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MINUTES
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (EAC) MEETING
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL
AUGUST 14, 2024 2:00 PM VILLAGE COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by Chair Brad Freeze at 2:00 p.m. A roll call was taken by
Planner, Meg Wyble.
Present were:
Michelle Shearouse, Brad Freese, Jill Wenta, Thomas G. Bradford, and Wade Chance.
Late were:
Absent were:
Clay Damon and Russ Redman.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: Vice-Chair Bradford made a motion to approve the agenda; EAC Member Shearouse
seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0 (absent: EAC Member Damon and Regular
Member Seat 5 Redman).
COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS
No communication from citizens.
PRESENTATIONS
2. "Florida's Coral Reef, Coral Bleaching, Effects of Coral Bleaching on the Marine
Ecosystem, and how FLDEP Works to Address the Issue."
Taylor Tucker, Reef Resilience Coordinator, Office of Resilience and Coastal
Protection. Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Taylor Tucker presented to the EAC on the importance of our coral reefs, and the
impacts of coral bleaching. The EAC thanked Taylor for her time and inquired about ways
to help spread the message. Taylor encouraged the EAC to use the PowerPoint provided
and appreciated the opportunity to share with the committee.
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3. "Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Project (CERP): Updates to the
Loxahatchee River Watershed Restoration Project."
Michael Tompkins, Senior Project Manager, Ecosystem Restoration Planning &
Project Management Section. South Florida Water Management District.
Michael Tompkins from the South Florida Water Management District presented a
PowerPoint update on the Loxahatchee River Watershed Restoration Project. The
Committee thanked Michael for his time and found the presentation insightful.
4. "History and updates to Jupiter Narrows Restoration Project."
Susan Panella, President and Co-Founder. Jupiter Narrows Conservation Alliance.
Susan Panella provided a thoughtful presentation highlighting the decrease of mangroves
in the Jupiter Narrows, the impact on our ecosystem, and the efforts underway to restore
them. The EAC was pleased to hear of the restoration and asked how they can best
support the cause. Susan Panella responded that providing any useful direct contacts
would be greatly appreciated.
MOTION: Vice-Chair Bradford made a motion to address topic#13 first and add a
discussion on the topics that they would like to hear from the upcoming Loxahatchee
presenter. EAC Member Shearouse seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0
(absent: EAC Member Damon and Regular Member Seat 5 Redman).
CONSENT AGENDA
5. To approve the consent agenda and EAC meeting minutes from June 12, 2024 &
July 10, 2024.
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
REGULAR AGENDA
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
6. A. EAC Discussion and action items to council addressing today's presentations.
1. Coral Reef Bleaching
2. CERP Loxahatchee River Watershed Restoration Project
3. Jupiter Narrows Restoration Project
7. Blue Carbon: Mangrove Restoration Efforts for GHG Reduction, Shoreline
Protection, and Healthy Habitats.
8. Follow Up Discussion on Waste Management Presentation
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9. Discussion on EAC Meeting Times and Dates
Community Development Director Jay Hubsch sought feedback from the EAC on the
current meeting schedule. The EAC expressed openness to trying evening meetings but
agreed that if community involvement did not increase, the schedule should remain
unchanged.
MOTION: EAC Member Wenta made a motion to explore the option of hosting a week
night or weekend special event to encourage citizen participation. EAC Member
Shearouse seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0 (absent: EAC Member Damon
and Regular Member Seat 5 Redman).
10. Discussion on the upcoming Loxahatchee River presenter.
Chair Brad Freeze requested that any topics the EAC wishes to discuss regarding the
upcoming Loxahatchee presentation be emailed to Community Development Director Jay
Hubsch.
COMMENTS OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS, VILLAGE COUNCIL LIAISON AND STAFF
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
ANY OTHER MATTERS
MOTION: Vice-Chair Bradford made a motion to move unresolved agenda items to future
meeting. EAC Member Shearouse seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0 (absent: EAC
Member Damon and Regular Member Seat 5 Redman).
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Vice-Chair Bradford made a motion to adjourn the meeting EAC Member Shearouse
seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0 (absent: EAC Member Damon and Regular
Member Seat 5 Redman).
Jay ubsch, AICP
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