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10/12/2011 ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES CITY OF CLEARWATER October 12, 2011 Present: R. Peter Stasis Chair D. Michael Flanery Board Member Michael Engelmann Board Member Patricia Power Board Member Absent: 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 1.1. Citizen Comments It was noted the City had received a letter from the CBA (Clearwater Beach Association) opposing the use of artificial turf in flood zones. A resident said beach residents currently create impervious surfaces by laying out plastic and covering it with shells. He said regulations need to be easy to understand, permits should be required, and the City needs to educate homeowners. He questioned if residents would go to the MSB (Municipal Services Building) for a permit before installing artificial turf. 2 – Action Items 2.2. Review of draft ordinance on residential use of artificial turf in Clearwater The City Council directed staff to draft an ordinance on the use of artificial turf. Planner III Lauren Matzke said she has been in contact with Punta Gorda, the only Florida government that regulates artificial turf. Only a few residents have installed it. Punta Gorda does not allow infill material for residential use; infill materials are permitted on playgrounds and sports fields. Punta Gorda staff reported a concern that crumb rubber would float away and did not mention that artificial turf helps control erosion. Most of Punta Gorda is in a flood zone; no major storms have occurred since the ordinance was implemented. The only complaints received to this point relate to the heat of playground “grass” on bare feet. Ms. Matzke said Code provisions will allow Code Enforcement staff to enforce maintenance requirements, including fading and the ponding of water. A variety of products are on the market. Improperly installing the product will void its manufacturer warranty. Staff is Environmental Advisory 2011-10-12 1 discussing quality and aesthetic issues with a landscape architect. As the City Engineer has determined the product is impervious, installation must meet minimum ISR (Impervious Surface Ratio) requirements, limiting impervious surfaces to 65% of the property. Assistant Planning & Development Director Gina Clayton said the City Council will consider the proposed ordinance in December. A permit will be required; no follow-up inspection will occur. Environmental Manager Ed Chesney said if the City works in a right-of-way with artificial turf, it will not replace the artificial turf. Staff is working on tree protection language for the installation of artificial turf near trees. Discussion ensued with concerns expressed that artificial turf only has been tested in 75 mph winds while Clearwater could experience 130 mph winds, that wind could lift the product, causing it to roll up and become a windblown hazard, and that six-inch nails would be insufficient to pin it down when surf swamps the beach. It was requested that staff further investigate the ability of artificial turf to withstand hurricane force winds. As proposed language could allow artificial turf on top of a driveway, it was agreed the City needs to control its installation. It was suggested artificial turf installation be added to the building code. Concerns were expressed that artificial turf would make Clearwater resemble a miniature golf course and that the Code will allow petroleum-based product to be laid on yards. It was noted asphalt and shingles also are petroleum-based. Concerns were expressed that ambient heat cannot be regulated and the product will trap sand. It was questioned why the City would want to encourage this use as related issues are complicated and would create too much work for staff; the City could grandfather the current “lawn” already installed. Regarding crumb rubber, opposition was expressed for its use on the beach and on residential property. It was felt it would be appropriate on mainland playgrounds, sports fields, and high traffic areas. Support was expressed for installing artificial turn in Flood Zone A to stop erosion and reduce pesticide use. It was felt its use also would reduce nitrate and fertilizer use. It was felt if it becomes a problem, the City could prohibit future installation. Recommendations were made that Code language include definitions of landscaping material, decorative items, lawn ornamentation, and note artificial turf is not permeable, that artificial turf have a separate section in the Code, that artificial turf be added to the list of impervious surfaces, that artificial turf must be lead free, and that requirements for fastening materials be included if no Miami-Dade code on artificial turf exists. It was questioned how people will know that a permit is required. Member Flanery moved that as artificial turf is considered impervious, the EAB (Environmental Advisory Board) recommends the permitting process and requirements should be similar to those for other impervious surfaces. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Environmental Advisory 2011-10-12 2 Member Engelmann moved that the EAB recommends that installation of artificial turf meet Miami-Dade requirements for wind or that a professional engineer be required to sign-off that installation was sufficient to meet specific wind requirements. Member Engelmann withdrew the motion. Member Engelmann moved that the EAB recommends that crumb rubber infill for artificial turf only be permitted on mainland playgrounds and athletic fields. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Member Power moved that the EAB recommends that artificial turf should not be permitted on Sand Key, Clearwater Beach, and Island Estates. The motion was duly seconded. It was indicated that no information regarding wind load or anchoring on the beach had been provided, including the consequences of a mild surge. Upon the vote being taken, Members Engelmann and Power and Chair Stasis voted "Aye"; Member Flanery voted "Nay." Motion carried. Member Engelmann moved that the EAB recommends adoption of the proposed ordinance with changes: 1) permitting process and requirements for artificial turf should be similar to those for other impervious surfaces; 2) artificial turf should be prohibited on Sand Key, Clearwater Beach, and Island Estates; and 3) crumb rubber infill for artificial turf should only be permitted on mainland playgrounds and athletic fields. The motion was duly seconded. It was recommended that installation of artificial turf be added to the building code. Upon the vote being taken, Members Flanery and Engelmann and Chair Stasis voted "Aye"; Member Power voted "Nay." Motion carried. Items not on the Agenda Minutes Approval —September 21, 2011 Member Power moved to approve the minutes of the September 21, 2011 Environmental Advisory Board meeting as submitted in written summation. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 3 —Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. 14 -4i41. Ai OF Attest: Chair Environmental Advisory Board Oallr / :oard Reporte Environmental Advisory 2011-10-12 3