07/20/2011
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
July 20, 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 - Approval of Minutes
– April 20 and May 18, 2011
Member Engelmann moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 20,
2011, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
Regarding Item 2.1, May 18, 2011 minutes, paragraph one, it was recommended that
“tractor” follow “bobcat” to clarify reference.
Member Power moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 16,
2011, as amended. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
2 – Citizen Comments
Member Engelmann said he had attended an informative red tide presentation and had
information to share with EAB (Environmental Advisory Board) members.
3 – Action Items
Dunes
In response to a question, Environmental Manager Ed Chesney said the City Council will
revisit the dunes issue in six months. The City received positive feedback on letters sent to
beach residents. Undelivered letters were returned to Public Communications. It was
recommended that the City send first class letters to residents who did not accept the certified
letters.
Mr. Chesney reported FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection) had
inspected the Eldorado property that obtained a permit, and determined it was out of
compliance due to the way patio area sand was disbursed; the property is now in compliance.
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The path from the house through the dunes to the beach was present prior to permit issuance
and its maintenance was not considered.
Concern was expressed that paths cut through State land cannot be maintained more
than five feet from private properties. Mr. Chesney said the State does not require permits for
path maintenance. It was noted the board had recommended criminal enforcement for
destroying sand dunes and related vegetation. It was requested that staff bring this issue back
to the board after six months have elapsed.
Photographs of the beach were distributed; a second row of dunes has begun to form.
Concern was expressed that four palm trees had been planted illegally on the beach and can be
dangerous projectiles during severe weather. No new sand dunes are growing south of 880
Mandalay, where dunes previously were destroyed. Mr. Chesney said the Parks & Recreation
Department has a permit to clear the bathing beach area. It was stated that beach patrols are
impeding sand dune formation when they drive over the dunes and sea oats; vehicles have
created a large path between rows of sand dunes. Concern was expressed that police patrols
ignore people who break the law by sitting in chairs on sand dunes, walking with unleashed
dogs, and allowing children to play on sand dunes. It was stated there is a lack of
understanding about the environment.
Greenprint
Support was expressed for Greenprint Committee recommendations. Mr. Chesney said
staff is rebranding the proposal as it had not been presented well the first time. Concern was
expressed that the City Council had focused on return on investment and costs rather than
community benefits.
Coyotes
It was felt the public will demand answers to the increasing number of coyotes that are
becoming more of a threat. It was stated the public will need to learn to deal with coyotes.
Clearwater Christian College
Mr. Chesney reported Clearwater Christian College is working through the permit
process to establish a mitigation bank to offset impacts. The college also is fundraising. Staff
will distribute information as it becomes available.
Yard Maintenance
Concern was expressed that rules related to yard upkeep may need to be reconsidered
as yards of foreclosed homes and some seniors are poorly maintained. It was recommended
that the City encourage alternatives to groundcover, including drought tolerant plants.
Discussion ensued regarding artificial turf with concerns expressed that it looks terrible
after several years when it fades and its seams become visible. It was suggested additional
research is needed. Support was expressed for permitting the use of artificial turf in backyards
for putting greens and other sports purpose. It was felt artificial turf is inappropriate for front
yards. Discussion ensued regarding recommendations to restrict the amount of artificial turf
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allowed and that rules and regulations need to be practical. Assistant City Attorney Leslie
Dougall-Sides said the City currently does not issue permits for landscape installation.
Chair Stasis volunteered to research artificial turf.
Community Gardens
It was recommended that the number of community gardens be increased, including in
front yards where gardens could replace ground cover. It was agreed that current rules need to
be reviewed.
Business Task Force
Ms. Dougall-Sides said the Business Task Force is working to streamline City processes
and considering ways to revitalize the Downtown district and East Gateway.
Adopt a Park
It was noted a small park on Enterprise is scheduled to be closed due to budget
constraints. At the board's request, staff will research if groups can volunteer to adopt these
types of parks and take over necessary mowing and maintenance.
Next Meeting
It was requested that members forward topics for the next agenda to Mr. Chesney.
4—Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 5:14 p.m. '
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Chair
Environmental Advisory Board
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Attest:
oard Reporter
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