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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-12-2024 NRB MinutesNATURAL RESOURCES BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 12, 2024 Chairman Stadelman called the Natural Resources Board meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. II. Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all. III. Roll Call Present Ms. Ware Mr. Krauss Ms. Billman Mr. Stadelman Mr. Bruggen Mr. Carrano Not Present Mr. Dovell (alternate) -- Excused Mr. Clifford -- Excused Also Present Alix Bernard, Community Development Director Felicia Gordian, Environmental Technician Joseph Perez, AV Technical Assistant Janet Graham, Technical Writer IV. Approval of Minutes A. October 1, 2024 -- Natural Resources Board Meeting Minutes All having indicated they had reviewed the Minutes of October 1, 2024, Mr. Stadelman called for a motion. A motion approving the Minutes of October 1, 2024 as presented was made by Mr. Carrano, seconded by Ms. Ware, and approved unanimously via voice vote. V. Announcements A. New Dates for Oyster Reef Ball Deployment with ORCA -- November 15tn, 16th, & 17t", 2024 Ms. Gordian stated that, because this is an event run by ORCA themselves, they have their own volunteer sign-ups and waivers and specific time slots that are available. She NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 12, 2024 PAGE 2 added that, if any of the Natural Resources Board members are interested in participating, and there is no obligation to participate, please be sure to sign up with ORCA so they know how many people are coming, and that way you will be registered and have your waiver signed. She also added that there will be some heavy lifting. The oyster reef balls themselves will each weigh about 50 lbs. There is a QR code, and the website is also listed on the flyer that is in the agenda packet for tonight's meeting. Mr. Stadelman re- viewed the dates of the event and the times as follows: Friday, November 151h from 9:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 16th from 7:30 a.m. till 11:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. till 2:30 p.m., then Sunday, November 17th from 7:30 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. and then 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. He added that ORCA's phone number is as fol- lows: 772-562-9052 and the website is teamorca.orq. Ms. Gordian introduced Mr. Bruggen and thanked him for returning to the Board. She stated that he is now a full, regular Natural Resources Board member. Mr. Bruggen thanked everyone and looks forward to helping with the Board's projects. Ms. Gordian announced that she was informed that Dr. Graham Cox, who has participated in the Integrated Pest Management Program and was an active member of the community and some other local organizations, unfortunately, has passed away. She will be forwarding all the board members copies of the emails that she received regarding his passing. Mr. Stadelman stated that Dr. Cox will be sorely missed, and he has spoken at this board's meetings many times. At this time, Mr. Carrano took over for Mr. Stadelman. VI. Agenda Modifications -- None VII. Public Input -- None At this time, Mr. Stadelman returned to the microphone. Vlll. Unfinished Business A. Sustainable Sebastian -- Development of the Next Action Plan Ms. Gordian stated that in this evening's agenda packet there is the table containing the original six initiatives as laid out in the Sustainable Sebastian Resolution. Based on the conversations that were conducted at the last several meetings, there are some outlined proposed goals for all of the board members to review. (SEE ATTACHED) These are staffs suggestions so far as to what categories and initiatives the goals that were previously discussed will fall under. She called on the board members for discussion. NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 12, 2024 PAGE 3 Mr. Stadelman, after describing the first initiative, reduction of single - use plastics, stated that some of those initiatives are no longer viable, such as KIRB and the Litter Quitter program. There was general discussion regarding this item, and it was suggested by Ms. Ware that the NRB have educational workshops at City Hall in order to get the information out. The second initiative is to support landscaping practices which promote a healthy, native ecosystem by assisting and promoting K1RB'S Lagoon Friendly Lawns, the University of Florida's (UF) Institute of Food and Agricultural Services' (FAS), and Florida Friendly Landscape Programs. Ms. Gordian asked if anyone had any comments/questions on this proposed goal. Ms. Ware asked regarding the Champion and Historic Tree Program. Ms. Gordian described what this program is and its history. Mr. Carrano inquired if there are any historic trees in Sebastian. Ms. Gordian said the Hardee Oak at the Main Street Boat Ramp is one. There was an extended discussion among the board members regarding the Tree City USA program and the Champion and Historic Trees. iii. The third initiative is to provide recommendations for City policies and codes related to natural resources. Mr. Carrano stated that that goal is a lot harder than it appears. If the lots were larger, it would be a lot easier. To force people to keep trees that may fall on their houses is very hard to do. He suggested that this needs to be revisited. He also suggested that a committee might be needed to come up with what the definitions of trees are that everyone can live with. Mr. Stadelman suggested investigating Predictive Analytics and Al as to this item. There was a suggestion by Mr. Krauss to initiate public polls to find out what the public feels and what their opinions are and make that an annual process. iv. Reducing the City's operational footprint by promoting sustainable energy resources through the implementation of sustainable technologies where practical as Initiative No. 4 was discussed. Mr. Stadelman stated that the food -waste -reduction program is a good beginning. V. Protect and restore the water quality of all our City's water bodies by supporting the City's stormwater programs in the creation of toolkits NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 12, 2024 PAGE 4 emphasizing best management practices (BMP), low -impact design (LID), and green infrastructure (GI). There was discussion regarding the stormwater master plan. vi. Promote the City's overall livability through the promoting of active transportation, increasing connectivity among trails and pathways and promoting nature -based tourism is the sixth goal. Mr. Krauss stated that he has recommended looking at noise pollution and light pollution as a starting point. Mr. Stadelman suggested that noise and light pollution are a concern. There being no further discussion on the Sustainable Sebastian Action Plan, a motion approving the Sustainable Sebastian goals for the next five years as contained in the attachment to tonight's agenda was made by Mr. Stadelman, seconded by Ms. Ware, and approved unanimously via voice vote. City of Sebastian Christmas Parade -- Saturday, December 71n, 2024 Ms. Gordian called everyone's attention to the Executive Summary regarding the Christmas Parade attached to the agenda packet, and an extended discussion ensued on the plans for the Christmas Parade and the NRB's participation in the parade. The board members who volunteered to assist with the parade were Mr. Stadelman, Mr. Krauss, Ms. Ware, and Ms. Billman. IX. New Business A. Centennial Celebration -- Sunday, December 8tn, 2024 Ms. Gordian stated that there will be a parade with the Clydesdales, activities in the Park, and fireworks. There was discussion regarding whether the NRB will participate with a table, etc. Those who will be available to help are Ms. Billman later in the day, Mr. Bruggen later in the day, Mr. Stadelman in the morning, Ms. Ware as she is available, and possibly Mr. Clifford. A motion for the NRB to attend the Centennial Celebration on December 81h, 2024 was made by Mr. Carrano, seconded by Ms. Billman, and approved by all via voice vote . NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD PAGE 5 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 12, 2024 X. Items for Next Agenda and Date: Tuesday, December V, 2024 A. Sustainable Sebastian Development of the Next Action Plan. Mr. Carrano suggested pushing that item out until the January 2025 meeting. Ms. Ware suggested that in the meantime board members be thinking about what Sustainable Sebastian goals they want to champion. Mr. Stadelman suggested keeping the item on the agenda and just doing a short synopsis of which goals everyone will be championing. A. Christmas Parade Planning Mr. Stadelman suggested some time at next month's meeting could be set aside for planning the Christmas Parade. B. Centennial Celebration Preparations (as approved by Board) XI. Adiournment There being no further business, Mr. Stadelman called for a motion to adjourn. A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Mr. Carrano, seconded by Ms. Ware, and approved unanimously via voice vote. Charles Stadelman, Chairman Jg