12/18/1996ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY BOARD
CITY OF CLEARWATER
December 18, 1996
Present:
Jill Melkonian
Whitney Gray
Anne Garris
Mike Foley
Allan Stowell
Alan Smith
David Rhame
Chair
Vice Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member (arrived 4:10 p.m.)
Board Member
Board Member
Leslie Dougall-Sides
Tom Miller, Assistant Director
Mike Quillen
Alan Mayberry
Gwen Legters
Assistant City Attorney
Engineering/Environmental
Water Resource Engineer
Urban Forester
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.
City Correspondence
Correspondence was distributed to the board as follows: 1) November 22 memo regarding EAB recommendation to deny permits to build parking lots on Memorial Causeway; and 2) December
12 memo to EAB from Tom Miller reporting five chronological language changes to Policy Statement 22.2.9 in the Conservation Element of the Comprehensive Plan. He requested clarification
which version the board wished to adopt. In response to a question, it was indicated the code does not contain a definition of undesirable uses.
Member Garris moved to recommend approval of the following language for Policy 22.2.9, “Protect, through amendments to the Land Development Code, the Clearwater bayfront area from undesirable
land uses and/or further construction, encroachment and destruction of the bluff and the bayfront shoreline, in accordance with the City Charter.” The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
Mr. Miller distributed copies of a December 18 report from City Engineering Director Rich Baier regarding the Memorial Causeway Bridge Replacement Project. Discussion ensued regarding
the report, the accompanying brochure illustrating aerial views of the five alternatives, and an evaluation matrix comparing the impacts of each alternative. Mr. Miller said LIG’s (Local
Interest Groups) helped staff look at all the issues to maximize the interest of businesses in the area affected by bridge construction. He asked the board to review the long term effects
of each factor of the evaluation. Consensus was to formulate questions and discuss the issue with Mr. Baier in January.
Minutes Approval - November 20, 1996
Member Garris requested an amendment to the fourth paragraph on page three, to clarify a comment about the proposed Memorial Causeway parking lot. The following sentence was added:
“It was suggested that solving the problem of beachgoers parking at the marina might lessen the need for a parking lot on the causeway.” The phrase, “…the marina parking shortage being
caused by beachgoers;” was deleted. Member Melkonian pointed out a typographical error in the first paragraph on page 1. In response to a question, Mr. Miller said he will ask Mr. Shuford
to provide copies of the Land Development Code revision project matrix and copies of the steering committee members for the January EAB meeting.
Member Gray moved to approve the minutes as amended. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Confirm Agenda - Establish Consent and Regular Agenda Items
Consent Agenda
1. Habitat Banking
Mr. Miller referred to the board’s June inquiry and August recommendation for a code amendment to allow tree bank revenues to be used to acquire property that provides habitat benefits
in addition to tree protection. Staff determined code language does not lend itself to use of tree bank funds for land acquisition. Staff will amend Code of Ordinances Chapter 52,
regarding Tree Protection, in response to the board’s recommendation. The amendment will be incorporated into the comprehensive Land Development Code amendment being prepared by Assistant
City Manager Bob Keller.
Member Rhame moved to accept the report and continue in the direction indicated by staff. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Regular Agenda
1. Old Business
a. Mangrove Trimming on Memorial Causeway (continued from 11/20/96)
Allan Adler, resident of 2 Midway Island in Island Estates, offered information and requested clarification of the board’s wishes regarding the causeway mangroves. Having lived at
this location since 1988, he has observed a large amount of wildlife feeding and nesting in the mangroves. While not concerned with minor trimming, he expressed concern with any changes
that displace wildlife, or result in causeway erosion. He responded to questions regarding bait fish population for which the mangroves provide a food source.
Board members indicated a citizen had requested board inquiry into trimming as a result of a crime associated with overgrown mangroves at one particular location on the causeway. While
beauty, safety, and habitat issues have been discussed at length among a number of different agencies, it was noted the board does not have authority to authorize or regulate trimming
in this preservation area, due to State legislation. One member raised discussion of potential hazards related to understory trimming. Mr. Miller responded to one member’s inquiry
regarding the legislature having grandfathered trimming activities. He said the law grandfathering certain trimming activities in the case of demonstrated hardship does not apply, because
the causeway mangroves have not been trimmed for more than ten years.
b. Xeriscape Ordinance -- Mike Quillen, Water Resource Engineer
Mr. Quillen highlighted proposed revisions to the landscaping standards in City Code Section 42.27. He said the changes are geared toward water conservation, through use of native
drought tolerant plant species, rethinking ground covers, and requiring grouping plantings by water usage. Also addressed are irrigation system designs, tree trimming methods, increasing
landscaping islands size, and tree selection. Narrative text is being condensed through an emphasis on tables and charts to illustrate and list the requirements and recommendations.
In response to questions, Mr. Quillen said alternatives to cypress mulch are being encouraged, to avoid killing cypress trees. Discussion ensued regarding subsections (6)(b) regarding
irrigation requirements, and (8)(c) and (d) regarding landscaping reinspection. One member felt annual reinspection would be more effective than periodic inspection, to ensure compliance
with landscaping standards. Mr. Quillen indicated this is not possible on older sites without an approved landscaping plan. At the current staffing level, inspection of all existing
landscaping sites within the City takes more than two years. He pointed out new developments will increase the number of landscaping sites to be inspected. Mr. Miller suggested it
may not be appropriate for this board to recommend increased staffing levels, and asked that the board not tie staff’s hands with a short time frame for reinspection.
Member Stowell moved to amend proposed subsection (8)(c), as follows: “Landscaping shall be inspected periodically, not less frequently than every three years, by the environmental
management division…” The motion was duly seconded. Members Melkonian, Gray, Garris, Stowell, Smith, and Rhame voted “Aye”; Member Foley voted “Nay.” Motion carried
c. Edgewater Drive Restoration -- Terry Finch, Environmental Program Supervisor
Mr. Miller reviewed a November 14 memo from Mr. Baier to the City Manager recommending project revisions as a result of public input received at the November 4 community meeting. Mr. Miller
responded to board questions regarding details of debris removal, and whether it was likely a DEP permit will be needed for the new design. Redesign alternatives are under discussion,
to ensure the new plan is permittable and acceptable to the neighborhood. He will apprise the board of the scope of the work as plans are finalized.
2. New Business
a. Stormwater Video
Mr. Miller gave the background of this item, stating the City of Clearwater entered into an interlocal agreement with various Municipal, County, and State agencies to create three professional
videotape presentations promoting public understanding of the relationship between human activities and surrounding water quality. Various segments of the videos will be used for employee
training, public education, and public service announcements. One goal is to promote, publicize and facilitate reporting of illicit discharges and other negative water quality impacts.
The board viewed a 20-minute videotape while Mr. Miller served refreshments.
Board members applauded the producers for the professional quality, and the racial and cultural diversity represented on the tape.
b. Coopers Point Status Report
Mr. Miller and Ms. Finch presented a status report for informational purposes. Mr. Finch gave an overview of the location and purchase details of the publicly owned property being
restored for preservation and conservation purposes. She commended Stan Cecilski, a Pinellas County contractor, for his work clearing and removing about 90% of the Brazilian peppers
and other non-native vegetation from the site. It was indicated SWFWMD staff, working through King Engineering, has surveyed the south end half and will pursue surveying for a trail
system through to the northern end. The process of restoration, opening a habitat area, and replanting the upland and wetland areas is underway. Within the next couple of months, staff
will meet with representatives of the Audubon Society, Clearwater Christian College, Parks and Recreation Department, and other interested parties to develop a conceptual plan.
Discussion ensued regarding the open vista resulting from removal of the peppers, parking and controlled vehicular access through the college property, SWFWMD’s involvement in this
interlocal agreement with Pinellas County, and funding sources. Mr. Miller said the City welcomes the opportunity to work with the interested agencies to develop a long term preservation
program while allowing a tremendous opportunity for citizens to see a natural preservation area. Discussion ensued regarding the restrictions and what is likely to be allowed under
the limited public access scenario. At present, no public access is allowed, except as escorted by City or County staff for scientific purposes. Consideration will be given to allowing
access by school and other educational groups in the future. In response to a question, Ms. Finch did not think a system of walkways is likely, but boardwalks may be constructed for
crossing water, where necessary.
Establish Agenda for January 15, 1996
1. Memorial Causeway Bridge Discussion -- Rich Baier
2. Ambient Water Quality Report -- Tom Miller
3. Board Suggestions for Land Development Code Changes -- Jill Melkonian
Board and Staff Comments
Member Melkonian reported she participates in a Land Development Code revision focus group led by Assistant City Manager Bob Keller. She invited board input at the next meeting.
Mr. Stowell requested staff to provide a list of Land Development Code focus group meetings, dates and times in the January board packet.
Mr. Miller reported the January EAB meeting will be held at 4:00 p.m., 100 S. Myrtle Avenue, in the Municipal Services Building.
Mr. Miller was happy to report the Pinellas County School Board has approved the Clearwater High School project and interlocal agreement on which staff has been working for two years.
Staff is pleased to begin educating high school students regarding the environment.
Ms. Melkonian reported staff has given discretion for board members to bring items to Mr. Miller for inclusion on future board agenda.
Mr. Stowell reiterated a long-standing concern regarding the ugly and polluted appearance of the retention ponds along the Bayside Bridge at Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard. He will call the
telephone number listed on the stormwater video to voice his complaint, and report at the next meeting. The number is 464-5060.
Ms. Melkonian thanked staff for their hard work during the year and wished a healthy and happy holiday to all.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 5:31 p.m.
Chair
Environmental Advisory Board
Attest:
Board Reporter