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10/18/1995ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER October 18, 1995 Present Mike Foley Jill Melkonian Allan Stowell Whitney Gray Alan Smith Chair Vice Chair Board Member Board Member Board Member   Tom Miller Mike Quillen Alan Mayberry Gwen Legters Asst. Director, Engineering/Environmental Water Resource Engineer Urban Forester Board Reporter  Absent Anne Garris Lisa Lanza   Call to Order and Introductions The regular session of the Environmental Advisory Board was called to order by the Chair at 4:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers of City Hall. To provide continuity, the items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. Whitney Gray was welcomed as a new member. Minutes Approval - September 20, 1995 Member Melkonian moved to approve the minutes as submitted by the Board Reporter to each member in writing. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Confirm Agenda - Establish Consent and Regular Agenda Items Regular Agenda 1. Agency on Bay Management re Mangrove Protection - Heidi Lovett Ms. Lovett distributed a handout detailing revisions to the recently enacted Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act as recommended by the Tampa Bay Agency on Bay Management (ABM.) She stated the ABM realizes the importance of allowing property owners their riparian rights of view. The agency feels, however, that the bill sponsored by Senator Latvala does not sufficiently regulate how this vital resource is to be protected and managed. She summarized the suggested amendments to the eight page list of recommendations. Ms. Lovett narrated a slide presentation with the assistance of Alan Mayberry and Mike Quillen. Photographs and diagrams of the four types of mangroves were shown. She explained how and where they grow and stressed the importance of mangroves in the ecosystem to wildlife habitat and food chain. Photographs of improper trimming resulting in loss of habitat, damage and death to the mangroves were displayed and discussed. Ms. Lovett asked the Board and the City to support these recommendations. In response to a question, Mr. Miller stated Environmental Management staff will help property owners follow State law regarding permitting, trimming and inspection. Discussion ensued regarding minimum height, trimming by landscape architects versus arborists and the size definition of uninhabited islands. It was noted the Board has been looking for an opportunity to support mangrove protection while preserving the views of the property owners. The Board requested Ms. Lovett to continue monitoring the mangrove situation and come back with more stringent recommendations if these do not afford enough protection. Member Melkonian moved to support and endorse the revisions to the Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act as recommended by the Tampa Bay Agency on Bay Management. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 2. Cooper’s Point Restoration, Phase I Mr. Miller explained the background of this item, stating Phase I, as proposed, will eliminate Brazilian pepper plants and provide cost effective, future exotic maintenance control. He responded to questions about funding, and said the project is consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan. He did not expect to exceed the maximum planned expenditure and stated both the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) support the project. Brief discussion ensued regarding tentative plans for Phase II. Member Melkonian moved to recommend City Commission approval of the Cooperative Agreement with Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) for joint funding of habitat restoration and enhancement at Coopers Point in an amount not to exceed $100,000. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 3. Completion of EAB Goals and Objectives Member Melkonian was asked to finalize the Board’s Goals and Objectives and submit copies for distribution in the packets for the next meeting. Board members were requested to review the document for brief discussion and adoption at the November 15 meeting. 4. Exotic Plant Control Mr. Miller stated, in response to concerns about the aesthetic quality of City-owned ponds and streams, a Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued for control of nuisance/exotic plant species. Water quality studies were also done and the results raised concerns about trace metals in the water. Biological Research Associates, Inc., of Tampa came up with progressive ways to manage the City’s lakes and streams. They propose to look at each lake and recommend steps for eliminating the weeds, replacing them with appropriate vegetation to provide better water quality and habitat. They will also work to educate the surrounding home owners concerning fertilizer application and what is needed to continue maintenance of the desirable vegetation. He felt this is a very good program. In response to questions, Mr. Miller stated the proposal is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and discussed State regulation of herbicide application. After the first year, the City may consider either a year-to-year contract or a general services contract depending on quality of service and price comparisons. It was agreed the City should take a leadership role in cleaning up unsightly bodies of water. Member Melkonian moved to recommend City Commission approval to award a contract to Biological Research Associates, Inc. of Tampa, for a minimum of one year, for the control of exotic plant species in City-owned lakes and ponds in the amount of $48,050. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 5. USGS Agreement for Stream Gauging Mr. Miller stated the City has recently completed a three-year surface water monitoring program to characterize the conditions of the City’s surface water resources. He explained the water collection methods used and times of greatest pollutant levels. Staff is now asking the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to provide water flow meters to determine the accuracy of the load calculations. This will help identify how much more surface water can be cleaned up before being released. In response to questions, Mr. Miller stated the agreement is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. No cooperative funding is available through the Federal Government. He explained amelioration methods if high pollutant levels are found. He indicated the load information is valuable in predicting how water quality will be affected by runoff from redevelopment. Member Stowell moved to recommend City Commission approval of a joint funding agreement with the U.S. Geological Survey, an agency of the Federal Government, to perform water resource investigations within the City of Clearwater in an amount not to exceed $50,000. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 6. Comprehensive Plan - Withdrawn Various elements of the plan are being combined in a package for presentation at a future meeting. Establish Agenda for November 15, 1995 1. Completion of EAB Goals and Objectives 2. Election of Officers 3. Item re Beach Restoration at Grande Bay Apartments -- Allan Stowell Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 5:42 p.m.