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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-01-2025 NRB AgendaNATURAL RESOURCES BOARD AGENDA REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, JULY 1ST, 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. June 3rd, 2025 - Natural Resources Board Meeting Minutes 5)ANNOUNCEMENTS Item A. General Announcements Item B. Coastal Connections Presentation 6)AGENDA MODIFICATIONS 7)PUBLIC INPUT 8)UNFINISHED BUSINESS Chair announces the title of the item Staff Presentation Public Input Staff Summation Chair calls for a motion Board deliberation and roll call vote Item A. Treasure Coast Waterway Cleanup – Saturday, July 26th, 2025 Item B. Sustainable Sebastian 9)NEW BUSINESS Chair announces the title of the item Staff Presentation Public Input Staff Summation Chair calls for a motion Board deliberation and roll call vote Item A. Upcoming Event Opportunities 1.Touch & Tour – Saturday, September 13th, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM 2.Sebastian Kids Fest – Saturday, October 4th, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM 3.International Coastal Cleanup – Saturday, September 20th, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM 10)ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA AND DATE: Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 1.Sustainable Sebastian 2.Treasure Coast Waterway Cleanup Debrief 3.Preparations for Upcoming Events 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 MAY BE IN ATTENDANCE. Treasure Coast Waterway Cleanup NRB Assignment Schedule Time Milestone Set Up & Tear Down (3) Volunteer Check-In (2)Trash Weigh-in & Disposal (3)Clean-up Participation 7:00 AM Staff Arrives for Set up 8:00 AM Event Begins! 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM 12:00 PM Tear Down 1:00 PM The number in parentheses shows the minimum number of board members required for each task. Saturday, July 26th, 2025 SUSTAINABLE SEBASTIAN 5-YEAR IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 2.0 SUMMARY G R A N T A SSIS T A N C E P O SSIB L E P U B LIC V O L U N T E E R S N E E D E D COLLABORATING ENTITY NRB CHAMPION(s)HYPERLINKS DUE DATE UPDATES & NOTES I. GOAL 1 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 Charles Stadelman 1A Update the City's Sustainable Event Guide annually. Parks, Recreation, & Facilities Dept.; Commuications & Social Media Coordinator March 31, Annually The 2024 Edition of the Sustainable Event Guide is currently in use. 1B Develop a resolution to solidify the City of Sebastian's commitment to the reduction of single-use plastics.Charter Officers; City Council July 31, 2025 Draff Submitted to Staff for review and editing. 1C Develop resolutions and ordinances limiting the permitted use of single-use plastics at City Facilities, including those that can be rented by members of the public for private gatherings.Parks, Recreation, & Facilities Dept.January 31, 2027 1D Incorporate the reduction of single-use plastics at events into the Parks Master Plan.Parks, Recreation, & Facilities Dept. 1E Conduct an annual check-up on the items procured for City Operations to determine if more sustainable options can be acquired.Parks, Recreation, & Facilities Dept.August 31, Annually GOAL 2 CREATE INCENTIVES TO REDUCE THE USE OF SINGLE-USE PLASTICS BY RECOGNIZING BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS THAT DEMONSTRATE EFFORT & COMMITMENT TO THE REDUCTION OF SINGLE-USE PLASTICS. Donna Ware 2A Develop a Recognition Program for Local Businesses that reduce their use of single-use plastics.Chamber of Commerce December 31, 2025 2B Identify and nominate Local Businesses that qualify for other recognition programs, such as Surfrider's Ocean Friendly Restaurants.Chamber of Commerce May 31, Annually 2C Promote participation in single-use plastic reduction programs hosted by the City's Partners, such as but not limited to the FDEP's Skip the Straw Program. Communications & Social Media Coordinator; Recreation Coordinator June 30, Annually GOAL 3 LEAD THE CHARGE ON CLEANING UP THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT & SUPPORT THE LEAVE NO TRACE (LNT) ETHICS PROGRAM AS IMPLEMENTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION'S (DEP) AQUATIC PRESERVES PROGRAM Paul Dovell 3A Host training LNT Ethics training sessions for NRB Members and City Staff to improve our stewardship and ability to guide the public.FDEP Aquatic Preserves Program FDEP Local Preserve Site May 31, 2028 3B Annually host sites for clean-up events such as the Treasure Coast Waterway Cleanup & the International Coastal Cleanup.X Marine Industries Association; Coastal Connections; Parks, Recreation, & Facilities Dept. TC Cleanup Event Website September 30, Annually TCWC Planned for 2025; Participation in ICC to be determined. SUPPORT THE OVERALL REDUCTION IN THE USE OF SINGLE-USE PLASTICS BY THE CITY AND ITS BUSINESS COMMUNITY BY ASSISTING AND PROMOTING KEEP INDIAN RIVER BEAUTIFUL'S (KIRB) AND KEEP BREVARD BEAUTIFUL'S (KBB) LITTER QUITTER (LQ) AND SURFRIDER FOUNDATION'S OCEAN FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS (OFR) PROGRAMS AND THROUGH THE IDENTIFICATION OF ALTERNATIVE PRODUCTS 06-25-2025 NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD 1 SUSTAINABLE SEBASTIAN 5-YEAR IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 2.0 SUMMARY G R A N T A SSIS T A N C E P O SSIB L E P U B LIC V O L U N T E E R S N E E D E D COLLABORATING ENTITY NRB CHAMPION(s)HYPERLINKS DUE DATE UPDATES & NOTES SUPPORT THE OVERALL REDUCTION INII. GOAL 4 RECOGNIZE AND ENCOURAGE LOCAL RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES THAT ACTIVELY UTILIZE NATIVE, LAGOON-FRIENDLY, AND FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING PRINCIPLES.Laura Thompson 4A Develop a landscaping recognition program for local residents and businesses. Local Nurseries & Landscapers; Communications & Social Media Coordinator NRB Landscaping Page December 31, 2027 4B Revive the Champion Tree Program, and incorporate a process for the nomination and declaration of Historic Trees.Community Development Dept.December 31, 2026 Discussions of Champion Tree Parameters underway 4C Create "We Noticed" door hanger as an anonymous way to encourage residents to enroll in the recognition programs.Community Development Dept.January 31, 2027 GOAL 5 EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ON THE BENEFITS OF IMPLEMENTING IFAS' FLORIDA FRIENDLY PRINCIPALS INTO THEIR LANDSCAPE Laura Thompson 5A Utilize NRB website & social media to provide resources including outreach materials, landscaping principles, and links to relevant organizations. Community Development Dept.; Communications & Social Media Coordinator; UF/IFAS IRC Office; Management Information Systems NRB Landscaping Website May 31, Annually Development of Outreach Materials for regarding the Fertilizer Ordinances is underway. 5B Host landscaping and tree care workshops for residents, businesses, and developers.Parks, Recreation, & Facilities Dept.; UF/IFAS IRC Office October 31, Annually 5C Develop Public Service Announcements and outreach for the City's Social media regarding tree care, landscaping practices, and invasive species, among other relevant topics. Communications & Social Media Coordinator August 31, Annually 5D Utilize the UF/IFAS Extension Office outreach folders to create more "Homeowner Welcome Packets" and determine methods for getting packets out to more residents.X Building Dept.; Community Development Dept.; UF/IFAS IRC Office IRC UF IFAS Website May 31, Annually Homeowner Packets Currently being distributed via Final Zoning Inspections. GOAL 6 SET THE EXAMPLE FOR SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPES ACROSS CITY PROPERTIES Laura Thompson Trees for Life Program 6A Participate in the Pelican Island Audubon Society's Trees for Life program by planting more trees on City parks and properties. Pelican Island Audubon Society (PIAS); Parks, Recreation, & Facilities Dept. NRB Landscaping Website October 31, Annually 6B Annually pursue the Tree City USA Growth Award.Parks, Recreation, & Facilities Dept.November Annually 6C Enhance the existing demonstration gardens annually with new plantings, weeding, mulch, and added signage.X Parks, Recreation, & Facilities Dept.August 31, Annually 6D Create new native demonstration gardens, Food Forests, and Community Gardens at City Parks.X Parks, Recreation, & Facilities Dept., PIAS, Sebastian Garden Club, Sebastian River Junior Women's Club (SRJWC) September 30, Annually GOAL 7 IMPROVE THE ECOLOGICAL HEALTH OF OUR LOCAL LANDSCAPES THROUGH REGULARLY SCHEDULED REMOVAL OF INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES AND PUBLIC EDUCATION ON THE SUBJECT Daniel Bruggen 7A Prioritize the Parks & Properties within the City's Jurisdiction which require the removal of invasive plant species for maintenance and beautification purposes. Parks, Recreation, & Facilities Dept.; Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee October 31, Annually 7B Host at least one invasive species removal event annually in which the public is welcome to participate.XXParks, Recreation, & Facilities Dept., Pelican Island Audubon Society February Annually Aiming to solidify date for next Air Potato Roundup by October SUPPORT LANDSCAPING PRACTICES WHICH PROMOTE A HEALTHY, NATIVE ECOSYSTEM BY 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 06-25-2025 NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD 2 SUSTAINABLE SEBASTIAN 5-YEAR IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 2.0 SUMMARY G R A N T A SSIS T A N C E P O SSIB L E P U B LIC V O L U N T E E R S N E E D E D COLLABORATING ENTITY NRB CHAMPION(s)HYPERLINKS DUE DATE UPDATES & NOTES SUPPORT THE OVERALL REDUCTION INIII.GOAL 8 ASSIST CITY IN REVISION OF THE TREE PROTECTION AND LANDSCAPE ORDINANCES Thomas Carrano 8A Board Members are to volunteer to serve on the Sub-Committee.X Community Development Dept.January 31, 2026 8B Updates and discussion are to be provided at NRB Meetings.Community Development Dept.January 31, 2026 8C Final revised ordinances brought to the NRB for approval before being presented to City Council.Community Development Dept.February 28, 2026 GOAL 9 ASSIST IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF CODES AND ORDINANCES TO ENABLE, ENCOURAGE, AND PROMOTE THE USE OF LOW-IMPACT DEVELOPMENT/DESIGN AND GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE TECHNIQUES AND TECHNOLOGIES Thomas Carrano 9A Review the applicable Ordinances and determine if changes are needed to support and encourage these practices.Community Development Dept.October 31, 2029 9B Identify policies of the Comprehensive Plan that require codifying.Community Development Dept.October 31, 2029 GOAL 10 MAINTAIN A PULSE ON THE CITY'S PRIOR SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS TO ENSURE WE ARE MEETING THE CURRENT NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY Thomas Carrano 10A Annual IPM Reports are to be brought to the NRB for discussion.Public Works Dept.; Parks, Recreation, & Facilities Dept. July NRB Meeting, Annually IPM Presentation by City Engineer/Special Project Director delivered at June 2025 NRB Meeting GOAL 11 EXPLORE THE USE OF PREDICTIVE ANALYTICS AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO IMPROVE SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS Charles Stadelman 11A Identify and prioritize the areas of greatest need and feasibility for utilizing AI and Predictive Analytic Modeling.Community Development Dept.June 30, 2027 Champion is currently conducting research on prospective models for use. 11B Select the appropriate Predictive Analytic Model or AI to address each area of concern.Community Development Dept.June 30, 2028 GOAL 12 INCORPORATE THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY INTO THE CITY'S SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS Matthew Krauss 12A Develop an annual public poll in which residents can provide insight on the areas of greatest need.Community Development Dept.November 30, 2025 Poll questions have been vetted by NRB. Staff to create versions for distribution. 12B Identify and prioritize specific Sustainable Sebastian topics that may require further public input.Community Development Dept.January NRB Meeting, Annually PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CITY POLICIES AND CODES RELATED TO NATURAL RESOURCES 06-25-2025 NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD 3 SUSTAINABLE SEBASTIAN 5-YEAR IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 2.0 SUMMARY G R A N T A SSIS T A N C E P O SSIB L E P U B LIC V O L U N T E E R S N E E D E D COLLABORATING ENTITY NRB CHAMPION(s)HYPERLINKS DUE DATE UPDATES & NOTES SUPPORT THE OVERALL REDUCTION INIV GOAL 13 INCREASE RECYCLING AWARENESS AND AVAILBILITY TO THE PUBLIC Donna Ware 13A Work with Waste Management to host regular household waste/shred-it recycle events.Waste Management; Parks, Recreation, & Facilities Dept. Earth Day & Arbor Day Celebration, Annually Hosted Shredding, Electronic Recycling, Household Waste, & Bike Roundup during 2025 Celebration 13B Add information on what is and is not recyclable to NRB Website, COS TV Channel, and on the City's social media platforms. IRC Solid Waste Disposal District; Communications & Social Media Coordinator; Parks, Recreation, & Facilities Dept.; Management Information Systems NRB Recycle Website August 31, Annually 13C Define cost and discuss funding assistance for waterfront businesses in acquiring recycling services.X Community Development Dept.; Parks, Recreation, & Facilities Dept.June 30, 2026 GOAL 14 INCREASE OPPORTUNITIES FOR RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND MAXIMIZE RECYCLING AVAILABILITY WITHIN CITY OPERATIONS Paul Dovell 14A Establish a protocol for selecting energy efficient choices for planned major City purchases (i.e. lighting, windows, CIP items, etc.)X Procurement Division.; Parks, Recreation, & Facilities Dept.September 30, 2025 14B Annually check to ensure that every office and copier has a recycling bin.Community Development Dept.; Parks, Recreation, & Facilities Dept.September 30, Annually 14C Post educational outreach of simple sustainability practices, including but not limited to ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle, communicated through emails and signage in gathering areas.Parks, Recreation, & Facilities Dept.October 31, Annually 14D Annually evaluate City Operations to determine the areas of greatest need to be addressed.Parks, Recreation, & Facilities Dept.September 30, Annually GOAL 15 INCREASE EQUITY CITY-WIDE AND IMPROVE THE CITY'S OVERALL RESILIENCY BY ADDRESSING FOOD INSECURITY ISSUES Daniel Bruggen 15A Develop a food waste reduction program in partnership with local restaurants and organizations.XXParks, Recreation, & Facilities Dept.; Chamber of Commerce September 30, 2027 Met with Parks, Recreation, & Facilities Director to discuss preliminary concepts. 15B Develop a system of community pantries and fridges within City limits.X Parks, Recreation, & Facilities Dept.; Treasure Coast Community Fridges, Inc.; Public Works GIS Division December 31, 2027 Met with Parks, Recreation, & Facilities Director to discuss preliminary concepts. 15C Provide information about local food security programs and resources on the City's website and social media to increase accessibility. Communications & Social Media Coordinator; Management Information Systems January 31, 2027 15D Provide educational materials and opportunities to help residents learn ways to reduce food waste, including but not limited to composting. Communications & Social Media Coordinator; Management Information Systems 30 ways to green office August 31, 2025 IDEAS for Us-Fleet Farming Presentation to NRB Planned for August 5th Meeting. REDUCING THE CITY'S OPERATIONAL FOOTPRINT BY PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE ENERGY RESOURCES THROUGH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGIES, WHERE PRACTICAL 06-25-2025 NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD 4 SUSTAINABLE SEBASTIAN 5-YEAR IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 2.0 SUMMARY G R A N T A SSIS T A N C E P O SSIB L E P U B LIC V O L U N T E E R S N E E D E D COLLABORATING ENTITY NRB CHAMPION(s)HYPERLINKS DUE DATE UPDATES & NOTES SUPPORT THE OVERALL REDUCTION INV.GOAL 16 PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR APPROVED STORMWATER BMP'S Paul Dovell 16A Board Members to discuss ideas or programs that can support their implementation, especially those under public participation and outreach. Public Works Dept. Stormwater Division City SW Dept Website May 31, Annually 16B Develop outreach materials to improve public understanding of BMP's and LID's in relation to the Stormwater Fee Credit Program. Community Development Dept.; Communications & Social Media Coordinator; Public Works Dept. Stormwater Division NRB GI/LID Website June 30, 2028 GOAL 17 ASSIST IN THE CREATION OF TOOLKITS FOR GI BMPS AND PLANNING LID Thomas Carrano 17A Compile summaries and data on the most applicable practices for our City into toolkits that help to assess and improve stormwater management. Public Works Dept. Stormwater Division NRB GI/LID Website November 30, 2025 Use 2024 Stormwater Master Plan as a Reference Point 17B Create a guide for residents to incorporate small-scale LID/GSI techniques onto their properties.Community Development Dept.February 28, 2026 17C Create a guide for developers to incorporate LID/Green Stormwater Infrastructure techniques into the planning and development of large-scale projects, including but not limited to site redevelopment, commercial properties, and subdivisions. Community Development Dept.February 28, 2027 17D Review GI Map of the City and determine where there may be an opportunity to enhance existing hubs and cooridors, connect green spaces, and improve stormwater storage and treatment areas.X Community Development Dept.; Public Works GIS Division City's GI Map January 31, Annually Use 2024 Stormwater Master Plan as a Reference Point GOAL 18 INCREASE EDUCATIONAL SIGNAGE AT CITY PARKS AND STORMWATER FEATURES Daniel Bruggen 18A Identify and prioritize the areas that require updated signage to recommend for implementation.Parks, Recreation, & Facilities Dept., Stormwater Division, City's Sign Shop August 31, Annually Signage for Garden Club Park determined as 1st Priority 18B Research what pre-made signage is available and what what grant assistance may be available.X Parks, Recreation & Facilities Dept.; Stormwater Division; City's Sign Shop Tulip Pond Info September 30, Annually PROTECT AND RESTORE THE WATER QUALITY OF ALL OUR CITY'S WATER BODIES BY SUPPORTING THE CITY'S STORMWATER PROGRAM IN THE CREATION OF TOOLKITS EMPHASIZING BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (BMP), LOW IMPACT DESIGN (LID), AND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE (GI) 06-25-2025 NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD 5 SUSTAINABLE SEBASTIAN 5-YEAR IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 2.0 SUMMARY G R A N T A SSIS T A N C E P O SSIB L E P U B LIC V O L U N T E E R S N E E D E D COLLABORATING ENTITY NRB CHAMPION(s)HYPERLINKS DUE DATE UPDATES & NOTES SUPPORT THE OVERALL REDUCTION INVI.GOAL 19 SEEK OPPORTUNITIES TO CROSS MARKET THE CITY'S PARKS AND GREEN SPACES Paul Dovell 19A Develop an ecology-focused eco-tourism guide. Chamber of Commerce; Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee; IRC Conservation Lands Division Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce July 31, 2025 Indian River Lagoon, St. Sebastian River, etc. 19B Identify unique features of the City's spaces, including the local ecology, to develop promotions for each park and property. Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee; Parks, Recreation, & Facilities Dept. eBird tracking website July 31, Annually protected species and/or habitats, special services provided 19C Research what certifications & designations are attainable.Parks, Recreation, & Facilities Dept.FL Nature Tracker Website June 30, Annually examples: Great Florida Birding Trail GOAL 20 INCREASE AWARENESS OF OUR LOCAL ECOLOGY AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO OUR WAY OF LIFE HERE Matthew Krauss 20A Provide the public with information and resources on living alongside wildlife through posts on the City's social media and website and in-person educational opportunities. Communications & Social Media Coordinator; Parks, Recreation, & Facilities Dept.; Management Information Systems October 31, Annually 1st Species of focus to be selected by the Champion for review by City Staff 20B Provide the public with information and resources on Noise Pollution, a non-material form of pollution. Communications & Social Media Coordinator; Parks, Recreation, & Facilities Dept. November 30, Annually Preliminary oncepts proposed to Staff for review 20C Provide the public with information and resources on Light Pollution, a non-material form of pollution. Communications & Social Media Coordinator; Parks, Recreation, & Facilities Dept. December 31, Annually Preliminary oncepts proposed to Staff for review GOAL 21 ASSIST IN PLANNING COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS & WORKSHOPS FROM GUEST SPEAKERS AND CITY STAFF TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP WITHIN THE COMMUNITY Donna Ware 21A Identify the subject areas of greatest need for our community, and develop a priotized list of the subjects. Parks, Recreation, & Facilities Dept.; Communications & Social Media Coordinator December 1, Annually Met with SWDD regarding workshops on Recycling 21B Develop a schedule for the prospective presentations & sessions. Parks, Recreation, & Facilities Dept.; Communications & Social Media Coordinator December 31, Annually Aiming for Fall 2025 for 1st Recycling Workshop PROMOTE THE CITY'S OVERALL LIVEABILITY THROUGH THE PROMOTION OF ACTIVE TRANSPORATION, INCREASING CONNECTIVITY AMONG TRAILS AND PATHWAYS, AND PROMOTING NATURE- BASED TOURISM 06-25-2025 NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD 6