05-19-97 v TREE CONSERVATION BOARD
Minutes of May 19 , 1997
The Board held its regular meeting on Monday, May 19 , in the
Commission Chambers of City Hall . Present were :
Hope Van Nortwick, Chairperson Rick Bell
Judy Jacobson Mae Jones
Staff: George Worley, Designee
The meeting was called to order at 7 : 30 PM by Hope Van Nort-
wick, Chairperson.
The only application on the agenda was for property described
as Lot # 24 , Selva Tierra. Mr. & Mrs . Beckman, owners , were
present . Mr. Beckman stated that he prepared the tree survey.
Subsequent to filing the application, he remeasured the trees
and some found to be of a lesser DBH than shown. He went
over the revised measurements and corrections were made . It
was explained that there was a 5 ' elevated area on the lot
which required leveling and tree removal in that location.
Rick Bell and Mae Jones pointed out that there were 3 trees
which are multi-trunk, and their measurements were also cor-
rected . The Beckmans pointed out that many trees are to re-
main on the lot which they hoped could be used as mitigation.
However, they did not fully understand this process and the
plans did not reflect proper identification of those trees .
The Board and the applicants reviewed the survey and recalu-
lated the quantity of protected trees to be removed as well
as indicating those trees which could be preserved as miti-
gation. Judy Jacobson pointed out that , other than oaks ,
there were sufficient other hardwood trees to remain on the
property as mitigation. In further discussion on the oak
trees , the Beckmans agreed to preserve some originally pro-
posed for removal . These were so indicated on the plans .
The final calculation totaled 27" DBH of oaks required to be
replaced on the lot , or contributed to the tree fund. Mr.
Beckman requested that the Board consider allowing 2 sweet-
gum trees ( #81 and #82 ) to be used as partial mitigation for
the oaks , with the remainder to be replanted on site .
The Board discussed this option and Mae Jones expressed con-
cern about this variance from ordinance requirements setting
a precedent . Hope Van Nortwick stressed that the large quan-
tity of trees to remain on the lot and the cooperation shown
by the applicants in saving many more trees than originally
planned could justify consideration for a deviation. She
also reminded members that each application should be consid-
ered on its own merits and extenuating circumstances in a
special case would not set precedent for others .
Hope Van Nortwick moved to accept the application, as re-
vised , with the stipulation that trees # 1 , 5 , 13 , 14 , 24 ,
80 , 81 and 82 be preserved as credit to offset the mitigation
requirements and, additionally, that 15" DBH of oaks be re-
planted on site , with a minimum of 4" DBH each, and that all
trees preserved be properly barricaded during construction.
Judy Jacobson seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Following the action, Mr. Beckman asked if a Board represen-
tative could attend, as a guest speaker, an ecology class he
is taking on Monday nights at FCCJ , Deerwood Center. Hope
Van Nortwick volunteered to do so .
George Worley advised that an application had been misrouted
within the building department . As a result , it was not in-
cluded on the agenda nor had the plans/application been fur-
nished the Board . The applicant , present at the meeting , re-
quested consideration since the application had been timely
presented. The Board discussed the options available and, by
consensus , agreed they could not take action at this meeting
as they were not afforded the opportunity to inspect the site
and since the proposal included removal of a 36" DBH oak. It
was suggested that the applicant follow up with George to see
if a special meeting of the Board can be arranged.
Judy Jacobson introduced guest Herschel Shepard as a distin-
guished preservationist , outlining his work in the restora-
tion of the State Capitol , Florida Theater, and Fort Clinch,
among others .
Mr. Shepard addressed the Board and explained some of the
procedures required in establishing a historical district as
well as some of the problems , including legal ones , which may
result . He stressed that eligibility and recognition through
the National Register would give the program clout . In any
event , Mr. Shepard recommended that the Board document the
reason( s ) why the area should be so designated and the signi-
ficance of the district to the community.
After outlining options of pursuing the program, Mr. Shepard
expressed a willingness to assist . He and Mae Jones will
meet with a representative from the Beaches Historical Soc-
iety to see what information and documents can be developed .
A report on the outcome will be made at a future meeting .
After answering questions , Mr. Shepard was thanked for his
presentation and assistance .
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A motion was made by Hope Van Nortwick to approve the minu-
tes of the last meeting , as read . Mae Jones seconded and
the motion carried unanimously.
With no further business , the meeting adjourned at 9 : 50 PM .
Cif 11/1?-"-----
VA--- Rick Beaver
Secretary/Vice-Chairman
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