HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Environmental Advisory Committee_4/14/2021 MINUTES
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (EAC) MEETING
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL
APRIL 14, 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 Deputy Clerk
Mary Ann Grieser.
Present were:
Chair Thomas Bradford, EAC Chair, Vice-Chair Robert Shaw, and Vice Chair Jessica Namath.
Late were:
Member Maria Pearson.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS
Ms. Lydia MacLear addressed the Committee and reminded them of the recent Council Meeting
in which a group of residents spoke out against a cell tower being proposed in their neighborhood.
She had many concerns on the safety issues surrounding 5G technology.
PRESENTATIONS
CONSENT AGENDA
1. MINUTES: March 31, 2021
MOTION: Vice Chair Namath made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as
presented; Vice-Chair Shaw seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 4-0 (absent:
Member Pearson).
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
REGULAR AGENDA
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OLD BUSINESS
2. Update on Status of the Florida League of Cities 2021 Florida Municipal Achievement
Awards for Environmental Stewardship Application
The Committee acknowledged all the energy and hard work that Members had committed
to the application process. They were hopeful the Village would receive recognition.
3. Discussion on Development of a Communications Plan with the Village to
Disseminate Information about the New Fertilizer Ordinance.
Vice Chair Robert Shaw updated the group on future communications regarding the
fertilizer ordinance. He had been corresponding with Village Clerk McWilliams and was
hopeful to have an article in Smoke Signals as well as the Village's email and text
reminders. Vice Chair Shaw was also working on obtaining an updated list of companies
working with pest control within the Village. Chair Bradford suggested a reminder be
placed in Village water bills on licensing information.
4. Update on Micro Transit Options in Tequesta Pursuant to the Transit Provisions of
the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan
Committee Member Frank Harding updated the Committee on his report on
Microtransportation
within the Village. He gave several reasons as to why Palm Tran could not support the
endeavor. He had recently spoken to someone at FDOT and felt the Village was eligible
for receiving funding for a pilot project. Committee Member Harding would obtain more
information on the pilot project.
5. Update on Village Council Workshop Presentation on Pesticide Management
Vice Chair Robert Shaw addressed this item with item number 3.
NEW BUSINESS
6. Review of Draft Recommendations to the EA on the Utilities Element, Sub Elements
Sanitary Sewer and Solid Waste, of the Comprehensive Plan for Consideration of
the Village Council and Staff
Chair Bradford updated the group on the remaining group of homes that had not yet
switched from septic to sanitary sewer. Additionally, he reported on the sanitary lift stations
within the Village that could be susceptible to sea level rise.
Waste Management was applauded for outstanding service to the Village and the group
discussed the idea of providing recycling opportunities within the common areas of
Tequesta.
MOTION: Vice-Chair Shaw made a motion to approve the recommendations for
consideration of Council; Vice Chair Namath seconded the motion. Carried unanimously
4-0 (absent: Member Pearson).
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7. Cell Towers - Discussion
Shirley Jackson's email was read into the record. She was very concerned that the Village
did not have an ordinance in place to protect residents from the potential harmful effects of
5G towers being placed within the Village. There was much discussion from the group on
telecommunication towers, telecom engineers, current Village code. Council Member
Laurie Brandon updated the group on the Shady Lane proposed tower. She believed the
telecom company was looking for alternative locations due to the negative feedback they
received from the neighborhood.
Chair Bradford believed there were at least 6 areas within the current code that would able
to be used to deny an application.
Ms. McLear stressed the fact that the Village must protect themselves and advised the
Village speak to a legal specialist to create an ordinance, as soon as possible. The group
agreed to research the information that Ms. McLear promised to forward to Chair Bradford.
Committee Member Maria Pearson joined the meeting at 3:30 PM.
MOTION: Member Pearson made a motion to recommend Council implement an
emergency ordinance regarding cell towers; Vice Chair Namath seconded the motion.
DEFEATED. 2-3 (opposed: Chair Bradford, EAC Chair, Vice-Chair Shaw, and Member
Harding).
COMMENTS OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS, VILLAGE COUNCIL LIAISON AND STAFF
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
ANY OTHER MATTERS
Council Member Laurie Brandon asked the group to email her their headshots for future
correspondence. Chair Bradford announced there were two vacancies on the board. Member
Jessica Namath asked Committee Members to attend the Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission (FWC) workshop on April 27, 2021 at 5:00 PM and offer their input and support on
the Jupiter Narrows speed issue. Member Frank Harding would send an email for Member
Namath to relay. Council Member Laurie Brandon invited the EAC to participate in Earth Day at
Constitution Park on April 22nd and hoped they could also contribute ideas for social media
interaction. Lastly, the FPL charging center project was no longer a viable option for the Village.
Village Manager Jeremy Allen would like the EAC to investigate some alternative options which
would implement charging stations located at the new Community Center.
8. Meeting Task Assignments
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 4:23 PM
MOTION:Vice Chair Namath made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Member Harding seconded
the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0.
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Lori McWilliams, Village Clerk
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