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7-9-25 ESC Adopted MinutesMINUTES Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) Meeting 4P Wednesday, July 9, 2025 - 6:00 PM City Hall, Commission Chamber 800 Seminole Road, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 Present: Bruce Andrews, ESC Member Amy Palmer, ESC Member Jeannie Gracy, ESC Member Amy Franqui, ESC Member Daniele Giovannucci, ESC Member Absent: Anastasia Houston, ESC Member Christina Kelcourse, ESC Member Sarah Boren, ESC Chair Todd Miner, ESC Member Also Present: Amanda Askew, Neighborhoods Department Dir. (NDD) 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Amy Palmer called the meeting to order as she was chairing the meeting in place of Sarah Boren. 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Amy Palmer noted that the agenda was very full, and some items might need to be moved to next week's meeting. Anastasia was unable to attend due to a death in the family, and Todd was traveling for work. Amy suggested potentially holding the items related to the elder tree's proposal and Todd's discussion of progress on goals. She asked if there was any need to add or move agenda items. With no changes suggested, the agenda was approved as presented. 3. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR (5 MINS.) There were no public comments. 4. CHAIR REMARKS Amy Palmer discussed a personality test that Sarah had the committee take previously, which revealed members' "animal natures". She noted it correlated somewhat to the DISC assessment. Sarah had prepared a summary of the results, though Todd and Anastasia were missing. Amy mentioned she is a beaver/golden retriever type, the same as Amy Franqui. The goal of the exercise was to understand leadership and communication styles to help the committee work better together. Amy also noted that Sarah requested members bring environmentally friendly swag ideas to next week's meeting for Director Askew. Director Askew elaborated that they are nearing the Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) July 9, 2025 Page 1 of 7 5. end of the budget year and want to plan ahead for upcoming events like Arbor Day and Earth Day. She was looking for low-cost giveaway items. Dan suggested hats and shirts, noting how popular the AB Loves Trees shirts are. Director Askew mentioned she was looking into recycled pencils with seeds that can be planted. The committee discussed tote bags and other options as well. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approve minutes of the Junes 11 and June 18 regular Environmental Stewardship Committee meeting. MOTION. Bruce moved to approve the minutes. There was discussion about ensuring Amy Franqui's last name was spelled correctly. Motion: Bruce Andrews Second. Daniele Giovannucci Bruce Andrews (Moved By) For Amy Palmer For Jeannie Gracy For Amy Franqui For Daniele Giovannucci (Seconded By) For Motion passed S to 0. B. Motion on Possible Topics ESC Would Like to Share with Commission Over Next 30 Days 07.09.2025 The committee discussed the process of ESC members attending commission meetings to provide updates. Amy Palmer had recently done this and shared her experience. They talked about potentially using these opportunities to introduce new ESC members to the commission. MOTION: To APPROVE the list of possible topics to share with the Commission. Motion: Bruce Andrews Second: Daniele Giovannucci Bruce Andrews (Moved By) For Amy Palmer For Jeannie Gracy For Amy Franqui For Daniele Giovannucci (Seconded By) For Motion passed S to 0. Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) July 9, 2025 Page 2 of 7 6. C. ESC Meeting Consent Agenda FYI Report 07.09.2025 The committee briefly reviewed some FYI items shared by Sarah. D. ESC Member Report 07.09.2025 • ESC reports to the commission have been reduced to twice a year from quarterly • Reminders about using Al for minutes and saying names before speaking • Concerns about low attendance at workshops • Updates from a meeting with the city manager • Discussion of marsh side issues and potential workshop • Awards event planning • Film screenings in partnership with ARC • Tree mitigation fund updates • LEED discussions • Edible orchard location changes • Storm water retention relief updates • Potential monthly city newsletter 90 DAY CALENDAR A. ESC 60 -Day Calendar (July to August 2025) Amy Franqui motioned to approve the 60 -day calendar. After discussion, she amended the motion to note that the August speaker series would not be taking place. MOTION. To APPROVE the ESC 60 -day calendar from July to August 2025, noting the change in speaker series in August. Motion: Amy Franqui Second. Daniele Giovannucci Bruce Andrews For Amy Palmer For Jeannie Gracy For Amy Franqui (Moved By) For Daniele Giovannucci (Seconded By) For Motion passed S to 0. B. Organizational Excellence Tracker 2025 This item was tabled for a future meeting when more members could be present, particularly Sarah and Todd. Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) July 9, 2025 Page 3 of 7 7. COMMISSION AND/OR STAFF REPORTS A. Tree Report Director Askew presented the tree report included in the agenda packet. There was discussion about a large maple tree that was saved after the property owner realized the high mitigation cost. Dan suggested studying this case further to understand how to draft effective regulations. B. Howell Park Dig Out & Littoral Planting Community Service Director Askew reported the project was running about a week and a half behind schedule. Once the ditch is dug out and stabilized, they will work on a plant palette and look for volunteers to help with planting. Amy Franqui provided an update on her recent site visit and plans to meet with a native plant landscaping contact for input. C. Seminole and Atlantic Boulevard Entrance Landscaping Update Director Askew reported the project is primarily done, with the Tree City USA sign still to be added. Bruce expressed disappointment with the implementation, noting issues with lack of mulch, infrequent mowing, and signage placement not matching the approved design. He has shared his concerns with the city manager. D. Marsh Oaks Community Center Update Director Askew provided an update on the Marsh Oaks Community Center renovation. The exterior work is complete, including a new roof, windows, doors, and hurricane retrofitting. Interior work is still needed, pending additional funding. The space will include a large flex space for public use and some office space. IT capabilities are planned to allow for electronic meeting hosting. E. Parks Master Plan Update Director Askew reported that staff is still working on updating the parks master plan. The Marsh Oaks Community Center has been added to the plan, but it is not yet ready for ESC review and input. F. ESC Member Report Out on Recent Commission Meeting Amy Palmer reported on her recent attendance at a commission meeting, where she provided public comment as an ESC representative. She noted that a major topic of discussion was changes to storm water drainage regulations. G. Marsh Baseline Study Director Askew presented the results of a marsh baseline study conducted by Jones Edmunds as part of the coastal vulnerability and adaptation plan update. The study found that some smaller tributaries appear to be widening based on historical photos. The purpose is to establish metrics for future comparison, with recommendations to reassess every 5 years. Director Askew suggested a potential future pilot program for stabilization and living shoreline in the marsh area. Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) July 9, 2025 Page 4 of 7 8. The study also noted the presence of a mangrove, which was discussed as an indicator of warming temperatures in the region. Amy Palmer suggested this could be an opportunity for public education about protected species. OLD BUSINESS A. Chapter 23 Email and Homework 06.17.2025 Bruce led the committee through a review of proposed changes to Chapter 23. Key points of discussion included: • Definition of Heritage Tree: agreed to define as "any noninvasive tree that's 30 inches or more" • Mitigation: clarified language around relocated trees • Regulated tree: added language to include trees planted as required mitigation • Tree Trust Fund: discussed capitalization and naming conventions • Tree removal: added language about excessive pruning and discussed potential additions regarding root damage The committee agreed to continue this discussion at the next meeting and seek input from an arborist on some definitions. B. Heritage Tree Pilot Grant Program Dan presented a revised proposal for the Heritage Tree Pilot Grant Program. Key changes included: • Extending the pilot period from 12 to 18 months • Allowing grants once every 2 years instead of 3 years • Clarifying the program is for private property owners, not city trees Removing the matching requirement for grants MOTION. To RECOMMEND to the City Commission to approve the use of the tree trust fund for a pilot grant program to advance the preservation of our unique heritage trees. This would provide an incentive to citizens for, a, assessing the health of these unique trees (city approved arborist at a minimal fee) and a grant if any work is needed to preserve the tree for up to 1000 dollars limited to once every 2 years. The budget for this preservation pilot grant program is expected to be no more than 10000 dollars for 18 months to see if it will incentivize the protection and designation of heritage trees in Atlantic Beach. Motion: Daniele Giovannucci Bruce Andrews For Amy Palmer For Jeannie Gracy For Amy Franqui For Daniele Giovannucci (Moved By) For Motion passed S to 0. Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) July 9, 2025 Page 5 of 7 01 C. Motion COAB ESC How -To Series Fall Programming 07.09.2025 Amy Franqui presented a proposal to resume the How -To speaker series, focusing on Florida Friendly Landscaping Principles. She outlined plans for the first three months, including hands-on demonstrations and opportunities for attendees to sign up for free yard reviews. MOTION: To APPROVE the proposed fall 2025 How To Workshop Series focused on Florida Friendly Landscaping Principles. This 3 -part series to be led by Amy Franqui, Duval County Master Gardener volunteer will resume the monthly ESC how to educational series following a summer hiatus. The goal is to promote environmental literacy and stewardship among the Atlantic Beach residents. Motion: Amy Franqui Second: Bruce Andrews Bruce Andrews (Seconded By) For Amy Palmer For Jeannie Gracy For Amy Franqui (Moved By) For Daniele Giovannucci For Motion passed 5 to 0. D. Tree Mitigation Fund Action and Spending Plan The committee reviewed and discussed the updated Tree Mitigation Fund Action and Spending Plan. MOTION. To APPROVE the Tree Mitigation Fund Action and Spending Plan as presented. Motion: Amy Palmer Second. Daniele Giovannucci Bruce Andrews For Amy Palmer (Moved By) For Jeannie Gracy For Amy Franqui For Daniele Giovannucci (Seconded By) For Motion passed S to 0. NEW BUSINESS A. COJ Urban Forestry Management Plan Update (Moved to July 16 meeting) httos://www.iacksonville.i!ov/departments/planning-and-development/tree-plan Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) July 9, 2025 Page 6 of 7 10. 11. Attest: B. National Foundation Climate Collaborative such as community lighthouses & resiliency hubs (Moved to July 16 meeting) Press Release: httas:Hnola.gov/next/mayors-office/news/articles/iune-2024/2024- 06-10-together-new-orleans-com m un ity-lighthouse/ Short Video: httns://www.ksla.com/video/2025/06/26/new-community-lighthouse- opens-northwest-lou isiana/ C. Format for ESC's Two Meeting Agendas Moved to August 13 meeting. D. Workplans Discussion Moved to August 13 meeting. MEMBERS CLOSING REMARKS Amy Palmer reminded the committee that Commissioner Grant would be attending the next meeting to discuss incentives for developers regarding tree preservation. She encouraged members to come prepared with discussion points and ideas. Bruce mentioned he would try to meet with Commissioner Grant beforehand to provide background on the tree ordinance. The committee discussed the need to better understand the Florida statute regarding tree removal and potentially invite the city attorney to a future meeting to discuss legal options for tree preservation. Amy Franqui asked about the process for sharing ideas before the next meeting. The committee clarified that ideas should be submitted for inclusion in the agenda rather than shared privately among members. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned. (b, A / V1. I A uy I 91f 94" Amanda skew Z'"Ieer-1 Sarah Boren, ESC Chair Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) July 9, 2025 Page 7 of 7