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02/19/1997ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER February 19, 1997 Present: Jill Melkonian Anne Garris Mike Foley Allan Stowell Alan Smith David Rhame  Chair Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member   Leslie Dougall-Sides Tom Miller, Assistant Director Dan Mayer Gwen Legters  Assistant City Attorney Engineering/Environmental Research Environmentalist Board Reporter   Absent:  Whitney Gray Vice Chair   The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:03 p.m. in the Municipal Services Building, Engineering Conference Room. To provide continuity, the items are listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. City Correspondence Mr. Miller highlighted the following: 1) The EAB recommendation to the City Commission of Memorial Causeway Bridge Alternative P4S; 2) Staff’s presentation request to Dick Eckenrod, TBNEP; 3) EAB Chair’s request to the City Clerk for information related to smoking in public places; 4) Bay Journal article comparing Tampa Bay cleanup efforts with Chesapeake Bay restoration. Minutes Approval - January 15, 1997 Chair Melkonian requested the addition of Dan Mayer’s name to the list of those present. Member Garris moved to approve the minutes as corrected. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Confirm Agenda - Establish Consent and Regular Agenda Items Member Stowell requested five minutes on today’s agenda to discuss EAB endorsement of a bill repealing a law prohibiting cities from making laws more restrictive than state laws. While some felt this topic is outside the board’s authority, Mr. Stowell argued it is an air quality issue the board should address. Consensus was to agenda this topic as Item D2c. D. Regular Agenda D1. Old Business D1a. Tampa Bay National Estuary Program (TBNEP) -- Dick Eckenrod Mr. Eckenrod reviewed the history of the NEP, and distributed a two page excerpt highlighting the key goals and priorities of Charting the Course, the management blueprint for Tampa Bay. He narrated a slide presentation demonstrating seagrass loss since 1950 and how the SWIM program has contributed to the positive trend toward seagrass recovery. He responded to questions regarding seagrass growth patterns and how nitrogen tonnage is measured. Mr. Eckenrod distributed a handout providing a framework for the TBNEP Inter-governmental Agreement that will be drafted to ensure consistent and effective implementation of the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan. He discussed how local governments will be expected to participate in wetland protection and restoration by developing plans for wastewater reuse, stormwater treatment, and septic tank removal. Mr. Miller said it is anticipated that state agencies will provide flexibility to local governments to assist with implementation of the portions of their plans that require regulatory input. He noted staff’s Watershed Action Plan draft puts the City in a good position to meet the NEP targets that will be outlined in the inter-governmental agreement. Mr. Eckenrod discussed timing for implementation and enforcement of the local action plans; acheiveable and cost effective methods, and non-Federal funding sources. Mr. Eckenrod responded to questions regarding the NEP’s budget, project related operating costs, staffing, and administrative support they receive from the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Counsel. He explained the involvement of Pinellas County through the program’s evolution. He indicated the largest percentage of nitrogen loading came from sewer plants, and advanced wastewater treatment is the biggest factor in the return of seagrasses. In response to a question, he said he endorses developing a reclaimed water system as a cost effective way of holding to the NEP’s target and meeting community needs for irrigation water. He cautioned against endangering the salinity balance that is needed to sustain life cycles in estuaries by removing large sources of fresh water. Board members expressed concern Mr. Eckenrod’s excellent presentation was not televised, and questioned whether he has investigated public access television. Mr. Eckenrod said he presented the draft plan on public access TV last year, and agreed it could be effective to televise the updated plan. He plans to take his presentation before each City and County Commission. Mr. Miller will bring the final agreement back for EAB review and endorsement before it goes to the Clearwater City Commission. D1b. Citywide Reclaimed Water System Agreement—Tom Miller Mr. Miller explained how he has worked with SWFWMD to negotiate the Cooperative Funding Agreement for the reclaimed water project, scheduled for completion by the end of 1998. Referring to the board’s agenda packet, Mr. Miller highlighted the agreement, special terms and conditions, and the proposed project plan. He said residents will be strongly encouraged to hook up to reclaimed water in neighborhoods where it is made available. Discussion ensued regarding: 1) a concern that residents are required to pay for reclaimed water when it becomes available in their neighborhoods whether or not they wish to use it; 2) a concern the City did not install reclaimed water lines during the Gulf to Bay Boulevard widening project; 3) effluent from the East treatment plant discharging into Tampa Bay; and 4) positive feedback heard about how Dunedin’s reclaimed water systerm is working. General discussion ensued regarding reclaimed water usage. Mr. Miller credited Mr. Baier for moving Clearwater’s reclaimed water project forward, and asked for the board’s endorsement. Member Foley moved to support the Cooperative Agreement with the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) for development of Phase I of the Citywide Reclaimed Water System, at a total cost of $5,431,800, of which the City’s share for this phase shall not exceed $3,006,800. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. D1c. Penny for Pinellas -- Continued to the next meeting Concern was expressed the media has focused attention on some of the more glamourous projects, to the detriment of the environmentally important issues. D2. New Business D2a. Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard Planting Project and Street Tree Planting Policy—Director Ream Wilson and Nursery Superintendent Mark Roether, City Parks and Recreation Dept. Mr. Wilson highlighted the proposal, developed by Mr. Roether, to beautify the roadway by planting palm trees on City rights-of-way that intersect Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard between Highland Avenue and US 19. Because the State will not allow planting along the State rights-of-way, Washingtonian palms will be planted in City rights-of-way at intersections to give a majestic view down the roadway corridor. Mr. Roether responded to questions regarding the decision to use Washingtonian palms, and their care, maintenance and durability. He has hand deliverd 90 letters to business and property owners in the vicinity informing them of the impending planting, and offering the opportunity to have the City plant palms on private property adjacent the City rights-of-way. Pavement will be removed, wherever feasible, for the landscaping scheme. Mr. Roether displayed a composite aerial photograph of the route, identifying about 78 planting sites. The City will purchase trees in excess of 24 feet tall, at a cost of about $200 each. Mr. Miller explained how the proposal was developed in accordance with the City’s Street Tree Planting Policy. It was indicated glitches with underground underground utilities need to be worked out, but planting should be finished in five to six weeks. One member expressed concern the stretch of roadway between the Courtney Campbell Causeway and US 19 is not addressed. Mr. Wilson said that area will be adressed under a separate program. General discussion ensued regarding beautification of Gulf-To-Bay Boulevard and the Ciy’s tree giveaway program. Member Stowell left the meeting from 4:20 to 4:40 p.m. D2b. North Greenwood Community Task Team (NGCTT) -- Dan Mayer Mr. Mayer profiled the history and background of the task team since its implementation. Referring to handouts, he outlined the action plan, time frames, and specific projects targeted for completion by various City departments. A NGCTT newsletter has been created to make citizens aware of projects, how neighborhood needs are being addressed, and to communicate the City’s sensitivity to the resident’s needs and wants. In response to questions, Mr. Mayer highlighted the status of the Stephenson’s Creek estuary system and cleanup alternatives, the City’s watershed plan, Brazilian pepper tree removal, and tracking and remediation of asbestos siding. He discussed incentives, reimbursement and funding sources for removal of contaminated materials. In response to questions, Mr. Miller said the board will discuss stormwater issues in more detail when staff brings the watershed policy forward. Discussion ensued regarding one member’s concern the neighborhood newsletter uses too much City terminology that may not be clear to the residents. Mr. Mayer responded he is working with Task Team liaison Kathy Rice to produce informative presentations regarding the evaluation and implementation process, that will be specific to the community. D2c. Smoking in Public Places—Allan Stowell Member Stowell distributed copies as follows: 1) two newspaper articles; 2) Florida Statute Section 386.209, preempting regulation of smoking to the State; 3) an address for corresponding with the State legislature through the St. Petersburg Times; and 4) a copy of Senate Bill 306, amending the “Florida Clean Indoor Air Act” to provide a uniform minimum code, and repealing Section 386.209 F.S. Mr. Stowell said committee meets next week and the City Clerk will try to present the information at tomorrow’s City Commission meeting. He requested EAB endorsement and the lobbyist’s support of the bill repealing a law that supercedes any city or county ordinance regulating smoking. Discussion ensued regarding language for a motion. Chair Melkonian cautioned board members that, as an advisory board, the EAB should not take a stand for or against smoking. She observed that any recommendation should be made within the context of the board’s bylaws regarding air pollution/quality, and community well being/safety. Ms. Dougall-Sides agreed. One member favored repealing any law prohibiting more restrictive local ordinances. Member Garris moved for the EAB, in light of their responsibility to address air pollution, air quality, and community well being in the City of Clearwater, to urge the City Commission to ask the City’s Tallahassee lobbyist to lobby for passage of SB 306, and the companion House Bill. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. D2d. Advisory Board Focus Group—Continued to the next meeting Establish Agenda for March 19, 1997 Consensus was to agenda the following for the March agenda: 1) Penny for Pinellas; 2) Advisoy Board Focus Group; and 3) Alligator Creek Draft Watershed Plan. Brief discussion ensued regarding the watershed plan. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 6:17 p.m.