05/18/2011 ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
May 18, 2011
Present: R. Peter Stasis Chair
D. Michael Flanery Board Member
Michael Engelmann Board Member
Patricia Power Board Member
Elizabeth Drayer Board Member
Also Present: Leslie Dougall-Sides Assistant City Attorney
Ed Chesney Environmental Manager
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. at the Municipal Services Building.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
1 -Administration
1.2. Citizens Comments:
Ron Delp discussed destruction of north Clearwater Beach sand dunes and requested
EAB (Environmental Advisory Board) support by recommending the City pursue accepting State
authority and enforce protection of sand dunes and beach vegetation.
2 —Action Items
2.1. FDEP Dune Regulation Discussion.
Support was expressed for City enforcement of dune protection. Discussion ensued
regarding the tractor bobcat on north Clearwater Beach. It was stated the State should be
obligated to correct damage to the dunes that occurred under State permit. Environmental
Manager Ed Chesney said the State usually provides a copy of its permits to the City.
Assistant City Attorney Leslie Dougall-Sides said Assistant City Attorney Rob Surette
had indicated the Police Department can enforce State sand dune protection law and make a
criminal arrest without a warrant if they witness a violation. If Police do not observe the offense,
they can submit a report to the States Attorney for investigation. Causing damage or
destruction to a dune without permit is a 1St degree criminal misdemeanor; driving a vehicle
across a dune is a 2nd degree criminal misdemeanor. She will report if videos are acceptable as
proof of an offense.
Discussion ensued with comments that dune destruction would stop as soon as the City
started enforcing the law and large fines would discourage violators. It was suggested that the
City adopt requirements similar to Flagler Beach's for dune walkovers. It was felt that City
management needs to determine how it can enforce laws against dune destruction. It was
noted less than 10 property owners are destroying dunes. It was questioned why the City had
Environmental Advisory 2011-05-18 1
sent letters to beach residents when violators ignored previous letters from the State. It was
recommended that a rewrite of the ordinance related to dunes should omit language related to
flooding.
Member Drayer moved to recommend that the City Council direct law enforcement to
immediately enforce criminal penalties, which can be assessed for destroying or altering sand
dunes and sea oats. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
2.2. Greenprint Discussion.
Concern was expressed that the Council's reaction to Greenprint committee
recommendations indicated little interest in establishing environmental policy in Clearwater.
Continued EAB support for committee recommendations was encouraged as many opponents
were heard. It was felt the Council's decision to focus on cost is shortsighted and lacks an
understanding of the recommendations. Disappointment in City Council inaction on Greenprint
and dunes was expressed. It was stated Greenprint would provide a framework for future
growth and consider green issues when projects are constructed; for example, the City failed to
consider green issues, such as bicyclists, when constructing its streetscape projects.
Member Power moved that the Environmental Advisory Board supports Greenprint
recommendations as they would provide an effective framework for the City's future, provide
better ways to use land and resources, and is the only way the City will be competitive and
thrive. The motion was duly seconded
Discussion ensued regarding the importance of a City Council buy-in for Greenprint,
which would encourage and offer options for green building and resident participation. It was
commented that major costs in the plan relate to future solar cell installation and the City needs
to consider efficiencies and life cycle costs. It was recommended that the Code be amended to
permit xeriscape instead of grass.
Ms. Dougall-Sides reviewed the City's commitment to operational changes such as
purchasing fuel efficient vehicles and reducing electricity use.
Upon the vote being taken, the motion carried unanimously.
3—Information Items
3.1 - Next Scheduled Meeting—July 20, 2011.
4 -Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 5:23 p.m.
(Pia"-Gt-
Chair
Attest:,011, Environmental Advisory Board
Board Repo der
Environmental Advisory 2011-05-18 2