HomeMy WebLinkAbout05072013NRB MinutesE
3.
0
5
MY OF
HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND
1225 Main Street, Sebastian, FL 32958
(772) 589 -5330 Phone
MINUTES
NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, May 7, 2013
6:00 P.M.
"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 6:00 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Robin Graves — Chair
Al Alvarez
Hank Kriss
Alan Northcott
Eric Spokas — Vice Chair
Gil Gordian
Ann Lucier
Jerry Deredita
Staff Present:
Ginny Sieferd, Environmental Tech /Board Liaison
Jeanette Williams, Recording Secretary
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Meeting of 4/2/13
Chairperson Graves asked that the number of vendors noted on page one of the
minutes be changed to 50.
MOTION by Chairperson Graves and SECOND by Mr. Gordian to approve the April 2,
2013 minutes passed with a voice vote of 8 -0.
ANNOUNCEMENTS — None.
6. PUBLIC INPUT — None.
Natural Resources Board Meeting 2 May 7, 2013
7. OLD BUSINESS
A. Review Earth Day — April 20, 2013
Chairperson Graves reported that Earth Day went very well but they lost probably 20
vendors because of the weather and asked the Board if they thought making it a week
before or after would make any difference. Ms. Sieferd recommended the inclusion of a
rain date.
Chairperson Graves said she was disappointed with the lack of entries to the contests
and suggested that was because of the brief public announcements that didn't really
detail their events. She suggested using a sponsor that will provide advertising for next
year. Ms. Lucier suggested targeting the Art Center and Library with posters to get the
word out. Mr. Kriss said a radio station broadcasting at the event would be the way to
get the word out. Mr. Northcott noted people are looking on the internet for things to do.
Chairperson Graves suggested they contact the schools to post on their homework page
websites so the parents and kids can see the contests. Mr. Northcott suggested posting
announcements on the Park's marquee. Chairperson Graves also suggested the City
fund a banner that goes across the road like the Fine Arts and Music Festival. Ms.
Seiferd offered to look into that. Mr. Spokas said it would be helpful if an advocate in art
community promoted and judged the contests.
Mr. Kriss noted the fishing group seemed to stay within themselves. It was discussed
that could have been because of the weather as they left when the dark clouds rolled in.
Ms. Graves suggested meeting with the fishing group.
Mr. Deredita said with guidance from the City, he would approach the company that
wanted to advertise for the event as long as they could be considered co- sponsors.
Chairperson Graves said she would e-mail the City Attorney to request him to meet with
Mr. Deredita.
Chairperson Graves described when she was first on the Board; the bird houses were
decorated and judged at the schools, so with enough planning they could have the
children cast ballots at the schools.
Many of the members complimented Mr. Gordian's effort in procuring the bands as they
did an excellent job. In response to Mr. Gordian, Chairperson Graves said with enough
planning, contest entries could be pre- registered on the website. Ms. Lucier said she
sent a thank you to Home Depot and offered to send one to Shady Grove Nursery.
Mr. Gordian said he would like to extend the hours from 8:30 a.m. and end at 2:30 or 3
p.m. noting longer hours may attract more vendors. Ms. Lucier offered to send out a
survey to the vendors. It was also discussed that Relay for Life is usually the same day
and there are many weekend events during the spring. Ms. Sieferd suggested that Ms.
Lucier's e-mail include a post thank -you and ask them how they would like to attend next
year.
Natural Resources Board Meeting 3 May 7, 2013
6:23 pm
B. Report Regarding the Status on Requested Plantings from the Island Preserve
for IR 1
Chairperson Graves asked if anyone has heard if plantings are needed. Mr. Gordian
offered to call Marc Virgillio.
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Reschedule Island Clean Up
Chairperson Graves asked when the members would be available to re- schedule. It
was the consensus of the Board to schedule a clean up on June 8th. The Members
asked the viewing public for assistance in providing boats.
B. Ideas for Youth Guidance Activities
Chairperson Graves said she was asked by the Youth Guidance to plan an activity with
the kids, noting they could make a letter box stamp and place them in the boxes at the
Stormwater Park.
She said the City might not want to sponsor the kids planting seedlings at the spoil
island but they could help at a future main land planting. Mr. Northcott said they could
participate in the KIRB clean up. Ms. Sieferd suggested they create and maintain a
butterfly or herb garden. Ms. Sieferd said she would check to see if there is an area
available in a City park. Mr. Kriss offered to survey the Stormwater Park for a garden
location as he replaces the letter boxes.
Mr. Alvarez reported the plants they put on Blossom Avenue are still there
9. MEMBER MATTERS
A. Letterboxing Supplies and Boxes
Chairperson Graves said they should probably use smaller books to discourage theft
Mr. Northcott asked if the Board has tried to get some funds from Council. Chairperson
Graves said they are an advisory board that is supported by the community with the
donation of supplies and things they might need. It was discussed that they would
continue to go on a case -by -case basis.
Mr. Northcott suggested setting up a time table for next year's event. Mr. Spokas said
the music and food vendors should definitely be e- mailed with the survey. Chairperson
Graves said she would write up a thank -you for the website. Ms. Lucier offered to follow
up with the vendors she doesn't hear back from. Ms. Graves offered to do a formal
thank -you to Shady Grove Nursery and the bands.
Natural Resources Board Meeting 4 May 7, 2013
Ms. Williams reported an applicant would be interviewed by City Council tomorrow night
to fill the vacant alternate position.
Island Clean Up
Chairperson Graves said she would pick up the supplies from KIRB for the island clean
up. Mr. Gordian said he still has his boat but they could use more. Ms. Seiferd offered
to line up the City boat to haul the trash. Chairperson Graves said she would e-mail the
web designer to post the clean up on the web and Channel 25.
Mr. Gordian asked if members of the public have to sign a liability waiver to clean. Ms.
Seiferd said they couldn't ride in the City boat but she would ask the City Attorney if that
is necessary. Chairperson Graves said there is liability section on the sign -up sheet but
Mr. Gordian could certainly have the public sign something for his boat.
10. STAFF MATTERS - None.
11. Being no further business, Chairperson Graves adjourned the Natural Resources Board
meeting at 6:49
f
By: "/ i-
Chairperson Robin Graves Dat