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04/19/1995 MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY BOARD Wednesday, April 19, 1995 - 4:00 P.M. Commission Chambers, 112 South Osceola Avenue, Clearwater, FL Members Present: Mike Foley, Chair Jill Melkonian, Vice Chair Early Sorenson John Jenkins Allan Stowell (arrived 4:06 p.m.) Members Absent: Anne Garris Lisa Lanza Also Present: Tom Miller, Assistant Director, Engineering/Environmental Alan J. Ferri, Director, Economic Development Mike Quillen, Water Resource Engineer, Engineering/Environmental Lou Hilton, Senior Planner, Central Permitting Terry Finch, Programs Supervisor, Engineering/Environmental Sally Demarest, Board Reporter, City Clerk Department The meeting was called to order by the Chair at 4:00 p.m. In order to provide continuity, the items will be listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. A. Call To Order 1. Approval of Minutes Ms. Melkonian made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 15, 1995 meeting with the following two corrections: p. 1, date; and p 5 top line change word "insure" to "ensure". The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 2. Confirm Agenda At the suggestion of Mr. Miller, the board agreed to delay the Reports of Staff agenda item until later in the meeting. The Chairman announced that the board will hold a special meeting at 7:00 p.m. on April 25, 1995 to establish governing rules and preparation of agenda for the board. The meeting will be held in the DRC conference room B of the City Hall Annex, 10 Missouri Avenue, Clearwater. B. There were no citizens to present items not on the agenda C. Reports of Staff 1. Comprehensive Plan - Conservation areas (Lou Hilton) Senior Planner Lou Hilton gave a detailed overview and status of the evaluation appraisal process, indicating the list of the existing ecosystems and ecotones in the City which will update the existing inventory of natural resources. He relayed the progress which has been made with the Pinellas Planning Council and Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council to define a both locally- and regionally-recognized natural resource map, information about which he distributed. He explained in considerable detail both the strengths and weaknesses of the conservation matters upon which staff has been working. Responding to a comment from the board, it was noted the subject map included wells, wetlands, major creeks, beaches, upland woods, tidal swamps and tidal coastal areas, both man-made and natural, cones of influence around wellheads, and other significant natural features. The mobile home park on Gulf-to-Bay near the bridge was mentioned for inclusion on the resource map; however, it was noted by Mr. Hilton that the subject site was not considered "undeveloped". He questioned whether the board wished to also include sites on the map which were developed. Mr. Stowell objected to inclusion of his property on the undeveloped sites map, reasoning that the 8 houses on the property qualify it as "developed". It was reported that the original list of sites was computer-generated by the County from its records and the purpose for the compilation was for site identification only. A motion was made by Mr. Sorenson to remove Mr. Stowell's property from the list of undeveloped properties as he requested. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Provisions of the proposed Comprehensive Land Use Plan were briefly discussed, and Mr. Hilton offered to address any aspects of the Comprehensive Plan the board wished and added he looked forward to working further with the board on these issues. 2. Surface Water Quality Report (Tom Miller; Terry Finch) Mr. Miller and Ms. Finch offered a presentation including overhead media which highlighted the Surface Walter Quality Monitoring Report (technical publication 95-1) for fiscal year 1992/1993. Mr. Miller indicated the report is the first of a three-year study, with the final report expected in the early part of 1996. A discussion ensued relative to the relation of the report to the overall watershed plan for the City. Mr. Miller explained the water sampling, procedures and testing for local creeks, streams and lakes in considerable detail. Particular concern was expressed relative to the rather extensive coliforms concentration in the Clearwater area. A suggestion was made that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection be requested to perform a test for mercury contamination. Summarizing, Mr. Miller pointed out the report addressed nutrient levels, trace metals, and coliforms in 6 area lakes and specified those areas of light, moderate and serious concern. He said the final report will serve as the absolute baseline of information and the intensive three-year study will be scaled back to a maintenance-monitoring mode of trend evaluation stations, establishing a long-term plan. He referenced the current Five-year Environmental Plan which designates areas of capital improvement, environmental enhancement and water quality projects. He said the report will help identify whether treatment controls are effective in addressing the problems identified. Ms. Melkonian commended Mr. Miller for the "phenomenal" report which reviewed 33 sites and expressed her personal concern relative to nutrients contamination. Mr. Miller said public awareness, voluntary citizen participation and better "housekeeping" would help greatly to reduce the nutrients contamination level of area waters. A need for education of area citizens was expressed. Mr. Miller thanked the board for its assistance and guidance during the past two years in the compilation of the environmental data and indicated his pleasure with the results of the efforts of staff. He said all sampling and information in the report was gathered by City staff, and Coastal Environmental assisted with the provision of text, graphics and statistical analysis in a very short period of time. A motion was made by Ms. Melkonian that the Environmental Advisory Board commend the Environmental Management group for its efforts in the testing and compilation of the results, that the board wholeheartedly approve of the direction this research is taking, and support the future amelioration of these issues. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. The Chairman thanked Terry Finch of the City Environmental Department for her on-going efforts with regard to the water quality program. He also commended Jorge Allwood for his record keeping and field reports D. Old Business 1. Comprehensive plan comments This item was generally discussed under item C-1 above. 2. Undeveloped Properties This item was generally discussed under item C-1 above. E. Regulatory Matters 1. Stormwater treatment facility reinspection report (Mike Quillen) Mr. Quillen reported the stormwater treatment reinspection program began last August with the Stevenson's Creek basin due to concern for Clearwater Harbor. The stormwater treatment reinspection program scrutinized the existing permitted stormwater treatment ponds to ensure that the required volume was being maintained. Mr. Quillen said initial inspections of the coastal basins east of the intracoastal waterway going into Clearwater Harbor have been made, and notices sent. At this time four sites remain non-compliant. Mr. Quillen said code enforcement will address problems of non-compliance, and a serious compliance problem would warrant the involvement of the SWFWMD. A total of 71 sites were inspected; 37 were environmentally acceptable; 34 sites required repair; and only 2 or 3 indicated significant problems. It was estimated that a total treatment volume of 202,000 cu. ft. was required on the 71 sites, and out of the 34 sites that did not pass inspection and required repair, only 15,260 cu. ft. of untreated water were missing, and of that amount, 12,900 cu. ft. have been recovered. The condition of the Bayside Bridge retention pond was mentioned; it was noted this pond is on County property. A general discussion ensued relative to the maintenance of treatment ponds whereafter the Chairman asked that the board be kept informed of the progress of staff's reinspection efforts. A comment was made that fencing of ponds is not aesthetically pleasing; it was noted fences are often installed if alligators are suspected in the ponds, and the need for fencing may be a public health or liability issue. Mr. Sorenson expressed appreciation to Mr. Quillen for his efforts; the Chairman agreed. F. New Business 1. Members bring issues to the Board The status of a motion passed at the last EAB meeting which questioned whether building code regulations would prohibit construction on contaminated property was questioned; Mr. Miller said the State has advised that the City cannot have regulations more stringent than State regulations, adding the new reimbursement program will provide a ranking system. The Chairman said the subject of building on contaminated soil was discussed in a cursory manner. In this regard, he expressed concern that if industries which create contamination are refused approval to develop on sites which are contaminated on some level, they are thereby forced into pristine areas. He suggested further consideration and Mr. Miller agreed that a cautious approach would be in the best interest of the City and the board. G. Agenda items for May The revetment at Grande Bay Apartments was mentioned; Mr. Miller observed that a site plan has not been received for evaluation and review. The Chairman cautioned against establishment of a dangerous precedent. He suggested that the City's shoreline protection development policy be discussed at the next regularly scheduled EAB meeting. At 6:16 p.m., Mr. Jenkins left the meeting. Criteria necessary for inclusion of agenda topics, and the preparation of the agenda in order to address those issues which most benefit the City as a whole will be discussed at the EAB special meeting on April 25, 1995; it was questioned whether the EAB as a board could be charged with addressing the specific issues of individual members. There being no further business, the Chairman adjourned the meeting at 6:30 p.m. ___________________________ Mike Foley, Chairman