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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01062015NRB AgendaREVISED AGENDA NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015 - 6:00 P.M. 1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FL "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" 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: November 18, 2014 Workshop December 2, 2014 Regular Meeting 5. ANNOUNCEMENTS 6. PUBLIC INPUT 7. OLD BUSINESS A. Update on tortoise crossing signs at Pelican Island Elementary B. Update on oyster mat project 8. NEW BUSINESS A. Staff Table at 2015 EcoFest — March 1, 2015 —11 am to 4 pm 9. MEMBER MATTERS 10. STAFF MATTERS 11. ADJOURNMENT ANY PERSON WHO DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE ON THE ABOVE MATTERS, WILL NEED A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS AND MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH APPEAL IS TO BE HEARD. SAID APPEAL MUST BE FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE WITHIN TEN DAYS OF THE DATE OF ACTION. (286.0105 F -S). IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA), ANYONE WHO NEEDS SPECIAL 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. CRY OF sPAN HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND 1225 Main Street, Sebastian, FL 32958 (772) 589-5330 Phone (772) 589-5570 Fax AGENDA NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD WORKSHOP TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2014 - 6:00 P.M. 1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FL "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: Rose Glaser Gil Gordian — Vice Chairman George Millar Alan Northcott - Chairman Absent: John Brady James Clifton (excused) Ann Lucier (excused) Bob Progulske (excused) Also Present: Frank Watanabe, P.E., Public Works Director Jeanette Williams, Recording Secretary 4. OYSTER MATS Introduction of Boy Scout Troop Paul Giordano introduced himself and his son, Eagle Scout Candidate John Giordano. Mr. Giordano said they thought the installation of the mats would be a good Eagle Scout project noting John would need to submit a detailed project description and timeline to the Scout Board for approval, and the mats could be assembled with Troop assistance at Camp Oklawaha. Discussion followed on assembling 200 mats that could be assembled one weekend morning. Mr. Giordano said his church would like to assist. Mr. Gordian said the SRHS Green Club would also like to assist. Mr. Giordano offered to check on liability insurance for other groups that might assist at Camp Oklawaha. Natural Resources Board Meeting November 18, 2014 Page Two Captain Paul Dritenbas, Rotary Club of Vero Beach Sunrise 6:32 pm 7:04 pm Mr. Dritenbas gave the following helpful tips: -only use a drill press, the shells are too hard for hand drills -the hardest part of the project is getting the mat to the site -assembling makes a great social event, monitor the volunteers for correct assembly -a typical recycling bin holds 1, 000 shells that will have to dry for four months -the shells could be bleached for 24 hours in the recycling bins to prevent invasion of non- native species -make mats in 9 - 16 inch mat squares -someone that has placed the mats should accompany them when they are ready to install -injuries come from digging the shells out of the bins and during installation in the water (the shells are very sharp) -the FDEP permit takes 30 days - $100 -the Army Corp permit takes about four months -important to let Corp know when project is completed -GPS the coordinates when placing the mats -the Army Corp likes to hear project results -projects can be permitted in phases -don't place mats in recreation areas -shells will cut boat, anchors will pull up mat -at one of the Rotary Club event, they made 72 mats in half a day -a prolific spat area is by the Relief Canal -choose intertidal zone, half in water, half out water Identify area to install mats within the Lagoon The Board agreed to get permits and GPS coordinates for locations D and E on the attached map. Mr. Gordian said he could mark the sites with PVC pipe. ii. Identify the number of mats to construct The Board agreed to make 200 mats for the locations D and E. iii. Cost of mats (Price workup from Vero Beach Power Squadron) The City Engineer stated that the material cost for the 200 mats could be covered by the City. Mr. Dritenbas said the mesh could be obtained from Pentair Aquatics (item no. M0350 - 3/ in. 48 in. wide by 50 feet long $134.68 a roll), the zip ties could be obtained from Zip-Tie.com. Discuss the construction of mats/where? Mr. Gordian said he is willing to take the supplies to the SRHS Green Club to assemble. (Green Club Member, Katelyn Lanctot was in attendance.) Mr. Giordano noted there is a camp ranger and drill press at Camp Oklawaha. Natural Resources Board Meeting November 18, 2014 Page Three iv. Discuss transport and store of mats for drying at City Compound Mr. Millar said the Melbourne seafood house is willing to provide some oyster shells. The City Engineer said he could arrange a City truck to pick up and transport the oysters but the Board would need to provide the labor of loading and unloading. V. Permits and fees The City Engineer advised the Board they should begin to fill out the permits application and the City would pay the application fees. He advised them to submit the Army Corp permit by the end of December 2014. vi. Any other items Mr. Millar summarized they will make 200 mats; GPS coordinates need to be obtained; the shells will be dried at the City Compound; the mats will be built at Camp Oklawaha; someone should start filling out the permits; and he will call to see where they can get shells. Mr. Gordian will get the mesh information; check to see how many shells they can have from the Aquatic Preserve location; and get the GPS coordinates for the two locations. The City Engineer distributed a map of the City Compound which identifies the storage location that Board members can dry shells at. 5. Being no further business, Chairman Northcott adjourned the Natural Resources Board meeting at 7:54 p.m. By: Chairman Alan Northcott Date 2. 3 4. 5. Q MINUTES NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014 - 6:00 P.M. 1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FL Chairman Northcott called the Natural Resources Board meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. ROLL CALL Alan Northcott — Chairman George Millar Gil Gordian — Vice Chairman Bob Progulske Rose Glaser James Clifton Ann Lucier Andrea Ring Also Present: Frank Watanabe, P.E. — City Engineer Jeanette Williams — Recording Secretary APPROVAL OF MINUTES: November 4, 2014 Regular Meeting MOTION by Ms. Glaser and SECOND by Mr. Gordian to approve the November 4, 2014 regular meeting minutes. ANNOUNCEMENTS Ms. Ring introduced herself; she is a seven year resident, and interested in the restoration of the Indian River Lagoon. PUBLIC INPUT — None 7. NEW BUSINESS A. Presentation by Peter Turner, Sustainable Kashi Peter Turner, Sustainable Kashi, introduced himself saying permaculture is a design science project currently operated on about three acres of land at the Kashi Ashram. The principles are that people should care for the earth, care for each other and share the surplus or leftovers using common practices such as agroforestry, hugelkulture, rainwater harvesting, sheet mulching, guilds, and biochar. Mr. Turner said the project is two and a half years old, a harvest market is available the second Sunday of the month, classes are offered the third Sunday of the month, along with a 72 hour certified permaculture course. (See attached) Natural Resources Board Meeting December 2, 2014 Page Two 6.30 pm In response to questions from the Board, Mr. Turner said they are experiencing success with the root crops and leafy greens; they are building the soil nutrients to diversify their harvest to include squash and corn; and they have a 250 gallon hydroponic tank producing fish, kale and chard. Mr. Turner said he is a self-educated, avid outdoorsman who has learned through trial and error at the Ashram. He invited the Board to tour their garden on Saturdays at 4 p.m. 8. OLD BUSINESS A. Oyster Mat Project Mr. Gordian said he is collecting shells. Mr. Millar said the Brevard Zoo has exhausted their shell supply so he will be contacting the Melbourne seafood house for shells that will need to be sterilized. Mr. Progulske reported that he contacted the Army Corp of Engineers in Cocoa Beach who indicate they may not even need a Corp permit, only a DEP and SJRWMD permit. An Army Corp permit would be needed if the mats are near a navigational channel or sea grass. He distributed a handout from the Brevard County Natural Resources Management Office who is conducting a project using other systems of regeneration. (See attached) He said once he submits the GPS coordinates to the Army Corp, they will determine if a permit is needed and then give him the DEP contact person. Chairman Northcott noted that SJRWMD will require them to stay away from vacated and existing sea grass beds. Mr. Millar noted the Brevard Zoo plans to relocate established mats in the future to which they could follow suit as their project evolves. Mr. Progulske said he would be in further contact with the Brevard County Natural Resources Management Office to see which option they plan to use and ask them to speak to the Board. Chairman Northcott reported Boy Scout John Giordano will be making his presentation to the Eagle Scout Board for approval in the upcoming weeks. The City Engineer advised Board members to keep a paper trail of any contacts with the regulating agencies. 9. MEMBER MATTERS A. Additions to Board Website L Add Florida Organic Aquaculture Video to Website There was consensus of the Board to add the Florida Organic Aquaculture presentation to the Board's website. ii. Add Vendors Wanted for Earth Day 2015 to Website There was consensus to add the flyer for Earth Day to the website. Natural Resources Board Meeting December 2, 2014 Page Three 6:45 pm There was additional consensus of the Board to add Mr. Turner's presentation to the website as well. Communicating with City Council Mr. Clifton noted there were a number of natural resources concerns addressed by City Council at their last meeting that the Board could have provided input on. He suggested the formation of subcommittees to give reports to Council. The City Engineer said the Board's mission statement does include the improvement of water quality which can be done through the sewer line connections. He offered to ask the City Manager if the Board should provide input regarding the Lagoon to City Council. He explained that when he worked for other agencies, the board chairman did give progress reports/status of certain missions/requested direction on new topics to the City Council. He suggested the Board hold more workshops to work on their projects. Earth Day 2015 In response to Ms. Lucier, Mr. Gordian said he would procure entertainment. Ms. Lucier added that she would ask Disc Jockey Michael to return. 10. STAFF MATTERS In response to Chairman Northcott, the City Engineer said he did not have a chance to review the additional locations for tortoise crossing signs but it would be done before the next meeting. Chairman Northcott also asked the Engineer if he knew what happened with the land clearing at Englar Drive. The City Engineer said it was County property and he was still waiting to receive an answer as to clearing. Mr. Progulske explained that sometimes in areas that oak scrub can't be burned, the land is roller chopped for habitat restoration or to provide a buffer for a controlled burn. In response to Mr. Gordian's request for a tortoise sign on Roseland Road, the City Engineer said he was not authorized to install tortoise crossing signs outside of the City's jurisdiction. 11. Being no further business, Chairman Northcott adjourned the Natural Resources Board meeting at 7:57 p.m. By: Chairman Alan Northcott Date