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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09022014NRB MinutesOTYOF SEBAST�N 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, SEPTEMBER 2, 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 Northcott called the Natural Resources Board meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 2. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 3. ROLL CALL Present: John Brady Gil Gordian — Vice Chair Robin Graves Ann Lucier George Millar Alan Northcott — Chair Bob Progulske James Clifton Absent: Rose Glaser (excused) Also Present: Frank Watanabe, P.E., Community Development Director/City Engineer/Airport Manager Cindy Watson, Environmental Specialist/Airport Administrator Jeanette Williams, Recording Secretary 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: August 5, 2014 Regular Meeting MOTION by Mr. Gordian and SECOND by Ms. Graves to approve the minutes. 5. ANNOUNCEMENTS - None 6. PUBLIC INPUT—None Natural Resources Board September 2, 2014 Page Two 7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Ovster Mat Proiect Update Chairman Northcott said they went out on the Aquatic Preserve boat and one fact they learned was that the mats do not have to be underwater part of the day and above water the rest of the time. He pointed out that since the shells need three months to dry out in the sun they won't make the spring planting. He asked for advice in procuring the supplies. The City Engineer said he would bring the a summary of the City's Procurement Policy to the Board at the next meeting. Discussion followed on gathering shells from local restaurants. Mr. Gordian has procured 12-13 five gallon buckets that members can use to gather the shells. He advised lids should be obtained for storage. Discussion followed on locating an area to dry the shells. The City Engineer suggested either at the Airport or the City Compound where they would be secure. The Airport was not a good location due to air traffic but the City Compound could be. He added that the City has some canopy they can use to lay the shells on for drying; a silt fence could surround them to keep animals out. Chairman Northcott calculated 36 shells per mat would need about a square foot of drying space for three months. Mr. Gordian is sending a letter to the Green Club at Sebastian River High School to solicit their help. The City Engineer offered to check if Public Works can transport the assembled mats to the placement sites in the spring. The Environmental Specialist added she has lists of groups that also want to help and the Board might be able to use Riverview Park for assembly. In response to Chairman Northcott's question as to how the Sunshine Law would affect their efforts, the Environmental Specialist said she would check with the City Attorney and get back to them. Ms. Graves said she has been informed there is no back and forth, one-way informational e-mails only -no answering/no replies. Another meeting can be called if they need to discuss business. Chairman Northcott suggested they see how many shells they collect in the next month so they can see how many mats they can make and then apply for the permits. The Environmental Specialist added the next grant cycle might give them funding for 2015. MOTION by Mr. Millar and SECOND by Mr. Progulske to have the Board members independently solicit and collect shells from vendors at no cost to the City or the Board passed with a roll call vote of 8-0. Mr. Clifton suggested sending one-way e-mails to each other so they aren't soliciting the same restaurants. Natural Resources Board September 2, 2014 Page Three Mr. Progulske reported the Army Corp of Engineers Nationwide General Permit 27 will cover their project which will help with their permitting process. It was noted a SJRWMD permit will also need to be procured. The City Engineer said the Environmental Specialist would e-mail members tomorrow with the drying location and contact information. 6:44 pm Mr. Gordian reported that Marc Virgilio has agreed to speak to Board on Election Day. The Environmental Specialist said she would check if the meeting room would be available that day. Mr. Brady asked if they should pick a placement site. Mr. Gordian said he was told by fisherman that a good location is on the east and north side of the Lagoon by Capt. Butchers. The Environmental Specialist advised them to stay within the City limits. *used to be The City Engineer advised they would not be permitted to go where thereAvas sea grass because the grass might come back; if they picked their top three sites, the SJRWMD assessment could begin. The Environmental Specialist advised the selection of multiple locations would help their grant application. 6:56 pm 8. NEW BUSINESS A. Non -renewal of 2013 Aauatic Preserves Aareement The Environmental Specialist said the spoil island agreement ended August 29, 2014 and the City Manager has declined to continue the agreement as it is outside the City limit. Ms. Graves asked if they want to adopt an island in the City limits. Mr. Gordian will take their adoption sign down tomorrow. Discussion followed on inviting the City Manager to the next meeting to explain his decision. The City Engineer explained the expenditure of City funds should be kept within the City limit and if individual Board Members wanted to go on their own to clean the islands they could. Mr. Gordian said the island by Squid Lips might be available for adoption. He asked if the City could do anything about the vessel on the west side of the island. The Environmental Specialist offered to look into it. The Environmental Specialist advised them they could participate as individuals but not as a Board in the September 27d' and October 2nd island clean ups. B. Water Testing Discussion by Board Member James Clifton Mr. Clifton explained that Council Member Gillmor asked him to help participate in a City testing program which he has completed one set of tests. He said the results would be documented for future projects. The City Engineer explained that 2009-2010 stormwater grants required the phosphate and nitrogen testing which can be compared to new test results that will be completed in the upcoming year. He said he hoped to test the existing outfalls during some major storm events and make quarterly reports to City Council. Natural Resources Board September 2, 2014 Page Four 9. MEMBER MATTERS 7:17 pm Mr. Clifton reported that a new County Collaborative has been formed for the Indian River Lagoon and he planned to attend their first meeting Friday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the County Administration Building. Mr. Progulske said his understanding from the newspaper is that the Collaborative will develop an independent, non -taxing, non - permitting water district with the counties along the Lagoon serving to provide more impetus and cohesiveness from north to south. Mr. Gordian announced Steve Morris from the Florida Organic Aquaculture will be the October guest speaker. A. Additions to Board Website No additions to make at this time. Mr. Gordian will ask the October speaker, Steve Morris, if his presentation may be replayed through a link on the Board's website. Ms. Graves asked that any reference to her being the Chairman of the Board and their adoption of Spoil Island 1 be removed from the website. The Environmental Specialist said she would take care of it. The Environmental Specialist said she would contact Mr. Gordian when she heard from the SRHS Green Club. 10. STAFF MATTERS The Environmental Specialist announced she would be taking a different position within the City as of Monday and the City Engineer would be their liaison for the Board. The City EmeTr distributed his card and said his education and experience would help the Boardi a lot faster. He said he would act as liaison until further staff changes occur. 11. Being no further business, Chairman Northcott adjourned the Natural Resources Board meeting at 7:27 p.m. By: C&' L / \Jc5-� Jo/9z Chairman Alan Northcott Date *Approved as amended on pages three and four.