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04/15/1998ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER April 15, 1998 Present: Whitney Gray Chair Alan Smith Vice Chair Jill Melkonian Board Member Anne Garris Board Member David Rhame Board Member Leslie Dougall-Sides Assistant City Attorney Tom Miller, Assistant Director Engineering/Environmental Terry Finch Environmental Programs Supervisor Gwen Legters Board Reporter The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. in City Hall. To provide continuity, the items are listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. Confirm Agenda - Establish Consent and Regular Agenda Items City Correspondence The board received and discussed miscellaneous correspondence. Project Assessment Sheet – Tom Miller The board received reports for March and April. A memo from Assistant Director of Engineering/Production, Mike Quillen, outlined the Verifone Corporation Site plan, the only project meeting the board’s new review criteria for projects submitted for site plan review. Minutes Approval - February 18, 1998 Member Rhame moved to approve the minutes as submitted in writing to each member by the Board Reporter. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. City Commission Liaison Report – David Rhame Member Rhame said he has advised the Commission the EAB (Environmental Advisory Board) wishes to remain separate from any merger of City advisory boards. In response to a question, it was indicated the City Commission has seen the consultant’s conceptual plan for amending the Land Development Code, but a draft of the amended plan has not been submitted for official review. Old Business a. Allens Creek Rehabilitation Project/Lakeview & Hercules Avenue – Terry Finch The board viewed a presentation of the project’s history and conceptual plan; location; size, rehabilitation activities; cost; funding sources; site conditions; problem areas; restoration of areas containing exotic and nuisance species of invasive vegetation; and the original funding request versus actual project cost estimate. Clarification was provided regarding cost justification; geotechnical work completed and why it was needed; stabilization methods; future considerations; and benefits. Questions were raised regarding stabilization near residential structures; construction easements; locations of pedestrian bridges and playgrounds; nuisance vegetation; project objectives; and City/County maintenance responsibility. The name, Allens Creek Rehabilitation Project, is more appropriate for this area, formerly called The Maple Swamp Project. Endorsement to the City Commission was requested for the conceptual plan and associated funding increase. Member Melkonian moved for the EAB to recommend an increase from $800 thousand to $1.6 million for the Allen’s Creek Rehabilitation Project. Discussion ensued regarding amendments to the motion. It was indicated the actual cost increase of the project to the City, given the cooperative nature of the project, is only $200 thousand. Clarification was provided, that the need to provide slope protection adjacent to private property along the main channel, not originally anticipated, and dredging of the peat areas in a manner that will not exacerbate subsidence of adjacent properties and homes, are reflected in the increased construction cost. These conditions became apparent after geotechnical studies were performed during the design phase of the project. The motion was withdrawn. Member Melkonian moved, after having followed this project for over two years, and having reviewed the current revisions, the EAB feels the Allens Creek Rehabilitation Project is an excellent project for the City of Clearwater, and recommends the City Commission approve the interlocal agreement amendment, as well as funding increases requested by staff. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. b. “One City. One Future.” /Environmental Vision – Whitney Gray The board reviewed a summary of work done at the April 3rd EAB workshop. Ms. Gray submitted EAB & One City. One Future.—Working Together, an outline of City Challenges, EAB Opportunities, and EAB Goals. Text and formatting were reviewed at length, and amendments were suggested for maximum effectiveness for presentation to the City Manager. Member Melkonian moved to approve the document, EAB & One City. One Future.Working Together, as amended April 15, 1998, and to request Chair Whitney Gray to present the document to City Manager Michael Roberto. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Clearwater High School Project – Janice Sands Ash, P.E., Ash Engineering, Inc. The board heard an overview of the concept, history, and status of this project, designed to involve high school students in water quality improvement. Ms. Ash provided background of the project since she has become involved, stressing the importance of environmental education to the community, students, and children. Students’ roles were identified in attaining three key objectives: 1) water quality treatment; 2) trial evaluation of existing and new treatment technology effectiveness; and 3) promoting interest in future environmental education opportunities through the school board. Referring to a site plan and color renderings, Ms. Ash detailed location; concept design; current and proposed site layout; and negotiations with the school board for more land. Space is needed for a classroom student lab facility. Treatment technologies used will be finetuned based on school curriculum. Once the concept design is finalized, approval is needed from various entities. Ms. Ash was praised for her work to bring environmental education into the public schools, and for completing necessary groundwork before proceeding with the project. It was indicated in response to questions, the relatively small volume of water being treated will be sufficient to enable detection of reduced levels of certain elements. The City hopes to use some of the data obtained by the students from this project on City projects in the future. This project is one of the first of its kind in the State and will be showcased for other school boards. The City Commission, City Management team, and EAB members will be invited to a planned ribbon cutting ceremony when the project has been completed. Mr. Miller took note of a suggestion to install necessary piping above ground for more cost-effective installation, easier maintenance, and added educational opportunity. This project was noted as a perfect example of the proactive nature of EAB projects, and one which sets the EAB apart from boards that only react to data they are given. Establish Agenda for May, 1998 Member Rhame will research status of landscaping at City sanitary facilities, and forward the information to staff because he cannot attend the next meeting; staff will provide background information and artwork. Member Garris requested discussion regarding deletion of environmental projects from the Penny for Pinellas priorities list; staff will provide background information. An update of homeowners association resolution review will be discussed as correspondence. Consensus was to agenda for the next meeting: PD&E Process, if ready Penny for Pinellas priority list Landscaping improvements at City sanitary facilities Potable/reclaimed water supply (if available) Status of Chair Gray’s meeting with City Manager Roberto Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 6:01 p.m.