03-30-17 Minutes for BNRPACCity of Atlantic Beach
Beautification and Natural Resource Preservation Advisory
Committee
Minutes from the meeting of the 30th of March 2017
ATTENDANCE:
Board Co -Chair Judith Leroux
Board Member Linda Lanier
Board Member Sarah Dark
Board Member Don Ford
Hon. Board Member John November
Board Member Dawn Scott
Board Member Chip Drysdale
Board Member Tim Anderson
City Manager Kevin Hogencamp
Mayor Mitch Reeves
City Commissioner John Stinson
RESIDENTS IN ATTENDANCE:
Mr. Chris Jorgensen
Ms. Jane Wytzka
Mr. Steve Fouraker
1) Call to Order
a) Co-chair Judith Leroux called the meeting to order at 6:35 pm.
2) Approval of Minutes
a) The first order of business was approval of the minutes of the BNRPAC
meeting of the 17th of March 2017. By verbal consensus, the minutes were
approved.
3) Report by City Manager Hogencamp
a) The second order of business was a report by City Manager Kevin
Hogencamp concerning the presentation to the City Commission on the 270i
of March 2017 by Co -Chair Leroux detailing the progress of the BNRPAC.
4) Review of BNRPAC governance and changes
a) A summary of the motion made during the City Commission meeting of the
27th of March 2017 allowing the BNRPAC to self -govern and select members
to serve in various roles was given.
b) A motion was made to appoint Mr. Don Ford Vice -Chair. As Vice -Chair of the
BNRPAC, Mr. Ford would be capable of facilitating meetings in the absence of
either Co -Chair. The motion passed unanimously.
5) Review of Community Input Received
a) Co -Chair Leroux commented on letters received from residents Ms. Susan
Barker, Ms. Lori Schwab and Ms. Jane Wytzka. Discussion about the ideas
presented ensued. Member November recommended staying focused on the
"charge" as set forth by the City Commission. Comments about a Tree Board,
fence Ordinances, etc. were discussed.
6) Review and Complete Priority Setting Exercises f/ the 16th of March 2017
a) Member Lanier continued the priority -setting workshop that had begun at
the prior BNRPAC meeting. A matrix was developed to assist the group is
setting priority focuses for the proposed standing committee. A summary of
the matrix is included below.
BNRPAC Priority Matrix
b)
b) Urgent was defined as time -sensitive relative to the matrix.
c) Maritime Forest (as defined by Member Lanier to be the tree canopy and
supporting vegetation of Atlantic Beach).
i) Comments:
(1) Must be the "curator" of the canopy;
(2) Assessment of current state is needed;
(3) Maintenance - how to manage;
(4) Preservation;
(5) Education -
(a) For all stakeholders of:
(i) Current City Codes and Ordinances;
(ii) The resident's desire to maintain or improve the canopy;
(6) Use of aerials to evaluate the current canopy;
(7) Use of "iTree";
(8) Budget requirements;
Important > Less Important
Trees-
Parks -
Coastal /
Public Spaces
Environmental
Urgent >
Less Urgent
b)
b) Urgent was defined as time -sensitive relative to the matrix.
c) Maritime Forest (as defined by Member Lanier to be the tree canopy and
supporting vegetation of Atlantic Beach).
i) Comments:
(1) Must be the "curator" of the canopy;
(2) Assessment of current state is needed;
(3) Maintenance - how to manage;
(4) Preservation;
(5) Education -
(a) For all stakeholders of:
(i) Current City Codes and Ordinances;
(ii) The resident's desire to maintain or improve the canopy;
(6) Use of aerials to evaluate the current canopy;
(7) Use of "iTree";
(8) Budget requirements;
(9) Calendar to accomplish goals;
(10) Currently only focusing on public property.
ii) Establishment of a Tree Board.
(1) "Too political'
(2) "Not part of the charge"
iii) Discussed the concept of the standing committee to audit tree canopy
impacts and the use of "triggers" to initiate the review by the standing
committee of tree removal and Ordinance violations.
(1) "Triggers" might include removal of an tree over a certain size,
application of removal of more than X% of tree canopy on any
property.
iv) Charged Member November to draft language process to improve tree
permitting for removal of trees by unanimous consensus.
v) Use of an arborist too evaluate condition of trees much like the City has
done in the past
vi) What power or authority will the standing committee be endowed with
or granted, if any.
7) Parks & Open Spaces
a) Goals
i) Well maintained
ii) Accessible
iii) Secure
iv) Variety
8) Coastal / Environmental
a) Member Anderson suggested language changes to the presentation.
b) Flood plain protection.
c) Storm water system maintenance.
9) Public Spaces
a) Public spaces are closely related to Open Spaces, and that Item 7 above
covered this discussion item.
10) Other / Closing Comments
a) Grants are outside the scope of this advisory committee.
b) Rather than Public Spaces, consider Public Beautification.
c) Historic preservation and archaeological site west of Mayport Road.
d) Greens ape of jax Tree Festival - 2nd of April 017, hosting a tree give -a -away.
11) Meeting Adjourned 8:32 pm.
(Minutes submitted by John Stinson)
1�if�Qf-
64dith Leroux, Chair
Attest
ROW #1
STRENGTHEN TREE ORDINANCE
SUSTAINABLE TREE CANOPY
PROTECT OUR TREES
REVIEW OF TREE PERMITS
IMPROVED CODE ENFORCEMENT OF TREE ORDINANCE &
OTHER ENVIRONMENT RELATED CODES
CANOPY CONSERVATION
TREE CANOPY - ASSESSMENT, MAINTENANCE & PRESERVATION
ROW #2
CREATE BETTER ACCESS TO PARKS
PARKS & GREENSPACES - PROTECTION, BEAUTIFICATION,
& EXPANSION
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES
BEAUTIFICATION THROUGH ART AND FLOWERS
PUBLIC OPEN SPACE PROGRAM
- HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE,
- ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE, ADJ. TO EX. O.S.
- NATURAL FEATURES
- PROVIDE PUBLIC ACCESS
.lffi�" �
ENSURE CONTINUED CONSERVATION, IMPROVEMENT &
PROTECTION OF PARKS & PRESERVES
PURCHASE & DEVELOP JOHNSTON ISLAND
ACQUIRE PARK & CONSERVATION LAND
LOSS OF WILDLIFE HABITAT DUE TO DEVELOPMENT
(REGULATORY COMMITTEE)
ACQUISITION OF EXISTING UNDEVELOPED LANDS
(CITY COMMISSION)
ROW #3
ARBORIST TO ASSESS CONDITION OF LARGER/OLDER
TREES
PLANT TREES
RESTORE TREE CANOPY
TREE CITY U.S.A.
STREET TREE PROGRAM
TREE PLANTING PLAN
ROW#4
APPLY FOR GRANTS
NEED TREE OVERSIGHT BODY (CODE ENFORCEMENT)
RESTORE THE TREE BOARD
ROW #-5
PROTECT & RESTORE MARSHLANDS
REVIEW MARSH MASTER PLAN
BEACH DUNES PRESERVATION
ROW#6
HOWELL PARK - INDIGENOUS BOTANICAL PARK
MAYPORT CORRIDOR
FOCUS ON WEST ATLANTIC BEACH
BUDGET MORE BIKE PATHS
i I ►
TIDAL DRAINAGE DITCHES NEED ATTENTION
OVERALL ENVIRONMENTAL BEST PRACTICES ADVISOR -
RESEARCH & RECOMMEND TO COMMISSION FOR
COMMUNITY HEALTH & SAFETY
EDUCATION & OUTREACH PROGRAM FOR TREES ON
PRIVATE PROPERTY
EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ON THE TREE ORDINANCE
A. RESIDENTS
B. BUILDERS
C. TREE SERVICES
ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITY
ANNUAL ARBOR DAY (OR SIMILAR)
TO BRING AWARENESS & CELEBRATE TREE CANOPY
& NATURAL RESOURCES
TREES - CITIZEN HOMEOWNER EDUCATION
ROW#9
REVIEW/REWRITE 50% LOT COVERAGE
EQUITABLE ENFORCEMENT
PROPERTY RIGHTS
ROW#10
IMPROVED LANDSCAPE REQUIREMENTS OF NEW
CONSTRUCTION SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES &
COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
ELIMINATE EYESORES & ENHANCE COMMERCIAL
LANDSCAPES
ROW #11
MORE SECURITY IN TIDEVIEWS & DUTTON ISLAND
PRESERVE (ABPD & CITY)
ROW # 12
IMPROVE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN CITY DEPTS.
& CITIZENS
ROW # 13
ENFORCE EXISTING RULES & LAWS
ROW # 14
CREATE A PANTHER POPULATION
MARITIME FOREST
The maritime forest in Atlantic Beach is core to our identity as a small coastal
village. Our tree canopy creates beauty, provides a home to birds and wildlife,
functions as an element of our water management system and enhances our
property values. It is in our best interest to be the curators of our tree canopy
through assessment, maintenance and preservation of this natural resource.
The Beautification and Natural Resources Committee will ensure that our city
government:
- Provides environmentally sensitive education and outreach about the selection
and appropriate care of trees to private property owners, developers and
builders, and tree and landscape service owners. This education can take the
form of website information, training for businesses, new homeowner
information and public events such as Arbor Day celebrations.
- Strengthens and clarifies the language in all tree and landscape related building
codes and ordinances, ensuring appropriate administration and enforcement.
- Develops a long-term tree plan that includes a current canopy assessment,
projected future needs and a calendar anti budget for tree planting in parks,
public spaces and along streets and right of ways.
- Restore our city's status as a bona fide "Tree City USA."
- Consider the re-establishment of a Tree Board
PARKS
Our parks provide open spaces for recreation, exercise, relaxation and encounters
with the natural world. As a thriving, inclusive community, we strive to provide a
variety of park spaces that are well maintained, accessible and secure.
The Beautification and Natural Resources Committee will ensure that our city
government:
- Has a mandate and a long-range plan to protect, improve and beautify our park
spaces. (Example: enhance Howell Park to make it an indigenous botanical park)
- Improves access and amenities at parks including disability accommodations,
bike paths, parking, signage and other user friendly features
- Expand the city's inventory of parks and conservation land (Example: Johnston
Island and other sites west of Mayport Road)
- Maintain a web -based, publicly accessible inventory of parks including their
history, rules of use and easements.
PUBLIC SPACES
Public spaces in Atlantic Beach include public rights of way, roadsides, city
buildings and other publicly held properties. As such, the city has an opportunity
to take the lead and set high community standards in the beautification and
excellent maintenance of public spaces.
The Beautification and Natural Resources Committee will ensure that our city
government:
- Enhances our public spaces with art, carefully rribintained landscape design and
plantings
- Reduces the number and appearances,ot degraded property and eyesores
- Develops a design theme for signage, bus shelters, lighting and other elements
of the built environment. (Linda added this ... open for discussion)
COASTAL ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Atlantic Beach is located at the northern end of a 37 mile long barrier island
identified on Google maps as San Pablo Island. As such, the Atlantic Ocean and
the Intracoastal Waterway have a great deal of influence on our micro climate,
drainage issues and the variety of flora and fauna that thrive here. The care and
health of both of our coasts must be paramount in every decision about the use
of our land water system and canopy.
The Beautification and Natural Resources Committee will ensure that our city
government:
- Utilizes best practices and a science driven approach when making any decision
about development and its impact on Our environment.
- Ensure the protection of our beach and dunes as critical defenses in hurricane,
erosion and flooding conditions.
- Understand and communicate the dynamics of ourtidal drainage and flood plain
with the goal of preserving our flood management system.
- Review our city's environmental codes and ensure enforcement with rules
regarding dumping, septic tanks and commercial pollution.
- Review the Marsh Master Plan for adherence to current research about sea level
change and wetlands preservation
OTHER ISSUES TO BE DISCUSSED
50% lot coverage
Property rights
Grant opportunities for the city's work in the above areas
Panthers
Historic preservation and archeology
Hi Kevin,
I saw the letter in the Beaches Leader looking for input For the committee.
1 see the tree canopy maintenance, preservation, tree replacement and taking care of common areas
mentioned but see fences missing. I think it's a huge issue about the appearance of Atlantic Beach.
People are looking for "privacy" on 50ft lots and install cheap ugly fences past the front of the house
that block breezes and are in short unsightly. Uglysides offences face to the street or adjacent property
owners.
Other parts of the country don't allow the type of stockade fencing I'm referringto—its used in
commercial areas only.
Our code used to be that a fence wasn't supposed to go past the front of a house. At some time it
changed. Drive by my house 352 Second St. and see the fence that extends at 6 feet high 13 feet past
my front door. Its legal. I've heavily shrubed it to hide it but the ugly side is looking at me in my
backyard. A new fence was installed further west on 2nd and is similar—one side is finished and the
other is rough frame. There are many other styles of fences where they basically look the same on both
sides. I think AB needs to mandate a fence that is either hidden by shrubs or equally finished and
appealing on both sides. Ideally a shadowbox like design would allow breezes and look nice on both
sides.
Thank you.
Jane Wytzka
352 Second St.
Hogencamp,Kevin
Subject FW: Tonight's Committee Meeting!
From: Susanne Barker <susamFefbarkermm�ad com>
Date: March 30, 2017 at 3:16:44 PM EDT
To: Judith LeRoux <iudithlerouxAictoud.com>
Subject: Tonight's Committee Meeting!
Hi Judith,
Congratulations on your appointment as co-chair of this most important committee.
know that last week there was an editorial asking for public input. So here is mine!
I believe that this committee must have the Atlantic Beach tree canopy as its top priority.
It has become increasingly clear that the city is no longer able to adequately be the
steward for the tree permits. With no Director of Planning and a small staff in the
building department, the staff is simply overwhelmed.
Even with good code enforcement, a lot of developers are willing to pay penalties for
taking down trees. This would be a good opportunity to discuss how the code can reign
in these developers ... (higher fees?)..and how to have a better method of code
enforcement. There is a need for public education as well. I think there was to be a
pamphlet developed by Derek Reeves.
Part of your charge would also cover our beaches and the renourishment program. That
is also so very Important. Without the dunes, all of Atlantic Beach citizens are in danger
of property damage or loss.
That is my 2 cents worth! I hope this can help with the committees focus.
Best,
Susanne
Chair
Atlantic Beach Preservation
804-463-2067
Hogencamp,Kevin
Subject: FW: Tonight's Committee Meeting!
From: Susanne Barker <susanncfbarker(a gmail.00m>
Date: March 30, 2017 at 3:16:44 PM EDT
To: Judith LeRoux <iudithleroux ittcloud.00m>
Subject: Tonight's Committee Meeting!
Hi Judith,
Congratulations on your appointment as co-chair of this most important committee.
I know that last week there was an editorial asking for public input. So here is mine!
I believe that this committee must have the Atlantic Beach tree canopy as its top priority.
It has become increasingly clear that the city is no longer able to adequately be the
steward for the tree permits. With no Director of Planning and a small staff in the
building department, the staff is simply overwhelmed.
Even with good code enforcement, a lot of developers are willing to pay penalties for
taking down trees. This would be a good opportunity to discuss how the code can reign
in these developers...(higher fees?)..and how to have a better method of code
enforcement. There is a need for public education as well. I think there was to be a
pamphlet developed by Derek Reeves.
Part of your charge would also cover our beaches and the renourishment program. That
is also so very important. Without the dunes, all of Atlantic Beach citizens are in danger
of property damage or loss.
That is my 2 cents worth! I hope this can help with the committees focus.
Best,
Susanne
Chair
Atlantic Beach Preservation
904-4632067
Hogencamp,Kevin
From: Lori Schwab <Iorischwab@att.net>
Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2017 2:19 PM
To: Hogencamp,Kevin
Subject: Tree Canopy
Dear Kevin,
I had the pleasure of meeting you at the Feb. 2nd AB Preservation meeting about the past, present and future enforcement of our tree
ordinance. I understand that the Beautification and Natural Resource Preservation Advisory Committee will meet tonight I have
great concern that a committee encompassing such a broad range of issues will water down the important need to preserve our tree
canopy. The presence of beautiful noes in a beach side community is one of the main attractions that brought my husband and me
hereover 10 years ago.. Little by little, we are losing our trees. The ordinance is not given sufficient importance to properly enforce
it. Derek Reeves, who wears many hats, does his best but has to rely on whistle blowers to find out about trees which have unlawfully
been talon down. The developers know that they can prettymuch do as they please. I totally agree with one of the members of the
AB Preservation when she recommended a chartered Tree Board which will not exist at the wbims of various Mayors and
Commissions. It would have real enforcement built in.
Thanks for your consideration of my concerns.
Respectfully,
Lori Schwab
541 Sherry Drive