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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