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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07192005 EB COY OF S~ ~ .__._--- . -- HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND TEMPORARY ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES MEETING TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2005 - 6:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA 1. The Chairman called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. 2. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 3. ROLL CALL Present: Trish Adams Patricia Beckwith AI Davis (arrived at 6:51) Michael Kidde Mary Ann Krueger Therese Miller Absent: Michael Mugas (excused) Also Present: Jeanette Williams, Recording Secretary 4. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES - 6/7/05 Meeting On a motion by Ms. Beckwith and a second by Mr. Kidde the minutes were approved by a voice vote of 4-0. 5. OLD BUSINESS A. Recap of Items Presented to Council by Mrs. Beckwith (See attached Council minutes) Ms. Beckwith recapped Council comments to the Committee's requests, noting today she received a letter from Commissioner Davis rejecting the request for a horticulturist agent. 6. MEMBERS' PRIORITIES Miller -Increase pedestrian traffic throughout the city -Require five native plants on lots Temporary Environmental Advisory Committee July 19, 2005 Page Two Ms. Adams asked if Ms. Miller reviewed the revised tree and landscape ordinance or the County's ordinance and she was not sure what number of plants were required. Mr. Kidde pointed out that depending on what is required, certain plants may be invasive to the area. KrueQer Ms. Krueger stated enforcement is needed especially since the county turned down the horticulturist agent. She would like all lots reviewed for required trees. Ms. Miller volunteered to check all city lots. Ms. Adams cautioned her on this commitment. She would like this person hired out of the building department. -Moratorium on all pesticide use. Have city workers pull weeds in swales and on new bulkheads to be built along Collier Creek -Would like alternate member on board -Would like tree and natural plant inventory of all private and public city property -Meet with city departments -Move forward with tree ordinance -Seek grant to write book on Lagoon protection, give to each resident Ms. Adams pointed out SJRWMD has a book but maybe it can be tailored for Sebastian. Ms. Beckwith said there are also pamphlets at the extension office. Ms. Krueger stated at the last council meeting, Ms. Coy directed the committee to take action on her proposal of an additional [occupational? impact?] license on pesticide companies doing business in Sebastian and would like to use the additional revenue to pay for roads the companies use and pollutants in the City's waterways. Mr. Kidde pointed out that working towards the enforcement position will actually place the person in the position next year but of the budget process. Ms. Adams agreed FY200S/2006 is pretty much completed and the committee should work towards FY2006/2007. -Concerned with development east of US1 Beckwith -Concerned with storm water pollution going into the Lagoon -Would like to prohibit all use of pesticides/herbicides on east side of Indian River Drive Mr. Kidde cautioned that the community requires those entities to look nice so a little use will be needed. Ms. Beckwith said insecticide soap and baking soda could be used in certain instances. 2 Temporary Environmental Advisory Committee July 19, 2005 Page Three -strengthen the tree ordinance -increase fines for tree removal -run a continual column in Pelican Brief & website -require a certain percentage of developments to be native, drought tolerant, pest resistant and non-invasive -hire a consultant to advise landscape businesses because the Extension office is not allowed to give businesses advice, only homeowners Kidde -Increase size of replacement trees -Allow fewer replacement trees in exchange for larger specimens -Fill swales, collect storm water centrally -Provide plant palette to grow in swales to take use up the water, maybe match homeowner expense for water transporation plants -Use recycled material benches and wheel stops -Have public recognition of environmental friendly businesses -Integrate native landscape -Promote building design to ecosystem and cultural context Side II, Tape /, 6:51 pm -Enforcement of ordinances Mr. Davis arrived at this point. Ms. Adams pointed out the swales are designed to drain. Adams -Would like a better look at development practices, particularly east of US1 -Phase out liquid herbicides/pesticides on lawns -Strengthen tree ordinance -Strengthen enforcement -Require homeowners to keep required trees after moving in -Reduce the use of sod so less herbicide is required. -Increase outreach and communication -Make environmental permitting ordinances Davis -Require bonds for roads so that if developers belly-up on their projects the roads will still be built -Storm drain markers Ms. Krueger pointed out that Mr. Davis is on the budget committee and asked about the possibility of an enforcement position. Mr. Davis stated there would probably not be any position because all departments are cutting back personnel. Mr. Kidde added that the CRAC committee offered to split the cost of an environmental planner but it was tumed down. 3 Temporary Environmental Advisory Committee July 19, 2005 Page Four Ms. Krueger stated the city's organizational chart shows the committee can go right to council for a position request. Side II, Tape II, 7:39 pm Ms. Adams reiterated everyone's priorities. On a motion by Ms. Adams and a second by Mr. Kidde, Ms. Adams will e-mail the list to everyone and they will vote on their top five and results will be tallied next meeting by a voice vote of 5-0. Ms. Krueger expressed concerns with the St. Lucie dolphins because they are dying and being born smaller. Ms. Adams explained the C44 canal, which catches Lake Okeechobee water and drains into the St. Lucie River (where the dolphins are) has much different content than the Sebastian River and the Lagoon. Thereby dolphins in the Sebastian area may be fairing better. Ms. Krueger pointed out the Paradise Marina Resort proposal scheduled for a Board of Adjustment hearing on August 3rd and that all members should go and rally friends and neighbors to go. Ms. Adams pointed out the tree ordinance will be have a public meeting on July 21 and asked if members attend to include her concern that homeowners can remove required trees after moving into their homes. The committee then asked Ms. Miller to be their liaison to the Tree and Landscape Advisory Board and relay this concern. The Committee asked that the City Manager come to the next meeting so they may ask for an agent to enforce environmental rules and regulations. Ms. Krueger would like to see Officer Poore speak at a future meeting and expressed concern that the manatee sign was torn down in the hurricanes. Ms. Adams stated the County Manatee plan requires signs that are slated to be replaced. Being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm. Approved at the August 2nd, 2005 meeting. 4