HomeMy WebLinkAbout06032014NRB AgendaAGENDA
NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2014
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"
CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. May 6, 2014 Regular Meeting
5. ANNOUNCEMENTS
6. PUBLIC INPUT
7. OLD BUSINESS
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Oyster Beds
Toby Jarman, Vero Beach Power Squadron
B. Discussion — NRB Website
Barbara Brooke - Reese, Sr. Systems Analyst
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10. STAFF MATTERS
11. ADJOURNMENT
ANY PERSON WHO DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE ON THE ABOVE MATTERS, WILL NEED A RECORD OF
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FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE WITHIN TEN DAYS OF THE DATE OF ACTION. (286.0105 F. S).
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ACCOMMODATIONS FOR THIS MEETING SHOULD CONTACT THE CITY'S ADA COORDINATOR AT (407)- 589 -5330 AT
LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THIS MEETING. TWO OR MORE ELECTED OFFICIALS MAYBE IN ATTENDANCE.
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HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND
1225 Main Street, Sebastian, FL 32958
(772) 589 -5330 Phone (772) 589 -5570 Fax
MINUTES
NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014 - 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"
Chairman Graves called the Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. ROLL CALL
Present
Robin Graves — Chair
Alan Northcott — Vice Chair
Al Alvarez
Gil Gordian
Hank Kriss
Ann Lucier
George Millar
Bob Progulske (alternate)
Absent:
John Brady — Alternate (excused)
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: April 1, 2014 Regular Meeting
Motion by Ms. Graves and Second by Ms. Lucier to approve the April 1, 2014 minutes.
No official vote taken but no objection.
5. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Introduction of Cynthia Watson, Environmental Specialist
The City Clerk introduced Ms. Watson, the City's new Environmental Specialist who,
among her other duties, will be liaison to the Natural Resources Board.
6. PUBLIC INPUT
Mr. Giordan asked Ms. Watson that if there are any projects the board can partake in to
let them know.
Natural Resources Board Minutes
May 6, 2014
Page Two
7. OLD BUSINESS
A. Review of Earth Day 2014
Board Members recapped the April 26th Earth Day event, generally noting it was a great
day. Mr. Alvarez said he would be sending thank you emails to all participants and ask
for any suggestions they may have. It was noted that some of the food vendors used
Styrofoam containers and perhaps they can be asked to use recyclable material. It was
reported there were 40 -43 vendors. Mr. Giordan suggested more planning needed to be
done in regard to scheduling, saying no one knew what was happening with the School
buses, and Mr. Alvarez said Mr. Millar said they needed a sign, and Ms. Graves noted it
seemed that kids enjoyed the buses.
Ms. Graves said the shredding event was successful, there were 12,000 pounds of
paper shredded and two tons of electronics taken in, and said she would love to do this
again. Mr. Northcutt asked why they don't charge for vendors, and Ms. Graves
responded that the event needs to be free and perhaps in later years when it grows they
could consider that. Ms. Graves said the event gets bigger and better every year, they
they need to get more environmental groups participating and stick with the theme. Ms.
Lucier said the kids had a great time with the peanut butter pinecones.
B. Review of Island Clean -up
Ms. Graves noted there were 400 pounds of trash picked up, and discussion took place
on the July cleanup and how littered the islands are after the 4th of July weekend. It was
noted that there are businesses conducting party trips to the islands but they are not
removing their trash and are leaving it for someone else to clean up. They questioned
whether someone in the City or maybe Marine Patrol could look into it. Staff will bring it
up to the City Manager. Ms. Lucier noted the next cleanup is scheduled for July 27th, and
Ms. Graves said there will be one at the end of the year and then again next spring.
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Discuss Request for FY 2014 -2015 Budget for NRB
Ms. Watson said if they put a budget together she will take it to the City Manager, and
the Clerk noted City departments are finalizing budgets this week and the Budget Board
will meet on June 2nd to see the first draft budget numbers for FY 2014 -2015.
Members discussed various needs they have for funding such as plantings, radio air time
and advertisements for Earth Day, materials for island cleanups, oyster beds, letter
boxes, and Earth Day and fuel for island cleanups. Numbers given ran from $175 to
$500 for advertising, $500 -600 per year for fuel, $50 to $75 for Earth Day materials, $50
for letter boxes.
Another suggestion was planting non - invasive trees on the spoil islands. Ms. Graves
noted the cost of oyster beds was unknown at this time and suggested the Scouts may
be able to help with oyster beds.
Ms. Watson said she was taking notes and assured them the City Manager was asking
them to submit for funding. The Board members suggested they would ask for $2000 to
cover their costs.
Natural Resources Board Minutes
May 6, 2014
Page Three
MEMBER MATTERS
Mr. Alvarez suggested that the man from the Vero Beach Squadron who is involved with
making oyster beds be asked to speak to Natural Resources Board. Ms. Graves said this
would be a great project for the Board, and Mr. Alvarez said he would contact him and
see if he can make a presentation. Ms. Graves said the beds have to be put somewhere
where they will thrive, the location has to be the starting point, so they would have to do
some research. Mr. Giordan suggested also talking to Marine Resources Council.
10. STAFF MATTERS
Ms. Watson said that the new City Manager believes this Board is important and part of
the reason she was hired as Environmental Specialist which also received a 5 -0 vote of
Council.
Ms. Graves said they have a full board and are moving forward.
11. Being no further business, Chairman Graves adjourned the meeting at 6:38 p.m.
Robin Graves, Chair Date