HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnvironmental Stewardship Committee Sustainability & Resiliency Subcommittee - 23 Jan 2025 - Minutes - PdfEnvironmental Stewardship Committee Sustainability & Resiliency Subcommittee
January 23, 2025
MINUTES
Environmental Stewardship Committee
Sustainability & Resiliency Subcommittee Meeting
Thursday, January 23, 2025 - 9:00 AM
City Hall, Commission Chamber
800 Seminole Road, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
Present: Sarah Boren, Chair
Todd Miner
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m.
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS (5 MINUTES)
No public comments were submitted.
3. TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION
3.A. Sustainability and Resilience Matters and Community Action Plan
Summary of Discussion:
1. Review of 2024-2025 Commission Priorities:
o Marsh Priority Projects: Identify projects consistent with the adaptation plan, with
an update due by August 2025.
o Sustainability Goals: Develop goals for city projects, buildings, and land. The
planning director will oversee completion.
o Implementation Schedule: Create a timeline for implementing sustainability goals
in city operations.
o Water Conservation: Collaborate with public utilities to achieve a 15% water usage
reduction, focusing on education and technology improvements.
o Reducing Biocides: Promote education and case studies on reducing biocide use.
2. Coordination with City Staff:
o Members emphasized the need to meet with Amanda and other city staff to align
efforts.
o Proposal to invite staff to future meetings or schedule separate working sessions.
3. Marsh and Wetland Protection:
o Discussed strategies for marsh and wetland protection, including the use of speaker
series to bring in subject matter experts.
o Identified the need for internal and public education to support resilience efforts.
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Environmental Stewardship Committee Sustainability & Resiliency Subcommittee
January 23, 2025
o Action Item: Research best practices and existing state or regional plans that can be
leveraged.
4. Invasive Species Management:
o Plans to continue reducing invasive species in dunes, wetlands, marshes, and parks.
o Suggested community service days and potential grant applications for invasive
species identification and removal.
5. Committee Structure and Standardization:
o Members discussed the potential impacts of committee standardization on current
responsibilities and priorities.
o Emphasis on the need to streamline tasks if standardization occurs.
o Action Item: Prepare for upcoming commission decisions regarding committee
structures.
6. Parks and Open Spaces:
o Agreed to focus on marsh protection and invasive species management under this
category.
o Proposed the idea of school partnerships for park stewardship to increase volunteer
engagement.
7. LEED Certification and Metrics:
o Discussion on the city’s commitment to LEED certification and the need to confirm
re-certification plans.
o Action Item: Ask at ESC and Commission Joint Workshop about interest to seek
LEED recertification.
Final Decisions:
• Proceed with identifying marsh priority projects and sustainability goals as per commission
directives.
• Schedule a meeting with Amanda to align efforts and clarify roles.
• Focus on marsh protection, invasive species management, and water conservation education.
• Prepare for potential committee standardization and its impact on priorities.
• Confirm the city’s commitment to LEED re-certification and develop a strategy for meeting
certification requirements.
Next Steps/Action Items:
1. Meet with Amanda to discuss sustainability goals and project timelines.
2. Research best practices for marsh and wetland protection.
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Environmental Stewardship Committee Sustainability & Resiliency Subcommittee
January 23, 2025
3. Plan community service days for invasive species removal.
4. Confirm the city’s LEED re-certification status and identify necessary steps.
5. Prepare for potential changes in committee structure and responsibilities.
6. Explore partnerships with local schools for park stewardship programs.
4. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:43am.
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