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4-14-25 Commission Workshop - Presentation of Environmental Stewardship Committee's Priorities Agenda City of Atlantic Beach Agenda - Commission Workshop Presentation of the Environmental Stewardship Committee's Priorities Monday, April 14, 2025 - 5:30 p.m. City Hall, Commission Chamber 800 Seminole Road, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 Pledge of Allegiance Page(s) CALL TO ORDER 1. PRESENTATION BY ESC CHAIR 1.A. Presentation Documents Draft email to Commissioners Proposed priorities Tree Mitigation Fund 2025 Proposed Spending Plan Venn Diagram Permission List LEED Slide Short Videos on LEED for Cities 20250414 ESC Slides for Priorities Workshop 3 - 27 ADJOURNMENT 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 Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 286.26, Florida Statutes, persons with disabilities needing special accommodation to participate in this meeting should contact the City Clerk’s Office at (904) 247-5821 or at City Hall, 800 Seminole Road, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233, prior to the meeting. Page 1 of 27 Page 2 of 27 Dear Commissioners – The ESC looks forward to its 30‐minute PrioriƟes Workshop with you on Monday, April 14th. Please review the enclosed materials and come prepared with quesƟons and answers to the quesƟons in red. Agenda  ESC’s Top Five PrioriƟes (Top 5 PrioriƟes / Venn Diagram) – 10 minutes o Does Commission have any heartburn with any of these prioriƟes? o Please clarify what happens if Commission does not adopt any or only a few of these proposed prioriƟes? Is ESC sƟll allowed to work on them but to not expect any fiscal or significant staff support?  ESC’s Permission List (Permission List) – 5 minutes o Is there anything on this list that Commission DOES NOT want ESC to work on in FY 2025‐2026?  LEED for CiƟes RecerƟficaƟon History, Benefits, and Costs (Slide / Website / Short Videos) – 15 minutes o What quesƟons and/or concerns do you have about LEED for CiƟes recerƟficaƟon? If you want to discuss anything beforehand, I or any of the ESC members are more than happy to have a call or meet with you. Thank you for your Ɵme, consideraƟon, and, as always, your diligent leadership. All my best, Sarah Enclosed Materials  Top Five PrioriƟes  Tree MiƟgaƟon Fund 2025 AcƟon & Spending Plan  Venn Diagram  Sustainability & Resilience Community AcƟon Plan  Permission List  LEED for CiƟes Slide, Website, and List of Short Videos  4/14/25 ESC Powerpoint Agenda Item #1.A.14 Apr 2025 Page 3 of 27 Page 4 of 27 ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE ESC PRIORITIES FOR COMMISSION TO ADOPT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 THAT REQUIRE FUNDING AND/OR SIGNIFICANT STAFF TIME Improved communications and consistent community engagement are key and fundamental ingredients to the success of these proposed priorities. 1. Approve Tree Mitigation Fund 2025-2026 Action & Spending Plan Commission to approve ESC’s Tree Mitigation Fund 2025-2026 Action & Spending Plan in Q2 2025 Note: These funds are separate from the general fund and can be approved anytime 2. Decide on Chapter 23 revision recommendations Commission to consider proposed revisions to Chapter 23 in 2025 3. Incentivize Protection of Mature Trees Commission to direct staff to support ESC’s research and proposals on incentive programs to encourage developers and homeowners to save trees versus removing them and bring final recommendations to Commission 4. Create Tree Report Commission to direct staff to help ESC create quarterly and an annual tree report 5. Work towards 2050 Goals & Recertification Commission to direct staff to work towards 2050 goals in Sustainability and Resilience Community Action Plan (S&RCAP) and recertification in 2027 and seek support and guidance from ESC where appropriate ESC PURPOSE IN CHAPTER 23 MUNICIPAL CODE PURPOSE #1: To study and make recommendations to the city commission and city staff with respect to the city's: a. Maritime forest; b. Parks and open spaces; c. Beautification of public and private spaces d. Environmental stewardship. PURPOSE #2: To act as a motivating and coordinating body to encourage joint public and private participation in promoting these purposes Agenda Item #1.A.14 Apr 2025 Page 5 of 27 Page 6 of 27 PROPOSED 2025 Tree Mitigation Fund Action & Spending Plan Purpose: Be more strategic and proactive in how we add canopy back to the city. Fund Balance as of 4/10/2025 340,704$ Proposed spending plan amount 132,500$ In progress Completed CATEGORY % OF FUND BUDGETED % IN ACTUAL DOLLARS NOTES City street plantings in public right of ways 23%30,000$ 30 trees at $1,000 each - locations TBD; Watering has been a challenge City park replacement plantings 8%10,000$ Replace dead/dangerous trees that may have been untended for yearsUnplanned city-directed plantings 8%10,000$ City entrance Atlantic Blvd & Seminole ($15k approved)0%Plan is in process after losing Cypress trees City entrance for Mayport Road (by Arby's) - $7k approved 0%Replicate plant materials planned for Atlantic & Seminole entrance; location has no irrigation and is smaller Mayport Road Greenway set-aside 15%20,000$ Mayport Road TBD 2025-2026 with FDOT construction; Low maintenance landscaping (no trees probably due to line of sight issues) Dutton Island assessment and pilot to replant losses 0%-$ Seek $70k from COJ or another grant; There are serious concerns about using COAB Tree Fund for a task as big as Dutton and as "distant" from the neighborhoods that generated the loss. It could easily wipe out a large chunk of the fund and may be questionable as a direct benefit to residents. Edible Orchard 11%15,000$ Researching Marsh Oaks Community Center, Tides View, and ABE locations City Free Front Yard Plantings (Spring/March)8%10,000$ 20 trees in Spring (March) City Free Front Yard Planting (Fall/November)8%10,000$ 20 trees each in Fall (November) Community Tree Giveaways (2x year)4%5,000$ Spent 150 trees at $17.50 each for Jan 2025; Spent $3k in Jan 2024 & $5300 in April 2025; Events in January & October Heritage Tree Preservation 4%5,000$ 2025 Idea: Start with the 4-5 public Heritage trees most in need of care 2024 Idea: Pilot grant; Designated trees only; No match required as it adds too much administrative burden; Citizens have to apply, agree, sign waiver, etc. Canopy Health Data & State of the Trees 8%10,000$ 2025 Idea: Consolidate data with input from ESC, CoJ, and staff and formulate (with expert) recommendations for Commission 2024 Ideas: Tree inventory of parks; piggyback on COJ; seed money for statistical sampling and framework; tree inventory grant; IFAS Master Arborist/Gardener train the trainer; Learning Gardens 0%-$ Planning staff really wants to do Raingarden Demonstration project, Marshside Erosion Pilot Project, and Howell Park Littoral Planting Education & Outreach 6%7,500$ Improve community understanding of regulations, tree care, and sustainable landscapes with information and expert speakers RESERVE (5%)Reserve -$ Total 100%132,500$ DIRECT TREE REPLACEMENT (60%) MATURE TREE PROTECTION & CANOPY HEALTH DATA (20%) COMMUNITY LEARNING GARDENS & EDUCATION (15%)Agenda Item #1.A.14 Apr 2025Page 7 of 27 Page 8 of 27 COMMISSIONER PRIORITIES FOR ESC FROM CONVERSATIONS IN LATE 2024 • Keep providing research • Keep presenting science-based facts • Keep doing what you are doing • Dunes and Marshes • Trees • LEED recertification • Stormwater • Communication tied to customer service • Educational programs including with all schools • Advocate for trees and open spaces • Infrastructure • Welcome box/letter • Continue to evolve on trees -- existing aged out trees, incentives, proper pruning education • Lifting / waterproofing lift stations • Compost hub at Buccaneer • 18th Street Trees – roots showing and nothing supporting them • Keep enforcing tree ordinance ESC PRIORITIES FOR COMMISSION TO CONSIDER THAT NEED FUNDING/STAFF TIME • Approve Tree Mitigation Fund 2025-2026 Action & Spending Plan • Create tree report • Work towards 2050 goals in Sustainability and Resilience Community Action Plan (S&RCAP) and recertification • Reduce invasive species • Achieve 15% water conservation goal • Approve planned outreach and educational programs • Incentivize protection of mature trees • Improve communications COMMON PRIORITIES • Trees • 2050 Goals & Recertification includes: o Stormwater o Resiliency o Composting o Infrastructure o Community o Invasives o Conservation • Education & community outreach • Communications Working Venn Diagram of Stated Common Priorities by ESC and City Commission Agenda Item #1.A.14 Apr 2025Page 9 of 27 Page 10 of 27 ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE PERMISSION LIST ESC PRIORITIES, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND ONGOING ITEMS TO WORK ON AFTER FOCUSING ON ALIGNED COMMISSION PRIORITIES Commission – Is there anything below you DO NOT want ESC to work on in FY 2025-2026? Additional priorities for ESC to work on AFTER Focusing Aligned Commission Priorities (time & capacity permitting) -- • Achieve 15% Water Conservation Goal -- Commission to direct staff to support ESC in helping community achieve 15% residential water conservation goal per the N FL Water Supply Plan (Environmental Stewardship) • Reduce invasive species -- Commission to direct staff to support ESC in reducing invasive species (Beautification & Parks and Open Spaces) • Research & Plan -- Develop, propose, and, if approved by Commission, implement a long-term tree plan that includes projecting future needs such as replacement for aging & dying trees, developing a calendar, list of locations, and estimated cost for tree planting in parks, public spaces and along streets and rights-of-way (Maritime Forest) • Research best practices and solutions for marsh and wetland protection. Work towards restoring and maintaining critical wetlands and marshes. (Parks and Open Spaces) • Coordinate Stewards of the Park Program -- Coordinate a “Stewards/Friends of the Park” program for passive parks (Parks and Open Spaces & Organizational Excellence) • Mayport Road Construction – Work with staff and Commission to propose a resolution to FDOT to incorporate trees and landscaping lining Mayport Road and East Coast Greenway. (Beautification) • Enhance public spaces -- Assess opportunities in public rights of way, roadsides, City buildings, beach accesses and other publicly held properties with art, carefully maintained landscape design and plantings to attract pollinators and birds using native, Florida-friendly plants, and city plant palette, water conservation, and limited chemicals. (Beautification) • Bee City Designation – Work with staff to seek Bee City USA designation (Environmental Stewardship) • Identify marsh priority projects consistent with the Adaptation Plan update by 8/25 (Parks and Open Spaces) • Identify sustainability goals for City projects, City buildings, and City land (Environmental Stewardship) • Reduce city and community use of toxic pesticides, herbicides, insecticides (e.g., biocides) through education and case studies. (Environmental Stewardship) ESC to Research and Make Recommendations on AFTER Focusing Aligned Commission Priorities (time & capacity permitting) – Agenda Item #1.A.14 Apr 2025Page 11 of 27 • Parks Master Plan – Propose recommendation to Commission to approve updated Parks Master Plan (Parks and Open Spaces) • Dutton Island Trees – Research cause for trees dying, possible solutions, and make recommendations (Parks and Open Spaces) • Flooding & Stormwater Management – Research best practices, work with staff and consultant(s), and make recommendations to ensure AB has sufficient stormwater storage and mitigates inland flooding during extreme weather and regular weather into future. (Environmental Stewardship) • 100 W 1st Street Community Center – Propose recommendations to renovate to green and resilient standards and serve as a model demonstration building that educates the public about what is possible and inspires other AB buildings to do the same. (Environmental Stewardship) • Voluntary Resilient & Green Building Ordinance – Propose recommendations for a voluntary resilient & green building ordinance that will help property owners protect their asset(s), save money and resources, and avoid need for rebuilding. (Environmental Stewardship) • Reclaimed Water – Propose recommendations about reclaimed water opportunities in our community. (Environmental Stewardship) • Improve signage – Propose recommendations for improved signage in our parks (Beautification) • Increase greenery / Reduce concrete – Research beautification opportunities and make recommendations on how to implement next year • Learning gardens – Propose recommendations for different types of learning gardens to consider next year (Environmental Stewardship) • Local Green Business Program – Assess possible partnership with a local nonprofit on voluntary green business program to save money, resources, reduce waste, energy, and water, increase education and awareness, and build community. (Environmental Stewardship) • Floating Solar – Review opportunities for a pilot floating solar array in a retention pond. (Environmental Stewardship) Agenda Item #1.A.14 Apr 2025Page 12 of 27 ESC ONGOING ITEMS MARITIME CANOPY • Educate/lobby/outreach regarding tree canopy preservation and benefits of trees • Update/refine Chapter 23 annually (Q1 – ideally before budget season) • Learn best practices from other cities/counties in Florida and beyond • Partner with universities, nonprofits, and subject matter experts where appropriate and possible • Maintain “Tree City USA” status PARKS & OPEN SPACES • Increase access to and quantity of green spaces • Advise on long term health of parks and open spaces – Work to keep all parks, preserves, and open spaces healthy. • Enhance connectivity and walkability between parks and open spaces • Educate/outreach about the benefits of parks and open spaces BEAUTIFICATION • Input from Commission on their priorities and ideas for beautification • Input from community regarding continuous improvement on beautification • Educate/outreach about benefits of low impact beautification ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP • Continue to work with staff departments on improving performance score and marching toward 2050 goals in Sustainability and Resilience Community Action Plan (S&RCAP) where possible • Provide guidance and support to staff on city plans/ordinances that involve environmental stewardship where possible and feasible • Educate/outreach about benefits of holistic approach to environmental stewardship OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE • Continue to improve communications work with staff, Commission, other city boards/committees, and community at large • Continue to improve internal processes such as meeting efficiency, onboarding new members, volunteer recruitment, self-evaluation, event promotion and hosting, etc. • Continue to serve as motivating, coordinating, and educating body for the community at large Agenda Item #1.A.14 Apr 2025Page 13 of 27 PROPOSED 2025-2026 EVENTS 2025 • Arbor Day Tree Giveaway (January 12) -- Completed • Arbor Day Celebration Tree City USA Requirement (January 17) -- Completed • Awards (April 23) – In Progress • Earth Day (April 27 Farmers Market) – Monarch Pledge and Free Tree sign-up – In Progress • Educational Speaker Series (Monthly; 1st Thursday) – In Progress • Topics to date: Marsh & Wetlands; Plastics; Compost; Choose an Arborist; Edible Garden • Future topics: Landscaping for Birds; UNF Bee Campus & Your Yard; How to make your home, community, and yourself more resilient • Community Service Days (Quarterly) – In Progress • Events to date: Brazilian Pepper Tree Removal at Tides View • Planned in Future: April Partner Clean Up Event with BGG; May Howell Park Littoral Planting; Tree Pruning Day • Film Series (Quarterly / Bi-annually) • October Tree Giveaway (October) • Annual Community Input Meeting (Oct/Nov) 2026 • Arbor Day Tree Giveaway • Arbor Day Celebration Tree City USA Requirement (January 16) • Awards (February) • Earth Day Event (April) • Educational Speaker Series (Monthly) • Film Series (Quarterly / Bi-annually) • Community Service Days (Quarterly) • October Tree Giveaway (October) • Annual Community Input Meeting (Oct/Nov) Agenda Item #1.A.14 Apr 2025Page 14 of 27 LEED for Cities Recertification: History, Benefits & Costs History •2018 Commission Priority •2019 First city in Florida to achieve Silver certification under pilot rating system •2022 First city in world to recertify Gold through pilot and 4.1 versions •2022 Commission approved Sustainability & Resilience Community Action Plan (requirement of certification) Benefits •Reduces insurance rates •Strengthens financial stewardship •Enhances governance & planning •Mitigates risk •Measures performance •Fosters community engagement •Improves internal communications and collaboration between departments •Demonstrates leadership Costs •$8,000 recertification fee – covers five years •GHG Inventory – pro bono •Staff time – estimate 60% less than before •Student intern •ESC members pro bono •UNF / JU capstone project Agenda Item #1.A.14 Apr 2025Page 15 of 27 Page 16 of 27 Short Videos on LEED for Cities & Communities Overview Video (7:01) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0arx2tsTUfg Natural Systems (5:13) https://youtu.be/UXxmcT9_4gQ?si=D6d2ZhywrHodEO_f Quality of Life (10:27) https://youtu.be/Vvq68E4lvSE?si=bkDnZXHZu5sjXC72 Water Efficiency (4:28) https://youtu.be/vyBr289oPz0?si=yFVXrCjWlrlJSOx9 Materials and Resources (6:02) https://youtu.be/ccn6aieno3I?si=yUfzGdE5YiQZAUWe Transportation and Land Use (6:47) https://youtu.be/XGkfJ6j49PY?si=wEAhmryf26OzVu9j Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions (8:48) https://youtu.be/CObi8vPBSew?si=aS2vSEw_hijXtIYc Integrative Process (2:55) https://youtu.be/99nIixLE0J0?si=ZOFKpgYu688nl336 Agenda Item #1.A.14 Apr 2025 Page 17 of 27 Page 18 of 27 •ESC’s Top Five Priorities (10 minutes) •ESC’s Permission List (5 minutes) •LEED for Cities Recertification History, Benefits, and Cost (15 minutes) 4/14/25 PRIORITIES WORKSHOP AGENDA Agenda Item #1.A.14 Apr 2025Page 19 of 27 1.Studies and makes recommendations to and responds to requests from the commission and staff with respect to: •Maritime forest; •Parks and open spaces; •Beautification of public and private spaces; •Environmental stewardship. 2.Acts as a motivating and coordinating body to encourage joint public and private participation in promoting these purposes. ESC Purpose (by ordinance passed in 2017)Agenda Item #1.A.14 Apr 2025Page 20 of 27 ESC Top Five Priorities for Commission to Adopt for FY 2025-2026 THESE PRIORITIES REQUIRE FUNDING AND/OR SIGNIFICANT STAFF TIME FULL DOCUMENT Improved communications and consistent community engagement are key and fundamental ingredients to the success of these proposed priorities. 1.Approve Tree Mitigation Fund 2025-2026 Action & Spending Plan Commission to approve ESC’s Tree Mitigation Fund 2025-2026 Action & Spending Plan in Q2 2025 2.Decide on Chapter 23 revision recommendations Commission to consider proposed revisions to Chapter 23 in 2025 3.Incentivize Protection of Mature Trees Commission to direct staff to support ESC’s research and proposals on incentive programs to encourage developers and homeowners to save trees versus removing them and bring final recommendations to Commission 4.Create Tree Report Commission to direct staff to help ESC create quarterly and an annual tree report 5.Work towards 2050 Goals & Recertification Commission to direct staff to work towards 2050 goals in Sustainability and Resilience Community Action Plan (S&RCAP) and recertification in 2027 and seek support and guidance from ESC where appropriate Agenda Item #1.A.14 Apr 2025Page 21 of 27 1.Does Commission have any heartburn with any of these priorities? 2.What happens if Commission does not adopt any or only a few of these proposed priorities? Is ESC still allowed to work on them but to not expect any fiscal or significant staff support? Discussion Regarding Top Five Priorities Agenda Item #1.A.14 Apr 2025Page 22 of 27 ESC Permission List AFTER FOCUSING ON ALIGNED COMMISSION PRIORITIES FULL DOCUMENT Additional priorities Research & Recommendations Ongoing Items Education & Community Outreach Agenda Item #1.A.14 Apr 2025Page 23 of 27 1.Is there anything on the permission list that Commission DOES NOT want ESC to work on in FY 2025-2026? 2.Time and capacity permitting, does ESC have Commission’s permission to work on the additional priorities, research and recommendations, ongoing items, and education and community outreach? Discussion Regarding Permission List Agenda Item #1.A.14 Apr 2025Page 24 of 27 LEED for Cities Recertification: History, Benefits & Costs History •2018 Commission Priority •2019 First city in Florida to achieve Silver certification under pilot rating system •2022 First city in world to recertify Gold through pilot and 4.1 versions •2022 Commission approved Sustainability & Resilience Community Action Plan (requirement of certification) Benefits •Reduces insurance rates •Strengthens financial stewardship •Enhances governance & planning •Mitigates risk •Measures performance •Fosters community engagement •Improves internal communications and collaboration between departments •Demonstrates leadership Costs •$8,000 recertification fee – covers five years •GHG Inventory – pro bono •Staff time – estimate 60% less than before •Student intern •ESC members pro bono •UNF / JU capstone project Website / Short Videos Agenda Item #1.A.14 Apr 2025Page 25 of 27 1.What are your questions and/or concerns? Discussion Regarding Recertification Agenda Item #1.A.14 Apr 2025Page 26 of 27 THANK YOU Agenda Item #1.A.14 Apr 2025Page 27 of 27