So, how does the roll call? >> She will get the um recorder out and then she'll call the roll call. >> Ronda >> here. Electra Sutton >> here. >> Pat Lington >> here.
>> Derek Martin, city manager. >> Present. >> Taylor, recording clerk code enforcement. >> You forgot Jane. >> I'm here. >> Oh, Jane B. I'm sorry. >> That's okay. >> She's right in the middle. >> I'm sorry. >> She couldn't see you from over there.
>> Motion to approve the minutes. What's the date on those minutes? >> On the [laughter] minutes is January 22nd, 2026. Thank you.
Hey. [clears throat] Hey, speech speech. I motion we accept the minutes. Is everybody done or not done? >> Does anyone want to second the motion? Second. >> Motion accepted. Minutes are accepted. Next is old business irrigation in
various locations. Does anybody want to explain what that means? >> So there was a couple questions brought up about irrigation in some of parks and also some of our plantings. Um I have gone out with public works to look at the irrigation along central. We fixed a
couple issues. Our larger planters here on this end in front of the um ACE hardware has been fixed. Um, we are working on the area down here. I believe Chris and I went and looked at that. Um, and that is also being addressed down at the at the south end of Central as well.
Evil Line Park, there are heads. There are heads. >> There's a system. >> There's nothing flowing right now. >> Exactly. Give me some time. >> We are in fact watering the trees though that need to be watered. Um, I have the water truck. We have uh several hundred
foot hose so we're not having to drive into the park and we're going to be taking care of those especially until we get the irrigation system that's going to be set on a on a set schedule um to water a lot of the uh chameleas and some of the other plants as well. So, okay, back to um in front of Ace Hardware,
there was the Chameleia, the furthest to the west had um there was it was cut off. Not Chameleia, CRL, >> the CR that that's been repaired and that is get because the the whole stem is split. It might not even
>> We We saw that tree. We believe that that's actually termite damage and so that'll be addressed and taken care of as well. >> And but there's now irrigation to that >> plant. There's there's the irrigation there. Yes, we turned it all on and checked it. It comes on around 5:00 in the mornings, but we have the man to
turn that on. I want to make sure before we do things on on that side with the grass, the new, you know, sitting area, different stuff that we're planning on doing our master water planting whatever we're able to to future trees if we decide to do that.
>> Okay. So the e the irrigation at ealion is being held up because >> manpower [clears throat] manpower and budget that's an extensive system there are heads um I'm still now one person in public works and u you know right now if there's something that
needs to be manually water you know plant such as chameleas that are there it's been scheduled to do so. >> Okay. I'm I'm wondering if there's like a I don't know what it's called of the irrigation system in that park. I mean, it could be that it could even be scaled
down to it could just you know and we'll take water. >> We'll take a look at it. We are entering now into our budget season. Um starting April 1st, we're going to start doing heavy budget discussions this week. We've been meeting with all of our staff, reconciling the accounts and
going over their needs and wants. We're way ahead of the game this year starting early. Um the irrigation and evil line park and other parks as well as camera systems and other stuff are being discussed in that budget. So right now of course it's a budget constraint
missing that's that's where we are and of course we have power constraint but we will address those in the budget for this upcoming 26 27 year. Derek, are there irrigation heads over by the U tins
courts? >> I I couldn't answer that um fully. I know I've seen irrigation heads in the park area uh north. The ones that I've seen are north of the pavilion. >> Oh, okay. [clears throat] >> Because there's an awful lot of traffic that happens over there. Sure. and we'll
address that later um with a system that will be outside of that and possible signage to keep off the grass and other things like that. That's all goes in the budget planning. >> Thanks. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Can we move on to containers on central?
>> What what is the issue there? >> Um so old businesses containers um we'll bring that up in new business, but uh we've looked at the containers. We've got an idea of what we want to do. We're going to present that to you all today under new business um even with some costing which is in within our budget.
Um and so we'll bring that up in a little while that the discussion earlier was who's responsible, how is it going to get paid, you know, to you know paid for um and when is it going to be done? We have those answers. >> Are those the plastic containers are allowing the sidewalks out of each
other? >> Yes. Yes, ma'am. The large containers. >> Great. And it says update America in bloom program. >> All right. That was a program that we discussed last year and we were going to um reach out and I think the commission
voted that we could spend the $99 to become a part of it. >> It's it's in the budget. Yes. >> Yeah. So we just never followed through with it. Anybody who wants to take >> can can do that. I would do the research and contact. >> Okay. And then email me and let me know
and we'll get it taken care of on our end. Okay. [clears throat] >> What does it entail? >> We have a public comment. >> Yes, Lisa. >> Mito. >> Thank you. Lisa Devita 108 South Main Street.
I just wanted to confirm I'm also a city commissioner. Sorry, I'm holding my afternoon coffee. No good place. But um it's my understanding that the city commission did put money to um subscribe
or participate in American Bloom as level one entry point. The information should be in the past minutes. It's pretty simple. You just go on the website and apply. And so I'm
happy to um forward that to the city manager and but that could be forwarded to again because it's in it should be in the past while file but I'm I'm happy to do that if you all would like me to.
>> Are you already familiar with this program? >> Yes. >> Okay. So looks like she's already on board. >> Well I mean if you've got information in your computer that you >> Yeah. We both saying is it was presented and it should
be the contact information should be part of the file of prior meetings of this train guard board. Um but I would be happy to pull up on my computer. I can forward it to the city manager. Um,
I hope the price hasn't gone up because it's been a while and then maybe the city manager could forward it to everybody else and then um >> if the price did go up and we were approved for level one, would we have to go back and ask for approval for $105?
We have 99 or just we have more in the budget for that. I wouldn't have to take it to commission unless it was over $1,000. Anywhere near that would be good. If I could, Madam Chair, um we got started on here and I asked
for someone else if they wanted to chair this meeting and I want to appreciate you uh publicly for doing so, but I wanted to also formally welcome Electra to the new tree and garden. Uh we're delighted to have you join the tree and garden board. Your enthusiasm for plants
combined with your strong background in data analysis and vis visualization will bring valuable insight to our initiatives. uh whether it's understanding trends in tree health or helping us communicate data clearly uh to the community um or supporting strategic planning your skill sets
perfect fit for where I believe this board is going next. So thank you for being here. >> I am very happy to be here again. [laughter] Um, and perhaps you when we look at this information about the American Bloom, I'll be I have no idea what that is, but
I don't want to take the time at the moment to go over. [clears throat] >> Next is ARBNET. >> Um, we had a question. >> Oh, sorry. >> I We're still on ARBNet, correct? >> We just kind of started. We were in American Bloom, but now we're on AR net.
Arnet >> um Chriser 1965 uh county vote 308 extension. Um in relation both to the arburidum and the ARB net. Uh the cost is still the same but there are five criteria that we have to meet when we
apply. Uh those criteria have to be an arboritum plan, a plan for a governing group, one staff member and or volunteer who manages the arburetum and a labeled collection of at least 25 different tax species subspecies and cultivars and one
tree related event um that is open to the public. So in relation to both the previous line item and also the arb.net, the plan that we'll talk about under new business was created with those five criteria in mind. So that does meet all the criteria to meet the application.
>> Please introduce yourself. >> Yes, my name is Chris. >> Okay. And ARBNET is a type of um connectivity information or what? >> We didn't really get into that yet. Um
>> you're going to address it later. >> No, we just really we were on American and Bloom, >> right? >> And then we were moving into arnet. So he's speaking on arnet, but we really didn't. And both of those kind of go hand in hand, both of those items. >> It's an You want to explain what ARB is?
It's arburetum. >> It's an arburetum designation that a city can receive um to be an arboritum city um that you know puts us on the map, you know, allows us to be able to do some training um within the town and be recognized at a state level. So they have, you know, many many sites and
locations. San Bernardina uh Beach, Berdan Beach, for example, all have the same designation. um as a city. Um but it goes very much handinhand with the previous agenda item that both could and should be done um in my opinion simultaneously. Uh but the item in new
business does account for both of those. >> Does the word net imply that you are then interwined with these other towns or any collaboration? >> It is a network but it's not a collaborative effort. So arbnet is just the name of their organization. So it's
arbnet.org or is the name of their nonprofit organization. >> What does it expect of the town? >> It expects of the town the five items that I mentioned. The arburetum plan, a governing group, one staff member or volunteer, a collection of 25 taxa or
subspecies, and one tree or gardening related event per year. >> The first one was what? >> The first one is a plan for an arburetum or a growing area. That would be >> and all five of those um are under new business.
>> Oh, okay. >> Fernandina Beach did their their >> what would you call it, Lisa? >> Um >> um could I >> their community, their town, their main street? >> Yeah. Could may I be recognized? >> Um >> I'm asking Electra.
>> Okay, we can display it to you, Miss D. Okay. Okay. So again, Lisa to again um yes the um I actually presented and brought information about um becoming a level
one arborum last fall to the tree and garden board when I visited Fernandina Beach for Main Street conference and historic preservation conference. Um, the rest of you may remember that I brought back information. I found that
downtown Fernandeia Beach is has achieved the designation of a level one barrier and it's not hard. It doesn't cost very much. Their downtown is designated as a garden. Um, and it meets all the
requirements. than my initial um my initial idea was that Eagle Lion Park and adjacent areas in the core of Crescent City should easily qualify
and it's not expensive. So that was the um the initial idea and again in past minutes there um or the files and I can provide it again there should be um information but um downtown Bernardina
Beach has banners hanging that show that it's designated as as a garden and it looks very nice. >> Would the plants suffice? We don't have to have lots of banners. >> No. And we we have sufficient foliage.
Our existing foliage, our trees, our bushes should qualify us. You just have to take care of them. And um >> Chris, right, they need to be labeled, which is not difficult. The little signs
are not expensive. And as Chris or mentioned, um you have to have at least one event to which the public is invited. and Crescent City. If they keep doing Arbor Day, I think that would work. >> It sounds like we fit perfectly already.
>> Um that was my thought that after I um saw Fernand Beach in July and again um I will reforward the information so it can be shared with the new members. >> Okay. Thanks very much.
>> And I'm happy to next one. Are we moving on? Mulch for the Heritage Oaks Neverland [clears throat] Park. I actually remember that topic because it protects the roots from the traffic and the
boring. I don't think it protects from the boring actually, but >> so obviously catfish is two weeks away. >> Yes. And this was a recommendation. Um it's very expensive. that we priced out getting mulch from a couple various sources. Um, with the type of mulch we
would need, plus it's more of a maintenance issue. The the best thing that I could do uh and we did it for the soul food fest was we kept vehicles off the grass. >> You know what I went through this when I was on the committee before and one of the members
Spicer mentioned that the [clears throat] roots do not really go beyond the canopy edge. the drift line, >> right? So, if my my suggestion at the time was if you don't let vehicles or
oring happen inside that line, you're okay. >> And you can actually put a piece of tape around to show not to do that. And then you don't need a lot of marks. You just >> Yeah. And that's the plan. They actually [clears throat] have a a a designated plan that's been um looked at. They've
put in their permits and we've had walkthroughs there. There won't be any vehicles driving in the park. >> Oh, cool. >> For the catfish. >> For the cat. >> Got the cookers in. >> Not going to be driving. >> They're going to put in They're going to put in uh tents, canopy tents, but no no
vehicles are going to be driving. >> Are they going to be doing the 4x4 post to put in those canopy tents? >> I believe they have a different way that they're going to do it this time. >> Smaller, less less intrusive. >> Perfect. But mulch still helps the roots hold moisture.
um etc. And there's free mulch. I mean, I know Chris has a some tree trim and friends. >> It comes down to it comes down to maintenance and longterm long-term maintenance because, you know, and again, you might be able to save some money, but we don't have the manpower to
maintain that um in in the long term. >> The best thing we can do is just keep keep people off of it. >> That that would >> Yeah. So we're moving on to planted area on >> Avenue. >> We missed one above that
>> above mulch >> heritage oak plantings on evil line park suggested in the annual treeboard plant but now is left. So um >> mulch the heritage we did oh I see >> you see that one.
>> Yeah plant what does it say? Plant >> plantings for evil park. I don't know. We didn't get a copy of the current >> green garden board. >> Maybe Chris here knows what they're talking about. >> Planting. >> No, I do. >> Oh, you do? >> I do. But obviously we didn't get a copy
of the the latest >> tree the annual tree and garden board plan I guess is what it's called. >> And we had made some recommendations. >> We have here some changes. >> We made some recommendations. I'm I don't think it's in here
>> in the packet that you have. I believe it starts on page three. >> The tree word comprehensive tree plan followup. >> These are plant that are additional that that are supposed >> Are you talking about in our packet we
have the >> I believe so. Let me bring it up. >> I see your presentation. for your proposal. >> Um, we talked about putting um, >> madam chair if I may.
>> So, want to make one thing clear uh, as they did for the other festival that we had prior to >> there will be vehicles and I just want to make it clear, not parking, but there will be some access bringing things in and out. They will utilize the sidewalk
sections and be outside of the tree drip lines just like they did for the Soul Food Fest. I was there. I watched it the whole time. People won't be parking long term in the park or on the root sections. >> And we've we've discussed it. We've shown them and they're they're on board
with that. And anything is going to be less intrusive as much as it can be. >> Sounds like a vast improvement. >> Yeah. So, just want to make that clear. Uh there will be some vehicles for a short period of time getting things in, but they'll be off and they're not going to be in the roots.
>> Now there I seem to have skipped something called plantings for Evelyn Park which >> right we didn't get a copy of our um tree garden board plan where we had discussed some plantings for Eline Park. We made some suggestions. We wanted to
move forward especially with that steep bank area on Summit. It's on the um I'm getting my east and west backwards. >> It's on the east side. >> East side >> east side of the park, >> right where it says that part of the
master plant was. We don't have a copy of that. I'll have to get with the clerk and find out. Go back to the minutes. I'll find that and we'll get back. I I I vaguely remember us having the discussions but no decision was I don't believe a decision was was made on that because that's that's within you know
there's money portion to that [clears throat] >> I I thought we had added some things to the plan but that was months ago >> I I believe there was things added in that tree garden plan on wishes what we what we >> recommendations >> recommendations but nothing was set in stone on for us like to march forward
again that's one of those things we can put things in the budget to discuss with the commission, but anything that we plant, we're going to properly, especially if it's not something that's going to hold up in this heat, we're going to have to irrigate native. We talked about native sunshine mimosa, >> correct? Correct. I will definitely
follow up with that and and report back to you all on the next on our next meeting and it's something that I need to put in my uh budget notes for when we're getting into our our budgets for next year. And I just remembered one of the irrigation locations and I think you [clears throat] discussed the medians.
That was one of my So right now we we we had a discussion that was really hot to try. It started we had dot out here as you know they fixed a lot of the um we've got them to fix a lot of those cracked curb inlets on Summit. Um that
same team met with us about redoing some of the plants. We had talked to them about taking all of the the stuff that's kind of scrubby out of there and and Right. Correct. and doing all peanut >> uh and redoing the plantings and the irrigation. They've kind of stalled on
the DOT side. I recently just asked public works to re-engage them to see where they're at and what we're going to do with that. Um you know, especially before the summer really starts hitting. I'd like to have the DOT out here to do that and get that done because the irrigation in the part of it I don't
remember if it was in the peanuts or it's the drip or the you know in the ground and if it gets run over with the mower or the screen trimmer >> it's all busted up sitting out there in hot sun right >> it's not you know >> and there's a lot of it exposed and they
know that they're they're going back and like I said we have to re-engage it's gone very cold >> so okay so that's in the works Yes. Yes. >> And and just so you know, that's a part of an overall larger aspect. We're
getting our historic signs um redone and so the signage, the plants, the irrigation, it's all part of a larger plan. So, the mulch. Sorry, I'm taking away from your >> your seat, but I just had a question about the mulch because the next one
where we passed up the evil line park. Um, we're not going to do it at Heritage. >> Are you >> Sunrise either? >> So, I'm not >> No. So, I know we we did that one. I know it was going down here planted area. >> Okay. But I was just asking him about Sunrise Park. We're not going to get
mulch there either. >> Yeah. And they're going to continue to park on the under the tree. >> Sunrise, which um >> I don't know the lady's name, but it's the one over here with the boat ramp over by the water. >> Eat the the Margaret Nelson. >> Yeah, that must be Yeah, they call that
they used to call it Sunrise. They probably It's still in there. >> And so right when you go into the gate to the right to the right side, >> we we we have talked about a couple of things there. Um >> it's in the back of my mind. It's there.
I know I've seen some vehicles in there before. Um, we depending on on what the commission decides, we may end up putting in along the drive there, uh, just putting in railroad ties so people can't drive in there. >> I like that idea.
>> Yes. And that is also still in the works, by the way. >> Um, so, you know, waiting for budget. >> It's budget. It's just addressing it. And it's manpower. I mean, I'm I just had a meeting today with my public works director. He's still down one person, but they're overwhelmed with the amount
of work that I've given them. Thank you. I've given them a lot of work to do and we just don't have enough time to do it and I have more to give them. I mean, there's so much to do. Um, but uh we're doing our best and and he's doing his best.
>> You were talking about Nelson Park. >> Margaret, >> you're talking about parking lot. Mhm. >> There's a sign up there that says cars uh trailers and boat trailers parking only. If you if you go to Oklahoma, want
to sit in that gazebo and have lunch, >> you can't park your car. There's no parking there. It says do not park your car just cuz you're there is one garbage can there cuz I was there the other day and the garbage is cigarette beer can.
>> We've cleaned it all up. We've actually this week been doing a lot of work over that part. >> Last week, I don't see it last week. >> Oh, yeah. Starting last [clears throat] week and going into this week, go look at it. >> It's there's no there's no moss on the fence line. The ballards are painted.
New signs are getting put up. Um, so we pressure wash that gazebo. I want to pressure wash the roof, but we pressure wash the gazebo. We pressure wash the wood. Um, I'm marking what needs to be replaced and most likely I'll be out there replacing that wood myself. but we just don't have the manpower. So, I'm
going to go and work on it. But I think right there by the bathroom there is a rock section that has some ballers and that is overflow parking. If you have just vehicles, um the rest of it, I haven't looked at that particular sign, but where we're talking about with that
tree, I think I think forcing people to continue >> going down the drive will be better than the right hand side there. And um I think there needs to be some top fill and and then some either seed grass seed or um bea something put in there because
it's it's rudded up over time with cars going in and out. It'll it will be it will be addressed. I just need more time. >> Where's the bathroom? It's very popular. >> Bathroom is right after on the right hand side. Right after the big shed as you're going in the drive there. It's on
the on the right hand side right after the shed. We have a public comment. >> [clears throat] >> Hi Lisa. Um I very much appreciate that the issue of mulch for the at Sunrise Park is on the agenda um for several
years. There's a circle around that tree that's dirt. There's deep deep trenching there. And from my observation, that's caused by city heavy vehicles. The city vehicles drive in and park
right under the tree and then they circle the tree. [clears throat] That I don't think is caused by motors or people going to the gazebo. Um, and I don't think it would take very
much mulch to fill it in. especially if she's available for free. But um and there's a grassy area between the tree and the fence. Somebody else has
pointed out to me that if city vehicles need a place to park, they could park on the grassy area that's not within the drip line of the tree. But from what I have seen over the years, that particular
um area under the drip line has been damaged by city head vehicles. So my request to the city manager would be to please do something about that. >> Yes. [clears throat]
>> Thank you, Madam Chair. um to be proactive. I realize that city both funds and personnel are very limited. So I think there's potentially ways that we may be able to think outside the box to get those trees wood chipped. So my thought would be that under Florida
statute 570.86 86. All city parks are fall will fall under agro tourism, which means there's no liabilities if someone is is injured in one of those places, which means that we would potentially be able to instead of having a city
employee do the work that's city funded. If another person andor organization is willing to do the work, provide the labor, provide the wood chips, all they would need would be written permission from the city to go in and do those volunteer hours. So, I'd like to propose that myself and another organization
provide the wood chips necessary for a couple of those trees. We would help do the do the labor, you know, provide the wood chips for that, but we would need to make sure that those parks are designated under seven or 57.86 as a tourism. Well, I would like to add that
the from what I understand having mos obviously deteriorates and has to be replaced is not a substitute for prohibiting driving within. So there they there seems to be an impression that oh if we could only have a little
mulch and people put some effort into it then the cheese would be okay [clears throat] and that's actually not true I don't think so I I think mulch is probably healthy for any plant I don't know but um in this case it should be
focused that the uh drilling and the driving are prohibited within the drip line rather than thinking mult is going to make it okay. Would you agree or >> I think that's a great observation. I think that's a very true statement. I [clears throat] can only do so much as a
city volunteer, but as far as the policies and procedures that could be done internally, but I can provide a small step as long as there are other steps taken, you know, for the prevention of driving. Yeah, I mean my personal opinion is that would be phenomenal for you to help out and very
appreciated by the city and something we can bring up to the commission to designate if that's what they wish to do in order for you to get that work done. I think in the interim uh as well we can afford some railroad ties and some signs that says no vehicle beyond this point
or no parking or you know whatever we want you know um and we'll figure that out. Um it's a team effort. I think all the above um recommendations are are worth looking into [clears throat] >> motion for those recommendations if you for him to proceed.
>> Well, if you would like me if you would like me to take it to the commission for approval for >> agurism agism and we'll we'll work on getting that on the agenda and he can come and speak to that effect. There's other things today that we're going to talk about that we want your recommendation on. So we can come to the
commission meeting on April and and we can get a decision from them on. So >> do we want to make a motion? >> Yeah, I'll make [clears throat] a motion that those recommendations to the commission. >> Okay. >> Second. >> I'll second. >> Then I'll leave going down. Thank you.
>> You'll need to call You'll need to do a vote. All in favor? >> Oh, all in favor? I >> I opposed. It has passed. >> Thank you. >> Um now I think we're down to planted area on Summit Avenue.
Does that mean the one right? >> This one out here. Yeah, that was there's a lot of dead stuff. >> The one over here or the one? >> This one. This one right out here. The Robin palms history. >> Oh, this right here. The history. >> Yeah, we got we got hit so hard in the
winter. We tried to cover them but because of the wind it ripped everything we did and we came out twice, three, four times and tried to fix it and there's no way we could protect from that. >> We we have right now 15 bags of mulch
from ACE sitting there waiting. I had started that actually the mayor and myself went out and started on the on the on the south or I'm sorry on the north end um uh little planter area not that end and then we started working our way down and we just you know we're both
busy it's an ugly bed at least eight or nine different in there can we start over >> we're going to start over and I was actually going to ask Chris to see if he could help me come up with an idea and then we could we could get it done >> you mentioned that planter may be coming out the thing.
>> So, that that planter >> most likely will come out, >> but not >> it's not it's not needed. Well, pretty soon. I've got a I just I ordered and I'm waiting and I should have it next by next week, >> but we ordered a new um a new screen,
double-sided screen, the city communication boards, >> and with the size, it's going to be bigger than the one we have right now. probably going to elevate a little bit up, but I think having that clear and not having plants grow up and all that, we don't need it. So, we're going to take that out.
>> Um, and we'll focus on putting things in there that will look beautiful, but are >> as closed as maintenancefree as possible, but that look classy and make the city shine. >> And so, that would need to be irrigated. We would be [clears throat] and it is it already is irrigated. Um, the other
thing that we're going to be doing now that it's springtime, I think I talked to Chris about this a while back, we looked at buildings, is doing hibiscus along the edge that has nothing right there along the annex [laughter] and just kind of unifying >> on the on this side of the annex building. So, the only roof on the on
the south end. >> Okay. >> Um, it wraps all the way around. There's a planter base wraps all the way around. We're going to do something. I've got a little budget. >> Yeah, we're going to do something. >> It's a dead tree. It's been dead for years. Can we [clears throat] get rid of the dead tree? We know which one's dead.
Can we figure out which I find you? I asked you if I could take the stakes out of the Craig marbles and they were in there for years. >> Okay. >> So, and there's there's some things that are weeds that are this tall. >> Yeah. Annex there, right? >> Those are weed.
>> I'll be happy to walk over there with you. Mulch mulch doesn't >> I mean we we want mulch cuz I want mulch under the trees but then mulch >> um around weeds sure weeds
>> we can clear it and redo it is a danger >> we can it's >> well some of those grasses once they get weeds in them just pull them out and start over because to you have to dig them up separate them I mean Chris is familiar >> I think you know this This is this is
one thing that um you know everybody's different and has different talents and and um one thing that my predecessor worked on in his private time outside as a distresser was gardening and doing a lot of the plantings and different things.
>> Um I haven't got to that point yet. I love it and I can do it, but I have not I have not got to that point yet. So um we'll try we'll try our best to to get it fixed. Again, that just all goes back down to, you know, manpower and budget.
And everything here is manpower and budget. Right now, I've got guys mowing alongs, cleaning streets, cleaning parks, painting, um, doing different things all around town. I only have four public works guys right now. Who am I pulling off of that to come and do the
planters over here? My public works director is super spread thin. We have a large multi-million dollar, you know, uh, multi-year level project that just started that's kicking off for water distribution for North Tower. I just don't have the manpower. So, I don't
mind on the weekend coming and doing. I just need some some direction and would love anybody who wants to volunteer time too to come and help uh, rivet out. I can get the trucks. I can get the tools. We just I just need help. So,
>> I'm going to make a personal remark that [clears throat] I don't think that you really need to go do landscaping yourself. >> Previous >> [clears throat] >> um it seems if you put some uh planning
to it, I think you are horiculturist, you could come up with some attractive plants that don't need a lot of care, right? And that's what most cities do. >> The zetas look pretty decent in there. They're they got established, but
there's only one time a year. >> I know that's it. And they're a lot. I would love the rest of the beds. >> I would love something that that you know doesn't need a lot of maintenance, but people come by and go, "Wow, that's clean. That's really pretty." >> We could find that. >> This is the first impression of the
town. >> It is. >> Well, something that looks Floridaish, too. Yeah. Makes it look a little chable. >> Is that what that was? >> That's what that all my leaves for today. >> Chris and I will work on that. There's
one person I mean I know Jean, we've worked together on on trees and I've gone places and Chris and I worked on a couple different projects and different, you know, ideas kicking around and he knows a lot of stuff. You guys tasked him earlier to help us out with the, you know, with our tree grant stuff and that
worked out very well. Um, and so, uh, we'll continue that relationship and and and doing [clears throat] some things that'll that'll that'll make you all happy and the commission happy, of course, and the residents happy. >> I would love to go in for the psych because there's my favorite
>> and I'm sure he likes them as well. >> They are easy. They're still green. They they uh need some trimming usually, but they are unique and tropical looking and exotic
and they flourish here, including the counties, which are low and grow very well. [clears throat] >> Shall we move move on to new business? Is that okay? >> Uh try pots and hanging plants. Chris,
if you'd like to come up and talk about that and just I'll lead you in on it. Chris and I worked together looking at what our needs were. Again, trying to beautify our city and especially our downtown um district where people are going to be coming in, traveling to and
coming to our our events that we have. Um Chris had worked to put together a maximum price estimate. Um we've also this is for the triad pots, those larger pots. We're also going to be speaking today about the folk plants for hanging baskets and the reason why we want to go
that way. Um I know that they may or may not be um loved, but at the same time they can look really beautiful for uh season and we can change them out periodically and be within a good budget for that. Chris, if you like
>> Yeah, absolutely. I think let's start if it's okay with the chair with the faux plants for the hanging um planters. So the the thought process behind this and I'm saying this both currently as someone who does regenerative agricultural design but I also used to own one of the large wedding venues in
Kansas City. So I'm very familiar with quality silk flowers. So I want you to think along the lines not of a graveyard display but something that is very beautiful um that's going to be UV resistant, UV protectant. Now, as an agriculturalist, when I was looking at
the hanging planters, those are absolutely stunning and beautiful in a home setting or outside of a business where they're able to receive the care to support the money that was invested. The challenge in Crescent City, as we're all very aware, is our water quality has
a lot of minerals, specifically iron, which causes an iron feeding bacteria in the water lines that plugs those lines. So on lines that are that small on those drip lines for the hanging pots, that's like every couple days someone needs to
go out and inspect those lines, which at this point I don't feel from an agricultural perspective that's a realistic expectation that those lines are going to be checked. So an alternative to that is choosing some UV resistant, very high quality silk
flowers. And I have a floral designer that's taken a look at at all of this stuff uh that we could install in those. Basically with three types of plants, a spiller, a filler, and a thriller is the the three phrases that they use with
floral foam in the middle and with the uh approval of the board. We'd like to be able to change, you know, something out on those seasonally so they look different every couple months so that way they stay fresh, they stay beautiful. Um, if I can approach the
podium, I do have a visual example that I can show you of one of the arches that we've done with the floral displays before that you just change out a couple flowers, you know, per season. It does look high quality. Are you okay if I approach
>> the building? >> So, this is an example of an archway that has, you know, a fall display with just a few things that are changed, you know, for the winter. Um, so the same major elements in the display can be something that is beautiful, that is
elegant, but gives you a very different look, you know, per season. I think it's important for us to allocate our resources appropriately and know know the areas. Go back to the mic.
[clears throat] >> Okay. Absolutely. >> So I think it's appropriate, you know, to quote the University of Florida when they said we want the right plant in the right place. And I think in this particular place, the right plant is a beautiful faux silk plant that can be
interchanged that's going to be a little bit easier to maintain because for an average volunteer like myself, I'm not going to climb up 17 feet on a ladder, you know, to volunteer that goes over laws. Um, so for me as a volunteer, realistically, I can manage, you know,
three triads of plants that are on the ground level, volunteering in parks and that sort of thing. So I think if we kind of separate those two potentially in our mind of here's the hanging ones maybe the best and most beautiful solution and then the triad of planters
what is the most beautiful solution for those. So I'd like to open you know open it back up to questions on the faux the faux flowers and the hanging hanging pots. >> As you quoted here it was five almost 600 >> correct.
>> Is that for one season? That is for one season. However, we would only be changing out the line item that says central pick. So, it would be $50.94 cents per season that we would change out that one line item. And so, that
amount there, the 57834. Um, basically, if you're familiar with Hobby Lobby, that's their maximum price. Our hope is to be able to go to Hobby Lobby on a day where they have that good old half off, >> 30% off, >> 30 40% off and get a little bit lower. But I always like to overshoot on the
budget. Here's the maximum. And then we do our duty to find some good deals. >> So I think I think fake flowers are are pretty good. I have quite a few myself. However, they're going to be in the right stock, don't they, Sage?
>> There are UV protected ones that you can get. We use them on our wedding menu. And then you can also purchase a $9 can of spray and you can add another layer of UV protection on those. So, as I understand it, the problem is maintenance for the hanging pots. Why
you why do we need the hanging pots in the first place? That was my next question. >> I don't know why. >> It was something that my predecessor did. Um, Commissioner, >> maybe we should do it. >> Commissioner Deito may be able to answer that better. She was here, but that was something I heard my predecessor did. There are more somewhere. I don't know
where, but there are more hanging pots somewhere in the city. I have not been able to locate them yet. neither has my staff, but there were several ordered. Um, the plan is, and I've gone, if you go to Charleston and other places, they have beautiful hanging pots on their historical lights. They have shade,
though. Their buildings, they have buildings, and they have areas with shade, and their irrigation is set up in a way where those plants are live plants. The problem on our central is that those plants get beat up with sun all day long, 12 hours or more. So with
the nano particle spray that he's talking about as an added uh additive to UV protected material already, we could get some longevity out of the base portion of the PL of these plants. Uh and change out the central theme or the central picks of what it is based on
season. Um and so we're looking at the cost being somewhere around a,000 to maybe $1,200 per year for all of them if we were to expand to a couple more. But um that's that's basically where we're at. >> Personally, I disagreed with the former
person adding them in the first place. So I um say from my point of view, the easy way to do it was just not happen. >> And and I think and I could be wrong, correct me if I'm wrong, ma'am, but I believe that part of that is the look
that is in our master plan. That is part of how to to make it more attractive. You look like a wedding venue. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> I'd have to go talk into blank. Thank you.
>> Hi, Jason again. Um, someone asked about the history. I think the city manager said, um, I believe the hanging baskets were an initiative of either the CRA staff or the Main Street
organization. they wanted them. Um, my recollection is the tree and garden board never really had much to do with it or said that it would work. I I think there were doubts expressed from the
beginning. Um, Cat Langan may remember and I I don't have recollection of whether they are specifically in the master plan, the master plan for downtown
um is more infrastructure. I I don't know. We'd have to we'd have to look at it. I I couldn't say whether or not. And I'm thinking they're kind of small item for the master plan. Um but it it was an
initiative either with the CRA or the main street organization. Um and I don't even know what the training guard board I don't even know how much input um this board had. So thank you. >> Well the [clears throat] president would
be to continue but I would say perhaps need to rethink myself. What do you think? >> Well they've never had anything in them. I mean we never discussed them. We don't um the containers last year we discussed those the live containers which is the
next his next thing >> um that the downtown partnership >> would be responsible for that because we're not a working group or an advisory group. It was initiated by someone not the tree garden board. It was the last city manager I believe and then the
downtown partnership took over. >> Right. >> Um so several people volunteered and watered them. Somebody moved away, then I got hit by the cold. So, they spend a lot of time. They looked real good. Chris did them last year right before the catfish festival and they looked real good. And
then there was no irrigation. Nobody watered them. Now, I guess that's all fixed. Um, thank you for that. Um, but they still there's maintenance and I know you're going to get into that, but this was never in our budget and my I don't ever see that we put anything for
that in our budget. Um and we're not you talking about hanging basket >> the hanging and trial and the other ones. Yeah. None of that was in our >> completely different situation. >> Well and and and there is a line item in the central CRA for that um for the
beautifification plantings the way finding all of that for plants >> for all of this. Sure. On this >> absolutely all all of that can be paid out of that out of that line item. I I just would like to say I like the idea of the hanging baskets. I think they
would really um add to the aesthetic essential and I [clears throat] think the best the best way to go about it is the faux plants as much as I normally hate faux plants but still practicality of it especially if they're UV protected
and don't look like wilted silk plants after two months. Um I think that's an excellent idea. I think we should recommend aesthetically. They're they're they're probably what 15 feet high, 12 feet high at least. I mean, they're high. We're going to have to do
some work to take those down and fill them. But, you know, people that are visiting, we have people that come fishing. We have people that come down for our events. That's why people come. They're driving most of them. We don't have a lot of shopping
right now, but I believe one day you're going to have more shopping. But how do you get that? You get that by drawing people in and have paying the attention. And when they're driving by or they come and they're at the park and they're looking down here and they can see the
beautiful plants, they're honestly not looking at them if they're real or if they're fake. They're just seeing something beautified. That's really an extra, you know, an extra add of salt to our our meal here, you know. So, >> we've come a long way from plastic plants, you know.
>> Yeah. our grandmother's class the stuff I mean some of the things out there if you didn't know you you would thought they were real and so and we're not trying to do anything super tropical or anything like that Chris has said it's going to be based on our area based
on Crescent City and that's that's what we're looking to do [clears throat] >> Spanish moss >> right as a filler as a filler that's right that's right >> and the reality is we already have the box, the hanging baskets as a resource, we might as well take care of the
resource that we've already invested in. Whether or not we should have invested in them or not, we have they're here. They're available with a little bit of work and volunteer hours, I think we can make them beautiful. And at the end of the day, if the budget is there, the volunteer hours are there. We're not out
anything. We've done the best that we can to take care of a resource that the city already has. >> And you know, it's just the season. We're making it nice. We have a lot of events coming up this year um starting next week and it's going to be boom boom boom boom. We can get these uh these
streets filled with some beautiful flowers and planters and and people will really enjoy them and see the beauty. It'll be added beauty to our city. So, um and if it doesn't work and the foe take them down, we take them down. You know, we haven't put too much into them.
>> On central >> only on central. >> Yeah, there's six baskets. >> Only on central. Do is does there need to be a motion to approve that or >> Well, it's not coming out of our budget. Like we don't
>> No, it doesn't come out. >> No, there's no >> We don't have any. >> You don't have a budget. [laughter] >> We're just talking about discussion. >> Discussion. >> Are we ready to talk about the triads of
plants? The potted plants. So these are the three triads of pots that are on the ground level that we redid last year uh with the help of Angel Duke um and also Tim with the downtown partnership. Um obviously we had the largest freeze in 40 years across the state of Florida
which pretty much wiped out everything. Um so we do need to refresh those in a timely way. As with the previous example, the maximum total that's listed there, we will not exceed that. Hopefully we will come in under those. My goal with designing these three
triads is to stay within a great color scheme. I love the the Crescent City, the old logo. I think it's very beautiful, very appropriate with the white, the blue, the orange and yellow. So, I want to stay within that color scheme and stay thematic um as a city. I
also think it's very appropriate with the red and the yellow because it's Crescent City High School colors, you know. So, staying within, you know, that the pride of our town, I think, is very appropriate. The trees that I've selected there are ones that I feel like represent our town. So, for example,
Yalpon Holly with one of the larger agricultural companies in town, the Yon Brothers, you know, being able to say, "Hey, this is a big part of who we are now. You know, when we look back at the citrus industry, it's easy to add in some of those nice dwarf citrus that are
appropriate for the different um the different ethnic backgrounds that are here in town that represent them well. And so being able to do things like kowund and kamundi or kumquat, you know, that are very appealing to the different groups that are within our town. Um, and
then focusing more this time around on natives that are going to be very cold hearty and cold tolerant. So if and when, god forbid, we do get another frost or a freeze that these will hopefully rebound in a much better way than some of the annuals will. Um, so
the total cost on this would be 49467. And this again, correct me, sir, comes out of the CRA budget, not out of a tree board budget. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. >> Yeah, you don't they don't have a budget, >> just an advisory board, but but it'll
come out it'll come out of our budget and and we um also too I don't know all of you were here except for Miss Sutton. Um we had a incident with a tree that was cut. We received funds that were not uh planned for and so the city has some
of those funds that can be utilized for plantings and other things. I'll see about if some of those funds can be utilized properly. >> Can we use those out here? >> Yeah, we we we can and even for the but we do have it. Now the city has other needs though too that take precedent
over the planting. Um, with that being said though, we have a budget for plants in our CRM for the central and that's where we're going to be using this from. >> Sounds like a very nice choice. >> You did a great job on that. Appreciate it.
>> Is there any other questions about the full containing baskets for the triads? >> Irrigation is in place, right? >> Irrigation is in place and I was with Derek when we inspected them. So they are working and functioning now and then all of the maintenance and weeding and that sort of thing I do myself.
>> What do you know about fertiliz? >> I do that myself. I use an organic fertilizer called plant tone by Espoma Organics. I'm a big organic so I don't do any chemicals or pesticides especially if we're choosing things like calam or palunden that you know people are going to pick and enjoy. Uh we want
it to be good and healthy for the community. >> Does that also take effect and along Stella with the organic >> along Stella for >> the trees. You mean the new trees or
>> the foliage? Because there was a lot of um toxicity created along Stella in the past. >> Yeah. The only thing that I can speak to are the native trees that we did plant along there and the native choices that we did along Lake Stella as well as the
other parks. They actually don't need or appreciate the fertilization. native trees for whatever reason love horrible forest sand. So they thrive in that. So that was our goal with those trees is as little work as possible. So we don't even fertilize those trees at all. Right.
>> And I would like to update if I can real quick the board on that since that was brought up just now um on those trees that were planted. I met with our our forester Jesse Frasier this week. We did a a a full drive-thru of all of the
trees and I'm happy to to um let you all know and report that every single one of the trees are alive, doing well, in good health, and we also passed the entire inspection. So, we are now moving forward to the next process to get that
money back. That was step one. Now, the paperwork gets submitted with that with photos and we have to do some other things with PDN. Um, and uh, and we're on our way to get reimbured. So, um, hats off to Chris for his help in in the
very beginning and helping us out. We mapped this out, staff went out with Chris and myself, made sure that these trees were not going to be in any way, shape, or form in the way of a a utility underground or overhead. And also Chris helped us out with the plantings on the first few. Then we had our new employee
Matt McNamera planted basically with with the help I believe of one other person um [clears throat] uh all of the trees and did a very good job. We recently just tied them down properly, staked them, which was all checked by the forester and all that was done
correct. They are still bagged and still getting water and they're going to do so until about the middle of May or when we get into our wet season, maybe the end of of May getting into June. So that's what I have.
>> I what I think I was remembering was the herbicides that were used to kill. >> I don't think he was involved in that. >> He wasn't here. >> No, and I can tell you we are inspected
and we just had an inspection with [laughter] the state. Um, you know, there's there's certain regulations and law that we have to abide by, of course, and those things are not utilized if they're not environmentally friendly. >> Okay. >> If they [clears throat] were done in the
past, they were done under different circumstances. It won't happen again. >> Thank you. I appreciate that. Should I stay [laughter] around >> Harry Banks Park and I will apologize in
advance [clears throat] for page 10 through 33. Uh I was a teacher for 17 years. So more information I think is always good for you to take home and look at, especially for those of you that really enjoy looking at the exact species and the taxonomy um of each of
the individual plants. Uh, but I'd like to share with you um today a little bit about a project that Derek and I have been working on uh for Harry Banks Park that I think is a very timely and appropriate project. Um, I had the honor uh two weeks ago, I believe, to go with
the St. John's River Autobon Society on a bird watching extravaganza around um Lake Stella and some of the other local areas. And it was such an enjoyable experience. I feel like that opportunity for education is one that we could
continue to develop um as a city um especially as a tree and garden board and also recognizing that our local grocery store is about to close and change you know the way that it looks. I think practically it's a really great time for us to start teaching people how
do you grow your own food. Uh the reality is we live in an area that's considered a food desert where people don't have access to organic food, fruits, vegetables, and now, you know, a grocery store that is easily and readily available. Um so teaching these families
allow us to be able to help the community in a way that thinks outside of the box a little bit. So if you would do me a favor and turn to page 10 of your packet, I just want to hit on a couple highlights of this project for Harry Banks Park. Um, as an overarching
picture for you, our goal would be to take Harry Banks Park, which is very much a a crossroads I feel like in our community, uh, there's a lot of different demographics that gather in that area that I think would really be able to benefit from a project as this. So, I want you to imagine going into a
city park where the things that you see are edible, they're medicinal, they're educational, there's little signs with QR codes that you can scan with your phone and get a video about that plant um or the things that are being grown there. This plan was developed in mind
with the ARB net that we talked about under old business of how do we find a way as a community to educate people to volunteer to have labeled plants and taxonomy and species provide native wildlife habitat and be able to help the
community at large in a very similar way. So under goals and objectives, we want to create a functional landscape of a space that is currently unutilized, provide a way for people to actually taste food that can be grown locally. Excuse me. Facilitate community learning
through different QR codes. Uh improve water edges because there is a retention pond that is there that I think is a great location for us bird nerds because there are no boats. There's nothing being sprayed there. It's a very unutilized uh retention pond that I
think could be a great wildlife habitat and then installing plant edges that create a nice microclimate within the park. Um for the safety of this again because I was a teacher, I'm always thinking about kids safety, community safety. We don't want to have crazy
weird dark corners, you know, where shady things can gather. So by fixing the existing street lights and then utilizing that space as an agroforestry or an agro tourism system, it falls under that Florida statute that prevents
the city from being sued if someone hurts themselves clipping a tree. So there's not legalities and liabilities for us because it falls under an educational agroourism site teaching people how to grow their own food. Under the section under stewardship, I'll be
volunteering to do all of the designing and facilitating along with the initial installation. We're already doing monthly classes at the downtown partnership, which we we've had anywhere from 10 people show up to 45. Uh last
month, the class that we posted um had 15,000 views on YouTube that watch a part of that class. There's no metric for me to track where they're from, but that video on what we can grow in our area had 15,000 different views on it. Uh I'd like to be doing monthly work
days that we could coordinate together and potentially quarterly harvest days um as part of the stewardship of this project. Um the as far as the monthly work days, our goal would be to connect with several community organizations.
For example, these have no commitments. Rotary Club, women's club, uh the local school garden at Crescent City High School to see if one day a year they can come in and volunteer for a couple hours where we let them pick, we let them eat. I'm a certified educator. I've had the
background check. So, I'm able to work with the school districts where they can bring in students from the school, they can bring in homeschool groups or church groups to be able to learn and grow together um on that project. So the the reason for saying that is all of the
maintenance does not come down to a city employee. It does not fall on my shoulders. It's one day once a year for different clubs or organizations to be a part. And I think we can find 12. I have six already that have given verbal commitments uh that they would love to
volunteer their organization one day um per year. We did outline under project details some of the cost. Uh Derek mentioned because of a a tree mishaps um on one of the tree trimmings that there is some city investment that can come into this, but most of the initial
installation, the donation of trees and that sort of thing is all outlined and covered in the process. Pages uh or sorry 12 through 33 give you the really long detailed nerdy explanation of every single plant, the uses that it has, the
maintenance, and that sort of thing as well. if I may add something as well. So, what I'm asking and what I need from this board is is some direction with this or recommendation to bring this to the commission. What I also want to do
though is before we bring it to the commission is that I'd [clears throat] like to look at some alternative areas as well. uh Harry Banks as it sits is a prime and good location from what we discussed, but there are also other locations that may benefit and be uh
more suited for that at this point in time. Um so I definitely want to take a look at that before we bring it to the commission, but I would like to bring it to the commission if that's something that the board would like me to do by this next April 9th meeting, which is two weeks from today.
>> I think it's a fantastic idea. >> Yes. [clears throat] >> Does anyone have comment to make. You know, I'm going to >> Absolutely. >> Because we I've been asking for stuff and now we're This is our backyard. We're We haven't done anything in our front yard,
>> if that makes sense. >> My god. >> I mean, does that make sense? Sorry, I can't take glasses off so I can see people. >> Can I respond? >> You can. [clears throat] >> I feel like I'm a Band person. I totally agree with you. I think the front yard is a big deal. And that was why Derek and I talked about let's do the hanging
baskets because they're hideous. Let's fix the triads of, you know, flowers. Let's tackle, as you guys were discussing, this area over here. I think doing those first before catfish, you know, God willing, >> would be I I think it's very doable. I've allocated my resources and time
next week to be able to accomplish those goals. I don't think this area is realistic, but I think the hanging baskets and the triads is very doable with your approval. the area out front. It would be great to have that done before the the spring flame stuff that the downtown partnership does. Um the
the park project would be after I agree with you after these other things have been managed and done. I'm I'm a big proponent of let's take care of what we have first before we add anything new. And I think we can really accomplish both of your concerns. >> I have a little concern about that being
the runoff going down into there and and edibles. the edibles will be further up on the embankment. So there won't be any irrigation coming from the pond. Um so the what would be down by the pond would be actually I have a list of 17 different species that are water
purifying plants that are all natives that reoxygenate the water that bind up toxins and materials. So, it's kind of a a project to do the food up top where there's no contamination and then down by the water would be focused on water purifying the ecosystem plants to
provide wildlife habitat and that sort of thing. >> Yeah, I think on the plantings my only objection just because I' I've had dealings with them and I've seen them and I've also heard from people's concerns probably just the banana trees because how messy they can get especially in the winter and if they're not cut back right they just kind of
create a >> I know a maintenance guy that loves to cut them back. move to the ground here, right? And I because I think, you know, composting is part as part of a successful system inside of doing a compost pile where we maintain a lot of those things is very very easy and very
doable. And I think it's important for us to model as a city, here's what proper maintenance looks like. You know, >> bananas also [clears throat] love their own leaves as mulch. They do. So >> I think if you go around town you'll find a lot of plants that do well here just
by looking in my area has guava and pimmens that do well here definitely >> yeah we're not doing much citrus mainly we'll be focusing on things that are very tolerant the mulberry species I have 38 varieties of mulberries so we're going to be doing a lot of mulberries
there because they're very easy for kids low plots that are indestructible like takes, you know. So, we'll be doing a lot of things that are very >> You did? Oh, no. [laughter] >> I blame the neighbors. >> I see. I was crushed.
>> There's two. >> Are there any any plans for nut trees or pecans? I veered away from some of the nut trees primarily because if it's an educational site, nut allergies are so common with kids these days that it's easier to veer away from some of the the things that
people have nut allergies to. That was my only reason that I veered away from it. I was very tempted to add those in. But I think there's other places in the city we could add those in, but probably a park would play [clears throat] we need to keep that away from. >> There's two things that I would like to say. One is the lights. plants do not
like at night and then you put some really high intensity right high intensity lights in that pot for some reason. But also the red spectrum is much friendlier than the blue >> and the blue is throughout the town. The
red is much more is that on games or is it always on? >> They're not aimed at the gardening area. So they're aimed at the uh baseball area and the soccer field. Uh there are light posts that are in the park itself, but those fixtures are broken. So I think it
would just be a matter of we choose an appropriate light spectrum. And really, you're right, they don't need to be on all night long. It's not a prison for the plants that >> and [clears throat] especially as a wildlife habitat, the native songirds and pollinators, they need that downtime in the cycle,
>> but I don't live next door. Um also that there is a very viable agriculture program at the high school >> and if you in fact they are participating in the fair this evening.
>> So I should I ownership helps maintenance and also um interest. >> Yeah. >> And some of those kids live there. >> So I would suggest you contact Yes. >> the agriculture. I think they might have two teachers. I know.
>> I [clears throat] think they have two. I know Angel Duke was a part of an initial peacock garden, I think she called it, that they had installed there. >> Angel. >> Angel Duke. >> Yeah, my name. >> Um, so I believe she was a part of some kind of a garden that they had there. >> I'm not talking about a garden. I'm
talking about an actual agriculture program that they have. >> Yes, I believe she worked with those teacher the teacher or teachers that are part of that. But if you have a contact, I'd love to be in touch with that. If you know of a contact for that,
>> I think you just have to >> call them. >> Yes, ma'am. >> I think one thing too that has to be, you know, we my job is to bring all the facts to the commission and let them know the ins and outs of every option they got. And one of the things that I
know that they're going to ask that we're going to have to work on, I just want to put on the record is that some of these types of investments and things sound really good and they can be very good, but unless you really have public buy in and really get these other
entities to come in and volunteer time, um, they die off and and they die off, you know, after you've Yeah. After you've put in the time. So that's definitely something that we're going to have to address on how we're going to bring
those people in, get them trained up on things, what what the expectation is year one, year two. And I know you put a lot of that together, but I just want you to know, be ready for those kind of questions because if you go around even where [clears throat] I'm from, Atlantic Beach, they did a garden at city hall.
There was volunteers. It was great. And the first year was awesome. They even had a compost. Well, you go a year later, nobody was taking care of the compost. It was, you know, the people were just throwing stuff in there. Nobody was doing the plants. The
plants were run wild, half were dead, and half and you had one person at city hall just going out there trying to do what they liked, you know. So, I want to make sure whatever we do, we have that in place and we're ready to answer those question. >> Yes, sir. I think I think as far as the
organization involvement, my goal would be that if I disappeared tomorrow that it's still able to happen, you know, through those different 12 different organizations. As far as what to do in the garden, uh that's already done. So, every month I publish a gardening to-do list with everything you plant, you
transplant, you prune, when do you turn the compost pile. Um so, that's aticulturefax.com. So literally if I were to disappear tomorrow, someone could print that to-do list, walk into that forest with pictures, images, and sample videos and they could pick up without any knowledge
whatsoever. So I think we're equipped to answer that question. Thank you, sir. >> My point is the kids do live in that area. So if you could have them buy into the plan and actually participate, not once a year, but something
might happen. And that was our idea from the get was to really bring the community together. It's all about community. >> Yeah. >> And the nice thing is, as you know, as gardeners, when you're pruning those blueberry trees, sending kids home with fruit and sending them home with cutings, so they can go plant this in
their backyard. They can take some of that garden home, you know, to their backyard. So that way it gets buying. You know, one of the things I found as a teacher that kids never want to eat a tomato unless they grew it. If they grew that tomato, that's the only tomato they're ever going to eat. And I think you're right. I think if we want to
impact that community, focusing on those kids is definitely the way to go. >> I'd like to say one more thing about park. >> When I first moved here, didn't have fence around the water. It had a lot of trees and I went over there to look
for and [clears throat] cute kid wanted me to see the tree that he played in which got cut down because they uh took everything out. So the kids do like to play there and and part of
your program I think should be to have something for them to be engaged in not just a you know a lesson >> something they can hold and own. >> Yes. >> Also that pond you know used to be the dump
car. They used to back on the dump truck up and pour it into the hole. So, it's not a good water. I don't know what's going on in there, but it's >> said it was a sinkhole. >> It's a sinkhole. Smith Miller has talked
about it being a sinkhole. They used to what when he was a kid, >> refrigerators would disappear. >> Cars. He even referred to There's probably bodies down there. >> People who live there know this. So you have to be aware of all that.
>> And as a as someone who does I do regenerative agriculture. We do what's called bio remediation. So I work with a company called SCD Probiotics. They're based out of Kansas City. They do research with several universities in Japan and have multiple published works. And so one of the products that we use
is called Probio. It's a mother culture of probiotics with 21 different probiotics that are all grown together in one mother culture. and they have studies proven that when that's added to uh gasoline to oil to different types of toxic waste that that's able to actually
eat up that material um the probiotics actually eat the toxins and so that is something that I integrate into every system that I do. So knowing what the pond has been, I think we can transfer that into something that is actually useful by integrating some of those bio-
remediationbased probiotics back into that pond and reclaim, you know, that area. >> Probiotics mean bacteria. You probably have some pretty good ones right there now. >> Yeah. >> And we'll find out what they are. I'm a science nerd, so I'll be pulling the microscopes out and getting out all the
slides for sure. One thing we have to that we're going to have to answer to and be careful with is the are are the berry plantings just because of the possibility of rodents and stuff like that. That's something that we're going to have to address maybe through, you know, traps or other things. You know,
>> one of the plants that's in the plant is called. It's called Plectorus Barbados Roth. Um is an anti-rodent plant. So, it helps keep away rats, snakes, scorpions, mice, that sort of thing. So, I have that in the plan. basically at the base
of things like avocado or the berry trees because the strong scent helps keep away the rodents. >> Okay, perfect. It will be address or asked by members of the commission. So, just be ready to answer those questions. >> And the goal with this would be that people are eating all of this fruit and
it's not. So, that is our goal is to feed the community and if we start noticing fruit, we show up on Saturday, open the gate and say families, come on in, you know, okay, >> the squirrels will eat all the food. Yeah, all our we can take some of our
feral cats over there. >> Oh my gosh. Compost. [clears throat] Compost. >> Are there any other questions? >> Oh, that was great. >> Thank you so [clears throat] much. >> I just want to take the time one more time and say thank you very much for all your work. You've volunteered a lot of
time in this. I know you've called me on numerous occasions without me reaching out gungho ready to act on different programs and do different things. So, I just want to say thank you very much and I appreciate your help and look forward to continuing our our working relationship. >> Thank you. Right.
>> Yeah, absolutely. >> Thank you. >> Is that it? >> That would be it. >> I do need a motion recommendation to bring this with y'all's approval for Chris and I to bring this to the
commission on April 9th. >> Is there a motion? Well, I don't know. I would think we would want to make it with um an exception that it doesn't get in front of other things that are waiting. >> Well, those things are going to happen that the things that we're trying that
that's waiting that beautifification that's right now. I've already test staff that basically I want I want the city shining by next week because we have starting next week is the start of a lot of events. I want the city looking its best that it's ever looked. So that
is my drive. That is what we're trying to do. These baskets, the planters, city hall, we we can do it. Chris and I will work together. I will get out there and you guys will see me with a big old hat on and I'll work in that in that bed and get it done. Um
>> and you're invited to join >> and you're invited to join and help. >> Let us know because I have a big hat, too. But >> so we we will we will get the things that need to get done first. This needs to go in front of the commission though for approval to start the process for that. >> Did you not did you not say you had some
alternative suggestions for locations >> and we're going to work on that and that would be part of your motion that we bring some alternative locations to them as well. This is just a master plan. This is an idea to bring the community together and to fill in what is what we
would consider a food desert to bring children in, families, teach them how to garden. It doesn't have to be at Harry Bank. So, we have a lot of other areas in town. And ultimately, it's going to be up to the to the commission to decide if that's something they want to do. And I just want I want the green light from
you all to bring it. We were going to bring this uh in the last commission meeting and and I took it off because we hadn't talked to y'all. And that was because we were missing somebody, then we got somebody. We're still now down one person. But we want the board to to be in on this and make the
recommendation. [clears throat] Is that a motion to >> I move that we uh send this to the commission. We recommend that it be approved with Derek's um added locations. >> Okay. That it be brought before the
commission. >> I second guess. I don't think the chair I will do it. I second that and I'll
[clears throat] >> pass. >> All right. Great. >> We are. >> Thank you. Next would be um a motion to adjourn. >> I have one thing that was removed. >> There was a tree removed some place. I
saw it. I had his What was it? Women's Club or somewhere on the street. >> Where was it? >> I can't [clears throat] down. >> Okay.
>> Was it in front of the bank? >> Madam Chair, it is public comment time. Before we do adjourn, we do need to have public comment. >> Public comments. I was hoping that city manager would be here. Um Lisa said to be 108 South Main
Street. Um at a prior meeting, I have a couple of items. Um at a prior meeting, um Miss Blanken had mentioned um a company that was soliciting going doortodoor
um soliciting business for tree work. And um that happened to me the other day. I was in my front yard doing yard work and picking up trash and a company called Tree Alliance USA. Um guy was
going door to door and he handed out this card. Um I just have five copies. I was going to give I'll give one to the clerk at the end. Is that is that okay? Okay. So are you
pardon? Are you endorsing? >> No. [laughter] >> I'll explain. >> So, the reason I'm handing this out is because Pat Lang brought up a similar issue at a prior meeting. Um, I don't know. [cough and clears throat] change that you remember about people
going door to door advertising work and the concern is that um we don't know who they are they may not be qualified and I believe the staff at the time said something about the city doesn't regulate that the state does um well I
was pretty sure that was not accurate um it's my understanding the state doesn't regulate people who cut trees whatsoever there's no department [clears throat] of business and professional regulation lensure for tree cutting. Um,
and this is something I'm just making you all aware. Uh, I'm going to ask the city manager to look into this. Um, I looked at our city code and it looks as if um, someone doing business in the city
should have a business tax license. Um, the guy who handed this to me said he was licensed, but I said, "Do you have business tax license with the city?" And he said he didn't think so. He was just a saleserson. Um, and then secondly, there
was a section in our code um that requires people to go doortodoor um to specifically have a doortodoor license. And hi, Mr. City Manager. I'm going to give this to the clerk. Um, I don't have that many copies. It's okay.
Give it to the court. But I'll just tell you what it is. Um, I'm following up on an issue that Pat raised in a meeting. And I'm on the same issue, aren't I? Was like, Pat, is that Am I talking about the same issue you were?
>> Yeah, I thought so. Okay. So, a different uh company passed out the card to me. They were going door to door just this past week. >> Trees. Yes, they're saying and they say they're licensed and insured. And when Miss Lang brought this up, I'm kind of repeating
here. Sorry, I'll try to go quickly. Uh she brought this up um before you got here, I think, or certainly uh there was a different staff member at the meeting and they said, "Well, Crescent City doesn't have anything to do with this. Um the state licenses tree cutting." Well,
I don't think that's true. I do not think the state licenses people to cut trees whatsoever. What I did find in our code is the requirement for business tax license. And as well, um, unless it's
been deemed unconstitutional, um, I believe we require people to, um, have a pendulum goods or services. And in the past um we've had problems with that and
sometimes we do for um tree work or yard work because some people are legitimate and some people aren't or for example um we've all read about uh people going door to door um without lensure pedlers licenses saying I'll soliciting people
out to your roof out of your driveway and then you know they're not legitimate. So, um, what I told the tree board was, um, I think Miss Langden had a good concern. I don't think we were told the right thing in the past. Um, and I'm going to
forward this information to you. >> Okay. >> So, that we can make sure that I sent this person to city hall. Um, because I said, "Do you have a business tax license?" And they said, "Well, I don't know. I'm just paid to hand out cards." So, I said, "Please go to city hall."
Um, so I would really I think it's worth knowing because people have told me before and I think I've heard others mention it. Um, that some people come around going door to door telling you your palms need to be cut and whatever and they they don't know anything. So,
um, and obviously we don't want people taken advantage of and we don't want people's trees and shrubbery um, mangled just so someone can get paid when it's work that doesn't really need to be done. Um,
what was I going to say? Oh, as well, um, the city website, I think it could use a little bit more information on the need for uh, a tree permit and what it's for. I looked on the city website and
there's just a copy of the state statute that gives an ex exception to the need for a tree permit. And I noticed in the minutes there was a discussion in January about the need for a tree permit
for um removing a tree. If you when I look at our city code, if it's a heritage tree or a champion tree, there's the need for a permit to trim the tree. And there's nothing about that
on the website. It's there's nothing about the city ordinance, the city requirements where you would get a permit. There's nothing about that. So, there's really there's not much to give people a heads up. Okay. Um so it seems like the
information is is incomplete and um might give the wrong impression. [clears throat] Um and then I was reading the minutes from January because I guess there was no February meeting. Um I did note that Steve Dempsey's name was slightly misspelled.
There was a P S Y and he's a C I E. Um, and also I was not at that meeting, but I was very um distressed to read that the minutes record that um Steve said there was a disagreement about what to
do with the shoe marks left over from um Arm Day that were brought by the state forester. Um I was not aware that there was disagreement. So sorry about that. Um the I think a couple of us approached
the state forester and said uh if there are trees left over I said I would like to come get the shoe oaks and um see if the city will plant them. And apparently Steve had approached the
state forester also. And at the end of the event the state forester at 11 was ready to go and Steve was there first. I was helping break down um the tables from the event uh and secure some of the
city property. So they were given to Steve and I asked him about that later. I was and he gave me the shoe marks. I have since given him back two of them. Um one is coming to the city and one um
I have another place for but I've talked to the city manager about it and I think he has a place for one. Um, but anyway, hopefully it all worked out. And I'm sorry if Steve felt there was a disagreement cuz I just ran into him at Dixie and said, "Hey, Steve, would you
be willing to get back the Chamar oaks so that we could see if the city would plant them?" And hopefully they'll all be well planted within the next month. That's all I have. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. >> If you can give that to the clerk. Thank you.
>> Yes. Let me remind everybody they just get they get three minutes please. Thank you. Thank you. >> 339. Um you were asking about the troughs. You were talking about putting something over here. When my wife and I took care
of this, we planted one over a got Russian mammoth sunflowers and they reached the roof of the police station. >> That's pretty cool. >> And they look really cool. The old police station. So that's just a suggestion, but it seems to me like this
is the epicenter of Crescent City. I think it should start here, you know? I mean, this doesn't look good. I mean, the center section here, I mean, it's a mess. It's a mess. You know,
that's my opinion. That's where I stand and I believe that's completely wrong on Gary Bank's part. That's also my opinion. Anyway, thank you.
>> If you have any opinion on where it can go, I would glad to hear that as options. [clears throat] >> My opinion is this is a tiny little town with five, six parks, five parks. That's too many need to be when I mean I'm hearing budget constraints, personnel
constraints. It doesn't make any sense. My mind, which is logical, why are there all of these things that need to be taken care of? Adding something to it doesn't make any sense at all. None.
Culbert Park is a drug park. Close it up. I mean, it's just as simple as that. Nobody says these things. >> My opinion. >> Appreciate it, sir. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Desi.
>> Yes. >> Chris, 1965 county vote 308. Just wanted to give a potentially proactive solution to what Commissioner Dito brought up about updating this uh information on the city website. Um if you would remember we created the document um for
Arbor Day on how do you care for your oak trees in Crescent City. So the hard copy of the document that we did together for Arbor Day is available at city hall as well as the one that we did for chameleas. But I can also email um the city manager that document again
which does give information on when do you hire an arborist versus when do you do it yourself? how do you mulch under the trees, you know, in your yard? That way it'll give you some language potentially just to put up on the the city website. >> Yeah, that would be great. Thank you. >> And then the the other um concern is uh
in relation to what uh that gentleman brought up, I would love to hear, you know, if there are any other ideas of locations that would be better. Um, again, I I agree um with the chair's response that if we already have a resource as a city, let's take care of that resource before we add anything
else. Um, so I think the importance of of honoring that we already have Culver Park, we already have Harry Banks Park. It's important for us to care for them. Whether that comes out of the city budget or not is secondary. I think as citizens, we can grassroots and volunteer those things. So, I would like
to volunteer my company to help be a proactive response to that. Thank you. Thank you. >> Yeah, Steve, just so you know too, we we have recently we put in at Colbert Park, we put in a um I believe we did a wing there and we also did a uh plum.
>> It was a plum. Yeah, jigsaw plum tree. Those two trees. We have new lighting going in. Um I'm working on getting mulching around those trees and changing where the parking's at. And we have a person that just purchased the five acres of land all around the park.
They've cleaned all that area up. Uh, and then we also have the new restaurant going in that got all their permits with St. John's River Water Management District. They're putting RV. That whole area is getting cleaned up. Anything that's bad is moving out because it's getting cleaned up. That park is going
to be beautiful. We repainted the signs. We just cleaned everything. Um, and I'm working right now with our grant specialist to try to to get new equipment in there for the kids. So, we are doing everything we can to clean that up. It's been addressed, but we just don't we don't address it the same
way. But but it's being addressed. >> Okay. >> I appreciate it, though. Thank you. >> Can you tell us what's going in there? We've been waiting on >> You have the the new >> It's a It's a It's a barbecue restaurant. They're going to have beach frontage, uh, cabanas. Uh, they'll have rentals for kayaks and things of that
nature. They're going to have on the other side tiny homes and RV slots for lodging. And, uh, and it's going to be good. They the guys own 23 on the north end. The guys own 23 restaurants in the southeast, barbecue restaurants. So
apparently they know what they're doing. >> Um and uh we're all waiting and eagerly excited to to have them open which would be I believe do you remember do you recall what he said the date was? Was it the end of April? Four weeks. Okay. So
about about sometime mid April mid mid to end of April. So, kayaks or um jet skis? I >> I don't think they're going to do jet skis. I mean, I from what I was told, it's little rentals of kayaks and things of that nature. But, you know, if he
gets permitted and and he can do it, I mean, that's that's their prerogative. Private owner. I'm I'm looking forward to that place being cleaned up and utilized and being somewhere that our community can go and enjoy. Stella, >> your RV would be dry.
>> I'm sorry. The RVs would be dry camping like both sites. >> I I believe so. Yes. Correct. And whatever they end up doing, they have to get it permitted. That's got to go through review board. There's a lot of work for that. That's something that
they're starting on getting the plan submitted. I know they've already submitted to planning and zoning. We're just uh you know, we're at the beginning stages, but they're going to get the restaurant portion open pretty quickly. on >> that's on.
>> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Is that >> just talking to the mic if you can? >> Thank you. >> Are we finished with the meeting? >> We are. Yes, ma'am. >> It does say comments, future agenda items. I don't know. Do we ever usually do that?
>> That's just something typical. I don't have anything for you all on that. I guess >> I forgot how to close the meeting. >> You ask for someone to [clears throat] make a motion >> a motion to adjourn. So move >> to second.
>> A second. >> Meeting [clears throat] is adjourned. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you. [clears throat] >> Thank you. Nice to meet you. That's region.