8-27-25 ESC Adopted MinutesMINUTES
.sem, Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC)
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Meeting
1 tl
Wednesday, August 27, 2025 - 6:00 PM
City Hall, Commission Chamber
800 Seminole Road, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
Present: Anastasia Houston, ESC Member
Amy Palmer, ESC Member
Sarah Boren, ESC Chair
Jeannie Gracy, ESC Member
Bruce Andrews, ESC Member
Daniele Giovannucci, ESC Member
Christina Kelcourse, ESC Member
Amy Franqui, ESC Member
Absent:
Todd Miner, ESC Member
Also Present: Kevin Auster, Planner
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chair Giovannucci.
2. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR (5 MINS.)
Michael Hoffman of 176 Camellia Street addressed the committee. He requested support for a
project related to an Environmental Protection Agency grant for air quality monitoring in
disadvantaged communities. Mr. Hoffman explained that the grant, totaling $300,000, was
received by the Jacksonville City Council to expand air quality monitoring.
Mr. Hoffman shared his correspondence with Melissa Long from the City of Jacksonville
regarding the grant. He expressed interest in having air quality monitored in his neighborhood,
particularly near the flyover where he resides. He noted that while his area might not qualify as
low-income, it had previously been eligible for community development block grants.
Sarah Boren mentioned that in a previous EPA grant, the area west of Mayport was listed as a
low-income disadvantaged community and transportation challenged. She suggested this could
support Mr. Hoffman's case for inclusion in the monitoring program.
The committee discussed the potential for cleaning the air and the current monitoring
practices. Mr. Hoffman explained that the only existing US EPA monitor is located at Coker
Park.
Mayor Ford, who briefly joined the meeting, expressed interest in following up on Mr.
Hoffman's request and mentioned he would discuss it with the city manager.
Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC)
August 27, 2025
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3. ONGOING - OLD BUSINESS
A. Chapter 23 Update (2025)
Chair Giovannucci explained that this special meeting was focused on reviewing
Chapter 23 regarding the protection of trees and the natural environment, a process that
has been underway for approximately 2.5 years. The draft included both a clean
version and a detailed redline version showing the evolution of changes.
Chair Giovannucci noted that due to the complexity of the 54 -section document, the
committee might also develop a concise 2 -page synopsis highlighting key points for
homeowners and contractors, though that wasn't part of the current draft.
The committee proceeded to review significant changes section by section:
Article 1 - Purpose and Intent:
• Sarah Boren suggested adding language about aesthetic value, proposing:
"heighten the beauty and aesthetic appeal as well as the distinctive character
and charm of the city."
• The committee discussed adding language warning of potential fines for
violations, which could amount to thousands of dollars.
Definitions (Section 23-8):
• Several definitions were eliminated to simplify the document, including
"weeds" and "grubbing."
• The definition of "arborist" was strengthened to require certification by the
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and appropriate training.
• "Critical root zone" was added as a new definition, with specifications based on
minimal protective standards.
• Bruce Andrews expressed concern that critical root zone requirements might be
challenging for smaller properties, though the committee noted there were
provisions for alternatives.
• Sarah Boren shared research confirming the unique nature of the area's
maritime forest, comparing its significance to California's redwoods.
• The committee discussed revisions to the "designated maritime species" list,
with Bruce Andrews raising concerns about introducing non-native species.
Amy Franqui agreed to consult with arborist Larry Figart to refine this list.
• The term "exotic" was removed throughout the document to align with Florida
Invasive Species Council definitions.
• The definition of "improper pruning" replaced "excessive pruning" for clarity.
• The definition of "heritage tree" was discussed extensively. Bruce Andrews
preferred maintaining the requirement for city commission designation, while
others considered expanding it to trees meeting size and significance criteria
without formal designation. The committee ultimately kept the requirement for
commission designation.
• The definition of "nuisance" was removed completely due to concerns about
potential misuse.
• The definition of "pruning" was enhanced to address structural integrity
Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC)
August 27, 2025
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4.
Attest:
• The definition of "pruning" was enhanced to address structural integrity
concerns.
Article 3 - Regulations and Permits:
• The committee added language about the tree trust fund's specific purpose and
potential use for supporting removal of invasive trees.
• The provision requiring tree replacement was extended from 3 to 6 years.
• For exemptions from permits, the committee refined language regarding diseased
or pest -infested trees, requiring administrator determination and certified arborist
consultation when trees might be viable.
• A new provision was added prohibiting commercial tree removal during
weekends and holidays to prevent unpermitted clear -cutting.
• Tree protection requirements during construction were enhanced with specific
ANSI standards and alternative methods for smaller properties.
• The committee discussed tree spacing requirements for new plantings, with
debate about simplifying these requirements while ensuring trees have sufficient
space to grow without damaging structures.
Mitigation Table:
The committee discussed simplifying the mitigation assessment table,
considering separating it into common categories (developed lots and new
construction) and less common categories (vacant lots, public property, etc.).
The sanctions for unpermitted tree removal were discussed, including increasing
the potential civil fine from $5 to $10 per square foot of canopy loss.
The meeting ran longer than the scheduled time, and the committee did not complete the
full review of the document. Several members expressed appreciation for the
comprehensive work done on the revision.
The ESC unanimously agreed to accept all of the changes to Chapter 23 as discussed
during the meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:50 p.m.
" d: � r�, �
Amanda Askew
Sarah Boren, ESC Chair
Environmental Ste"ardship Committee (ESC)
August 27, 2025
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