples of shrub wetlands include shrub bogs and willow swamps. 27 sE �4'�If iY I'FI lino fcl at(` Mixed wetland hardwoods: Mixed wetland hardwoods are wetland hardwood communities which are composed of a large variety of hardwood species tolerant of hydric conditions yet exhibit an ill-defined mixture of species. Freshwater marshes: Freshwater marshes are long hydroperiods that are dominated by grasses, sedges, broadleaf emergents, floating aquatics, or shrubs. Sand pine: Sand pin is found on ridges throughout the state. It experiences rare fire (20-80 years). It includes a canopy of sand pine and an understory of the three shrubby oaks, or less commonly, and Florida rosemary. Upland hardwood forests: Upland hardwood forests are located upland with sand/clay and/or calcareous substrate. Located from the Panhandle to the central peninsula. It experiences rare or no fire. Includes a closed deciduous or mixed deciduous/evergreen canopy. Also includes American beech, southern magnolia, hackberry, swamp chestnut oak, white oak, horse sugar, flowering dogwood, and mixed hardwoods. Pine flatwoods: Pine flatwoods include mesic pine woodland or mesic shrubland on flat sandy or limestone substrates, often with a hard pan that impedes drainage. Mixed upland non -forested: Mixed upland non -forested areas include upland non -forested landscape in which neither herbaceous nor shrubs cover over 2/3 of the area. It may include areas where tree species are regenerating naturally after clear cutting or fire but are less than 20 feet tall. These include native hardwood and coniferous species , but does not apply to plantations Shrub and brushland: Shrub and brushland includes saw palmettos, gallberry, wax myrtle, coastal scrub and other shrubs and brush. Generally, saw palmetto is the most prevalent plant cover intermixed with a wide variety of other woody scrub plant species as well as various types of short herbs and grasses. Coastal scrub vegetation would include pioneer herbs and shrubs composed of such typical plants as sea purslane, sea grapes and sea oats without any one of these types being dominant. Herbaceous upland non -forested: Herbaceous upland non -forested areas include upland nonagricultural, non -forested lands which contain no evidence of cattle grazing. It includes areas that have over 67% herbaceous cover, not counting any forested inclusions, which may be up to 25% of the area. It also includes prairie grasses which occur on the upland margins of the wetland zone and may be periodically inundated by water. Generally, it is the marginal area between marsh and upland forested areas. These grasslands are generally treeless but in wet areas would have many types of soils resulting in a variety of vegetation types dominated by grasses, sedges, rushes and other herbs while dryer grass areas would be dominated by wire grasses with some saw palmetto present. Air Quality The Florida Department of Environmental Protection rates the quality of air in the City of Sebastian as good. The absence of major industries in the area helps to support the air quality in the City. Pollution generated from commercial and industrial developments within and adjacent to the City is not anticipated to adversely affect the air quality of Sebastian. Fugitive dust particles from land cleared for development may be experienced by the community, and developers should be requested to quickly replant development areas following clearing. The majority of air pollution in the City of Sebastian continues to emanate from automobile emissions. As the population in the area continues to increase so will traffic and emissions. m SEBASTIAN Water Quantity and Quality This section analyzes the current and projected water needs and sources based on the demands for industrial, agricultural, and potable water use and the quality and quantity of water available to meet these demands. Water Demands The City of Sebastian's potable water is provided by a system operated by the Indian River County Utilities Department. The City is located within the North County Service Area and serviced by the North County Water Treatment Plant. Potable water in the City of Sebastian is received from either private on -site wells or from the County's water treatment plant. Currently, the plants operated by the Indian River County Utilities Department use the Upper Floridan aquifer as their primary water source. The County uses reverse osmosis to treat water drawn from the Floridian Aquifer. Located on the north side of 77th Street, west of 58th Avenue, the North County Water Treatment Plant began operating in 1997. According to Indian River County, the current permitted design capacity of the plant is 11.44 MGD. Currently, there is adequate treatment capacity for the planning period. Additionally, the County is currently upgrading the Roseland Tank to a storage and repump station that will improve pressure in the North Sebastian area. According to the Land Use Element, zero percent of the City's acreage is designated for Agriculture. No change in agricultural land uses is anticipated in the foreseeable future. According to the Indian River County Comprehensive Plan Potable Water Sub -Element, the existing and projected industrial demand for the North County area is and will continue to be 2,500 gallons per day (GPD) per gross acre. The City's adopted Level of Service Standard for potable water is 250 gallons per day per equivalent residential unit. Table 5-3 provides a listing of the projected potable water demand based upon the population projections and the entire City being connected to the County potable water system. In order to meet projected demand in 2040, the City will require an estimated 3,978,000 gallons per day. To ensure the efficient and acceptable delivery of potable water services to the City of Sebastian continued coordination with Indian River County Utilities is recommended. Table 5-3: Projected Potable Water Demand 2020 25,957 11,616 250 2,904,000 2025 28,562 12,933 250 3,233,250 2030 30,806 14,100 250 3,525,000 2035 32,757 15,029 250 3,757,250 2040 34,567 15,912 250 3,978,000 Source: Population projections and household estimates from Florida Housing Data Clearinghouse Water Conservation The City of Sebastian participates in water conservation, use, and protection through programs and policies supported by SJRWMD. Per Section 373.016, F.S., the SJRWMD, and all other water management districts are required to "promote the conservation, replenishment, recapture, enhancement, development, and proper utilization of surface and groundwater." To accomplish this directive, the SJRWMD considers conservation in the 29 SEELASTIAV development of policy and rules, public information programs, planning, and resource management and evaluation. Conservation measures are also witnessed through the use of a consumptive use permitting process, which enables the SIRWMD to review certain proposed and existing developments for reasonable and beneficial use of water. The SJRWMD encourages the reuse of wastewater for irrigation purposes as a measure to conserve water. Incentives to install and utilize wastewater reuse facilities are provided in the Water Management District's permitting process for wastewater treatment facilities. Included among the SJRWMD's conservation efforts is a program targeted at plugging unattended, free -flowing artesian wells. This program attempts to identify abandoned wells, seal them, and restore them to their natural hydrologic condition. SJRWMD also promulgates information to the public concerning water conservation. Pamphlets, slide shows, speeches, and addresses made through media sources are a variety of ways in which the District educates and informs the public about water conservation. Aquifer Recharge There are no areas within the City that have been adopted by the St. John's River Water Management District as prime groundwater recharge areas for the Floridan aquifer. The coastal ridge area has the best recharge potential. However, most of this area has been developed as part of the "Old Town." Other portions have been mined for sand. The Floridan aquifer is recharged in eastern Osceola County and very little down migration of water is possible due to two factors: • A confining layer of silt and clay and various other materials separates the surficial and deep (Floridan) aquifer; and • The potentiometric surface of the aquifer is approximately +30 feet NGVD (National Geodetic Vertical Datum), this upward pressure will not permit recharge except under extremely high head conditions. The top of the surficial aquifer within the City is generally located between five (5) and ten (10) feet below the ground surface but may be much closer to the ground surface depending upon the amount of rainfall which is present. The rainfall in the area recharges the surficial aquifer, and as such, the water table depth fluctuates with the amount and intensity of the rainfall. The surficial aquifer recharge areas within the City may not supply large quantities of water to the aquifer but serve to prevent lateral saltwater intrusion into inland groundwater supplies. The City's zoning regulations, flood damage prevention ordinance, and subdivision regulations accomplish an adequate degree of protection for natural drainage and recharge areas. Sebastian's existing land use has generally developed in a manner favorable to natural groundwater recharge and natural flood protection. Water Quality The degradation of water quality in Sebastian may be a concern with the potential for increased growth and urbanization. With an increase in impervious surfaces the more concern there is for pollutants and runoff into water bodies. A decrease in water quality can cause several issues for the City including harmful algal blooms. Improvement of water quality should continue to be a cooperative effort between the City, the County, St. Johns a SEELASTIAN River Water Management District (SJRWMD), the National Estuary Program, Indian River County Mosquito Control District, and the Natural Resource Conservation Service. SJRWMD has also worked with Florida Department of Health, Indian River County Department of Environmental Health, the Marine Resources Council of East Central Florida, and the National Estuary Program to monitor surface water quality. Urban run-off is a major contributor of pollutants to the surface waters of the City and Indian River County. Utilization of more advanced treatment techniques and storm water management will assist in decreasing the detrimental effects of pollution on the natural systems of the City. Impacts of sea level rise and combined rain events may affect water quality and a pollutant load model may need to be developed as recommended in the City's Coastal Resiliency Plan. The City's Stormwater Management Plan shall identify approaches to address existing and potential deficiencies in the City's existing stormwater management system to maintain water quality. Indian River County operates all centralized potable water and sanitary sewer service in Sebastian. Therefore, any of the existing wastewater treatment plants that were discharging into the Lagoon are now deactivated and not polluting the waters. As more septic tanks are connected to central sewer, the opportunity for pollutants from septic tanks to enter the Lagoon will be eliminated. As stated in the Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) for the Central Indian River Lagoon (2013), the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has classified the estuary bordering the City of Sebastian as: • Class II waters which have a designated use of shellfish propagation or harvesting; and • Class III waters which means that it must be suitable for recreation and must support the propagation and maintenance of a healthy, well-balanced population of fish and wildlife. FDEP develops and adopts total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) for the waterbody segments it identifies as impaired. A TMDL is the maximum amount of a specific pollutant that a waterbody can assimilate while maintaining its designated uses. As stated in the BMAP, FDEP adopted the nutrient TMDLs for the main stem of the IRL Basin in March 2009. The TMDLs focus on the water quality conditions necessary for seagrass regrowth at depth limits where seagrass historically grew in the basin, based on a multiyear composite of seagrass coverage. The median depth limits of seagrass coverage in the IRL Basin decreased over the years due to decreased water quality resulting from anthropogenic influences. As polluted runoff reached the lagoon, it created conditions that prevented the seagrass from growing in deeper water. As described in the BMAP, the Central Indian River Lagoon is currently meeting the TMDL seagrass depth limit targets. The purpose of the BMAP is to document the completed projects that contributed to this success and to identify future projects to continue seagrass improvement. SOIIS Soils indigenous to Sebastian are a natural resource that has been an important factor in the development of the City. In earlier times, when agriculture was a major occupation, soil properties were a crucial determinant of the success of a farm or grove. Other development occurred, given the right location, on soils having the least limitations and requiring the least amount of corrective measures. Under the economics of land development today, the choice of land for a specified use is more often determined by factors such as location rather than the kind of soil. However, knowledge of the types of soil present in Sebastian is still important in assessing the limitations or reclamation that must be done to develop a site. The Indian River County Soil Survey prepared by the Soil Conservation Service and revised in September 2019 gives details of the 30 different soil types that exist in Sebastian. The soil classifications are made based upon 31 HOME the water table, slope, erosion potential, permeability, subsidence and organic (muck/peat) content. The soils are also rated as to their potential for development based upon those limiting properties. Soil types covering the City are illustrated in Map 5-5. The phvsioaraphic features in the Citv of Sebastian consist of relativelv flat lands with some gently rollina hills. The Citv of Sebastian phvsiographv is part of the mainland Atlantic Coastal Ridae. The ridae is a remnant of an offshore bar that was formed in the Pamlico Sea (Soil Survev of Indian River Countv, Florida, January 1987). The soils are predominantly "nearly level" to "gently sloping" very drv, and sandv. Slope does not exceed five (5%) Percent. Native veqetation consists of flatwoods with small depressions, includina oak, slash pine, rosemary, saw Palmetto, scrub oak, and Dineland threeawn. Followinq is a description of soil associations and their characteristics. 1. Soils of the Sand Ridqes, Astatula, Archbold, and St. Lucie. Nearly level to qentiv sloping, excessivelv drained and moderatelv well drained soils that are sand to a depth of 80 inches or more. These soils are situated alonq the main narrow spine of the Atlantic Coastal Ridqe, primarily alonq the FEC corridor. Very few sites remain undeveloped along this corridor. The principal veqetation is Iona leaf and slash Dine, sand Dine, saw palmetto, scrub oak, live oak, cabbaqe palm, and hickory. Pineland threeawn and bluestems are the most common native arasses. 2. Soils of Flatwoods, Low Knolls, and Ridges. a. Immokalle-Mvakka-Satellite. Nearly level, poorly drained and somewhat poorly drained soils: some are sand throuqhout and some have a dark sandv subsoil. Veqetation consists of South Florida slash Dines and scattered live oak. The understory includes saw palmetto, running oak, inkberrv, fetterbush, wax myrtle, Pineland threeawn, bluestem, Danicums, and other qrasses. b. Eau Gal Iie-Oldsmar-Wabasso. Nearly level, poorly drained soils that have dark sandv subsoil: some have subsoil that is underlain by loamv material at a depth of less than 40 inches, and some have a subsoil that is underlain by loamv material at a depth of more than 40 inches. This soil is found on broad flatwoods and includes soils in scattered wet depressions. The natural veqetation is South Florida slash Dine, saw palmetto, inkberrv, rustv Ivonia, and several grasses and weeds. c. Mvakka-Immokalle. Nearly level, Doorly drained soils that have dark sandv subsoil. These soils primarily support South Florida slash pine with an understory of saw palmetto, running oak, inkberrv, fetterbush, wax mvrtle, and varied arasses. 3. Soils of the Sloughs, Poorly defined Drainaaeways and Hammocks- Boca-Wabasso- Riviera. Nearly level, Doorly drained soils, some have a loamv subsoil underlain by hard limestone at a depth of 40 inches: some have a dark sandy_ subsoil underlain by loam material at a depth of less than 40 inches, and some have a loamv subsoil at a depth of 20 to 40 inches. These soils support blue maidencane, St. Johns wort, scattered cvDress trees, red maple, wax mvrtle, sand cordarass, millswort, and other water -tolerant weeds and arasses. The wetlands protection ordinance prohibits development of wetlands. The definition of wetlands is the same as Presented in State Leaislation. In the Citv of Sebastian the following hvdric soils are present: Chobee loamy fine sand. Riviera fine sand, Mvakka fine sand deDressional. Holopaw fine sand, Pompano fine sand, Riviera fine sand deDressional. According to DEP's Division of Water Resource Management, there are no commercially valuable deposits of coquina, dolomite, phosphate, clay, or peat present within the City of Sebastian. No active or inactive mineral mining sites, other than sand mining along the coastal ridge in the southeast portion of the City, have been identified within the City. The City of Sebastian does not have any specific areas of soil erosion. Erosion potential 32 SEBASTIAN can be mitigated by reducing the time interval between the clearing of land and actual development or construction. Coastal Area The coastal area in Sebastian is defined as the area between U.S. I and the Indian River Lagoon, except where North Central Avenue intersects with U.S. 1, then the eastern edge of North Central Avenue shall constitute the western boundary of the City's coastal area. The land uses along the Indian River Lagoon within Sebastian consist mainly of commercial land uses with several recreational and open space areas. In addition to the commercial uses, there are several scattered residential uses located within the coastal area. The coastal area is approximately 65 acres is size. The Land Use Element identifies historically significant buildings within the City of Sebastian. Since the vast majority of the historical sites in Sebastian are located within the coastal area, it is important for the City to preserve these sites. Water Dependent Uses Water dependent uses are activities that can be carried out only on, in, or adjacent to water areas because the use requires access to the water body. Within Sebastian, these activities include public and private marinas, fishing, boating, kayak launches, and active and passive recreation. The waterfront area is a vital economic activity area within the City. The ambiance of the City is perhaps rooted in this area. The City has a Riverfront Plan for the waterfront area to spur revitalization and redevelopment. The City places a high value on the few water dependent facilities and looks forward to their continued use, maintenance, and enhancement over time. A number of water -dependent structures are located east of Indian River Drive including three marinas, two piers, and two boat ramps. There are also several small privately -owned boat docks and piers but they do not represent major water- dependent or related land uses. The marinas are located in an area that is suitable for marina activities. Along the Indian River Lagoon shoreline, the City has two major access points at the Municipal Pier and at the Yacht Club and Boat. The waterfront area spans approximately 9,000 linear feet within the City limits. The natural resources within Sebastian are used for water dependent uses and commercial fishing. The Indian River Lagoon provides the most extensive resource -based recreational area within the City. Fishing, boating and other water -dependent recreation are available throughout the Aquatic Preserve. Water Related Uses Water related uses are activities which are not directly dependent upon access to a water body, but which provide goods and services that are directly associated with water -dependent or waterway uses. Water related uses include: boat storage, marine repair, retail boat and trailer sales, marine industrial (boat building, boat yards, hull work and painting, marine construction), tropical fish collection and sales, fish houses (wholesale and retail fish sales, processing, and packaging), commercial fishing support (trap storage, building and dipping), ship stores, bait and tackle stores, and dive shops. The City has no water related activities aside from the water dependent activities discussed herein. 33 SEELASTIAN Coastal Economy The City of Sebastian strives to provide a highly desirable natural setting with water oriented recreational amenities for its residents. The waterfront core area is a vital economic activity area within the City. The riverfront plays an important role in Sebastian's economy. In order for the City to retain the natural beauty of the area as well as increase the economic base, a mix of residential and commercial uses is necessary within the coastal area. As stated in the Basin Management Action Plan for the Central Indian River Lagoon (2013), the IRL is a valuable ecological and economic asset for the state of Florida and the counties that border the lagoon and its tributaries. The lagoon directly and indirectly supports a large part of the region's and the state's economy. The basin supports the multimillion -dollar Indian River citrus industry and boat and marine sales industries. Finfish and shellfish harvesting from the lagoon contribute to local economies. A 2008 economic study (Hazen and Sawyer) carried out for the IRL NEP estimated the total value of the lagoon's benefits to residents and visitors at $3.725 billion, measured in 2007 dollars. The Impact Analysis for Planning Regional Economic Input Output Model was used to estimate the economic contribution of lagoon -related expenditures. More than $1.3 billion of economic benefit was generated from money spent on recreational activities, both from residents and visitors, including items such as boat purchases, boat repairs, and marina slip rental and dockage fees. An additional $762 million was estimated for recreational use value, which is the amount that people would be willing to pay for the opportunity to engage in a recreational activity on the lagoon. Therefore, the total value for 2007 for lagoon -related recreation was close to $2.1 billion. A significant increase in the amount and diversity of wildlife on the lagoon and improved water quality in the basin would increase the recreational use value of the entire IRL system by about $80 million per year. Other recreational expenditures and real estate values may also increase under improved environmental conditions but were not estimated during the study. The increase in value reflects a greater willingness by residents and visitors to pay to improve the environmental quality of the lagoon (Hazen and Sawyer 2008). The economic value of the IRL Basin's seagrass beds was estimated at $329 million per year for 72,400 acres of seagrass. Seagrass habitats are an important component of the lagoon's ecology and are the foundation of the food web for many of the animals that live in the IRL by providing nursery and feeding areas. This is particularly true for many of the recreational and commercial fish species. Seagrass may provide additional economic value related to water quality and aesthetics (Hazen and Sawyer 2008). Therefore, investing in projects and programs to improve the lagoon's water quality and seagrass beds is not only important for environmental considerations but also to improve the economy. Land Use Conflicts At this time there are few if any conflicts related to land use in the coastal area; however, this could change in the future. The Riverfront Plan sets up guidelines for improving the riverfront, including preservation of strategic areas. The goals, objectives, and policies of this Element will govern any conflicts that arise between land uses proposed in the Riverfront Plan and the environmentally sensitive portions of the coastal area. It is the purpose of this Element to protect estuarine resources from the adverse impacts of development and to prevent potential conflict associated with development or redevelopment of marine related activity in the waterfront core area. 34 sIEELASTIAN Floodplains Flood zones allocated in the City of Sebastian are illustrated in Map 5-6. There are several areas within the City of Sebastian which have been identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as having the potential for flooding in the 100-year storm event. Flood Zone A and AE represent the 100-year storm event flood levels. Also included in the map is the 500-year storm event area (X500). These areas are subject to rising waters due to their proximity to nearby rivers, tributaries, and lakes. The City's Coastal Resiliency Plan includes additional flood data and maps regarding storm surge and future sea level rise. The vulnerabilities that Sebastian faces due to sea level rise are outlined in this Plan and include possible impact to outdoor facilities, City streets, and lift stations in future flooding events. Tropical storms and hurricanes may further increase these risks. The Coastal Resiliency Plan also outlines mitigation strategies such as defining existing street and structure flooding levels of service. Coastal High Hazard Area The Coastal High Hazard Area is an area particularly vulnerable to the effects of coastal flooding from tropical storm events and is defined by section 163.3178(2)(h)9, Florida Statutes, as the area below the elevation of the category 1 storm surge line as established by a Sea, Lake, and Overland Surges from Hurricanes (SLOSH) computerized storm surge model (See Map 5-7). The only structures within the CHHA in Sebastian are mobile homes. Additional infrastructure in the City that has been inventoried or identified as being at risk to seal level rise or flooding is recorded in the City's Coastal Resiliency Plan. The threats of sea level rise and flood events should be taken into consideration in regard to development and redevelopment strategies used in the CHHA as defined in § 163.3178(2), F.S. The restriction of development activities and limiting of public infrastructure expenditures within the CHHA and hazard prone areas should also be considered. Hurricane Vulnerability Zone The hurricane vulnerability zone for the City of Sebastian has been identified as those areas requiring evacuation during the event of a 100-year storm, or Category 3 hurricane. The areas requiring evacuation during such occurrences are the Indian River Lagoon shoreline, the 100-year floodplains, mobile and manufactured home residences, and areas receiving impacts from Category 3 hurricane storm -surge heights. Generally, areas experiencing Category 3 storm -surge impacts lie within the 100-year floodplain. Areas within the City receiving storm -surge impacts during Category 3 storm events are within the 100-year floodplain for either the Indian River or Sebastian River. Development and redevelopment strategies should be used to reduce flood risk in these areas as defined in § 163.3178(2), F.S. Maps of the City's storm surge zones are documented in Map 5-8 and the City's evacuation zones are illustrated in Map 5-9. Shelter Capacity During natural disasters, residents will seek refuge at public shelters managed by either the American Red Cross or the Indian River County Emergency Management Service. The primary evacuation shelters within Sebastian include Pelican Island Elementary School, Sebastian Elementary School, Sebastian River Middle School, and Sebastian River High School. Although public shelters are dispersed throughout Indian River County, some County residents from other evacuation zones or from neighboring coastal Counties may choose to take refuge 35 HOME at Sebastian area shelters, yet, their numbers are expected to be minimal. Therefore, the City's local shelters adequately meet the needs of those seeking shelter. Evacuation Routes The evacuation routes out of the City of Sebastian include US 1 and CR 512. These two roadways also serve most of the northern half of the County. US 1 run north and south through the entire County and would be used by a number of residents to evacuate into other counties. CR 510 via the Wabasso Causeway would provide an evacuation route for the residents of the north barrier island. CR 510 connects with CR 512 west of Sebastian and CR 512 connects with 1-95 a few miles west of the CR 510 intersection. Because the evacuation routes serving the City also serve the County, hurricane evacuation planning must be done on a countywide basis. Constraints are likely to prevail on certain segments of U.S. 1 and C.R. 512 since they both traverse through areas subject to flooding from 100 to 500-year storm waters. The segment of U.S. 1 just south of C.R. 512 north to Main Street lies within a 100 to 500-year floodplain, while a quarter -mile length of C.R. 512 crosses the 100- year floodplain associated with Collier Creek. The potential for road -surface flooding during heavy rainfall is greater along these road segments within Sebastian than along others. Evacuation clearance times for Indian River County will vary based on storm levels and impacts associated with a hurricane. In case of a hurricane threat, Sebastian residents will be notified by radio and television broadcast systems and the mobile public-address system on appropriate time to evacuate their areas. Proper notification will allow sufficient time for Sebastian residents to evacuate the area. The City's Coastal Resiliency Plan outlines societal exposure hurricanes especially to the older population. The demographics of the city may impact the warning time that the City needs to provide to its residents. The Indian River County Emergency Management Department maintains a file of the physically handicapped and individuals with special needs. Special transportation has been arranged which includes vans and hydraulic lifts, ambulances, taxis, and private vehicles. Red Cross officials also have designated special shelters. Evacuation Routes are illustrated in Map 5-10. Disaster Preparedness In order to be prepared for natural disasters such as hurricanes, sea level rise, and flooding the City should take preventive action. The Official Disaster Preparedness Guide for Indian River County is a source of information for residents to be better prepared for natural disasters that occur. The City's Coastal Resiliency Plan outlines adaptation strategies to increase the City's resilience to natural disasters and to decrease the detrimental impacts to residents and the environment. The adaptation strategies were screened qualitatively using the following criteria: Ability to increase resilience Cost and benefits Community acceptance Environmental impacts Socio-economic impacts A summary of the screening criteria is provided in Table 5-4. The table below summarizes potential adaptations and their impacts within the community. 36 SE13ASrLATV Table 5-4: Potential Adaptation Strategies brill" r FPM-ti.1 A-daptationStrategies Increase Cost and Community E A economic Resilience benefrts Acceptance Imparts imparts {anal Rank Inspections # Define Streetand Structure 4 Level of Service Retrofit Outfalls with Inline # Check Valve Update C o m p rehensiwe Pla n # # Update Stormwater Master Plan Raise Lift Station Electrical Controls * Level of Yalu e to the City: = High — =Medium = Loly Source: City of Sebastian Coastal Resiliency Plan These adaptation strategies will help the City to be better prepared and recover more quickly from natural disasters. Conclusion Per Chapter 163.3177 of Florida Statutes, this Conservation & Coastal Management Element provides for the conservation and protection of natural resources in the area, including air, water, water recharge areas, wetlands, waterwells, estuarine marshes, soils, beaches, shores, flood plains, rivers, bays, lakes, harbors, forests, fisheries and wildlife, marine habitat, minerals, and other natural and environmental resources. This Element's data inventory and analysis influences the overarching goals, objectives, and policies for conservation and coastal management within the City. This Element sets the foundation for the City to protect its natural environment and protect life and property from natural disasters. 37