12-13-17 ESC Meeting MinutesMINUTES OF
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
MEETING
DEC. 13,2017
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT:
Bruce Andrews, Vice Chair
Myron Blankenbaker
Sarah Dark (alternate)
Alan Ennis
Bonnie Hansen
Judith Leroux, Chair
Dawn Scott, Secretary
STAFF:
Derek Reeves, Interim Community Development Director; Brian Broedell, Planner
OTHER:
Brittany Nonis, City Commission member; Jay Handline, Beaches Town Center agency president; Josh
Messenger, Neptune Beach Ish Brant Beautification Committee president
1. Call to order.
The meeting was called to order at 6:01p.m. in the Commission Chamber by J. Leroux.
2. Report on Beaches Town Center landscape plan-BTCA President Jay Handline (presented to
ESC by request of Mayor Glasser)
J. Handline provided a history of the proposed projected and noted that its BTCA's role to add and
preserve beautification features in the area. He said the proposed project is more than four years in the
making; more than $50,000 has been spent planning for it; and representatives of Atlantic Beach and
Neptune Beach cities have been briefed along the way. He said it is BTCA's desire for the
Environmental Stewardship Committee to recommend that the City Commission approve funding one
third ofthe $127,500 project.
J. Messenger explained his volunteer role with the landscaping design. He noted that Rockaway
completed an audit of existing conditions, which revealed that the inigation system largely does not
work and that many cunent plant species are not sustainable or appropriate for this coastal environment.
About 1 0 palm trees are proposed to be added; no trees are expected to be removed.
B. Andrews asked why Atlantic Beach is being asked to pay an equal share when a much smaller
portion of the city is in the Tow Center area. J. Handline said the three stakeholders have historically
shared expenses and success, although sometimes circumstances have necessitated a larger investment
by one city or the other. J. Handline said wayfaring signs and art improvements are not included in the
landscape project.
S. Dark expressed concern about certain plant choices, saying some are not suitable and/or are non
native. J. Handline replied that aesthetic benefits sometimes outweigh the risk of a rare freeze. S. Dark
and B. Andrews said that alternative solutions exist.
B. Hansen and other committee members expressed concern about the potential elimination of the
Christmas tree display if the landscape project is approved.
It was agreed that B. Andrews would summarize the committee members' concerns in a memorandum,
and distribute it to the City Commission.
3. Approval of minutes
The Nov. 7 Tree Subcommittee minutes and Nov. 8 Environmental Stewardship Committee minutes
were unanimously approved.
4. Courtesy of the floor
B. Norris introduced herself to the committee.
5. Tree Subcommittee Report
No report was provided.
6. Report (#3) on ESC request to staff for new permit application signage & website access to
permits per ordinance-D. Reeves
D. Reeves provided an update/summary.
7. Report (#2) 2017 Tree City USA event planning -D. Reeves
D. Reeves provided an update/summary on the upcoming Heritage Tree designation and the 2017 City's
Tree City application, which will be submitted in December.
8. Review of ESC committee work plan results from priority setting workshop/schedule setting
for work list
After a discussion, the committee unanimously approved the ESC work plan (attached).
9. Tree Fund-procedures and expenditures review (attached)
The committee discussed Tree Fund proceeds, the approval level for expenditures, and the recent Tree
Fund audit.
10. Items for next agenda
Tree conservation trust fund explanation
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Q&A with Public Works Director Scott Williams regarding tree maintenance and other issues
pertaining to the Environmental Stewardship Committee's relationship with the Public Works
Depmiment.
11. New business
None.
12. Adjournment
The meeting adjoumed at 8:40p.m.
ATTACHMENT: ESC work plan
(Minutes respectfitlly submitted by Kevin Hogencamp on 1-3-18)
~4SGY
Secretary
ATTEST
Kevin ogencamp
Deputy City Manager
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