HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnvironmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) - 14 Jan 2026 - Agenda - Pdf
City of Atlantic Beach
Agenda
Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) Meeting
Wednesday, January 14, 2026 - 6:00 p.m.
City Hall, Commission Chamber
800 Seminole Road, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
Page(s)
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
2.A.
Request approval for extra long meeting
3. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR (5 MINS.)
4. CHAIR REMARKS
5. ESC 2026 OFFICER ELECTIONS AND REVIEW OF DUTIES
5.A.
Review of ESC Officer Duties and ESC 2026 Officer Elections
ESC Chair
ESC Vice Chair
ESC Tree Subcommittee Chair
ESC Tree Sub
20250114 MOTION ESC Officer and Member Position Descriptions and
Responsibilities 2
5 - 9
6. CONSENT AGENDA
6.A.
Approve minutes of the December 10th, 2025 regular Environmental
Stewardship Committee meeting.
ESC 12.10.2025 Minutes (draft)
11 - 20
6.B.
Approve minutes of the December 17th, 2025 regular Environmental
Stewardship Committee meeting.
ESC 12.17.2025 Minutes (draft)
21 - 26
6.C.
Items ESC has consensus to share with Commission in next 30 days
20260114 Possible Topics ESC Would Like to Share with Commission Over Next
30 Days
27
6.D.
Proposed Promotional Content Until February 2026
20251112 CONSENT AGENDA ESC Proposed Content to be Promoted for next 45
days
29 - 31
6.E.
FYI Report: Interesting Information and Resources
20261112 FYI Report for Consent Agenda
33 - 37
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Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) - 14 Jan 2026
6.F.
Member Reports
ESC Member Reports
ESC First Night Tabling Report
ESC Member Report - A. Franqui
ESC First Night Tabling Report 20251231
Franqui ESC Content for January_February E-Newsletter
39 - 44
7. 90 DAY CALENDAR
7.A.
90 Day and 2026 ESC Planning Calendar
ESC 90-Day Calendar (Jan. - Mar. 2026)
45 - 47
7.B.
2025 Organizational Excellence Tracker
Organizational Excellence Tracker 12.10.2025
49 - 53
7.C.
ESC Member To Do List Action Items
8. COMMISSION AND/OR STAFF REPORTS
8.A.
Monthly Tree Report
2025 Tree Data by Month 01.01.2026
55
8.B.
Chapter 23 revisions February workshop update
8.C.
March Joint Commission and ESC 2026-2027 Priorities Alignment Workshop
8.D.
Developer/Builder Workshop Update
8.E.
ROW plantings update
8.F.
ESC Member Commission Meeting Reports
20251208 ESC Commission Report
57 - 79
9. OLD BUSINESS
9.A.
MOTION: COJ Trees for COAB Parks
20260114 MOTION COJ Trees for COAB Parks Combined
81 - 85
9.B.
MOTION: Tree Trust Fund Action and Spending Plan
20260114 MOTION Tree Trust Fund Request for State of the Canopy Report
87 - 88
9.C.
MOTION: Youth Council
9.D.
MOTION: Revised tree list on free tree yard planting application
9.E.
Commission Workshops Preparation
CDB Meeting - January 20, 2026: ESC to make public comment
Commission - February 23, 2026 Chapter 23 Workshop @ 5:00 p.m.
Joint Workshop on Priorities - February/March
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Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) - 14 Jan 2026
9.F.
Preparation for Upcoming events
January 15, 2026 Arbor Day
February 21, 2026 Weed Wrangle
April Awards
April Minecraft
9.G.
ESC Centennial Celebration Efforts and Plan
10. NEW BUSINESS
10.A.
Review results from ESC End of Year Survey
10.B.
MOTION: List of ESC 2025 Accomplishments
20260114 MOTION ESC Accomplishments in 2025
89 - 90
10.C.
ESC 2025-2026 Priorities Reframe
ESC 2026 Priorities - Draft 01.2026
ESC 2025-2026 Priorities Proposed to Commission
ESC 2025-2026 Proposed Workplan
Confusion and difference between priorities, workplan, and ongoing
work
ESC 2026 Priorities - ap draft 1.2026
2025-2026 ESC Priorities Proposed to Commission
20250824 ESC 2025-2026 Proposed Workplan Memo
91 - 101
10.D.
ESC 2026-2027 Priorities Process, Timeline, and Outcome Discussion Template
10.E.
Green Corridor
11. MEMBERS CLOSING REMARKS
11.A.
Recap of Decisions and Next Steps
Discussion of items for January 28, 2026 ESC Meeting Agenda
ESC Member Homework - Review Tree Trust Fund Action and Spending
Plan to discuss at January 28, 2026 meeting and vote on update at
February 11, 2026 meeting (agreed to review quarterly)
12. ADJOURNMENT
Any person wishing to speak to the Environmental Stewardship Committee on any matter at this meeting should submit a
Comment Card located at the entrance to Commission Chamber prior to the start of the meeting.
This meeting will be live-streamed and videotaped. The video recording will be posted within four business days on the City's
website. To access live or recorded videos, visit www.coab.us/live.
In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act and Section 286.26 of the Florida Statutes, persons with disabilities
needing special accommodations to participate in this meeting should contact Deputy City Ladayija Nichols at 247-5821 or at
City Hall, 800 Seminole Road, Atlantic Beach, Florida not less than three (3) days prior to the date of this meeting.
Page 3 of 101
Page 4 of 101
Motion for Consideration: ESC Officer and Member Position Descriptions and Responsibilities
submitted by Sarah Boren, ESC Member
Motion:
The Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) approves the enclosed description and responsibilities for
the committee as a whole, officer positions, and committee members as part of its continual efforts towards its
own internal organizational excellence and best practices goals.
Details/Background of the Motion:
ESC has worked hard to improve its “organizational excellence” over the last few years and outlining clear and
transparent expectations of the committee and its members is considered a best practice for municipal
volunteer citizen committees.
Implementation Plan & Timeline if Approved
If this motion is approved, the anticipated next steps and expectations include:
• ESC members are all clear on their responsibilities and those of the officers of the committee
• ESC will elect its 2026 Chair, Vice Chair, and Tree Subcommittee Chair as well as decide on who will
serve formally on the 2026 Tree Subcommittee for appeals
• New ESC Chair will send memo to Commission and staff sharing the results of the elections and
members of the tree subcommittee
• Anticipated completion date: January 14, 2026
• Cost: None
• Anticipated measurements and metrics of success for this motion
o Commission and public know who to contact as Chair/ESC members in 2026
• Education & Outreach Needs
o Share results of election with public per direction of staff
Voting Results
□ Motion Passed / Vote
□ Motion Passed with Amendment(s) / Vote:
□ Motion Declined / Vote:
Attachments
• Draft list of ESC Accomplishments in 2025
Agenda Item #5.A.
14 Jan 2026
Page 5 of 101
2026 ESC Officer & Member Descriptions, Responsibilities and Functions
(last updated 1/8/25)
OFFICER POSITION DESCRIPTIONS
ESC Chair
Primary Responsibilities
• Lead the ESC in meeting Chapter 23 mandates and priorities set by COAB Commission that falls under ESC’s purview
by coordinating priorities and managing resources.
Included Functions
• Continue to improve communications with Commission, staff, and community
• Promote community awareness of ESC's mission
• Promote community understanding and engagement in meeting COAB’s environmental stewardship goals
• Represent the ESC as required at public activities
• Coordinate responses to staff and Commission requests which require approval of the full ESC
• Promote continuous improvement in the processes and efficacy of the ESC
• Manage members’ expectations of staff contributions and vice versa.
Organizational responsibilities
• Organize and lead required ESC meetings, deadlines, and reports
Included Functions
• Create agenda and supplemental agenda packet items as needed for ESC meetings in coordination with ESC staff
liaison
• Lead ESC meetings following Robert's Rules of Order
• Review and sign previous approved meeting minutes
• Promote full participation, 90% attendance rate, and preparation for each meeting of all members
• Promote adherence to Florida Sunshine, Public Records and Ethics laws
• Coordinate filling of vacant ESC positions with the City Clerk and attend BMRC meetings as required
• Participate in ESC meetings as a voting member
• Organize/attend additional key side meetings
Time Commitment: ~5 hours/week (does not include ESC meetings)
Agenda Item #5.A.
14 Jan 2026
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ESC Vice Chair
Primary Responsibilities
• Serve as back-up to Chair as needed
• Keep ESC and ESC members on track with its organizational excellence goals and performance metrics including
member action items/attendance/volunteer hours, ESC deadlines, calendar updates, motion and memo tracker,
workplan progress, etc.
Included Functions
• Lead ESC meetings when Chair is unavailable
• Attend ESC meetings monthly (~4 hours/month)
• Keep ESC’s Master To Do List & Tracker up-to-date and provide copy every 1st meeting of the month
• Create and implement ESC’s annual self-evaluation survey and report out findings
• Attend additional key side meetings/calls with staff as necessary to gather metrics
Time Commitment: ~2 hours/week or ~8 hours/month (does not include ESC meetings)
ESC Secretary
• Attend ESC meetings monthly (~4 hours/month).
• Take roll and call for votes. The Member when called would state, “present” or “present by remote”.
• Assist Members with the formulation of concise motions and assist the Chair with determining if the motion is out of
order.
• Assist chair in guiding members through agenda using Roberts Rules of Order.
• Assist the Chair with recognition of Members who wish to make a motion or speak.
• Serve as time keeper for Chair during meetings if requested and assist the Chair with time management of
Members’ discussions.
• Recap/review motions, votes, decisions, action items, and homework items at end of meeting.
• Provide and ensure that a Record of Decisions, including the lead on action items, is submitted to staff and ESC
members soon after each ESC meeting (~1 hour/month).
• Lead on organizing all ESC important documents, making them accessible to ESC members, and communicating how
to access documents and major ESC platforms.
Time Commitment: ~5 hours/month including 2 hour monthly ESC meeting, 1 hour Record of Decisions doc prep, 1 hour
prep, .5 Report prep (does not include ESC meetings)
ESC MEMBERS KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS
• Have a deep commitment to ESC’s mission
• Have a basic understanding of our work (e.g., read onboarding packet, Chapter 23, and Sec. 23-52)
• Prepare for and attend all ESC Committee meetings – expectation of 90% attendance rate or only missing 2-3
meetings a year (crucial)
• Attend and participate in ESC events (e.g., Earth Day) and commitments (e.g., dedications)
• Complete action items and advance ESC mission in between meetings
• Attend and possibly participate in City Commission meetings
• Serve as an ESC ambassador to the community
• Be an active “doer” -- ESC members are expected to be active doers (those that get things done; not just attend
meetings) and be leaders who contribute their connections, knowledge, expertise, and energy to make a difference.
Time Commitment: ~7 hours/month (4 hours in meeting time and 3 hours of homework/meeting prep time)
Agenda Item #5.A.
14 Jan 2026
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ESC TREE SUBCOMMITTEE
The main purposes of the ESC Tree Subcommittee (TSC) include:
• Review tree permits to verify they are in accordance with Chapter 23 and staff interpreted and implemented
code correctly
• Attend and vote on appeals whether staff interpreted and implemented Chapter 23 correctly
• Review and recommend revisions to Chapter 23 at least once a year to present to staff and Commission in Q1 to
avoid budget season
• Produce semi-annual (twice a year) report on permitting process for ESC to approve and send to Commission
per Chapter 23 language
• Measure, protect, connect, and expand (where possible) the tree canopy
• Make recommendations on how to strategically spend the tree trust fund
• Serve as lead on implementing, updating, and providing quarterly updates on the Tree Trust Fund Action &
Spending Plan
Chair’s duties, role and expectations:
Duties
• Chair appeal meetings
• Report updates to ESC
Role
• Leader of the ESC Tree Subcommittee members
• ESC Representative for the ESC Tree Subcommittee
• Coordinator of activities between COAB tree canopy activities and ESC
• Driver of Chapter 23 review and revisions
Expectations
• Ensure that Tree Subcommittee and ESC priorities are pursued
• Ensure that ESC is communicating to the Commission, staff, and community effectively about the tree
canopy
• Support ESC as needed regarding tree canopy data and content
Time Commitment: ~2-3 hours/month (not including ESC meetings)
Agenda Item #5.A.
14 Jan 2026
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Summary of ESC Accomplishments in 2025
Motions and Formal Actions
• 42+ motions passed with 97.6% consensus rate
• 15 administrative motions (agendas, calendars, procedures)
• 7 tree protection motions (heritage trees, historic corridor, protection programs)
• 6 tree planting motions (ROW plantings, programs, displays)
• 3 policy/ordinance motions (Chapter 23 revisions)
• 4 strategic planning motions (work plan, priorities, processes)
Tree Programs and Plantings
• 54+ trees planted via front yard program (21 spring + 33 fall)
• 5+ heritage trees designated at multiple properties
• 1 historic corridor designated (7th Street sabal palms)
• 300 free trees via 2 major tree giveaway events (Arbor Day, Tricks & Trees)
• $20,000 approved for Saratoga/Forrestal ROW plantings
• $25,000 budget for city entrance beautification
• ~$325,000 tree fund balance by fall 2025
Education and Outreach
• 12 events including 7 speaker series sessions
• 14 yard reviews conducted
• 400 flyers distributed through schools
• $2,000 approved for film series partnership with ARCC and Beaches Go Green
Policy and Governance
• Comprehensive Chapter 23 revision approved and presented to Commission
• 2025-26 work plan formally adopted and presented to staff
• Priority setting process formalized for 2026-27
• Multiple tracking systems implemented (motions, to-do, volunteer hours)
• Annual self-evaluation process established
Staff and ESC Appointments
• 3 new ESC members appointed (Amy Franqui, Christina Kelcourse, Jeannie Gracy)
• City arborist position approved & hired
• Principal Planner & Environmental Coordinator hired (Payton Jamieson)
Community Engagement
• Multiple community service days planned
• Earth Day activities at Farmers Market
• Regular public reporting to City Commission
Environmental Projects
• Howell Park restoration full scope approved and underway
• Marsh pilot project development process approved for 2026-27
• Wildflower pilot approved for Sandpiper Lane
• Air potato beetle program supported
• Vulnerability assessment updated with marsh baseline data
Meetings and Participation
• 24+ regular ESC meetings held (2 per month January-November); 3+ special-called meetings for focused work
• Regular commission meeting attendance by ESC members throughout year
Agenda Item #5.A.
14 Jan 2026
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Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC)
December 10, 2025
MINUTES
Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) Meeting
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 - 6:00 PM
City Hall, Commission Chamber
800 Seminole Road, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
Present: Amy Palmer, ESC Member
Anastasia Houston, ESC Member
Christina Kelcourse, ESC Member
Amy Franqui, ESC Member
Sarah Boren, ESC Chair
Daniele Giovannucci, ESC Member
Todd Miner, ESC Member
Absent: Bruce Andrews, ESC Member
Also Present: Amanda Askew, Neighborhoods Department Dir. (NDD)
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chair Boren noted that under new business, there should be two distinct motions listed as
separate items (9a and 9b) for AI purposes. The agenda was approved.
3. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR (5 MINS.)
There were no public comments.
4. CHAIR REMARKS
Chair Boren provided updates from the recent Commission meetings. At the November 24th
meeting, staff introduced the Chapter 23 revisions, and the Commission decided to address them
at a February workshop since the new arborist will be on Staff. The date to be determined in
February. Chair Boren suggested that the ESC should try to educate and advocate before that
workshop.
At the December 8th Commission meeting, Chair Boren and Daniele Giovannucci presented
their endo of year report, and the Commission agreed to allow the ESC to present discrete
individual motions for the tree action spending plan rather than waiting for the February
workshop.
Chair Boren also mentioned that Mayor Ford had, for the second time, inquired about obtaining
trees from the City of Jacksonville. Director Askew explained that they had attempted to get
trees from the City of Jacksonville for a fall planting, but Jacksonville had very particular
requirements about tree placement locations. Director Askew recommended that future requests
Agenda Item #6.A.
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Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC)
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focus on park locations away from utilities, as Jacksonville has stringent spacing requirements
and restrictions related to utility lines.
Chair Boren asked if the new city arborist could work on this project overtime. Director Askew
agreed it would be appropriate for the arborist's long-range project list, suggesting they aim for
an October planting timeframe.
Amy Palmer suggested that the Atlantic Beach community should be part of Jacksonville's urban
forestry management plan and proposed that the ESC consider making a formal request
regarding this, possibly with support from Council Member Roy Diamond.
Chair Boren reported that regarding RSVP forms, she had worked with Valerie, but MS Forms
were not viable due to security reasons. Director Askew mentioned that Valerie had been
exploring alternative forms that could be used interactively online and would send data to both
city staff and outside individuals as needed.
Chair Boren clarified the process, noting that event organizers should email Valerie with content,
including questions and possible answers, and she would set up the forms accordingly.
Chair Boren also mentioned that the Arts & Recreation Committee (ARC) had made a decision
on the film series, which she would report on later in the meeting.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
Chair Boren noted that she had sent suggested edits to the minutes, which had been incorporated
into the version before the committee. No additional edits were proposed.
A. Approve minutes of the November 12, 2025 regular Environmental Stewardship
Committee meeting.
The minutes were approved.
B. Approve minutes of the November 19, 2025 regular Environmental Stewardship
Committee meeting.
The minutes were approved.
C. Member Reports
6. 90 DAY CALENDAR
A. Calendar
Chair Boren confirmed that Dan Giovannucci would attend the January 12th
Commission meeting, Todd Miner would attend the January 26th meeting, Bruce would
attend the February 9th meeting, and Amy Franqui would attend the February 23rd
meeting.
Chair Boren asked if anyone was available for a town hall meeting on January 24th,
which would be held at 10 a.m. on a Saturday. The committee also confirmed there
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Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC)
December 10, 2025
would be no potluck at their December 17th meeting, and the community gathering
would be postponed to February.
The committee discussed adding a community gathering or charrette to follow the town
hall meeting on January 24th. Todd Miner expressed interest in this idea, and Director
Askew agreed to coordinate with recreation staff and keep him informed.
Chair Boren brought up the possibility of having a table at First Night on December 31st
to start promoting Centennial activities. Christina Kelcourse volunteered to staff the
table. The committee discussed what to feature at the table, including front yard tree
planting sign-ups, Howell Park weed wrangle volunteer sign-ups, and information about
the ESC's accomplishments. Director Askew agreed to coordinate with recreation staff
to secure the table.
Chair Boren confirmed that the First Night table would be at Jack Russell Park from 5
p.m. to 8 p.m..
Chair Boren noted that for the January 14th meeting, the City Manager would attend,
and there would be officer elections. The usual format would involve conducting regular
business, holding the elections, and then transitioning to the new chair for the remainder
of the meeting.
B. 2025 Organizational Excellence Tracker
Chair Boren mentioned that she had emailed an updated master to-do list and asked
members to review items assigned to them, update their status, and add any missing items
to start the new year with a clean, updated task list.
7. COMMISSION AND/OR STAFF REPORTS
A. Monthly tree report with current tree fund amount
Director Askew presented the tree data summary through the end of November. She
noted that the tree fund balance shown would decrease by approximately $25,000 once
the invoices from the last tree planting were processed.
Chair Boren asked if the accounting process for the tree fund had improved, and Director
Askew indicated it was still a clunky process. Todd Miner asked if the Howell Park
plantings were included in the tally of trees planted, and Director Askew clarified that
the 32 trees from the front yard planting program were separate from the Howell Park
plantings.
The committee suggested adding a category for public plantings to better track all tree
planting activities.
B. Status update on when Chapter 23 revisions February workshop and tree fund
action and spending plan
Agenda Item #6.A.
14 Jan 2026
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Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC)
December 10, 2025
Director Askew reported that she was waiting to hear from the Clerk's Office and City
Manager about which meeting in February would include the Chapter 23 revisions. She
explained that the Commission typically preferred to hold workshops ahead of regularly
scheduled meetings, usually from 5 PM to 6 PM, rather than separate meetings.
Chair Boren reminded the committee that they had previously developed an advocacy
outreach plan with assignments for members to meet with individual commissioners. She
suggested implementing this plan in January prior to the workshop, and the committee
agreed this was a good approach.
C. Howell Park Littoral Planting Community Service Day
Director Askew reported that she and Amy Franqui had been working on the Howell
Park Littoral Planting Community Service Day. The invasive plant cleanup (Weed
Wrangle) would take place in late February (February 21st), with the native plant
planting day to follow on March 7th.
Amy Franqui added that the event has been officially registered with the Florida Invasive
Species Council, so they would be included in citywide advertisements for the Weed
Wrangle.
Director Askew mentioned that they had identified a nursery in Orlando that specializes
in Florida native plants where they could source all the needed plants. She also noted
that the trees for Howell Park had already been planted and looked beautiful.
The committee discussed creating a coordinated RSVP process for both the February
21st weed removal and March 7th planting events, though they acknowledged there
might need to be separate links depending on the capabilities of the form system.
D. Developer / Builder Workshop Update
Director Askew reported that she had met with Christina Kelcourse regarding the
developer/builder workshop. They had initially planned to hold it in the first quarter of
2026, but the building official had been short-staffed. They had considered focusing on
trees independently but concluded that trees and building issues were so interconnected
that they needed to be addressed together. The goal remained to hold the workshop in
the first quarter of 2026.
Director Askew confirmed they were still planning to focus on the top developers and
builders who submit the most permit applications in the city.
Amy Palmer mentioned that she had been talking to a developer who was interested in
speaking with the ESC and offered to share his contact information with Director Askew.
E. Community Development Board Mitigation Variance
Director Askew reported on a recent Community Development Board hearing regarding
a mitigation variance. A property owner on the west side of Mayport Road had removed
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Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC)
December 10, 2025
five pine trees (20 inches in diameter each, totaling 100 inches) without a permit while
building a detached structure. Under city code, removing trees without a permit requires
double mitigation, resulting in a 200-inch requirement. The property owner had
replanted 51 inches on their property and sought a variance for the remainder.
Director Askew explained that staff had initially offered a payment plan allowing the
owner to mitigate 50 inches or pay the equivalent into the tree fund every three months,
but the owner was unable to comply with this arrangement. The Community
Development Board ultimately granted a variance reducing the requirement to the
standard 100 inches (removing the penalty doubling).
Director Askew noted this was the second time the Community Development Board had
heard a variance regarding double mitigation, and they were looking to the ESC for
recommendations on how to handle cases where property owners claim they did not
know they needed a permit to remove trees or change the code.
The committee discussed that while the building permit application form clearly requires
applicants to indicate whether trees will be removed and to submit a separate tree
removal permit if needed, some applicants might not carefully read or understand these
requirements.
Chair Boren suggested adding this topic to the next meeting's agenda so the committee
could develop recommendations.
F. ROW planting update
Director Askew reported that most of the recent right-of-way plantings were done in
Howell Park and along North Seminole and Saturiba. She noted that there had been 32
trees planted in the front yard planting program.
Amy Palmer asked about the status of other planned right-of-way plantings, such as those
near Seventh Street access. Director Askew explained that those plantings had been
delayed due to finance department requirements that projects over $25,000 go through a
different approval threshold. The fall planting had been kept just under $25,000, and the
additional locations would be included in the spring planting.
G. ESC Member Reports
No additional member reports were provided.
8. OLD BUSINESS
A. 2026 Arbor Day
Chair Boren reminded the committee that at the previous meeting, they had passed a
motion to focus on increasing front yard planting sign-ups rather than doing a tree
giveaway for Arbor Day, with the plan to showcase specimen trees of different species
at a location to be determined.
Agenda Item #6.A.
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Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC)
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Chair Boren asked how the committee could support Director Askew with Florida Arbor
Day on January 16th. Director Askew expressed interest in changing the usual flag-
raising ceremony format while still engaging students from Atlantic Beach Elementary
School.
The committee discussed various ideas, including having volunteers read "The Lorax"
at each of the Atlantic Beach schools and using this opportunity to announce the
Minecraft challenge. Christina Kelcourse suggested that appearing on the schools'
morning announcements would be an effective way to reach all students. The committee
also discussed potentially involving city commissioners as guest readers.
The committee also considered hosting an event around a heritage tree. Daniele
Giovannucci agreed to reach out to Berkshire Hathaway about using the large tree on
their property, and committee members agreed to identify potential heritage trees as
backup options.
For the front yard planting sign-ups, Anastasia Houston suggested creating a static
display with specimen trees and a QR code for sign-ups, which could be placed in
multiple locations throughout the city. The committee decided to ask Bruce to
recommend species for the display since he had made the original motion, and Anastasia
volunteered to help conceptualize the display design.
B. Atlantic Beach Minecraft Challenge
Christina Kelcourse reported that they had received approval to start fundraising for the
Minecraft Challenge, with a goal of raising $5,000 by January 16th. The Minecraft
organization had approved Atlantic Beach to offer bronze-level benefits to sponsors,
with a preference for five sponsors at the $1,000 level.
Kelcourse shared that she had already secured one commitment and one potential
sponsor, and even the person who declined had offered to provide three additional
contacts. She asked committee members to each commit to approaching three potential
sponsors.
Daniele Giovannucci suggested targeting businesses that already sponsor local schools
and community events as they have demonstrated interest in supporting youth activities.
Chair Boren emphasized the educational impact and scale of the Minecraft platform,
noting it has hundreds of millions of monthly active users worldwide.
Christina Kelcourse explained that the Minecraft Challenge would focus on building a
resilient and sustainable Marsh Oaks Community Center, incorporating features like an
edible orchard, solar power, and hurricane supplies. She noted that the project would
promote STEM education, sustainability, and team-building skills.
The committee also discussed the next steps, including developing the script for the non-
player characters (NPCs) in the game and strategies for engaging local schools.
Agenda Item #6.A.
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C. 2026 Awards
Chair Boren reported that the committee had submitted its award categories (tree canopy,
sustainability and resilience, and planting with natives) to the city. The Arts Committee
had not yet decided on their categories but would do so within the next week.
Chair Boren noted that the plan was to accept award nominations by February and
encouraged committee members to start thinking about potential nominees. She
suggested that if any members had concerns about the award descriptions, they should
email them to her and Director Askew.
D. Centennial Celebration Ideas
Chair Boren reported that she had received an email from Kevin about the Centennial
plans, which included First Night on December 31st, an old-fashioned celebration at
Russell Park on Saturday, March 28th, and an Independence Day/America 250
celebration at Marsh Oaks on July 4th.
Chair Boren suggested the committee consider how they might participate in the March
28th and July 4th events, as well as the Minecraft Challenge in April. The committee
agreed to discuss this further at the next meeting.
9. NEW BUSINESS
A. Motion facilitating corridors
Daniele Giovannucci presented a motion to focus on developing ecological corridors in
Atlantic Beach, particularly where they can branch from existing green spaces like
Howell Park and other passive parks.
MOTION: That the ESC focus efforts on identifying and developing ecological corridors that
connect existing green spaces in Atlantic Beach, supporting biodiversity and creating more
visible environmental impact.
Motion: Daniele Giovannucci
Second: Anastasia Houston
During discussion, Giovannucci explained that this approach would be more effective than
piecemeal tree planting efforts and would help engage neighborhoods in seeing themselves as
part of a larger environmental initiative. He emphasized that this would be an additional focus,
not replacing other ESC activities.
Chair Boren asked about timeframes and metrics for this initiative. Todd Miner suggested that
rather than specific achievements, this concept could provide strategic focus to the committee's
existing activities.
Agenda Item #6.A.
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Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC)
December 10, 2025
Amy Franqui asked whether the focus would be solely on trees or would include native plantings
as well. Giovannucci confirmed it would encompass the broader concept of ecological corridors,
including understory plantings and potentially creating wildlife passages between properties.
Amy Palmer For
Anastasia Houston (Seconded By) For
Christina Kelcourse For
Amy Franqui For
Sarah Boren For
Daniele Giovannucci (Moved By) For
Todd Miner For
Motion passed 7 to 0.
B. Motion for Lights Out
Amy Palmer presented a motion regarding a "Lights Out" proclamation to reduce light
pollution and protect migratory birds, nighttime pollinators, and sea turtles.
MOTION: To approve the Lights Out proclamation as written.
Motion: Amy Palmer
Second: Amy Franqui
During discussion, Chair Boren noted she had been thinking about her solar walkway lights at
home and recognized the need for education around the initiative. Amy Franqui inquired about
the possibility of a light bulb swap program, where residents could exchange white bulbs for
amber ones. Director Askew indicated this would depend on the cost but was not currently
budgeted.
The committee discussed whether the proclamation would apply to streetlights, with the
consensus being that it likely excluded security and safety lighting. Amy Franqui suggested that
the city could lead by example by gradually replacing regular streetlights with amber lights
similar to those on Beach Avenue.
Anastasia Houston suggested incorporating the Lights Out pledge into the New Year's Eve
pledges they were planning to collect at their First Night table.
Director Askew mentioned that she had previously considered a dark sky ordinance but found it
overwhelming. She believed that most city staff would support the Lights Out proclamation.
Amy Palmer (Moved By) For
Anastasia Houston For
Christina Kelcourse For
Agenda Item #6.A.
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Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC)
December 10, 2025
Amy Franqui (Seconded By) For
Sarah Boren For
Daniele Giovannucci For
Todd Miner For
Motion passed 7 to 0.
10. MEMBERS CLOSING REMARKS
Committee members provided various updates and closing remarks:
Daniele Giovannucci shared that during their biannual report to the Commission, they were
unexpectedly limited to 10 minutes, which was disappointing given the scope of their
presentation. He suggested they should request more time for future presentations.
Anastasia Houston expressed appreciation for being back after traveling.
Amy Palmer reported that she had followed up with Kevin about the welcome kit status, and he
remained interested but indicated they would need to start small since there was no longer a
budget for it. She also mentioned she could not locate the Berkshire Hathaway contact for the
heritage tree initiative.
Amy Franqui had nothing to add, noting her items had been covered during the meeting.
Christina Kelcourse had nothing additional to report.
Chair Boren shared that during her Commission report, she had expressed concerns about
increasing risk aversion within the city administration that was making it more difficult for
volunteers to accomplish goals. She also reported on her work with LEED for Cities certification
for Jacksonville, noting they were tracking for gold certification. She mentioned that Trust
Republic Land website data showed Atlantic Beach had experienced significant warming,
particularly along Atlantic Boulevard and in the Mayport area.
Director Askew announced that the new city arborist, Chris, would be starting on January 5th.
He was coming from Oregon, where he had been working for a municipality doing similar work.
She emphasized that he would be exclusively focused on trees, including conducting weekly
inspections of construction sites to ensure tree barriers remain in place. She clarified that while
the arborist could not legally challenge other arborists' decisions about tree health, he could
verify that proper procedures were followed.
Director Askew also noted that Payton had taken over Abrielle's position handling
environmental matters, and Chair Boren suggested connecting her with the Florida Sustainable
Directors Network.
The committee discussed having the arborist attend meetings and conduct quarterly "arborist
days" for public education.
Agenda Item #6.A.
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Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC)
December 10, 2025
11. MEETING RECAP
A. Proposed items for 12.17.2025 ESC Meeting Agenda
Chair Boren noted several items for the next meeting's agenda, including further
discussion of the tree removal permit issues related to the Community Development
Board variance case and continuing the conversation about Centennial celebration ideas.
12. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Attest:
Amanda Askew Sarah Boren, ESC Chair
Agenda Item #6.A.
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Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC)
December 17, 2025
MINUTES
Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) Meeting
Wednesday, December 17, 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
Bruce Andrews, ESC Member
Amy Franqui, ESC Member
Absent: Todd Miner, ESC Member
Daniele Giovannucci, ESC Member
Christina Kelcourse, ESC Member
Also Present: Amanda Askew, Neighborhoods Department Dir. (NDD)
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR - GUEST PRESENTATION
Chair Boren welcomed members of the public to provide comments.
Lea Anne Campbell a resident who has owned her home at 1865 Hickory Lane for 26 years. She
stated she was speaking as a concerned resident to express her strong opposition to the proposed
development and tree removal of approximately 13 mature trees at 1895 Hickory Lane.
Campbell explained that the current plan involves demolishing the existing house and replacing
it with two structures, which would destroy the existing tree canopy and impact the maritime
forest that has been mostly preserved in the Hickory Lane, Live Oak Lane, and North Sherry
area. She emphasized that as development continues, it will mean the end of the existing
maritime forest left in Atlantic Beach, noting that no mitigation efforts can replace what
currently exists there. She described these historical mature trees as "essentially irreplaceable."
Campbell urged the ESC to develop stronger new ordinances that would provide protection for
this vital habitat, which offers crucial stormwater protection, wildlife habitat, and community
well-being. She also noted that as a resident trying to navigate the tree permit process, it should
be easier to determine the status of any permit in process or finalized, pointing out that the posted
tree permit sign doesn't automatically link to the permit for the address.
Campbell concluded by thanking the committee for the opportunity to provide "a voice for the
trees that provide us with shade, filter stormwater, clean our air, and provide homes for the
wildlife that live here and the migratory birds passing through that depend on this habitat to
survive."
Agenda Item #6.B.
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Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC)
December 17, 2025
Todd Wiley, a resident of 1855 Live Oak Lane, where he has lived for approximately 23 and a
half years. He stated he would echo everything Ms. Campbell had said, strongly opposing the
development. He expressed that the continued destruction of the tree canopy in their area was
"extremely disappointing".
Silet Wiley, also of 1855 Live Oak Lane, thanked the committee for their important work and
echoed Ms. Campbell's comments. She shared additional concerns about tree removal in the
neighborhood, specifically mentioning a house on Hickory and 19th. She suggested that the fines
might not be enough because "it just seems like mowing it all down, as you know, all over
Atlantic Beach, every inch gets mowed down of the trees." She proposed that if fines were more
severe, it might make an impact.
Chair Boren opened the floor to ESC members for questions or comments, noting that this
meeting was purposely wide open as the last meeting of the year.
Amy Palmer encouraged the residents to consider joining the board as one way to make an
impact, acknowledging their efforts in doing research. She agreed that there are communities
with stronger, "no compromise type laws" that help preserve trees and noted that creating and
changing code has been an ongoing process that they're still in the middle of, trying to add
strength to it.
Bruce Andrews provided extensive background on the ESC's work over the past 5 -6 years to
strengthen the ordinance, clarifying that these weren't "fines" but rather "mitigation dollars"
required when filing an application for a tree removal permit. He explained the mitigation chart
system based on tree type and size, noting that rates vary based on different criteria.
He detailed how the committee had recently changed the ordinance to address the specific
problem of teardowns and rebuilds, where most canopy loss occurs. He explained that mitigation
rates are highest for new construction involving oak trees, with bigger oaks having even higher
rates. He noted that the permit application showed mitigation could cost $122,000 if paid entirely
in cash to the city.
Amy Palmer then shared extensive details from a conversation she had with the developer that
morning. She explained that the developer had initially reached out about participating in a
workshop with developers to discuss challenges and what might incentivize preserving more
trees. The developer had mentioned this specific project as a good example of issues developers
face.
Chair Boren suggested focusing Arbor Day efforts primarily on Atlantic Beach Elementary
(ABE) for practical reasons, then possibly creating a toolkit for other schools. She asked if
members agreed with the bare minimum approach.
The discussion evolved into planning details, with Bruce Andrews making a motion for the
demonstration: "I move that our 5 trees be live oak, southern magnolia, bald cypress, red maple,
and Dahoon Holly trees at Atlantic Beach Elementary."
Agenda Item #6.B.
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Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC)
December 17, 2025
After further discussion about species selection and flexibility based on availability, the
committee agreed to six species with some flexibility for Director Askew to work with based on
supply.
3. REPORTS AND/OR REQUESTS FROM ESC MEMBERS AND STAFF
A. Parking on medians on Selva Marina Drive
Anastasia Houston raised the issue of parking on medians along Selva Marina Drive,
particularly during Atlantic Beach Country Club events and construction. She noted that
when the club has large events, people park in the center median area without any
apparent restriction. She also mentioned construction vehicles parking there instead of
on the actual construction property.
Houston expressed interest in preparing a motion for the next meeting to approach
Atlantic Beach Country Club leadership about disseminating information to members as
an educational piece, and possibly adding signage from the city stating parking isn't
allowed under the oaks.
Director Askew explained that currently there's nothing in the code specifically
prohibiting parking on Selva Marina Drive, as long as state statutes are met (such as
maintaining distance from fire hydrants, driveways, and stop signs). She noted that
changing this would require a code change through commission.
Director Askew shared that in the past, the community has considered various solutions
including adding a multipurpose path, permeable path, sidewalk, or striping the street as
a walking lane, but never reached consensus. She expressed concern about repetitive
traffic parked on tree roots, noting it will "eventually stress the tree unless we figure out
a way to protect those roots."
Bruce Andrews shared an observation about Public Works paving machines and
steamrollers being parked immediately adjacent to large oak trees during recent street
paving, expressing concern about the city not following its own guidelines about
protecting trees.
The committee discussed various approaches including education through the country
club, potential code changes, and physical deterrents like strategic landscaping with
bushes. Chair Born suggested this might be part of a larger parking issue that includes
city operations, construction vehicles, and special events.
Member reports continued with Amy Franqui sharing successful collaboration with staff
on creating an ESC event RSVP form. She described the form as having the ESC logo
and listing upcoming events including the weed wrangle at Howell Park on February
21st, native planting day on March 7th, and quarterly speaker series dates. The form
collects basic information and can be updated throughout the year while maintaining the
same link.
Agenda Item #6.B.
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Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC)
December 17, 2025
Franqui also reported that she was unsuccessful in getting sponsorship commitments for
the Minecraft event despite multiple attempts and outreach.
Bruce Andrews then led an extensive discussion about Arbor Day planning. He proposed
using Arbor Day to promote the front yard tree planting (adopt-a-tree) program,
suggesting they stage tree samples at a Sunday market with application forms. The
discussion evolved to focus on holding the main ceremony at ABE with the mayor,
involving students through morning announcements, encouraging green attire, and
incorporating educational components about tree benefits.
The committee agreed on the bare minimum plan: ceremony at Atlantic Beach
Elementary at 9 a.m. on January 16th, reading during morning announcements, students
wearing green, and some academic exercise about tree benefits. They discussed
potentially ordering 18 trees (3 sets of 6) for demonstrations that would later be planted
through the front yard program.
Amy Palmer confirmed she could volunteer for the First Night event on December 31st,
covering later shifts. She brought up the upcoming visit from City Manager Bill
Killingsworth at the January 14th meeting, suggesting the committee prepare topics for
discussion, particularly around priorities and the work plan that hadn't yet gone before
city council for resolution.
Palmer also raised the possibility of having co-chairs for ESC given the increased
workload with two meetings per month. This led to extensive discussion about whether
the code allows co-chairs versus enhancing the vice-chair role. Amanda Askew noted
potential issues with the clerk's office regarding who would sign minutes and have final
approval of agendas. The consensus leaned toward maintaining chair and vice-chair
positions but with enhanced responsibilities for the vice-chair to help distribute the
workload.
Anastasia Houston presented her centennial pledge idea to kick off at First Night. The
structure involved residents choosing from a bank of approximately 50 environmental
pledges, with the goal of getting at least 100 pledges for the city's 100th year. She
proposed tiered categories based on time commitment and financial investment.
After discussion about making the list more focused and aligned with ESC priorities, the
committee agreed to work with IT on creating a webpage with checkboxes for pledge
selection. They decided participants who complete 10 or more pledges would be entered
into a raffle, with potential recognition from the mayor for those completing 20 or more.
Houston also proposed a "100 Trees for 100 Years" campaign to encourage residential
tree planting through the adopt-a-tree program, with the goal of doubling their typical
annual plantings. The committee discussed including heritage tree designations in the
count and ways to track and promote progress throughout the year.
Agenda Item #6.B.
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Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC)
December 17, 2025
4. ONGOING-OLD BUSINESS
A. Open forum and general discussion regarding 2026 planning and how to implement
ESC’s two purposes strategically and well
The committee engaged in extensive discussion about strategic planning for 2026,
weaving this throughout their conversations about specific initiatives. Key themes
included:
• Focusing efforts on synergistic activities that support multiple goals
• Balancing ambition with realistic capacity given volunteer constraints
• Prioritizing residential tree planting and canopy preservation
• Strengthening education and outreach despite no longer having a dedicated
subcommittee
• Better coordination with city operations and other stakeholder groups
Bruce Andrews emphasized staying focused on "getting trees in the ground" while also
incorporating educational and celebratory components. The committee discussed how
various initiatives like the pledge program, Arbor Day activities, and the tree planting
campaign could work together to advance their mission.
5. NEW BUSINESS
A. Open discussion and direction on motions to consider in January (e.g., Tree Trust Fund
Action & Spending Plan)
While not extensively discussed as a separate item, the Tree Trust Fund came up in
context of planning tree purchases for demonstrations and the front yard planting
program. The committee acknowledged this would need more detailed consideration at
the January meeting.
6. RECAP OF DECISIONS, ACTION ITEMS AND NEXT STEPS
A. Proposed items for January 14, 2026 ESC Meeting Agenda (attached)
Key items identified for the January agenda included:
• Elections for chair and vice-chair positions
• Meeting with City Manager Bill Killingsworth to discuss priorities
• Further refinement of the centennial pledge program pending IT feasibility
• Finalization of Arbor Day plans and tree species selection
• Potential motion regarding youth environmental advocacy group support
• Tree Trust Fund action and spending plan
• Motion regarding Selva Marina Drive parking (if Anastasia Houston prepares
one)
The committee agreed to a potentially longer meeting on January 14th (until 8:30 or 9:00
PM) to accommodate elections and discussion with the city manager.
Agenda Item #6.B.
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Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC)
December 17, 2025
Chair Boren requested that members submit any specific topics or questions for the city
manager by January 1st and reminded everyone of their assignments to meet with
commissioners before the February workshop on Chapter 23 (tree ordinance).
B. Amy Palmer - 1895 Hickory Lanes
Amy Palmer Notes re 1895 Hickory Lane
7. ADJOURNMENT
Before adjournment, the committee presented gifts to Chair Boren in appreciation of her service,
including a book on native plants and a gift certificate for a pedicure. Chair Boren thanked the
committee.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Attest:
Amanda Askew Sarah Boren, ESC Chair
Agenda Item #6.B.
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Possible Topics ESC Would Like to Share With Commission Over Next 30 Days
In the interest of improving ESC’s two-way communication with Commission, ESC members have voluntarily signed up to
attend Commission meetings throughout the year to stay informed and share updates, then report back at the next ESC
meeting. If any ESC member would like to make public comment (optional) on behalf of ESC as a whole, the committee
has a consensus on the following topics for the next 30 days. You can always make public comments as an individual on
whatever topics you want.
• Thanking Commission and/or Staff for specific help, listening, hard work, etc.
• Past or upcoming ESC motions/recommendations to Commission
• Past/Future Events and Presentations (e.g., Community Service Days, Film Series)
• Chapter 23 Proposed Changes
• Tree Permit, Arborist Letter, Appeal Updates
• Value of ESC story
• Update on ESC projects, initiatives, and annual priorities
• ESC achievements over past month or so
• How to improve communications between ESC and staff, ESC and Commission, and ESC and community
• Priorities alignment
Commission Meetings Attendance Jan – Dec 2026 (typically 2nd & 4th Monday of each month)
January
• 1/12/26 Dan
• SATURDAY 1/24/26 Town Hall OPEN
• 1/26/26 Todd
February
• 2/9/26 Bruce
• 2/23/26 Amy F
March
• 3/9/26 Sarah
• 3/23/26 OPEN
April
• 4/13/26 Sarah
• SATURDAY 4/18/26 Town Hall OPEN
• 4/27/26 Amy F
May
• 5/11/26 Dan
• TUESDAY 5/26/26 Amy P
June
• 6/8/26 Anastasia (ESC report to Commission)
• 6/22/26 OPEN
July
• 7/13/25 Amy F
• SATURDAY 7/18/26 Town Hall OPEN
• 7/27/26 Todd
August
• 8/10/26 Sarah
• 8/24/26 Dan
September
• 9/14/26 Amy F
• 9/28/26 Amy P
October
• 10/12/26 OPEN
• SATURDAY 10/17/26 Town Hall OPEN
• 10/26/26 Anastasia
November
• 11/9/26 Anastasia
• 11/23/26 OPEN
December
• 12/14/26 Dan (ESC report to Commission
Agenda Item #6.C.
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Page 28 of 101
ESC Proposed Content for COAB Promotion Through February 2026
ESC would like to recommend the following content be promoted through COAB’s various outreach channels where
appropriate (e.g., bill insert, City and Neighborhood eNewsletters, social media, physical sign marques, etc.) through the
end of February. There may be some items that need to be promoted multiple times until the actual event date. ESC would
very much appreciate it if staff would provide a report to ESC on location, frequency and effectiveness of promotion each
month.
Events / Important Dates Education / Outreach / Promotion
January 2026
• 1/12/26 ESC Meeting Public Comment Welcome
• 1/16/26 Arbor Day
• 1/24/26 Commission Town Hall (Jordan)
• 1/24/26 12pm ESC Community Input Gathering
• 1/26/26 ESC Meeting Public Comment Welcome
• TBD Marsh Pilot Subject Matter Expert Meeting
• Promote ESC meetings
• Promote community input workshop
• Promote marsh pilot discussion mtg
• Promote The Lorax screening
• Promote Weed Wrangle Community Service Day
• Promote Ch23 Commission Workshop
• Promote Award nominations
• Promote AB Minecraft Challenge
February 2026
• 2//9/26 ESC Meeting Public Comment Welcome
• 2/19/26 Film Series: The Lorax
• 2/21/26 Weed Wrangle CSD (Howell)
• 2/23/26 ESC Meeting Public Comment Welcome
• TBD Ch23 Commission Workshop
• TBD Marsh Pilot Subject Matter Expert Meeting
• Tree Giveaway?
• Promote ESC meetings
• Promote The Lorax screening
• Promote Weed Wrangle Community Service Day
• Promote Ch23 Commission Workshop
• Promote marsh pilot discussion mtg
• Promote Howell Park CSD Planting Day
• Promote Brazilian Pepper Tree CSD
• Promote joint workshop
• Promote Award nominations
• Promote AB Minecraft Challenge
• Promote speaker series
Agenda Item #6.D.
14 Jan 2026
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FOR REFERENCE ONLY (not to be included in the above promotion request)
Events / Important Dates Education / Outreach / Promotion
January 2026
• 1/15/26 Minecraft Fundraising DEADLINE
• 1/16/26 Arbor Day
• 1/24/26 Commission Town Hall (Jordan)
• 1/24/26 ESC Community Input Gathering
• TBD Marsh Pilot Subject Matter Expert Meeting
• Farmer’s Market Tabling to promote yard planting?
• Individual meetings with Commissioners to discuss,
educate, and advocate Ch23 revisions
• Individual direct fundraising
• Coordinate with ABE/schools; take pictures
• Promote community input workshop
• Promote marsh pilot discussion mtg
• Promote The Lorax screening
• Promote Weed Wrangle Community Service Day
• Promote Ch23 Commission Workshop
• Promote Award nominations
• Promote AB Minecraft Challenge
February 2026
• 2/19/26 Film Series: The Lorax
• 2/21/26 Weed Wrangle CSD (Howell)
• TBD Ch23 Commission Workshop
• TBD Marsh Pilot Subject Matter Expert Meeting
• Tree Giveaway?
• Promote The Lorax screening
• Promote Weed Wrangle Community Service Day
• Promote Ch23 Commission Workshop
• Promote marsh pilot discussion mtg
• Promote Howell Park CSD Planting Day
• Promote Brazilian Pepper Tree CSD
• Promote joint workshop
• Promote Award nominations
• Promote AB Minecraft Challenge
• Promote speaker series
March 2026
• 3/7 Native Plant Howell Park CSD Planting Day
• 3/21/26 Brazilian Pepper Tree CSD Removal
• 3/28/26 AB Centennial Old Fashioned Celebration
(Russell) (ESC Table?)
• TBD Joint Commission & ESC Priorities Workshop
• TBD Marsh Pilot Community Meeting
• TBD City Public Works Yard Planting
• Promote Howell Park CSD Planting Day
• Promote Brazilian Pepper Tree CSD
• Promote joint workshop
• Promote marsh pilot discussion mtg
• Promote speaker series
• Promote Award nominations
• Promote AB Minecraft Challenge
April 2026
• 4/2/26 Speaker Series (Light’s Out)
• 4/22/26 Earth Day (Table / Activity?)
• 4/25/26 Arts in the Park (Table / Activity?)
• TBD Minecraft Challenge
• TBD Annual Awards
• DEADLINES: Marsh Pilot recommendation; 26-27
ESC priorities with budget & staff needs
• Promote Awards
• Promote AB Minecraft Challenge
• Promote film series
May 2026
• 5/2/26 WellFest (Partner / Table?)
• 5/14/26 Film Series: No Sleep Til
June 2026
• 6/8/26 ESC Report to Commission
• TBD Tree Maintenance CSD?
• Promote speaker series
Agenda Item #6.D.
14 Jan 2026
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July 2026
• 7/2/25 Speaker Series (Tallamy/Homegrown)
• 7/4/26 AB Centennial Celebration (Marsh Oaks)
• Promote film series
August 2026
• 8/20/26 Film Series: Kiss the Ground
September 2026 • Promote speaker series
October 2026
• 10/1/26 Speaker Series (Native Plants)
• TBD Tree Giveaway?
• TBD City Public Works Yard Planting
• Promote film series
November 2026
• 11/12/26 Film Series: Isle of Dogs
• TBD Removal of Beach Invasive Plants CSD
December 2026
• 12/14/26 ESC Report to Commission
Agenda Item #6.D.
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1/14/26 ESC FYI Report
The purpose of this monthly FYI Report is to relay interesting information and resources that relate to ESC’s
purview and efforts
Ixia Chapter Conservation Newsletter - January 4, 2026
Written by Chadd Scott, Ixia Chapter Conservation Director
On December 17, the Florida Governor and Cabinet approved funding for the permanent conservation of
21,553.27 acres across four properties within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. The newly approved conservation
lands are located across Escambia, Collier, Hendry, Putnam, and Okeechobee counties.
Concerns:
1. These properties are all entering into conservation easement agreements with the state, the state is
not assuming ownership of the land. There are no guarantees these easements are permanent –
despite what the state says – and I increasingly see conservation easements as convenient tax write-off
schemes for major landowners who can still sell the land to developers down the road.
2. Some of these easements come through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program at the
Department of Agriculture. The state is more and more calling undeveloped agricultural land
“conservation land.” Agricultural land is better than developed land, but a tomato field is not
conservation land. I haven’t walked the properties mentioned above to assess their true conservation
value, but I’m suspicious considering how state money is being thrown in heaps at protecting
agricultural land – often to help powerful interests in the agricultural industry – while conservation
funding starves.
LINK: https://floridawildlifecorridor.org/december2025/?mc_cid=c4303e10d1&mc_eid=e70d4d1c83
Resources
• A Year of Impact: Wildpath Films in 2025 (see enclosed email from A. Palmer)
• Bee City & Campus USA E-News (see enclosed email from A. Palmer)
• Beaches Go Green Q4 Impact Report (see enclosed PDF)
• Beaches Go Green article: Why I Choose Beaches Go Green (and why I hope you will too)
• Homegrown National Park -- https://homegrownnationalpark.org/
Agenda Item #6.E.
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Agenda Item #6.E.
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Agenda Item #6.E.
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Past FYI Reports
11/12/25
Local Resiliency Resources & Efforts
• Resilient First Coast Action Plan -- resilientfirstcoast.com/wp-
content/uploads/2025/10/RRAP_Final_101725.pdf
• Military Installation Readiness Review and Implementation Plan (MIRR) -- https://www.nefrc.org/mirr
• Resilient Jacksonville Plan Oct 2024 -- https://www.jacksonville.gov/departments/planning-and-
development/community-planning-division/resilient-
jacksonville/docs/resilientjacksonville_oct2023_pages.aspx
• Resilient Jacksonville Plan Annual Update -- https://www.jacksonville.gov/departments/planning-and-
development/resilient-jacksonville/docs/resilience_annualupdate_2024.aspx
• USDN Resilience Hubs -- https://www.usdn.org/resilience-hubs.html
10/8/25
Tree Resources
• The True Cost of Tree Removal: Why 90% Don’t Need It - Leaf & Limb
https://www.leaflimb.com/tree-removal/
• Global Forest Watch Dashboard (can focus in on AB)
https://www.globalforestwatch.org/dashboards/country/USA/10/?category=forest-change
• Top Tree Diseases of North Florida: What Every Homeowner Should Know
https://www.millertreesrv.com/blog/top-tree-diseases-of-north-florida-what-every-homeowner-
should-know
9/10/25
City of Jacksonville
• Transparency Dashboards -- https://www.jacksonville.gov/transparencydashboard
• Tree Planting Dashboard -- https://www.jacksonville.gov/mayor/mayor-s-transparency-
dashboards/tree-planting-dashboard
• COJ Tree Plotter -- https://pg-cloud.com/JacksonvilleFL/
• COJ Tree Website -- https://www.jacksonville.gov/trees
State of Florida
• 2025-2026 Resilient Florida Annual Plan
• Comprehensive Statewide Flood Vulnerability and Sea Level Rise Data Set - Final Report (2023)
• Statewide Vulnerability Assessment (password: StateVA)
• Statewide Vulnerability Assessment VA and SLIP webtool map viewer
Agenda Item #6.E.
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• Florida Flood Hub for Applied Research and Innovation
7/9/25
• Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program Homeowner Webinar Series
https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/webinars/for-homeowners/#d.en.850133
• Yale Program on Climate Change Communication Report -- Climate Change in the American Mind:
Politics & Policy, Spring 2025
• US Sustainability Directors Network Resilience Hubs Website (lots of resources including video case
studies
o Website: https://www.usdn.org/resilience-hubs.html
o Resilience Hub Guidance Document -- https://resilience-hub.org/wp-
content/uploads/2019/10/USDN_ResilienceHubsGuidance-1.pdf
o Resilience Hub Design Guide --
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13ieSsPlAQmn2PGxFs3Bx_7CWcSiFYkFJ/view
• Sign up…
o Subscribe to City Calendar: https://coab.us/iCalendar.aspx
o Notified about COAB bids: Bids • Bid 2425-03 WWTP Chlorination-Dechlorination Upgrades
Agenda Item #6.E.
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Page 38 of 101
Event: COAB First Night
Date/Time: 12/31/2025, 2-5PM
Location: Donner Park
Activity: ESC Tabling
ESC Members: Amy Franqui, Christina Kelcourse
Summary:
We welcomed attendees to the Donner Park First Night event and shared the following
information with those who stopped by the table wanting to learn more:
● COAB front yard plantings: COAB provided a framed flyer for with a QR Code that
went directly to the Free Tree Planting Program application:
https://coab.us/DocumentCenter/View/13480/Atlantic-Beach-Free-Tree-Planting-
Program-Application?bidId=
● Invasive Plant Awareness: Included signage promoting the invasive plant awareness
advertisement and upcoming Howell Park events on February 21 and March 7.
● Florida Wildflower Foundation brochures: for individuals who were interested in
learning more about native plants, the table included brochures provided by Amy
Franqui, from the Florida Wildflower Foundation.
● Minecraft sponsorship form: a clipboard including the sponsorship paperwork was
available in case the topic came up.
● What is the ESC: informational flyer on display.
The table also featured select bird and butterfly photos taken from Amy Franqui’s yard, to draw
people’s attention and interest to the table. In addition, some Doug Tallamy books were on
display to provide examples of native plant related content.
All content provided at the table has been stored in the ESC Shared folder at
Folders>ESC>Events>2025>20251231 First Night.
Outcomes:
● An estimated 25-30 people stopped by the table.
● We did not have a physical sign up sheet for front yard plantings, but 3-4 individuals
scanned the QR Code with intention to complete an application.
● A number of individuals also took a picture of the Invasive Plant awareness flyer and
Howell Park events, but no RSVPs came through after the event, except for Christina
and her family. :)
● Many visitors expressed interest in native plants and took the Florida Wildflower
Foundation pamphlets.
● A number of visitors expressed concerns about the tree canopy loss, and so we
encouraged them to attend the Chapter 23 Workshop (date TBD) with the city
commission in February to let their voices be heard.
● A resident named Dianne Quaglia stopped by the table and expressed some concerns
about the junkyard next to Tide Views. She shared that there are junk cars being stored
Agenda Item #6.F.
14 Jan 2026
Page 39 of 101
there right up to the intracoastal waterway, and that she has even seen a sheen of oil on
the water while walking along the Tide View boardwalks there. This is certainly
concerning from a stormwater runoff and pollution perspective. She was encouraged to
attend an upcoming commission meeting to express her concerns and this will also be
raised at the next ESC meeting as part of member reports.
Lessons Learned:
● Take more pictures!
● Establish a better process for tracking visitors to the table, if this is a requirement for
future events.
● Have a physical sign up sheet or applications for front yard trees so that people can fill
out the application and turn it in at the table directly. This will make it easier on people
and enable them to follow-through on the spot.
● Have a checklist of materials that should be at each tabling event (e.g., sign up sheets,
event advertisements, etc.). It wasn’t clear what we were supposed to have available, so
Amy Franqui brought materials that she would normally have available at native plant
presentations.
● Have something that will draw people to the table - the photos of birds and butterflies
from the Franqui residence definitely caught people’s attention and interest in stopping
by to look closer. This opened up the opportunity for us to share more.
● Veronica Richard from Recreation encouraged the ESC to email her in the event we
want to have tables at future events and she would help coordinate. She gave us the
impression that she wasn’t aware that we wanted to have a table at the First Night event
until a few days before.
Agenda Item #6.F.
14 Jan 2026
Page 40 of 101
From:Amy Franqui
To:Sarah Boren
Subject:Fwd: ESC Content for January/February E-Newsletter
Date:Tuesday, January 6, 2026 3:26:15 PM
Attachments:ESC_HomeHabitat_JanFeb_pg1.png
ESC_HomeHabitat_JanFeb_pg2.png
ESC_HomeHabitat_JanFeb.pdf
Sharing the below as informational.
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Amy Franqui <amy.franqui@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, Jan 2, 2026 at 2:26 PM
Subject: ESC Content for January/February E-Newsletter
To: Hogencamp,Kevin <khogencamp@coab.us>
Cc: Askew, Amanda <aaskew@coab.us>, Valerie Jones <vjones@coab.us>
Hi Kevin - Happy New Year!
I'm reaching out to share a few ESC updates with you as we kick off 2026!
First, we'd like to kick off the year with some Invasive Plant Awareness content including
actions everyone can take at home and in our community. This will also serve as the perfect
primer to announce a couple events we'll be hosting in Howell Park on February 21 (Weed
Wrangle) and March 7 (Native planting day). The attached content has been approved by
Amanda, so I'm excited to share them with you now for distribution. I've included both a PNG
(2 separate) and PDF format.
My hope is that COAB would be able to assist in distributing this through the e-newsletter and
socials between now and the end of February. Do you have any concerns or need anything
additional from me to help enable this request? I hope you like the designs!
The QR Code that you see in the attachments links to a new "ESC Event RSVP Form" that
Valerie assisted me in creating. The intent is to use this same form/link for ESC-related
events, such as clean-up days, speaker series events, etc. so that we have a consistent way to
track expected attendance. Below is the direct link:
ESC Event RSVP:
https://www.coab.us/FormCenter/Planning-Zoning-Forms-9/ESC-Event-RSVP-Form-108
Looking ahead, my plan is to use this same format throughout the year, where each iteration
highlights a new environmental focus. For example, for March we'll seek to increase
awareness of "Lights Out" as we enter spring bird migration time and kick off sea turtle
season, and then advertise the April Speaker Series event with the Duval Audubon Society
who will share more about Lights Out Northeast Florida and cover bird-friendly actions we
can take at home. And so on...
Lastly, for your awareness, we have decided to reduce the frequency of the ESC Speakers
Series to be on a quarterly basis. So in 2026 they are scheduled for April 2, July 2, and
October 1.
Agenda Item #6.F.
14 Jan 2026
Page 41 of 101
Please let me know if you have any questions or feedback once you have a chance to review.
I'm looking forward to hearing from you and hope you like the direction we are heading!
Talk soon!
Amy Franqui
Agenda Item #6.F.
14 Jan 2026
Page 42 of 101
https://plant-directory.ifas.ufl .edu/plant-directory/https://plant-directory.ifas.ufl .edu/plant-
directory/
Mexican Petunia
(Ruellia simplex)
Spreads aggressively
Outcompetes native
wetland plants
Asparagus Fern
(Asparagus aethiopicus)
Chokes native plants
Has barbed stems and
toxic berries
Lantana
(Lantana strigocamara)
Toxic to pets
Creates dense
infestations
INVASIVE PLANT AWARENESS
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Home & Habitat
Learning simple habits for a healthier community.
Invasive plants spread easily from yards into our dunes, marshes, and parks,
where they outcompete native plants and disrupt food sources for local wildlife.
Have you seen these harmful FISC Category 1 invasive plants?
What you plant matters! Always plant Florida native or Florida-Friendly
plants in your yard. Remove invasive plants and dispose as household
waste. Refuse to buy invasive plants still sold in stores.
Adopt Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles at home. Schedule a FREE
Yard Review with trained Master Gardener Volunteers to get started.
Volunteer to help remove invasive plants in our parks and natural spaces.
Join a Weed Wrangle clean-up event in February!
(904) 255-7450
smeans1@ufl.eduStephanie Means
FFL™ Program Coordinator
Duval UF/IFAS Extension
Agenda Item #6.F.
14 Jan 2026
Page 43 of 101
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
21FEBRUARY
07MARCH
What to Bring / Wear:
Native Plant Planting Day
Saturday, March 7, 2026, 9 AM–Noon
Weed Wrangle — Invasive Removal Day
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 9 AM–Noon
Come help remove invasive plants from Howell Park! No
experience needed — just a willingness to get your hands a little
dirty and help keep our park ’s natural areas healthy and thriving.
Help us plant 300 new native plants in Howell Park , adding
blooms, berries, and beauty that wildlife will love. No green
thumb required — a Master Gardener volunteer will show you
everything you need to know!
to RSVP
Location: Howell Park – 810 Seminole Rd, Atlantic Beach
Location: Howell Park – 810 Seminole Rd, Atlantic Beach
Clothes that can get dirty!
Gloves
Closed-toe shoes
Water
Sun & skin protection
Gardening hand-tools
Agenda Item #6.F.
14 Jan 2026
Page 44 of 101
SUND.\Y MOND,\ Y TUESD.\Y CITY COMMISSION & ESC
January 2026 \X;EDNl�SD.\Y THURSD.\Y l•IUD.\Y S.\TURD.\Y 1 2 '\ City Offices Closed New Year's Day 4 5 6 7 8 9 (0 Farmers Market Code Enforcement 10 am-2 pm Special Magistrate (Russell Park) 2pm 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Farmers Market Arts, Recreation, 10 am-2 pm Culture Committee Arbor Day (Russell Park) 6pm Environmental Stewardship Cmte. 6pm CHAIR, VICE CHAIR, & TREE SUBCOM CHAIR ELECTIONS18 20 21 22 23 24 Farmers Market Community 10 am-2 pm Development Board (Russell Park) City Commission 6:0 0 pm (lnvoc-Ford)GIOVANNUCCI19 City Offices Closed Martin Luther King Jr. Day 6pm 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Farmers Market Environmental 10 am-2 pm Stewardship Cmte. (Russell Park) City Commission 6:00 pm (lnvoc-Bole) MINER 6pm 10am POSSIBLE TOWN HALL MTG @Jordan OPEN1 2pm ESC Community Input GatheringTBD Marsh Pilot Subject Matter Expert Meeting
Agenda Item #7.A.14 Jan 2026Page 45 of 101
CITY COMMISSION
February 2026
i\lOND.-\Y n:r�sD.\ Y \'{'JmNESD.\Y Tf!URSD.\Y JiRIDXY SXfURDXY
I 2 3 4 5 6 7
Farmers Market 10 am-2 pm
(Russell Park)
Songwriters Concert
6pm
(Gulliford Hall)
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Farmers Market City Commission Arts, Recreation, Environmental 10 am-2 pm 6:00pm Culture Committee Stewardship Cmte. (Russell Park) (Jnvoc-Grant)
ANDREWS
6pm 6pm
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Farmers Market Community
10 am-2 pm City Offices Closed Development Board
(Russell Park) President's Day 6pm
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Farmers Market City Commission Environmental Pension Boards IO am-2 pm 6:00pm Stewardship Cmte. 6pm (Russell Park) (Invoc-Kelly)
FRANQUI
6pm
Weed Wrangle
6pm Film Series: The Lorax
TBD Ch23 Commission WorkshopTBD Marsh Pilot Input Meeting
Agenda Item #7.A.14 Jan 2026Page 46 of 101
22
23
City Com
missi
on
6:00
(Invoc-
Ford)
Farmers Market10am-2 pm(Russell Park)Farmers Market10 21111-2pm(Russell Park)Farmers Market10am-2 pm(Russell Park)Songwriters Concert6pm(Gulliford Hall)Farmers Market10 am-2 pm(Russell Park)
25
Environm
entalStewardship
6 pm
h/
Ia
rc
h
2026
Code Enfor
ceme
nt
Special Ma
gist
rate
2 p
m
11
City COIIH
niSSio
n
ArtS,Recreation,Environmental
6:00 p
m CultureCommitteeStewardshipCmte.
(Invoc-
Ring)6pm6pm
C
I
T
Y
CO
MM
ISSI
ON
Com
mun
ity
Develop
ment
Boar
d6
2‘
SUNDAY MONDAY'I‘UILSDAXTIIURSDAEFRIDAYS.\’L'URD.\Y
Wild Wonders
11 am
(Dutton Island
Preserve)
Wild Wonders11am(Dutton IslandPreserve)
13
Brush Up Pain
t6pm
(Adele GT
age
)
121
31 24
1630
BOREN9-12 Invasive Brazilian Pepper Tree Removal Community Service DayAB Centennial Old Fashioned Celebration (Russell)OPENTBD Joint Commission & ESC Priorities WorkshopTBD Marsh Pilot Community MeetingTBD City Public Works Yard PlantingNative Plant Howell Park Comunity Service Day Planting DayAgenda Item #7.A.14 Jan 2026Page 47 of 101
Page 48 of 101
2025 ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE TRACKER
(Last update: 12/4/25)
ESC MOTIONS & MEMO TRACKER
___________________________________________________________________________________
WORKPLAN 2024-2025 PROGRESS TRACKER
2024-2025 Priorities Update Completed (17 )/In Progress (3)/Did Not Complete (2)
MARITIME FOREST
•Plant 100 trees
•Educate about Ch23 and benefits of trees
•Update/strengthen policies negatively affecting trees annually
•Expand data and understanding of tree canopy
PARKS & OPEN SPACES
•Develop and enhance connectivity and walkability
•Improve experience of parks & open spaces
•Update and implement Parks Master Plan (waiting on staff)
•Expand Marsh Oaks Center into a resilience hub
•Educate the community
BEAUTIFICATION
•Start at least three projects•Update/pass one policy improving public/private spaces
•Educate the community about beautification efforts•Explore ways Mayport Road can be sustainable & attractive
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
•One action per CAP focus area & plan for recertification
•Update/pass one policy or improve internal city practice
•Find funding
•Educate the community
ESC ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE
•Expand outreach through improved COAB website
•Increase effectiveness, productivity & satisfaction of meetings
•Improve internal processes
•Improve best practice of annual self-evaluation
•Increase the number of ESC volunteers/SMEs
Agenda Item #7.B.
14 Jan 2026
Page 49 of 101
Reference documents:
• ESC MASTER TO DO LIST & TRACKER (Tab 5)
• 2024-2025 Priorities Detailed Progress Tracker
2025-2026 ESC PROPOSED WORKPLAN
Workplan submitted 8/26/25. Waiting for Commission approval by resolution
Reference documents:
• 2025-2026 Workplan (Word / PDF)
___________________________________________________________________________________
2025 -2026 Workplan Update Completed /In Progress /Did Not Complete
Timeline:October 2025 –September 2026
Focus:Incentivize protection of mature trees.Goals: 1) Improve communications with Commission, staff, and community; 2) Improve community engagement and education
ContinualPurpose #2ESC Purpose #1
Ongoing EffortsOrg ExcellenceMotivating &
Coordinating
Environmental
Stewardship
BeautificationParks & Open
Spaces
Trees / CanopyCC Priority
Maintain “Tree City USA”
status
Increase effectiveness,
productivity, and
satisfaction of ESC mtgs
Education/outreach
on ESC’s four focus
areas
5) Work Toward 2050
Goals & Better
Performance and
Measurement
FDOT Mayport Road
Beautification
6) Propose a Marsh
Pilot program for
2026-2027 support
2) Seek approval &
Implement 2025-2026
Tree Fund Action &
Spending Plan
1) IncentivizeProtection ofMature Trees
Community Service DaysImprove ESC processes,
communications, &
priorities alignment
Various eventsSupport 15% residential
water reduction in N FL
Regional Water Supply Plan
Improve public spaces
with Florida Friendly
Landscaping
Update Parks Master
Plan
3) Continue to
Improve Chapter 23
Interrelation of city plans /
assessments and CIP
Implementation
Improve upon one
takeaway from self-
evaluation
Expand outreach via
websiteVoluntary Resilient & Green
Building Ordinance Proposal
Bee City DesignationRain Gardens in
flooded areas of Jack
Russell Park
4) Create Tree Reports
& Improve Data
Collection
Listening to community
needs and wants
Increase number of
volunteers and SMEs
Flooding & Stormwater
Management Plan Input
Create Friends /
Stewards of the Parks
Working Group
Long-Term Tree
Replacement Draft Plan
Beautification input from
Commission & community
Floating Solar ResearchDutton Island Tree Loss
Investigation
Parks health & connectivityTree Inventory of Parks
Develop partnerships &
learn best practices from
other municipalities
Partner with COJ
TreePlotter Program
Agenda Item #7.B.
14 Jan 2026
Page 50 of 101
MEETING ATTENDANCE (x = attendance; L = late; red = absent; grey = NA)
January – June 2025
July – December 2025
___________________________________________________________________________________
Agenda Item #7.B.
14 Jan 2026
Page 51 of 101
VOLUNTEER HOURS DONATED IN 2025
___________________________________________________________________________________
ACTIVE EFFORTS/PROGRAMS/INITIATIVES
Trees
• Chapter 23 Changes -- Giovannucci
• Edible Orchard -- Boren
• Heritage Tree Pilot Grant Program -- Palmer
• Elders Program -- Houston
• Master Arborist Day -- Boren
• Online tree permit application form -- Boren
• Online arborist letter submittal form -- Boren
• 10/26/25 Treats & Trees Giveaway -- Miner
• Login/license on COJ TreePlotter Canopy Inventory Tool – Boren
• Other City Tree Ordinance Research -- Kelcourse
Parks & Open Spaces
• Stewards of the Park Working Group (2024-2025 Priority) -- Andrews
• Marsh Pilot Recommendation -- Boren
Beautification
• Improve Atlantic Blvd median (2024-2025 Priority) -- Andrews
• Add native species to green spaces, side of road/ROW (2024-2025 Priority)
Education, Outreach & Events
• Volunteer/Community Service Days
o Hopkins Creek Clean-Up and Invasive Removal – Franqui
o Howell Park Littoral Planting Day – Franqui
o Beach Invasives Removal Day – Boren
• Events
Agenda Item #7.B.
14 Jan 2026
Page 52 of 101
o Speaker Series Sep-Dec 2025 – Franqui
o Speaker Series Feb-Nov 2026 -- Franqui
o April 2026 Awards -- Boren
• Education Wish List
o Short video explaining tree ordinance
o Community education about importance and protection of mangroves
o Pervious tools & choices
Organizational Excellence / Administration & Operations / Measurement & Performance
• 2025-2026 workplan
• EF giveaway & “earned” giveaway items – pencils, seeds, shirts, hats, etc.
• ESC self-evaluation
• Thank you notes
• Meeting efficiency and effectiveness
• ESC Member onboarding packet and handbook
• June & December Commission reports
• E-newsletter
• Environmental Stewardship webpage (separate from ESC)
• Metrics to consistently measure and track progress and align with 2050 goals
Need to add more to this section; still incomplete
___________________________________________________________________________________
Agenda Item #7.B.
14 Jan 2026
Page 53 of 101
Page 54 of 101
Month
Permit
Applications
Total Trees
Removed
with Permits
Total Inches
Removed with
Permits
Total Trees
Planted
Total
Inches
Planted
Total Mitigation
Payments
Arborist
Letters
Received
Total Trees
Removed by
Arborist Letters
ADOPT A
TREES
PLANTED
Jan-25 7 47 568 38 285 14,315.00$ 4 4 SPRING 25 21
Feb-25 8 19 286 6 68 6,187.50$ 3 3 FALL 25 32
Mar-25 5 57 986.5 0 0 77,875.00$ 11 13
Apr-25 12 23 296 19 236.5 12,300.00$ 6 10
May-25 10 8 125 11 119 1,987.50$ 11 13
Jun-25 4 16 181 35 395 3,150.00$ 12 24
Jul-25 4 8 117 40 267.5 16,982.50$ 7 7
Aug-25 7 28 387 35 328.5 47,625.00$ 7 23
Sep-25 2 35 506 14 49 19,500.00$ 6 10
Oct-25 6 11 139 8 61 4,887.00$ 5 6
Nov-25 5 6 130 4 39.6 4,394.68$ 5 8
Dec-25 3 40 714.5 0 0 600.00$ 15 35
YTD 73 298 4436 210 1849.1 209,804.18$ 92 156 53
Tree fund balance $325,754 263
454
Prepared by COAB staff
3 85 2 11.6
3 45 2 28
TREE DATA SUMMARY
YTD TREES PLANTED
YTD TREES REMOVED
Agenda Item #8.A.14 Jan 2026Page 55 of 101
Page 56 of 101
Environmental
Stewardship
Committee (ESC)
Report to City
Commission
Monday, December 8, 2025
Presented by:
Sarah Boren, 2025 ESC Chair
Daniele Giovannucci, 2025 ESC Tree Subcommittee Chair
Agenda Item #8.F.14 Jan 2026Page 57 of 101
AGENDA
UPDATES
•2024 -2025 Priorities
•2025 -2026 Workplan
•Current ESC Members & Metrics
REPORTS
•Monthly Tree Data Report
•Semi-Annual Permit Process Report
•Bi-Annual State of the Canopy Report
2 12/8/2025 Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) Report to City Commission
MOVING FORWARD
•2026 -2027 Priority Setting Process
•Centennial Celebration Ideas
TWO WAY DISCUSSION
•Commission Direction Requested
•ESC Comments
Agenda Item #8.F.14 Jan 2026Page 58 of 101
Updates
Agenda Item #8.F.14 Jan 2026Page 59 of 101
2024 -2025 Priorities Update Completed (17) / In Progress (3) / Did Not Complete (2)
MARITIME FOREST
•Plant 100 trees
•Educate about Ch23 and benefits of trees
•Update/strengthen policies negatively affecting trees annually
•Expand data and understanding of tree canopy
PARKS & OPEN SPACES
•Develop and enhance connectivity and walkability
•Improve experience of parks & open spaces
•Update and implement Parks Master Plan (waiting on staff)
•Expand Marsh Oaks Center into a resilience hub
•Educate the community
4 12/8/2025
BEAUTIFICATION
•Start at least three projects
•Update/pass one policy improving public/private spaces
•Educate the community about beautification efforts
•Explore ways Mayport Road can be sustainable & attractive
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
•One action per CAP focus area & plan for recertification
•Update/pass one policy or improve internal city practice
•Find funding
•Educate the community
ESC ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE
•Expand outreach through improved COAB website
•Increase effectiveness, productivity & satisfaction of meetings
•Improve internal processes
•Improve best practice of annual self-evaluation
•Increase the number of ESC volunteers/SMEs
Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) Report to City Commission Agenda Item #8.F.14 Jan 2026Page 60 of 101
2025 -2026 Workplan Update Completed / In Progress / Did Not Complete
Timeline: October 2025 – September 2026
Focus: Incentivize protection of mature trees.
Goals: 1) Improve communications with Commission, staff, and community; 2) Improve community engagement and education
5 12/8/2025 Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) Report to City Commission
ESC Purpose #1 Purpose #2 Continual
CC Priority Trees / Canopy Parks & Open
Spaces
Beautification Environmental
Stewardship
Motivating &
Coordinating
Org Excellence Ongoing Efforts
1) Incentivize
Protection of
Mature Trees
2) Seek approval &
Implement 2025-2026
Tree Fund Action &
Spending Plan
6) Propose a Marsh
Pilot program for
2026-2027 support
FDOT Mayport Road
Beautification
5) Work Toward 2050
Goals & Better
Performance and
Measurement
Education/outreach
on ESC’s four focus
areas
Increase effectiveness,
productivity, and
satisfaction of ESC mtgs
Maintain “Tree City USA”
status
3) Continue to
Improve Chapter 23
Update Parks Master
Plan
Improve public spaces
with Florida Friendly
Landscaping
Support 15% residential
water reduction in N FL
Regional Water Supply Plan
Various events Improve ESC processes,
communications, &
priorities alignment
Community Service Days
4) Create Tree Reports
& Improve Data
Collection
Rain Gardens in
flooded areas of Jack
Russell Park
Bee City Designation Voluntary Resilient & Green
Building Ordinance Proposal
Expand outreach via
website
Improve upon one
takeaway from self-
evaluation
Interrelation of city plans /
assessments and CIP
Implementation
Long-Term Tree
Replacement Draft Plan
Create Friends /
Stewards of the Parks
Working Group
Flooding & Stormwater
Management Plan Input
Increase number of
volunteers and SMEs Listening to community
needs and wants
Dutton Island Tree Loss
Investigation
Floating Solar Research Beautification input from
Commission & community
Tree Inventory of Parks Parks health & connectivity
Partner with COJ
TreePlotter Program Develop partnerships &
learn best practices from
other municipalities Agenda Item #8.F.14 Jan 2026Page 61 of 101
6 12/8/2025 Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) Report to City Commission
Bruce
Andrews
Last Term:
1/1/24 – 12/31/26
Sarah
Boren
Last Term:
1/1/24 – 12/31/26
Amy
Franqui
1st Term:
5/27/25 – 12/31/26
Daniele
Giovannucci
Last Term:
1/1/24 – 12/31/26
OPEN
Anastasia
Houston
2nd Term:
1/1/25 – 12/31/27
Christina
Kelcourse
1st Term:
5/27/25 – 12/31/27
Todd
Miner
1st Term:
1/1/24 – 12/31/26
Amy
Palmer
Last Term:
1/1/25 – 12/31/27
ESC MEMBERS
Agenda Item #8.F.14 Jan 2026Page 62 of 101
A Few Metrics
•Trees – 5/40+/250
•12 Events (11 months)
•400+ Donated Hours (since June)
•70 Motions Advanced YTD
•Improved Data & Reporting
•Policy Accomplishments
•4 Process Improvements
•4 Partnership Collaborations
7 12/8/2025 Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) Report to City Commission
Lessons Learned
Agenda Item #8.F.14 Jan 2026Page 63 of 101
Reports
Agenda Item #8.F.14 Jan 2026Page 64 of 101
9 12/8/2025 Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) Report to City Commission
NOTE : Data does not include trees lost in storms,
lost on city property (e.g., in parks), or lost to
“weekend chainsaws” (trees cut without a permit or
arborist letter)
Monthly Tree Report (as of 10/31/25) Agenda Item #8.F.14 Jan 2026Page 65 of 101
Removals are significant
REMOVALS BY PERMIT 2025 (10 MONTHS)
65
252
3592
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000
Permits
Trees
Inches
Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) Report to City Commission12/8/202510 Agenda Item #8.F.14 Jan 2026Page 66 of 101
We are removing double what we
replace… and are mostly tiny
2025 INCHES REMOVED VS REPLACED (10 MONTHS)
3592
1810
Removed Replaced
Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) Report to City Commission12/8/202511 Agenda Item #8.F.14 Jan 2026Page 67 of 101
Not Permitted Removals Significant
2025 MATURE TREES REMOVED (10 MONTHS)
113 mature trees removed with 0 replacement and 0 fees
> 100 mature trees lost in parks and public spaces
2782 net inches removed by permit
540 more inches eradicated in the dark (est. of 15% not permitted or reported)
+ 250 small trees City (ESC) provided to residents
an alarming net loss of AB trees
Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) Report to City Commission12/8/202512 Agenda Item #8.F.14 Jan 2026Page 68 of 101
LESSON: Our losses are not sustainable
2025
1.Replaced inches are only half of those cut… and replaced trees are 2 to 12 times smaller
2.Permit averages 4 mature trees cut … mitigation is mostly tiny immatures. SO, our larger trees
need greater protection
3.The average mitigation cost is $3100 per permit or $810 per tree. Mature trees can have a value of
$5,000 - $30,000
4.Fees (penalties) do not appear to incentivize builders* as new homes now average in the millions
(median > $800K).
* March 57 trees cut by permit with 0 replanted and $77K paid.
Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) Report to City Commission12/8/202513 Agenda Item #8.F.14 Jan 2026Page 69 of 101
Steps Taken (since Ord 95-25 -124)
•Reviewed current staff permit process
•Suggested data fields for improved records
collection
•Addressed 6 appeals
14 12/8/2025 Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) Report to City Commission
Conclusions
•Staff generally (not always) doing their
job well
•Residents still unfamiliar with process
•Appeals to ESC indicate need for greater
resident education
Semi-Annual Permit Process Report (required by ordinance twice a year) Agenda Item #8.F.14 Jan 2026Page 70 of 101
Steps Taken
•Completed initial outline
•Gap analysis of data collected vs needed
•Outreached to COJ regarding data &
TreePlotter platform
•Awaiting approval from Commission for
Tree Fund Action & Spending Plan
15 12/8/2025 Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) Report to City Commission
Questions for Commission
•Report content expectations (e.g., data,
analysis, questions answered)
•Report delivery date
•Individual discreet requests for Tree Trust
Fund Action & Spending Plan line items
Bi-Annual State of the Canopy Report (every other year) Agenda Item #8.F.14 Jan 2026Page 71 of 101
Moving Forward
Agenda Item #8.F.14 Jan 2026Page 72 of 101
Proposed Process
•Dec 2025 – Feb 2026: Seek input
•March –Joint Workshop
•Apr – ESC refines its final priorities
•Aug/Sep – ESC submits workplan
17 12/8/2025 Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) Report to City Commission
Confirmation from Commission
•March 2026 Joint Workshop
•Priority definition
•Workplan approval
FY 2026 -2027 Priority Setting Process
Agenda Item #8.F.14 Jan 2026Page 73 of 101
Working Ideas
•Atlantic Beach/COJ Minecraft Challenge
•Marsh Oaks Community Center
Resilience Hub
•Atlantic Beach Awards (April 2026)
•100 Years Before/Now/Future
•Various events/activities (e.g., parks
scavenger hunt, tree poetry/photo
contest, tree fact-based trivia night)
18 12/8/2025 Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) Report to City Commission
Confirmation from Commission
•COAB Minecraft Challenge greenlight
•Additional Centennial Celebration ideas
ESC Centennial Celebration Ideas
Agenda Item #8.F.14 Jan 2026Page 74 of 101
Two Way Discussion
Agenda Item #8.F.14 Jan 2026Page 75 of 101
20 12/8/2025 Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) Report to City Commission
Conversation
Commission Direction Requested
•March 2026 Joint Workshop Date
•Priority definition confirmation
•Alignment guidance
•Individual discreet requests for Tree Trust
Fund Action & Spending Plan line items
•Minecraft Challenge greenlight?
•Content and delivery date for State of the
Canopy report
ESC Comments
•Need tools for ESC’s stated second purpose
•Continued need for better communication
•Volunteer experience
Agenda Item #8.F.14 Jan 2026Page 76 of 101
21 12/8/2025 Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) Report to City Commission
THANK
YOU
Agenda Item #8.F.14 Jan 2026Page 77 of 101
Appendix
Agenda Item #8.F.14 Jan 2026Page 78 of 101
WORKING 2026 ESC Calendar
23 12/8/2025 Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) Report to City Commission
Q1
1/16/26 Florida Arbor Day
Feb Ch23 Commission Workshop
Commission & ESC Joint Priorities Workshop
Marsh Pilot Community Workshop
Outreach on Front Yard plantings
Community Service Days
Feb & Mar Speaker Series
1 ESC/ARCC Film event
Q2
Apr-Jun Speaker Series
Community Service Day: Beach Invasive Plant
Removal
Earth Day Event
2026 Atlantic Beach Awards
1 ESC/ARCC Film event
Q3
Jul-Sep Speaker Series
Community Service Day TBD
1 ESC/ARCC Film event
Q4
Oct & Nov Speaker Series
Tree Giveaway
Community Service Day TBD
1 ESC/ARCC Film event
Agenda Item #8.F.14 Jan 2026Page 79 of 101
Page 80 of 101
Motion for Consideration: Formal Request for City of Jacksonville Trees for City of Atlantic Beach Parks
submitted by Sarah Boren, ESC Member
Motion:
Per discussion with the Mayor and city staff, the Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) recommends
that city staff formally seek large trees from City of Jacksonville’s (COJ) tree fund for City of Atlantic Beach’s
(COAB) parks and preserves. If direct cause of tree death can be determined in Dutton Island Preserve and
Tides View Preserve (regional assets) and solution found to try to prevent future deaths, ESC recommends
plantings be focused there with staff discretion.
Details/Background of the Motion:
At the beginning of 2025, ESC passed its first Tree Trust Fund Action & Spending Plan (Tree Fund Plan) to
help the city be more strategic, deliberate, and proactive in its tree fund spending. The main intent and
purpose of the action and spending plan is to not let funds be idle and to always have the majority of the fund
(at least 50%) go towards direct tree replacement from tree loss. Other areas the Tree Fund Plan outlines
support for include: 15% for Mature Tree Protection & Canopy Health Data; 10% Community Learning
Gardens & Education; and 25% Reserve
Within the plan, $27,256 (8% of allotted plan budget at the time) was designated for “City park replacement
plantings.” Dutton Island assessment and pilot to replace 260+ trees dying was considered but not funded at
the time. There were serious concerns about using city Tree Fund for a task as big as Dutton and as "distant"
from the neighborhoods that generated the loss. Setting such a precedent could easily wipe out a large chunk
of the fund and may be questionable as a direct benefit to residents.
At the 12/8/25 Commission meeting, two things happened: 1) Commission gave consensus to ESC to return
through staff with line-item proposals from the Tree Fund Plan in the form of resolutions for Commission to
consider. The Commission had not voted on the whole Tree Fund Plan since it was presented back in March
2025, so ESC sought this compromise to move things forward. 2) The Mayor asked the ESC Chair to follow
through with and watch staff successfully obtain offered trees from City Councilman, Rory Diamond. City staff
have submitted a few requests to COJ staff and recently did a walkthrough of possible planting locations, but
COJ rejected most of the ROW locations the COAB staff had proposed. COJ has stricter criterion for tree
placement than COAB. COJ trees come with watering and COJ staff does the planting. Therefore, after
discussion with staff about how best to use COJ tree funds for COAB, our city parks rose to the top as the
mostly likely successful solution – especially Dutton because a portion of the park is in COJ jurisdiction.
Implementation Plan & Timeline if Approved
If this motion is approved, the anticipated next steps and expectations include:
• COAB Arborist and staff will try to secure COJ large tree plantings for COAB parks
Agenda Item #9.A.
14 Jan 2026
Page 81 of 101
• COJ will plant and water trees sometime in 2026
• ESC Tree Subcommittee will be in charge of progress and regularly reporting on this initiative
• Anticipated completion date: 12/31/26
• Cost: No cost to COAB; some staff time
• Anticipated measurements and metrics of success for this initiative
o Many large new trees (2-4” caliber) strategically planted in COAB parks in 2026
o Determination of cause of death and disease of park trees
o Understanding/agreement with COJ that COAB can make similar request annually per interlocal
agreement
o Pictures of plantings to share with public
o Documentation of where and how many trees are planted (ideally in COJ TreePlotter and COAB
GIS)
• Education & Outreach Needs
o Share progress as well as final completion of initiative with public
o COAB method to keep track of location and species of trees planting (e.g., license to use COJ
Treeplotter, COAB GIS)
Voting Results
□ Motion Passed / Vote
□ Motion Passed with Amendment(s) / Vote:
□ Motion Declined / Vote:
Attachments
• 8/5/25 Tree Trust Fund Action & Spending Plan Memo to Commission and Staff
Agenda Item #9.A.
14 Jan 2026
Page 82 of 101
MEMO
To: City Manager, City Commission, and Amanda Askew
From: Sarah Boren, 2025 ESC Chair
Date: August 5, 2025
Re: Environmental Stewardship Committee’s (ESC) recommended spending action
plan for the Tree Trust Fund
During the ESC meeting on July 7, 2025, members discussed the revised 2025-2026 Tree
Fund Action & Spending Plan after receiving directions from the City Manager to leave a 25%
reserve. With a unanimous vote of 5 to 0 (3 ESC members on vacation and one on work travel),
ESC recommends the following action and spending plan and respectfully requests a resolution
from the City Commission that approves the proposed plan as soon as possible for planning and
implementation purposes (e.g., ordering trees in time for giveaway):
• DIRECT TREE REPLACEMENT (50% / ~$169k; 40% on horizon & 10% already completed)
Planned Plantings
o City street plantings in public right of ways (17% / $57,920)
o City park replacement plantings (8% / $27,256)
o Unplanned city-directed plantings (4% / $13,628)
o Edible Orchard (4% / $13,628)
o Fall City Free Front Yard Planting (5% / $17,035)
o October Tricks & Trees Giveaway (2% / $5,111)
Already Completed Projects
o Trees for beautification at city entrances at Atlantic Blvd & Seminole and Mayport
Road by Arby’s (6% /$22k approved; $25,000 actually spent)
o Spring City Free Front Yard Planting (3% / $9,400)
o January Arbor Day Tree Giveaway (1% / $2,625)
• MATURE TREE PROTECTION & CANOPY HEALTH DATA (15% / ~$53k)
o Heritage Tree Preservation Pilot Grant (3% / $10,000)
o Elders Campaign (5% / $17,035)
Agenda Item #9.A.
14 Jan 2026
Page 83 of 101
o Quarterly Master Arborist Day (4% / $12,000)
o Canopy Health Data & State of the Trees (4% / $13,628)
• COMMUNITY LEARNING GARDENS & EDUCATION (10% / ~$34k)
o Demonstration / Learning Gardens (6% / $20,442)
o Education & Outreach (4% / $13,628)
• RESERVE (25% / ~$85k)
Additional Information
• Linked or attached is the proposed action and spending plan in Excel & PDF formats.
• As the Tree ordinance evolves and the Tree Fund expands and contracts, ESC will adjust
this plan and its workplan accordingly and keep City Commission updated on any major
changes.
• A previous version of this action plan was electronically sent to City Commission in February
& March 2025 and hard copies were passed out during the 3/13/25 City Commission & ESC
Joint Workshop. That version of the plan had 60% allotted for direct tree replacement; 20%
for mature tree protection and canopy health data; 15% of community learning gardens &
education; and 5% reserve.
• As of 6/9/25 the Tree Fund had ~$340k in it. ESC has asked for a monthly accounting of
total sum in Tree Fund as well as a general ledger of revenue and expenses in the monthly
ESC tree report. Apparently, this is not easy data to extract from the city’s financial
accounting system.
Agenda Item #9.A.
14 Jan 2026
Page 84 of 101
PROPOSED 2025-2026 Tree Fund Action & Spending Plan Color KeyPurpose: Be more strategic and proactive in how we add canopy back to the city.In progressFund Balance as of 6/9/2025 340,704$ Completed25% Reserve85,176$ ChangedProposed spending plan amount255,528$ UnsureDIRECTION OF FUNDSCATEGORY% OF FUND BUDGETED% IN ACTUAL DOLLARSACTUAL EXPENDITURENOTESESC LEADCity street plantings in public right of ways17% 57,920$ Estimated goal of 30 trees at $1,000 each; considering 4 locations (1 - Club Drive, Beach Ave, and 8th Street; 2 - Upper Seminole between 18th & 19th; 3 - Tideviews; 4 - Sailfish East); also asked each ESC member to walk their nearby blocks, check Google Earth and COJ GIS, and identify potential ROW planting locations that could take 5-10 trees planted at once and bring findings to next discussion meeting. PWs has been helping with watering challengeD. Giovannucci / All ESCCity park replacement plantings8% 27,256$ Replace dead/dangerous trees that may have been untended for yearsStaff / PWsUnplanned city-directed plantings4% 13,628$ StaffCity entrance Atlantic Blvd & Seminole ($15k approved)4% 15,000$ 18,000$ B. AndrewsCity entrance for Mayport Road (by Arby's) - $7k approved2% 7,000$ 7,000$ StaffMayport Road Greenway set-aside0%Mayport Road TBD 2025-2026 with FDOT construction; Low maintenance landscaping (no trees due to line of sight issues therefore maybe not include in this Action & Spending Plan at all -- should really be under beautification)S. BorenDutton Island assessment and pilot to replant losses0% -$ Seek $70k from COJ or another grant; There are serious concerns about using COAB Tree Fund for a task as big as Dutton and as "distant" from the neighborhoods that generated the loss. It could easily wipe out a large chunk of the fund and may be questionable as a direct benefit to residents. S. BorenEdible Orchard4% 13,628$ As of 7/1/25 Marsh Oaks Community Center if off the table due to someone willing to fund design and build of community garden. Need to research other possible locations such as Tides View, ABE, Johansen, Jack Russell and create a comparison matrix that assesses water/irrigation, safety (no fruit dropping on roads or pathways), maintenance and aesthetically pleasing, possible partnerships, what edible trees can grow in each location, etc.) and make recommendation to City Manager. Must know that city will not offer anything besides water -- no maintenance or public works labor/time.J. GracyCity Free Front Yard Plantings (Spring/March)3% 10,000$ 9,400$ 20 trees in Spring (March)ESC promotesStaff executesCity Free Front Yard Planting (Fall/November) 5% 17,035$ 20 trees each in Fall (November)ESC promotesStaff executesJanuary Arbor Day Tree Giveaways1% 2,500$ 2,625$ Spent 150 trees at $17.50 each for Jan 2025; Spent $3k in Jan 2024 & $5300 in April 2024; Giveaways moving forward will be in January & October for best planting time.S. BorenTricks & Trees October Tree Giveaway 2% 5,111$ T. MinerSUBTOTAL: 50% 169,078$ 37,025$ Heritage Tree Preservation3% 10,000$ 2025 Idea: Start with the 4-5 public Heritage trees most in need of care2024 Idea: Pilot grant; Designated trees only; No match required as it adds too much administrative burden; Citizens have to apply, agree, sign waiver, etc. DanElders Campaign5% 17,035$ AnastasiaQuarterly Master Arborist Day4% 12,000$ One day each quarter, COAB will offer a sign-up sheet for residents to choose a slot during the day they would like their mature tree assessed for free. A. Askew is going to call Danni/Chuck Lippi to see if they are interested and what it would cost.A. AskewCanopy Health Data & State of the Trees 4% 13,628$ 2025 Idea: Consolidate data with input from ESC, CoJ, and staff and formulate (with expert) recommendations for Commission2024 Ideas: Tree inventory of parks; piggyback on COJ; seed money for statistical sampling and framework; tree inventory grant; IFAS Master Arborist/Gardener train the trainer; Amy PSUBTOTAL: 15% 52,663$ -$ Demonstration / Learning Gardens 6% 20,442$ Planning staff really wants to do a "No Mow" Demonstration Wildflower Patch (like FDOT does on highways) as well as a Raingarden Demonstration project in Jack Russell. Maybe next year a Marshside Erosion Pilot ProjectESC & StaffEducation & Outreach 4% 13,628$ Improve community understanding of regulations, tree care, and sustainable landscapes with information and expert speakersESC createsStaff reviews & distributesSUBTOTAL: 10% 34,070$ -$ Reserve 25% 85,176$ On 7/1/25 City Manager Killingsworth suggested ESC always leave 25% in reserve and propose a thoughtful plan to spend the rest.SUBTOTAL: 25% 85,176$ -$ TOTAL: 100% 340,988$ 37,025$ RESERVE (25%)DIRECT TREE REPLACEMENT (50%) MATURE TREE PROTECTION & CANOPY HEALTH DATA (15%) COMMUNITY LEARNING GARDENS & EDUCATION (10%)Agenda Item #9.A.14 Jan 2026
Page 85 of 101
Page 86 of 101
Motion for Consideration: Tree Trust Fund Request of State of the Canopy Report
submitted by Sarah Boren, ESC Member
Motion:
Per direction from the City Manager and Commission at 12/8/25 Commission meeting to complete the bi-
annual report on the canopy by January 2027, the Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) is seeking
funds from the Tree Trust Fund for $13,628 (4% of the allotted plan budget at the time it was approved) to
support the creation of the City of Atlantic Beach’s (COAB) inaugural bi-annual State of the Canopy report.
Details/Background of the Motion:
At the beginning of 2025, ESC passed its first Tree Trust Fund Action & Spending Plan (Tree Fund Plan) to
help the city be more strategic, deliberate, and proactive in its tree fund spending. The main intent and
purpose of the action and spending plan is to not let funds be idle and to always have the majority of the fund
(at least 50%) go towards direct tree replacement from tree loss. Other areas the Tree Fund Plan outlines
support for include: 15% for Mature Tree Protection & Canopy Health Data; 10% Community Learning
Gardens & Education; and 25% Reserve.
Within the plan, $13,628 (4% of the allotted plan budget at the time it was approved) was designated for
“Canopy Health Data & State of the Trees.”
Implementation Plan & Timeline if Approved
If this motion is approved, the anticipated next steps and expectations include:
• ESC will immediately
o look for other exceptional municipal report examples,
o create a workplan and timeline with milestones to keep report on track,
o begin gathering data,
o drafting sections of the report.
• All ESC members are expected to participate in this initiative, yet ESC Tree Subcommittee members
will be responsible lead and expected to report out monthly on the progress of this initiative
• Anticipated completion date: January 2027
• Cost: Up to $13,628; some staff time
• Anticipated measurements and metrics of success for this initiative
o First COAB State of the Canopy report
o Gap analysis of what canopy data we do not have
o Conclusions about state of canopy and recommendations for continual improvement of canopy
o Improved process for data collection
• Education & Outreach Needs
o Share progress as well as final completion of initiative with public
Agenda Item #9.B.
14 Jan 2026
Page 87 of 101
o COAB method to keep track of location and species of trees planting (e.g., license to use COJ
Treeplotter, COAB GIS)
o Pictures of COAB especially trees
Voting Results
□ Motion Passed / Vote
□ Motion Passed with Amendment(s) / Vote:
□ Motion Declined / Vote:
Attachments
None
Agenda Item #9.B.
14 Jan 2026
Page 88 of 101
Motion for Consideration: ESC Accomplishments in 2025
submitted by Sarah Boren, ESC Member
Motion:
The Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) approves the enclosed summary of ESC accomplishments
in 2025 as a method to convey the type of work it does to the public and Commission and for its ongoing
records.
Details/Background of the Motion:
ESC has worked hard to improve its “organizational excellence” over the last few years and cataloging its
accomplishments is considered a best practice for municipal volunteer citizen committees given the change in
members, elected leadership, and city staff over time.
Implementation Plan & Timeline if Approved
If this motion is approved, the anticipated next steps and expectations include:
• ESC may take time to amend and tweak this draft summary
• ESC will share with Commission via memo
• ESC will work with city staff on best way to share with public somehow per direction of city staff
• Anticipated completion date: January 2026
• Cost: None
• Anticipated measurements and metrics of success for this initiative
o Commission and public has heightened awareness of what ESC does
• Education & Outreach Needs
o Share with public per direction of staff
Voting Results
□ Motion Passed / Vote
□ Motion Passed with Amendment(s) / Vote:
□ Motion Declined / Vote:
Attachments
• Draft list of ESC Accomplishments in 2025
Agenda Item #10.B.
14 Jan 2026
Page 89 of 101
Summary of ESC Accomplishments in 2025
Motions and Formal Actions
• 42+ motions passed with 97.6% consensus rate
• 15 administrative motions (agendas, calendars, procedures)
• 7 tree protection motions (heritage trees, historic corridor, protection programs)
• 6 tree planting motions (ROW plantings, programs, displays)
• 3 policy/ordinance motions (Chapter 23 revisions)
• 4 strategic planning motions (work plan, priorities, processes)
Tree Programs and Plantings
• 54+ trees planted via front yard program (21 spring + 33 fall)
• 5+ heritage trees designated at multiple properties
• 1 historic corridor designated (7th Street sabal palms)
• 300 free trees via 2 major tree giveaway events (Arbor Day, Tricks & Trees)
• $20,000 approved for Saratoga/Forrestal ROW plantings
• $25,000 budget for city entrance beautification
• ~$325,000 tree fund balance by fall 2025
Education and Outreach
• 12 events including 7 speaker series sessions
• 14 yard reviews conducted
• 400 flyers distributed through schools
• $2,000 approved for film series partnership with ARCC and Beaches Go Green
Policy and Governance
• Comprehensive Chapter 23 revision approved and presented to Commission
• 2025-26 work plan formally adopted and presented to staff
• Priority setting process formalized for 2026-27
• Multiple tracking systems implemented (motions, to-do, volunteer hours)
• Annual self-evaluation process established
Staff and ESC Appointments
• 3 new ESC members appointed (Amy Franqui, Christina Kelcourse, Jeannie Gracy)
• City arborist position approved & hired
• Principal Planner & Environmental Coordinator hired (Payton Jamieson)
Community Engagement
• Multiple community service days planned
• Earth Day activities at Farmers Market
• Regular public reporting to City Commission
Environmental Projects
• Howell Park restoration full scope approved and underway
• Marsh pilot project development process approved for 2026-27
• Wildflower pilot approved for Sandpiper Lane
• Air potato beetle program supported
• Vulnerability assessment updated with marsh baseline data
Meetings and Participation
• 24+ regular ESC meetings held (2 per month January-November); 3+ special-called meetings for focused work
• Regular commission meeting attendance by ESC members throughout year
Agenda Item #10.B.
14 Jan 2026
Page 90 of 101
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE (ESC)
PRIORITIES 2026
1. To study and make recommendations to and respond to requests from city commission
and city staff with respect to the city’s maritime forest, parks and open spaces,
beautification of public and private spaces, and environmental stewardship, including:
a. Support passage and implementation of revisions to Chapter 23 and other tree-
related recommendations from 2025 – especially those focused on preservation:
i. Historic Corridors
ii. Heritage Tree maintenance grant program
iii. Developer input on incentives to preserve trees
iv. Elder tree mapping
b. Study and recommend nature-based solutions to combat marsh erosion
c. Seek Bee City USA designation to focus attention and efforts on native
landscaping and related reduction in biocide, fertilizer, and water usage
d. Research models and cost for pilot residential composting program
2. Act as a motivating and coordinating body to encourage joint public and private
participation in promoting these purposes by leading environmental communications
initiatives, including:
a. Biennial comprehensive report on the canopy
b. Welcome kit
3. Act as a motivating and coordinating body to encourage joint public and private
participation in promoting these purposes by leading environmental outreach activities,
including:
a. CoAB Centennial participation
b. Minecraft sponsorship
c. Arbor Day/Tree City USA/promotion of Free Front Yard Trees
i. 100 sign-ups for Centennial
d. Earth Day/Mayor’s Monarch Pledge
e. Trick or Trees Tree Give-away
f. Quarterly hands-on environmental speakers/workshops
g. Biannual environmental film screenings in partnership with CARAC
h. Community Service Days
i. Environmental categories for city-wide awards program
Agenda Item #10.C.
14 Jan 2026
Page 91 of 101
Page 92 of 101
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
ESC PRIORITIES FOR COMMISSION TO ADOPT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026
THAT REQUIRE FUNDING AND/OR SIGNIFICANT STAFF TIME
Improved communications and consistent community engagement are key and fundamental ingredients to the
success of these proposed priorities.
1. Approve Tree Mitigation Fund 2025-2026 Action & Spending Plan
Commission to approve ESC’s Tree Mitigation Fund 2025-2026 Action & Spending Plan in Q2 2025
Note: These funds are separate from the general fund and can be approved anytime
2. Decide on Chapter 23 revision recommendations
Commission to consider proposed revisions to Chapter 23 in 2025
3. Incentivize Protection of Mature Trees
Commission to direct staff to support ESC’s research and proposals on incentive programs to encourage
developers and homeowners to save trees versus removing them and bring final recommendations to
Commission
4. Create Tree Report
Commission to direct staff to help ESC create quarterly and an annual tree report
5. Work towards 2050 Goals & Recertification
Commission to direct staff to work towards 2050 goals in Sustainability and Resilience Community Action
Plan (S&RCAP) and recertification in 2027 and seek support and guidance from ESC where appropriate
ESC PURPOSE IN CHAPTER 23 MUNICIPAL CODE
PURPOSE #1: To study and make recommendations to the city commission and city staff with respect to the city's:
a. Maritime forest;
b. Parks and open spaces;
c. Beautification of public and private spaces
d. Environmental stewardship.
PURPOSE #2: To act as a motivating and coordinating body to encourage joint public and private participation in promoting these purposes
Agenda Item #10.C.
14 Jan 2026
Page 93 of 101
Page 94 of 101
MEMO
To: City Manager, City Commission, and Amanda Askew
From: Sarah Boren, ESC Chair
Date: August 24, 2025
Re: Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) Proposed 2025-2026 Workplan
On 7/1/25 the City Manager suggested ESC create a 2025-2026 workplan for Commission approval via
resolution. During the ESC meeting on August 13, 2025, members unanimously passed (9-0) the
enclosed 2025-2026 workplan.
ESC respectively requests that a resolution to approve this workplan be placed on a Commission agenda
before October 1, 2025.
Attachments
ESC Proposed 2025-2026 Workplan
Agenda Item #10.C.
14 Jan 2026
Page 95 of 101
Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) Proposed 2025-2026 Workplan
Enclosed is a proposed 12-month workplan for the Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) organized to
focus first on Commission’s main priority for ESC, other prioritized ESC work, and then time and capacity allowing,
additional proposed efforts by focus area and ongoing work. Dates and action items are subject to change. ESC
will update Commission and staff on its workplan progress during its scheduled Commission committee report.
• Timeline: October 2025 – September 2026
• Focus: Main focus is to incentivize protection of mature trees.
• Goals: 1) Improve communications with Commission, staff, and community; 2) Improve community
engagement and education
Commission Priority for ESC
Priority Timeline Activities / Action Items Anticipated Outcomes
1. Incentivize
Protection of
Mature Trees
Oct
2025–Dec
2025
- Explore and research incentive ideas and
education and outreach mechanisms that
protect mature trees;
- Recommend 2-3 incentive programs to
Commission for approval
- Recommend 1-2 education and outreach
efforts to Commission for approval
- Pro/Con list of researched ideas
and tactics
- At least one incentive program
is approved by Commission
- At least one education and
outreach effort is approved by
Commission
Jan 2026
– Sep
2026
- Implement and educate the public about
approved incentive program(s)
- Implement approved education and
outreach effort(s)
Depending on which programs are
approved, ESC expects:
- more heritage trees
designated,
- a better understanding of
number and species of mature
trees, and
- a deepening pride for AB’s tree
canopy
Agenda Item #10.C.
14 Jan 2026
Page 96 of 101
Other Prioritized ESC Work
Priority Timeline Activities / Action Items Anticipated Outcomes
2. Approve &
Implement 2025-2026
Tree Fund Action &
Spending Plan
Oct–Dec
2025
- Recommend a Tree Fund action and
spending plan to the Commission for
approval
- Begin/continue implementation of
approved plan
- Fund operationalized
- Monthly internal ESC
updates and semi-
annual committee
reports to Commission
on progress
Jan-Sep
2026
- Continue to implement approved plan
- Adjust plan as needed if funds grow or
contract
- Monthly and semi-
annual progress updates
within ESC and to
Commission respectively
- Measurement of success
metrics
3. Decide on Chapter 23
Revision
Recommendations
Oct-Dec
2025
- Recommend revisions to the Commission
for approval
- Educate the public about approved
revisions
- Revisions better protect
urban canopy and clarify
processes
Jan-Mar
2026
- Work on simplifying Ch23 and making it
easier to understand without weakening
protection of trees and present
recommendations to Commission for
approval
- Ch23 simplified and
easier to understand
Apr-Sep
2026
- Create multi-format public facing
educational materials that reduce
ignorance of tree ordinance and makes it
easy to understand
- Reduction in number of
tree ordinance questions
and violations
4. Create Tree Reports
& Improve Data
Collection (Monthly,
Semi-Annually & Bi-
Annually)
Oct–Dec
2025
- Determine data needed for each report
- Develop data collection system with staff
- Release first semi-annual report on
permitting process at 12/8/25 ESC Report
to Commission.
- Create simplified community version of
both monthly tree report and semi-annual
permitting process report
- Transparent tree tracking
- Informed community and
Commission on status of
tree permits, arborist
letters, tree fund, and
overall tree ordinance
process
Jan-Mar
2026
- Research other cities “State of the
Canopy” reports include and how they
collect data
- Create outline of the bi-annual “State of
the Canopy” report and identify data gaps
- Examples of excellent
tree reports from other
municipalities
- Initial outline of bi-
annual report with
identified data gaps
Agenda Item #10.C.
14 Jan 2026
Page 97 of 101
Priority Timeline Activities / Action Items Anticipated Outcomes
- Decide on date of first edition of “State of
the Canopy” report
- Expected publish date of
first “State of the
Canopy” report
Apr-Sep
2026
- Continue to refine monthly tree report
and semi-annual permitting process
report with best data obtainable and for
easy public consumption
- Work on sections of “State of the Canopy”
report
- Improved tree data and
permit process
transparency and
communication
- Initial draft of “State of
the Canopy” report
5. Work Toward 2050
Goals & Better
Performance and
Measurement
Oct-Dec
2025
- Meet with staff regarding 2050 goals
- Meet with Commissioners to discern what
they want measured and see progress on.
- Better understanding of
what is important to this
Commission and align
with 2050 goals
Jan-Mar
2026
- ESC researches how to collect data and
measure performance and progress on
Commission’s preferred metrics.
- Feasibility summary on
desired metrics
Apr-Jun
2026
- Collect necessary data for metrics and
report out on process at June ESC report
to Commission
- Streamlined process for
data collection of
important metrics
Jul-Sep
2026
- Continue to work on metrics and align
with 2050 goals
- Summary of lessons
learned from this effort
6. Propose a Marsh
Pilot program for 2026-
2027 support
Oct-Dec
2025
- Host at least one presentation/workshop
at a location west of Mayport Road
delineating impacts and the causes of the
impacts to the marsh and possible
realistic and viable approaches and
solutions that address marsh erosion, loss
of vegetation, and storm damage.
- Put together a working group of residents
and subject matter experts that assess
possible solutions, fill in data or
knowledge gaps and vet and propose
possible marsh pilot projects to the full
ESC.
- AB citizens engaged
regarding possible marsh
pilot project and
solutions
- List that compares viable
marsh solutions
Jan-Feb
2026
- ESC discusses projects and makes a
recommendation in time to be considered
for the 2026-2027 budget cycle (e.g.,
February 2026)
- Marsh Pilot project
recommendation to
Commission
Agenda Item #10.C.
14 Jan 2026
Page 98 of 101
Additional Proposed Activities by Focus Area (Time & Capacity Permitting)
MARITIME CANOPY
Action Timeline Outcome
Long-Term Tree
Replacement Draft Plan
Apr–Sep
2026
Research best practices a long term plan for replacing aging/dying trees,
trees lost due to storms, etc. and a list of locations ready for tree planting
Dutton Island Tree Loss
Investigation
Apr–Sep
2026
Identification of cause(es) of death of so many trees and
recommendations for improving tree health
Tree Inventory of Parks Apr–Sep
2026 Tree inventory of AB parks
Partner with COJ
TreePlotter Program
Apr–Sep
2026
Improved software tree plotting system so COAB has more data on each
tree planted, mitigated, lost, etc.
PARKS & OPEN SPACES
Action Timeline Outcome
Rain Gardens in flooded areas of Jack Russell Park Apr – Sep 2026 Increased beauty and reduced flooding
Stewards of the Park Volunteer Program Apr – Sep 2026 Volunteer stewardship and education in parks
BEAUTIFICATION
Action Timeline Outcome
FDOT Mayport Road Beautification Jan-Mar
2026
Collaborative plan for native landscaping and reducing amount
of concrete and heat island effect
Improve Public Spaces with Florida
Friendly Design
Apr – Sep
2026 More vibrant and eco-friendly city landscapes
Bee City Designation Apr – Sep
2026 National recognition, pollinator focus
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
Action Timeline Outcome
Support 15% Residential Water
Reduction
Apr – Sep
2026 Community outreach, data tracking
Voluntary Resilient & Green
Building Ordinance Proposal
Apr – Sep
2026
Incentives for resilient development and updated building stock
in next 25 years for anticipated climate changes
Flooding & Stormwater
Management Plan Input TBD Recommendations integrated into consultant work
Floating Solar Research Apr – Sep
2026 Feasibility report and potential site identified
Agenda Item #10.C.
14 Jan 2026
Page 99 of 101
Ongoing Work (throughout the year)
ONGOING EFFORTS
Ongoing Efforts Ongoing Support
Education/outreach on ESC’s four focus areas Newsletter, articles, website, social posts, event
tabling, etc.
Maintain “Tree City USA” status Coordinate annual application and Arbor Day event
Various events Speaker series, film series, Earth Day, Tree Giveaways,
Awards
Community Service Days Howell Park Littoral Planting, Invasives Removal, Tree
Maintenance
Multi City Plans/Assessments & CIP Implementation Work with City Engineer/Planning/Public Works
Beautification Input from Commission & Community Public feedback loops
Parks health & connectivity Passive/multi-use planning advice
Develop partnerships & learn best practices from other
municipalities Leverage other expertise and experience
EDUCATION, EVENTS, AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CALENDAR
Event Date
Hopkins Creek Clean Up & Invasives Removal Community
Service Day 10/11/25
Fall Tree Giveaway 10/26/25
Annual ESC Community Input Meeting & Survey Nov 2025
Monthly Educational Speaker Series First Thursday / Monthly
Tree City USA Arbor Day Event Jan 16, 2026
Arbor Day Tree Giveaway Event Jan 18, 2026
Howell Park & Beaches Weed Wrangle Community Service
Day Feb 2026
Earth Day @ Farmers Market April 27, 2026
ESC Environmental Awards TBD
Howell Littoral Planting Community Service Day TBD
ARCC & ESC Quarterly Educational Film Series TBD
Agenda Item #10.C.
14 Jan 2026
Page 100 of 101
ESC 2025-2026 VISUAL WORKPLAN
Agenda Item #10.C.
14 Jan 2026
Page 101 of 101