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MINUTES
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (EAC) MEETING
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL
JANUARY 10, 2024 2:00 PM VILLAGE COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by Chair Jessica Namath at 2.00 p.m. A roll call was taken by
Deputy Clerk Mary Ann Grieser. A quorum was not present until 2:13 PM, and the meeting
commenced at that time.
Present were:
Michelle Shearouse, Jessica Namath,Chair, Brad Freese, Vice Chair, and Russ Redman.
Late were:
Member Clay Damon arrived at 2:13 PM
Absent were:
Member Jill Wenta was absent.
Vice Chair Brad Freese attended via Zoom.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chair Namath added two additional items to the agenda: Beach erosion with related
correspondence and an update on mangroves with how to present to Council
MOTION: Member Damon made a motion to approve; seconded by Member Shearouse. Carried
5-0
COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS
Ms. Linda Smyth of the Sierra Club addressed the Committee offering her support and donating
a water bottle.
PRESENTATIONS
There were none.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. MINUTES: December 13, 2023
MOTION: EAC Member Damon made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as
presented. EAC Member Shearouse seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0
(absent: EAC Member Wenta).
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
REGULAR AGENDA
OLD BUSINESS
2. EAC Member Specific Assigned GHG Reduction Elements
This item was tabled until the next meeting.
3. Continued Discussion on Development of a Communications Plan to Inform
Tequesta Citizens on the Importance of Environmental Protection and Enhancement
Using Smoke Signals and Other VOT Media Platforms.
This item was tabled until the next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
4. Review 2023-2024 Strategic Plan and discuss EAC initiatives for the Village Council
to Consider Including in the 2024-2025 Strategic Plan
Manager Allen informed the Committee that Council discussions would begin in March,
with consideration of EAC initiatives. If the Group would bring discussion items to the next
EAC meeting, it could be ready for the March Council Meeting. This could also tie into
Smoke Signal articles.
5. Legislative Priorities related to Environmental Issues and Home Rule.
Chair Namath asked the Committee if they would support her in asking for a letter from
Mayor Young or Manager Allen, to ask lobbyists and legislators to push for home rule
protection on the recent fertilizer ordinance. The Committee agreed to support her ask.
6. Discuss an article to be inserted into the next Smoke Signals highlighting and/or
educating residents on a Environmental topic.
Chair Namath asked for ideas from the EAC to be included in an article she would write for
the upcoming Smoke Signals publication. The Committee asked to include:
• Home Rule on environmental issues, focusing on the "why"
• fertilizer ban during rainy season
• mosquito control
• living shorelines
7. Update on Mangroves and Presenting to Council (adding during meeting)
Chair Namath reminded Council of the recent report of mangroves being removed in the
area of Port Saint Lucie. She mentioned emails to Council Members were going
unanswered regarding erosion, and would like the EAC to be forwarded any emails Council
received regarding environmental concerns.
Community Development Director Jay Hubsch would send information on mangroves to
the Group.
8. Beach Erosion and Correspondence (added during meeting)
Chair Namath believed the EAC should be advised of any correspondence to Council
related to environmental issues.
Manager Allen reminded the EAC that they were able to bring forward items on a quarterly
basis, with the legislative topic being brought to Council tomorrow evening as a priority
issue.
The other concerns Chair Namath had could be brought to a March Workshop.
Mr. Tom Bradford addressed the Group and suggested that they combine topics for Smoke
Signals.
COMMENTS OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS, VILLAGE COUNCIL LIAISON AND STAFF
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Strategic Plan Initiatives and Smoke Signal article topics.
ANY OTHER MATTERS
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 122 PM.
MOTION: EAC Member Shearouse made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 3.22 PM EAC
Member Damon seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0 (absent: EAC Member Wenta).
J4 HulAch, AICP