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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnvironmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) - 17 Dec 2025 - Minutes - PdfEnvironmental 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." Page 1 of 7 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. Anastasia Houston 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." Page 2 of 7 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 Boren 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. Page 3 of 7 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. Page 4 of 7 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. Page 5 of 7 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 Page 6 of 7 As requested of me at the Dec. 17, 2025, ESC meeting, here are the observations and recommendations of the developer of the property located at 1895 Hickory Lane to strengthen the existing ordinances governing trees in Atlantic Beach as shared with and understood by me in a Dec. 17, 2025, meeting. They include: -Creating an overlay to provide greater protections for the most heavily treed neighborhoods, which are unique due to large lots and large tree canopy. These areas were originally developed with great care to preserve large oaks (i.e. areas west of Seminole, such as Selva Marina). Overlay and historic corridor status would train developers to take extra care because the citizens created this. --ap note: this could include a test pilot for the prohibition of cutting down trees of a certain DBH. The biggest trees shall not be removed. --ap note: ensue these areas are designated as historic corridors -There is a limit on inches granted for preservation credits (40 inches, I am told). Once that limit is reached, there is no incentive to keep more trees. This can lead to the clear-cutting we are seeing. -Similarly, there is no distinction in terms of mitigation credit between trees preserved in the interior of the lot and on the perimeter. ---It was noted that the City of Jax provides an incentive to preserve trees within the interior of a lot by providing higher mitigation credit (double: 2 to 1 credit). This point in the COJ code could be used as a model for CoAB. -The exclusionary zone around trees meant to protect their roots makes siting a house on a small lot challenging. --ap research note: what do developers in heavily treed developments that work around existing trees do on this point? -Specialty foundations with piers meant to protect tree roots do exist but are expensive. How to incorporate these into building plans? Grant incentives? -Granting variances to reduce front or side setbacks could save trees. --If developers could meet with ESC through a formal process prior to engineering on solutions to save trees by providing relief there would be greater appetite for the risk of seeking a variance. --Discussing this early in the process is key; otherwise, any wait time equals $. - Without incentives, options for variances, or stronger rules, developers are left to their own devices to either save trees or not. The above would level the playing field so that all are subject to the same rules. I will also reiterate my point of discovery that code appears to be silent on criteria for granting variances in order to save trees. Thanks, Amy Palmer Page 7 of 7