Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Environmental Advisory Committee_11/16/2022 s MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (EAC) MEETING VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL NOVEMBER 16, 2022 2:00 PM VILLAGE COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Chair Tom Bradford at 2:01 PM. A roll call was taken by Deputy Clerk Mary Ann Grieser. Present were: Chair Thomas Bradford, Vice Chair Robert Shaw, Member Jessica Namath, and Member Russ Redman. Absent were: Member Brad Freese, Member Marguerite Wilson, and Member Philip Stadelmann. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Member Namath made a motion to approve the agenda. Chair Bradford, EAC Chair seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 4-0 (absent: Member Freese, Member Wilson, and Member Stadelmann). COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS There were none. PRESENTATIONS 1. Village of Tequesta 2019 Baseline GHG Emissions Inventory Report. Presenters: Tom Herrod, Senior Program Officer, ICLEI USA (Local Governments for Sustainability), and Hannah Miller, Program Officer, ICLEI USA Mr. Tom Herrod, Senior Program Officer for ICLEI USA (Local Governments for Sustainability) presented to the Group via Zoom. His presentation included information involving: Greenhouse Gas and Inventory 101, Inventory and Forecasting Importance, Inventory Results, Forecast Results and Key Takeaways and Principles. Key principles for the next steps would include: adopting a 2030 "Science Based Target Reduction Goal", future planning and prioritization efforts incorporating changing trends, programs that would mitigate high emitting sectors, collaboration with adjacent Page 1 of 3 communities, agencies and local utilities, and making informed decisions with transparency. It would be up to the Committee to approach Manager Allen and the Council with the information from the presentation. CONSENT AGENDA 2. MINUTES: October 12,2022 MOTION: Vice-Chair Shaw made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Member Namath seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 4-0 (absent: Member Freese, Member Wilson, and Member Stadelmann). END OF CONSENT AGENDA REGULAR AGENDA OLD BUSINESS 3. Request of Village Manager for EAC to make Recommendations for Use or No Use of Artificial Turf as Landscaping. The Committee discussed non-living landscaping, rocks, mulch, code enforcement, and percentage of artificial turf allowed per property. The group discussed only allowing artificial turf in rear and side yards, while never visible from the road. Additionally, the Committee asked Chair Bradford to inform Manager Allen of their recommendations on artificial turf. Utility Director Marjory Craig spoke to the Committee on water runoff and permeability. The group would like the Building Department to reach out to local turf companies to advise them of the permitting process for their product. Additionally, they would like to contribute an article to Smoke Signals on the topic. Member Redman believed artificial turf should not be allowed at all. MOTION: Vice-Chair Shaw made a motion to do similar as Palm Beach with the modifications mentioned today; Member Namath seconded the motion. Carried 3-1 (opposed: Regular Member Seat 5 Redman) (absent: Member Freese, Member Wilson, and Member Stadelmann). NEW BUSINESS 4. Draft Recommendations to the EAC on the Coastal Management Element of the VOT Comprehensive Plan, V1 for Consideration of the Village Council and Staff. Page 2 of 3 The group focused on: dredging for docks, seagrass protection, development, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandate, coastal high hazards, vehicular efficiency, and solar power. Vice Chair Shaw revealed information regarding the PFAS substances in the water. He believed the Village should test for polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) earlier than the EPA deadline in December of 2023. Additionally, Vice Chair Shaw reported the solar co-op that was recently brought before Council for their recommendation, was ultimately rejected. It was reported that Mayor Young would try to get the word out and the food truck events could be a possible venue. Trees for Tequesta sponsorship was discussed. COMMENTS OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS, VILLAGE COUNCIL LIAISON AND STAFF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ANY OTHER MATTERS 5. Meeting Task Assignments ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Vice-Chair Shaw made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Member Namath seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 4-0 (absent: Member Freese, Member Wilson, and Member Stadelmann). �ok Lori McWilliams, Village Clerk Page 3 of 3