02-13-18 ESC Meeting MinutesMINUTES OF
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
MEETING
FEB. 13, 2018
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT:
Judith Leroux, Chair
Bruce Andrews, Vice Chair
Dawn Scott, Secretary
Linda Chipperfield
Sarah Dark
Allan Ennis
STAFF:
Kevin Hogencamp, Deputy City Manager
Scott Williams, Director of Public Works
Shane Corbin, Director of Planning and Community Development
Derek Reeves, Planner
Brian Broedell, Planner
OTHERS:
John November, Public Trust Environmental Legal Institute of Florida
Ellen Glasser, Mayor
1. Call to order.
The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. in the Commission Chamber by J. Leroux.
2. Approval of minutes.
The Jan. 10 ESC meeting minutes were unanimously approved with three changes. The changes
included the attendees of the last meeting, the addition of information regarding the discussion of ESC
website content, and a correction on the total number of parks to 15. The corrected minutes are attached.
3. Courtesy of the floor.
No one addressed the committee.
4. Tree Subcommittee report
Chip Drysdale was not in attendance to give a Tree Subcommittee report.
B. Andrews inquired about the Tree Subcommittee's role in the tree removal permit process and if they
had been in contact with staff.
D. Reeves stated that no committee member has been in contact with staff recently.
B. Andrews requested a report from the Tree Subcommittee. He also discussed the tree removal at 151
Seminole Road, where a tree was removed without a permit and an affidavit was signed assuring the
City that trees would not be removed.
S. Corbin explained the enforcement and that additional mitigation would be required of the property
owner. He also discussed potential changes to the staffs interaction with the applicants to improve the
permitting process.
B. Andrews asked what staff would do if the owner claimed the trees were diseased after cutting them
down.
D. Reeves explained that an owner would have to have verifiable evidence such as photographs or
written documentation from a certified arborist to get relief from the standards for the disease provision.
B. Andrews asked if the owner at 151 Seminole Road would get relief for removing diseased trees.
B. Broedell explained that double mitigation would be required since there was no proof the trees were
diseased.
S. Dark stated this is a perfect example of how there was no way to know the tree was coming down
because the owner signed an affidavit and the tree was in the backyard.
A. Ennis read a portion of the ordinance regarding the Tree Subcommittee's role in permit review and
how the subcommittee is supposed to meet once every month.
J. Leroux talked about limiting tree companies from doing work within the municipal boundaries unless
they have participated in an education and certification process. She said the City's limitations on
commercial waste haulers serves as an example.
J. Leroux also mentioned potential tweaks to the tree protection ordinance.
5. Tideviews Presentation — John November, Public Trust Environmental Legal Institute of
Florida.
J. November explained the two-part project involving tree plantings and a pergola and said the plans are
not set in stone. The ideal time for planting and installation is March 17 or April 14. Tideviews was
chosen for this project because it is traditionally underserved. The planting plan includes 40 15 -gallon
native trees. All plantings will be installed by volunteers and supervised by an urban forester.
J. November explained that a pergola is being proposed as part of the project. The pergola was designed
by a local artist, is being donated, and is a tribute to the former property owner. The pergola's proposed
location was chosen to maximize marsh views while minimizing visual impact to neighboring property
owners.
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S. Williams expressed concern about the City's maintenance responsibility for 40 trees in regards to
watering and mowing; however, he said he would commit to maintaining the trees if the committee
approves the project.
The committee debated the pros and cons of moving forward with the planting.
B. Andrews expressed frustration with over -engineering the planting project. He said trees in parks
should not require maintenance. Some trees will not survive, but many will.
B. Andrews motioned to approve the tree -planting proposal subject to final approval of locations by
Public Works. A. Ennis seconded the motion, which as unanimously approved.
J. Leroux said community concerns were expressed in a town hall meeting. She requested additional
information regarding the donating entity (Public Trust for Environmental Legal Institute), the specific
source of the funding, and if any construction estimates had been submitted.
J. November said that construction estimates had not been submitted but the cost of construction for the
wood structure would be approximately $3,500.00 which was a portion of the real estate agent's
commission who represented Mr. Bennett. The funds are being held by The Public Trust for
Environmental Institute and can only be used for the pergola.
S. Williams stated that he did not have the concrete foundation for the pergola in his current budget.
The Committee discussed the pros and cons of moving forward in addition to public concern with the
pergola installation.
D. Scott recommended that a rendering be made available for the public so they can see exactly what the
pergola will look like.
J. November agreed that a rendering would be beneficial.
S. Dark offered to assist with the rendering.
B. Andrews made a motion to request that City staff to get public input to the pergola and to bring it
back at the next ESC meeting. S. Dark seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
6. Dutton Island Fishing Pier Conversation
J. Leroux asked Mayor Glasser for clarification.
E. Glasser said the project was sent to ESC for review.
B. Andrews asked what criteria ESC should use for evaluation.
Mayor Glasser said the City needs to decide if the project is wanted or not.
No official action was taken.
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7. Tree Ordinance
J. Leroux proposed the tree protection ordinance be amended to require that expenditures from the tree
mitigation fund be approved by the ESC.
A. Ennis makes a motion to approve. D. Scott seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
8. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:36 p.m.
(Minutes respectfully submitted by Shane Corbin on 3-8-18)
&r.e.,
Shane Corbin
Director of Planning and Community Development
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Dawn Scott
Secretary