1-11-23 Adopted MinutesMINUTES
Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC)
Meeting
Wednesday, January 11, 2023 - 6:00 PM
Commission Chamber
Present: Amy Palmer, At -Large Member, ESC
Linda Chipperfield, At -Large Member, ESC
Patrick Nobles, At -Large Member, ESC
Mark Gabrynowicz, ESC Chair, District 1307 Member
Daniele Giovannucci, Vice Chair, At -Large Member, ESC
Romy Vann, At -Large Member, ESC
Barbie Brooksher, District 1312 Member, ESC
Sarah Boren, District 1306 Member, ESC
Bruce Andrews, District 1308 Member, ESC
Absent: Anastasia Houston, At -Large Member, ESC
Also Present: Amanda Askew, Director of Planning and Community Development
Candace Kelly, City Commissioner, Seat 4
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mark Gabrynowicz called the meeting to order. Linda Chipperfield called the roll.
2. SELECTION OF ESC CHAIR AND SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIRS
Chair:
Mark Gabrynowicz asked if there were any nominations or volunteers for ESC Chair. Sarah
Boren volunteered to be chair if Mark Gabrynowicz did not want to continue. Mark
Gabrynowicz responded that he would like to volunteer for chair and asked if there were any
other volunteers or nominations. Bruce Andrews raised his concern for having a member serve
as chair consecutive years. Discussion ensued about serving as chair and length of member
terms. Bruce Andrews nominated Mark Gabrynowicz for chair. Mark Gabrynowicz asked if
there were any more nominations. There were no further nominations or discussion. A second
and vote was not recorded. There was no dissent to the nomination.
Vice Chair:
Mark Gabrynowicz asked for nominations. Daniele Giovannucci nominated Sarah Boren. Bruce
Andrews and Amy Palmer seconded this nomination. A vote was not recorded. There was no
dissent to the nomination.
Tree Subcommittee Chair and Members:
Mark Gabrynowicz reviewed that subcommittee reports will be on the Consent Agenda for
approval and the reports must be submitted to Amanda Askew by the first Wednesday of the
month. He said this is important because subcommittee chairs will now be responsible for work
groups.
Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC)
January 11, 2023
Page 1 of 10
Mark Gabrynowicz asked for nominations. Sarah Boren nominated Bruce Andrews. Romy Vann
seconded the nomination. Bruce Andrews said he will fulfill the responsibilities as far as appeals
and the tree code, but he would not have the time to take on any other projects. A vote was not
recorded. There was no dissent to the nomination.
Mark Gabrynowicz and Daniele Giovannucci volunteered to be Tree subcommittee members.
Romy Vann expressed she did not want to be the alternate. Patrick Nobles volunteered to be the
alternate. A vote was not recorded. There was no dissent to the volunteers.
Sustainability and Resiliency Chair and Members:
Romy Vann nominated Sarah Boren. Patrick Nobles seconded the nomination. A vote was not
recorded. There was no dissent to the nomination. Sarah Boren asked who would like to be on
the subcommittee. Romy Vann volunteered. Linda Chipperfield suggested setting priorities
before establishing subcommittee members. There was no dissent.
Outreach Subcommittee Chair:
Mark Gabrynowicz asked for nominations. Amy Palmer nominated Linda Chipperfield. Sarah
Boren seconded the nomination. Sarah Boren suggested speaking to Anastasia Houston about
potentially co-chairing the subcommittee. Linda Chipperfield said she would speak with her. A
vote was not recorded. There was no dissent.
Secretary:
Mark Gabrynowicz asked Linda Chipperfield if she would like to remain as secretary and she
agreed to do so.
Sarah Boren asked if there is a required number of members for subcommittees. Mark
Gabrynowicz responded that they decided last year to have 3 members to ensure there is a
quorum. Sarah Boren suggested making it a minimum of 3 members. There was no dissent.
Mark Gabrynowicz said they would have to change the meeting rules. Sarah Boren made a
motion to make subcommittee membership a minimum of 3. A second was not made. There was
no dissent.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mark Gabrynowicz asked if there were any changes to the agenda. There were none.
4. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR (5 MINS.)
A. Linda Lainer
Linda Lanier spoke about Florida friendly guidelines. She suggested making fertilizing
companies that work in Atlantic Beach be Florida friendly certified and educating
homeowners. She asked that the ESC consider topics like the waterways as highly as
they consider trees. Amanda Askew stated that there is some Florida friendly language
in Chapter 24. Discussion about Florida friendly practices and protecting waterways
ensued.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC)
January 11, 2023
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Mark Gabrynowicz reviewed the Consent Agenda and stated the reports, minutes, and other
selected topics will be on this in efforts to maximize time for discussion. He stated that it will
be the member's responsibility to review items on the Consent Agenda before the meeting.
A. Approval of December 14th ESC minutes
B. Approval of Tree Subcommittee Reports
C. Approval of the Outreach Subcommittee Report
D. Approval of the Sustainability and Resiliency Subcommittee Report
E. Approval of 90 -Day Calendar
Sarah Boren reviewed the 90 day calendar. She said she will send out a reminder the first
Monday of every month asking if there are any events to add to the calendar.
Linda Chipperfield asked if they were approving the 90 calendar today or bringing ideas
for the calendar at the next meeting. Sarah Boren explained the reason for the Consent
Agenda. She said members can send calendar updates to her at any time.
A motion was not made to approve the items on the Consent Agenda.
6. CHAIR REMARKS
Mark Gabrynowicz addressed the importance of setting priorities. Discussion about grant money
ensued.
7. SIGNIFICANT MATTERS ARISING IN SUBCOMMITTEES
A. Tree Subcommittee
Bruce Andrews reported that Mark Gabrynowicz approached a property owner about
designating a heritage tree but they were concerned about the restrictions that may place
on the property. He suggested making a one page summary of Heritage Trees and asked
Outreach to make this. Linda Chipperfield expressed this was already compete. Amy
Palmer added that there is a page on the city's website. Discussion about Heritage Trees
ensued.
Bruce Andrews reported arborist letters are still being submitted to the city and the
Amanda Askew is going to post those letters on the city website. He said the tree canopy
assessment is scheduled to start in May.
Sarah Boren asked if staff could give a monthly report of how many arborist letters and
tree permits were submitted as well as how much money is in the tree fund. Amanda
Askew responded that the arborist letters are going to be posted on the same site tree
permits are posted. She suggested adding an excel spread sheet that keeps a tally of
inches removed to the site. Sarah Boren said getting the information monthly or quarterly
would give the committee a bench mark of the tree code's effectiveness.
Discussion about inviting the company who is completing the city's tree canopy
assessment to the speaker series ensued.
Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC)
January 11, 2023
Page 3 of 10
B. Outreach Subcommittee
Barbie Brooksher said the education packets were compete and being sent to Atlantic
Beach Elementary School(ABE). She said the event will start at City Hall for the flag
raising then end at ABE for the tree planting. Amanda Askew said she thought the ESC
had decided to do the flag raising at the school. Barbie Brooksher said she would confirm
with the Principal. Amanda Askew read a tentative schedule. Mark Gabrynowicz asked
if the Heritage Tree would be included in the schedule. Amanda Askew said she can add
that to the schedule. Discussion ensued about logistics of the event.
C. Sustainability and Resiliency Subcommittee
Sarah Boren reported the LEED recertification celebration is on January 24th and gave
details about the event.
8. MAYOR AND/OR STAFF REPORTS
Amanda Askew said the ESC will have to decide on some action items to complete in order to
maintain the Mayor's monarch pledge. Patrick Nobles said he brought up some possible
activities they can do last meeting and said he could resend the document he provided. Sarah
Boren suggested they create a form where they can select the actions outside of the meeting.
9. OLD BUSINESS
A. Draft ESC priorities to be submitted to Commission
Sarah Boren gave an overview of the document she shared with the ESC's proposed
priorities for Commission (which is attached hereto and made part of this official record
as "Draft ESC 2023 Priorities for Commission - Attachment A").
Daniele Giovannucci said he trusts Sarah Boren to do the fine tuning of the priorities in
order to submit them to Commission on time. Mark Gabrynowicz made a motion to
allow Sarah Boren to narrow down the priorities to be submitted to Commission as she
sees fits. A second was not made. Bruce Andrews suggested they submit all the priorities
on the document and allow Commission to select what they want.
Sarah Boren asked for a clear direction on how many priorities to provide Commission.
Linda Chipperfield made a motion to allow Sarah Boren to narrow down the priorities
to be submitted to Commission to 15. Discussion ensued about how to select the
priorities. Bruce Andrews seconded the motion made by Linda Chipperfield.
Draft ESC 2023 Priorities for Commission- Attachement A
MOTION: to allow Sarah Boren to narrow down the priorities to be submitted to Commission
to 15.
Motion: Linda Chipperfield
Second: Bruce Andrews
Discussion ensued about how to select the priorities prior to second.
Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC)
January 11, 2023
Page 4 of 10
Sarah Boren said she will send a draft to members for review and comments before submitting
to Commissioner Kelly.
Barbie Brooksher suggested keeping all the priorities made and tiering them based on how many
"votes" the priorities received.
Amy Palmer
Against
Linda Chipperfield (Moved By)
For
Patrick Nobles
Against
Mark Gabrynowicz
For
Daniele Giovannucci
Against
Romy Vann
Against
Barbie Brooksher
Against
.Sarah Boren
For
Bruce Andrews (Seconded Bi)
For
Motion failed 4 to S.
Commissioner Kelly suggested using the dot exercise and also stated 15 will be too many
priorities. Discussion ensued on how to narrow down priorities.
MOTION. using the priorities under Attachment A, members will select their top three
priorities of each category shown in Attachment A and return to Amanda Askew
Motion: Barbie Brooksher
Second. Mark Gabrynowicz
Amy Palmer
For
Linda Chipperfield
For
Patrick Nobles
For
Mark Gabrynowicz (Seconded By)
For
Daniele Giovannucci
For
Romy Vann
For
Barbie Brooksher (Moved By)
For
Sarah Boren
For
Bruce Andrews
Against
Motion passed 8 to 1.
Discussion continued discussing priority setting. Amanda Askew said she would need the
rankings from individual members by January 17th. Romy Vann suggested making the deadline
January 13th to give Amanda Askew more time to compile the rankings. Members agreed.
B. ESC 2023 Priorities
C. Working Group Establishment
Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC)
January 11, 2023
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Approval of Terms
Recommendations for Working Groups. focus and composition
Mark Gabrynowicz said he has two individuals interested in participating in the working
groups. Linda Chipperfield asked if non-voting members of subcommittees can attend
the working group meetings. Mark Gabrynowicz responded that only one ESC member
can be present at these meetings due to Sunshine Regulations.
D. 2023 Speaker Series
10. NEW BUSINESS
11. MEMBERS CLOSING REMARKS
12. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further discussion, Mark Gabrynowicz declared the meeting adjourned at 8:48
p.m.
Attest:
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Amanda Askew
Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC)
January 11, 2023
Page 6 of 10
Draft ESC 2023 Priorities for Commission- Attachment A
Total number of responses
8 out of 10 ESC members
ENVIRONMENTAL
CO MAROSNIP
42 COMMITTEE
Regarding TOTAL NUMBER of suggested priorities ESC should submit to COAB Commission, I believe it should be ...
4 keep all 24 suggested priorities
4 limit total number of priorities
DRAFT 2023 ESC Priorities for COAB Commission
1) Trees
a) Monitor trees planted for mitigation and enforce requirement in tree ordinance that trees are alive at end of
three years
b) Add effective incentives to retain local Heritage Trees beyond higher mitigation fees to Chapter 23 tree
ordinance
c) Complete comprehensive tree canopy assessment and share results with public, develop and maintain ongoing
canopy assessment tools, establish a tree canopy goal, and develop a tree canopy care and maintenance
program.
d) Add prohibition of removal of certain specific trees to Chapter 23 tree ordinance
e) Fund the purchase and planting of communal fruit/edible trees throughout the city.
f) Fund a promotion of the benefits of trees, native planting, tree ordinance and pervious surfaces
g) Strive for zero net loss of canopy
Regarding the priorities listed under the "Trees" category, I vote for
S keep all suggested priorities — 1 suggested combining b & d
2 remove/add
• Remove 1B (Heritage tree incentives), 1D (prohibition of removal of certain trees) and 1E (fruit trees)
• Remove B (Heritage tree incentives)
• Add
o "Strive for zero net loss of canopy" and
o "Fund a promotion of the benefits of trees, native planting, tree ordinance and pervious
surfaces"
1 Only keep C (tree canopy assessment)
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Draft ESC 2023 Priorities for Commission- Attachment A
2) Forward Thinking Community Planning
a) Resilience
i) Adopt staff's recommendation to increase freeboard to 2.5 feet above base flood elevation for 500 year
flood level.
ii) Expand Baker Center using green building best practices to include additional space for after school activities
and community engagement including gardening, recycling and composting as well as make it a Resilience
Hub (solar, energy storage system, 24/7 connectivity, shelter in place resources, critical information,
education and communication function and more)
iii) Adopt and/or incentivize best practices for resilient properties (e.g., trees, hardening, elevation, first floor
floodable, raising up houses, green building certification, annual performance measurement, etc.)
iv) Continue to assess sea level rise and plan for adaptation and mitigation — see in particular slides 33-35 in
City Engineer's 12/12/22 presentation
v) Incentivize and make it easy for all private sector buildings to obtain a green building certification,
implement resilient best practices and measure annual performance.
b) Planning
i) Resolve conflict between on-site stormwater retention and tree canopy protection/enhancement. Review
best practices that meet multiple objectives regarding water runoff and on site retention, pervious and
impervious surfaces, tree retention, beautification, etc.
ii) Become a solar and EV ready community
iii) Incentivize smaller home sustainable and resilient construction and renovation and consider accessory
dwelling units and/or mother-in-law suites as a legal alternative residential dwelling in the city if lot size and
parking can accommodate
iv) Update commercial landscaping ordinance
v) Increase amount of reclaimed water access and use in AB
vi) Explore and develop a workforce / attainable housing policy and/or guidelines.
vii) Implement specific programs and services that increases energy efficiency, increases renewable energy
adoption, and reduces waste in the community
viii) Implement and incentivize a voluntary benchmarking and green building challenge for city, residential an.
commercial buildings.
Regarding the priorities listed under the "Forward Thinking Community Planning" category, I vote for
2 keep all
5 remove/add
• Remove 2b iii (ADU) and 2b vi (workforce housing)
• Remove 2Biv (commercial landscape ord), 213v (reclaimed water) and 2Bvi (workforce housing)
• Remove Al (increase BFE), A4 (SLR, adaptation & mitigation), 131 (resolve conflict), B2 (solar/EV ready) & B5
(reclaimed water)
• Remove or move B5 to 2024 and better define solar/EV ready
• Remove all except A2 (Expand Baker Center)
• Under Resilience add
o --"Incentivize and make it easy for all private sector buildings to obtain a green building certification,
implement resilient best practices and measure annual performance".
• Under Planning add
o --"Implement specific programs and services that increases energy efficiency, increases renewable
energy adoption, and reduces waste in the community", and
o --"Implement and incentivize a voluntary benchmarking and green building challenge for city, residential
and commercial buildings".
1 combine
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Draft ESC 2023 Priorities for Commission- Attachment A
• For Resilience, combine i (BFE) and iii (best practices) and that becomes first priority with Baker and monitor sea
level being secondary.
• For Planning: i (resolve conflict), ii (solar/EV ready) and iii (ADUs) are first priority. rest are secondary or can be
dropped for now
3) Natural Systems & Ecology
a) Continue and expand Monarch Butterfly Pledge to include replication of more monarch friendly plants and
gardens throughout the city as well the three other requirements to maintain our pledge.
b) Enhance investment in Beaches Town Center and Atlantic Blvd/Flyover/Mayport Road median florida
friendly and non -point source pollution landscaping, maintenance and amenities including:
i) Upgrading landscape contractor standards
ii) Renegotiate BTC and Atlantic Blvd maintenance agreements with Neptune Beach
iii) Fund AB Pride initiatives (flowers, etc.)
c) Pass a required integrative biocide management plan for city operations/public sector and voluntary guidelines
for private sector
d) Enhance the appearance of Dutton Island with signage, fencing, parking, and other infrastructure. Upgrades
need to complement the natural beauty of the island.
e) Conduct a beach and marsh access inventory/assessment and develop a three year plan to build walkovers to
protect dunes and marshes and enhance resiliency
Regarding the priorities listed under the "Natural Systems & Ecology" category, I vote for ...
4 keep all
4 remove/add something
• First priority are "e" (beach/marsh access inventory) and "b" (Beaches Town Center); could do without "d"
(Dutton Island appearance) and "a" (Monarch) is nice to have as is "c" (biocide)
• Remove "and expand Monarch Butterfly Pledge to include replication of more monarch friendly plants and
gardens throughout the city" from 3A. Remove 313iii (fund AB Pride), and 3D (Dutton Island appearance).
• Remove b (Beaches Town Center) and d Dutton Island appearance).
• Remove all except c (biocide)
4) City Operations: Lead by Example
a) Provide green building, sustainability and resilience training to staff, have staff review workplans and projects
with a sustainability and resilience lens, and add environmental stewardship to staffs annual performance
reviews
b) Seek net zero and third party green building certification for city hall existing building.
c) Install EV infrastructure including for golf carts at highly used parts of town (e.g., beach accesses, community
centers)
d) Increase number of public recycling and composting bins
e) Reduce energy consumption in city buildings by 10% and start planning and budgeting for city fleet to switch to
electric.
Regarding the priorities listed under the "City Operations: Lead by Example" category, I vote for ...
4 keep all — With one suggestion to rank within (e.g., First priority are "a" and "c" - rest are second tier
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Draft ESC 2023 Priorities for Commission- Attachment A
3 remove/add
• Remove 4c (EV infrastructure)
• Remove 4B (net zero & green building for city bldgs) and 4E (reduce city ops energy consumption)
• Remove whole category as previous categories have higher priorities
• Add
--"Consider best practices for sustainable principles into neighborhood planning and redevelopment projects.",
--"Set short- and medium-term milestone targets to show progress toward long term goals", and
--"Achieve a solid waste recycling rate of 40% or greater".
1 combine
• 1 wonder if A and B could be combined? Maybe it could be part of the trainings to learn how to get certification.
Open Comment Section
• very effective format to solicit our input
• all items have value - but if the idea is to select a few, let's prioritize those without taking rest off the table
(perhaps by having a Second Priority tier.
• 1 appreciate all the hard work that went into this, but I don't understand why the categories and priorities don't
reflect the ones we voted on. It took a long time to search and compare the 2 documents and I may have missed
or misunderstood some in the Commission priorities. I wasn't there for the December ESC meeting and the
minutes aren't posted yet so maybe it was explain there.
• 1 love all the priorities, but think we should choose less to send.
Excellent job categorizing and organizing these.
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