10/17/2012
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
October 17, 2012
Present: R. Peter Stasis Chair
D. Michael Flanery Board Member
Michael Engelmann Board Member
Elizabeth Drayer Board Member
Lynn F. Sumerson 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.
2 - Approval of Minutes
– July 11, 2012
Member Engelmann moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of July 11,
2012, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
3 – Citizen Comments:
None.
4 – Urban Forests Update
Environmental Manager Ed Chesney said he contacted staff regarding the EAB’s
(Environmental Advisory Board) recommendation that the City adhere to the Greenprint
document and develop a public/private partnership to plant trees and create “Urban Forests” on
public lands in Clearwater. He said staff found no City-owned downtown sites appropriate to be
used solely for tree planting, and opined that land zoned Preservation or Open Space/
Recreation would be good locations. Staff expressed concerns regarding irrigation and
maintenance.
While the Greenprint strategy includes developing a planting program and increasing the
City’s tree canopy, the City has not initiated any projects to achieve this strategy. Staff
suggested the EAB could request City Council to direct staff to develop an urban forestry project
or approach Pinellas County or Pinellas County School Board regarding a tree planting program
on their underutilized properties. In response to concerns, Mr. Cheney said while staff may be
interested in the concept, management or City Council must provide direction to initiate
programs.
Discussion ensued with comments that Greenprint needs a key leader responsible for
moving strategies forward. It was suggested the EAB adopt a mission to act as key leader for
Greenprint and work through the document. It was stated information is needed regarding
available lands, appropriate tree species, and how the City’s arbor program could be improved
Environmental Advisory 2012-10-17 1
with a public/private partnership focused on removing invasive species and replacing dying
trees, including those fallen by new invasive pests. Mr. Chesney said the City no longer
receives the grant money it once did to remove invasive and exotic species. It was requested
that the City arborist be invited to the board’s January meeting to discuss details of Clearwater’s
Forestry Program.
Recommendations were made to start the project with a small planting of 5 trees by a
parking lot or for Clearwater to enhance City Hall’s appearance, ambiance, and environment by
replacing a portion of the large paved lot with trees. Comments were made that landscaping
with trees would improve the attractiveness of businesses and empty property, especially
downtown, and that the calming effect of trees would enhance the City’s natural environment
and improve the quality of life. It was noted Clearwater is an Arbor City and it was suggested
the Arbor Day Foundation be contacted for information on local chapters.
Chair Stasis said he would meet with the City Manager to discuss Greenprint. It was
stated that Oldsmar used LEED technology for its new reverse osmosis plant.
5 – Moccasin Lake Park Master Plan
It was reported that stakeholder groups are providing input on a master plan for
Moccasin Lake Park. Concern was expressed the park is an important property that needs
protection as it could be converted to a ball field or other use. It was recommended that the City
Council be petitioned to amend the Charter and designate Moccasin Lake Park as Preservation
and impose the same protections as were granted to Coachman Park and the bluff. It was
reported that other stakeholders support a petition to preserve Moccasin Lake Park.
Member Drayer moved to recommend that the City Council amend the Charter to
designate Moccasin Lake Park for preservation with protections similar to the bluff and
Coachman Park, requiring referendum approval of changes. The motion was duly seconded.
Discussion ensued with comments that other City parks, such as Lake Chautauqua, also
may need protection and a suggestion that EAB focus on one property at a time.
Upon the vote being taken, the motion carried unanimously.
Consensus was to send a letter to the City Council regarding preservation of Moccasin
Lake Park. Other stakeholders will forward their support to Council. It was suggested that
board members meet with the Mayor or Councilmembers or address a City Council meeting
regarding this issue during Citizens to be Heard.
6 – Agenda for January 16, 2013
Request City arborist to attend and provide an update on the City’s arbor program and
input on acceptable tree species and optimal planting locations.
Items Not on the Agenda
Updates
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Mr. Cheney reviewed progress on the Clearwater Christian College project, indicating
the school had submitted its application for a dredge and fill permit. Wetland impacts will not be
permitted until the Mitigation Bank is approved.
British Petroleum is preparing to settle on damages caused by its 2010 oil spill in the
Gulf through the federal program, RESTORE Act. Money to Pinellas County from the 15-year
payout will flow through the Tampa Bay Estuary Program. Funds, which should become
available by the end of 2012, are to be used for economic development, restoration, and
preservation projects. Ranking criteria are being established. The City is prepared to submit
applications to fund up to 14 projects, including septic tank conversions near Spring Branch and
a master plan to restore Coopers Point. Concern was expressed that the wellhead continues to
leak oil. Assistant City Attorney Leslie Dougall-Sides reported Council recently retained an
attorney to represent the City regarding damage claims.
In response to a question, Mr. Chesney reported no changes to the Stevenson Creek
dredging project overseen by the Army Corps of Engineers.
2013 EAB meeting schedule
Environmental Advisory Board meetings for 2013 are scheduled on Wednesdays at 4:00
p.m. at the Municipal Services Building: January 16, April 17, July 17, and October 16, 2013.
Concerns were expressed that projects in the City with environmental impacts are
approved without EAB input.
7—Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 5:16 p.m.
/47-(/ /g1(--/-
Chair
Environmental Advisory Board
Attest: /
ir:oard Report=
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