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08/20/1997ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER August 20, 1997 Present: Jill Melkonian Chair Anne Garris Board Member Allan Stowell Board Member Alan Smith Board Member Leslie Dougall-Sides Assistant City Attorney Terry Finch, Supervisor Environmental Programs Gwen Legters Board Reporter Absent: Whitney Gray Vice Chair Mike Foley Board Member David Rhame Board Member 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. A1. Confirm Agenda - Establish Consent and Regular Agenda Items A2. City Correspondence The board received: 1) the July edition of The North Greenwood Action Report; 2) a July 17 memo from Tom Miller to City Manager Roberto forwarding EAB’s (Environmental Advisory Board) recommendation to purchase the former Bayview Mobile Home Park; and 3) a memo from City Clerk Goudeau to Mr. Miller stating staff will meet with the County Administrator to explore funding options with regard to the recommended purchase. A3. Minutes Approval - July 17, 1996 Member Garris requested correction on page 3, stating Member Stowell had encouraged interested citizens to speak in opposition to the Drew Street affordable housing project, not in support as the minutes had reported under Board Comments. Member Garris moved to moved to approve the minutes as corrected. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Citizens Agenda - None Consent Agenda - None D. Regular Agenda D1. Old Business a) Brownfields Program - Miles Ballogg, Environmental Specialist Supervisor The board received a handout packet detailing the background and history of the item with regard to: 1) definition; 2) location; 3) economic, community, and environmental benefits; 4) EPA designation; 5) 1997 State legislation regarding development projects in Clearwater; 6) redevelopment grant funding sources and uses; 7) redevelopment incentives; 8) remaining work to be done; and 9) how to promote successful redevelopment. He responded to questions regarding reduction of the formerly proposed Town Pond to a regional stormwater retention facility, creating incentives by remediating contamination thereby allowing more efficient use of properties; tax credits for job creation; and types of such jobs that could be available, listed by Enterprise Florida. Staff will provide a copy of the potential jobs list. He discussed how a City Brownfields advisory board might operate with respect to membership requirements, and proposed interaction of such a board with DEP, SWFWMD, and other agencies. He responded to a concern, stating the State has streamlined the compliance process to avoid some problems experienced by other areas of the county. As the City Brownfields coordinator, Mr. Ballogg was invited to regularly attend EAB meetings to keep the board informed. City of Clearwater Reclaimed Water - Vince Riccobono, Project Manager, McKim & Creed The board received an update regarding City reclaimed water usage, indicating more requests have been coming from coastal areas. Maps and statistical data illustrated usage, showing trends to assist in developing an overall technical and financial plan how to provide reclaimed water in a phased program. Mr. Riccobono noted areas with large users, public interest areas, and potential locations for treatment plants. He responded to a concern regarding the plan to require individual property owners to pay a fee whether or not they wish to use reclaimed water. Discussion ensued regarding locations of treatment plants to serve different areas of the City, and areas where wastewater effluent is being discharged directly into Tampa Bay. He stated lowering costs by reusing existing tank structures will be a factor in reducing non-user fees. D2. New Business Environmental Management Budget - Terry Finch The board received a statement highlighting total operating expenses and transfers to supporting cost centers. Ms. Finch responded to a question regarding from which fund personnel are paid. Board Comments Ms. Dougall-Sides provided an update of her work with Mr. Miller on National Estuary Program implementation. Final adoption is anticipated for September 18, 1997. Ms. Finch is preparing an item regarding the implementation phase of the Alligator Creek project for presentation in October. She noted Maple Swamp restoration is scheduled for completion in Spring, 1998. Discussion ensued regarding requests from residents of certain County enclaves, asking for City sewer service without annexation due to concerns an environmental disaster could result from breakdown of ancient septic tanks. Discussion ensued regarding the City’s service area and the service areas of other jurisdictions. Ms. Finch said there have been allegations, but no scientific data exists to directly link the Lake Chautauqua water pollution to leaky septic tanks in the surrounding residential community. E. Establish Agenda for September 17, 1997 Members will contact Mr. Miller with suggestions for agenda items. F. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 5:07 p.m.