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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-03-2026 NRB AgendaNATURAL RESOURCES BOARD AGENDA REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, MARCH 3RD, 2026 - 6:00 PM 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. February 3rd, 2026 - Natural Resources Board Meeting Minutes 5)ANNOUNCEMENTS 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. Sustainable Sebastian 1.Goal 7B - Great Air Potato Round-up – Debrief 2.Goal 12A – Inaugural Public Environmental Poll Results Item B. Earth Day & Arbor Day Celebration Preparations – Saturday, April 18th, 2026, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM 1.Board Member Participation 2.Prospective Preparation Work Sessions 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. Comprehensive Environmental Guide – Proposal by Board Member Frank Trinkle Item B. Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge Anniversary Celebration – Weekend of March 20th – 22nd, 2026 – ACTION ITEM Item C. Indian River Neighborhood Association’s Indian River County BioBlitz Event - April 19th – 25th, 2026 – ACTION ITEM 10)ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA AND DATE: Tuesday, April 7th, 2026 1.Upcoming Events a.Earth Day & Arbor Day Celebration Preparations b.Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge Anniversary Celebration, if approved c.BioBlitz, if approved 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. I. II. III. NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 3, 2026 Chairperson Stadelman called the Natural Resources Board meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all. Roll Call Present: Ms. Ware Mr. Krauss Mr. Stadelman Mr. Carrano Also Present: Ms. Thompson Mr. Trinkle Mr. Bruggen Ms. Shellenberger (a) IV. Felicia Gordian, Environmental Technician Joseph Perez, AV Technical Assistant Janet Graham, Technical Writer Approval of Minutes A. January 6, 2026, Natural Resources Board Meeting Minutes All having indicated they had reviewed the Minutes of January 6, 2026, Mr. Stadelman called for a motion. A motion approving the Minutes of January 6th, 2026 as presented was made by Mr. Carrano, seconded by Ms. Ware, and approved unanimously. V. Announcements A. Ms. Thompson announced that the Indian River Symposium is going to be held on February 19th, which is a Thursday. Registration is necessary, and it is hosted by FAU Harbor Branch. They usually have an online Zoom link where you can tune in. There are a lot of student presentations about ongoing research that is happening in the Indian River Lagoon. She encouraged everyone to look online and tune in. If you look up FAU Harbor Branch, Indian River Symposium, you should be able to find it. B. Ms. Ware announced that this Saturday, February 6, there will be an Art Club Show at the Riverview Park. It starts at 10 a.m. and goes until 3 p.m . Also, on February 21st is the Sebastian Art Tour, and she described what that event entails. That event is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 3, 2026 PAGE 2 C. Ms. Gordian announced that on January 24th we had another mobile pantry event, which was very successful from what she understands. Mr. Bruggen, Ms. Shellenberger, and Mr. Stadelman were there. Mr. Bruggen described when and where the events will be held in the future. Mr. Bruggen and Mr. Stadelman both described the event in depth. Mr. Bruggen said that Ms. Gordian and he are working with the Treasure Coast Food Bank and described what they are and will be doing in the future regarding this program. Ms. Gordian also described the “Market Fresh on the Move” program. Mr. Bruggen added some more information on this program, including that there are many volunteers working with these events . Ms. Gordian understands that the truck is here for a short time and then moves over to Fellsmere. Ms. Shellenberger also described her experience with these programs. Mr. Krauss stated that he thinks the sooner that individuals are aware of what is going to be available, the quicker they can decide whether they are going to drive down there. E. Mr. Trinkle stated that, with the recent freeze, there are a lot of native plants especially that probably are going to die. We will not know that until for at least two to three weeks. By that time, we should be able to know how much damage there was, and he thinks that is something the board members may look at to see what may be needed to be replanted, if need be, on some areas. F. Ms. Gordian announced that yesterday, in partnership with Indian River County Conservation Land Division and the Indian River Neighborhood Association, the City of Sebastian hosted its first multi-agency hike at Stormwater Park as an educational effort to help get people interested in being outdoors. She stated that she was contacted by two or three people associated with a hiking club and others who are interested in hosting a hike at Stormwater Park, as some hiking club members are very interested in that prospect. She stated that Ms. Weiss, who is with the Indian River Neighborhood Association, approached her about the same basic concept. The City hosted the first hike, and there were estimated to be around 15-20 people who came out for the event. She described the route that the hike took, and she stated it was a very successful event. She added that staff has connections with the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce, and there are some ecotourism ideas that they are exploring, which is in line with our Sustainable Sebastian Initiative, and they have offered to collaborate with them on a future walk/hike or whatever the activity may be. She called for suggestions for other areas which would be NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 3, 2026 PAGE 3 suitable for to these activities. She mentioned Kildare Park as a possibility. G. Ms. Gordian stated that staff has been working with ORCA on the extension of the Riverview Park Living Shoreline. She stated staff is in conversations with them now, and she talked about what that looks like. Tentatively, what they are exploring is adding additional breakwaters into the water on the east side of the existing ones to the north of the canoe launch. They have to go through the whole permitting process with both the DEP and Army Corps respectively depending on each one requires. We are waiting to hear from them, but that is coming in relatively soon. She also mentioned that Missy Weiss is now with Indian River Neighborhood Association, and this opens the door to a whole new realm of possibilities. Ms. Weiss is able to work with us on a number of different projects, and she has actually taken a look at the Sustainable Sebastian Initiative and talked to her team at INRA to figure out what areas might overlap with their work and their initiatives. Sta ff is looking to come together and have a meeting of the minds to see what areas she may be able to help us out on. There are also a few things that the City is currently exploring. So, we will look into it from a staff level and, if there is anything that we need Natural Resources Board’s information on, staff will bring that to your attention. She stated that they are very excited about the prospect and look forward to moving into all these realms of possibility. H. Ms. Gordian brought up something for the board members to ponder on . One of the areas that she and Ms. Weiss have discussed is the potential of pursuing an invasive species removal project within the City, which is perfectly in line with the Sustainable Sebastian goals. One of the big questions is, what would be the location, and what needs some TLC. As you know, the Filbert Street Park just had some invasive species removal, which is a fantastic step for that park. So we are headed in the right direction in that regard. If there are any other areas that we think definitely need attention, she would be open to hearing what this board’s suggestions might be. She asked the board members to think about it. We will have to make sure that whatever feedback we provide Ms. Weiss, we have an opportunity to do so before the grant’s deadline. Mr. Trinkle said it was the Sebastian Stormwater Park. I. Mr. Stadelman stated that he has been getting some calls about concerns regarding the PFAS analysis out of the City of Vero Beach. As far as he could find, Sebastian is not on the same water supply. We are on Indian River County NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING February 3rd, 2026 PAGE 4 VI. VII. VIII. County water, and that is the City of Vero. From what he can see, the PFAS is not an issue for the Sebastian water supply. Agenda Modifications -- None Public Input -- None Unfinished Business A. Sustainable Sebastian 1. Goal 7B -- Great Air Potato Round-up -- Saturday, February 14, 2026 Ms. Gordian said that in the agenda packet is the tentative timeline for board participation. The main event is going to be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m . There are two different sessions for volunteers to participate in, so staff is looking for people who want to be there for the first shift. You would need to be there just a few minutes early so we can brief you and make sure that you have everything that you need to know in order to assist . She said she was out at Stormwater Park yesterday and did not see any of the air potato vines in the areas where she was. Some of them may have died back because of the freeze, so it may be more of a digging situation and pulling of all the dead vines. She asked if there are any board members who know what their availability is now,. If so, she would like to take a tally of who will be in attendance, and if it is just one or both of the shifts. Mr. Carrano said he would be there early. Mr. Bruggen said he will be there for the entirety of the event. Ms. Thompson said she will be there for the first shift. Mr. Krauss said he will be there for the second shift. Mr. Stadelman plans on being there early if he can make it. Ms. Ware said she can come in the early part of the day. Ms. Gordian said everyone will be encouraged to park in the northwest parking lot, the larger lot of the two . She added that most of the activities this year are going to take place on the eastern lot area, because that is where the majority of the air potatoes can be found. Mr. Bruggen said he thinks there will be some other groups show up . They are with the Indian River County Solid Waste Management District. They are going to potentially do some outreach on their end, and they are also providing a dumpster . Last year it was City workers with their truck. He added that he sent an email regarding the Police Department with their community service and their trailer. He does not know if we are still doing that or not. Ms. Gordian said she has not heard from them yet, and she will touch base with them to confirm if they are going to be available. Mr. Bruggen said we are coordinating this with the Pelican Audubon Society, and we reached out to try to get some air potato beetles, but it does take time . According to the NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 3, 2026 PAGE 5 FL Dept. Agriculture & Consumer Services website, it takes three months to get beetles. He has not heard from them. He added that the event is on Valentine’s Day, and hopefully we will get some donations. He will get with the City because of the logistics about the in-kind donations. He said he has distributed some flyers on the event. 2. Goal 12A -- Inaugural Public Environmental Poll Ms. Gordian said we have reached one month that the poll has been open . Staff will start to tabulate the results of that poll this month to figure out exactly what metrics there were that came out of it as well as all the specifics from that . One piece of feedback that she did see about the poll itself—and this is more of a logistical item as far as how the poll is set up – was that there was no option on one of the questions to choose “Not Applicable.” She suggested that the next time for that particular question we will have to add a “Not Applicable” option. She asked if there is any other feedback that the Board has received on the questions themselves, to please let her know. Mr. Krauss is pleased about the response. This is the first time we have offered it, and we will start to learn things as we go. He estimated that there was 1% of responses, and maybe closer to 2%. Now we will do the analysis. He wanted to remind the board members that one of the purposes of the poll is to gather information and make sure that we are in tune with the population that we are serving. Also, he suggested that when you poll people and you say “We’ll get back to you,” you have to get back to them . We want to make sure that whatever results you have, and after they get tabulated, that they get published, and the respondents get the information back . He also suggested that publicity on the poll be put out week by week rather an initial response and then nothi ng. He also suggested that, if the board members have things that you want to see tabulated from the results, you might want to contact Ms. Gordian and make sure the information is analyzed and tabulated. IX. New Business A. Comprehensive Environmental Guide -- Proposal by Board Member Frank Trinkle After a brief discussion by the Natural Resources Board, it was decided that this item should be tabled until the March 2026 NRB meeting. B. Earth Day & Arbor Day Celebration Preparations -- Saturday, April 18th, 2026 at 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 3, 2026 PAGE 6 After Ms. Gordian said staff is in full swing preparing for the event. She stated that staff has already started soliciting for vendors, and they have gotten a good number of the environmental organizations and partners who have already applied for the event, which is fantastic. She said they are using a platform called “See My Legacy” this year to do the vendor application, which is the first time we are doing it for this particular event. Normally, we would do it through JotForm or Laserfiche. The “See My Legacy” platform is actually the same platform that the City uses for its Memorial Brick program and for some of the other memorial programs as well as some of the other fundraising campaigns that the City has. One of the big changes with the applications and the events this year is that the City made the decision to charge for the events this year -- not for our nonprofits. The nonprofits will still be free. However, for the regular retail merchandise vendors, there is a nominal fee of $25.00. Then, for the food trucks, they are charging them $50.00 for the event. Hopefully, this does not deter too many of the interested participants from applying. Staff will keep the board members posted if staff is looking for more applicants. She stated that there are already a few food trucks locked in. She said that Mondo Tikis is going to be the performer for the live music. Ms. Gordian said she has included in t he agenda packet some prospective responsibilities of the Natural Resources Board to go over some prep work that is leading up to the event that staff will need your assistance on, and some things for the day of the event. She asked the board members to mention things that need to be done for this year. She stated that for the Scavenger Hunt some of the questions will need to be modified so it is not redundant, and we will need more seed packets prepared . She said, if any of the board members have any new ideas for the events this year, to please let her know. Mr. Krauss mentioned that we had the oyster organization that came and did a presentation, and it was very informative. He wonders if we should extend an invitation to them. He asked about the fee of $25.00 and he wonders about how it was arrived at. Ms. Gordian said that it was a multi-factor decision. On the one hand, it is making sure that we do have enough funds to continue to put on these events year after year. There is also the motivation of allowing us to support some of the other projects that the City and the Natural Resources Board are working towards. That will help us in the long run, especially if we are not using too much of our expenses for each time we host the event. There may be other financial reasons that she is not privy to that will lead to decisions like this. But those are the two main areas of concern: making sure that we can afford to put on the events year after year, and making sure that we do have funding for our programs. Ms. Ware said she does not think we will be losing vendors because of that fee. NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 3, 2026 PAGE 7 Mr. Krauss stated that almost every activity has a group that sponsors it, knows its members, etc. He asked if the City has any organization like food vendors or people who are mobile, etc. whom you can simply go to and describe the activities that we are having, and could they let their membership know about our activities. Ms. Gordian said there are some groups that staff is aware of who will reach out to their memberships and invite them. She mentioned the Chamber of Commerce as being one such organization, and they are always willing to partner with us on things like this. She said staff will be sending out emails to our contact list and some of the previous participants, and we are hoping they will join us again this year. It will also be posted on social media for the general public in an effort to fill in some more spots. Mr. Trinkle offered his time and help for anything staff needs for the event . Mr. Stadelman mentioned that at the next meeting, we will be addressing in depth the needs for this event. Ms. Gordian asked the Board members to look at the schedule which she attached to the agenda packet. She said the timeline is a little different from last year. Last year, we did 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The prospective time frame for this year is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. She stated that ideally we would like to have all hands on deck for the whole day. However, she understands that if that is not practical or possible, then your attendance at any of these shifts that are outlined will be greatly appreciated. When you look over the schedule, let her know when you will be available to help. She asked that, if you have any questions or concerns, let her know. X. XI. Items for Next Agenda and Date: Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026 A. Sustainable Sebastian B. Great Air Potato Round-up -- Debrief C. Earth Day & Arbor Day Celebration Preparations D. Comprehensive Enviromental Guide – Proposal by Board Member Frank Trinkle Adjournment There being no further business, a motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Carrano, seconded by Mr. Trinkle, and approved unanimously via voice vote at 6:58 p.m. By:_________________________________ Charles Stadelman, Chairperson jg Date:____________________________ CITY OF SEBASTIAN NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD STAFF REPORT DATE 03-03-2026 TO Natural Resources Board THRU Felicia Gordian, Environmental Technician FROM Community Development Department SUBJECT Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge Anniversary Celebration EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The City of Sebastian has been cordially invited to the 123rd anniversary celebration of Pelican Island as the country’s first National Wildlife Refuge, the weekend of March 20-22, 2026. Please see the information below from the Pelican Island Conservation Society regarding the event. “The primary event will be a meet-and-greet with President Theodore Roosevelt at the Refuge, on Saturday, March 21st, from 10 am to 3 pm. The president will be on hand to meet visitors as they stroll the Centennial Trail, leading to the overlook of Pelican Island. We would love to have you join us on Saturday to help with public appreciation of the Refuge, history, and conservation of Pelican Island and local wildlife. We will return on Sunday, March 22nd, and you are welcome to join us on that date, as well. Full details of activities taking place throughout the weekend will be listed on our website at www.FirstRefuge.org/anniversary as they become available. You are allowed to provide information, literature, displays, hands-on experiences, and other activities to engage kids and the public, but political activities and campaigning are not allowed. We will be at the parking area for Centennial Trail at the Refuge, located at 11455 Jungle Trail, Vero Beach, FL 32963. Enter Jungle Trail at the north end – look for the signs for the Pelican Island NWR (not the office entrance at Wildlife Way). You will find a link on our website for more location information. There is ample open area for all activities, but no electricity is available. This is also a pack-in, pack-out facility, and you need to provide your own table, chairs, tent, etc., and remove all belongings and trash when leaving. We discourage the use of/providing plastic bags, straws, bottles, etc. In addition to PICS, the US Fish & Wildlife Service will be there with a display of fish and a kids’ fishing demonstration.” RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends NRB participation in the event on Saturday, March 21st. CITY OF SEBASTIAN NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD STAFF REPORT DATE 03-03-2026 TO Natural Resources Board THRU Felicia Gordian, Environmental Technician FROM Community Development Department SUBJECT Indian River County BioBlitz EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The City of Sebastian has been cordially invited to the Indian River Neighborhood Association’s (IRNA) inaugural Indian River County BioBlitz, part of the Indian River Biodiversity Initiative—a week- long community science event taking place April 19–25, 2026, coordinated by IRNA. Please see the information from IRNA below. “The BioBlitz brings together residents, students, families, and nature enthusiasts to document local plants and wildlife using iNaturalist, generating valuable data that supports biodiversity research, conservation planning, and environmental education across Indian River County. We are inviting community partners—such as COS—to host or lead a guided nature walk or interpretive experience at any IRC property (including your own) during the BioBlitz week. Programs may be scheduled on any date and time that works best for you, and can be tailored to your existing offerings. For example, a partner might host a guided hike on April 19 at 9:00 a.m., with time built in for participants to photograph plants and animals and upload their observations directly to the “IRC BioBlitz project” on iNaturalist. This can focus on specific species or habitats at your location, or simply be incorporated into a hike, tour, or program you already offer. Programs may be open to families, adults, volunteers, staff, or any combination. By participating, your organization helps:Highlight and document the unique landscapes and biodiversity of your siteEngage new and existing audiences in hands-on conservationIncrease public awareness of your mission and programsContribute meaningful data that benefits countywide conservation efforts Guided experiences can be led by staff naturalists, volunteers, or environmental educators—and participation is open to everyone, with no prior experience required, making this an inclusive and welcoming community event.” RECOMMENDATION Select a date and time for the Natural Resources Board to host a BioBlitz experience for COS residents. Suggested date options are listed below: April 22nd – Earth DayApril 23rd April 24th – Arbor Day