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02/21/1996ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER February 21, 1996 Present: Jill Melkonian Whitney Gray Lisa Lanza (arrived 4:30 p.m.) Alan Smith Allan Stowell Chair Vice Chair Board Member Board Member Board Member   Leslie Dougall-Sides Tom Miller Lou Hilton Gwen Legters Assistant City Attorney Assistant Director of Engineering/Environmental Senior Planner Board Reporter   Bill Held Mike Quillen Peter Clark Officer Toby Fogle Dick Eckenrod Harbormaster Water Resource Engineer Tampa Bay Watch Florida Marine Patrol National Estuary Program  Absent: Mike Foley Anne Garris Board Member Board Member   To provide continuity, the items are listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. A. The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. in City Hall. A1. Minutes Approval - January 17, 1996 Member Gray moved to approve the minutes as submitted in writing to each member by the Board Reporter. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. A2. City Correspondence Mr. Miller submitted copies and discussion ensued regarding memoranda concerning Commission follow-up to Board recommendations, Annual Board report to the City Commission, and Penny for Pinellas Projects. The Board thanked staff for distributing copies of Environmental Management’s review guidelines. Discussion of purchasing Bayview Mobile Home Park with Penny for Pinellas funds continued under item D7 below. A3. Confirm Agenda - Discussion B. Citizens Agenda - None C. Consent Agenda - None D. Old Business D1. Comprehensive Plan Conservation Element - Final Draft Mr. Hilton requested approval of the final draft. Two language clarifications were requested. Member Stowell moved to approve the Conservation Element of the City Comprehensive Plan as amended. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. D2. Tampa Bay Watch - Peter Clark, Director Mr. Clark gave a slide presentation illustrating how bay and inland waterways, wildlife, and habitat are harmed by shoreline development, careless boating, and improper toxic waste, litter and dredge spoil disposal. He responded to questions and encouraged individuals and groups to report illegal activities and volunteer to help Tampa Bay Watch clean up and restore waterways. D3. Sewage Discharge Restrictions on Boaters - Bill Held, Harbormaster Mr. Held explained only 118 pump-out stations exist to serve more than 40,000 Florida boaters. stated four pump-out stations exist to serve more than 100 liveaboards at 68 facilities throughout Clearwater. Reviewing City code requirements for liveaboard boaters in Clearwater, he presented and explained City code regulating sewage discharge. Officer Toby Fogle distributed pamphlets regarding the Clean Vessel Act, stating it prohibits human waste discharge and sets standards for vessel sanitation. He explained the common types of marine sanitation devices, stating the holding tank is the only one legal for use in Florida. The others discharge waste materials into the water, which is prohibited under State litter laws. Vessels within State waters are subject to boarding for inspection and enforcement by State officers. Discussion ensued regarding the penalty for sewage discharge violations and what can be done to abate sewage dumping. Mr. Held strongly advocated contacting City marine facility operators, and encouraging them to install either fixed or portable systems and make them available to boaters at no charge. He said he and his staff will help prepare grant applications and advice on the best type of system for each facility. Discussion ensued regarding what the Board can do to aggressively deal with this situation. Consensus was to begin with boater education through public service announcements and brochures. Mr. Held was asked to monitor these preliminary efforts and advise the Board if a more comprehensive method is needed to compel participation and compliance. Officer Fogle aired two video segments, targeted toward recreational boaters, that the importance of proper waste disposal. D4. Tampa Bay National Estuary Program - Richard M. Eckenrod, Director Mr. Eckenrod distributed copies of Charting the Course for Tampa Bay, a comprehensive conservation and management plan drafted by the Tampa Bay National Estuary Program. He highlighted the book’s key sections: 1) State of the Bay; 2) Goals and Action Plans; 3) Implementation and Financing; 4) Monitoring Bay Improvement; and 5) Public Involvement. He requested a favorable recommendation from the Board, stating he will present the plan during a City Commission Work Session during late Spring or early Summer. During the next few months, he wished to provide the Board with background information to support the recommendation. To facilitate this, he will work with Mr. Miller to prepare an action plan for the City of Clearwater. In response to questions, Mr. Eckenrod explained how the plan addresses sewage pump-out stations, vehicle and power plant emissions being deposited in the waters, and benefits of expanding wastewater reuse. Two members stressed the importance of strong reclaimed water and agriculture programs. Mr. Miller reported the City is already in the process of doing many of the things listed in Mr. Eckenrod’s draft. He suggested inviting Mr. Eckenrod to the Board’s May 15 meeting and adding this topic to the Board’s annual report to the City Commission in June. In the meantime, Mr. Miller will compile Board suggestions and work with Mr. Eckenrod to prepare a presentation. It was reported an environmental town meeting will be held March 20 at the Harborview Center. Member Stowell agreed to attend on behalf of the Board. D5. Xeriscape Ordinance -- Mike Quillen Mr. Quillen presented copies of a draft amendment to the Land Development Code landscape standards. He thanked Member Lanza for her help preparing the amendment. He explained the approval process, stating he hopes for City Commission adoption this summer. In response to a question, he said one section addresses locating trees correctly in street rights-of-way to avoid obstructing traffic view, signs and overhead obstructions. Mr. Miller noted Mr. Quillen and Ms. Lanza have worked to ensure an overall plan for environmentally beneficial landscaping practices for the City, as recommended in Charting the Course for Tampa Bay. D6. Allen’s Creek Public Meeting Mr. Miller reported The City Commission will host a symposium on Clearwater Harbor water quality at the Harborview Center on April 11, 1996, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. They will invite about 150 representatives from surrounding municipalities and several regulatory agencies, to talk about what may be done to improve water quality and wildlife habitat. Mr. Miller said he would forward the notice and agenda to the Board when received. Mr. Miller was requested to investigate televising the symposium. D7. Maple Swamp Restoration Mr. Miller asked for a continuance to March 20, 1996, because a negotiated settlement was not reached with the first choice company. D8. Other Discussion Member Stowell moved to recommend adding purchase of the Bayview trailer park site to the list of Penny for Pinellas projects, for preservation and park land. The motion was duly seconded. Mr. Hilton stated, while used mainly for infrastructure projects, Penny for Pinellas funds may be used to purchase property. He noted the Parks and Recreation Department may have allocated money to purchase this parcel. Mr. Miller requested flexibility to amend the projects list, if necessary, as it may have been forwarded to Pinellas County. The motion carried unanimously. Member Lanza reported Pinellas County received delegation authority regarding mangrove regulation, and asked Mr. Miller to provide additional information to the board. She reported the Montclair property was sold and is being developed. E. New Business Member Stowell moved to establish a policy to send a letter thanking each speaker who addresses the Board. Consensus was for staff to write the letters on EAB stationery, sign and send the letters on behalf of the Board. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. F. Establish Agenda for March 20, 1996 Consensus was to agenda the following items: 1) Staff presentation on Edgewater Drive; 2) Staff presentation on Maple Swamp; 3) Penny for Pinellas discussion with City Engineering representative; and 4) Landmark Drive extension update. Consensus was to schedule Stevenson’s Creek and reclaimed water updates in April. G. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 6:03 p.m.    Chair Environmental Advisory Board  Attest:   Board Reporter