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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05062014NRB MinutesMINUTES 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 Geortje- M-iftr Bob Progulske (alternate) Absent: John Brady — Alternate (ex used) George Millar (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 Cvnthia 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. Northcott 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 "`7th, and -'-26th 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 2 "d 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 9. 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. By: T 6'/-L� & /I L -ZI R bin Graves, Chair Date *Approved as amended on page one and two.