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10-22-25 ESC Adopted Minutesr MINUTES Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) Meeting Wednesday, October 22, 2025 - 6:00 PM City Hall, Commission Chamber 800 Seminole Road, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 Present: Amy Palmer, ESC Member Sarah Boren, ESC Chair Daniele Giovannucci, ESC Member Christina Kelcourse, ESC Member Amy Franqui, ESC Member Absent: Anastasia Houston, ESC Member Todd Miner, ESC Member Jeannie Gracy, ESC Member Bruce Andrews, ESC Member Also Present: Amanda Askew, Neighborhoods Department Director (NDD) 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 6:04 p.m. 2. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR - GUEST PRESENTATION No guest presentations were provided during this portion of the meeting. 3. REPORTS AND/OR REQUESTS FROM ESC MEMBERS AND STAFF Amy Palmer initiated the reports section, reminding members to bring paper bags for mulch collection in preparation for the upcoming Tricks and Trees event. She introduced two potential community connections: the Beaches Action Collaborative, a loose collective operating under Palms Presbyterian that is developing a data subset for beach communities, and Dr. Erin Largo, a UNF professor who researches health and nature connections and runs the UNF Environmental Leadership Program. Palmer suggested Dr. Largo could be a valuable guest speaker, particularly given her recent health symposium presentation on the health benefits of tree canopy coverage in neighborhoods. Christina Kelcourse confirmed she had attended Dr. Largo's symposium and found the data - driven presentation compelling, particularly the research showing improved health outcomes in tree -lined neighborhoods. She offered to obtain the presentation materials. Sarah Boren noted that Dr. Largo had previously applied to serve on the ESC but withdrew due to time constraints, and that the UNF Environmental Leadership Program had previously assisted ESC with park projects. Amy Franqui reported on her meeting with Gretchen from Friends of Hall Park regarding the spring Weed Wrangle event, announcing official dates of February 21 st through February 28th. The proposed plan would involve conducting the weed wrangle at Howell Park first to clear areas for native plantings, followed by a planting session. Discussion ensued about potentially Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) October 22, 2025 Page 1 of 4 combining efforts with beach invasive removal activities and coordinating multiple weed wrangle events across different locations. Christina Kelcourse provided an update on Tricks and Trees promotion, confirming she had distributed flyers to all schools, though they had not yet been sent home in student backpacks. Director Askew noted that future mass flyer distributions should use white backgrounds to minimize ink usage. Kelcourse also mentioned her canceled meeting with Ashanti regarding the Minecraft educational initiative, though she had briefly discussed it at the countywide climate action week and would reschedule to determine specific costs and options. Sarah Boren addressed the recent town hall meeting and touched base with ARC regarding films and awards for their upcoming meeting. She reminded members that the ESC is scheduled to present their formal report to the commission on December 8th, including the tree subcommittee's first report on the tree permitting process. The presentation materials must be submitted by November 25th for city manager approval. Boren emphasized the need to establish content beyond monthly permit data, focusing on qualitative process commentary such as the effectiveness of the appeal process, code interpretation, and customer service quality. Discussion turned to priority setting for the upcoming year. Boren outlined the established process of conducting community surveys and workshops to gather input, reviewing priorities based on the committee's four focus areas, and presenting recommendations to the commission during their March workshop. She stressed the need to begin immediately given the meeting cycle timeline and the April budget planning deadline. Additional administrative matters discussed included continuing the annual self-evaluation process (which previously led to improvements like the onboarding packet and motion process efficiency), creating a comprehensive volunteer opportunities form to better engage community members, and reviewing ESC recruitment materials including the onboarding packet and member descriptions. Director Askew presented a grant endorsement request for a beach walkover at Fifth Street, requiring ESC support through a letter signed by the chair. Dan Giovannucci initially considered recusing himself as a Fiftb Street resident but determined no financial conflict existed. Following minor edits to correct the date, email address, and signature block format, Dan Giovannucci moved to approve the coastal partnership initiative project endorsement for the Fifth Street dune protection walkover. Amy Palmer seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. 4. ONGOING - OLD BUSINESS A. Chapter 23 Remaining Revisions Post Staff Review (Giovannucci) Dan Giovannucci led an extensive review of Chapter 23 revisions. The committee methodically worked through significant changes, beginning with educational bullet points added to help readers understand the ordinance's purpose and intent, moving away from technical jargon toward more accessible language. Major definition refinements included strengthening arborist report requirements to include ISA certification numbers and contact information, introducing the term "critical root zone" (CRZ) to replace the generic "tree protection area," and simplifying the Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) October 22, 2025 Page 2 of 4 definition of "grubbing" to ensure proper permitting for understory removal that could impact trees. Extended discussion occurred around the definition of "native," with Sarah Boren expressing concern about the vagueness of "naturally occurring." After considering various sources including the Florida Native Plant Society's definition referencing pre -European contact, the committee settled on: "Native shall mean plant species occurring naturally within the geographic area according to best available scientific and historical documentation." Significant changes to the Tree Trust Fund (Section 23-14) sparked considerable discussion. Sarah Boren raised concerns about preventing the fund from being "raided" for general maintenance rather than tree replacement. After extensive discussion about appropriate guardrails, the committee agreed to language stating: "The highest priority for these funds shall be to replant and then to a lesser extent to support the maintenance and protection of trees. The fund is not intended for general maintenance use." All fund dispersals must be reviewed by ESC with recommendations to the city commission. Tree protection standards during construction (Section 23-32) received substantial updates, including minimum protection zones of 10 feet for standard trees and 15 feet for trees 30 inches or larger, with alternatives available when compliance is physically impossible. The committee added language about "other alternative solutions" to encourage creative approaches like temporary street parking for construction equipment. The mitigation table (Section 23-33) was simplified from multiple categories to essentially two: new construction and all other scenarios. Director Askew identified a gap in the DBH ranges that needed correction (13.1 to 30 inches, 30 inches or more). Replacement tree requirements were standardized at 4 -inch DBH, despite staff concerns about sourcing difficulties, to ensure viable replacements rather than "toothpick trees." Tree placement criteria were revised to address inappropriate planting practices, establishing minimum distances of 5 feet for small trees and 10 feet for medium and large trees from structures, with removal of previous restrictions regarding pools and driveways to allow thoughtful placement near these features. Amy Palmer suggested adding language requiring a percentage of native plants in new landscaping projects, similar to City of Jacksonville requirements. Due to time constraints and the need for specific language, this suggestion was tabled for future consideration. Following completion of the review, Amy Palmer moved to approve Chapter 23 as amended during the meeting. Christina Kelcourse seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. B. October 26th Tricks and Trees Giveaway (Miner) With Todd Miner absent, the committee discussed logistics for the Sunday event. Director Askew confirmed trees would be delivered Thursday, and setup would occur Sunday morning. Tree care tags were already prepared by staff. Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) October 22, 2025 Page 3 of 4 Discussion addressed serving non -Atlantic Beach residents if trees remained after serving city residents, with acknowledgment that trees provide regional canopy benefits. Data collection was deemed acceptable as long as it remained with the city as public record, though electronic registration was not permitted. Sarah Boren and Amy Franqui confirmed their 8:30-10:30 AM shift, with members advised to wear ESC shirts if available, bring gloves for mulch handling, and prepare paper bags. The group agreed to coordinate remaining logistics via text message. C. Commission Priority: Incentivize Protection of Mature Trees This item was deferred to the November business meeting. D. April 2026 Awards No discussion occurred on this agenda item. E. Tree Fund Action & Spending Plan Updates No discussion occurred on this agenda item. 5. NEW BUSINESS No new business items were discussed. 6. RECAP OF DECISIONS, ACTION ITEMS AND NEXT STEPS Due to time constraints, this item was not formally addressed, though several action items were identified throughout the meeting including scheduling presentations, coordinating weed wrangle events, and preparing commission reports. 7. ADJOURNMENT Attest: Dan Giovannucci moved to adjourn the meeting with gratitude for the extensive work completed. The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. aAji'111,1e�_ 6 Amanda . Sarah Boren, ESC Chair Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) October 22, 2025 Page 4 of 4