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MINUTES
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (EAC) MEETING
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL
FEBRUARY 14, 2024 2:00 PM VILLAGE COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by Chair Jessica Namath. A roll call was taken by Deputy Clerk
Mary Ann Grieser ..
Present were:
Chair Jessica Namath, Vice Chair Brad Freese, Member Michelle Shearouse, and Member Clay
Damon.
Late were:
Member Wenta arrived at 2.02 PM
Absent were:
Member Redmond was absent.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: Vice Chair Freese, Vice Chair made a motion to approve the agenda with the addition
of discussion item; EAC Member Damon seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0 (absent:
Regular Member Seat 5 Redman).
COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS
There were none.
PRESENTATIONS
There were none.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. MINUTES:January 10, 2024
MOTION: EAC Member Shearouse made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as
presented; EAC Member Damon seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0 (absent:
Regular Member Seat 5 Redman).
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
REGULAR AGENDA
OLD BUSINESS
2. Discussion of Beach Erosion on Jupiter Island(added Item)
Chair Namath expressed her concern for the recent extreme beach erosion on Jupiter
Island at Jupiter Inlet Colony. Committee Members discussed and concluded it was the
property owner's due diligence when purchasing property on the ocean.
Community Development Director Hubsch added that the "97 line" was used for new
development and not re-development. Additionally, there were no homes located in the
Village that were on the ocean.
Member Freese suggested the group focus on the beach and reefs and mentioned an area
in the ocean near Hobe Sound that had large granite blocks to mitigate some wave action.
It was suggested to invite Joe Chaisin from the Loxahatchee River District come to speak
to the Group.
New developers and condo buyers were in need of education regarding the 97 Line,
according to several Committee Members.
Chair Namath reminded the Committee that there was a Workshop Meeting on March 4th
at which time Council could be updated on EAC dialogs.
Manager Allen was aware of the erosion issue and reminded the group that the State was
in control and very much valued property rights. Conversations at the State level were
needed and other municipalities were interested in this topic as well.
Chair Namath was looking for a "buyer beware" type of document for those buying
condominiums on the beach.
3. Review 2023-2024 Strategic Plan and discuss EAC initiatives for the Village Council
to Consider
Including in the 2024-2025 Strategic Plan
Community Development Director Jay Hubsch asked the Group to come up with some
recommendations to bring to Council.
Grants were discussed and it was a realization that the Village had some funds available
for grant writing, but not enough for a full time grant writer on staff. He asked that the EAC
focus on the initiative that they would like to see brought forward.
Manager Allen informed the Committee that the County was in charge of sand
renourishment and sea level erosion not the Village of Tequesta.
Member Shearouse asked that the group focus upon the points they would like to convey.
The Committee felt that recycling information for business owners was important. They
also felt that a full time grant writer would be beneficial, although most worked for directors
of departments. Ultimately, the EAC decided to focus upon: living shorelines, recycling
(commercial), fertilizer ban (education), and LEED buildings.
Chair Namath announced that sand would be arriving, within the week, to renourish the
Jupiter Inlet Colony recent erosion area.
Mr. Hubsch agreed that a round table discussion should happen, with solutions brought
forth and then a focus on funding.
NEW BUSINESS
COMMENTS OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS, VILLAGE COUNCIL LIAISON AND STAFF
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
ANY OTHER MATTERS
4. Meeting Task Assignments
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 3:33 PM.
MOTION: EAC Member Shearouse made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 3:33 PM; EAC
Member Damon seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0 (absent: Regular Member Seat 5
Redman).
y Hubsch, AICP