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11-19-25 ESC Adopted MinutesMINUTES Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) Meeting ' Wednesday, November 19, 2025 - 6:00 PM City Hall, Commission Chamber 800 Seminole Road, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 Present: Amy Palmer, ESC Member Sarah Boren, ESC Chair Bruce Andrews, ESC Member Daniele Giovannucci, ESC Member Christina Kelcourse, ESC Member Amy Franqui, ESC Member Cynthia Steinbach Absent: Anastasia Houston, ESC Member Todd Miner, ESC Member 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. 2. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR (5 MINS.) A. Introduction of new Public Works Director Chair Boren explained that she had invited the Public Works Director to attend, but due to misspelling his name in the email invitation, he never received it and was unable to attend. B. City Manager on further alignment and Staff/ESC priorities for FY 26-27 Chair Boren informed the committee that the City Manager was unavailable to attend this meeting but confirmed he would attend their December 10th meeting. She said that the main reason for wanting the City Manager to attend was to understand his priorities and alignment on the process before the committee starts down their track for the upcoming fiscal year. 3. REPORTS AND/OR REQUESTS FROM ESC MEMBERS & STAFF Chair Boren invited members to provide their reports, starting with Amy Franqui. Amy Franqui reported she has a meeting scheduled with Director Askew for either tomorrow or Friday to discuss various topics. Her primary agenda items include discussing Howell Park planting day details and debriefing from her last meeting with Steve and Gretchen. She hoped to nail down a potential date for the spring planting day during this meeting. Amy Franqui explained she had started ideating about next year's speaker series, which led her to wonder about the full calendar picture for the year. She questioned whether there could be different, more strategic approaches where the speaker series topics are timed to feed into other activities planned throughout the year. She noted, "I've started to tinker a little bit on my own Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) November 19, 2025 Page 1 of 8 and just the ideation phase of what that looks like or what some potential ideas would be that I'd love to bring back to the group once they're a little more fully formed." She planned to discuss feasibility with Director Askew and inquire about any events already earmarked for the year beyond what she'd heard in their sessions. Amy Franqui also mentioned she still had a takeaway from their last meeting to chat with Amanda about enabling an RSVP form for activities like the speaker series. Chair Boren offered helpful context about creating a city calendar, sharing that she had previously asked Kevin Hogencamp about this. She explained, "I asked Kevin Hogencamp if there was a city calendar that not only had the big events like camp outs but also volunteer week or government week, that kind of stuff so we could figure out how to piggyback and leverage things already happening." Hogencamp had indicated they never got to creating such a calendar. Chair Boren suggested going to the city calendar online and copying two years' worth of data into Excel to identify patterns. Regarding the RSVP form, Boren updated that she had reached out about meeting with Valerie to figure out how to do MS Forms on their software platform. Valerie had responded and was available next Tuesday. Boren clarified this approach had Amanda's approval. Amy Franqui then shared exciting news about a new air potato beetle biological control she had communicated to Director Askew about. She explained: "This particular strain focuses on the actual bulbils, not just the leaves. So that's what makes it kind of unique. She noted Director Askew appeared ready to submit an application on behalf of the city, and Amy Franqui had _— already submitted a form for instances in the Skate Road area. Bruce Andrews asked detailed questions about how the beetles work, including whether they affect potatoes in the ground and where the beetles originated. Amy Franqui explained they were of Asian origin, matching the air potato's native habitat, and that extensive research had been done to ensure they wouldn't be attracted to other plant species. Amy Palmer asked if individuals could request the beetles too. Amy Franqui confirmed they could, though quantities were limited, and explained the beetles would be released within a 10 - mile radius of all submissions. The group discussed how the beetles would naturally die out if their host plant disappeared. ` Christina Kelcourse provided an update on the Minecraft challenge, emphasizing the urgency: "They do need to know by early December. That's kind of their timeframe. We need to really, all we need to do is just let Ashanti know, and she'll let the creators of the Minecraft game know that we're in." She explained that if they participated, their area would get up to 3 characters to provide challenges within the game. Each character could share local history and advertise what's important to the city, such as mentioning they're part of Tree City. The cost would be minimum $2,000 for one challenge, potentially up to $5,000 for three challenges. Regarding the challenge location within the game, Christina clarified: "It doesn't have to be geographically exact." Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) November 19, 2025 Page 2 of 8 Bruce Andrews mentioned his involvement with the One Ocean developers regarding potential palm relocations along Atlantic Boulevard. Dan Giovannucci briefly stated he had nothing particular to report. Amy Palmer shared she had engaged in "tree tourism" during her recent California trip. She was particularly impressed by the lack of lawns in Marin County and Santa Barbara, calling it "really refreshing to see a lot of examples of landscaping other than lawns." Palmer then asked about the historic corridor additions, expressing confusion about whether the pollinator -friendly plant provisions had been included in the Chapter 23 amendment. Dan found the language on page 30 of their previous meeting materials, confirming it was included. Chair Boren provided updates on several items. She confirmed Chapter 23 would be under the City Manager's report on Monday the 24th, along with the tree spending plan under committee reports. She reminded the group about the priority setting process timeline, with commission and staff input needed by end of year, community input being handled by Todd, and the ESC self-evaluation survey also due by year's end. 4. ONGOING/OLD BUSINESS A. Tree Fund Action & Spending Plan Updates Edible Orchard Update (Boren) _ Chair%-oren opened discussion on the edible orchard, stating sh didn't have a significant update except that Jeannie had been working on it but it had stalled. She offered to continue working with Tim Armstrong who had responded and was willing to consult on the best locations and tree species. Bruce Andrews expressed strong frustration: "I would say that that project is a really good example of how you can't get anything done working with city government." He continued, "The amount of time that volunteer hours that have been put into that project for pretty much no results has just got is over the top. It's just ridiculous." Dan Giovannucci summarized the work that had been done, mentioning they had addressed the city manager's safety concerns about fruit on sidewalks. He believed they could move forward with the existing work rather than starting over in a new location. Amy Franqui asked about the primary objective of the orchard - whether it was to feed the community or provide education. Bruce Andrews responded it was more about education and showing the community what could be successful in their own yards, with the potential to replicate in other parts of Atlantic Beach if successful. The discussion evolved into considering the project's priority status, with Amy Palmer questioning whether it should be "above the line" in their top priorities. After a straw vote on whether to continue pursuing the edible orchard, the majority voted to move Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) November 19, 2025 Page 3 of 8 forward, though Amy Palmer abstained initially, expressing it might be worth retiring the project given the ongoing challenges. Chair Boren noted the planting season deadline approaching in February and suggested if progress isn't made within 6 months, they should reconsider. The project would likely not be planted until fall 2026 or February 2027 at this rate. B. Commission Priority: Incentivize Protection of Mature Trees Reaching property owners before design to encourage keeping trees Chair Boren reviewed ideas that had been brainstormed for reaching property owners before they design projects that might impact trees. These included creating a half -page flyer or door hanger with basic information and QR codes, welcome emails for new water bill sign-ups, and workshops with title companies, realtors, developers, and builders. The committee discussed the merits and logistics of each approach. Dan Giovannucci strongly supported the lunch and learn concept, volunteering to take on organizing events with both title companies/realtors and developers/builders. He noted, "I think there's multiple prongs of education and feedback that would benefit the city as well as them." Amy Palmer offered to follow up with Kevin about the welcome kit that had been budgeted but not yet implemented and website development. She also suggested recognizing the Berkshire Hathaway tree as a heritage tree, which could serve as a talking point at realtor events. The door hanger idea generated discussion about tt geting specific properties, particularly those that had just sold. Bruce Andrews suggested these should be placed on doors of properties where new owners might be planning to remove trees, especially in cases where neighbors had expressed concern about wildlife habitat. Update on coml)ilation of ESC and CM Grant's ideas discussed Chair Boren read extensive notes from Commissioner Grant's July 16th appearance, where he had shared ideas about incentivizing tree preservation. His key points included: • Finding balance between canopy protection and property owner rights • Offering financial incentives like reduced mitigation fees for meeting with ESC members during design phase • Focusing on two groups: wealthy out-of-towners who don't appreciate the canopy, and current residents wanting to improve property • Supporting residents who already maintain good tree coverage • Considering creative solutions like allowing palm removal in exchange for planting live oaks The committee agreed they needed to formally respond to Commissioner Grant's suggestions. Bruce Andrews suggested having one person meet with him on behalf of the committee to discuss the ideas. Chair Boren offered to draft a motion with pros and cons for each suggestion for the next meeting. Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) November 19, 2025 Page 4 of 8 Amy Palmer raised the related issue of a resident's email Commissioner Grant had forwarded about Chapter 24 stormwater requirements forcing tree removal on a property with 8 -foot pilings due to flood zone requirements. The property owner claimed meeting stormwater standards would require removing a 60 -inch oak and creating retention ponds across the entire property. Bruce Andrews launched into a detailed critique of swales: "These swales basically create permanent canopy voids. Like, anywhere there's a swale, there can never be a tree." He described a neighbor's property where the entire backyard became a wooden deck over retention areas, preventing any future tree growth. He questioned the effectiveness: "My street has never ever flooded due to rain... if there's no swale, the street's going to flood a little sooner... but once the swale fills up, the street's going to flood anyway in a monsoon." The committee agreed Amy Palmer should research trees in swales and coordinate with staff on the science and regulations behind the current approach. C. Tree Permits Discussion/Q&A Dan Giovannucci was tasked with meeting with Amanda about the semi-annual permitting report due Tuesday. The committee discussed what should be included, with Bruce Andrews suggesting they clarify when appeals should go to ESC versus directly to CDB, as some people come seeking relief ESC cannot grant. Bruce Andrews suggested highlighting that most appeals come from existing development rather than new development, which mig ii be of interest to commissioners since existing residents are more likely to contact them with complaints. D. Films Plus Expert Panels Decision The committee needed to select two films plus two alternates for the 2026 film series in partnership with ARC. Chair Boren noted that ARC planned to propose The Lorax and Isle of Dogs, while Beaches Go Green had also submitted suggestions focused more on toxins. Dan Giovannucci cautioned about documentaries: "I think that documentaries in general public viewings are not that attractive to people. The committee voted on films by show of hands: • "No Sleep Till" received 5 votes (after some back -and -forth about whether everyone got two votes) • "Kiss the Ground" received 3 votes (winning the tiebreaker when Dan cast his second vote) • "The Biggest Little Farm" received 3 votes and was selected as the primary alternate Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) November 19, 2025 Page 5 of 8 E. Upcoming Events - January Arbor Day & Giveaway Chair Boren presented a comprehensive list of potential Arbor Day activity ideas he had researched, including photo contests, nature scavenger hunts, tree care days, honoring good tree stewards, trivia nights, and tree tours. Bruce Andrews then pivoted to propose a different approach for this year: "I would like to really focus on the front yard tree plantings and try to drum up because... I know that program's working. Those trees are going to one day be a nice canopy." Andrews suggested having specimen trees (2-4 inch caliper oaks, magnolias, red maples, cypress) on display during Arbor Day weekend to show residents what they could receive through the front yard planting program. He proposed various locations including Russell Park or the Sunday Market, with proper signage and application forms available. The committee discussed whether to partner with Greenscape's January 17th giveaway or focus solely on promoting the front yard tree program. MOTION. Motion that for Arbor Day, ESC implement a plan to increase the front yard tree planting sign-ups by having specimen trees of 4 or 5 different species at a location to be determined, at times to be determined, publicizing it through newsletters, potentially door hangers, and other means. Motion: Bruce Andrews Second: Amy Palmer The committee agreed to coordinate with First Night festivities as a potential venue for sign-ups and discussed creating incentive prizes for those who complete applications. Amy Palmer (Seconded By) For Sarah Boren For Bruce Andre►vs (Moved By) For Daniele Giovannucci For Christina Kelcourse For Amy Franqui For Cynthia Steinbach For Motion passed 7 to 0. F. Upcoming Events - April 2026 Awards The committee needed to select three award categories from five options. After voting, the results were: Sustainability/Resilience Award: 5 votes Tree Canopy Award: 4 votes Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) November 19, 2025 Page 6 of 8 • Planting with Natives Award: 4 votes • Beautification Award: 2 votes • Environmental Steward of the Year: 3 votes With a tie between Tree Canopy and Planting with Natives for the third spot, the committee decided to proceed with Sustainability/Resilience, Tree Canopy, and Planting with Natives as their three categories. Bruce Andrews suggested a creative presentation approach: "We should do like the accounting awards where... we do like a recording of somebody who's got a good radio voice... Amy Franqui is, you know, like, a good standing native plant blah blah blah and did this and that with her yard... do that for the 3 people." 5. NEW BUSINESS A. DISCUSSION: ESC Responsibilities and Functions, ESC Description, & Onboarding Packet Additions/Refinements Chair Boren asked for feedback on updating committee documents, particularly seeking input from new members on what would have been helpful in their onboarding packets. Amy Palmer raised the possibility of having co-chairs since they no longer have subcommittees to distribute meeting duties. Bruce Andrews emphasized an important port: "I think it's__really�important that v- recognize that it's going to be really hard for anybody to follow Sarah." He encouraged members to consider serving as chair, while noting he was not interested in the position himself. The committee agreed to provide any suggestions for updates by mid-December. B. Direction for Possible Motion: Commercial Tree Planting Partnership Chair Boren explained her vision for partnering with commercial properties to plant trees in underutilized spaces. She cited examples including ABC Liquors' large grass area, the former Juicy Crab parking lot's grass square, and areas near Sea Breeze dental office. Bruce Andrews mentioned previous attempts in the Sea Breeze/ABC/Royal Palms area had encountered challenges with power lines. The committee discussed whether city funds could be used for commercial properties, with Amy Palmer recalling Amanda had looked it up and confirmed it was allowable. Chair Boren suggested exploring bulk purchasing partnerships where commercial entities could join the city's tree orders for better pricing. The committee agreed she should reach out to a few commercial property managers to gauge interest before developing a formal motion. Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) November 19, 2025 Page 7 of 8 6. Attest: C. Direction for Possible Motion: Request to refine City Vision and Strategic Plan to include environmental stewardship more concretely and proactively Chair Boren presented her analysis of the city's vision statement and strategic themes, noting environmental stewardship wasn't explicitly featured. She had proposed adding a sixth theme: "Protect functional beauty of our beach, marsh, and tree canopy" (language taken directly from the vision statement). She explained the city manager had indicated environmental topics fell under "preserve community character," which Boren felt was too broad and unclear. She had also suggested expanding the organizational excellence theme to include "outstanding internal and external communications" and "first-rate customer service." Amy Palmer asked whether environmental items had been addressed under the community character category in recent planning. Chair Boren confirmed some items had been included, such as the sustainability operations plan and incentivizing mature trees. After discussion, the committee reached consensus that the timing wasn't right to push this forward, especially with Chapter 23 changes pending. Amy Palmer suggested revisiting when the city begins budget planning if environmental items aren't adequately represented. D. Direction for Possible Motion: Duval Audubon Lights Out Northeast Florida Chair Boren briefly introduced the Duval Audubon's Lights Out Northeast Florida program, noting they bad approached the mayor who seemed interested. The program would occur around March 26th and ties into sea turtle protection, energy conservation, and protecting nighttime pollinators. The committee gave consensus for Chair Boren to draft a motion supporting the Audubon's efforts for the next meeting. ADJOURNMENT There being no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 8:38 p.m. am 47, Ja dk— Amanda Askew /,�� /.;; �, � � Sarah Boren, ESC Chair Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) November 19, 2025 Page 8 of 8