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Home My WebLink About07-18-2023 NRB Minutes w/AttachmentNATURAL RESOURCES BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING JULY 189 2023 I. Chairman Stadelman called the Natural Resources Board meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. II. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all. III. Roll Call Present: Ms. Callaghan Ms. Ware Mr. Stadelman Mr. Carrano Not Present: Ms. Haggerty (alt) Ms. Mosblech Ms. Billman Mr. Carrier (Zoom) Also Present: Lisa Frazier, Community Development Director Felicia Gordian, Environmental Technician Barbara Brooke -Reese, MIS Manager Joseph Perez, AV Technical Assistant Nick Ladyman, AV Technical Assistant Jeanette Williams, Recording Secretary IV. ADproval of Minutes A motion to approve the minutes of June 6, 2023 as presented was made by Mr. Carrano, seconded by Ms. Callaghan, and approved unanimously via voice vote. V. Announcements - None - VI. Agenda Modifications - None VII. Public Input Ray Osborne — Floating Vegetative Islands (Beemats) Mr. Osborne said he attended the previous meeting where he introduced the idea of floating vegetative islands that would take out excess nutrients and help the lagoon establish some balance in conjunction with other water improvement techniques. With Ms. Gordian's assistance, he distributed some handouts describing the benefit, what vegetative species would be used and the cost. He suggested the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has a grant program that addresses harmful algae NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING JULY 18, 2023 PAGE 2 blooms that could pay for the islands. He asked if the City would be interested in the islands. The Community Development Director said beemats are effective but the maintenance is a nightmare. She noted vegetation is to be planted around Tulip Pond that will achieve the same goals as the beemats. The Chairman thanked him for his effort. Vill. Unfinished Business A. Sustainable Sebastian i. Staff Feasibility Analysis Presentation ii. Goal Prioritization The Environmental Technician displayed a PowerPoint describing six Sustainable Sebastian goals for prioritization, noting the five year implementation plan will expire at the end of September 2024. (See attached) The Community Development Director said while that will be end of the implementation period, it didn't mean that the program ends. At that point, the board would look at what was effective and not effective. She said tonight the high priority goals should be identified and then relayed to Council so they are aware of the Natural Resources Board's efforts. The Environmental Technician discussed Goal 18 which involves a walking audit of the current greenways, sidewalks, trails, and bike lanes to identify areas for improvement and acquire recommendations. The City's GIS Technician, Ross Kelley, has created a sidewalk map to assist with the evaluation of foot and bike traffic challenges; as well as where connections or expansions are needed. Goal 16 includes a review of the City's Green Infrastructure and applicable ordinances to determine where there may be an opportunity to enhance existing corridors to connect green space and improve stormwater storage and treatment. Each undeveloped lot should be looked at for what habitat and wildlife are present to determine if biological transfer areas could be developed for species. Florida Power and Light easements could be accounted for to assist with the connectivity. Goal 13 involves maximizing recycling in City, administration operations and at City events by auditing the current purchasing practices and identifying new or alternative practices to implement. The practices should be routinely reviewed. It was implied Goal 9 regarding the revision of the tree and landscape ordinances could overlap with Goal 16. Other municipalities should be researched to see what they have implemented to have a positive impact on local ecosystems and their communities. NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING JULY 18, 2023 PAGE 3 Goals 5 and 6 involve native landscaping on City properties. This would in turn, educate the public on the benefits of Florida friendly landscaping, such as the Tulip Pond Project that is currently underway. There is currently money in the budget for other locations to develop more nature based stormwater treatment. The Community Development Director suggested planting clump grass and more trees. Ms. Billman suggested the educational spinning kiosks at the Jones Pier would be informative. Goals 1 and 2 combined involve the reduction of single -use plastics in City Operations and Events. The Community Development Director called attention to Ms. Callaghan's suggested alternative for Goal 1 and asked the board members to consider what goals they would like to champion. (See attached) The presented slides list activities that they can accomplish with the board's assistance. Chairman Stadelman asked why the goals haven't been completed already. The Community Development Director explained that since the Sustainable Sebastian Plan was adopted they lost a year and a half to the pandemic and staffing for these projects is limited to 1.5 members. She suggested their motion state that they are in agreement with the six priorities. Ms. Callaghan said when they came up with their plan they didn't include how long each goal would take and how much it would cost. Chairman Stadelman said he heard that more staff is needed. The Community Development Director asked the board to agree on the priorities they should concentrate on within the next year and a half. A motion was made by Chairman Stadelman and seconded by Mr. Carrano to accept the goals as presented by staff on the Sustainable Sebastian Five Year Implementation Plan as highlighted. Ms. Mosblech asked for. clarifying-- conversation on Goals 1 and 2. She said she admired the efforts to combine Goals 1 and 2 but her concern is that it might be too much to accomplish, possibly making it less effective in the long run. If they are not setting an example at City Hall, it would be difficult to go out to the businesses in the community. Ms. Ware said they could still work on Goal 1 at the same time but create an example for the businesses. The Community Development Director said in staffs discussion, Goal 2 was to be a concentration at City Hall. Although Goal 1 centers on Litter Quitter and Ocean Friendly Restaurants, the respective organizations are not focusing on these programs at present. By combining Goals 1 and the Natural Resources Board can do outreach through the Chamber of Commerce and in the schools; but they should start at home first. NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING J U LY 18, 2023 PAGE 4 The Environmental Technician said she hoped that her presentation indicated how much Goal 1 and 2 overlapped. Ms. Callaghan said the education would be a great achievement and what they are missing is providing materials for the businesses to give their guests, but in the combination they are still educating. Their obstacles are time and money to produce a handout and passing them out to the restaurants. All members voted in favor of Chairman Stadelman's motion. Ms. Callaghan asked for an updated spreadsheet at the next meeting and if each item could be listed on the agenda to track the progress. The Community Development Director said the goal champion could stay in touch with Ms. Gordian and updates could be given at each meeting. Champion Assiqnments Ms. Billman offered to champion Goal 9. Ms. Mosblech offered to champion Goal 16, prioritizing green space. Mr. Carrano offered to champion Goal 9. Since two of the members were absent, the Community Development Director suggested some of the goals could be shared. Ms. Callaghan was suggested as champion for Goals 1 and 2. Further discussion on champions will take place at the next meeting when all members are present. IX. New Business A. Treasure Coast Waterwav Cleanup — July 22.2023 i. Event Details ii. Confirm Board Members who will- be -attending The Environmental Technician said the cleanup is this weekend from 8 am until 12:30 p.m. Those interested don't have to actually come; they could just register on-line and log all of the trash that they collect throughout the week. She suggested they bring lots of water and cooling towels. If anyone was interested in diving for trash, there are details on the Treasure Coast Waterway Cleanup's website. Ms. Callaghan and Ms. Mosblech confirmed they would be in attendance. B. International Coastal Cleanup — September 16. 2023 i. Event Details ii. NRB Participation with IRL NEP NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING JULY 18, 2023 PAGES The Environmental Technician said this cleanup is hosted by Coastal Connections and Keep Indian River Beautiful. Erin Bergman from the National Estuary Program will be registering a park champion, with whom the Natural Resources Board can partner for the event. C. NRB Member Team Updates i. Term Renewals and Vacancies ii. Selection of Chair iii. Selection of Vice Chair Chairman Stadelman said he requested this to be on the agenda to ensure there is continuity of service since there are some term updates coming up. He said he wanted to make sure everyone is comfortable with who is the chair. The Environmental Technician pointed out that there are four term expirations and Mr. Bradley will not be returning to the board. Mr. Carrano, Ms. Ware, and Ms. Callaghan nominated Charles Stadelman to be the chair. There were no further nominations. Mr. Stadelman will serve as the chair. Chairman Stadelman, Ms. Ware, and Ms. Callaghan nominated Mr. Carrano as the vice chair. There were no further nominations. Mr. Carrano will serve as the vice chair. X. Adiournment There being no further business, a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7: 41 pm was made by Ms. Ware and seconded by Mr. Carrano and approved unanimously via voice vote. By: (1J` u(»A A ��r� Date: 1 � ,' V Sustainable Sebastian ?,nalys,(z Unpacking the Goals for Prioritization Budget A- Time RPmnining R $862 Leftover from Earth Day o $15,000 budgeted for LID & Native Plantings KEY = Staff Identified Goal as Priority = Work Currently In Progress o R-19-30 was passed October 9th, 2019 Based on the original 5-Year Implementation Plan, we have until the end of September 2024 o -14 months 0 1.5 Staff n rl Sustainable Sebastian's 6 Initiatives i. Support overall reduction in the use of single - use plastics by the City of Sebastian and its business community ... 2. Support landscaping practices that promote a healthy, native ecosystem ... Provide recommendations for City policies and Codes related to Natural Resources. Reducing the City's operational carbon footprint .. . Protect and restore the water quality of all our City's water bodies ... Promote the City's overall livability ... **Goal 18:REVIEW CITY MAP AND CURRENT COUNTY MASTER PLANS (TRANSPORTATION MPO, GREENWAYS PLAN) REGARDING SIDEWALKS TRAILS, AND BIKE LANE o Ties into Goal 16 (LID & GI BMPs) NRB Involvement: o Conducting AARP Walk Audit (& modify Audit Criteria as needed) o Acquire Stakeholder insights on areas for improvement o Provide Management Recommendations o Staff Involvement: o Creation of relevant maps (in progress!) o Implementation of any necessary changes o Budget Management o High Impact o Inventory of City's Pathways o Improved Walking & Biking Pathways o Safer conditions for residents Op ♦1 SEBASTIAN City Sidewalk Map L�^11 City of Sebastian, FL HOVE OF PELICAN KL\ND Initiative 6: City's Overall Livability of 512/Sebastian Blvd **Goal 16: ASSIST IN THE CREATION OF TOOLKITS FOR GI BMPS AND PLANNING LID Remaining Tasks Ordinance Review - Overlaps with Goal 9 (Tree Protection & Landscape Ordinances) Currently In Progress Green Infrastructure Plan Tulip Pond Project (native plantings & LID) NRB Involvement: Provide Guidance throughout Plan development Review of Data & Cut -sheets Provide Management Recommendations for COS Properties Staff Involvement: Compilation of data & creation of Cut -sheets GI Plan Development Implementation of any new management practices o High Impact o Improved Management Practices o Improvements in Stormwater Conveyance System o Improved corridors CURRENT LAND USE NRCS ECO.311E Unde,eloped Sand Pine Scrub. IW% ZONING SOILS Public Service (PS) FUTURE LAND USE Institutional (lNST) FEOODZONE X. 100% SURROUNDING LAND USE Single Family Residenbal (&tD) ROW/ EASEMENTS On the south property boundary I$ a MIT drainage ROW, to the east is a 25R road ROW Archbold, 18% Pamelb. 82% SOILS SUMMARY f0U%of the sites soils are fine My sands. are dassiffed as having sudkial anuler recharge potential and am'Ngbly suited' for Gopher To oases. MANAGEMENT SUMMARY SOIL depth, along western curved boundary is occasionally Mulched in place to control overgrowth of woody vegetation, It is dominated by nonnative and distorted area species. The ROWS to Me south and east art moved regularly and serve asvoluableedgehabitat. FLORA Most Punned: Fbrida Sand Pine, Rusty Lyo da IStagg"bushl,Relndeer tichen,Goklen Aster, Gopher Apple, Sand Palmetto, Sand Oak, Runner Oak, Spike Moss Less F cbrent Myrtle Oak. SIN IN. Brazilian Pepper, Vinm Dog fennel, Prairie Sunaq Cassia FAUNA Gopher Tortoise, Rabbit, Opossum, Od nal, Blue IN. stint of frequent predation SUMMARY OF CONNECTIVITY The 3014, Drainage ROW, along Me south boundary. rorTnues td the all Float, correcting with if. 'North Coeier Waterway.' In just me 1/2 Pride southward, the Collier Waterway Caul lnmech with Sebastian Harbor Preserve. Indian River County's 163 acre Conservation Area. mple WIMBROW TRACT Seb. Highlands, Unit 15, Tract G Parcel# 31390700001000000000.3 Total Acreage: 4.62 Open sandy landing amid the overgrowth of Sand Pires Lichen, Spike Moss. and Golden Aster [hive Along Me sunny habitat edges *Goal 13: INCREASE OPPORTUNITY FOR RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND MAXIMIZE RECYCLING AVAILABILITY WITHIN CITY OPERATIONS o Overlaps with Goal 2 (Environmentally Friendly Products at City Hall & Events) In Practice: Audit City Hall & Compound Operations Identify areas for improvement Implement new & alternative practices Routinely audit practices (annually? Biannually?) & adjust as needed *Goal 13: INCREASE OPPORTUNITY FOR RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND MAXIMIZE RECYCLING AVAILABILITY WITHIN CITY OPERATIONS NRB Involvement: Provide Guidance on Alternative Practices to Implement Present Necessity of Changes to City Council Staff Involvement: Budget Management & Item Procurement Conduct Audit Implementation of Practices Moderate -High Impact Improvement in City Operations o Lower Resource Consumption o Lower Waste Output o Increased Monetary Savings o Increased use of Solar Energy o Increased access to EV chargers o Lower Carbon Footprint *Goal 9: ASSIST CITY IN REVISION OF THE TREE PROTECTION AND LANDSCAPE ORDINANCES Next Slide presents Roadmap for the Revision Process Additionally, NRB members can research other Municipalities that can serve as a template or guideline for our ordinance changes Overlaps with Goal 16 (LID & GIBMPs) High Impact Improvement of the City's Tree Protection & Landscape Ordinances Changes will factor in Stakeholder Insights and will be more well suited to current local circumstances Changes may have a positive impact on local ecosystems Initiative 3: Analyze & Revise sections of the code Review Proposed Changes in the Context of related code sections Initiative 2: Native Landscaping Goals 5 & 6: EDUCATE RESIDENTS ON THE BENEFITS OF IMPLEMENTING IFAS' FLORIDA FRIENDLY PRINCIPALS INTO THEIR LANDSCAPE & SET THE EXAMPLE FOR SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPES ACROSS CITY PROPERTIES o The remaining tasks for both Goals center around Native Landscaoina on Citv Property. Could be combined with Goal 16 (LID & GIBMPs) and Goal 17 (Educational Signage) Tulip Pond Project is currently underway (native plantings & LID). Remember: Money is currently budgeted for this purpose. In Practice: Staff IDs eligible parks & works with NRB to prioritize the order for implementation Develop Planting Plans & Maintenance Practices Perhaps host a workshop with staff about caring for native plants 3. Create any required signage and acquire the plants for the chosen park a. NRB recruits volunteers for Planting Days & leads the volunteer efforts 5. Monitor park to ensure survival of plants 6. Select the next prioritized location, and repeat steps 2-6 9 E%ISTNG -MA TRANSpSPIANTEp unORA ZONEPLANTM AREA EX EMOF E%L4nxG EXISTING I.IAPIE TO BE yyy, SPIIQRIISx RPNSPLAMEp ii o 811 _ .. LEGEND TULIP DRIVE O O 1 EMENTOP .STING SPIXERUSN —= rl � NEW LRTORAL ZONE PLANTplp AREA AERATING FOUNTAIN E%IQaTOi EI.SfING . SPINERU3N NEW LIAPLE TREE TO BE PIARTED. O TULIP PoND MAGRAT RESTORATN)N PROJECT GOS-1 PLANT I/ • Ilj. ING PLAN DRAFT Y.^... _'. .• F 1 xm¢awrulmum „� •• * Goals 5 & 6: EDUCATE RESIDENTS ON THE BENEFITS OF IMPLEMENTING IFAS' FLORIDA FRIENDLY PRINCIPALS INTO THEIR LANDSCAPE & SET THE EXAMPLE FOR SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPES ACROSS CITY PROPERTIES c Additional NRB Involvement c Providing Recommendations for any required signage c Additional Staff Involvement e Budget Management & Item Procurement c Sign Design & Creation c Routine Maintenance of Gardens c High Impact c More Native Plantings = Increases in urban wildlife habitats Improved function of the Stormwater conveyance system Less Maintenance required (less mowing, less chemical application required, etc.) Improved City Aesthetics c Community Engagement & Public Education/Awareness 6� * Vows 1 He 2: CREATE COMMUNITY/ BUSINESS AWARENESS OF LITTER QUITTER PROGRAM AND CERTIFY LOCAL BUSINESSES & INCREASE AND/OR ENCOURAGE THE USE OF ENVIRONMENTALLY -FRIENDLY PRODUCTS AT CITY HAL AS WELL AS AT CITY -SPONSORED EVENTS AND ALL COMMUNITY EVENTS OCCURING ON CITY PROPERTY In Practice: Creation of Comparison sheet & Identification of current COS practices Coordinate with Facilities Staff on item procurement and implementation of new practices Annual Evaluation and Re -budgeting for each FY Feedback [for possible changes] to be acquired from City Staff Comparison Sheets to be included on City Website and Social Media, and included in the Vendor Packets for Earth Day & other events Arrange meeting with Chamber of Commerce to discuss business outreach partnership Hold workshop as part of NRB monthly meeting for public & business community to attend Develop education and outreach program for local schools Initiative Single -use Plastic Reduction *Goals 1 & 2: CREATE COMMUNITY/ BUSINESS AWARENESS OF LITTER QUITTER PROGRAM AND CERTIFY LOCAL BUSINESSES & INCREASE AND/OR ENCOURAGE THE USE OF ENVIRONMENTALLY - FRIENDLY PRODUCTS AT CITY HALL, AS WELL AS AT CITY -SPONSORED EVENTS AND ALL COMMUNITY EVENTS OCCURING ON CITY PROPERTY c Overlaps with Goal 13 (Resource Conservation in City Operations) Modified Approach from Original Plan *Goals 1 & 2: CREATE COMMUNITY/ BUSINESS AWARENESS OF LITTER QUITTER PROGRAM AND CERTIFY LOCAL BUSINESSES & INCREASE AND/OR ENCOURAGE THE USE OF ENVIRONMENTALLY -FRIENDLY PRODUCTS AT CITY HALL, AS WELL AS AT CITY - SPONSORED EVENTS AND ALL COMMUNITY EVENTS OCCURING ON CITY PROPERTY o NRB Involvement: o Comparison Sheet Creation o Revaluation of Pricing (Annually? Biannually?) o Provide Guidance on Alternative Practices & Supplies o Present Recommendations to CC o Development of Outreach Materials o Staff Involvement: a Budget Management & Item Procurement o Identification of Current Practices o Implementation of Changes o Development of Outreach Materials o Moderate -High Impact o Reduced Plastics within City Operations o Lead by Example o Detailed Resources to provide to the community Ruth Callaghan's Suggested Alternative for Sustainable Sebastian's Goal 1 Collaborating Summary Tr -IW Entity Create Community/Business Awareness of Sustainable Sebastian Goal Business Against Waste Program and Promote Local Businesses in the 1 Program la Create mission statement for Business Against Waste Program, Develop Program Criteria, and Determine Member Benefits lb Determine Materials that will be handed out lc Estimate Costs for Materials to be handed out ld Create information packets for business le Order materials to be handed out if Create tracking form accessible to NRB members lg Add new program information to NRB website lh Hold workshop as part of NRB monthly meeting for public to attend and recruit volunteers Arrange meeting with Chamber of Commerce to discuss business li outreach partnership Cost to Date NRB Champion Update Hyperlinks End Date Chamber of Commerce 1j Develop education and outreach program for local schools IRC School Board Ruth Callaghan