ESC 2017-18 workplanENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES COMMITTEE
2017-18 WORKPLAN
ACTION STEPS TEAM
MEMBERS
DATES
Maritime Forest
Review current tree ordinance. Derek R.
Committee
November
meeting
Research tree ordinances in like communities and best practices for urban canopy preservation.
Propose changes to tree ordinance to City Commission as needed.
Develop a long term plan, including funding, for restoration of tree canopy through tree planting in public
spaces.
Develop a public education initiative for canopy preservation in private spaces including homes and businesses.
The plan will include: information about the tree ordinance; native trees; invasive trees and plants;
environmental resilience; and, appropriate selection, planting and care of trees.
Public Awareness/Education/Transparency
Plan, implement public event to complete Tree City USA designation for 2017 December
2017
Plan, implement Arbor Day community event January
2018
Post Tree Permit signs on private property
Staff November
2017
Post information page on website before link to Tree Permits that includes a hotline number for information
Staff
Develop Yard of the Month program
Develop Memory Tree program
Items for Future Work Plan (to be prioritized and scheduled at a planning workshop in late 2018)
Expand the city’s inventory of parks and conservation land through acquisition or other means.
Expand information about parks on the city website to include their history, archeological value, rules of use and easements.
Develop a plan to make Howell Park into a botanical garden, including a funding strategy.
Develop a design theme/community branding plan for public, private and commercial spaces including landscape design,
streetscapes, bus shelters, lighting and other elements of the built environment. Develop a rollout and funding plan.
Review environmental codes to reduce the number and appearance of degraded property, eyesores, litter, dumping, septic tank
issues and commercial pollution. Include public education strategies and propose changes to City Commission including codes and
their enforcement as needed.
Review the Marsh Master Plan and any laws or codes protecting the dune systems to e nsure the protection of our wetlands, marsh,
beach and dunes as critical defenses in hurricane, erosion and flooding conditions. Propose public education strategies or code
revisions as needed.