Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-06-2022 NRB MinutesNATURAL RESOURCES BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 6, 2022 1. Chairman Stedelman called the Natural Resources Board meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. It. Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all. III. Roll Call Present: Ms. Ware Dr. Carder Ms. Callaghan (late appearance on Zoom) Mr. Carrano Ms. Haggerty Mr. Stedelman Ms. Billman Not Present• Mr. Bradley — Excused Ms. Mosblech — Excused Also Present Ms. Karen Miller, RE, Director of Public Works/City Engineer Ms. Felicia Gordian, Environmental Intern Ms. Barbara Brooke -Reese, MIS Manager Ms. Janet Graham, Technical Writer IV. ADoroval of Minutes Mr. Stedelman asked all Board members If they had had a chance to review the Minutes of July 5, 2022. All indicated they had. Mr. Stedelman called for a motion. A motion approving the Minutes of July 5, 2022 was made by Mr. Canano, seconded by Ms. Ware. and approved unanimously via voice vote. V. Announcements Mr. Stedelman welcomed the new Board members, Shedda Billman and Sarah Haggerty, and asked them to Introduce themselves. Ms. Billman stated she has been a resident for approximately nine years. She has been very involved with a lot of the environmental programs In her neighborhood, in the City, and in the County. She is actively Involved in monitoring scrub Jays right now in Wabasso for the County. She has been doing that for approximately seven years. She is an avid gardener, butterfly keeper, bird watcher, etc. NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD PAGE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 6, 2022 She looks forward to being part of this Board. Ms. Haggerty has been a resident of Sebastian for 30 years. She enjoys all the outdoor activities. She is a gardener and worked at McKee Botanical Gardens for a couple of years. She also does scrub jay counts during the summer. She is going to begin monitoring gopher tortoises. She is looking forward to being a part of the events that the NRB Is Involved In and being a part of this Board. VI. Public Inoul Dr. Graham Cox — (Zoom) stated he would like to emphasize raising awareness of the 'Sustainable Sebastian' project. He stated that there Is now proposed a vast piece of property being annexed to the City that is going to totally change the character and the life of this City. He wants to make certain that the Natural Resources Board Is involved in the petitions that will be coming in the future regarding the future land use of the property proposed to be annexed. It is nearly 2,000 acres that will be added to the City, several thousand people, and it is going to change the sustainability, issues that this Board will be working on. Next week on Tuesday night and Thursday night there is an opportunity to participate in discussions about this annexation. He would like everyone to get involved in that and learn what the annexation Is likely to do to the City New Business B. Resolution No. R-22-15; Creating New Board Categories and Procedures (Pages 7-12) Presentation from City Clerk (Jeanette Williams) Ms. Williams introduced herself and reviewed that a few months ago City Council asked her and the City Attorney to revise some of the City boards' procedures and policies. As a result, they have come up with Resolution No. R-22-15 which addresses the manner In which the board meeting agendas are formatted. She referred to the Resolution which is In the Board members' agenda packets. On page 12 of the agenda packet the Natural Resources Board Is described as falling under a faclfinding committee. The NRB meetings are designed to provide advice to City Council on protecting, preserving, and promoting our natural resources. What is outlined on page 12 of 17 is going to be the new NRB agenda format. There will still be public input, unfinished business, and new business, but there will no longer be an item for Board member matters under this new formal. She emphasized that this does not mean that Board members cannot bring up Items that they wish to discuss. If a Board member wants to present an Idea or subject for discussion, they can talk to Karen Miller, Director of Public Works/City Engineer who NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD PAGE 3 MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 6, 2022 Represented the City at this meeting, and she will help determine if that item should be put on an agenda at a future meeting. She added that Board members can also talk to City Council members if they have something they want to bring up. There was an extended discussion wherein several questions by Board members were asked. Ms. Williams addressed those questions and provided the Board members with the information on how to reach her directly. She also added that it will now be required that Board members live in the City for one year prior to application so that they have a feel for what is going on in the City. It will also be required that alternate Board members attend the meetings in order to have a quorum and to keep projects moving forward. There was a question regarding the wording of the time/length of the meetings, and it was suggested that the wording be revised. It was the general feeling of the Board members that they are concerned about not having sufficient time and opportunity to discuss matters pertinent to their ideas and suggestions. It was suggested by Dr. Carder that members of this Board approach City Council and ask if the structure of the new agenda could be modified specilically as it pertains to the Natural Resources Board. Ms. Williams further discussed how the new agenda would work and opined that this Board would still have adequate opportunity to discuss the Items which the Board members want to discuss. Ms. Callaghan suggested that the contact information for both Ms. Miller and Ms. Gordian be provided to all the Board members. She also stated that there are several items that are continuing from prior meetings that were desired. There was no meeting last month, but there are several items, such as getting the training in on participating in the Litter Quitter program. She stated that the Board members are anxious to keep moving on all the items the Board is working on. A. Tulip Grant Habitat Restoration Project (Pages 13-17) 1. Presentation of project details (City Engineer/Stonnwater 2. Discussion of NRB's role Director, Karen Miller and Environmental Intem, Felicia Gordian) Mr. Stadelman called on the interim liaisons for the City to introduce themselves. Ms. Miller introduced herself and gave her contact Information. She stated that she has been involved in some of the projects that the NRB Is Involved in. Ms. Gordian Introduced herself and gave her contact information. They are both familiar with the Tulip Grant project. Ms. Miller made a slide presentation (SEE ATTACHED) describing the Tulip grant project. This slide presentation described the history of this project. A retention pond and a pocket NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD PAGE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 6, 2022 park were designed in that area. The goals were to improve water quality by reducing the nutrient load by allowing them to settle out through the system in the stormwater pond instead of continuing on in the stormwater conveyance, thus preventing flooding along Tulip Drive, and preventing downstream erosion. Staff has applied for a habitat restoration project for three main focuses: water quality improvement, habitat restoration, and education and outreach. Staff wants to use this project as a pilot program In order to showcase low -impact development and green Infrastructure so it can be brought to other areas of the City and also show it to residents of the City so that they are aware that these are options that they can use. Staff will also be removing invasive species in and around the pond so they do not have a negative impact on the native wildlife that will be installed. The vegetation will be planted in the littoral zones, the shoreline, and the upland areas of the park. These areas will provide habitat for various species. After the plantings are completed, the new plants will be watered regularly, and the whole tract will be monitored for approximately two months after the initial plantings. The goal is to make certain that they will be able to survive on their own in the long tens. There will be an education -and - outreach portion of the project. The main target audiences are local residents, developers, commercial property owners and HOAs. There will be promotion for this project on the City's websile and also on social media outlets. There will also be signage placed on the Tulip Pond property to educate people on matters pertaining to [his project. This project relates directly to the Sustainable Sebastian Action Plan, Ms. Gordian explained how the grant was obtained. This is a matched grant up to 55,000.00, and the City has taken full advantage of that grant. She explained what the City will be paying for, such as water testing, etc. There was discussion regarding planting trees and that they will be planted more strategically In order to get the most benefit from them. The aerating fountain has been ordered. That will be installed prior to planting some of the vegetation around It. Stag is looking to split this up Into a few different planting volunteer days Following that there will be a littoral and shoreline planting day. Staff will emphasize to the volunteers how to Identify native species as well as planting methods, etc. After all of that is completed, the educational signage at the park will be installed. By June of 2023 all of the City's reports to the Indian River Lagoon Council will have been completed. Ms. Miller then called for questions/comments from the Board. Ms. Billman stated she goes by that area quite a bit, and It has changed dramatically for the better. She, however, did say that the way the property is presently, one gets the Impression that the public are not supposed to be in there. She asked if that is something that is going to be addressed. Ms. Miller said she got a similar vibe when she visited the site as well. She stated that her staff will get with the Leisure Services staff and determine what will be done. She stated that when the signage is installed, it Is hoped that the park will be more welcoming. Ms. Billman asked If it would be better to put signage up before NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD PAGE 5 MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 6, 2022 the work is completed so that people can know what is going on. Ms. Miller said staff did talk about putting signage up describing habitat restoration in progress. Ms. Biliman asked if a more In-depth description of this project as to what is being planned for the wetlands should be created. Dr. Cartier suggested putting some benches in the areas where the trees are planted. That would help to show that this is a welcoming area. Ms. Miller agreed and said she would discuss this with Leisure Services and then the City Manager to see If It Is possible. Dr. Cartier wonders how comprehensive the water -quality, analysis is. The aeration system, it would seem to him, should look at dissolved oxygen. The whole process of aeration should mitigate against anaerobic accumulation on the bottom so you are getting circulation and you are getting improved dissolved oxygenation. Ms. Miller apologized for not bringing the last report that is available to this meeting. She will share that with all the Board members. Mr. Carrano stated that in 2016 the City had a wonderful microecosystem. It has been destroyed, and now there is an attempt to put something back in corn rows. Ms. Miller said she does not know what exactly was on that property, but there definitely are some positive aspects to that property. Ms. Ware asked for Ms. Miller to go back to the drawing and explain to the Board members where the plantings are going to be placed. Mr. Carrano said that, according to the drawing, there will be trees in nice, neat rows. That is not the way they grow In nature. He also asked if anyone has looked at the plant list to see if it can accept times of over- or underwatering. He added that 90% of wetlands restorations fail. They fail because people put in what they think should be there, and they do not look at what would naturally grow In that area. Right now, his concerns are what kind of maple trees are being proposed to be installed. He opined that the plantings should not be put in nice, neat rows but should be Interspersed. Ms. Miller stated that the drawing is just to show the general concept. She said staff is planning to Install plantings in clusters, etc. She added that In the original grant application there was more detail on the types of plants. She can get that information for the Board. Mr. Carrano also asked what water parameters are being looked at. Ms. Miller said she will get the tests of the water quality and get that information out to the Board members. Ms. Miller stated she Is planning to take this project very slowly so that It will be evident what Is flourishing and what is not. Ms. Ware asked for more explanation of where the littoral zones, etc, are going to be. Ms. Miller explained using the drawing. Ms. Ware also asked to be involved in the signage that Is going to be Installed. She said the current signage for the parks is too small to read when someone is driving by. Ms. Miller staled the sign relating to habit renovation in progress should be larger, and this Board will be able to see what Is proposed. NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD PAGE 6 MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 6, 2022 Ms. Haggerty asked about how many volunteers they are looking for. Ms. Miller said she Is hoping for more than just this Board's members. The project will be advertised at the NRB meetings, on the City Council's website, etc. She would like to reach a variety of the population as well as local schools, etc. Vill. Old Business A. Summary of Treasure Coast Waterway Cleanup Event, held July 23r0, 2022 (Charles Stadelman) Mr. Stadelman said the cleanup was very successful. There were several members of the Natural Resources Board who participated. Vice -Mayor Jones and his wife were there as well. They actually got to go out to the island and gather all the refuse they could find. He recognized Team CrossFlt. Thousands of pounds of garbage were gathered. The NRB members picked up approximately 900 pounds. He thanked Sydney Gibbs for the refreshments that were provided. He also thanked Dr. Cartier who provided a boat. Mr. Stadelman thanked everyone who participated and said it was a great experience. They plan to do it again next year. KI Ms. Ware reminded Ms. Miller to email all the documents that were talked about during the presentation. Dr. Cartier reviewed that there have been some discussions going back and forth about the possibility of visiting either the Florida Oceanographic Society or BMRC about seagrass plantings out in the Indian River Lagoon. Neither of these groups has any cultivation going on presently. They are examining the ways to grow out seagrasses for explanting eventually. There are some permit Issues. MRC is willing to talk to us either up there or they will come down here for those who are Interested about some of the shoreline restoration projects, mostly mangroves, that they are involved with. He will continue to pursue that. Ms. Callaghan stated she would like to be involved with Dr. Carrier's item and asked if it is possible to have that as an agenda item at a future meeting so that we can Invite the MRC representatives in order to get an update at that meeting, and possibly the NRB members could go to the MRC facility to attend there. Mr. Stadelman reminded everyone that Earth Day will be coming up, and he thinks the Board Is a little behind on the normal planning for Earth Day. He asked for Earth Day NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD PAGE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 6, 2022 planning to be on the next meeting agenda. He emphasized that someone is needed to be the vendor coordinator. He also mentioned the Christmas Parade is coming up. This Board is part of the parade. It needs to be decided on whether to walk or participate on a float. He mentioned that there needs to be a vice -chairperson elected as well. X. Staff Matters Ms. Miller mentioned that similar to the Treasure Coast Waterway Cleanup, on September 171' there is another cleanup coming up. She believes it is called the International Coastal Cleanup. There are several different sites that people can go to. The City of Sebastian is not participating, but she likes to advertise all the different cleanups. She also mentioned that there was a representative of the Surfrider Foundation mentioning another cleanup that they may want some partnership in with the City. It is October 20 from 2:00 pm to 6:00 p.m. They are having some sort of event at Pareidolias' She gave him her email, and when she gets the follow-up, she will share it with all the Board members. *4 Ms. Miller stated she has the following items for the next agenda: Earth Day planning and Christmas Parade planning as well as an update on Sustainable Sebastian and a discussion regarding Vice -Chair put on that agenda. Dr. Carder suggested having an update on the MRC project. Ms. Gordian stated that she does not want the Board to forget about the Litter Quitter program. That was something that was discussed months ago, and it was mentioned earlier in this meeting. Mr. Stadelman mentioned that he had been champion for Litter Quitter. He has gone to the Chamber of Commerce, and the Chamber has agreed to put out a display for Litter Quitter at the Chamber. He can now approach different businesses that are part of the Chamber. Ms. Callaghan stated there needs to be all the materials relating to Litter Quitter gathered together. Mi. Adioumment There being no further business, Mr. Stadelman called for a motion. A motion adjourning the meeting was made by Mr. Carrano, seconded by Ms. Ware, and approved unanimously via voice vote at 2 p.m. Bv: _ Date: Gl� jg v t