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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06132012NRB Workshop�� 5��,�, �,,,��V HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND 1225 Main Street, Sebastian, FL 32958 (772)589-5330 Phone NATURALRESOURCES BOARD SPECIAL WORKSHOP WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2012 - 5:00 P.M. MINUTES "To improve the quality of life in Sebastian by nurturing the balanced relationship between our citizens and our environment by protecting, preserving and promoting our natural resources" Chairperson Graves called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. 2. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 3. ROLL CALL: Present: Robin Graves - Chair Eric Spokas - Vice Chair Albert Alvarez - arrived at 5:08pm Ann Lucier Gilbert Gordian Jr. Jane Schnee(A) Pat Casselberry (A) Members Absent and Excused: Hank Kriss Alan Northcott Council and Staff Present: Council Member Andrea Coy Ginny Sieferd, Board Liaison Donna Cyr, Recording Secretary 4. OLD BUSINESS: A. Fertilizer Education Program Chairperson Graves welcomed Council Member Coy to the meeting. Council Member Coy felt that one of her goals was to help the board explain the fertilizer ordinance in user friendly terms. She would like to see people use slow release nitrogen and not use phosphorus at all. Ms. Coy suggested using PowerPoint presentations, videos, pamphlets and handouts to help get the word out. The board liked the idea of creating a brochure. Ms. Coy thought that if we could get the brochure in Home Depot in the fertilizer area it would be helpful. She said that Home Depot said they would be willing to work with us. Ms. Coy wants to make sure that all information that is being given to the public is technically correct, accurate and professional. She also suggested going out and speaking to different groups and organizations to spread the word. She suggested the board could create its own logo so when people see it they will think of the Natural Resources Board. Natural Resources Board June 13, 2012 Page Two Ms. Schnee stated that she spoke with a representative from Scott's Fertilizer in Home Depot and he said by the end of next year they were removing all phosphorus from their fertilizers and this will be nation wide. Chairperson Graves said that she has been working on getting videos to be shown on channel 25, that there is a lot of good information out there. She said she has an email into Harbor Branch for anything they can offer. Ms. Graves asked if there would be any kind of funding by the City for purchasing DVD's and Ms. Coy said she would find the money. Mr. Spokas suggested explaining the effect of Stormwater runoff. He said there is a video called "After the Storm" put out by the EPA and the Weather Channel. Ms. Graves said she would contact Charles Johnson from DEP and see if he could get us a copy. Ms. Coy liked the idea but feels we should stick to fertilizer only right now and just briefly touch on Stormwater. Ms. Schnee suggested creating a PowerPoint presentation with all the information and taking it to different organizations. She also feels it would be good for the board members to go to area Home Owners Associations, the Chamber of Commerce, the Elks Club and other groups and give talks using the PowerPoint presentation. Ms. Coy said if everyone got her the information she would put a PowerPoint presentation together. Ms. Coy said that she would ask the City Attorney if it is okay to bring in some specialists during a meeting and break off into subgroups during that meeting. Because of scheduling issues, it was decided that information would be sent via emails through the board secretary to Council Member Coy and the NRB members. Ms. Casselberry asked if part of the education could be to offer a positive visual alternative instead of just giving all negative aspects of not using fertilizer, etc. Ms. Coy suggested creating signs to give to citizens that have chemical free yards. The signs would say "My yard is chemical free". Ms. Schnee said she thinks these signs already exist and are available. She offered to check on the pricing of the signs. Mr. Gordian suggested getting young people involved such as the Green Club at Sebastian River High School, the area Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. It was also suggested to take the brochures to the North County Library. After the suggestion of going to speak at the local schools and the discussion of how time consuming it is to get approval from the School Board, Ms. Coy said she would take care of this. Ms. Coy said she has some contacts on the School Board. When the Natural Resources Board has the letter ready Ms. Coy will present it to the School Board. Ms. Brooks-Reese will assist Ms. Coy in creating the brochure. Mr. Gordian asked about commercial applicators and their supporting the position on the ordinance. It was determined that we can't regulate the statute they follow, all the board can do is educate them. Natural Resources Board June 13, 2012 Page Three 5 Ms. Coy suggested that the NRB focus on three main areas at this time: Phosphorus, slow release nitrogen and how to read the fertilizer labels (what the numbers mean). Ms. Coy also suggested that each board member take a specific task: Mr. Gordian will be the photographer. Ms. Casselberry said she'd do research on Fertilizer labels and explain the numbering system and how to read them. Ms. Graves is working on getting videos to show on channel 25 on Best Management Practices, Florida Natural Yards, etc. Mr. Spokas is going to work on a glossary to explain the terminology of pollutants, and the Stormwater aspect of fertilizer use. Ms. Schnee will rewrite her highlighted points on Ordinance 0-12-06. Ms. Schnee asked who would contact the institutional applicators regarding the requirements of the fertilizer ordinance. Ms. Coy said we have Code Enforcement. The ordinance has no penalties so all we can do is educate the public. The members will start pulling their information together and getting it to Ms. Coy. PUBLIC INPUT: There was no public input. 6. Being no further business, Chairperson Graves adjourned the meeting at 6:03 p.m. �--�-� ;^' ��, � � Natur I Resources Chairperson Signature � ', �� � Date