Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-07-2025 NRB AgendaMYOF SEBASTL HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD AGENDA REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 7T", 2025 - 6:00pm 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" 1) CALL TO ORDER 2) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3) ROLL CALL 4) APPROVAL OF MINUTES — ACTION ITEM Item A. December 3rd, 2024 - Natural Resources Board Meeting Minutes 5) ANNOUNCEMENTS 6) AGENDA MODIFICATIONS 7) PUBLIC INPUT 8) UNFINISHED BUSINESS Chairman announces the title of the item Staff Presentation Public Input Staff Summation Chairman calls for a motion Board deliberation and roll call vote Item A. Sustainable Sebastian — Champion Selection for the Next Action Plan Item B. Christmas Parade - Debrief Item C. Centennial Celebration - Debrief Item D. The Great Air Potato Round -up — Saturday, February 8t", 2025 9) NEW BUSINESS Chairman announces the title of the item Staff Presentation Public Input Staff Summation Chairman calls for a motion Board deliberation and roll call vote Item A. Proposed Framework for the Environmental Stewardship Awards Program — ACTION ITEM Item B. Earth Day & Arbor Day Celebration — Saturday, April 26th, 2025 — Preliminary Plans Item C. Annual Selection of New Chairman and Vice Chairman — ACTION ITEM 10) ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA AND DATE: Tuesday, February 4", 2025 Sustainable Sebastian a. Development of the next Action Plan Final Preparations for the Great Air Potato Round -up Event iii. Earth Day & Arbor Day Celebration Planning 11)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. NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 3, 2024 I. Vice Chair Mr. Carrano called the Natural Resources Board meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 11. Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all. III. Roll Call Present Ms. Ware Mr. Bruggen Ms. Billman Mr. Dovell -- (alternate) Mr. Clifford Mr. Carrano Mr. Krauss Mr. Stadelman — (Zoom) Also Present Alix Bernard, Community Development Director Felicia Gordian, Environmental Technician Nicholas Ladyman, AV Technician Janet Graham, Technical Writer IV. Approval of Minutes A. November 12, 2024 -- Natural Resources Board Meeting Minutes All having indicated they had reviewed the Minutes of November 12, 2024, Mr. Carrano called for a motion. A motion approving the Minutes of November 12, 2024 as presented was made by Ms. Ware, seconded by Ms. Billman, and approved unanimously via voice vote. V. Announcements A. Preliminary 2025 Schedule of Events Mr. Carrano stated that copies of this schedule are included with tonight's handouts to the Board members. Ms. Gordian said that this is the preliminary 2025 calendar, including some of the upcoming events that staff foresees for 2025. This will be amended, changed, and updated, and the Board members will receive copies of any changes and updates throughout the year 2025. NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 3, 2024 PAGE 2 B. Ms. Ware pointed out that the Earth Day Celebration is a week later in 2025 because of Easter. It will be held on April 26, 2025. C. Ms. Gordian announced that Mr. Stadelman could not be here in person this evening, although he is on Zoom, and Mr. Dovell is up on the dais. D. Mr. Clifford announced that, unfortunately, due to circumstances in his life having changed, he will be resigning as of January 1, 2025. Mr. Carrano thanked Mr. Clifford for the volunteer hours he has put in thus far, and the Board will be sorry to see Mr. Clifford resign. VI. Agenda Modifications -- None VII. Public Input -- None Vill. Unfinished Business A. Sustainable Sebastian -- Champion Selection for the Next Action Plan Mr. Carrano called everyone's attention to a new list which has been provided to all board members. Ms. Gordian described that this list is a slight expansion of what was discussed at the last meeting, including the new column for prospective champions. She stated, if anyone has any particular interest in any of the projects and is willing to champion those projects, now is the time to discuss those projects. Mr. Carrano suggested that all the board members take the list home, read it carefully, do some background research, and see what you do or do not want to get involved with. He then suggested tabling the Champion Selection until the first meeting in January. All board members agreed. Ms. Gordian stated, if anyone wants to let her know before the next meeting, feel free to do that, as that will help her in preparing for the next meeting. Mr. Bruggen asked about the item that says, "Develop a Food -Waste -Reduction Program." He is curious as to what is being attempted to accomplish this item. Ms. Gordian stated that there are several different avenues that can be taken with this idea. With whomever decides to champion this item, we can flesh that out together. Ms. Gordian reviewed different programs that are set up in neighboring communities, including Indian River County, and that is a possibility that we may be able to tap into. Mr. Bruggen said that he has a farming background, and the area where he lived in Indiana actually collected food for their livestock, and he wondered if this will be going that route. Ms. Gordian said Mr. Bruggen raised a good point because, depending on what food is being talked about, there may be an opportunity to gear some of that food recovery toward human consumption and some of that recovery towards animal consumption. NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 3, 2024 PAGE 3 Ms. Ware also stated that the proposed goals can be adjusted. Ms. Gordian said yes, the proposed goals are not concrete. The only things that are concrete at the moment are the initiatives that are contained in the Resolution. B. City of Sebastian Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 7th, 2024 -- Final Preparations Ms. Gordian said that the Christmas Parade is getting close, and she reviewed the details that the Board members will need to know for the day of the event. For those who will be participating, they will need to meet here at 3:30 p.m. behind City Hall. She stated that after the decorating of the float is completed, it will need to be in line for the parade at 5:00 p.m. The cutoff for being in line is 5:30. There are candies to be given out, and we are also going to give out seed packets. She added that Mr. Stadelman is going to be the Abominable Plastic Man, Ms. Ware is going to be the Reusable Bag Witch, Ms. Billman is going to be a butterfly, and Mr. Krauss is going to be "Carter." Ms. Gordian asked if Mr. Clifford will be able to pick up the plants for the float from "A Tree 4 Me." Mr. Clifford said yes. He and Ms. Ware will meet and pick up the plants. Ms. Gordian reviewed what staff has in the way of decorations for the float. There was more general discussion among the Board members regarding the parade and the float. C. Centennial Celebration on Sunday, December 8th, 2024 -- Final Preparations Ms. Gordian stated that in tonight's agenda packet there are the details of the event and the schedule. The volunteers for this event will need to arrive at the park at 7:30 a.m. The event kicks off at 10:00 a.m. There are five shifts throughout the day, and we only really need one board member for each shift. Mr. Bruggen said he would prefer the morning shift. Mr. Krauss would like to have the 10:00 a.m. shift. Mr. Clifford stated he can assist with breaking everything down and cleaning up, etc. Ms. Billman will also do the tear -down shift, and she will be there at 3:00 p.m. Ms. Ware said she will probably be able to do the 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. shift. Mr. Stadelman said he will come in the morning and will take the 12:00 p.m. shift. IX. New Business -- None X. Items for the Next Agenda and Date -- Tuesday, January 7th, 2025 A. Development of the next Action Plan Mr. Carrano said that by then everyone will have contacted Ms. Gordian to let her know what items they want to champion. NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 3, 2024 IJ;Tth[I Ms. Gordian said the date on the agenda packet is incorrect. The date should be January 7th, 2025. B. Christmas Parade Debrief C. Centennial Celebration Debrief D. Air Potato Round -up Event, Saturday, February 8th, 2025 Ms. Gordian explained what that event entails. Staff has been in conversation with the Pelican Island Audubon Society about Sebastian hosting our own Great Air Potato Round -Up. She reviewed that Dr. Mosblech, one of the NRB's previous board members, suggested having this event. The event will be hosted in the City's Stormwater Park, also known as the Stormwater Treatment Facility. The northern area of this park is infested with air potatoes, which is a very invasive species. She described what will take place at this event, an important part being education about the air potato species. She also stated that staff will have flyers on this event so the public will be well informed on time, date, etc. Ms. Billman suggested having a Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head contest. Mr. Krauss asked if the City knows how many different invasive plants and animal species we have. Ms. Gordian stated she does not have an exact number, but that is something she can look into to see if there is any information on that. XI. Adiournment There being no further business, Mr. Carrano called for a motion to adjourn. A motion to adjourn was made by Ms. Ware, seconded by Mr. Dovell, and approved unanimously via voice vote at 6:33 p.m. BY: Date: Thomas Carrano, Vice -Chairman jg Sustainable Sebastian - Prospective Champion Selection for the next Action Plan Initiatives Proposed Goals SUPPORT THE OVERALL REDUCTION IN THE USE OF SINGLE -USE PLASTICS BY THE CITY AND ITS Reduce the use of single -use plastics on City Property; BUSINESS COMMUNITY BY ASSISTING AND PROMOTING KEEP INDIAN RIVER BEAUTIFUL'S I. (KIRB) AND KEEP BREVARD BEAUTIFUL'S (KBB) LITTER QUITTER (LQ) AND SURFRIDER Educational Programs for the Public, including local schools FOUNDATION'S OCEAN FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS (OFR) PROGRAMS AND THROUGH THE IDENTIFICATION OF ALTERNATIVE PRODUCTS Recognition Programs for Businesses & Organizations Native Landscaping on City -owned Property Tree City USA Growth Award Program SUPPORT LANDSCAPING PRACTICES WHICH PROMOTE A HEALTHY, NATIVE ECOSYSTEM BY Invasive Plant Species Management Programs II. ASSISTING AND PROMOTING KIRB'S LAGOON FRIENDLY LAWNS AND UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA'S (UF) INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL SERVICES' (IFAS) FLORIDA FRIENDLY LANDSCAPE PROGRAMS Champion & Historic Tree Program Recogn.._1✓,. r� n for Homeowners Edible Landscape Programs Update the Tree Protection & Landscaping Ordinances PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CITY POLICIES AND CODES RELATED TO NATURAL Develop Ordinances for Low -Impact Development/Design RESOURCES Predictive Analytic Public Polls Reduce resource consumption in City operations REDUCING THE CITY'S OPERATIONAL FOOTPRINT BY PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE ENERGY IV. RESOURCES THROUGH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGIES, WHERE Develop a Food Waste Reduction Program PRACTICAL Workshops & Educational Opportunities for the Public Develop the Green Infrastructure Plan PROTECT AND RESTORE THE WATER QUALITY OF ALL OUR CITY'S WATER BODIES BY V. SUPPORTING THE CITY'S STORMWATER PROGRAM IN THE CREATION OFTOOLKITS Workshops & Educational Opportunities for the Public EMPHASIZING BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (BMP), LOW IMPACT DESIGN (LID), AND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE (GI) Develop Ecology -centered toolkits for Developers & Residents Increase marketing of the City's parks & green spaces PROMOTE THE CITY'S OVERALL LIVEABILITY THROUGH THE PROMOTION OF ACTIVE Educational Programs for Noise Pollution VI. TRANSPORATION, INCREASING CONNECTIVITY AMONG TRAILS AND PATHWAYS, AND PROMOTING NATURE -BASED TOURISM Educational Programs for Light Pollution Educational Programs for Living alongside Wildlife Prospective Champion(s) SUSTAINABLE SEBASTIAN PRESENTS Despite their heart -shaped leaves, air potato plants are unfortunately not a friend to our local ecosystems. Air potato plants sprout new plants from their aerial tubers and can thrive in various conditions and habitats. This plant can quickly take over tracts of land, smothering our precious local landscapes and disturbing the ecological balance. You might find them crawling up your favorite palm tree or Sprawling across the vacant lot next door. �, VOLUNTELR. NEEDEr Bland Audubon Society and the Natural Resources Board need your help removing this invasive species from Stormwater Park, 297 Englar Drive, Sebastian, FL. Volunteer shift times are yet to be determined. Follow the City of Sebastian on Facebook and Instagram C)cityofsebastian to learn more! Sebastian's Great Air Potato Round -up Saturday, February 8th, 2025 Natural Resources Board Schedule CITY OF SEBASTIAN CITY OF E$ASTI� HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND EXECUTIVE SUMMARY NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD STAFF REPORT DATE Tuesday, January 71b, 2025 TO Natural Resources Board Felicia Gordian, Environmental Technician, FROM Community Development Department. Proposed Framework for the Environmental SUBJECT Stewardship Awards Program Natural Resources Board Member, Mr. Matthew Krauss, approached Community Development Staff with the suggestion of developing an awards program to recognize outstanding citizens in our community who are paving the way toward a more sustainable future. Based on his initial suggestion, the staff has developed a framework for such a program. The program would be dubbed the Environmental Stewardship Award. With consent from the board, staff will inquire with the family of the late Dr. Graham Cox to name the program after him. The full title of the program would then be The Dr. Graham Cox Environmental Stewardship Awards Program. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Natural Resource Board review discussion and approval of the proposed program framework. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Framework for the Environmental Stewardship Award Program Framework for the Environmental Stewardship Award Key: ELC= Environmental Learning Center NRB = Natural Resources Board • Cateeories: o Youth (<18 years of age), o Adult (>18 years of age), o Group • Criteria o Volunteerism o Innovation and Creativity of Efforts ■ insightful approaches ■ new technology ■ etc. o Conservation and Sustainability Efforts and Practices o Alignment of Efforts with Sustainable Sebastian — must align with at least 1 of the 6 overarching initiatives o Impact of Efforts ■ Environmental Impact/benefits ■ Socio-economic viability — impact on our local economy and culture [societal implications] o Acknowledgement of any challenges faced, areas for improvement, and adaptations taken to overcome challenges o Ability to Replicate efforts ■ Could this be repeated by the nominee or others? • The applicant will have to answer questions addressing these criteria, which will be scored based on a point system [1-10]. The application with the overall highest total score is the winner of that category. • Materials for Nomination o Nomination form (all questions completed) o Photo of the Nominee o Samples of work ■ Photo documentation, video, publication/writing samples, newspaper articles, etc. • Promotional Opportunities o Local News outlets o IRC School Board Virtual Backpack o COS social media o Post Flyers around town • Time Frame o The application for nominations will be open for 1 month, between February 15th and March 15th. All nominations must be submitted by March 15th to be eligible. o The NRB is to judge the nominations. Staff will tabulate the scores and announce the award recipients at the April NRB meeting. • Recognition Methods and Materials o Recognition at a Natural Resources Board Meeting o Recognition at City-wide events (i.e. Earth Day & Arbor Day Celebration) o Posts on social media o The award recipient would receive: ■ A plaque stating the award category, year, the recipient's name, and project title (if applicable) ■ Tangible Prize • Prize Options from the ELC o Pontoon Ride Tickets o Kayak Tours o ELC Bucks for their store o Etc. • A tree from Pelican Island Audubon Society o Superlatives — awarded for unique elements of air of the nominations that would be an honorable mention. ■ Determined by those judging the applications. Development of the program will be in honor of the late Dr. Graham Cox, as long as the board receives permission from his family to do so. The full title would then be: The Dr. Graham Cox Environmental Stewardship Award Programs that inspired this framework • E+E Leader Awards o https://awards.environmentenergvleader.com/entrv/entrant/XYVPiikv/blank-pdf • Cox Conserves Heroes o httos://www.coxenterprises.com/our-impact/cox-conserves-heroes/faa • FDACS Agricultural -Environmental Leadership Award o httr)s://forms.fdacs.gov/01795.pdf CITY OF SEBASTIAN NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD STAFF REPORT DATE Tuesday, January 71h, 2025 �T Y OF E$ ` STjA a Tp Natural Resources Board - — Felicia Gordian, Environmental Technician, HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND FROM Community Development Department. SUBJECT Preliminary Earth Day & Arbor Day Celebration Plans EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Staff has begun preparations for the next Earth Day & Arbor Day Celebration, which is to take place on Saturday, April 26th, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The list below contains some preliminary details on the progress of event planning. • The City of Sebastian is continuing its partnership with ORCA and will host a public volunteering opportunity during the celebration in which event -goers can participate in the installation of the buffered shoreline. This buffered shoreline is to be installed around the canoe launch where the oyster reef balls were recently deployed and will serve to mitigate stormwater run-off headed toward the lagoon. There will be multiple time slots, so the public will have ample opportunities to participate. Full details are forthcoming. The Florida Wildlife Hospital has agreed to participate in this year's celebration and will be bringing ambassador animals with them. • Alexis Peralta of the Indian River County Natural Resources Department has agreed to return to the event this year to host the Chalk Art Contest. Due to the location of the buffered shoreline installation, the Chalk Art Contest will be located in a different area this year. Exact details are forthcoming. • As part of the entertainment line-up for this year, Heather Stapleton will be hosting a reading of The Lorax on stage. Full details on the entertainment line-up are forthcoming. • Other expected attendees include the Environmental Learning Center and OF/IFAS Master Gardeners. CITY OF SEBASTIAN CITY OF E$ASTI� HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND EXECUTIVE SUMMARY NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD STAFF REPORT DATE Tuesday, January 71b, 2025 TO Natural Resources Board Felicia Gordian, Environmental Technician, FROM Community Development Department. Annual Elections for Chairman and Vice Chairman of SUBJECT the Natural Resources Board Every year, the Natural Resources Board will need to select a new Chairman and Vice Chairman from the appointed members. To be eligible to serve as the Chairman or Vice Chairman, the nominees must be Regular Members. The table below contains the list of all members, their current term expiration dates, and membership types. The newly appointed Chairman and Vice Chairman will begin their roles effective upon the adjournment of the Tuesday, January 7th, 2025 meeting. Name Sherida Billman Daniel Bruggen * Thomas Carrano Paul Dovell Matthew Krauss * Charles Stadelman Term Expiration 7/l/2025 7/l/2026 7/l/2026 7/l/2025 7/l/2025 7/l/2026 Membership Type Regular Regular Regular Alternate Regular Regular Donna Ware 7/l/2025 Regular * Indicates current Chairman and Vice Chairman