HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-12-2025 CRA MinutesatvOF
SEBAS
MAN
HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
1225 Main Street, Sebastian, FL 32958
The attached November 12, 2025 Community Redevelopment Agency minutes were
approved
at the February 25, 2026 Community Redevelopment Agency meeting.
Chairman Fred Jones
ATTEST: -
Catherit _. a, Acting City Clerk'-..
Regular City Council Meeting
& CRA
November 12, 2025
Page 4
Council Member Nunn thanked the speakers and acknowledged the contributions of
community organizations, volunteers, and veterans as highlighted during public input.
Derek Redwine, the lead marine artist from Sea Safe (a coalition of residents, marine
industry leaders, and scientific experts) displayed a PowerPoint presentation (see
attached) outlining to council and the public regarding theirongoing effortsto improve
water quality in the Indian River Lagoon.
Derek began by thanking Mayor Jones and Vice Mayor McPartlan for the opportunity to
speak to the council and citizens of Sebastian. He explained that Sea Safe brings
together volunteers, residents, and industry stakeholders to support restoration and
conservation of the lagoon. The coalition's work is supported scientifically by the
University of Florida, including Dr. Todd Osborne, a marine biologist who provides
expertise on restoration initiatives.
Derek provided an overview of their accomplishments, including:
The planting of tens of thousands of mangroves during restoration events.
• Resupplying and reinvigorating traditional clam beds in the lagoon, which act as
natural water filters and support seagrass growth.
• Significant restoration progress at the Old Fish House site in Grant, where clam
numbers increased from a few hundred thousand to approximately 30 million
clams across various nearby areas, including Hog Point.
Derek then highlighted the coalition's goals for the upcoming year, including another
large-scale clam restoration event planned around Earth Day in late April 2026, with
opportunities to involve local restaurants, public areas, and volunteers. The
presentation emphasized collaboration with all lagoon communities, stressing that "a
rising tide lifts all boats" and encouraging a cooperative approach among Sebastian and
neighboring areas.
Mayor Jones thanked the Sea Safe representatives for their presentation and asked if
there were any questions. No additional questions were raised. Mayor Jones and the
council expressed their appreciation for the information and acknowledged the
coalition's efforts to improve the lagoon's health.
9. PUBLIC INPUT- None
—� 10. (iAayorJones recessed the City_Counc.UJ]left—a-pdopened the Community
Redevelopment Agency meeting,
Regular City Council Meeting
& CRA
November 12, 2025
Page 6
suggested considering a higher allocation, up to $2 million, to avoid delays given the
$3.1 million grant and potential need for additional funding. The City Manager
explained that the $1.5 million serves as an initial allocation to start work, with the
option to return to Council for additional funds if needed, and clarified that the amount
represents a "do not exceed" blanket purchase order, with actual expenditures
depending on per -property work performed. Discussion further Included the
forthcoming ordinance mandating connection to the sewer system and required
notifications to property owners, with the City Manager noting that ordinance approval
and the notification process will comply with applicable state statutes.
MOTION by Mr. Dodd and SECOND by Vice Chairman McPartlan to approve RFP
2025005.
Roll call: Mr. Nunn - aye
Vice Chairman McPartlan -aye
Chairman Jones - aye
Mr. Dodd - aye
Ms: Matthews - aye
Motion carried. 5-0
Chairman McPartlan recessed the Community Development Agency meeting and
reconvened the City Council meeting.
8: CONSENT -AGENDA
A. Consld_er Dra Aug is '12, 2025 City Council Minutes
B. Alcohol BeverAce A(?L)roval - Hemandez Family
C. Request for AA Alco-Thon Community Center Urge at no charge
MOTION by Vice Mayor Mcloartlan and SECOND by Council Member Matthews to
approve Consent Agenda Items A-D.
Roll call: Council Member Nunn - aye
Vice Mayor McPartlan - aye
Mayor Jones -aye
Council Member Dodd -aye
Council Member Matthews -aye
Motion carried. 5-0
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