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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-01-2020 NRB MinutesCITY 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. Pledae 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 PAGE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 MEETING C. Hardee Park Project 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 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 FYI 9-20. 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. Vill. 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 slated 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. Adjournment There being no further business, Mr. Stadelman adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m. By: NA Chairman Charles Stadelman A Date: rxA .(I 1 _