Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Environmental Advisory Committee_3/10/2021MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (EAC) MEETING VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL MARCH 10, 2021 2:00 PM ZOOM CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Chair Tom Bradford. A roll call was taken by Chair Bradford. Present were: EAC Chair Thomas Bradford, Vice -Chair Robert Shaw, Member Frank Harding, Member Resa Listort, and Member Maria Pearson. Late were: Member Jessica Namath. Absent were: Member Lisa Krimsky. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Member Pearson made a motion to approve the amended agenda adding an item on charging stations: Vice -Chair Shaw seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 6-0 (absent: Member Krimsky). COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS There were none. PRESENTATIONS There were none. CONSENT AGENDA 1. MINUTES: October 2020 and February 2021 MOTION: Member Harding made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented; Member Pearson seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 6-0 (absent: Member Krimsky). END OF CONSENT AGENDA REGULAR AGENDA OLD BUSINESS 2. Update on Status and Review of Draft Florida League of Cities 2021 Florida Municipal Achievement Awards for Environmental Stewardship Application. Committee Member Maria Pearson went over some components and potential answers on the application she had drafted for the Florida Municipal Achievement Award for Environmental Stewardship .She included resolutions that had been passed and items that were scheduled to be presented before Council, as well as Smoke Signal articles. A tree canopy expansion was also mentioned as it was soon to be presented to Council. Committee Member Jessica Namath would send pictures and information from the Food Truck Pow Wow event that the Committee had attended in the past. In addition, Vice Chair Shaw proposed adding environmentally sensitive design alternatives to pending municipal projects, to the list of objectives. Committee Member Pearson would create a revision and send it to all Committee Members. Council Member Brandon would ask Mayor Brennan for a letter of recommendation on behalf of the EAC. 3. EAC Accomplishments Review Follow -Up Items - Discussion a. Schools Educational Program & Re -Usable Bag Plan b. Micro Transit Status c. Tree Canopy Improvements Status Vice Chair Shaw asked for direction on the above mentioned items. Committee Member Listort reported that the school educational project, as well as the re- usable bag plan had been placed on hold due to Covid-19. Additionally, the micro transit plan was placed on hold. The tree canopy improvement project had been sent to Manager Allen for consideration within the strategic planning session. 4. Continued Discussion on Use of the Video "Where Have All the Songbirds Gone" for EAC Accomplishments List and Interest in Collaborating with Other Environmental Groups for Conducting a Similar EAC Sponsored Program in Tequesta - Discussion Vice Chair Shaw suggested the group further convey the message contained within the video "Where Have All the Songbirds Gone" by mentioning pesticides and native plants and by sharing the link for the video. It would be beneficial to have a region wide event once Covid-19 issues were further behind. Additionally, the Committee thought it would be a good idea to have an article in Smoke Signals. NEW BUSINESS 5. Review of Draft Recommendations to the EAC on the Housing Element of the Comprehensive Plan for Consideration of the Village Council and Staff. Chair Bradford referenced a memo, which highlighted the areas related to green design within the housing element. Vice Chair Shaw suggested adding wording in policy 1.3.2 , emphasizing native plants and trees used to sustain an ecological habitat. MOTION: Member Pearson made a motion to approve the Committee's draft recommendations to Council on the Housing Element of the Comprehensive Plan; Vice - Chair Shaw seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 6-0 (absent: Member Krimsky). 6. Electric Charging Stations (added to agenda during meeting) Chair Bradford revealed to the Committee that there was now a program offered by Florida Power and Light (FPL), which would offer charging stations in the area. The Village would pay for the electricity, but could be reimbursed. Several shopping plazas were mentioned as possible candidates for charging stations. Council Member Laurie Brandon would speak to Manager Allen on the subject. Chair Bradford would draft a letter that could be sent to local plazas regarding the issue. COMMENTS OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS, VILLAGE COUNCIL LIAISON AND STAFF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ANY OTHER MATTERS 7. Meeting Task Assignments ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 4:18 PM. MOTION: Member Namath made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Member Listort seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 6-0 (absent: Member Krimsky). (� l Lori McWilliams, Village Clerk