01/15/2014 ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
January 15, 2014
Present: D. Michael Flanery Chair
R. Peter Stasis Board Member
Michael Engelmann Board Member
Linda S. Varonich Board Member
Absent: Lynn F. Sumerson Vice Chair
Also Present: Leslie Dougall-Sides Assistant City Attorney
Ed Chesney Environmental Manager
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. at the Municipal Services Building.
2 -Approval of Minutes — October 16, 2013
Member Engelmann moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of October
16, 2013, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
3 —Citizen to be Heard re Items Not on the Agenda: None.
4— Light Pollution in Clearwater
4.1. Sports Lighting
RuthAnne Morris, resident of Sunfish Bay Condominiums, reviewed information from
IDA (International Dark-Sky Association), which works to protect wildlife, cut energy waste, and
stop light pollution. She said City lighting codes need to be updated as they do not address
LEDs and lights in the blue range which are brighter and travel farther than incandescent lights,
affecting more people and wildlife. She recommended the City review the IDA website re night
sky conservation, blue light research, model lighting, draft ordinances, etc.
Ms. Morris expressed concern lighting for Clearwater Christian College's 3-year old
sports fields is on late, is not shielded, and floods the night wetlands of Coopers Bayou and
nearby homes with bright light, disturbing wildlife habitat, impeding night fishing, and preventing
residents from enjoying dark evenings outside. She said the number of birds in the bayou has
declined since the college installed the athletic field lights. She said Harmony, Florida and other
cities have adopted IDA principles and she submitted a copy of a brief ordinance intended to
preserve night sky views for the enjoyment of residents.
In response to questions, Ms. Morris said the college's field lights shine as late as 4:00
a.m. She said City staff claims the college's lights comply with current City Code; she has had
no response from the college after three years of complaints.
Environmental Advisory 2014-01-15 1
Discussion ensued re effects of night lights on birds and comments that people use
exterior lighting to prevent nighttime burglaries, that spotlights shine into neighboring houses,
and that many East Florida beaches have limited light pollution, allowing residents and visitors
to see the stars. It was suggested that homeowners associations affected by the college's
lighting work with the college's science department to study the issue. It was questioned why
field lights illuminate skywards. It was proposed that the building department review lighting
standards before current soft lighting is replaced in the next few years with bright intense lights.
It was recommended that this issue be added to Clearwater Greenprint.
Jasmine Forcan, resident, said her neighbor had to cover her windows with brown paper
to shield her home's interior from bright lights in the new BayCare Health Systems parking lot;
steps are being taken to reduce the light intrusion.
Environmental Manager Ed Chesney said lighting restrictions in the Code currently
protect hatchling turtles along gulf beaches from May to October. He suggested affected
residents speak up when the college begins submitting expansion plans to the City for the
school's approved Master Plan. Assistant City Attorney Leslie Dougall-Sides said the Code
restricts illumination from outdoor light fixtures and suggested the college's Development Order
needs to be reviewed for outdoor lighting restrictions.
Member Engelmann moved to recommend that the City research International Dark-Sky
Association materials and lighting codes from other jurisdictions' "Dark Sky' regulations, study
the environmental effects of the changing spectrum of light in new energy-saving light bulbs,
and determine how the City can mitigate negative effects of light pollution. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously. .
Ms. Morris expressed concern it is difficult for residents to determine when the City
schedules meetings to approve specific development projects.
5— Update: Moccasin Lake Nature Park Bird Blind
Environmental Manager Ed Chesney said Administrative Support Manager Felicia
Leonard is awaiting response from Member Sumerson and the Audubon Society re a MOU
(Memorandum of Understanding) for a bird blind in Moccasin Lake Nature Park. Canvas blinds
could be installed but a commitment is necessary re maintenance, hosting education events,
etc.
6 — Discussion: Sea Level Rise Planning
Frustration was expressed that the City had not developed a mitigation plan when
multiple media articles document global sea level rise. It was stated that current outflow
gradients will be ineffective in 20 years. It was recommended that buildings be designed to
withstand future sea levels, which are anticipated to rise by 4 to 7 feet during the next century.
It was questioned how the City plans to save Island Estates in the future. It was stated that the
City should not pay to elevate roads in the future for access to beach and flood plain properties.
Consensus was that the City should join organizations or consortiums that consider sea
level rise in Florida.
Environmental Advisory 2014-01-15 2
Items not on the Agenda
It was recommended that the City erect informational signage for all City projects; Lake
Chautauqua Park equestrian trail construction has no signage.
In response to a question, Mr. Chesney said, to his knowledge, no proposals have been
made re proposed land swaps with CMA (Clearwater Marine Aquarium) and Scientology.
In response to a question, Mr. Chesney said rope and post barriers popping up on north
beach properties are not in violation, according to regulating agency FDEP (Florida Department
of Environmental Protection); fences are not allowed. The City is unable to determine the legal
seaward limits of private beach properties.
7 - Agenda Topics for April 16, 2014 meeting
1) Draft stormwater manual review
2) Follow -up re light pollution and bird blind.
8 — Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 5:41 p.m.
air
Environmental Advisory Board
Environmental Advisory 2014 -01 -15 3