Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) - 09 Oct 2024 - Agenda - Pdf
City of Atlantic Beach
Agenda
Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) Meeting
October 16 - 6:00 p.m. (rescheduled from Oct. 9)
City Hall, Commission Chamber
800 Seminole Road, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
Page(s)
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
1.A.
Selection of ESC Secretary
ESC Responsibilities and Functions 20240911
5 - 8
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
3. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR (5 MINS.)
4. CHAIR REMARKS
5. CONSENT AGENDA
5.A.
Approve the minutes of the August 28 Tree Subcommittee
Environmental Stewardship Committee Tree Subcommittee - 28 Aug 2024 -
Minutes - Pdf
9
5.B.
Approve the minutes of the September 18 Outreach Subcommittee
Environmental Stewardship Committee Outreach Subcommittee - 18 Sep 2024 -
Minutes - Pdf
11 - 12
5.C.
HOW Compost Event Minutes
20240606 HOW Compost DRAFT Minutes
13
5.D.
HOW Edible Garden
20241003 HOW Edible Garden DRAFT Minutes (1)
15
6. 90 DAY CALENDAR
7. COMMISSION AND/OR STAFF REPORTS
7.A.
Chapter 24 update
7.B.
Parks Master Plan update
7.C.
Commission report out
7.D.
Marsh and wetlands education
Wetlands Tri- Fold
Wetlands and marsh grasses letter to property owners kh (002)
17 - 20
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Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) - 09 Oct 2024
7.E.
City Charter Amendment Education
Ordinance No. 33-24-25 (3)
Ordinance No. 33-24-26 (1)
Ordinance No. 33-24-27 (5)
Ordinance No. 33-24-28 (6)
Ordinance No. 33-24-29 (2)
Ordinance No. 33-24-30 (4)
21 - 45
8. OLD BUSINESS
8.A.
October 19th - Community Action Plan Charrette
9. NEW BUSINESS
10. SIGNIFICANT MATTERS ARISING IN SUBCOMMITTEES
10.A.
Outreach
updated on current activities
Update on 2024 workplan
10.B.
Tree Subcommittee
Chapter 23 update
Update on current activities
Update on 2024 workplan
10.C.
Sustainability and Resiliency
Update on current activities
Update on 2024 workplan
11. MEMBERS CLOSING REMARKS
12. ADJOURNMENT
Any person wishing to speak to the Environmental Stewardship Committee on any matter at
this meeting should submit a Comment Card located at the entrance to Commission Chamber
prior to the start of the meeting.
This meeting will be live-streamed and videotaped. The video recording will be posted within
four business days on the City's website. To access live or recorded videos, visit
www.coab.us/live.
In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act and Section 286.26 of the Florida
Statutes, persons with disabilities needing special accommodations to participate in this
meeting should contact Deputy City Ladayija Nichols at 247-5821 or at City Hall, 800
Seminole Road, Atlantic Beach, Florida not less than three (3) days prior to the date of this
meeting.
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Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) - 09 Oct 2024
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2024 ESC Officer, Member & Subcommittee Descriptions, Responsibilities and Functions
(last updated 9/11/24)
OFFICER POSITION DESCRIPTIONS
ESC Chair
Primary Responsibilities
•Lead the ESC in meeting Chapter 23 mandates, the Sustainability & Resilience Community Action
Plan, and priorities set by COAB Commission that falls under ESC’s purview by coordinating priorities
and managing resources.
Included Functions
•Promote community awareness of ESC's mission
•Promote community understanding and engagement in meeting environmental stewardship
goals
•Represent the ESC as required at public activities
•Coordinate responses to staff and Commission requests which require approval of the full ESC
•Promote continuous improvement in the efficiency of the ESC
•Manage members’ expectations of staff contributions and vice versa.
Organizational responsibilities
•Organize and lead required ESC meetings
Included Functions
•Propose agendas for ESC meetings
•Lead ESC meetings following Robert's Rules of Order
•Review and sign previous approved meeting minutes
•Ensure subcommittee meetings are held and follow required guidelines
•Coordinate subcommittee activities which have overlapping functions
•Promote full participation of all members
•Promote adherence to Florida Sunshine Rules
•Coordinate filling of vacant ESC positions with the City Clerk and attend BMRC meetings as
required
•Participate in ESC meetings as a voting member
•Additional key side meetings
Time Commitment: ~5 hours/week (does not include time on ESC subcommittees)
ESC Vice Chair
Primary Responsibilities
•Serve as back-up to Chair as needed
•Keep ESC on track with organizational excellence and performance metrics
Included Functions
Agenda Item #1.A.
09 Oct 2024
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•Lead ESC meetings when Chair is unavailable
•Attend ESC meetings monthly (~2 hours/month)
•Produce and keep track of ESC’s calendar, planning needs, and performance metrics
•Work with staff to produce quarterly tree canopy report
•Create and implement ESC’s annual self-evaluation survey and report out findings
•Attend additional key side meetings/calls with staff as necessary to gather metrics
Time Commitment: ~1-2 hours/week or 4-8 hours/month (does not include time on ESC subcommittee)
ESC Secretary & Treasurer
•Attend ESC meetings monthly (~2 hours/month).
•Take roll and call for votes. The Member when called would state, “present” or “present by
remote”.
•Assist Members with the formulation of concise motions and assist the Chair with determining if the
motion is out of order.
•Assist chair in guiding members through agenda using Roberts Rules of Order.
•Assist the Chair with recognition of Members who wish to make a motion or speak.
•Assist the Chair with time management of Members’ discussions.
•Review motions, votes, and decisions made during/at end of meeting.
•Provide and ensure that a Record of Decisions, including the lead on action items, is submitted to
staff and ESC members soon after each ESC meeting (~1 hour/month).
•Report out on status of ESC budget and finances including tree fund
•Lead on organizing all ESC important documents, making them accessible to ESC members, and
communicating how to access documents and major ESC platforms.
Time Commitment: ~5 hours/month including 2 hour monthly ESC meeting, 1 hour Record of Decisions
doc prep, 1 hour prep, .5 Report prep (does not include time on ESC subcommittee)
ESC MEMBER KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS
•Have a deep commitment to ESC’s mission
•Have a basic understanding of our work (e.g., read onboarding packet, Chapter 23, and Sec. 23-52,
Sustainability & Resilience Community Action Plan)
•Prepare for and attend all ESC Committee meetings (crucial)
•Join at least one subcommittee and attend all meetings
•Attend and participate in ESC events (e.g., Earth Day) and commitments (e.g., dedications)
•Complete action items and advance ESC mission between meetings
•Attend and possibly participate in City Commission meetings
•Be an active “doer” -- ESC members are expected to be active doers (those that get things done; not
just attend meetings) and be leaders who contribute their connections, knowledge, expertise, and
energy to make a difference.
Time Commitment: ~6 hours/month (4 hours or meeting time and 2 hours of homework/meeting prep
time)
Agenda Item #1.A.
09 Oct 2024
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SUBCOMMITEE DESCRIPTIONS
Tree Subcommiitee – Meets 4th Wednesday 6-8pm ET (starting September 2024)
The main purposes of the Tree Subcommittee include:
•Review tree permits to verity they are in accordance with Chapter 23
•Measure, protect and expand (where possible) the tree canopy
•Oversee ESC’s charge in regards to beautification
•Make recommendations on how to strategically spend the tree mitigation fund
Chair’s duties, role and expectations:
Duties
•Meet with Tree Subcommittee members monthly
•Create meeting agendas
•Chair meetings
•Ensure that minutes are taken
•Supply staff with meeting reports
•Report updates to ESC
•Oversee any Tree Subcommittee working groups
Role
•Leader of Tree Subcommittee members and volunteers
•Representative for the Tree Subcommittee
•Coordinator of activities between COAB tree canopy activities and ESC
•Driver of Tree Subcommittee activities
Expectations
•Ensure that Tree Subcommittee and ESC priorities are pursued
•Ensure that ESC is communicating to the community effectively about the tree canopy
•Support ESC and other ESC subcommittees as needed regarding tree canopy content
Time Commitment: ~2-3 hours/month
Outreach Subcommittee – Meets 3rd Wednesday 4:45-6pm ET
Scope: Creating and sharing educational information externally to the community at large on what COAB
and ESC are doing regarding environmental stewardship.
OSC’s Chair’s duties, role, and expectations:
Duties
•Meet with OSC members monthly
•Create meeting agendas
•Chair meetings
•Ensure that minutes are taken
•Supply staff with meeting reports
•Report updates to ESC
•Oversee any OSC working groups
Agenda Item #1.A.
09 Oct 2024
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•Meet with Kevin Hogencamp monthly
Role
•Leader of OSC members and volunteers
•Representative for the OSC
•Coordinator of activities between COAB Marketing and OSC
•Driver of OSC activities
Expectations
•Ensure that OSC and ESC priorities are pursued
•Ensure that ESC is communicating to the community effectively
•Ensure that environmental stewardship remains the OSC focus
•Ensure that all communications represent the COAB brand
•Ensure creative excellence in all activities
Time Commitment: ~6-6.5 hours/month including 1 hour agenda prep, 1 hr prep and meeting with
Kevin, 2 hour OSC meeting, 1 hour minutes prep, 1 -1.5 hrs prep. Does not include project-specific work.
Sustainability & Resilience Subcommittee (S&R) – Meets 4th Thursday 9-10am ET
The main purposes of the S&R Subcommittee include:
•Ensure the COAB Sustainability & Resilience Community Action Plan continues to be
implemented and progress reported annually
•Oversees ESC’s charge regarding Parks & Open Spaces and Environmental Stewardship
•Works with staff, Commission and community at large on sustainability and resilience matters
and efforts
S&R’s Chair’s duties, role, and expectations:
Duties
•Meet with S&R members monthly
•Create meeting agendas
•Chair meetings
•Ensure that minutes are taken
•Supply staff with meeting reports
•Report updates to ESC
•Oversee any S&R working groups
Role
•Leader of S&R members and volunteers
•Representative for the S&R
•Coordinator of activities between COAB’s sustainability and resilience efforts and ESC
•Driver of S&R activities for ESC
Expectations
•Ensure that S&R and ESC priorities are pursued
•Ensure that ESC is communicating to the community effectively about S&R
•Ensure that S&R CAP is continually implemented and improved – many side calls and
projects
Time Commitment: ~2-3 hours/week (12 hours/month)
Agenda Item #1.A.
09 Oct 2024
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Environmental Stewardship Committee Tree Subcommittee
August 28, 2024
MINUTES
Environmental Stewardship Committee Tree
Subcommittee Meeting
Wednesday, August 28, 2024 – 6:00 PM
City Hall, Commission Chamber
800 Seminole Road, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
Present: Subcommittee Members - Bruce Andrews, Amy Palmer, Daniel Giovannucci,
Mark Gabrynowicz, Sarah Boren
Staff – none
Absent: None
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Called to order at 6:10 p.m.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
2.A. None.
3. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR (5 MINS.)
None
4. REPORTS
None.
5. OLD BUSINESS
A. Amy reminded us that we still need to work on a “state of the trees” report
B. We agreed that we should ask staff to take ownership of revised language for tree
protection during construction. It needs to be effective but also feasible.
C. We had long discussion of language of Chapter 23-14. It was agreed that Bruce would
bring the documented changes for approval by ESC at the September meeting.
6. NEW BUSINESS
None.
7. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Attest: Bruce Andrews
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Agenda Item #5.A.
09 Oct 2024
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Environmental Stewardship Committee Outreach Subcommittee
September 18, 2024
MINUTES
Environmental Stewardship Committee
Outreach Subcommittee Meeting
Wednesday, September 18, 2024 - 4:45 PM
City Hall, Commission Chamber
800 Seminole Road, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
Present: Anastasia Houston
Mark Gabrynowicz
Heather Markaj
Sarah Boren
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
2. TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION
Outreach, education and engagement matters relating to environmental
stewardship
2.A.1 ESC DECEMBER AWARDS CEREMONY – update from Sarah
• $7k left in all the planning Dept that is unencumbered - we can maybe get it extended by Bill
• Sarah has put together a sponsorship packet with benefits. We need to brainstorm sponsors to
approach and come up with creative sponsorship level names. $1K for title sponsor and down
from there.
• A platform to accept money??? Need to figure that out
• Keep the winners a surprise until that night
• Winners will receive a “trophy” of some sort - possible reclaimed wood / metal like Sarah has
done for previous events with Eco Relics partnership
• Need a way to visually recognize the nominees and winners at the event – pins? buttons?
corsage? Special nametag?
• Anastasia to help with the event planning and theme and décor aspect of party
• To-Do List Items:
• design infographic to promote the registration for the event and call for nominations –
Anastasia to handle
• Nominations
• Judging
• Powerpoint Presentation design
• Physical Awards
• Logistics of actual event – theme for event, layout for food, rental items, timeline
2.A.2. Discussion about the upcoming Election Vote for Changes to the Community Charter. How can
we promote and “yes” vote that would ensure we get the environmental verbiage included? Should ESC
promote that, or can we even promote that? Probably best to promote this on personal pages rather than
from ESC.
2.A.3. How To Series — need to come up with the instagram / newsletter infographic for this and
continue to promote heavily; this is more difficult now that we don’t have our own newsletter
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Agenda Item #5.B.
09 Oct 2024
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Environmental Stewardship Committee Outreach Subcommittee
September 18, 2024
2.A.4. Community Meeting — Sarah will handle the graphics for this meeting. Sarah donating food.
Sarah will handle capturing email addresses and RSVPs. Tim will be moderating the meeting.
2.A.5. Arbor Day — need to order trees for tree giveaway, 2 species preferred. Will Patrick run point
on this again?
2.A.6. Earth Day — no tree giveaway this time, just an event. Anastasia to run point on this again
2.A.7. Community Orchard — Heather getting budget put together to bring to ESC to vote on and
accept and then it goes to Commission to approve tree funds to be utilized. It was suggested that she
maybe consult with Tim Armstrong on layout and specific species
2.A.8. TREE-A-THON for 2025 — Anastasia needs to flesh out the campaign and details and come to
next ESC meeting with it
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS (5 MINS.)
4. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m.
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Agenda Item #5.B.
09 Oct 2024
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June 6, 2024
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MINUTES
Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC)
Compost Hands On Workshop (HOW)
Thursday, June 6, 2024 6PM
Commission Chamber
1. TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION
1.A. How to compost
i. Speaker, Tiffany Bess from Apple Rabbit Composting, shared a presentation and many
hands on displays and resources about how to compost
Agenda Item #5.C.
09 Oct 2024
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June 6, 2024
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MINUTES
Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC)
Edible Garden Hands On Workshop (HOW)
Thursday, October 3, 2024 6PM
Commission Chamber
1. TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION
1.A. How to create an edible garden
i. Speaker, Tim Armstrong with Eat Your Yard Jax nonprofit, shared a presentation and
and resources about how to create an edible garden and the nonprofit.
Agenda Item #5.D.
09 Oct 2024
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WHO WE ARE
PROTECT OUR
SALT MARSHWETLANDS
The City of Atlantic Beach is blessed by an expansive
estuarine salt marsh environment along the
Intracoastal Waterway. The salt marsh helps to define
our character and “personality” where protection of
these natural resources are day-to-day priorities of both
residents and elected officials.
The City’s goals and objectives for the salt marsh are
Preserve and enhance the salt marsh environment
Maintain water quality and marine habitat
Conserve native vegetation and wildlife habitat
Promote passive recreation
Protect scenic value
City of Atlantic Beach
Planning & Community Development
800 Seminole Road
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
904-247-5800
Agenda Item #7.D.09 Oct 2024Page 17 of 45
WHAT IS A SALT MARSH REQUIRED UPLANDBUFFERS
WHAT YOU CAN DO
IMPORTANCE
Salt marshes are grassy coastal wetlands
rich in marine life.
Distinctive features:
lack of trees
occur in a zone between low and high
tides
located in estuaries
comprised of a variety of plants, mainly
rushes, sedges, and grasses
Wetlands are vital to the health of our
environment. Salt marsh bacteria clean up the
environment by breaking down waste and
decaying organisms. Salt marsh grasses
provide natural filtration of debris and impurities
that helps to neutralize and balance the
ecosystem.
Without wetlands to buffer the effects of floods,
uplands along the shoreline would flood more
frequently costing property owners, and those
affected by flood losses, higher insurance
premiums. Maintaining a buffer between open
water and the uplands is an economical way to
protect property.
Protection from hurricane waves
Erosion protection
Buffer for floodwaters
Wildlife habitat
Water quality
BENEFITS OF UPLAND BUFFERS
Located in critical transitions between uplands
and wetlands
25' in width per Section 24-271
Measured from the wetland line
Maintained in natural condition
No turf or fertilizer application
Due to coastal development and sea level rise, large
extents of salt marshes in Florida have been lost. We
must act now to preserve these vital ecosystems.
Together, we can:
Maintain a 25' buffer from wetlands
Reduce pollution - limit use of fertilizers and
pesticides
Protect and/or reintroduce native plants
Report illegal activity - unauthorized wetland filling,
dredging, cutting, or polluting
Work with a land trust to create a protected reserve
Pick up litter
Help others learn about wetlands
Agenda Item #7.D.09 Oct 2024Page 18 of 45
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
PLANNING, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & BUILDING
800 Seminole Road
Atlantic Beach, Florida 32233
(904) 247-5817
July 23, 2024
Subject: Protecting Our Valuable Shoreline & Wetlands: Your Role
Dear Marsh Front Property Owner,
Our vibrant saltmarshes and shoreline buffers play a crucial role in protecting our community.
These natural areas filter pollutants, provide vital habitat for fish and wildlife, absorb
floodwater during storms, and maintain surface water flow during dry periods. This translates
to cleaner water, healthier ecosystems, and a more resilient coastline for everyone.
Many marsh front properties have a designated upland buffer area on your property survey.
This buffer, typically 25 feet wide, is required by City regulations (Section 24-271) and
should be maintained in a natural, undisturbed state. This means preserving the existing
native vegetation, which helps the buffer function at its best.
Per City code, the following are expressly prohibited in the upland buffer:
•Heavy machinery: Filling, dredging, or compacting the soil can damage the wetland's
health.
•Dumping: Keep the buffer free of trash, yard waste, or any other debris.
•Removing healthy native trees: Leave them standing! They provide shade, habitat,
and erosion control.
•Clearing native vegetation: Marsh grasses and other native plants are essential for
the buffer's function.
•Non-native landscaping: Avoid planting non-native species, sod, or using
fertilizers/pesticides, as they can harm the delicate ecosystem.
Working Together to Restore:
If your buffer appears neglected or altered, please contact Brian Broedell, the City principal
planner and environmental coordinator, at (904) 247-5822 or bbroedell@coab.us. Brian can
provide guidance and resources to help you restore this crucial area.
By working together, we can ensure the continued health of our shorelines, wetlands, and our
coastal environment for generations to come.
Sincerely,
Amanda L. Askew
Director of Planning, Community Development and Building
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