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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11122008cmoF T 5~~,~~ HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND SEBASTIAN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2008 - 6:30 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA Mayor Gillmor called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. 2. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Gillmor. 3. There was a moment of silence. 4. Mayor Gillmor read the civility pledge. we will be respectful of one another even when we disagree. We will direct all comments to the issues. We will avoid personal attacks. 5. ROLL CALL City Council Present: Mayor Richard Gillmor Vice-Mayor Jim Hill Council Member Andrea Coy Council Member Dale Simchick Council Member Eugene Wolff Staff Present: City Manager, AI Minner Interim City Attorney, Robert Ginsburg City Clerk, Sally Maio Deputy City Clerk, Jeanette Williams Airport Director, Joseph Griffin Finance Director, Ken Killgore Human Resources Director, Debra Krueger Growth Management Director, Rebecca Grohall Public Works Director, Jerry Converse Stormwater Superintendent, Tim Walker Police Captain, Bob Lockhart Police Captain, Greg Witt Sr. MIS Systems Analyst, Barbara Brooke-Reese Regular City Council Meeting November 12, 2008 Page Two 6. AGENDA MODIFICATIONS Modifications and additions require unanimous vote of City Council members None. 7. PROCLAMATIONS. AWARDS, BRIEF ANNOUNCEMENTS Presentations of proclamations, certificates and awards, and brief timely announcements by Council and Staff. No public input or action under this heading. 08.016 A. Presentation to Employee of the 3~d Quarter -Steve DiTrapano, Facilities Maintenance 1 Superintendent Mayor Gillmor read a brief biography on Mr. DiTrapano and presented him with the Employee of the 3~d Quarter plaque and bond notification. 08.118 B. Proclamation -Arbor Dav/Champion Tree Dav 3 Mayor Gillmor read and presented the proclamation to Growth Management Director, Rebecca Grohall. Ms. Grohall invited everyone to attend Champion Tree Day on November 15, 2008 at City Hall. Brief Announcements Ms. Simchick announced the Salvation Army is in need of bell ringers for the holiday season and anyone interested should contact Captain Tim Delaney at 978-0265 x 107. Ms. Coy thanked everyone who made the Clambake Festival a success. 8. CONSENT AGENDA All items on the consent agenda are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of consent agenda items unless a member of City Council so requests; in which event, the item will be removed and acted upon separately. If a member of the public wishes to provide input on a consent agenda item, he/she should request a Council Member to remove the item for discussion prior to start of the meeting or by raising his/her hand to be recognized. 5-18 A. Approval of Minutes - 10/22/08 Regular Meeting 08.022 B. Resolution No. R-08-24 -Fiscal Year 2007-2008 4th Quarter Budget Amendment 19-54 (Finance Director Transmittal, R-08-24, Memorandum, Status Report, Schedule of Investments, Accomplishments) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SEBASTIAN, INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA, ADOPTING AN AMENDED BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2007 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2008 AS PROVIDED FOR IN EXHIBIT "A"; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 2 Regular City Council Meeting November 12, 2008 Page Three 08.118 C. Resolution No. R-08-26 -Update Champion Tree Resolution (City Clerk Transmittal, 55-57 R-08-26) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SEBASTIAN, INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA, CREATING A CHAMPION TREE AWARD PROGRAM; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR EFFECTIVE DATE. 08.118 D. Recognize and Approve Champion Oak Nominated by Natural Resources Board - 59-63 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Murphy, 1113 Coverbrook Lane for Presentation of Champion Tree Proclamation at Champion Tree Clinic on Saturday, November 15, 2008 (Natural Resources Board Memo, Champion Tree Record) 08.111 E. Approve Police Department Vehicle Purchase - 2008 Mercury Marquis from Alan 65-75 Jay Chevrolet in the Amount of $18,630 Plus Trade-In of 2001 Mercury -Below State Contract FSA Bid Award 07-15-0827 (PD Transmittal, Alan Jay Quote, Kelly Blue Book Info, Articles Re: Hybrids) 08.119 F. Christmas Parade -Saturday, December 6, 2008 -From Main Street to Deliver 77 Santa Claus to His House in Riverview Park -Sponsored by City, GFWC Sebastian Junior and Woman's Clubs, Sebastian Property Owners, and Chamber of Commerce -Close Main Street from US 1 to River and Indian River Drive from South of Jefferson to Riverview Park Only for Duration of Parade as it Progresses - Sebastian Boulevard from River to Just East of Hess for Duration of Event (City Clerk Transmittal) MOTION by Mr. Hill and SECOND by Ms. Coy to approve consent items A - F. Result of the Roll Call Vote was as Follows: Ayes: All Nays: None Passed 5-0 9. COMMITTEE REPORTS & APPOINTMENTS City committee reports and Council Member regional committee reports. No public input or action except for City committee member nominations and appointments under this heading. 08.047 1. Planning & Zoning Commission 79-97 i. Interview Unless Waived, and Submit Nominations for One Three Year Term Position (City Clerk Transmittal, P & Z Code, Applications, Ad, List) City Council interviewed applicants Brian Blais, Jeffrey Ray and Stephen McLacken. Mayor Gillmor called for nominations. Mr. Wolff nominated Brian Blais, and being no other nominations, Mr. Blais was re- appointed. Mayor Gillmor encouraged the other applicants to apply again. 10. PUBLIC HEARINGS -None Regular City Council Meeting November 12, 2008 Page Four 11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 08.030 A. ISBA Draft Agreement Consensus in Preparation for Joint Workshop (10/22 Minutes 99-115 Excerpt, Draft Agreement) The City Manager said this was placed back on the agenda at the request of Council, that the ISBA joint workshop will be scheduled for the beginning of December. Ms. Coy said she was not sure a new town should be developed inside an old town and asked for feedback. The City Manager said at the working group there was a feeling to limit new towns, and discussion as to keeping them at a certain distance from city limits, and they are still in the plan, the County is set on their new town policy, it fits in with Fellsmere's plans, and it needs to be argued at the next joint workshop. Mr. Gilliams expressed concern for the two units per acre outside the urban service line, and did not think it was appropriate for private property rights; asked if the votes have to be unanimous. Mayor Gillmor said that is what is in the plan now, but it is a work in progress. Mr. Hill asked what the difference was between the new town concept and a large planned unit development. The Growth Management Director responded staff envisioned job creation for residential sections incorporating housing clusters, open space. Mr. Hill said essentially they are just using the new town reference because it is five miles away and the City has been doing that for years with large planned unit developments. Ms. Simchick said she felt this was an alternate to charter county government, which still does not address several services, said traffic concurrency should be countywide, and would like to see water and stormwater discussed at the interlocal meetings. She cited circle page 109, and expressed concern that Ro-Ed annexation was not included in the interlocal agreement and asked if signing this would affect any challenge we may have with the State. Interim City Attorney Robert Ginsburg said it could affect a challenge, and by signing the document, Council could be waiving other issues it they may want to pursue down the road. Ms. Simchick asked if there was a review period during the twenty years. Interim City Attorney cited circle page 113 noting it has to be reviewed every five years, and said he personally likes five years. Ms. Simchick would like to see services and concurrency brought up, the Ro-Ed property which is east of I-95 with ingress and egress at Vero Lake Estates. She asked how we would counter the ingress/egress to protect ourselves. 4 Regular City Council Meeting November 12, 2008 Page Five The Interim City Attorney said he would get with the Growth Management Director and City Manager on that issue. Ms. Coy said she had no problem holding, but the planners may be at the end, and asked the City Manager if the elected officials should address each other. The City Manager said staff has heard marching orders and have taken them to the group, and now the elected officials need to arm wrestle. He said the issue with Fellsmere, transportation concurrency were brought back to the group and they did not want to get bogged down. He noted Vero Beach is already included in traffic concurrency. He said at this time, Council needs to arm wrestle with other elected officials, knowing that staff has moved it as far as it can. Ms. Coy suggested we can bring back our own list at the next meeting and reach a consensus, and the City Manager said he did not think it necessary, but rather he will prepare a memo based on Council consensus at this point, go to the joint workshop and a) do we need another joint session, b) send back to staff with marching orders or c) sign the document. Mayor Gillmor asked if Council can put a legal shell around the document without giving up our concerns. The Interim City Attorney said there may be a way, he supported the City Manager, noting that the staff group was not happy with more Sebastian amendments. Ms. Simchick said she would like to see things on the workshop agenda, and the last time the County had trouble with our reserve area and we had a problem with their new town's height. She said everything is leverage and negotiation. Ms. Coy said we have had a lot of support from other cities and we should have an itemized list. The City Manager said staff could see to that in setting up the agenda and based on how the meeting dates fall he will get this on Council's agenda or give them the workshop agenda with their concerns to include: water, traffic concurrency, stormwater, height in new towns, distance on new towns. Mr. Wolff asked if Ms. Coy and Ms. Simchick felt there was enough interaction between elected officials, because he is feeling staff is done with this. Ms. Simchick said she felt we got the bum's rush at the first meeting, but the second meeting was more productive. Ms. Coy said it is now up to the elected officials to go forward and argue our issues. Ms. Simchick said she hoped there will be a follow-up with concessions from other municipalities. Mayor Gillmor said it is going to be up to us to take the next step to get the other cities to agree with us. 08.064 B. Pedestrian Bridge Lighting (City Manager Transmittal) 117-118 The City Manager reviewed the three options for lighting on the pedestrian bridges as submitted in the agenda transmittal. 5 Regular City Council Meeting November 12, 2008 Page Six Mayor Gillmor opened up public input; however, there was none forthcoming. Mayor Gillmor said he felt solar was expensive, and went with option #1 and maybe later they can be retrofitted. Mr. Hill said we should go solar to burn less fossil, if we can do so and still be within budget; however, he supported option #2 because it gives a positive stance. Ms. Simchick said she was in support of option #2 to try one bridge at a time. MOTION by Ms. Coy and SECOND by Mr. Hill to approve option #2. Mr. Wolff said he has spent a considerable time looking into this in light of our green initiative, and was somewhat concerned with the cost of commercial industrial solar lighting and perhaps there are more cost effective means. He said the time to do something is now, welcome signs are lit by solar power, and wished there were more options as to the commercial products, noting it is hard to compare items. He said he would support option B (2) and asked if there was any grant funding available. Result of the roll call was as follows: Ayes: All Nays: None Passed 5-0 12. PUBLIC INPUT Public Input for each individual is five minutes; however, it can be extended or terminated by a majority vote of Council members present. Cindy Falco, Sebastian, said she was informed that she was not going to conduct the fundraiser for the Historical Society but would be conducting the 100th birthday of the George Braddock house on December 7th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at 1309 Louisiana Avenue. Joe Scozzari, 1401 Thornhill Lane, Sebastian, congratulated Council, and asked if the Council would allow people to put things on the agenda again. Mayor Gillmor said under public input, Council could bring items back to the next agenda and the City Manager concurred. Shane Benson, owner of the Sugar Shack, asked to be in the Clambake Festival and was told by a Kashi member that non-Kashi food vendors were not allowed, and then he set up a booth at No Name bar. He said he has still not received an explanation as to why he was not allowed at the Clambake. Mr. Wolff asked if he put in an application and he said he did not, and he was told all the proceeds are through the food and they did not want to take away from that. 6 Regular City Council Meeting November 12, 2008 Page Seven Ms. Coy said it is not non-Kashi issue, it's just no outside vendors are allowed because all food vendors are volunteers so all profits go to the foundation's coffer and there has never been vendors from the outside. Mr. Benson said he found it not to be true and it is not an issue for him anymore Damien Gilliams welcomed Mayor Gillmor and Mr. Hill, thanked Mr. Paternoster and Mr. Neglia for their contributions, hoped the new members will read the rules and regulations, thanked Steve DiTrapano for saving money for the City, said he was concerned about the 4cn quarter budget amendment that bought out an employee, and said we did not have to continue buying out employees, told Mayor Gillmor any idea he has he should bring out, commended the police department for saving the City $250,000 with use of volunteers, hoped the new Council will consider a citizens academy, recommended getting the City checkbook on the Internet so the public can review all expenses. Russ Owen, Sebastian, said the man from Sugar Shack needs to go to the Sebastian Clambake Foundation not Kashi and not the City Council, said there are no food vendors allowed into the festival. He said he would like to see Rich brought back as City Attorney, thanked all City employees who cleaned up Riverview Park. Harvey Wheeler, thanked everyone and congratulated new Council, and spoke on the Sembler working waterfront grant, asked Council to revisit us doing the project, and recommended Mr. Sembler consider an environmental learning center; stated FIT had pillars and docks and suggested incorporating something with one of the colleges with a fishery. Mayor Gillmor called recess at 7:50 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 8:03 p.m. All members were present. 13. NEW BUSINESS 08.114 A. First Reading of Ordinance 0-08-11 -Laurel Reserve Phase II Final Plat -Schedule 119-123 Public Hearing for 12/10/08 (City Attorney Transmittal 0-08-11) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT FOR THE LAUREL RESERVE PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT PHASE 2, IDENTIFYING THE FORMER 90' RIGHT-OF-WAY AS TRACT "A" COMMON AREA, AUTHORIZING ADJUSTMENTS FOR STREET ACCESS PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The Interim City Attorney read the ordinance by title, noting this is the promised ordinance to approve the plat and putting the matter behind the City since it has taken so long and the improvements were completed three years ago, said he was familiar with some of the issues and that this ordinance is the way to finally accomplish the final plat for phase II, said he would discuss policy decisions with Council, and would advise on an amendment before the vote and asked to be recognized. Sherri Reichert, former member of Planning and Zoning, asked if the plat removes the roadway. 7 Regular City Council Meeting November 12, 2008 Page Eight The interim City Attorney said there will be no dedication but if the City in a future time changes its mind relative to Fleming Street or the county wants a road to go through it can be done through eminent domain because it will not be developed. Ms. Reichert said P & Z was concerned at that time about use of Bailey Drive, said future roadways need to be protected, and it looks like the area would connect better to Wimbrow Drive. Ms. Simchick said there is no longer an east west road at Fleming and it was removed in 2007. Ms. Reichert said it would be better to extend Fleming than four lane Barber Street. Louise Kautenburg, Sebastian, said the property came in with the stipulation that there be future dedication for roadway, the City is not the MPO, the City has not removed the road from the comp plan, said she talked to Chris Mora and he said if we remove this we can purchase it back in a future time, when a municipality uses eminent domain it is costly. She said she was concerned that she heard traffic concurrency was a Council concern and asked why they are cancelling out future roadways. She said she has never seen a development that did not dedicate property and is part of development paying for itself. She said the State has nothing to do with the road, until we have insufficient roads. Mr. Hill said he has struggled with this issue, was on the Council when the land was annexed, when Laurel replatted, had difficulty giving property away so had to weigh positives and negatives, after talking to staff and looking at property and future traffic maps, he concluded we can have decent traffic flow through the City if we do everything right from here. He said the past City Council made a decision that Fleming will not go through, and the likelihood it will go through in the future is marginal, and in looking at the positives, he looks at getting it behind us. He said when he weighs the positives and negatives he can't see it worth standing and fighting for and would cautiously support it. Mr. Wolff said he was a proponent for maintaining Fleming prior to hearing from constituents, and there was an issue as to how this would come into the City, with possible discrepancies on the mylar, which may indicate why the developer thought the tract was going to the City and it was signed off by the City. He further explained, the item was never resolved and the developer is still in limbo, and rather than City get involved in a legal exercise, he thought we could come to an agreement. He said twenty years down the road, the County can acquire right-of-way by eminent domain. Ms. Coy said Laurel Reserve was annexed with two other properties, she disagreed with the previous speaker because the City will pay for the road, and in her mind there was no question it was dedicated when annexed in, and believes when you make an agreement with the City you should stay with it unless there is a strange circumstance, and she had a problem with giving away something we might need in the future. She said she could approve it if they were given use of the property such as a right-of-way. The interim City Attorney said in the ordinance title, there should be comma after access; in sixth whereas clause, it should read, "the City Council, has recommended that the Metropolitan Planning Organization delete any reference to a Fleming Street extension;" a Regular City Council Meeting November 12, 2008 Page Nine spelling error in section five; and the enactment clause was dropped. He requested the motion include "adoption of first reading, as amended." Ms. Simchick asked if tract A is owned by the City at this time and is there is any legal basis to deny the plat based on the removal of Fleming Street. The interim City Attorney said no the City does not own the tract, and once the policy was set by City Council, by operation of law that eliminated the requirement to dedicate anon-existing road. He said dedications are important issues, our constitution recognizes private property rights, and he argued a case on behalf of Dade County to force developers to give the County property, but in order to do that he argued and the Court supported that there must be a plan and it has to be part of the individual plat showing the impact it will have on the community. He stated the Vice Mayor was correct that when annexed it had a higher density and it is much less now, and you have to ask will the lower density require the transportation system that was first visualized. He continued to say if it is a community benefit, then the community needs to pay. The Interim City Attorney said Council has made a decision to remove Fleming Street, and this plat was being hung up on the decision that Council has already made, so he prepared the ordinance the way he did and the plat is ready for final plat approval. MOTION by Ms. Simchick and SECOND by Mr. Hill to approve Ordinance 0-08-11 on first reading as amended. Result of the Roll Call Vote was as Follows: Ayes: Simchick, Wolff, Gillmor, Hill Nays: Coy Passed 4-1 The Interim City Attorney announced the ordinance will come back for a second reading on the 10th of December. 08.120 B. Resolution No. R-08-25 -Grant Application to Stan Mayfield Working Waterfronts 125-128 Program for Fisherman's Landing (GMD Transmittal, R-08-25) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING THE FISHERMAN'S LANDING SEBASTIAN, INC. GRANT APPLICATION TO THE STAN MAYFIELD WORKING WATERFRONTS GRANT PROGRAM. The Interim City Attorney read the resolution title and noted a typo in section 2 where "appealed" should be "repealed." The City Manager briefly introduced the item which is designed to enhance waterfront property. He asked for consideration of the resolution and direction as to how to proceed with the grant application. Nelson Mongiovi, Marketing Director for the Florida Dept. of Agriculture, said there were at one time 11 to 13 working fish houses and now there are none, he encouraged Council to back the proposal as Sebastian is sitting on an asset that few people have which is coastline, and the legislature and people value the seafood industry, the program will have recurring funds, is competitive and will provide deep water access for fisherman to land their catches. He 9 Regular City Council Meeting November 12, 2008 Page Ten commended Council for the supporting resolution and urged Council to go a step further by acquiring the two adjacent parcels of land in a separate grant application or pledge to become the project manager for Fisherman's Landing which will give the project an advantage in the grant application process. The City Manager recommended approving the resolution where Mr. Sembler will try to improve his property and then join in on the project by submitting our own grant to acquire property that will be managed by the 501 C-3 project that will provide for a historical/remembrance museum, marketplace, eco-tourism which filters in with the riverfront's vision. He further explained that if the County joins in, it would be a county/state/city/not-for- profitjoint venture project that would protect the riverfront in the long run. He asked Council to consider approving the resolution, and then task him and Rebecca to bring back a grant application (see memo attached). Mayor Gillmor said it would be a win-win situation, this would benefit commercial fishermen, we have the fishing village theme, this would fit right in, it would attract other businesses, said he would approve this and move forward for a grant. Mr. Mongiovi, said the Division is historically documenting fishing industry in Florida, and they have found many people in the Sebastian area to participate, and the question is where are they now and where have they gone. Mr. Hill said for the last twenty years every Council member talked about the small town fishing village theme and we lack the working waterfront. He said he totally supported Mr. Sembler and his effort, and is confident he will do the right thing, and it could be the spark that could ignite the City. Ms. Coy said this is the best thing since sliced bread, if we can get funding and get a jump start it will attract other businesses to the area, this could be a plan that gets it going. Mr. Mongiovi said VISIT FL is standing by to market the project and it will receive a recurring percentage of Florida Forever funds. Ms. Simchick said she was interested on the east side of the road for a long time, she is a historical enthusiast, established walking trails and circa signs along the riverfront. She noted Hurricane Harbor is a marina and it may be used for ecotourism or for the historical society. She said she would like to bring the working waterfront back; a kiosk would enhance the walking trail, and protect the historical heritage. She said she does support this fully, and would be in support of the City joining in partnership. Ms. Simchick added the trail is a multi-model trail which is a high point for the grant. Mr. Wolff said the grant is funded for $ 7.5 million in this first cycle as a result of Representative Mayfield's effort, there is no guarantee this grant will be funded again, six months ago we conducted an appraisal on the property next to the Yacht Club because we thought it would provide elbow room for the Yacht Club and tie into Riverview Park. He said the Stan Mayfield Grant allows funding for working waterfronts, business ventures, as well as 10 Regular City Council Meeting November 12, 2008 Page Eleven civic and educational activities and what is not allowed is funding for recreational fishing, so he wondered why the City did not have an application for this funding which has a small window of opportunity. He also asked why the County isn't trying to get money for the Archie Smith Fish House, where the application and business plan was. He said he found it hard to approve something he had not seen, the City should be putting their best foot forward to get slice of this. He pointed out that since there are no more working waterfronts, he asked what that tells everyone about the viability of a working waterfront. He detailed a number of considerations for the business proposition and advised there should be more information than what was given tonight, said we should have our own house in order, decide what we are going to do and have a written definitive plan. Joe Scozzari said when Mr. Mongiovi was talking he saw the whole riverfront vision, but Mr. Wolff shot it down and now it makes more sense, he wondered why we are not seeking the grant. He said it might be better if the City managed the project and questioned if Mr. Sembler had anon-profit corporation. Mr. Wolff said Mr. Sembler does have the non-profit. Joe Scozzari said to go and get the project for ourself. Damien Gilliams, 1623 US 1, said Mr. Wolff did his homework, said he had a copy of the Stan Mayfield Working Waterfront Grant, commended Mr. Sembler for a fabulous idea, noted the application requests a business plan. He said we should assist him as well as ourselves; maybe Florida Institute of Technology can come down here, and said he has two working marinas for sale with boat ramps next door. He said the resolution mentioned a proposal but it is not attached and said it should be put on hold and all applications be reviewed at once. Rosemary Bostinto, Sebastian, said she is a 29 year resident, said we should go for the fishing village theme, and try to do this for the people. MOTION by Mr. Hill and SECOND by Ms. Coy to support approval of the resolution and authorize the City Manager to transmit the same, and ask that he develop a grant package for Council's further review. Ms. Simchick said she agreed with this, but also wanted more information for the City's stand. Mr. Wolff said he would like to see this succeed, but you need a thorough business plan to be successful, and without facts and figures before him, he finds it hard to put his name and the City's name on this. Voice vote on the motion carried. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 14. CITY ATTORNEY MATTERS -None 11 Regular City Council Meeting November 12, 2008 Page Twelve 15. CITY MANAGER MATTERS The City Manager complimented the City employees that participated in the successful clambake. He said the local legislative delegation will meet December 5th at 9:00 a.m. and he hoped Council will be in attendance. He offered to a-mail a wish list that he put together for their review and feedback to present to the delegation. He said he would fill out Community Budget Request forms for the following: Indian River Lagoon Initiative-Collier Creek dredging Barber Street Repair Barber-Schumann Intersection Laconia Extension Community Center Riverview Park improvements No. Powerline Road Extension Various Bridge Improvements Green Initiatives Drainage and Quarter-round improvements 16. CITY CLERK MATTERS 08.121 A. Update on Appointments to Countv and Regional Boards and Committees (City Clerk 129-132 Transmittal) The City Clerk advised that Indian River County Board of Commissioners would conduct their reorganization of committees on November 18th, therefore, staff would bring back an updated list of committees and place official appointments to regional and county committees on the December 10, 2008 agenda. She stated there will be meetings which will need to be covered as follows: Emergency Services District Advisory Committee - 11/20 - 9:30 am (Mr. Hill offered to attend this meeting) Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council - 11/21 -Stuart - 9:30 am Treasure Coast Council of Local Governments - 12/3 - St. Lucie - 10:00 am Treasure Coast League of Cities -12/10 -Port St. Lucie - 10:30 am The Mayor offered to attend the remaining meetings. 08.121 B. Assignment of Members to Attend Countv Commission Meetings November 2008 133 through October 2009 -Report (City Clerk Transmittal) The City Clerk corrected her transmittal stating there was only one County Commission meeting on November 18th. Mr. Hill volunteered to attend. 12 Regular City Council Meeting November 12, 2008 Page Thirteen The City Clerk stated that in keeping with the Code, Council is to appoint individual members to the Citizens Budget Advisory Board at the first regular meeting following the election, and asked the Council to think about who they want to appoint and ask the person to file an application with the Clerks office, in the meantime we will advertise for two at-large members and bring back official appointments to the December 10tH meeting. MOTION by Mr. Hill and SECOND by Mr. Wolff to extend the meeting no later than 10:30 p.m. 17. CITY COUNCIL MATTERS A. Ms. Cov Ms. Coy invited the public to register for the spring semester at Indian River State College next door. B. Mr. Gillmor The Mayor said he spoke to Mr. Neglia when campaigning about bringing back the invocation at the start of meetings, indicating more clergy are available for the 6:30 p.m. start time. Mr. Hill said he agreed with the Mayor. It was the consensus of Council that a moment of silence was more appropriate. The Mayor said he might bring this matter up again. Mayor Gillmor asked if other members would be interested in rotating proclamation presentations. It was the consensus of Council that the Mayor should continue presenting the proclamations. C. Mr. Hill -none D. Mrs. Simchick 08.122 i. Indian River Lagoon Initiative Bill 2008-09 (Bill Excerpt City Manager Proposal) Ms. Simchick pointed out the new 2008-2009 Initiative was placed before each Council member on the dais in which the City is named on page 10. She suggested Council appear before the Indian River County legislative delegation on December 5th and go to Tallahassee during session to lobby support for the City. 135-141 E. Mr. Wolff Mr. Wolff announced there were still Sebastian River High School Prism concert tickets available for $15.00 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 22"d in the school's courtyard. 18. Being no further business, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 10:07 p.m. A proved at the December 10th Regular City Council Meeting. AT ~ :+ ~" Richard H. Gillmor, Mayor Sally A. JN io, MMC -City Clerk 13 TO: Members of the Sebasti City Council FROM: AI Minner, City Manag RE: WORKING WATERF GRANT OPPORTUNITY DTAE: Wednesday, November 1 , 2008 SUMMARY An overall goat of the City Council has been to inquire about obtaining riverfront property. The purpose behind this goal is to promote Sebastian, improve the waterfront district, and create avenues for tourism and jobs. In the end, if these goals are accomplished, Sebastian can help diversify revenue and improve the local economy. In other words, this is the basic concept and purpose of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) District -Prime the "pump" with incremental financing tools in order to generate redevelopment. On October 20, 2008, the Florida Department of Community Affairs, Florida Community Trust, opened the Stan Mayfield Working Waterfronts Program (SMWWP) for grant competition. This program is aimed at preserving waterfront property, as well as promoting commercial fishing. Clearly, the purpose of the SMWWP matches the local goals of the Sebastian CRA. The grant deadline is November 26, 2008 at 5:00 PM. INITIAL REQUEST This evening Resolution No. 08-25 has been placed on the agenda. This resolution is in support of the Fisherman's Landing Sebastian, Inc., anon-profit organization that seeks to acquire SMWWP funds to improve the Sebastian waterfront. If approved by the Council, the City publicly gives support for this application. This action in no way financially encumbers the City. Charlie Sembler has organized the Fisherman's Landing Sebastian, Inc. In more detail, the goal of Fisherman's Landing Sebastian, Inc. is to redevelop a commercial marina site within Sebastian for a commercial fish house and clamming aquaculture operation. This facility would also be open to the public. This plan has the potential to bring residents and visitors alike to the waterfront, and that increases other economic development opportunities for job creation, food and beverage sales, retail and hotel/motel. Obviously, this is of interest to the City of Sebastian. Therefore, at Wednesday's meeting I want to seek Council direction in applying for a SMWWP grant, which will be aimed at supporting and working in unison with the Fisherman's Landing Sebastian application. By doing so, more property can be provided to help expand the Fisherman's Landing Sebastian plan. These areas would provide additional parking, commercial pier space, various facilities; thereby, leading to historic museum, open market places, eco-tourism and other ventures that will create a Sebastian waterfront destination. There is allocated only $7 million for waterfront improvement around the entire state; therefore, this grant will be competitive. Hence, if multi-jurisdictional grants are submitted, the odds of making waterfront improvements to Sebastian are greatly increased. Conversely, if application is made for other projects or no support is provided to at least the Fisherman's Landing application, odds are reduced for grant award. In this fashion, it may also be important to seek the support of Indian River County to help with matching funds. If the City, and potentially the County make such an application, the Fisherman's Landing Sebastian, Inc. SMWWP grant can be made stronger by having two other government jurisdictions involved. LAND ACQUISITION FIRST - BY THE STATE As additional background, if the grant is awarded, the State requires that all appraisals, contracts and negotiations remain confidential until a contract is executed. Land acquisition is the first phase of the project, and the State will be the ultimate purchaser deeding the property back to the entity that submitted the grant. In the future, additional state funding, through the Department of Agriculture, will be sought to move into the next phase of development/management of the "Sebastian Waterfront". FINANCIAL INFORMATION At this time, Council has some options if we choose to apply for the grant. First, a grant can be written in such a fashion to get maximum points with a 25% match or up $250,000 for one parcel. These funds would be currently available via the CRA, which has $370,992 available in unallocated FY 09 money. Using these funds would leave $120,992 for other projects this year. As previously mentioned, I will also inquire into whether Indian River County will participate in the plan. If so, they would provide matching funds for potential other parcels. Recently, purchasing riverfront property has generated the "removing property from the tax rolls" question. To address that matter, the estimated total effect to the City of Sebastian would be $14,750. In more detail, the impact is $5,531 to the General Fund and $9,219 to the CRA Fund. Below is a chart, which depicts the most recent tax bills. Also note that parcel #1 has not paid taxes for 2006 and 2007. Those total tax payments were $73,055 and $76,685 respectively. PARCEL TOTAL TAX TOTAL CITY 19.5%) GENERAL FUND CRA FUND Parcel #1 Parcel #2 $62,310 $13,335 $12,150 $2,600 $4,556 $975 $7,594 $1,625 TOTAL 75645 $14,750 $5,531 $9,219 RECOMMENDATION At this time, staff recommends that City staff compile a SMWWP grant that will complement and support additional parcel acquisition for the Fisherman's Landing Sebastian, Inc. grant. Said grant shall be reviewed and considered formally by Council at a special meeting potentially scheduled for Wednesday, November 19, 2008. Indian River Lagoon State Funding Initiative Fiscal Year 2009-2010 St. Johns River Water Management District Palatka, Florida 2008 Indian River-Lagoon, Stale Finrdinglnitiative Contents Introduction-The District ................................................................................................. Introduction-The Indian River Lagoon ............................................................................ Capital Subprojects .......................................................................................................... Assessment Subprojects .................................................................................................. Draft, 8/14/2008 b2dian River Indian River Lagoon Fiscal Year 2009-2010 Introduction-The District Water is Florida's most important natural resource and is central to our quality of life. The mission of the St. Johns River Water Management District is to ensure the sustainable use and protection of water resources for the benefit of the people of the District and the state of Florida. Within the District boundaries are the longest river in the state, the St. Johns; more than one-third of the state's 7,7001akes, including the second largest lake, Lake George; and the Indian River Lagoon, one of four Florida estuaries in the National Estuary Program . The rapid growth of Florida's population has increased efforts on water resource development and restoration. Partnerships with other governmental agencies, organizations, and the public are a key element to successful implementation of projects aimed at protecting and restoring our water resources. The District recognizes the benefits ofworking cooperatively with others and that many projects require input and resources from numerous StateFirndinglnitiative The District has established partnerships with many federal agencies over the years. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has provided funds for the National Estuary Program and the Nonpoint Source Management Program. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has provided technical expertise and funding through several different programs. Hydrologic data collection and scientific analysis have progressed in cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey. The District has formed a partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the Wetlands Reserve Program, the Farmland Protection Program, the Rural Utilities Service, and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. In addition, the U.S. Department of Commerce has provided funding for economically disadvantaged communities in the District for public works projects, including water and sewer infrastructure related to designated Surface Water Improvement and Management areas. organizations. Draft, 8/14/2008 Indian River Lagoon, StateFiandinglnrtiative Insert districtwide map Draft, 8/14/2008 Indian River Lagoon, State Fundinglnitiative Introduction-The Indian River Lagoon The Indian River Lagoon (IRL) is the most diverse estuary in North America, supporting more than 4,300 species of plants and animals. The lagoon stretches 156 miles and includes parts of Volusia, Brevard, and Indian River counties in the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) and parts of St. Lucie, Martin, and Palm Beach counties in the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). The IRL watershed makes up 40% of Florida's east coast, encompassing approximately 1,380 square miles. IRL fisheries account for 50% of Florida's east coast recreational catch total and 20% of Florid a's clam harvest. H ealthy seagrass beds, which are found where the water quality and the water clarity are good, are important for sustaining this biological productivity and diversity. The economic impact of the IRL is estimated at more than $3.7 billion annually from recreational use, commercial fishing, and increased land value The IRL is a designated priority water body under the 1987 Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) Act and an Estuary of National Significance under Section 320 of the federal Water i1uaiity Act of 1987. Historical Overview Beginning in the early 1900s, 572,000 acres within the IRL watershed were ditched and drained for agriculture and cattle production. Over the course of the century, this area was expanded by the diversion of agricultural runoff and floodwaters from the Upper St. Johns River Basin and Lake Okeechobee to the IRL. The current watershed is more than 1,400,000 acres, which is 2.5 times the original drainage area. As a result, the increase offreshwater has dramatically altered the balance of the lagoon's saltwater system. The District's C-1 rediversion subproject in southern Brevard County will help to reduce much of this freshwater discharge by returning it to the Upper St. Johns River Basin, where it historically flowed. Domestic wastewater has historically been a source of pollution for the IRL. Discharge from wastewater treatment plants has been substantially reduced as a result of the 1990 IRL No Discharge Act. However, in the northern and central portions of the IRL, more than one-third ofthe population has septic tanks, which continues to be a cause of concern. Potential problem areas have been identified under the SWIM program. In the early 1970s, 75% ofthe lagoon's salt marshes were impounded by dikes that were built to separate 40,400 acres from the lagoon to control mosquito breeding. As a result, juvenile fish nursery grounds were severely impacted. Restoration of these impounded wetlands is one ofthe goals of the IRL SWIM program and the National Estuary Program's Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP). Citizen Involvement Many citizen advocacy groups have been involved since IRL restoration efforts began in the 1980s. Groups, such as the Marine Resources Council; the Friends of Sebastian River and Turkey Creek, for SJRWMD; the St. Lucie River Initiative, the Audubon Society, and the St. Lucie River Issues Team, for SFWMD, have contributed support in project implementation activities. The IRL Advisory Board-a coordinating entity for federal, state, regional, and local restoration activities-also has promoted restoration and project implementation through guidance and management activities. Draft, 8/14/2008 Indian RiverLagoott, StateFisndinglnitia#ive Key Efforts Reconnected more than 24,761 of impounded salt marshes to the IRL by installing culverts and riser board structures and restored 110 acres of dragline-impacted wetlands, 32 acres of which have been returned to natural saltmarsh elevation. In addition, over 90 acres of additional impounded wetlands also have been restored and returned to the natural saltmarsh elevation via the removal of the surrounding impoundment dike. • Implemented more than 260 water quality-directed, stormwater improvement subprojects, cost-sharing with local governments • Continued implementation ofthe C-1 rediversion subproject • Continued implementation of the lagoonwide CCMP • Completed environmental muck dredging in Turkey Creek, St. Sebastian River and Crane Creek • Developed pollutant load reduction goals for the St. Sebastian River, Turkey Creek, Crane Creek, and the Banana P.ivcr Lagcor, and began working with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and local governments to address newly issued TMDL allocations Updated the IRL SWIM and IRL CCMP plans, and the IRL Economic Assessment and Analysis Formed the Indian River Lagoon Bio- Toxin Task Force to investigate occurrences of toxic algal blooms and increases in wildlife diseases public's understanding ofIRL issues and restoration efforts Continued to support oyster reef restoration in the Mosquito Lagoon and researched and tracked newly discovered nonnative, invasive bivalve mussels Indian River Lagoon Basin Partners Through the IRL Advisory Board, S7RWMD has formed cooperative partnerships with federal, state, regional, county, and city governments; citizen support groups; environmental organizations; and other nonprofit institutions. The list of partners includes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USAGE); the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service; Canaveral National Seashore; FDEP; SFWMD; the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; the Florida Inland Navigation District; the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA); The Nature Conservancy; Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, and Volusia counties; Cape Canaveral; Cocoa; Cocoa Beach; Edgewater; Fellsmere; Indialantic; Indian Harbour Beach; Indian River Shores; Malabar; Melbourne; Melbourne Beach; Melbourne Village;New Smyrna Beach; Oak Hill; Palm Bay; Palm Shores; Rockledge; Satellite Beach; Sebastian; Titusville; Vero Beach; Sebastian, and Indian River Farms water control districts; the Environmental Learning Center; and the Marine Resources Council, which coordinates the nation's second largest volunteer estuarine citizen water quality monitoring network. • Renewed efforts for citizen involvement and public outreach to enhance the Draft, 8/14/2008 Indian River Lagoon, State Finzdinglnitiative SJRWMD Governing Board Major Initiatives For the Indian River Lagoon Basin, the goal is to attain and maintain the water and sediment quality needed to support a macrophyte-based (seagrass) system, endangered and threatened species, fisheries, and recreation. In working toward this goal, the SJRWMD Governing Board has established the following priorities. • Design and construct the Canal 1 (C-1) rediversion Draft, 8/14/2008 • Assist FDEP and EPA with the development oftotal maximum daily loads for the basin and development of Basin Management Action Plans to achieve the TMDLs. • Provide cooperative funding to local government stormwater projects • Implement wetland restoration Total for This Basin Funding package total (FY 2009-2010): $ 5 b~dian River Lagoon, State Fundingbiitiative Insert project map Draft, 8/14/2008 Indim~ RiverLagoor2, State Fundingbzitiative Capital Subprojects Fellsmere Water Management Area Priority Rating: Budget Request: $_ Partner: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Core Missions: Water quality/ surface water resource protection, flood protection Funding Administration: SJRWMD Description: The requested funding will be used to complete construction of phase 1 of the Fellsmere Water Management Area (FWMA). This phase will include the eastern project levee for the northern 6,020 acres of the 10,000-acre impoundment along with the removal of citrus trees and regrading of planting furrows. The FWMA will provide improved water quality in the upper St. Johns River as well as provide treatment for agricultural runoff and significant stormwater storage for extreme storm events while reducing the occurrence of freshwater releases through Canal 54 (C-54) to the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) estuary. Model results indicate that that the 10,000 acres FWMA will virtually eliminate freshwater discharges through C-54 to the IRL. Improved water quality entering the upper St. Johns River will help meet the total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) and reduce the use of groundwater withdrawals for irrigation. In Addition, this subproject will provide low flow augmentation in support of the water resource development project-Taylor Creek Reservoir. C-1 Rediversion-Turkey Creek Basin Priority Rating: _ Budget Request: $ Partners: Melbourne-Tillman Water Control District and City of Palm Bay Core Missions: Water quality/ surface water resource protection, flood protection Funding Administration: SJRWMD Description: The requested funding will be used to complete the construction of the Canal 1 (C-1) rediversion subproject. This subproject includes construction of the southwest Melbourne-Tillman Water Control District (WCD) pump station and related channel improvements in the C-1 and C-1 retention area. The subproject, when completed, will remove a substantial amount of the excessive freshwater and nutrients that have plagued the central IRL, particularly its seagrass resources, for more than 50 years. The C-1 rediversion subproject is the major regional surface water construction and management activity in the Turkey Creek subbasin of the IRL. C-1 is the primary interbasin diversion canal maintained by the Melbourne-Tillman WCD. That agency is cooperating with SJRWMD to construct and operate a system to redivert a majority of the C-1 drainage and pollutant load from Turkey Creek and the IRL to the Upper St. Johns River Basin. SJRWMD is the lead organization for the construction of stormwater pump stations. The USACE has completed the construction of 25 miles of the L-74N (levee). This levee will protect the western part of the Melbourne-Tillman WCD from high flood elevations in the St. Johns River. SJRWMD has completed the construction of the Sawgrass Lake Water Management Area, a restored wetland, for the purpose of stormwater treatment and is initiating the design of the internal improvements for the C-1 detention and retention areas for the rediverted drainage. These works are essential components of the C-1 rediversion subproject and are designed to maintain preproject flood elevations in the WCD while providing storage for the rediverted drainage. Draft, 8/14/2008 7 Indian River Lagoon, State Fundinglnitiative The rediverted drainage will be pumped through the Saw grass Lake Water Management Area and then incrementally discharged to the upper St. Johns River- thehistoric floodplain for this drainage prior to 1922. Cooperative Surface Water Program-Sotille Canal Stormwater Park Priority Rating: Budget Request: $_ Partner: Brevard County Core Missions: Water quality/ surface water resource protection, flood protection Funding Administration: SJRWMD Description: The requested funding will be used to construct a stormwater park on the Wheeler property, along Sotille Canal. The park will consist of a series of stormwater facilities including a large settling pond, two wet detention ponds, two aboveground impoundment areas, and walking trails. Wetland creation and enhancement are also proposed within the stormwater park. A weir structure will divert discharges directly into the 31-acre settling pond. Discharges will then either go east and enter impoundment 1 through a pump station or go west by gravity-flow to pond 2 for additional treatment and eroundwater recharge. This cooperative project with the Brevard County Stormwater Utility Division will improve the quality of discharges to the Sebastian River and the Indian River Lagoon, relieve localized flooding in portions of southern Brevard County, and rehydrate the Herndon Swamp wetland slough area. Rehabilitation of Coastal Wetland Habitat Priority Rating: Budget Request: $ Partners: Brevard, Indian River, and Volusia mosquito control districts; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and Canaveral National Seashore Core Mission: Surface water resource protection Funding Administration: SJRWMD Description: The requested funding will be used to continue implementation of various coastal wetland restoration techniques, particularly around the southern end of the Mosquito Lagoon and the northern portion of the Indian River and Banana River lagoons. These techniques include simple reconnection of impounded marshes to IRL surface waters by the placement of culverts in mosquito control dikes, total breaching of the dikes where mosquito control is not an issue, and attempting to restore productive wetland elevations in dragline-disturbed marshes. The benefit of these types of restoration is nearly 25:1 in terms of fisheries value alone. More than 9,600 acres of impounded marshes require reconnection or breaching in the coming years to meet the SWIM plan and National Estuary Program target of 33,000 acres to be reconnected in the S~~2WiViD portion of the IRL. Local partners will provide the necessary funding match. These subprojects are included in the approved CCMP and the SWIM plan. This subproject will help to implement future TMDLs applied to the Sebastian River and is included within the approved CCMP and the SWIM plan. Draft, 8/14/2008 Cooperative Surface Water Program-Sebastian River Water Control District Priority Rating: Budget Request: $_ Partner: Sebastian River WCD Core Mission: Water quality/ surface water resource protection 8 Indian RiverLagoor~, StateFirndinglr~itiative Funding Administration: SJRWMD Description: The requested funding will be used to continue funding for the construction of erosion control and sediment control best management practices (BMPs) in the Sebastian River WCD. Geotechnical and topographic surveying data and final engineering design plans have been completed for the Sebastian River WCD to replace the two radial (bottom-opening) gate structures discharging to the Sebastian River. SJRWMD, Indian River County, and the Sebastian River WCD are working to identify BMPs and restoration techniques in the drainage basin of the Sebastian River. This subproject is included within the approved CCMP and the SWIM plan. Lagoon), Rockledge, and Cocoa (central Indian River Lagoon); the cities of Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach (south Banana River Lagoon), and Palm Bay (Turkey Creek); and Indian River County and the cities of Fellsmere, Sebastian, and Vero Beach. These local partners will provide the necessary funding match. Post-subproject benefit assessments ofwater quality subprojects are conducted as subprojects are completed. These subprojects will help to implement future TMDLs applied to the central IRL and are included within the approved CCMP and the SWIM plan. Eau Gallie River and Elbow Creek Muck Removal (Phase 1) The local partner does not have the financial resources to provide a match to this SWIM subproject. Local Government Cooperative Stormwater Programs-Priority Basins Priority Rating: Budget Request: $ Partners: Volusia, Brevard, and Indian River counties and incorporated municipalities Core Mission: Water quality/ surface water resource protection Funding Administration: SJRWMD Description: The requested funding will be used for construction of drainage and water quality treatment systems specified in the cooperative master stormwater plans developed jointly by SJRWMD and the local governments. Some ofthe Iocal governments and their associated subbasins are Melbourne and the Crane Creek to control recurring sedimentation in the creek and to remove accumulated sediments at identified locations; Volusia County and the cities of New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, and Oak Hill (Mosquito Lagoon); Brevard County and the cities of Titusville (north Indian River Draft, 8/14/2008 Priority Rating: Budget Request: $_ Partner: City of Melbourne Core Mission: Water quality/ surface water resource protection Funding Administration: SJRWMD Description: Part of the requested funding will be used to complete all geotechnical engineering design and permitting required to remove accumulated muck sediments from the Eau Gallie River and Elbow Creek, which are tributaries of the IRL. The requested fandir~g w ill also be used to identify an appropriate spoil deposition area and to investigate advanced dewatering techniques needed to meet the projected limited-volume capacity ofa selected material containment area. The need for dredging activities is necessitated by decades of sediment deposition in the river resulting from local development and residential runoff. This deposition has severely reduced the environmental productivity ofthe river and has negatively impacted the IRL. This dredging will provide immediate improvements in water quality and in the ecology of the IRL and Eau Gallie River 9 Indian River•Lagoon, StateFirndinQlnitiative systems. This subproject will help to implement future TMDLs applied to the Eau Gallie River. This subproject will initiate the necessary engineering, diagnostic, and .characterization work to obtain state and federal permits for muck removal from the Eau Gallie River. Collier Creek Canal Project Priority Rating: Budget Request: $_ Partner: City of Sebastian Core Mission: Water quality/ surface water resource protection Funding Administration: City of Sebastian Description: Collier Creek Canal is a man- made canal system created during the early development of the City of Sebastian. The canal currently collects untreated storm water runoff from the surrounding 853-acre residential drainage basin through a series of ditches, swales and inverted drainage pipes. When the canal was created, bulkhead-seawalls were installed along much of canal in residential backyards with the intent of providing water access to the residents of the city. Most of these bulkheads have failed and are crumbling into the canal, creating erosion, sedimentation and water quality problems down stream. The requested funding will provide support to the City of Sebastian in their goal to proactively meet TMDL and PLRG water quality standards in the St. Sebastian River and Indian River Lagoon. The city will dredge the Collier Creek Canal of sediments and debris acculumated over the previous 30-40 years creating additional volume for retention of storm water and place new bulkhead walls along the canal banks to stabilize the canal, prevent future sedimentation and erosion. These upgrades will provide storm water improvements allowing additional retention time within the canal prior to the storm water being discharged into the South Prong of the St. Sebastian River. Assessment Subprojects Assessment of Environmental Health Related to Water Clarity, Seagrass Recovery, PLRGs, and TMDLs Priority Rating: Budget Request: $_ Partner: South Florida Water Management District Core Mission: Water quality/ surface water resource protection Funding Administration: SJRWMD Description: The requested funding will be used to continue critical work in the collection of Seagrass, light, and water quality measurements. The subproject includes photographing and mapping sea grass, characterizing sediment, and analyzing data. A predictive, mechanistic model is complete and will continue to aid SJRWMD in the establishment ofpollutant load reduction goals (PLRGs). Targeted pollutants include total suspended solids, nitrogen, and phosphorus. These PLRGs provided the basis for setting TMDLs. Monitoring of significant water quality and biological indicators of the IRL system is important in gauging the success of restoration activities in meeting Seagrass restoration goals and related PLRGs and TMDLs. This subproject represents a performance measure for the IRL program. Components of this subproject are included in the approved CCMP and the SWIM plan. TMDL Requirement Implementation Priority Rating: Budget Request: $_ Partners: Local governments and Florida Department of Envitonmental Protection (FDEP) Core Mission: Water quality/ surface water resource protection Funding Administration: SJRWMD Draft, 8/14/2008 10 h2diafi RiveYLagoon, State Firndinglnitiative Description: The requested funding will provide support to local governments as they improve their retrofit programs and master plan coverage and expand their diagnostic and monitoring programs to meet TMDL requirem ents. Local partners will provide the necessary funding match. Estuary Cleanup Through Macroalgae Harvesting (Phase 1) Priority Rating: Budget Request: $_ Partners: Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Algae Collection Technology Core Mission: Water quality/ surface water resource protection Funding Administration: SJRWMD Description: Devlopment of an environmentally friendly harvesting machine that cleans saltwater estuaries of the masses of solid macroalgae are out competing sea grass beds and impacting marine life, chocking navigation channels, and decomposing into foul smelling shoreline debris negatively impacting adjacent properties, tourism and recreational activities. DYQft, (4~14~20~8 Excessive algae has the potential to decrease biological diversity and reduce the nursery areas for several species offish by out- competingbeneficial sea grass habitat. The rapid growth of macroalgae is one of the results of the increasing amounts of nutrients in coastal waters and in bottom sediments that may, if unchecked eventually result in portions ofthe lagoon becoming eutrophicated (creation of dead zones similar to areas in the Gulf of Mexico). The project concept is based on the hypothesis that eutrophication and its negative effects on the lagoon will decrease if a portion of the macroalgae is removed by harvesting allowing increased water circulation through wind and tide influences. Additionally, the project will investigate the recycling of the collected algae into bio-diesel and animal feed, that may eventually mitigate the future cost of clean-up (collection) activities. Functional algae harvesters have been successfully deployed in other shallow coastal waters including on Sweden's West Coast and the Delaware Inland Bays and Rehoboth Bay.