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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Environmental Advisory Committee_4/9/2025 MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (EAC) MEETING VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL APRIL 9, 2025 2:00 PM VILLAGE COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Chair Brad Freese at 2:00 p.m. A roll call was taken by Village of Tequesta Planner Meg Wyble. Present were: Michelle Shearouse, Brad Freese, Jill Wenta, and Thomas G. Bradford. Late were: Russ Redman arriving at 2:25. Absent were: Wade Chance, Clay Damon. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Thomas G. Bradford made a motion to approve the agenda as presented; Jill Wenta seconded the motion. Carried 4-0. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mrs. Linda Smithe, residing at 17976 Via Rio in Jupiter, Florida, addressed the Committee as a representative of the Sierra Club and the Loxahatchee Group. She began by expressing her appreciation for the Environmental Advisory Committee's, (EAC) ongoing efforts within the community. Mrs. Smithe then brought attention to a program involving trash incinerators in Palm Beach County, noting that it may present potential concerns for the area. She encouraged the EAC to remain informed and consider the implications of such developments. PRESENTATIONS 1. Kenneth "Bud" Howard, Director of Information Services at the Loxahatchee River Environmental Control District. "Loxahatchee River Environmental Monitoring Programs and Stormwater Discussion." Mr. Bud Howard, Director of Information Services at the Loxahatchee River Environmental Control District, addressed the Committee to discuss stormwater and its impact on local waterways. He emphasized the importance of public awareness, noting that water entering public storm drains flows directly into the waterways without any Page 1 of 3 treatment—unlike the water drained from homes, which is processed. Mr. Howard encouraged the Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) to help disseminate this information throughout the community. He thanked the Board for their time and efforts. In response, the EAC inquired if there were specific actions they could take to support this initiative. Mr. Howard recommended utilizing available communication channels—such as social media, newsletters, and bulletin boards—to educate the public about the significance of stormwater management. 2. Sue Panella, Co-founder and President at the Jupiter Narrows Conversation Alliance. "Update to Shoreline Restoration Efforts at the Jupiter Narrows." Ms. Sue Panella, Co-founder and President of the Jupiter Narrows Conservation Alliance, provided an update on the current status of the Narrows project. Her update included a proposed solution from Taylor Engineering aimed at enhancing seagrass growth within the area, as well as plans to incorporate informational buoys to support public awareness and environmental education. Ms. Panella concluded by thanking the Board for their continued support of the project. CONSENT AGENDA 3. EAC Meeting Minutes from February 12, 2025 MOTION: EAC Member Shearouse made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, including EAC meeting minutes from February 12, 2025, as presented. EAC Member Wenta seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0 (absent: EAC Member Damon). REGULAR AGENDA NEW BUSINESS 4. Seabrook Rd. Tree Trimming. The Environmental Advisory Committee, (EAC) reviewed options for trimming the oak trees along Seabrook. Due to the substantial size of the trees and their proximity to FPL utility lines, the EAC expressed concern regarding the aggressive trimming methods currently used and the resulting negative impact on the trees' appearance. Following discussion, the EAC agreed to explore the possibility of requiring FPL to submit a no-fee permit application prior to initiating work. This approach would allow the Village to assess proposed activities in advance and potentially minimize the collateral impact of such projects. MOTION:Vice-Chair Bradford made a motion to make a recommendation to the Village Council to investigate the options of a no-fee permit for FPL work in the Village. EAC Member Wenta seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0 (absent: EAC Member Damon). Page 2 of 3 OLD BUSINESS 5. Post-Event Evaluation of VOT EAC Living Shorelines Presentations: • Recommendations for Improvements • Considerations for Proposed Future Evening Events 6. Arbor/Earth Day Celebration 2025 The Committee discussed plans for the upcoming Arbor Day Celebration, scheduled for Friday, April 25, 2025, at 9:00 AM at Village Green Park. Public Works will commemorate the occasion by planting a Lignum Vitae tree. The Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) expressed interest in attending the event and speaking to attendees about the history and lasting legacy of the newly planted tree. COMMENTS OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS, VILLAGE COUNCIL LIAISON AND STAFF ANY OTHER MATTERS ADJOURNMENT MOTION: EAC Member Shearouse made a motion to adjourn the meeting Vice-Chair Bradford seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0 (absent: EAC Member Damon). J y Hu sch, AICP Page 3 of 3