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social media and our website. Hello everyone, Devon Pulis here, aquatics manager. Welcome to my crib. Good afternoon. Today is Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026. It's 3 p.m. We're in the city chambers, and I call the city commission
joint meeting to order. Commissioners present are Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Stokes, Mayor Emery, Vice Mayor Langden, and Commissioner Pro. There is a quorum present for this meeting. Also present are city manager Fletcher, city attorney Fino, city clerk
Fost, board specialist Linder. We got Captain Fussell in the back. Also, we have the uh environmental board, Mr. Drum. If you would like to have your members uh identify themselves for the record.
>> Yes. Timothy Drum, president of EAB. >> Robinson Vicente, member German, member. Casey McGawan, member >> and Stefan Caiff, board leazison. >> Thank you. I am requesting that all commissioners, public participants, and
staff maintain order and decorum throughout this meeting, city commission policy 2021-03 states that attendees shall refrain from engaging in personal attacks and boisterous, immaterial, inflammatory,
obscene, profane, or disorderly conduct. Additionally, meeting attendees must refrain from obscene, profane, or disorderly conduct, including hand clapping, yelling, and similar demonstrations, all of which disturbs
the peace and good in the order of the meeting. Thank you. Mr. Drum, would you like to lead us in the pledge today, sir? I pledge allegiance >> to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it
stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you, sir. >> Going to request a motion to approve the agenda. So move. >> Second. >> Have a motion on the floor made by Commissioner Stoke, seconded by Vice
Mayor to approve the agenda. Nothing to that. Please vote. And that passes 5 to zero. City clerk, do we have any public comment? >> We do not. >> All right, we're going to move on to general b business item 26-0777
discussion and possible action regarding the environmental advisory board 2025 annual report. City clerk, do you have anything to this at this time? >> I do not. All right, then I'm going to turn it over to you Mr. Drum or your liaison
whoever which wishes to take charge on your annual annual report. Good afternoon mayors, commissioners. Um as mentioned earlier, my name is Stefan Kaleiff. about the liaison and it was at
the wish of the environmental advisory board members to have this joint meeting with our commission where the board could uh go over some of their goals for the 2026 and also their accomplishments for the
past year. I can uh read over the uh 2025 accomplishments as well. Complete uh completing the annual sunshine training done in February of 2025. Discussed and considered possible action
on proposed future projects in Northport. This was ongoing throughout 2025. held discussions and possible actions regarding Northport air quality monitoring efforts following by installation monitoring
station in June 2nd 2025. We held joint meetings with the park and recreation advisory board following several months of coordination done in August 2025. completed the 2024 Northport environmental scorecard, including
refinement of scorecard criteria identified by the environment environmental advisory board September of 2025. Streamline and implemented updated procedures for introducing new environmental advisory board members.
September 2025, discuss Northport mitigation fees and the tree removal process. November 2025 initiated monthly updates from the park and recreational advisory board through the liaison member Paul Jackman who
serves on both boards discussed and made recommendations regarding potential environmental acquisition properties which were incorporated by the natural resource division which was done in late of 2025. Made a recommendation regarding possible actions for the city's land acquisition
program done in December of 2025. Um and we've had a number of new members have joined in the recent months which we are excited about. So these were the accomplishments that were done in 2025.
Um there are goals for our 2026 which I will uh kind of go over them briefly and then if any of the uh members would like to speak more in depth about why they are goals for us and then if commissioners have any questions
regarding it we can address those. So another goal for 2026 is again completing the annual sunshine training. We want to evaluate the duties of the boards to enhance the board's effectiveness within its established roles. Provide feedback on the annual
update to the city's environmental scorecard. Clarify and redefine how the EAB provides input during during the city's decision-making process. Review and discuss information on environmental funding expenditures to better understand how resources support city
initiatives. Improve the clarity and effectiveness of recommendations provided to the city commissioners. Review and provide input on the city's environmental education and outreach efforts. Explore opportunities to improve public
awareness of city environmental initiatives. Improve the board's understandings of the city code, the comprehensive plan, and key environmental projects. support efforts to measure the economical impact natural resource division and continue
to provide feedback to the natural resource division on listed species impact. Um, one of the main items that I'll bring up first before I pass it off to my board members if they wish to speak is just um about the environmental
funding expenditures. One of the goals that I believe a lot of my board members share is just we want to make sure uh to have some type of understanding of and slashcountability of the funds that are raised. These are
raised off of mainly trees being removed from the sites. We just want to make sure that trees are definitely being replanted, redone for our environment for the future and our children's generations to follow. So just kind of have a, you know, maybe a framework or a
percentage or amount that make sure we make sure we're doing that and not just uh and getting funds money in our funds that aren't aren't going to that. So that's one of my goals. And then if there's any other members who would like to speak up,
>> make sure you turn your mic on. >> Thank you. >> Uh okay. Another one of the goals was to improve the clarity and effectiveness of recommendations provided to the city commission. So that is providing clarity
through additional education on our part. Uh so that when we do give you memos and our opinions and recommendations, they're coming from an educated viewpoint and standpoint. There's a lot of research that will go in behind that. So we're not just
talking in layman's terms. will supply you with information that you need, detailed information uh so that you can make an informed decision through our recommendations. Uh, another one was to improve the board's understanding of the city code,
the comprehensive plan and key improvement environmental projects that comes from uh, a lot of the people are not familiar with the city codes, the ULDC, the comprehensive plan and all the other landscaping, everything that goes
into you guys making your decision. So we felt it necessary in order to educate the board fully and have a complete understanding of all the codes so that when we do come before you with recommendations, it's based again on
information and an understanding of what is laid down before us and what we can and what we cannot do. Uh support the efforts to measure the economic impact of the natural resource division. There's a lot of things that
the natural resources division is doing on behalf of the city and the environment and we wanted to add to that specifically to impacted species that are protected like the gopher tortoise, like the scrub jay,
like the indigo, like the woodstos. We can go on and on about protected species, but other municipalities um have a way of measuring that with all the land clearing that's going on. um they can say how many gopher tortois are actually relocated within the city
and where have they be relocated to. I don't believe we are measuring that and and have an accurate number so that we can work with the natural resources division to see if we can't acquire that kind of information so we have a better
understanding of what we're actually doing to the environment and what impacts to species it's having. Um, that's kind of all that I need to talk about. >> Dorine. >> Uhhuh. Okay. >> Yeah. >> Just like to build on the economic uh
impact of natural resources. When you plant a tree, it helps valuations. When you do work on preventing flooding, that helps valuations. There's nice economic value there that I think we need to be capturing. And I think that because
right as you think about as you're working through your budgets and we're looking at different programs all right so we did this is what we think that the economic value of that is and a lot of cities actually do do that sort of thing if Tampa does it right on their website.
Great thing to add to our scorecard. I do not have anything to ask to add but I am here to answer any questions that anyone may have. >> Right. Commissioners, anybody have any questions, comments?
Colin. So we don't have any metrics of measuring any of the mentioned uh statistics for example relocation of endangered species. I I do believe you do go on a lot whatever the if there was
a location you check and find it. So do you keep score of that or do you keep the records? >> Normally the relocation process is governed by the state the Florida fish and wildlife conservation commission. So
I know that they are keeping some track throughout through their permitting system. But what we are starting to do now is to record and document each relocation. And as part of the environmental
scorecard for the next for this year's environmental scorecard, we would like to include some economics data to some of the impacts that we're doing. Thankfully, there's some
um there's some online tools that are free of charge that can be utilized, let's say, to quantify the impact of each tree saved. So, we are planning to implement some of that as part of our environmental score. >> Okay,
that's all. Commissioner Dval, >> thank you, Mayor. Um, I really like this idea of an environmental scorecard. In the budget for last year,
there was a goal and I believe the goal was that 500 trees would be planted by the city in the city. Three meetings on this deis I have asked how many trees were
actually planted and three times I was told well we don't have those numbers right now. I would like an environmental scorecard that you know basically is looking at you know the goals and the results.
And another, you know, concern of mine, you know, talking about gopher tortoise burrows, uh, this city, uh, developed, I can't even tell you how many years ago now, uh, GIS mapping
of gopher tortoise burrows at one time, you know, maybe even today, I held the record for the number that were reported around this city. One thing that bothers me as I drive around
sometimes on or just after a weekend, I see a lot that's been cleared and I wonder, was there a survey actually done
for Gopher's Tortois Burrow was on that lot before it was cleared? Maybe if the environmental advisory board could look at the possibility of having some kind of a form that has to be filled out, you know, by the owner of
the property, the developer, you know, whatever. Um, that actually there is an inspection done and things are removed or, you know, relocated properly
uh beforehand. Uh, a lot of times I think on weekends things get done and no questions asked. Uh, but I really do like that idea of the environmental scorecard. Uh, one
other thing I'd like, this is just a question of something that comes in my head every now and then. We do have a plan in this city for converting someday from septic,
you know, to city water and sewer. Um, do we do any kind of environmental testing, you know, just like random testing as far as the groundwater, you know, say in front
of my property, I'm on well and septic. Uh, does anybody ever test that water that's in this whale in front of my house to see what's actually coming out of the ground?
Um, something like that is just a might be worth a look at. Thank you, >> city manager. I see you at the queue. >> Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. We I just want to reply to Commissioner Duval because we have heard you the three
times that you've asked for that information. We have the development services team has created a map that we are going to share with you next week during our budget session that will show you not only the amount of trees that were planted in last year, the amount planned for this year as well as next
year and a map of where they are. >> Thank you. >> Yep. Yes, sir. >> Vice Mayor. >> Yeah. Thank you, Mayor. Um I'm also concerned about the trees and making sure that we plant
um um you know the maximum number of trees possible every year. And I'd like metrics on that. I think sometimes we lose sight of the fact that when the city plants trees it can only be on city
properties. So our parks and all of that. And personally, my observation is we're really failing when it comes to homes. Um, and so I'm wondering what we might
be able to do to ramp up our engagement with the community and to encourage property owners to plant more trees. Um, I want to plant a tree in my front yard,
but I'm scared to death of digging into some pipe or something like that. So, I think perhaps some education around that. I know the city does tree sales and tree giveaways. People for trees
gives tree giveaways. There might be other organizations as well who do that. Um, I'm a firm believer that we're more powerful together if we sort of pull all of our efforts together,
uh, and have a a big presence, let's say, at our newcomer days. So, so I think there are some things that we can do to encourage homeowners to plant more on their properties.
I have three oak trees that were left um when my home was built. I didn't build it. Um and I know people are shocked at how little I pay for energy. And I know for sure it's because of those trees
that are sheltering the whole back of my house, which is where most of my windows are. Um and it's cooler because of that. So, um, that would be my suggestion. I'd like to see the EAB maybe take that on
as as one of your goals for next year. And, um, I can only talk for me, but I would be delighted to see that because we're stronger together. >> Thank you, ma'am. Uh, Vice Mayor, if I may also
quickly respond to Commissioner Dval as a natural as a manager with the natural resources team. Uh, to your question, sir, for each site that would undergo a land clearing or any type of earth
moving, a natural resources inspection is conducted before any work commences. So a team member, one of my team members who are highly trained professionals,
they go and do a survey for each uh residential site. For commercial properties, the process is a bit different. But before any work can commence regarding clearing, earth moving, they need to
obtain a certificate of zoning compliance. prior to them getting it. That would involve a full environmental inspection and approval from our staff. If there are any listed species present
on site, they need to address those accordingly before any work can commence. And a good indicator if they have done this would be uh to check for the posting of the certificate of zoning
compliance. they need to post that on site to inform the community that they have done all these steps. Now, if this hasn't occurred, any resident can reach out to us and we would investigate as soon as possible.
>> Can I follow up on that? >> Absolutely. Um, as a followup to what he just said regarding the gopher tortoises and other protected species, we all know things happen on the weekends. We all know even
in the evenings or early morning when people aren't looking. So, a lot of times they're not going to go through natural resources and the the uh required permitting process. Uh, so we are we are aware of that, we know that,
we're working on that. Um, we've got eyes all over the city that are reporting that and then it's going to go through code enforcement of fish and wildlife. We're also going to be working with fish and wildlife to issue better reports to the natural resources
division so we can have a coordinated effort on exactly how many gopher tortoises are being monitored because a lot of times, as you know, they're relocated on site on a particular project. One of the projects uh was the
Biscane Church which was relocated 12 gopher tortoises at the back end of the property. Nobody's keeping an eye on it. Have those gopher tortoises been affected by all the land clearing activities that have been going on on that particular parcel. So, we're trying
to get a better coordination between fish and wildlife and let us know when you're monitoring it because we don't have the natural resource staff to go out all over the city and continue to monitor all these relocations that are happening on site. So, uh we're trying
to fix that and have better coordination, like I said, with fish and wildlife and the natural resources division. and we've got our eyes on it as a board uh because we know it's been going on just like the uh illegal tree clearing which doesn't just affect the
trees, it affects the whole habitat. >> So, we've got our eyes on that and trying to work with them, the two departments, just so you know. One thing I would like to uh add into something that maybe the commissioners can look into as well. Um because I'm an
engineer and a lot of the things I do with site designs. Um there are a lot of constraints with where are pipes, where are things, where are the septic systems, where can you even build or place trees where they can actually meet the requirements that are safe for the structure. You know, you don't want a
tall tree within a couple feet of your home. The roots will destroy the house or if it falls. I can design a house withstand a hurricane, but a tree falls into the house, it's kind of hard to design for that. Um, so maybe something that the commissioners or even us as a a board can look at is, you know, where
are proper places to plant trees? Uh, in rear easements, um, where power lines are not present, I would say is a prime location to put it. So there's hardly ever any type of plumbing or utilities in the rear of the property. Um maybe even more incentives can be done um for
like the residential designs where if they're planting trees in acceptable locations that it can help compensate better the amount of money uh an owner might have to pay to remove trees. Um it all comes down to dollars and cents. It's how the world works. But if the
city is uh serious about trying to maintain trees, keep trees, I would say the best thing to do is to try to incentivize the the city citizens to plant trees in the proper locations where they will thrive and actual add
protection and benefit. Um so maybe some stuff can be looked into at pushing people that direction. >> Anything made to the vice mayor's comments as well? We are working on
several projects and programs to place more trees within these city- owned um parcels and from what I can tell is that within the next years we're going to be planting more and more trees. So that's
one effort. Um, I also wanted to mention that we are partnering with other entities and any party that reaches out to us and would like to work with us on spreading the word and making the tree planting process more effective
throughout the community. We're always open for that. Currently, we're partnering with People for Trees and with the North Portland Consery. One um actually two more quick notes if I may. Over the past two quarters, we've
initiated the private uh tree giveaway which intends to have trees, native trees planted on private properties. And last but not least, our uh newly established landscaping compliance
program, which um focuses on reaching out to our businesses within the community and working with them to reinvigorate their landscaping that may have been impacted during the hurricanes. And uh over the past few
weeks alone, we see um an ability to put many more trees in the ground to make these commercial areas much more appealing and uh providing much better shape to our residents. >> Excellent.
As a followup to what Stefan was just saying, uh we're also going to be forthcoming with meeting with builders >> to not have them clear the whole parcel.
You can clear where the footprint of the house is, but you don't necessarily have to clear everything out. And explain that to the builders because they just want to clear everything. and then also educate the homeowners that they don't have to clear everything on that parcel.
They can leave it within a certain amount of distance so that you still have stepping stones for habitat to go forth through the suburban areas. That's one thing that's lacking. Everything is clearcut and there's just nothing of original habitat for species
to exist on. So, if we could work with the builders and educate the citizens at the same time, uh, that they don't have to clearcut everything, that's going to help as well. And then it also incentivize, um, some of the builders, uh, working with the natural resources with their landscaping program, which
hopefully is going to go into the residential area as well, not just commercial. Um, because there's a lot of things going residentially, um, that is not being taken care of or not being followed through. Um, so we're going to work on that as well.
>> Good. >> Commissioner Stokes. >> Yes. >> One, want to thank you folks for what you do and for stepping up and volunteering. We appreciate it. You may not always feel so appreciated, but we do appreciate it and the city appreciates it. Um just want to touch on
you know last year uh I advocated for and I believe this commission unanimously voted set aside two and a half million dollars in the budget for the purchase of environmentally sensitive lands. And so I would hope that you guys can help us there by
identifying and creating a listing that at some point via workshop and then you know with resolution or ordinance we can talk about what we might want to do cuz that 2.5 million is set aside and I plan
on advocating for it again in this budget whether it's a million, two million, two and a half, three million, whatever we can afford to do but I think every year a portion needs to go into that fund and continue to build because there are environmentally sensitive properties in the city that we want to protect not
only from the standpoint of the habitat but also from storm water management perspective. So, anything you guys can do to help us there is greatly appreciated to help us identify them and uh look forward to working together. I know uh just a a touch on what vice
mayor said when you want to plant trees and we should not just advocate for what our city does in terms of replanting but Alice always said it people buy a house okay a builder comes in he clearcuts and they buy a house there is nothing to
prevent property owners from planting their own trees that is for sure and they're not always that expensive to plant I've redone all my landscape to make it much more Florida friendly. Even in planned communities like Wellin Park where I live, okay, the builder is more
concerned with the aesthetics than they are the environmental impact of it all. I've rellandscaped my entire property more Florida friendly so we don't have to use water. And when I needed to know where the heck I could plant things, you call 811. They come out, they flag where all the utilities line, the hotline, you
know, the hot wire uh lines run so you know, you know, you're not going to dig right into something. So, you know, again, more the more communicating we can do to our citizenry, the better, too, because I mean,
it's easy to plant trees and it's enhances, as you said, the value of people's properties. And, you know, it doesn't all have to come from the taxpayers, coffers. People can do it individually. They can enhance their properties. It's all that's a lot of it's education. And like you say, you
know, when a builder comes in, there's no need for them to clear cut everything. I mean, not everyone can spend a million dollars to relocate trees like they did in Wellen Park, but there's still ways to tell your builder that you don't want certain trees cut down when they're clearing a property.
So, thank you again for everything you guys do. Yeah. I had a couple questions. Where when they relocate the goats, where where the where's the relocation at? Where are they putting them?
Thank usually it would be sites towards central and northern Florida. From my experience, these are large areas and they're called recipient sites. Definitely out of city limits and out of
town limits. >> Okay. Why wouldn't they just relocate to let's say the Carlton Preserve or the Maka Forest? >> It's a great question. So currently that would require for the owner of this site
to apply with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for a recipient site status of this area. And in order for a site to qualify, they
need to provide certain type of habitat. There needs to be certain size of area. So there's minimum requirements. Those sites mentioned would certainly qualify. They need to also conduct a full survey
of that site to know exactly how many golfer tortoises are currently living there. And if then the conservation commission approves that in theory this can happen.
There needs to be the will of the owner and then the site needs to meet the criteria. And if I may just add to your question, we have been in process of getting in touch with the state and to uh the
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to inquire whether there may be any parcels within city limits that could qualify. uh it has been more than challenging to get in touch with them and have a meeting with them.
>> With that said, because that's where I was going on this, what is the minimum size? Do you know off the top of your head? >> 60 recycling. >> Okay. And there's a minimal requirement of four golfer tortoises per our acre >> because the way that I'm looking at it,
we could relocate them within our own home boundaries if we had the criteria for that and we have the funds available throughout, you know, the uh tree fund or whatever we changed it to to possibly purchase these lands to set aside an
area just for that for our own environmental protection of the gopher tortoises. within our own city which is just something to look into. I know it's not going to happen overnight but it's just an idea on something that is possible. >> We have been having the same thoughts
and uh the first step would be to have a productive meeting with the state and surprisingly that has been the most challenging part right now. >> And my other question was in in the tree giveaway. Oh, did you want to add something? I'm sorry I didn't even see
you sneak up there Lori, >> Mr. Mayor. Yes, Mr. Mayor. Um I I recently um revisited the gopher tortoise requirements. The minimum size is 40 acres and the maximum gopher
tortoises per acre is 2 to four. So a 40 acre site would only support 160 gopher tortoises. And that's if we could locate a contig a 40 acre contiguous site in the city of Northport that was upland and had the right habitat. So that in
itself very challenging for a city initiative for us to find those properties. Um but as Stefan mentioned possibly the Carlton reserve or the forest if those property owners would be willing to engage in that process.
>> Sure. Yeah. I know it would be on them. That's why I was trying to focus on what we could do for us and our community. So no, I appreciate that. Thank you. My other question was on the tree giveaway and I know you've done two so far this
year. Is that correct? And I know the first one, did you give away like a hundred trees? Is that what it was? And they were gone fairly quick and and what I seen was a lot of people were disappointed and was like an hour later they said they got there and the trees
were all gone. We may want to look at upping the amount of trees that we give away or possibly looking at different times that we give them away. You know, like a Friday afternoon may not be very good for a lot of people out there. you know, families that are working and
stuff and, you know, Saturday, Sunday special events or something like that that we have it going on, do some more tree giveaways to where it is more available for people and it's more timely for them to get there because, you know, that's what the money's
sitting there for. If if we give away a thousand trees, we've gave away a thousand trees. you know, the builders are paying for it, so might as well reintroduce the trees into our community. That's all I'm looking at. >> Thank you for bringing this up, Mr.
Mayor. And I wanted to add that one of the biggest expenses associated with planting a tree comes with the irrigation. And when we donate trees to our residents who take the pledge to be good stewards of these trees, we are
spending a fraction of the cost compared to if we are to install irrigation and plant those trees on city- owned property. So, as you mentioned, it's another avenue that um we we wanted to explore. And to your to your point, uh,
for our second giveaway, we ramped up the quantity of trees donated quite a bit. So, we gave away um we acquired 250 and actually in the second giveaway, we had some trees left. So, this time all
residents who came to uh get a tree, they they got one for free. So, uh, that's something that we're trying to find the sweet spot and we're trying to find the best time. But as mentioned earlier, uh, collaborating with our
partners throughout the community may be another great way to amplify this effort. >> Yeah. Because I mean, if if you amped it up to 250 and you had leftovers, that might be your sweet spot right now for the people that are participating and wanting them. When you start to run out
again quickly is when you amp it up again. So yeah, it's a work in progress. So no, I appreciate the efforts. That was just a few things on my mind that y'all could help with and uh I just thought it was great for the community. >> Thank you, sir. And if I may, we've also
have been observing and keeping track of the species of trees that are in highest demand. These are native species, but we are noticing which specific types of trees our community is most interested
in. So, we are going to adjust those quantities as well in the future. >> That's that's awesome. You learn as you go. So, >> uh, I just have a followup on what Stefan had said, um, as far as working with other outside organizations,
nonprofits, and so forth to incorporate, uh, because it's not just about the trees. It's also taking in your native plant materials and your pollinator gardens. So, we're going to be working with other organizations as a board and as me
personally uh to try and bring that maybe into a tree giveaway and make it a larger event if we could do that and natural resources can support that. Um, additionally, uh, as far as using, uh, for the trees
and the maintenance that it takes to care for the tree properly, um, educating them with drip technology, more solar drip technologies can be implemented. So maybe we can give out some information to them when they get a
tree, you know, incorporate some material, educational material, uh, so they don't just water with a hose and waste all the water. Um to follow up on what Lori had said about the gopher tortoises, uh there are studies that are being done
currently uh within different municipalities that are studying suburban environments and the number of gopher tortoises that can actually be relocated uh within a suburban environment on one parcel, two parcels. Because if we look
within our suburban environment, you can have three gopher tortoises on one parcel. because again because of the defragmentation. So there are studies that are being done to see if more gopher tortoises can be located uh
on lesser acreage. So once we have the findings of that we can report back to you later and then of course with natural resources as well. >> Thank you commissioner pro. >> Thank you mayor. Uh thank you Mr. Khalif
for uh treat giveaway program. Um it's really effective and I I hear a lot of feedback from the community that it's really excites them and they're really benefited from that. Um and I concur
with the vice mayor on metrics. Um and maybe we can have uh metrics of tree planting because it's not too hard to do. Um, is there any possible way to involve the community in identifying uh locations of potential locations or
potential places where the city can replant trees in our community? Um maybe engage the community where they would tell you, hey, this is the place that
has no trees. Uh, one of the, uh, city- owned properties is, um, we're mineral springs and, you know, in front of it is grassland. It's like a prairie, not a single tree. So, it would be so nice if we have that crown and plant trees. I
know some of it is used for parking and people park on on the grass. Uh but maybe you can look into that because it would greatly benefit you know the visitors. Um put some benches and people
can relax. Um also I want to mention uh and concur with Commissioner Stokes on environmentally sensitive land. Is there any way maybe you can as a board look into some type of uh community community
engagement? Um there are some people that have wetlands parcels, the parcels that are wetland wetlands and they can't do anything with those parcels. They would gladly sell, but they don't even have a clue that they can be, you know,
sold to the city. Um and we if we allocate some funds, which we did last year, um identify those people, identify those parcels. Um, I've talked to one owner. He had no idea that, you know, he
he got stuck. He was going to build on it. Found out that it's a wet land. Um, there's no way to build on it. So, uh, it was it was more of a half acre, um, quarter of an acre. So, he ended up
selling to somebody much cheaper and was not who knows what that land is going to be used for. Um but yeah, a couple things about the community engagement. Um if we can do that, just think of how
um doesn't have to be extravagant advertisement maybe I don't know some posting on Facebook groups that you know we buy land sensitive land. Um, same with the where we can plant
uh the or replant trees. And this is what I heard from our I believe building department representatives that they said we running out of space where to plant the trees or some sort of comment was made in in that regard. But if we
get the community engaged, they they're going to tell you where to plant even on city- owned property. uh and there are some volunteers who are willing to water them uh because they care that much about the environment.
Um so just a thought that thank you for for what you do and for for your involvement because it does take your time. We appreciate I appreciate your work. Thank you,
>> Commissioner Dvalo. >> Thank you, Mayor. I want to touch on how important you all are. I know a little bit about gopher tortoises and I know a little bit about
very little about trees, but I've had experience since I've lived here in Northport with both gopher tortoises and trees. And that experience came from working with nonprofits.
We recently gave Alice White the key to the city for the work that she's done for this city. But Alice White, like every one of us, ages every day, and she cannot do all the things that she has done.
There's no more tree fair. There's no more food at North fork. And that's what emphasizes how important your board and your association with our
environmental division is. As far as gopher tortoises, there was a lady used to live here named Edy Dre. I'm sure some of you know her very well. Her nonprofit was called Northport Friends of Wildlife.
and she's the one that, you know, got me interested somehow or other in gopher tortoises. And when anybody called her about a gopher tortoise, she called me and said, "Hey, go find it. Go check it out."
Edy moved away from Northport. Okay. So, those nonprofits for all the great work they do, they don't always continue. That's why you're bored. You all have a passion for this. That's
why you're doing this one by one. You're all going to be leaving, too. But it's important for you while you're on this board to keep your board active to recruit members, you know, and to work. I just want to
emphasize how important it is. Now, as far as relocation of gopher tortoises, um I personally do have three or possibly more gopher tortoises on my property.
What I was taught, uh one time I went down to Port Charlotte to an environmentalist home and I picked up 13 gopher tortoises and I drove them to Orlando. And from Orlando, Robin, you may know Carissa Kent.
Carissa Kent was taking them. They were going to a recipient site. I think it was in Georgia. The reason for that is that you can't take a gopher tor I could take a gopher tortoise from the front of my yard and put them in the back of my yard and probably be okay. But if you
take a gopher tortoise from Toledo Glade in Northport and you move him over to Chamberlain, he's going to try and go home and he may get run over on his way. That's just what they say. That's why the recipient sites when they do move
them, they're taken so far away, you know, so that they can't travel. Um, but I do just wanted to, you know, stress to you people, you know, how important what you do is and I thank
you for being here. as a followup to what you just said as far as the board, it's for our future, our children, our children's children. So, I personally am reaching out to the high
school. Um, we have Megan who sits on our board here who's a student from the high school and she's great and she's making a move to also reach out to some of the high school students. I've been in contact with the science teacher over
there who I think she's putting in an application for the environmental advisory board. So, we're trying to get more young people involved with the city because they are our future. We need to have the education uh suitable enough so that they understand what the impacts
are of the building and how we can balance that within our municipality. So that's being done. Um that's it. Oh no, one more thing. Edie, I still work with Edie. She's still actively
involved. Although the Northport Friends of Wildlife kind of was turned over to the high school uh for them to handle now, but we still on a nonprofit basis work with her. >> All right, city clerk, do we have some public
comment? Hi everyone, Elaine Allen EMR. Um, this is one of those um examples of where the nonprofits could work with your board. Um it's very rare that the city
participates in um like expose that are done by outside groups, but um I can give you an example. Uh Kuanas is doing an ebike safety uh event on September 12th. I would love to see like a tree
giveaway mixed with ebike safety because then you have young people and older people like kind of jelling together. Um, also like Kowanas has an upcoming uh fishing tournament. We are always looking for good information for the
swag bags. We work with Fish Florida, so they're already getting information about some conservation on the water. giving them information on trees and and um you know even an upcoming giveaway like is another great way for you to
promote what you're doing in our swag bags or having a table there um aside from just newcomer day. Um also um I don't I don't know but do you guys have a member of the Northport Consery
board uh their board on your board? These guys have a um a tortoise burrow cameras and it's online. It would be neat for them to give you guys a presentation one day. Barbara Lockhart
is on it on point. Um I read the Maka State Forest Management Conservation Plan. It's a 10-year plan. they it's filled with um the environment and uh gopher tortoises. So maybe that would be
um a relocation. The representative for Northport is a Sarasota County Commissioner who represents Englewood and Northport. So speaking to him about that plan and maybe getting relocation or the the um uh application or just a
move on into that may be great. And then lastly, on March 19th and 20th, 2011, People for Trees spearheaded Eco Fest at War Mineral Springs. There's 150
eco-friendly vendors. It was huge. I mean, the concistadors showed up, but you know, you could do a massive tree giveaway. You could do eco-friendly things for children. people at Northport who never go to War Mineral Springs
could maybe go that day and the nonprofits we could all work together to put it on. So it wouldn't be a burden on the taxpayers, but this could be built in and then if you were having one or two other giveaways, you could put that in the sand.
>> I'm not I'm I'm not losing this opportunity to quiet you, huh? I'm sorry. >> Once in a lifetime experience, but >> can I uh respond? Absolutely. Go ahead. >> Uh thank you, Elaine.
Um regarding uh the Northport Land Consery or the Neighborhood Land Conservancy now that they're renamed, I work with Barbara on a not with the board, but as an individual basis. We spoke about everything that you had said
and that's great. Um, regarding the Eco Fest, actually, I actually started that and as you know, because you were there when I was there, uh, and we had over a thousand people show up. >> Didn't cost me one cent to run that
event. And that's just through partnering with neighborhood businesses. Your hand wash is mine. >> We all wash hands together. Didn't cost us a scent to do that. And I understand we might not have the capabilities bathroom wise and all this otherwise to
do something like that, but like you had mentioned for the uh tree fair and I mentioned that to Stefan somehow working with Alice making that a bigger event uh to do it in the parking lot. We could do that now >> and incorporate other activities that
are fun for families through education materials. So that's one of the things we discussed as a board that we want to see actually worked on and how we can bring that to fruition.
>> Thank you. >> All right. Um is there any type of motion that you really need because I think they're doing >> I think they're you all are doing very well and moving forward. Chuck filled out a public comment card
for public comment general. >> That's after we're done. Ch. >> You You're up next, sir, after we have a little discussion. >> Thank you very much. >> Okay. I won't forget you. >> I know you won't. But, you know, with
everything that you've got going on and and what you've have accomplished and with all the training and everything and what you're doing going forward, you you really don't need any direction from us. I think you've got a great plan going forward unless there's something
that you really think you need moving forward as a motion from the commission. >> We could accept the plan. >> I think we did. >> You don't have to accept the plan. because it's just the same as if any other board provided you their annual
report and amendment. >> Right. That's that's what I was getting at. So, I think that you're doing great and you're making great strides and all the information that you gave us was fabulous. So, I thank you very much. Okay. Do we have any general public
comment? >> Is Chuck English still here? >> I think he left. >> Start his clock. No, I'm just >> Hey, you know that's Buddy's old seat. See, how y'all doing today? They bless you
guys. As a former chairman of this committee, they're outstanding and I respect every one of them for stepping forward to serve our community. Now, I'm primary here to plant a seed.
Uh the majority of you were at the dedication and memorial service of the circle of honor. I'm sure that you enjoyed that breeze coming across that wetland that made the flags wave and
also the view how it's framed by the wetland and the trees across from it. The seed is this in the very very infant stages of that planning that was
considered. It was too big of the big a bite of the apple to put it in the project. I'm proposing to bring it forth in order to conserve, preserve and maintain that
view. The other aspect of it is that it is the last vestigages of any type of natural resources or habitat within and within
city green. Right? It is a unique and diversified ecosystem in itself. You've also mentioned wetlands and how you wish to preserve them. haven't really determined if it's
totally man-made, but as again something I'd sincerely like you consider, I will continue to propose it uh draft specific recommendations for it
and emphasize the fact that it's the perfect place to establish contemplation and meditation as it relates to the memory of those that have honored our service in our
community. And gentlemen, I'm on it. Please consider it. I chatted with some of you. Just wanted to bring it to the attention of staff, the city manager,
and anybody else that understands the significance. Again, it's the last vestigages of any natural resource or habitat left on city green. Thank you
very much. Y'all stay blessed. >> Are you sure? >> Okay. >> Can I comment on that, >> please? >> Absolutely. >> Or ask a question. Are you going to be presenting a presentation to any
advisory boards? I fully intend to once the logistics are put together, but you all know there's no way you all don't know. >> Okay. >> But I do plan on I did a presentation
basic presentation to parks and wreck. I plan on doing the same to natural resources and each one of you individually to understand fully the concept and the reasoning but you understand.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you very much. >> Nothing else. It's 3:59 and I adjourn this meeting.