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04/18/2012 ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES CITY OF CLEARWATER April 18, 2012 Present: R. Peter Stasis Chair Michael Engelmann Board Member Patricia Power Board Member Elizabeth Drayer Board Member Absent: D. Michael Flanery 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 4:03 p.m. at the Municipal Services Building. To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. 2 - Approval of Minutes – July 20 and October 12, 2011, and January 14, 2012 Member Engelmann moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of July 20, 2011, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. The Environmental Advisory Board recessed from 4:04 to 4:07 p.m. Member Engelmann moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of October 12, 2011, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Member Power moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of January 14, 2012, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 3 – Citizen Comments : None 4 – Coachman Park Enhancement Discussion: Future Presentation It was reported interest was expressed in presenting to the board information regarding a plan to enhance Coachman Park. Consensus was to tentatively schedule the presentation for July 18, 2012. It was requested that both sides of the issue be presented. 5 - EAB Council Report: May 17, 2012 Council Meeting Environmental Advisory 2012-04-18 1 Environmental Manager Ed Chesney said the Mayor requested the EAB (Environmental Advisory Board) provide a five minute presentation to the City Council on May 17, 2012, regarding board issues, concerns, activities, accomplishments, and future plans. He requested members email him by May 1, 2012 with additional comments for presentation. Discussion ensued with comments that a new Council has been seated, the sand dune issue is not going away, the City should verify a project is environmentally acceptable before forwarding it to government agencies for permitting, and the EAB (Environmental Advisory Board) is uncertain of its role in City planning and development. It was felt the board should be provided opportunities to review development proposals on Cleveland Street and elsewhere for environmental impacts early in the approval process and needs to be sensitive to and address citizens’ environmental concerns. Recommendations were made for the board to be involved with Stevenson’s Creek improvements, that the EAB request the City Council keep them involved in all environmental related issues, and that the City enhance its wildlife habitats, actively implement the Greenprint plan, and remove garbage from City waterways. Concerns were expressed that the EAB was not part of processes to change the Memorial Causeway reverter clause, which will have a major environmental impact, review the Cleveland Streetscape design, which lacks bike lanes, and plan for North Greenwood sports fields and the Courtney Campbell Causeway bike trail. Additional concerns were expressed that the City could be more energy conscious by, for example, using electric vehicles for parking enforcement rather than four-door sedans. Mr. Chesney noted Stevenson’s Creek traverses the East Gateway; a five-year Vision Plan now under development could address creek improvements, such as improving access and protecting natural areas. It would be in the City’s best interest for Stevenson’s Creek to be removed from the Federal impaired water body list. The water quality and management plan for the creek is being updated. It was suggested that East Gateway and Coachman Park improvement plans be reviewed by the EAB. Member Drayer moved to recommend that cleanup protection of Stevenson’s Creek be a major component of the East Gateway Plan. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. All members were encouraged to attend the May 17, 2012, City Council meeting. 6- Sand Dune Update Mr. Chesney said Ms. Hess, 744 Eldorado Avenue, had called him, stating she had been in contact with the State and reporting that all sea oats she planted had died. It was stated that the State had accepted a telephone call from Ms. Hess rather than a required mitigation plan, which would have outlined a cure for the removed sea oats and sand dune alterations. Concern was expressed whether fines could be imposed since the State had not followed its procedure. Discussion ensued regarding the Council’s action last July to give the State six months to enforce its regulations. Now that the State has reneged on its responsibilities, support was expressed for the City to accept State delegation of sand dune regulation enforcement. It was Environmental Advisory 2012-04-18 2 reported Police Chief Holloway had indicated police officers cannot issue criminal citations unless they witness violations when they occur. It was felt the City Council did not want to take actions that would upset beach residents who break the law. It was noted other beach residents are troubled that sand dune regulations are not enforced. Concern was expressed that flattened dunes continue to be maintained in that manner seaward of a row of beach houses. 7—Adding Fluoride to Potable Water It was noted that Pinellas County had stopped fluoridating its water. Discussion ensued regarding the benefits of fluoridation and steps taken to ensure its safe application. Concerns were expressed regarding the use of recycled waste water for potable uses and the need to maintain water flow rates in underground pipes. 8-Agenda for Next Meeting—July 18, 2012 1. Final discussion on sand dunes 2. Coachman Park restoration presentation 3. Response to direction provided at City Council meeting 9—Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m. 4/P - Chair � / ; Environmental Advisory Board Attest: ,../ , A Aalr .. i--4L----- :oard Report= iir Environmental Advisory 2012-04-18 3