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HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND
TEMPORARY ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2006 - 6:00 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA
1. Ms. Yanchis called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.
2. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. ROLL CALL
Present:
Dale Simchick
Larry Birchmeyer
Kristi Yanchis
Jim Slattery
Diane Powers
Excused Absences:
Trish Adams
Jane Kresge
Pat Beckwith
Also Present:
Jeanette Williams, Recording Secretary
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. October 3, 2006 Meeting
On a MOTION by Ms. Simchick with a SECOND by Mr. Birchmeyer, the October
3, 2006 minutes were approved by a voice vote of 5-0.
B. October 16, 2006 Meeting
On a MOTION by Ms. Simchick with a SECOND by Ms. Powers, the October 16,
2006 minutes were approved by a voice vote of 5-0.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT - none.
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Temporary Environmental Advisory Committee
November 7,2006
Page Two
6. OLD BUSINESS
A. Discussion of Earth Day 2007
Ms. Yanchis reported that she met with AI Minner and Linda Kinchen to discuss
details for the event. She was asked by Mr. Minner to prepare a write-up
describing the event and what they would need.
Members liked the way the bandshell was set up for the clambake and would like
it the same way for their event.
Ms. Simchick asked if the City Manager felt that the Committee was burdening
the City staff. Ms. Yanchis said she thought he felt comfortable that the
Committee could do everything except layout the tables and bandshell which
could be done the night before by staff.
Ms. Yanchis reported that advertising could be done by flyers, on the park
marquee and PowerPoint slides. Ms. Powers also reported the head ecumenical
pastor would contact all the churches in Sebastian the Sunday before.
The Committee stated the time would be 10:00 am to 3:00 p.m. Ms. Simchick
asked about a rain date. Ms. Yanchis suggested putting a rain date on
application, which Jean Tarbell will fill out for the Committee. Ms. Powers
reported the middle school would need power for the papermaking.
B. Article for Pelican Brief
Ms. Yanchis stated the highlighted area has been approved by the City Manager.
Mr. Birchmeyer said in that case, the article should be revised in some areas
especially the date for Earth Day. The Committee thanked Mr. Birchmeyer for
his efforts.
Mr. Birchmeyer asked if discussion on gopher tortoise should continue. Ms.
Yanchis stated that Ms. Adams is working with Joan Barrish but the state is in a
flux over the tortoises. Mr. Birchmeyer said Elka Daniels from the IRC Humane
Society is working on an ordinance and would like to make a presentation to the
Committee and then to Council. He said Lee, Collier and Leon County have
ordinances on the books. He displayed a folder full of tortoise information that
each member should read and pass on.
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Temporary Environmental Advisory Committee
November 7,2006
Page Three
7. NEW BUSINESS
Ms. Simchick said Officer Poore approached her to have the No Wake Zone
signs replaced at the City docks. She contacted Diana Griffin with the FWC who
could supply two signs. She stated that Officer Poore could now write tickets
instead of warnings. She said this is an example of what she can contribute
environmentally to the City.
Ms. Simchick said the 50-foot buffer zone for the Sebastian River does not meet
the County's requirements which she would like to initiate Council to do. She
also suggested approaching Council for a resolution to prevent the entombment
of tortoises. Mr. Birchmeyer said there are ordinances are in Municode.com
under Lee, Collier & Leon County codes. Ms. Simchick suggested putting this
on the next Council agenda after Ms. Daniels.
Ms. Simchick said 162 acres near her house is about to be purchased by the
County, which could house some tortoises. Mr. Birchmeyer cautioned that sick
tortoises might infect healthy tortoises and they also have a homing instinct but
this is better than entombing. He is said the new environmental specialist could
track tortoise nests. Concerned was expressed by the Committee that they had
not endorsed Ms. Adams' Committee presentation scheduled the next evening
for Council.
The recording secretary reported the buffer zone was also on the Council agenda
the following evening.
8. SET NEXT AGENDA
Mr. Birchmeyer is to invite Ms. Daniels to the next meeting. The Committee
would like Ms. Adams to give bullet points on her tortoise update to Council,
comments could be shared on each presentation and a possible ordinance could
be considered for Planning & Zoning, written by the City Attorney at the direction
by Council.
The Committee asked if the environmental planner was on board to help with this
and the recording secretary said not at this time but could contact Council
Member Neglia to report back on this.
9. Being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
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