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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09132005 EB ~ ~~C~~~ HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND TEMPORARY ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES MEETING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2005 - 6:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA 1. The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 2. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 3. Present: Trish Adams Patricia Beckwith (7:40 pm) Michael Kidde Mary Ann Krueger Therese Miller Michael Mugas Absent: Adrina Davis Also Present: Terry Hill, Public Works Director Wayne Eseltine, Building Director Richie Schofield, Chief Building Inspector Jeanette Williams, Recording Secretary Kristi Yanchis, Applicant for Vacant Alternate Board Member Position 4. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES - 8/2/05 Meeting On a MOTION by Ms. Adams with a SECOND by Mr. Kidde the minutes were approved with a voice vote of 5-0. 5. OVERVIEW OF HOUSE BUILDING PROCESS BY WAYNE ESELTINE, CITY OF SEBASTIAN BUILDING DIRECTOR The Building Director explained that a contractor gives the department an application and survey indicating driveways, specimen trees, lot layout etc. of a proposed home site. An employee then goes to the site and looks for adjustments, tortoise dens etc. He pointed out that specimen trees in the middle of a lot cannot be saved but are noted for replacement in the city's computer system and trees to be saved are corralled. He also stated upon completion, the house is given a final inspection and if trees are missing, the certificate of occupancy is not issued. He pointed out the new ordinance will have a penalty for removing trees. Environmental Advisory Committee September 13. 2005 Page Two Ms. Adams asked if the site is inspected after a homeowner moves in and the Building Director explained trees cannot be removed without a permit but there isn't enough manpower to recheck after the c.o. is issued. Ms. Adams offered the committee's brainstorming help in improving the city's procedures. The Building Director explained that tree requirements fall upon the homeowner however after a house, pool, shed, and driveway is put on a lot there is not a lot of room for trees. Ms. Adams offered to add information into a 'new homeowners packet' so that citizens can be aware of tree options. Discussion followed on the generic identification of trees in lot surveys and perhaps the Tree and Landscape Advisory Board can provide pictures of the seven consumable trees in the ordinance. Ms. Adams noted that if the gopher tortoise is elevated in protection status, government entities may be held responsible for tortoise takes. The Building Director noted there are over 20 protected species right now. Ms. Adams and Mr. Kidde stated the need for an environmental planner to help identify the species and asked how to help the city hire a planner. Side II, Tape I, 6:47 pm 6. REVIEW TREE & LANDSCAPE ORDINANCE REVISION Ms. Krueger pointed out at the last meeting the City Manager stated the species are protected by other agencies and perhaps a planner is indeed needed to help the city identify species. Ms. Adams agreed that cities can make stronger ordinances to protect species and noted Vero Beach, which is a smaller city, has a planner. Mr. Kidde stated the seven consumable trees should be more biodiverse because it has been noted that disease or problems can wipe out a whole category of trees. He also stated it limits what can be used for replacement, stating that one tree for one tree is not ensuring a tree city. Mr. Kidde pointed out there is more potential to add trees in the commercial areas. Ms. Adams stated the understory trees are missing in the revision, which give character to cities. Discussion followed on the size of understory trees and perhaps re-wording the ordinance. Ms. Adams asked Mr. Kidde to draft a memo to Council for the ordinance's public hearing stating their concerns. Ms. Krueger suggested including reasons why for example palmettos are valuable. 2 Environmental Advisory Committee September 13, 2005 Page Three 7. CHAIRMAN'S MATTERS i. Priorities Focus Ms. Adams read the top five priorities and asked everyone to look at the commercial tree and landscape code for next meeting. She also asked Ms. Krueger to draft a paper including number of phone calls or requests agencies receive on why a planner is needed. Tape II, Side I, 7:34 p.rn. ii. Snook Tag Grant Ms. Adams stated she has downloaded the grant paperwork and asked Mr. Mugas to help write the grant. 8. MEMBER'S MA TIERS Ms. Krueger asked why the speed limit signs have not been replaced at the boat ramp or in the Indian River. Ms. Adams stated the manatee signs are the County's responsibility and the Public Works Director said he would check on the hurricane destroyed city signs. Ms. Krueger mentioned the proposed Paradise Marina and Resort and the proposed desalination plant on the Lagoon. Ms. Adams stated there is a Biocontrol vs. Chemical Control pesticide class coming up sponsored by McKee Botanical Gardens on November 12 and the cost is $12.00. Ms. Krueger stated she would like an ordinance imposing a bigger mitigation fee. Ms. Adams would like to use impact fees to purchase sensitive lands. 9. SET NEXT AGENDA The Committee asked the Public Works Director to invite the Growth Management Director to the next meeting to explain environmental aspects of Sebastian's riverfront district. The Committee also planned to include the welcome of the two soon-to-be-appointed alternate members and discussion on the commercial landscape ordinance. 3 Environmental Advisory Committee September 13, 2005 Page Three 10. PUBLIC INPUT Kristi Yanchis stated larger agencies don't really oversee small residential lots and there is a gopher tortoise initiative sponsored by a group out of Gainesville for those interested. She also stated two other species live in tortoise dens. 11. Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10p.m. Approved at the 10/4/05 meeting. ;taw~ eanette Williams, Recording Secretary 4 _J