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05/21/1997ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY BOARD - INFORMAL WORKSHOP CITY OF CLEARWATER May 21, 1997 Present: Jill Melkonian Alan Smith David Rhame Chair Board Member Board Member   Leslie Dougall-Sides Tom Miller, Assistant Director Lou Hilton Mike Quillen Rick Albee Gwen Legters Assistant City Attorney Engineering/Environmental Senior Planner Water Resource Engineer Environmental Inspector Board Reporter  Absent: Whitney Gray Anne Garris Mike Foley Allan Stowell Vice Chair Board Member Board Member Board Member   The regular meeting was not held because a quorum was not present. Informal discussion began at 4:15 p.m. in City Hall Commission Chambers. City Correspondence Mr. Miller discussed a May 15 memo identifying five status points of the Island Estates Reclaimed Water Project. He responded to questions regarding use of existing subterranean piping for portions of the transmission system; invoicing requirements for restoration; and how the bid/negotiation process functions to help ensure quality work. Minutes Approval - February 19, 1997 - This item was not addressed due to lack of a quorum Confirm Agenda - This item was not addressed due to lack of a quorum Comprehensive Plan Update -- Lou Hilton Mr. Hilton said the City had followed Pinellas County’s lead in requesting an extension from the Department of Community Affairs for submission of amendments. In order to plan future capital improvement projects, it was desirable to know whether Penny for Pinellas would be approved by voters. Staff forwarded additional information at the State’s request, and it should be known within 30 days whether the additional information is sufficient to meet the Evaluation and Appraisal criteria. Once the amendments are finalized, the 11 elements of the Comprehensive Plan will be sent for state approval, based on the criteria listed in the Evaluation and Appraisal report. The plan should be finalized by January, 1998. Mr. Hilton said the amendments have not changed since the EAB’s review. He will forward updates as they are received. Memorial Causeway Bridge Update - This item was not addressed due to lack of a quorum Environmental Street Tree Inventory Project Update - Mike Quilllen Mr. Quillen explained all trees on City rights-of-way, parks, and other City-owned properties will be inventoried for two reasons: 1) to identify the condition of existing trees to determine if any hazardous conditions exist that could pose liability risks; and 2) to identify the value of existing trees and determine where additional trees can be planted. A new software program enables staff to prepare detailed reports and cross reference information on a wide variety of topics related to the tree inventory. He explained how grant funding will apply to the first three years of the project. Three exhibits were distributed: 1) a CAD drawing of trees along one street in the northwest portion of Clearwater; 2) a sample inventory list showing a detail of every existing tree on several selected streets; 3) a sample case history card where pertinent information is logged; and 4) species statistics report for the areas completed, showing the common name and name code, total number of trees of each species, and the percentage of total trees represented by each species. The benefits include: 1) being able to accurately calculate damages after storms for reporting to FEMA; and 2) being able to identify and remove liability hazards from public property. Staff was requested to investigate the miles of street in Clearwater and report at the next meeting. Stormwater Reinspection Program -- Rick Albee Mr. Miller introduced Mr. Albee, stating he has investigated more than 200 of the 400 business and residential sites in the City for compliance with stormwater requirements. To date, he has achieved 100 percent compliance by finding problems and working with the property owners to correct the problems. Mr. Albee has kept a photographic history of his work, to educate citizens on the common difficulties he is finding, and the need to operate and maintain the systems people find in their yards and near their businesses. Mr. Albee showed and narrated a slide presentation showing some of the common problems: 1) sediment and overgrowth block drainage outlets; 2) oil skimming mechanisms missing from outfall structures; 3) outfall structures damaged, non-functional, and filled with debris; 4) failing underground structures allowing sediment to wash into the system; 5) failing vegetation along the banks of underdrain systems allowing sediment to wash in; 6) overgrowth around retention ponds; and 7) ponds exceeding their banks due to blocked outlets, killing surrounding vegetation and creating an unsightly appearance. Before and after photos illustrated how he worked with property owners to solve the problems and achieve compliance. Graphics slides illustrated the total volume treated. It has taken two years to achieve the current level of compliance. Mr. Albee said he plans to continue his work to inspect bring the remaining sites into compliance. Mr. Miller stressed the importance of alerting citizens to the problems and asking for help to correct the remaining existing problems. Staff wishes to work with homeowners associations to ensure requirements are being met and retention ponds are being maintained for the good of the neighborhood. Wellington Apartment Project - Postponed Establish Agenda for June 18, 1997 - This item was not addressed due to lack of a quorum Board members were encouraged to contact Mr. Miller regarding any items they wish to see on the June agenda. Adjournment Discussion ended at 5:07 p.m.