06/19/1996ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY BOARD
CITY OF CLEARWATER
June 19, 1996
Present:
Jill Melkonian
Whitney Gray
Anne Garris
Lisa Lanza
Mike Foley
Allan Stowell
Alan Smith
Chair
Vice Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Scott Shuford, Director
Leslie Dougall-Sides
Tom Miller, Assistant Director
Lou Hilton
Mike Quillen
Gwen Legters
Central Permitting Department
Assistant City Attorney
Engineering/Environmental
Senior Planner
Water Resource Engineer
Board Reporter
To provide continuity, the items are listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order.
The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. in City Hall.
Minutes Approval - February and March corrections; April and May 1996 originals
Member Gray moved to approve the minutes of February and March as corrected, and the minutes of April and May as submitted. The motions were duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Confirm Agenda - Establish Consent and Regular Agenda Items
Correspondence
Mr. Miller distributed copies and discussed: 1) May 16 memo from City Clerk Cynthia Goudeau reporting Commission direction regarding EAB recommendations concerning Camp Soule and mangrove
legislation; 2) May 21 memo from Tom Miller to Scott Shuford recounting EAB concerns with staff’s Comprehensive Plan review process; 3) June 3 letter from Tom Miller to Bruce Wirth regarding
June 19 “Pasco-Rainbow” report to EAB; and 4) June 5 EAB attendance report to the City Clerk.
Mr. Miller announced the City has received a $100,000 Brownfields Initiative grant through the DEP to address environmental and socio-economic issues to further the cause of revitalizing
the nation’s cities. Staff was excited that the grant will specifically link water quality restoration and protection with economic redevelopment, resulting in a useful model for the
first time in a municipality. Mr. Miller asked for a volunteer to accompany him to the kick-off meeting of the involved agencies. Member Gray said she will attend.
Old Business
a. Memorial Causeway Bridge Environmental Impacts -- City Engineer Rich Baier
Mr. Baier presented visual aids and updated the board regarding: 1) Local Interest Group (LIG) meeting schedule and discussion topics; 2) traffic circulation alternatives and role in
downtown economic development; 3) affects on navigation, barrier islands, coastlines and water quality; 4) congruence of aesthetic, pedestrian, and architectural features with downtown
design guidelines; and 5) engineering requirements. He responded to questions regarding current flow, systems for treating bridge runoff, impacts on surrounding properties and traffic
flow in case of evacuation.
b. Downtown Lake -- Rich Baier
Mr. Baier highlighted a total lake concept report recently sent to the City Commission regarding feasibility in worst case scenarios, final cost estimates, and operational challenges.
He responded to questions whether property owners wish to sell, and means of mitigating existing pollution. He expects the results of an economic report by the end of June and hopes
to present an update to the City Commission in July or August.
c. Pasco-Rainbow Project Status Report -- Bruce Wirth, Resource Project Director, Southwest Florida Water Management District
Mr. Wirth spoke regarding reclaimed water related issues under consideration by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) of the Pinellas-Anclote River Basin Board.
He gave an audio-visual presentation and explained the concern with storing reclaimed water near regional well fields, lakes, or sinkholes connected to the aquifer. He responded to
questions regarding cooperative funding, water storage and withdrawal requirements, and well field rehydration. He would like to see Clearwater, Pinellas County, and St. Petersburg
jointly view the issues as they relate to each agency’s master plan to achieve a balance in what is expected among the agencies. He said his goal is to wean Pinellas County from as
much potable water use as possible.
d. Park Place Development -- Scott Shuford and Lou Hilton
Mr. Shuford gave an overview of the development, currently in the final stages of permitting. He said the Development of Regional Impact (DRI) was approved in the early 1980’s by local
and regional planning agencies. The City is excited to be adding residential units to the industrial and commercial area, giving people a chance to work, shop, recreate, eat and live
within a village atmosphere. He responded to concern regarding the large loss of trees that will result from development of high-end apartment complexes to meet the market demand.
He said City Environmental staff have looked at the plan carefully to maximize, protect, and augment tree and wetland areas. Staff responded to questions regarding the proposed number
of apartment units, and code requirements regarding wetlands, density, tree banking, traffic impacts, mitigation, and adjustments allowed under the DRI concept.
Water Resource Engineer Mike Quillen outlined the types and limited value of the trees being removed, where trees are being saved, tree banking, and habitat value. Environmental Management
staff is working to preserve pockets of habitat and combine retention with existing wetlands. Staff hopes the heavy tree banking requirement will encourage the developer to replant
larger diameter trees to enable a head start on regrowing the tree canopy. Mr. Quillen responded to questions regarding the City’s landscape reinspection program to ensure required
vegetation survives, incentives for extraordinary tree protection and care, replanting, permitting and pending approvals. Discussion ensued concerning one member’s suggestion regarding
the possibility of
habitat banking, to partially alleviate the impacts where habitats are significantly altered. Staff felt this was an excellent idea and discussion ensued regarding how it might be accomplished.
e. Comprehensive Plan Conservation Element Changes - continued to July 17
Mr. Shuford said he was happy to bring this item to the next meeting to allow enough time for board review and suggestions.
f. Clearwater Harbor Symposium -- Bob Brotherton, Director of Public Works,
City of Dunedin
Mr. Brotherton said the Dunedin City Commission is very dedicated to enhancing St. Joseph Sound by improving stormwater runoff, pursuit of Federal permitting for stormwater improvements,
and working with Clearwater City Commission, staff and the EAB regarding comprehensive planning. Discussion ensued regarding incorporating water quality issues into local high school
science programs. Questions were raised regarding concerns of the property owners along Victoria Drive, and private owners of the submerged lands not wanting shoreline improvements
to prevent erosion.
Stevenson Creek Sediment Report -- continued to July 17
New Business -- None
Establish Agenda for July 17, 1996
Comprehensive Plan Conservation Element Changes -- continued from June 19
Stevenson Creek Sediment Report -- continued from June 19
Member Foley asked for cursory research into the environmental impact of two-cycle motor craft and wave runners in the shallow waters around Clearwater. After discussion, consensus
was for Members Foley and Garris to research this independently, and for Member Stowell to contact Florida Marine Patrol for more information.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 6:21 p.m.
Chair
Environmental Advisory Board
Attest:
Board Reporter