06/21/2000ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY BOARD
CITY OF CLEARWATER
June 21, 2000
Present: Freda Drake Chair
David Rhame Board Member
Alan Smith Vice Chair
Dennis Kelenberger Board Member
Absent: Allan Stowell Board Member
Also Present: Leslie Dougall-Sides Assistant City Attorney
Tom Miller Assistant Director of Engineering/PD&E
Elliot Shoberg Engineer II
Michele Smith Staff Assistant II
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order.
Unless otherwise noted, no action was taken regarding items.
I Administration
The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
ITEM #A Approval of Minutes – May 17, 2000
Member Rhame moved to approve the minutes of May 17, 2000 as submitted. Member Kelenberger duly seconded the motion.
ACTION: Approved. Carried unanimously.
II Member Liaison Reports
ITEM #B1 – Commission Liaison Report – Chair Drake noted that there was nothing to report.
ITEM#B2 – Stevenson Creek Liaison Report – Member Rhame gave background information regarding the status meeting that was held May 30. He also noted several of the groups involved in
the Stevenson’s Creek Committee before asking Staff to further report. Staff updated the Board on the project, noting that water-sampling stations have been installed and historic water
quality is being investigated. The new website was also noted and board members were asked to visit the site.
ITEM #B3 – LDC/Comp Plan Report – This report was postponed until the July meeting.
III City Correspondence
ITEM #C1– TBEP Action Plan for Clearwater – Member Rhame was impressed with the amount of work the City is doing environmentally.
ITEM #C2 – NPDES – Staff updated Board on City’s responsibilities to regulate and control stormwater discharge.
ITEM#C3 – Guide to Sunshine Amendment and Code of Ethics – This was provided since members have expressed interest in the guidelines. Ms. Dougall-Sides provided her card if Board has
any questions.
ITEM #C4 – Letter to Board Members (City Clerk’s Office) – This letter was provided to all advisory board members as a reminder that they may not display support or opposition to candidates
or issues in the upcoming election season while they are sitting as a board.
ITEM #C5 – E-mail response to Late Mail Delivery – Staff provided a response to complaints that agenda packets have been received late. This has been handled and Board was encouraged
to keep staff informed if late delivery continues.
IV Monthly Site Plan Assessment Review Summary
ITEM #D - Monthly Site Plan Assessment Review Summary – Proposed development to Highwoods Properties was provided. No removal of specimen trees or stands will occur and site plan approval
was received in 1998. No recommendations were made.
V Old Business
None
VI New Business:
ITEM #E2i – Downtown Development Plan – (Bob Keller, Asst. City Manager, Presenter)
Mr. Keller gave the Board brochures with key elements of the proposal. The environmental issues he brought forward included more parkland and green space, reduced sprawl, and better
stormwater quality. Designed water gardens will help offset water treatments. If referendum passes, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) will be asked to assist
with water treatments to protect Clearwater Harbor. Chair Drake noted that less asphalt will reduce petroleum products washing into the Harbor. Chair Drake also expressed concern that
the development will further strain potable water resources. Mr. Keller addressed her concern by saying that redevelopment in developed areas is less invasive than new development in
other areas. Member Rhame motioned that, as plan is presented in brochure as far as environmental aspects are concerned, the Board recommend approval. Member Smith seconded.
ACTION: Approved, carried unanimously.
ITEM #E2ii – Sinkholes – (Tom Miller, Presenter)
Mr. Miller gave an updated version of a presentation that was originally given to the College Hill Neighborhood Association on May 15. He reviewed the accepted causes of sinkholes and
the role the ongoing drought has played in their formation. He also provided contact departments at the City as well as Pinellas County for those experiencing sinkhole problems. It
was noted that common questions and answers are posted on the City of Clearwater website.
VII Citizens Agenda
Brian Flaherty, liaison for the BAB-TAC, reported on the BAB meeting that was held June 19, 2000. He informed the Board that a basic course will be available to the public in the fall
explaining the Brownfields program and how it benefits the City. He also noted that seven students graduated from the Environmental Technician Program at PTEC. The Brownfields program
sponsors this program.
Motion to extend meeting made by Member Smith. Member Rhame seconded.
ACTION: Approved, carried unanimously.
At this time Member Kelenberger left.
Anne Garris of Save the Bayfront presented their views on the Downtown Development Plan. She gave members a copy of the Ordinance No. 6559-00 and a list of “9 Reasons to Vote No on
July 11”. Ms. Garris expressed concern about the impact of 1500 residential units on potable water and the effect 60 commercial events per year will have on foliage, especially grass,
at Coachman Park. Save the Bayfront would like the Board to recommend that the bayfront be left alone and money be spent to improve Coachman Park.
VIII Future Agenda
Penny for Pinellas
The meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.