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6-11-25 ESC Adopted MinutesMINUTES AW 3 Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) Meeting Wednesday, June 11, 2025 - 6:00 PM City Hall, Commission Chamber 800 Seminole Road, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 Present: Bruce Andrews, ESC Member Jeannie Gracy, ESC Member Christina Kelcourse, ESC Member Amy Franqui, ESC Member Sarah Boren, ESC Chair Daniele Giovannucci, ESC Member Absent: Amy Palmer, ESC Member Anastasia Houston, ESC Member Todd Miner, ESC Member Also Present: Amanda Askew, Neighborhoods Department Dir. (NDD) 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Sarah Boren introduced herself as the Chair of the ESC and called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. She welcomed new members Amy, Christina, and Jeannie, expressing excitement for their expertise, energy, and fresh perspectives. Sarah noted that Amy Palmer, Anastasia Houston, and Todd Miner were not present. 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chair Boren asked for consensus to move item 9A up before the consent agenda to allow new members to get to know each other before voting and full discussion items. The committee agreed. 3. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR (5 MINS.) Mark Gabrynowicz addressed the committee, welcoming the new members and acknowledging the challenges of serving on the committee. He emphasized the importance of preparation, understanding agenda items before meetings, and balancing personal obligations with committee responsibilities. Mr. Gabrynowicz encouraged members to maintain their passion, not compromise their values, and be prepared to listen to different viewpoints. 4. CHAIR REMARKS Chair Boren provided several updates: • The speaker series will be on break for June and July due to past attendance and lack of speaker availability. It will resume from August through December. • Ordinance 95-25-124 passed at the last meeting, with Dan expected to report on it later. • A sign-up sheet was circulated for members to volunteer to attend future commission meetings, aiming to improve communication between ESC and the commission. Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) June 11, 2025 Page 1 of 6 • Commissioner Grant suggested at recent Commission meetings (May 27th and June 9th) that ESC explore incentivizing the protection of mature trees. The idea involves offering discounts on tree permit fees or mitigation fees if homeowners or developers meet with ESC to explore ways to save trees rather than cutting them down. 5. CONSENT AGENDA The consent agenda was approved. 6. 90 DAY CALENDAR A. Chair Boren highlighted two upcoming vulnerability assessment workshops: • June 16th with the commission • June 25th for citizen input She explained that these workshops would allow for more collaborative discussions and feedback on the draft assessment. Chair Boren encouraged members to attend one or both sessions. 7. COMMISSION AND/OR STAFF REPORTS Monthly Tree Report Director Askew presented the May tree report: • 10 permit applications • 8 trees removed (127 inches total) • 11 trees planted (119 inches total) • $1,987.50 paid into the tree mitigation fund • 11 arborist letters covering 13 tree removals Director Askew mentioned that the report is now available on the city website under the permits section. Dan Giovanucci asked for clarification on the discrepancy between permit applications and trees removed. Director Askew explained that some permits might not have been issued or trees removed yet, as the process can take time. Chair Boren requested adding the report finalization date and the total amount in the tree fund each month. Director Askew agreed to work on including this information, noting that the tree fund balance might not be entirely accurate due to the timing of expenses and income. Howell Park Dig Out & Littoral Planting Community Service Day Director Askew provided an update on the Howell Park project: • Equipment staging will begin this week • Dredging will start next Monday • The park will remain open as much as possible, with some areas inaccessible • The commission approved an increased budget to complete the entire scope of Howell Park and Sherman Creek within the park boundaries Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) June 11, 2025 Page 2 of 6 Chair Boren inquired about the project's extent and planting budget. Director Askew confirmed the project would cover from the first bridge to the culvert past the turtle sculpture. She was unsure if the planting budget had increased but agreed to check. Christina Kelcourse asked about the committee's involvement in the project. Chair Boren explained that it was primarily an engineering project to address sediment buildup and improve water flow. The committee's role was to provide feedback and potentially organize a community service day for planting. Amy Franqui mentioned that the project was viewed as a pilot, with the possibility of expanding the approach to other areas if successful. Seminole & Atlantic Blvd Entrance Landscaping Update Director Askew reported that trees had been planted about a month ago, and understory plants were recently added by BrightView, a contracted company. She noted ongoing discussions about moving the welcome sign and placing boulders. Bruce Andrews and Chair Boren inquired about the project's budget. Director Askew estimated the recent plant additions cost around $4,000, coming from the tree fund. She recalled a maximum budget of $25,000 for both entrances but needed to confirm the exact figure. Christina Kelcourse asked about the RFP process for such projects. Director Askew explained that the finance department handles RFPs, and there are various procedures depending on the project's scope and cost. Earth Day Free Tree Sign -Up Follow Up with COJ and AB Residents Director Askew reported that they had followed up with all applicants who requested trees during the Earth Day event. The next tree planting is scheduled for early spring and late fall. She mentioned that some residents who wanted trees in the right-of-way were referred to COJ, which has more restrictive policies for tree placement. Chair Boren suggested improving the process by having COJ inform them if residents are declined, allowing Atlantic Beach to offer alternatives. Director Askew agreed this would be a good solution. Chair Boren also mentioned the upcoming "Tricks and Trees" tree giveaway, tentatively scheduled for the Sunday before Halloween (October 26th). She suggested using this event to advertise the free front yard tree program. Marsh Oaks Community Center Update Director Askew provided an update on the Marsh Oaks Community Center renovation: • The building has been gutted and has a new roof • There was a delay in receiving windows and doors, but they should arrive mid -month • The commission approved a budget increase to complete the entire project Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) June 11, 2025 Page 3 of 6 • The center will be the largest indoor gathering space in the city, potentially accommodating over 200 people • The layout will include a large flex space, two classrooms, and offices • Potential uses include meetings, events, senior programming, and a nonprofit incubator office • Recreation offices may be moved from Del Grange to the new building • The official name is pending approval but is likely to be "Marsh Oaks Community Center" Bruce Andrews inquired about irrigation plans for the landscaping. Director Askew agreed it would be beneficial to include irrigation in the current plans. Chair Boren mentioned she was working on arranging soil sampling for the site and would follow up on that. Parks Master Plan Update Director Askew reported that staff had not had time to work on the parks master plan update. Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Plan Draft Director Askew discussed the vulnerability assessment and adaptation plan draft: • It's an update to comply with state regulations and changes in definitions • The modeling has been updated • No significant changes since the first version, but it will be useful for budgeting and planning purposes • It makes the city eligible for grant funding • A commission workshop is scheduled for June 16th at 6 PM to discuss the draft and get feedback • A public input session is scheduled for June 25th Chair Boren noted that the assessment seemed to show an acceleration of vulnerabilities. She also pointed out the need to address water supply concerns and suggested integrating JEA's resilience plan for energy into the assessment. Director Askew mentioned that the commission had directed staff to look at stormwater requirements for residential areas, potentially removing the 400 square foot trigger for on-site stormwater management in residential areas. 8. OLD BUSINESS Debrief Form Sarah Boren apologized for issues with the debrief form, noting that it was linking to an incorrect Google form. Environmental Stev,ardship Committee (ESC) June 11, 2025 Page 4 of 6 ESC Self -Evaluation Results Sarah Boren mentioned that they were still waiting for a few members to complete the self- evaluation, so this item would be pushed to the next meeting. 9. NEW BUSINESS A. Introductions of new and veteran ESC members & discussion of ESC meeting dates, current priorities, processes, and expectations The committee members introduced themselves and shared their backgrounds and interests. • Jeannie Gracy: An art teacher with 45 years of residency in the area, passionate about education, the beach, and community involvement. • Christina Kelcourse: Expressed interest in bridging the gap between the committee and city commissioners, focusing on protecting the natural environment while balancing development needs. • Amy Franqui: A master gardener volunteer interested in native plants, invasive plant removal, and exploring behavioral science approaches to community outreach. • Dan Giovanucci: Recently retired, involved in volunteer work, particularly with scouts. Background in sustainability metrics, especially in food systems. Bruce Andrews: Long-time ESC member with a background as a CPA and financial executive. • Sarah Boren: In her seventh year on the ESC, with a background in nonprofit management and sustainability consulting. The committee discussed meeting dates, agreeing to keep the second Wednesday of the month for ESC meetings and the third Wednesday for tree subcommittee meetings. They also reviewed current priorities and processes, emphasizing the importance of preparation and efficient meetings. B. Designate a Historic Corridor The committee discussed the implications of designating a historic corridor, including increased mitigation requirements for tree removal and potential impacts on private property owners. They also considered the possibility of recognizing property owners within the corridor and clarifying the obligations and benefits of such a designation. MOTION. ESC recommends that the north side of seventh Street between Beach Avenue and Ocean Boulevard be designated as a historic corridor per chapter 23. The iconic native sable palms lining the sidewalk toward the seventh Street beach access create an irreplaceable sense of place for residents of Atlantic Beach. Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) June i 1, 2025 Page 5 of 6 Motion: Daniele Giovannucci Second: Bruce Andrews Bruce Andrews (Seconded By) For Jeannie Gracy For Christina Kelcourse For Amy Franqui For Sarah Boren For Daniele Giovannucci (Moved By) For Motion passed 6 to 0. Committee members shared their thoughts on the meeting: • Jeannie Gracy expressed that she learned a lot and enjoyed the meeting. • Christina Kelcourse appreciated the discussions and promised to improve her motion - making skills. • Bruce Andrews had nothing to add but enjoyed the meeting. • Dan Giovanucci welcomed the new members and encouraged them to ask questions to get up to speed. • Amy Franqui asked about the speaker series and social media postings and inquired about policies regarding invasive trees. • Sarah Boren emphasized the importance of coming prepared to meetings to have robust discussions while managing time effectively. 11. MEETING RECAP No specific meeting recap was conducted. 12. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned. Attest: Sarah Boren, ESC Chair Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) June 11, 2025 Page 6 of 6