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01/16/2013 ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES CITY OF CLEARWATER January 16, 2013 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. 1 - Approval of Minutes – October 17, 2012 In reference to Item 5, it was stated the motion should read, “Member Drayer moved to recommend that the City Council approve amendment to the Charter to designate Moccasin Lake Park for preservation with protections similar to the bluff and Coachman Park, requiring referendum approval for change.” Member Engelmann moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of October 17, 2012, as amended. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 2 – Citizen Comments: It was reported that a resident had expressed concern regarding townhomes under construction on Stevenson Creek south of SR 60 and recommended that the City protect land along the creek. Staff will forward information to board members on the citizen referenced development. 3 – Moccasin Lake Park Master Plan Administrative Support Manager Felicia Leonard, Assistant City Attorney Leslie Dougall- Sides, and Planning Manager Lauren Matzke discussed the process underway to develop a mission, vision, and 10-year master plan for the 50-acre Moccasin Lake Park and related issues. Plan goals will address preserving the park’s 6 ecosystems and providing preservation education, including a natural educational playground. To preserve the park, Preservation zoning has been recommended; the park could be divided into two zoning designations. The park’s current Open Space/Recreation zoning designation allows many uses and the City Charter requires referendum approval for the sale, lease, or donation of land so zoned. The Charter does not provide the same protection for land Environmental Advisory 2013-01-16 1 zoned Preservation; the next Charter Review Committee could be asked to consider revisions to protect land zoned Preservation. Also, as the Preservation zoning designation only permits aquatic uses, the next EAR (Evaluation & Appraisal Report) would need to consider allowing passive park activities on land zoned Preservation. Changes also would be required to the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Future Land Use Plans, Future Land Use Maps, and Zoning Atlas. Changes must be consistent with state and local policies and plans and require state and/or local agency approvals. To avoid unintended consequences, it would be preferable if all changes are finalized concurrently. In response to questions, Ms. Leonard said the City has no plans to develop Moccasin Lake Park. The Master Plan does not include revenue goals and the City would not require the park to pay for itself; discussions are underway to reduce or eliminate the visitor’s fee. There has been no opposition to the Master Plan. The live animal exhibit will be based on the vision for the park. While the broken windmill probably will stay, the outdated energy exhibits will be removed; the City does not have resources to maintain them. Staff will present the Master Plan to the EAB (Environmental Advisory Board) for review before it is finalized. Board members were encouraged to attend the meeting when the plan is presented to the City Council. The stakeholder group has agreed to work with staff through implementation of the plan. Concern was expressed that the process may take years to accomplish. 4 – EAB Rules & Regulations Environmental Manager Ed Chesney distributed a draft of proposed EAB Rules and Regulations for discussion at the next meeting. 5 – City Environmental Campaigns Promoted by Public Communications Department Recommendations were made that the Public Communications Department provide educational campaigns regarding manatee wake zones, reclaimed water and its uses, dangers related to discarded fishing line, the effects of dog waste, and the proper disposal of e-waste. In response to a question, Mr. Chesney said a Pinellas County consultant is preparing a report on the impact of fertilizer regulations. Discussion ensued regarding community gardens and cities that provide space for this important activity. It was recommended that the local horticultural society be contacted. Items Not on the Agenda 780 Eldorado Avenue Mr. Chesney discussed activities related to a bulldozer moving a dune seaward last weekend without permit behind the house at 780 Eldorado Avenue. The Clearwater Police responded to neighbor complaints and stopped the activity. The State has sent a criminal investigator to review the damage, which includes destruction of sea oats and nesting habitat. Discussion ensued regarding the incident, previous board recommendations, and Council action related to sand dunes. Environmental Advisory 2013-01-16 2 Member Drayer moved that the Environmental Advisory Board congratulates the City on its quick response to the violation at 780 Eldorado Avenue and recommends that: 1) the City refer the case to the State for enforcement, penalizing the violator to the maximum extent of the law to deter future violators; 2) the City increase its enforcement presence to stop future violations; and 3) the City ensure that the affected dunes are restored and the impact is mitigated. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 6 —Agenda for April 17, 2013 1) EAB Rules and Regulations 2) Greenprint update and discussion of possible EAB oversight. 3) City Council response to board's tree planting recommendation 4) Update on Restore Act projects, including proposed review of flood potential to coastal communities. 7 —Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m. Ci2 r" Chair Environmental Advisory Board Attest: Board Report-r Environmental Advisory 2013-01-16 3