The final countdown. Good evening and welcome to the Sustainability Committee of Tarpon Springs on Thursday,
June 18th at 6 p.m. Today. I just want to say that our world is the most chaotic and
challenging I've experienced in my 73 years, and. So one thing that's so important about this committee is that we focus on
the sustainability of our community, which is to help make it a place that's a safe place to be and a unified place to be. And I'd like to give a
shout out to our mayor, who has acted in a way to unify our community. And we all know that unification of a community is
one of the benchmarks of a sustainable community. So I commend all of you for doing the work you're doing and to be
here. And on that note, Miss Langston, can we have the roll call, please? Yes, chairperson. Midgett. Present. Siobhan Meehan. Present. Loretta
Ricchetti present and Melina Skelly present. Okay, so now we have the approval of the minutes. Is there any questions
about the minutes, any additions, or do you want to make a motion to approve them? I'll make a motion to approve.
Is there a second? All in favor? Yes. Okay, great. So public comments. Do we have any public
comments? Okay. Denise Menino, 470 Cypress Street, Tarpon Springs. And I want to echo what Doctor Mick chairperson
just said about supporting our mayor. Anybody that is able to come out to the meeting next Tuesday, please consider, because I think that they're
going to have a proclamation that might need more public support. And I want to say I was at I was one of the few people that were able to make
it to the wonderful panel of sustainable minds that took place in lieu of the meeting last month. On May 19th. And to
me, it was excellent. I hope that it recorded well and that other people will have a chance to listen to it. But I would consider the possibility of doing it again when there are
students at the school, because that was part of, I think, the lack of attendance was that there weren't a lot of students that were there because school
was in between sessions, but I thought it was of tremendous value, and I commend the committee on organizing it, and I thought it was very thoughtful and the answers were
excellent. And you're right, we're living in times where, you know, people need to know how to regulate their nervous
systems and, and to look at the world in a more objective way from a higher perspective. And it helps to have those tools. Yes. So thank you very much.
Thank you. Okay. And as the agenda says, we are going to review the mental health panel and the annual report. But let's start with the mental
health panel. Since our community has commented on it. And I guess, Doctor Scally, why don't you begin since it was your panel? Yeah. I thought it
went very well. And yes, attendance was low because usually we would have a lot more students there. I speaking
with Christine is that am I remembering. Speaking with Christine? We were already discussing other possible presentations that we could do
during the school year that would incorporate more of the mental health themes that they may not have the exact overlap with sustainability. But as we saw from the presentation,
mental health care within the community is a sustainable issue. So there's a few ideas that I'll be following up with her about. And then obviously,
you know, Robin Singer is constantly putting on events that keep the conversation going within the community. So we don't necessarily have to
wait for May to be talking about it. So I would encourage, if people are interested, if they are able to view it online and they want to know more. Looking up piece for Tarpon,
there's there's events. There's actually an event tonight, but it's at the same time as the. Yeah. So there are, there are a lot of opportunities to keep that conversation going. So
yeah, I appreciate everybody's attendance. So I just will say that the second Tuesday. I'm second Wednesday of every month
at noon is a piece for Tarpon. Event called positivity. And I attend that as often as I can. And it's an incredible group.
We do it on Zoom. It's small. It's incredibly diverse. And we have just open conversation. And it's one of my favorite
things. And so if people are interested, you go to peace for Tarpon website and you can see the link for it, and then you
get a Zoom invitation to join. I think everyone would just it's it's terrific. So, so my
comment is not just about yours, but in general for these events, we have to think carefully about how to get the word out.
So it's not just students, it's everyone. So when I gave that report, annual report. It seemed like some of the
commissioners didn't know about it. So we need to personally reach out to them. We have to go and call people and send things to people. I know with
the coyote event, I made up fliers and passed them out to people and. But I think we have to do a lot of legwork. And I
have to say I did like work, but towards the end. And I had should have done it more and posted it more often. And I think all of us could take that on. And we can certainly work
with Holly more on how to how to do that, because with all the effort that gets put in and the expertise, it's a shame both for the people who are
presenting, but also for the community that they're missing out on something. And I do know it's hard, difficult to do things because, you know, we
all don't go to things because we have other things to do, but at least we can give people the opportunity and the choice to go or not to go. I agree with
that. I think this being sort of the inaugural, you know, mental health and sustainability presentation, I, I anticipated that there might
be lower numbers, but I mean, we, we had a student there from Kaiser who heard about it from their professors. So now we have this network that builds.
And next time those will already be connections that are out there that we can start to leverage to get more people in. So yes, it is sort of not just doing legwork, but figuring out
like which roads we need to do the legwork down. So I think that now that we've, we've, we've had the first one, we will now know, like where,
where are some other avenues to pursue to get the word out there? And hopefully people are watching it, you know, in their, in see that it's not as it's
not intimidating. It's not, you know, it was, it was a casual, intimate conversation about, you know, what we can be doing as a community. And so I'm, I'm
optimistic for, oh, I am future presentations. Any other comments? I just thought it was an excellent presentation. And
hopefully, you know, other you cities will watch it and get ideas to have their own. You know, group like what, what, you know, the efforts that
you've done, I think are tremendous and I think is very well needed all around the world. So I think that we serve
as. As a, as a guide. So I'm glad it's out in the internet and I'm glad that anyone can access it. And, and because of you, because I taped it. And we
thank you for that, that you're always there to do that. Yes. Excellent job. Thank you. I have a background in
advertising and promotion, being an art director and creative director. So I, I can really help out with strategizing and implementing a
way to reach more people. And I think if we have pre, you know, if, if we spend a lot of time in the meeting before the month
before and figure out who our target groups are, I think we could also target other communities, some leaders in other communities because they,
you know, they might be really interested also. And what we're doing. So like safety, heart
safety, Harbor. Dunedin, you know, invite some people from, from those groups, you know.
Key people. So, so I'm going to change the agenda just a bit and let's talk about the future presentations. And then we'll talk about the annual report
since we're talking about this now. So I am planning to do one on why preservation in
September. And Holly and Tommy reached out to me to contact the. With Klosterman.
Klosterman, actually, they call themselves the W K preserve group now, right. W k and they had been here, as you remember and want to get involved. And I
intend to invite one of them to be part of this. And and Holly and Tommy want to find out
about some other things. So. And I'll probably ask Mallory from Wildlife Corridor to be there as well. And someone from
the university, because that's something Christine's very interested in, is having representation of the university within the
presentation and also has it hooks up with the exhibits. So I just want to say that's what
I'm planning on for September. And Siobhan, you're planning some time in November to do the sustainable gardening, right?
Trees. Yes. How about rain? Can you muster that one up? Rain. Yeah. Do my rain dance. Yes.
Are there comments about this? Suggestions? Well, Holly, were you able to contact anybody from the Tampa group that I, I mentioned? So actually in May
we didn't have our main meeting, but the first week in May, I was at a sustainability Director's Network annual meeting. It was not a conference annual meeting that happened to be in Tampa this
year. The Tampa Green team had a table there. So I did speak with them. So I do have contact information about that. I haven't had a chance to follow up, but there, you know, the green team they formed is
actually all I guess they're they're people who are paid through AmeriCorps. So they are not volunteers for the city. They are in fact, people who are employed. But Tampa sort of
figured out a way to get that AmeriCorps team formed to like serve the city. So it's definitely a very it's a it's a great mechanism, you know, but
we I think they would be more than happy to, you know, come and talk or share. So I will see what they have as far as, you know, gardening and like
they do a lot in Tampa, they don't just do, you know, they do a lot of the labor and the maintenance. And, you know, just like you said, lending to all sustainability type things. So I will get a little more
information about what they could maybe speak to in regards to that presentation. And that's called the Tampa Green, the Tampa Green team. Right. Okay. Anything else? It's very similar to this group that I
started my career with the Young Adult Conservation Corps, which was modeled after the C.c.c. from the depression era.
And so we built many parks in Buffalo, New York, and I learned how to drive a deuce and a half army truck. My mother wasn't very impressed
when I had. I was driving the truck and wearing a hard hat. She imagined more exciting things for me, I guess. But
then I went into advertising. But anyway, I digress. There. One thing that I've been thinking about a lot lately in
regards to the presentation in November is. The the tree destruction we've had in tarpon in general from the two hurricanes. And I walk almost
every day in Howard Park and the devastation is just unbelievable. So many pine trees were lost. So I talked to this gal who works for the
county, who was watering the new trees, and she said they only planted 34 trees. Now she said they got a grant and
that's all the money they could come up with. So if there's some way that, you know, one of my big loves is trees, and if
there's some way that we could rally the community. I know Howard Park is county and sunset is city. So, you know,
there's, there's that issue. But just looking at this park and, and the amount of and the trees are still there, you know, the dead trees, they haven't
taken them out. It's very depressing. And we've lost a lot of our shade, which is so important. And for people walking. So that's one of the
things I'm thinking about also. I wonder what the what what the scope of that be to, to try to rally the community to help. Are you talking about like
fundraising to get more trees, adopt a tree or something? Yeah, I mean, the city doesn't really have a mechanism. Like you said, Howard Park is county property,
so you don't really do. I mean, I mean, they need a couple hundred trees. Yeah. I mean, from the way I've been looking at, you know, the city also has a tree planting grant. Sorry,
but that's not again, city property. So but we have a lot of other places in the city that other parks that trees that need trees also. So I'm, I
think I'm just sharing this as an example of really bad devastation. And I live in the neighborhood just behind it. So they Howard Park took the hit that my neighborhood would have.
My, my neighborhood is great. You know, we, we barely had any destruction. Yeah, yeah. No, no,
no, sorry. Okay. Protocol. Sorry. But I do think that this
is a great idea and and, Holly, you're knowledgeable about the areas in the city and probably
the arborist as well about, you know, what areas need trees and they do do, do that giveaway. So maybe the arborist has a way
of getting trees, although they're small, right? That a way it's really affordable to get trees or something. Well,
the issue also is to water them. And, and she told me about the watering schedule and she, she had a pickup truck with a pump. Yeah. And a, you know, in a reservoir with the water in it.
So it's not only getting the trees, it's, it's trying to make sure that they, the city does that. The city has tree trucks. I see them around
Spring Bayou and those maybe we need to have her come back and see what you know. I'll give you a quick update. We don't currently have an arborist.
Okay. So is that why you were smiling like that? So however, we we do have a contract arborist, so a little evolution over the past since we didn't have a meeting in May. So
planning, planning and zoning has really taken over the arborist duties. And so Pat McNeese is, you know, she's like the planning supervisor. She's been doing an amazing job filling in as far as the city
side. But we do have a contract arborist who, you know, the city is working with for specific issues, as well as updating the ordinance and kind of picking up where both Shannon and Mona had sort of,
you know, started that. And lucky for me, I get to kind of sit in and help a little bit with that. So that's going to be an ongoing thing. But what I can do is maybe I could ask Pat
if she could either provide me with an update, or if she could come to a meeting and kind of let you all know what is going on with the grants that the city does have, because I am not intimately involved in
those that is being managed again, through the planning department as well as our grants specialists. So we do have a couple of of forestry grants. One is specific to tree planting. So that will be
happening. But I don't again, I don't know the numbers, so I don't want to misspeak on it, but I can absolutely get you an update and invite her and see, you know what, what's doable in
that realm. Okay. Can I have a point of order here in regular meetings, like when there is an issue? So there's public
comments on the beginning. And then when we have a specific topic, people are allowed to comment after the the board. So
is that okay that we let the public talk on an issue? I think if there's a question and you all are comfortable with including them in the discussion, I don't see a mean
with it. We're a little more a, BOC people are allowed to kind of open it up. Okay. In in multiple sections depending, you know, you can comment in general and then you can comment about specific agenda
items. And that happens after the board, right, right. Typically after the board talks. And since we're not quasi judicial or, you know, holding any proceeding in a certain, you know, that regimented way,
if you all were comfortable with it, I think that would be appropriate. I think I just don't want to have chaos. Right. No, that's so I appreciate both of those. The board have more
comments on Siobhan something or Siobhan, do you have more things to say? One thing that we could look at is an adopt a
tree program or a memorial trees, you know? Yeah, we've done it. And how did that work? Now the maintenance issue. Yeah,
really is tough on that. But that is something we could get. You know, that was something that Shannon did when she was here. So. You know, I could
reach out to her even though she doesn't work for the city, obviously, anymore and kind of get her to remind me kind of what the the challenges were. But I'm pretty sure it was just that, as you noted, the
planting of the tree is just one step. So what happens after that is crucial. And so, you know, if we could just I just don't I don't know what the
appetite would be for that. So I would have to just kind of touch base with and, you know, if is the city pursuing another to hire another arborist or I mean, the position was open for
a while, and unfortunately, I do not believe there were any qualified applicants that came through. So that's I'm not a certified. Yes. It would
typically have to go through a certified arborist. And so that's why, you know, we do have again, the contract arborist. He's very knowledgeable. He's worked with lots of other local cities. Clearwater anyway, very, very,
very knowledgeable in trees. And so I was impressed when I met him. And I think, you know, that's kind of where it stands for now. So I don't I can't speak to the future of bringing
that back as a full position, but that's where we are. So, so one thing they did in Saint Pete is Saint Pete near North
Shore Pool, there's a big palm tree. Yeah. And the way they did that was that you, you put in money and you got a brick. I
know, because Robert and I did it and you get your name on it, right. And it fills made a big pathway through there. And it was a way of collecting money because people want to be
honored in a way. So you get your name on a brick, and then that helps to create that little area. What's beautiful? I mean, they, they did a good
job. In part, their park people maintain it. So that's a possibility. If we identify a place and put in commemorative
bricks, which create a pathway. So that I think the bricks were $50 a piece and and you could get more bricks if you wanted,
or you could pay a lot for brick. But those things are possibilities. So they aren't memorials. They're just. And you could write things on them.
That's a good idea. I like that. Ask a question about that. Did the funds go to the trees or the trees were already there, and then they just built the path. I think that the whole
thing was built at the same time. Okay. Palm tree garden. Okay. It's right near North Shore Pool. Okay. And the walkway on North Shore. Yeah,
but it's a way of embellishing a certain area which is traveled a lot. And in tarpon where we have brick roads, it
would fit the motif. Thank you, Siobhan, for raising these and thinking about this is really great. I think about trees a
lot. And wildflowers. Yes. And flowers. Yeah. Okay. Any other comments about this? Are there
comments from our audience? Thank you. I was just wondering to say your name and address.
Okay. Denise Menino for 70 Cypress Street, Tarpon Springs, Florida. Some of the trees are under stress from storm, but
they it could be climate change as well, because I know that the pine bark beetles have been a tremendous have done tremendous damage. They don't.
They don't harm trees that are healthy, but they really will attack trees that are already under stress. And as far as I know, there isn't a solution
yet because it's some type of symbiotic fungi that gets under the bark and starts killing them because the trees, you know, the life is in the outer
bark. So I don't know that, you know, I was just reading under the Florida Department of Agriculture site. And I think it's a it's a bigger problem
than we realize, but we can all contribute to helping keep the climate better. Hopefully, as we do our part in Tarpon and
branch out. Thank you. I mean, typically what they do is they cut the trees down. And there's been a number of them in my neighborhood that have had to be cut down because if you
don't, then they go to the other trees. So contagious it is. Right. Any other comments on this? Okay, then let's talk
about the annual report to the BOC. Having been the person that gave it, I thought it was received well by the
commissioners, which. And I think they listened attentively, so I. And I think that they. Really appreciate that we're
doing this engagement, which made me really happy because we've been wanting to do this and now we're on the way and we
are moving forward. And as you know, I leave this committee in September. So my that's why I'm doing it in September because
it'll be my grand hurrah. And then and then it'll be up to you and whoever else is on the committee and Siobhan, who will
probably take over and she will be leading with the next one. So thinking of what we could do in the future, you know, what
you're interested in in the future would be good. And and I mean, this is one step to engagement, but there are other ways as well. But getting this
sort of moving and people excited and knowing about it is a good way to focus our attention. And given the way the committee has to work where
we have the, you know, go through Holly and we can't talk to each other. It's the craziest way to put on an event, but it's what we have. So
Holly's been really good at this, so we'll just have to keep keep that happening. Okay.
Any other comments on annual report? I'm trying to remember what Commissioner. Coleus.
Coleus. Oh yeah. Because he he said that there was something that he wasn't aware of and I didn't think it was the presentation, but maybe that he wasn't aware of what
sustainability was doing. Yeah. And that's the next thing on the agenda. He requested to know what in the plan has has been. That's right. Okay. And
Holly's doing that on the next. Okay. So we're on it. Okay. Yeah. Because you know, them, I, they seemed interested and appreciated the report, but it
did seem like there was still some gaps that we could be working on. So, but I couldn't, I couldn't remember what the question was that he asked. I just remembered he, he didn't
know something. Correct. So we're going to let him know. Okay. Any other comments? I was glad you were all there. Yes,
it was a great show of support and that's where a team. Yes, I was glad we were the first item on the agenda because otherwise
I can be a very long meeting to sit through. So. Okay, so let's move on. So Holly, you're going
to talk about sustainability plan implementation update. Okay. Okay. So we usually do
this, you know, at least once a year, if not twice a year, depending on what else is on the agenda, you know, depending on how busy our meetings are.
So we are definitely due for this. So it was a good coincidence that one of the commissioners requested an update. So I'm just making this a little more functional so I
can use both the microphone and the computer. Okay. And just FYI, when the agenda software turns a PowerPoint into a PDF,
some of the formatting is not perfect. I'm just going to say that, but it'll be fine. So. We'll go. Okay. Sustainability
plan implementation update. So we I don't honestly know why the. It's always a surprise. Every slide looks just a little a little different than I thought it would. But okay, so
we. The way that I broke this down is kind of looking at the implementation actions per start year. So since the plan was adopted in 2023, the first
start year for actions is 2024. We've also obviously had a group of 2025 actions that we'll talk about. And then we are currently in 2026. We have three sort of different groups
of actions that I will try to go through. Obviously, if you have questions about something that I'm currently on, please don't hesitate to ask. But it is a lot of words. So I'm going to try to kind of move through
it, but feel free to interrupt me. Okay, so 2024 implementation timeline. Just a couple of things to highlight before we go into each individual action is that
action 16 and 18 are a little bit in a status of having been preempted somewhat by House Bill. 1217. So just certain parts of those we, we cannot really do or were limited on.
So that's one caveat. All right. Action one net zero canopy loss. So as you all know, in 2025, the Urban Forest management plan was adopted. You all were key players in that. And so the
methodology within that forestry plan is meant to kind of take the place of the net zero canopy loss policy. As I just mentioned, there are land development codes under way
currently to update, you know, certain processes as far as the arborist work as well as the accepted species list and the undesirable or the prevented
species list that we will allow what is O and M for the funding source. I believe that's just operations and maintenance. Okay, so or like what the
amount of funding needed would be or what it would be needed for. That's. Okay. Action five ordinance requiring control of invasive species on city
property. So this partly goes with the tree species. So we just covered that. We are again revising the recommended and prohibited species list planning and zoning. Obviously the contract arborist says I'll
let you all know. And I've been sitting in on those. Another aspect of this. So this is kind of a 2 in 1 action. So it's invasive species as well as integrated pest management and
one action. So it's really two. And then the one step that we've taken, obviously, as you all know, rodenticide has been kind of a hot topic for this committee. So I did take
information from Doctor Shotgun's presentation and created a or proposed, rather a standard operating procedure for rodenticide on city properties. So that is in
progress and being reviewed by the Public Works internal staff right now. So that's step forward there. Also something that the First Lady of Florida
is very concerned about. Okay. She's spoken about that. Good to know, I know. All right. Action six land use regulations that establish appropriate
wetland stream and shoreline buffer widths. So the 2024 update to the Comprehensive Plan. So the Comprehensive Plan 2040 update strengthened the wetland protections. So in 2026,
again, with me sitting in with the planning and zoning department, we pulled the specific wording and, you know, same, same buffer widths and everything from the
comprehensive plan into the Land Development Code to update that, to reinforce, you know, to make that. Really that's where the rubber meets the road in the land development code.
So that has been done. The they were already adopted in a second reading at the May, I believe it was the same BoCC meeting that you all, you know, did your presentation at. So
that is complete, I would say exciting seawall ordinance. Okay, so another fun part of the land development code revisions that I've been
working with the planning and zoning department on. We created a sort of. So the, the existing or the old, I guess, verbiage in the land
development code was really a section called, I think it was called shoreline stabilization. So we're just modifying that. We have. These have not been adopted yet. It's a separate
set of modifications, but working with Pat and Ali, we created a hierarchy of stabilization techniques. So essentially creating a preferential order, obviously
green and living shorelines being the most desirable to some hybrids. And then seawalls or hardened shorelines being the least preferred option. And
any applicant asking for that would have to give extra justification on why they would need, they would perceive that they needed the hardened structure. Now, the county is
still the issuing authority for seawalls. But by us having this in our code that, you know, gives developers or homeowners that, you know, this is the jumping off point of what the
city is saying. You know, we are prioritizing. So very exciting. So if somebody wants to put in a big seawall, they
have to address this. Again, it's not adopted yet, but it hopefully will be. You know, I think it went to the Planning and Zoning board for review,
I'm pretty sure. So then the next step would be doing the process of the readings and getting it adopted by the Board of Commissioners. So, and with
this, is there details about, you know, what, what, what the options are and how to implement. There are examples. So it goes specific, you know, it gets specific about the
types of green options, the types of hybrid options and hardened. There aren't really a lot of options. But yes, so it, it will go into some detail and give specific definitions and
examples of each one. And can we see these things so we can see more than just, you know, this, but actually see the details. Sure. Yeah, we can do
that. I can bring that. I would love to. Okay. To have those. Yeah. I just, you know, being that it's not adopted, I didn't want to, you know, but I will
get that I don't have I'm not the keeper of the documents. So since I live on the water and I live in a neighborhood where this is very important to the
neighborhood, and I would like to know it. Absolutely. Thank you. You're welcome. All right. Action 16 Climate Action Plan. So sure about the seawall. So
this. So they're redoing the seawall at Spring Bayou. That is correct. But was there any discussion about. No, no. Okay.
That's a city project that there is grant funding for. And they pursued it. It is. Is the
design was done and project started, and it is well on its way. So I don't know if you know the answer to this, but it seems though what they're doing
is they're only raising the seawall on part of Spring Bayou, but not on where it faces most of the houses and it floods. I mean, it's been flooding those
sidewalks for the last few weeks. So why aren't they? That's my understanding. I believe, you know. So the seawall is being raised to five feet around. The part that's
being raised is being raised to five feet, which is kind of the the new, you know, suggested or required height. I believe that the county will have. But the part that they're not raising.
I honestly can't speak to the design or, or, you know, is that private. I mean, there are a lot of private don't blocks there. Sure. So is that I don't
believe that anything the city is doing is on any of the private property. I would have to double check, wondering if that part of the Spring Bayou
seawall is privately owned. And that's why they're not doing it. That is part I mean, the limits of the city's project, I believe, are the city owned property. So that's. Yes,
private, but there is a web page. I mean, connect Tarpon Springs is being updated with, you know, essentially day to day information on the status of that project with lots of details, plans, I think all of
that. So if you have additional questions that you can't get answered, just let me know and I can direct you to someone in the project administration department. Okay, so climate
action plan this one again, little bit of a little bit of a downer, but you know, we did. I started on a climate action plan per the action for action
16. However, in late 2025, you know, the state started essentially doing their process of their dose process. And so
looking at. Cities who are, you know, focusing too much on emissions reductions, targets and goals and things like that. Subsequently, we have had Florida House Bill 1217 adopted.
So that essentially it's a lot focused on procurement. So we couldn't procure vehicles solely based on the type of fuel. So that would somewhat
limit any electric transition. Not totally, but somewhat. And then it also House Bill 1217 does prevent the city from
establishing a greenhouse gas reduction target. We can we we cannot do that. So so this is sort of a it's okay, because we
do have the analysis focuses a lot on energy efficiency improvements. And some of those can still be re purposed into future efforts. So it was not
it it did. The effort did not go to waste. However, it's not something that we can adopt formally, but there's a lot of information and analysis that
will inform kind of other things. And then, like I said, the greenhouse gas reduction target as called for in action
18 is completely preempted. So that does not we are not allowed to do that. All right. Action 35 evaluate family friendly workplace policies for
local government employees. So we have gone through quite a, I guess, an uptake in activity on this one. So the procurement requirements that this action
called for do already exist as far as equal opportunity employers, there was a pay study done for city staff positions in 2025, and sort of market rate adjustments were
made to a lot of the positions as far as salaries went. Policy 40 for remote work was also implemented in fall of 2025. Policy 42 for shift
differential pay was implemented, and that extends shift differential to all city departments. So that's another sort of equitable pay situation that a lot of other cities and
counties have something similar on policy 36 for on call compensation was implemented. So that's a lot of your, you know, frontline workers, people who get call backs on the weekends or after hours. And so
just ensuring that they're properly compensated. And then the city also began observing Juneteenth as an official city holiday last year. It's tomorrow. So we continue to
observe that. And that's, you know, a benefit to employees as well as the city as a whole, that that is recognized as a federal holiday that we observe.
And then 2026, a career ladder program has begun being implemented, implemented to allow sustainable growth in frontline positions. And the human resources department was
also doing some surveying and evaluating child care needs for staff in 2025. And so that's all of these things have sort of, I think, moved us forward
significantly in the family friendly workplace policies. So we're calling that complete and lots of progress. 2025 actions.
All right. Again, we do have a couple at the bottom that we're going to kind of have to pass over temporarily, but we will check on the status of the
others. So action 15 improve facilities and infrastructure. This is specific to improving infrastructure throughout the community to be better prepared for climate change threats. So
this does have a longer implementation window ten years as opposed to a lot of the other ones which only have three years. So step one was the vulnerability assessment that the city did through the
resilient Florida, through a resilient Florida grant was accepted by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection last spring. We subsequent to that, or basically because we had that
adopted, we could then apply for construction grants. So then our advanced wastewater treatment plant is in the midst of undergoing an electrical upgrade project, which is a
resilient resiliency project to get all the electrical systems above flood, elevation, base, flood elevation. So that is a $2.2 million match from the
Resilient Florida program. So that was a huge, you know, kind of multi step win. And then we did use the results from the vulnerability assessment to
create an interactive GIS map that shows projected future sea level rise conditions. That is on the Connect Tarpon Springs website, where we have vulnerability and resilience.
And then we do have an inter-departmental staff resilience team. So ongoing resilience planning and projects are, you know, kind of it's a big ball of wax. And,
you know, resilience isn't technically a, a, a, a program in our city. I mean, I'm the sustainability division and resilience isn't technically in,
you know, that, but it's, it is sort of a default place for it. And then of course, it's important for me to obviously work with our floodplain administrator and as well, as, you know, again, our GIS, lots
of other departments, there is there is a ton of overlap for ongoing resilience work, solar feasibility study, action 20. So the findings were accepted
by the Board of Commissioners in January, and the recommended order of prioritization of facilities that were evaluated went from the community center to the golf course, maintenance,
the library, the public safety building, the fleet maintenance building, and the golf cart barn. City Hall was the least solar ready of any of the locations that were included in the study. But I do want to
point out that other factors may elevate facilities that were not evaluated, such as if it's new construction or if a building gets a new roof. So therefore, new solar is I don't
know if they've actually started it, but they've been working on the roof of the city clerk's office, and solar is coming to that as the next step. And then the golf course
clubhouse also has a solar system as part of that project. And then will be kind of looking at, you know, once those are done, what, what the next feasible thing is. So I
think the solar feasibility study check mark, we completed it. We've got lots more work to come in that area. Action 29 proactive green infrastructure
practices for new developments. So this action, you know, wants local design criteria and land development codes that require proactive green infrastructure practices for new developments.
So I think that the proposed Sustainable Development Recognition program is a great step towards this. It is currently under staff review. I did get some comments back from
Ali, our interim planning director, so I need to review those. And then the next step will be to get it on the Technical Review committee agenda so that other
departments can weigh in on it. So moving that right along. Very exciting. Great action three guideline with required break times. So this is to
protect our outdoor workers, our frontline workers, city employees specifically. So I did meet with our internal safety committee back in the
fall and then drafted a proposed heat illness prevention and heat break policy, worked with, you know, multi multi departments on that.
And it was adopted in February of 2026 as part of an overall policy. 15 a safety management system manual update. So very exciting. We now have that it
incorporates, you know, OSHA sort of like all of the, you know, federal, it's, it's very, you know, it just essentially requires supervisors of people who work outdoors to check in
with them to ensure they're taking proper breaks, hydrating, you know, taking breaks in the shade, all of those steps. So, and there have been multiple conversations even after this
to talk about, you know, what other departments might be looking at to help support their outdoor workers. It's a
win though, because we have a policy and it's official. All right, action seven connectivity to wildlife corridors. So this is another action that has a ten year
implementation window. I noted that it overlaps with actions eight and 11, which are about funding for parklands and and easements. And so as you all
just discussed, you all are planning a presentation related to preservation in the fall, in September, and then there is a parks and open space parks and
recreation open space master plan that did kick off. And it could address this in part. So just kind of hoping that our conversations about preservation and maybe working
with some of the other community organizations that are involved can spark, you know, some, some movement forward in this area. Is there
any. More detailed documentation that you could get so I can incorporate it in our. Presentation? Do you mean
through the master plan or, or whatever, just so I can reference maybe what the city. Okay. I can see what the consultant did. I think they
have at least completed the existing conditions like a survey. So that could be, you know, that's a starting point obviously. So I can definitely
see if I can request that. Okay, so that's still in progress. Obviously action 11 park and or open space master plan. So as I noted, a Parks and Recreation
open space master plan kicked off in late 2025. So that's in progress. And I, like I said, I will, I will try to get kind of
a status update on that action. 31 focus market demand for green jobs, technology products and services. So this one's a little bit, you know, how could we do this as a as a city? I do
know, you know, I've, I've spoken with Karen Lemons, who is our economic development. She is our economic development person and department. And she tracks businesses that are
either green or eco friendly, sustainable, you know, sustainably focused that that just happen to locate in Tarpon Springs. You know, we are somewhat limited as a city
right now and going forward on how we use state funds. So being that there is scrutiny on some things, it would just have
to be managed, you know, so I'm just not sure how the sustainability, how sustainability division would necessarily, but I do I will
continue conversations with our economic development. Department on this. And then adopt action 48 adopt a climate
in all policies or sustainability in all policy statement. So this is preempted by state law, by House Bill
1217. Again, we cannot. Do procurement on the basis of certain things that are climate focused or sustainability focused at this time. So this
would be something that, you know, perhaps there's a time in the future we would revisit. All right. We're cruising
through this. So exciting. Here we are in 2026. The present. This is a little bit blurry. I'm not sure where my my screen capture of this one is not as
clear. My apologies. But we do have a couple of things here also that we still will be, you know, a little bit held up on, but let's talk about what we can do. So action eight again,
my apologies for this. I did not pick this diagonal line. I don't know where that came from. So we're just we're just going with it. This is two actions that I put together because they're both financing Related action. Eight. Financing
strategies for acquiring park land or easements, and then action 12, which is a funding strategy to acquire, create and maintain park lands. So in 2026,
one step forward as far as the creating and maintaining park lands part, the parking program that has been adopted for Sunset Beach for non residents specifically, only non
residents will pay. The revenues collected will be allocated to a committed revenue source for capital improvements for parks and Recreation operations per ordinance 2020 603. So that's a
source of funding that did not previously exist for maintenance of our parks facilities. So that's a really good step forward. And then this action eight. References.
Donations to a city land preservation fund. I don't know about that. So I need to do a little bit of research. If that is something that has existed in the past, or if this action
is intended to spur the creation of it. And if any of you have knowledge of that as far as where it came from in the writing of the plan, that would be great too, if you can, if anybody remembers that part.
But these actions are in progress. So I would say, you know, lots of multi, you know, departmental work again on these and in the why
preservation conversations, you know, funding would certainly obviously have to be a part of that. The big picture. Okay. Action 21 retrofits and
upgrades to local government buildings. So retrofits and upgrades to local government buildings and or infrastructure systems that will increase energy and water efficiency. We have been, during this water
shortage order, have worked with our parks crew to, you know, check on the amount of water that the city is using for irrigation and ask them to make adjustments, you know, so
that the city is in compliance with with what we're asking everyone else to do. We have created a staff energy work group that discusses energy
efficiency, and we meet monthly just to kind of talk about, you know, whether it's public works issues, utilities, energy concerns, ideas, you know, future project ideas, just kind
of spurring, you know, how we can move forward with increasing our overall efficiencies. And then we have begun in the last year, taking advantage of the Duke Energy
Business Rebates program. So for Hvac systems and other certain facility improvements, the city can get small rebates. And so we're putting those in, you know, we're tracking those
essentially so that those could be reinvested in other energy efficiency projects and then still working on and planning to procure an energy management
software, which would help us kind of take an honest look at where we are using our energy, how and maybe some opportunities to become more
efficient or at least identify, you know, anomalies and, and kind of weaknesses. And, you know, the first step in, in doing better is kind of looking at where you currently are. So that would be a big step
forward. If we create an inventory and start tracking our energy use. So I would say this one's steady, steady work. Action 22 recycling rate
increase to 40% or more. Action 24 education and outreach. So I put these together because though education outreach is not just about recycling, obviously that's a big part of
getting our recycling goal up to 40% or greater. So about two weeks ago, I had a meeting with our w m government liaison, as
well as with our solid waste department to kind of talk about specific graphics for recycling education outreach that are unique to Tarpon Springs. So w m is a really great partner. They, you know,
have graphics specialists and people that put together all kinds of stuff. And that's, you know, that's part of their contract with us to provide those things. So we're trying to use the resources that, you
know, we have on hand for, for essentially what we've already paid, which is excellent. So that's ongoing and very exciting. And then obviously, we have been doing a lot of water conservation messaging,
some enforcement. We are, during this phase three water shortage, required to report any violations to the Southwest Florida Water Management District. So we've taken a big
step forward because even though we've always say always for some years, even prior to this water shortage, our water restrictions were allowed one day a week watering. A lot of people might not have been
aware of that. But now, not only are they aware of that, but we're having to enforce it. So there's a legal, you know, ramification for if you get caught watering on the wrong
day or the wrong time, we haven't had a lot of violations that have, you know, been given. But we have had some. And so really, it's it is a step
forward in the sense of water is a limited resource, especially right now during this extreme drought. So we want to really keep on that.
And even if we get, you know, a lot of rain this summer, we just still need to be mindful of the fact that it could change again at any time. So. That has been a big step
forward because we didn't previously have a water conservation. We didn't really have an outreach plan that we were actively putting into
place. And now we have that. So that's really good. Of course, in 2025, the city also established a partnership with self, which is the Solar and Energy Loan fund. And we did
some outreach to residents, and we've done a lot at, you know, our events, created fliers and put it on the website, put it out in front of City Hall as far as how they can utilize
self as a source for personal loans, to do resilience upgrades to their homes, energy efficiency, you know, storm preparation, all kinds of
things. And then we did as far as the action 24 greenhouse gas education. So again, a little bit, a little bit dicey on how we use city funds to talk about
emissions. We can do some education on that, but we can't have, you know, that reduction target. So this is ongoing with respect to the water
conservation. Yes. Is there a way that the city can do things with rain barrels? So we have reached out to IFAs. You know,
we have talked with the extension service about doing a water barrel workshop. So I mean, we can do that. It's a little bit it wouldn't be free right for residents. So there
would be a cost if they wanted to purchase a barrel. And the other thing that makes it difficult is that, yeah, getting the barrels, they would probably have to go and pick it
up like from the extension service, because we don't have currently a source for those in the city that we are able to tap into. But, but it is
possible to do an event. We have four of them and you know, we use them to water our plants. And if we didn't, you know,
everything would be dead. So, I mean, it's a really especially given this is probably not an anomaly that right. Tarpon
doesn't have a lot of water. It seems to be everywhere else. Yes. It's it's I would say it's regional. It's state wide. Yes. So it would be a really good
thing to see if we can, the city could make that work. And maybe think about how to, you know, rent a U-Haul and bring a bunch of rain barrels and teach
people how to install them. I mean, it's pretty it's not all that hard, right? But the payoff is incredible because you have I mean, the rain
barrels hold a lot. And it's not only when it rains, I mean, when we get dew in the morning, it pours off the roof. So. So
collecting water really works. It's doesn't cost anything. I mean, you have to, I mean, lug it around, but it's good for
you. Yeah. A workout and water conservation all in one. I will say we do have resources through the sustainability web page on, you know, for people who want to go about creating their own rain barrel and have
other tips and, you know, information available through our website. The Southwest Florida Water Management District has tons of resources as well as, again, IFAs has them. So if people are wanting
to do that, certainly they don't have to wait for a workshop or. But the key is to. But we will. People want to do it. Correct. It is not a big
deal. Know that it does require people taking effort, you know, on their on their part and in their free time. Action to
create a green infrastructure plan. So this is a little bit also, this action references the city's infrastructure master plan. So as of this time, there is not a city
infrastructure master plan that I have ever been able to find. So however, this goes hand in hand with all the resilience work that I was referencing in
previous slides. So this is kind of something that will be working on as a resilience team and project in the second half of this year. This has definitely it will also come
through somewhat as far as once the sustainable development recognition program, you know, kind of evolves and is implemented this, you know, encouraging people to do green
infrastructure in as part of their developments. I did hear just today, actually of another city in Florida that said they were adopting a green infrastructure policy. So that's something else I can
look into. If they get that successfully, you know, implemented, there would be an example of doing it as an actual policy as well. So that is this one's kind of we're on
the precipice. So in conclusion, there are seven implementation actions beginning in year 2024. Three are complete. Two are in progress, two are preempted. Of
the eight actions beginning in the year 2025, two are complete, four are in progress, two are preempted. And of the eight actions beginning in this year 2026, six are in progress and
two are preempted. So I just want to say that the sustainability division is dedicated to the implementation of the sustainability plan and through the ongoing support and work of this committee, the Sustainability Advisory
Committee, as well as through collaboration with numerous departments and staff throughout the city. This work will continue to the benefit of the people of Tarpon Springs. Terrific. Alright, great. Thank
you so much, Holly. You're welcome. It's lovely. Now. It's a lot. How does the Bok get this? You just send it. So. Yes. So they would have already. They were already copied on the
email. You know, I always send the link to our agenda packet and agenda to them at the same time that I send it to you all. And so they've gotten that. But
I will also ensure that it gets to them directly so that they understand this is the intended update. And then if they have any questions, of course they can reach out and I will I will
make sure that we are getting our you know, that we're satisfying their request for information. Thank you. Holly. You're very welcome. Very important. Well done. And it
really shows, you know, how good the plan was and how it's being implemented. It is. Let me say, it is both a challenge
and a joy to realize how much work has been done and how much there is still to do. So it's, you know, it's it's all of the things. Yeah. Yes. And bravo
for being so diplomatic, being very diplomatic. Yes. I would working around the roadblocks that are presented to you at
this time. That's right. It's we all know the frustrations of this time. Yes, we know there are frustrations, but the good news is there is. Yeah, that's that's the minimal way of
saying it. But the good news is there are things that we can do. And you know, the other part that isn't shown here is that in the sustainability division, you know, you all know there are a lot of things that we do
that aren't part of the plan implementation. We've done the storm drain murals. We do, you know, events. We do, you know, lots of other things, you know, ongoing tons of stuff that just
comes up and sort of is underlying to all of this and doesn't necessarily scream, look at what I'm doing because it's not, you know, something that's physically completed, but there's, there's a whole,
there's a whole ball of wax behind this. And in addition to this. So thank you all for your support and for helping write an amazing plan. You're welcome.
It's a beautiful plan. And obviously three years of progress. It was a lot of work
to do with this. It was a great team effort and it was a great effort with. The staff. So and
it's lovely to see it being so well received. Okay. Moving on. Okay, so I see this is on the
agenda. Foundational community qualities. Okay, this, this actually came up during positivity. Because the way
positivity started out, we talked about virtues and we each meeting, we talked about different virtues that would
help to make one's life better, but also make a community better. And now we're looking very much at how to make a
strong community, namely a sustainable one. And during that, we just briefly talked about found what would be foundational community
qualities. And I just like that so much. It resonated with me. And I thought that that's exactly what the sustainability Committee is about. You know,
what are the foundational community qualities? Because if we can make sure we identify them and make sure that they
exist, then we have a really vibrant, sustainable community. So I mentioned this to Holly, and she really liked the the
sound of that. And so I thought that we maybe could have a discussion about it and see what you all thought about it. And if it was something you
wanted to. Maybe continue to talk about, because it just doesn't seem to be something that we say, oh, here they are.
But it's something that, you know, could be really discussed and maybe we could do it short time every meeting just to
flesh out what, what such qualities would be. Because we now talk about the environment, social and economic. But there
are things like respect, integrity. Following through.
That fit with maybe across the board, right? Integrity and business integrity in the way we care for the environment,
integrity in our relationships with people. So what do you all
think? You're proposing? Oh, sorry. Go ahead. No. You go. I was just going to clarify. So
you're proposing that we maybe add it as like a recurring item so we can keep the conversation going around? Yeah. In general,
or regarding Tarpon Springs? Both. Well, I think both because Tarpon Springs is specific, but there'll probably
be more overall since we Tarpon Springs, just like we don't live in isolation. And I think
maybe it would inform. How we think about all the other things. Okay. Could you give us
an example? Well, let's say respect. Respect seems to be a maybe a community quality
foundational one in terms of this thing, you know, about how we respect each other as, as
citizens of tarpon, we respect. It's not that we always respect people. There's some actions I
don't respect, but that that, you know, things that we think are qualities that a community should, should have. And then
when we make policies, maybe those qualities should be present. I mean, I, I don't
have this worked out. It's, it's an ongoing discussion and there to be foundational. And
maybe we could spend, you know, ten minutes every meeting. Well, how about having just a pride
in the wildlife that we have here in Tarpon, I think, is something that we can promote. Even if it's, you know, at
Sunset Beach. And I know we have maybe some signs, but maybe just signs educating the public on what we what they may
find and, and that we're proud of those living creatures on our beaches and maybe guiding
visitors on how to care for them and how to sustain their life. Sort of how we started
with the coyotes. How do we learn to live with the wildlife? We have a swimming pool and the
ducks think it's their pond. And the other day we had six adults and seven babies. Oh, and then the babies couldn't
get out of the pool. So my husband, we got rugs and we have steps, but they. So he made this ramp with rugs and they went d d d d d and then
they were back the next day, and as soon as he put the rugs up, they like they remembered. Oh yeah. But it was like, you
know, it's part of what we live with. Yes. And good. I hope a coyote doesn't get my pool, but
I'm gonna put a rug down for the coyote. Yeah. Hey, I have a crow. I have a crow that's giving me gifts on my deck. Because it's taking a drink
from my fountain that is there for the cardinals and the other birds. But the crows decided to come and help itself and sometimes knock over my
birdbath. They like giving gifts. They do my fountains open to anyone, intended or not.
Welcome. So okay. So pride. And of course it's Pride Month. Where individuals were proud of
ourselves for who we are and we have pride in our environment. And I want to. Yes, and I have pride in the fact that our
communities, full of people of all kinds. And I want to do what I can to make sure that
they feel safe and welcome. And you mentioned next Tuesday that we will be having a meeting here in Tarpon at the BOCBOC.
It's a proclamation that the mayor is giving about prop. Great. Well, I think that I'm going to make an effort to be
there to show their support. Because I think that we should all respect everyone in our community. And that's part of
having a sustainable city. So how about next time we think about this a little and think about. How to move on? So okay,
let's talk about items for the next agenda. So is there a way, Holly, we could have somebody or maybe you excuse me, talk
about HB 1217 in like maybe so we can know more detail about it. I've read a lot about it, but it seems very pertinent to
this committee in terms of what we have valued and put forth. And clearly our plan, parts of
the plan that we worked hard on are being not being able to be implemented. I will have to talk to the city attorney about
it, just because I don't put the attorney come to. I don't know any of that. I can ask. I'm not sure what I'm allowed. I cannot do a legal
interpretation of it. Right. So that is all I want to say is it is not up to me to legally interpret, you know, what we can and cannot do or, or say.
So it does go into effect on July 1st. So, you know, by the time we have our next meeting, it will be in effect. But I will see what we can come up
with and see how other cities are maybe handling it with their, you know, committees and constituents and things. But it's also something that just
everybody should know about and know what's possible and not possible. So because it's not just city implement, it affects all of us. So I think it's been
in the paper a lot, and it really is directed at how cities and counties use state funds. So yes, while it does affect you, they're not there's
not citizens don't need to be aware of things they can and cannot do under it. It's specifically for how governments, you know, utilize state funds. But we can also
then know what we could advocate for. Or what if we go to the city, what we're, you know, people will know know you, you can't do that. Or what
people can do for activism to make a change. So the more we can know about that, the better. And maybe some of us know some
lawyers, I don't particularly who I have worked in this area who could super new, you know, it's just it's, there's a lot
sort of yet to be determined about this. So I don't I don't want to jump the gun and again, say, I can't, I can't give the
interpretation. So I just but I will certainly look into. If there is like a hard there's not like a hard and fast reference yet for it because I, I from things I've read, there
are restrictions, but there are also ways of, of going around them. If you can show certain
things, right, if you can show that they're economically more feasible than another approach, you can do it. So it would be
good to know that, okay, so of course, foundational community qualities put on the agenda. Are there other things we want on the agenda? I'll see what I
can do for the arborist and tree planting update. And also
maybe when I do my my presentation, maybe there's a way to talk about career opportunities for arborists, because if we've hit this
roadblock where there aren't enough people and, you know, students are really worried about the effects of AI, and there's some careers that
totally won't be affected. This would be an example of one. Locksmith arborist. You know, that's a great idea. So and
that could strengthen our bond with, with the college and, and provide some information to the, to the students. So you want
that as an agenda item. That's what we're talking about. Yeah, we could do that. I mean, I was
just, I know I was just throwing it out because would you like to just keep the presentations planning on the agenda while we're planning, while you are still planning? Well, and that way it could
cover that. Yeah, that's, that's where I was going with that. Just try to I will come
with more detailed. Ideas, a brief on on, you know, things, options that we can do for that meeting and how that, how this weaves into it. Okay. So and I
think that pre-planning is so important. Absolutely. And maybe pre-planning for your, we could start, you know, because yours is going to be in
September, right? I've already done some of it. Yeah. So. Holly, do you have any
suggestions? There are some other things possibly in the works that I'm not sure where they'll stand. You know, by then if the if the Sustainable
Development Guidelines were to go to the TRC in July, which I'm not sure you know about the timing again, but I could possibly have that to bring back. So I don't. Some of it
will just be kind of looking at the flow of where other items are to see if they would be ready for the next agenda. So I'd say there are a couple of other possibilities. If we need
stuff to fill in, we can. I think we'll be able to come up with a couple of things. Can we also think about with respect to the presentations, come up
with some list for re reaching out. So we all have, you know, what are the the Facebook pages? What are the this? So let's
have that on the agenda. And so Holly, maybe you can on your part, talk about how the city can reach out. And then each of
us can think about what are ways to reach out. I know, and for all our past events, I've gone through all of my groups and just shot them out
repeatedly. So I think, yeah, if you could, if everybody can just list like, maybe we should all come with our list that we have on our exactly in our Facebook. And then we'll maybe
compare. Right. Good. Yeah. Perfect. Great. Because that, and that that's a bigger discussion about engagement
because engagement. You have to have people to engage with. And I have found that the best
thing that works, of course, is personally asking people. But so there's a lot of issues about how to get people to
participate. And so maybe we should talk about that. And that's a foundational community quality. I just added it to mine. So we'll do that. In
terms of foundational, how do you how do you get people to talk to one another? And, you know, they always say for happiness, you have to have a
social network. Well, how do we do that? So, okay, any other comments? Then let's move on to
staff comments. Holly. That's you. That's me. Staff comments. Okay, first of all, you each I put on or beside your agenda a little token of appreciation from the city clerk's office.
So back in April, the city did host an appreciation breakfast for city board and committee members. So for those who are unable to attend the clerk's office in closed or, you know,
gave it to the board liaison and asked those to be presented. So that's a little token to thank you all for your time and efforts towards the city. And since we didn't have a meeting in May, this is the first
chance that I've had to give them to you all. And 9:00, whatever that means. That was the gift that was handed out at the breakfast. So that's a thank you from the city. And
the clerk's office organized that. And then I already gave you a little bit of the rodenticide SOP update through my presentation. So just that one's under staff review. So I
will keep you posted. The Sustainable Development Recognition Program under Staff Review. The public Art Committee did meet last Wednesday, and they went
forward with, let's see the timing. They are going to open. Well, it's actually open now. It they emailed out already a a new call of artist call to artists for storm drain murals,
calling it phase two. But it's actually kind of the, it's a little bit of a continuation of the first location. So this would be three additional locations. They're asking for
the designs to be submitted by October. The date is not in my head. I just know it's sometime in October before the next public art or before that public art committee meeting. So that's exciting. And then
the those three murals would need to be painted by like, I think the end of February or something of 2027. So it's a little bit of a longer time frame, but designs that were submitted previously and not
used will be considered, as well as newly proposed designs. And again, still staying with the only rain down the drain theme that is the focus. And so
that's exciting. Continuing those locations, just those three were already approved as part of kind of the first the first group. So that's why they can just go ahead with those.
And then I'll work on kind of additional locations, which I've already done with the stormwater department. But we don't have official like city approval for that. So those three though are going to move
forward. So that's great. And then the last thing I shared was just a Keep Pinellas beautiful event that the city of Clearwater, I think they're partnering with them, but keeping us beautiful is doing a
recycling myths and misconceptions. After July 4th. It's on July 7th. So that's pretty cool. And I thought, you know, depending on what materials they present, that might be something we do, but
we are on our own. You know, we're on our track to kind of make some recycling stuff happen here. So anyway, I thought that might be interesting. That's it. Okay.
Committee comments. I have a comment. An announcement. Right. Tomorrow is Juneteenth and there's a block party in Dorsey
Park from 530 to 8. And then there's a brunch. The next day with the continental breakfast
at the Cap Center. But the block party will be fun. Music,
food, people. Any other comments? Announcements. Well, we've been talking about me
being the next chair, so I have what, your vice chair now I know, so that's what's going to happen. Well, and there has to
be a vote. I would say that what we will do for that, how does this work? So the way that that will work is probably at its last meeting. So the September meeting, that would
be an agenda item. And you all would someone would if there was a desire to make a motion at that time, someone would in fact, make a motion on that. We will put it as an agenda item,
you know, election of new chair and, and vice chair, if we have enough members, if we if we only have three members, it's a little awkward to have a chair and a vice chair. So we probably just have a chair, as
we did for a little while in the past when we all had three members. So we would make an agenda item, someone else would make that motion. If there was second, then there would be a vote. And if that is what
happened, then that would be determined at that time. And Siobhan, I hand you the gavel or the key or the key, right? So that we will I mean, someone
has to nominate you and they have to vote for you. Correct? There may be a rogue candidate. Okay. We don't know what might happen, but we will make that.
I always check in with the clerk's office whenever there's a changeover in membership to make sure that we're doing that properly. But I think that would be something we would do at the September meeting, since
it's doctor may still be the chair up to that point. So then we would, you know, be able to plan the next phase. Okay. I have a quick comment. I don't
know if I should mention it now, but the 16th and 17th, I have a schedule conflict where I cannot be here. I don't know if maybe we can make it a
different day or I'm actually has to be before, actually. Do you mean July of July? Yeah, the 16th is our meeting.
Unfortunately, I have a mandatory event I have to do for my daughter's college orientation, so. Okay, that's. Well, if everyone else just
wants to keep me, you know, apprized of their availability for the 16th with three people, you would, you would still have quorum and be able to hold the meeting. So yeah, should someone else not be available,
just let me know that and we'll, you know, take it as it comes. Okay. Any other comments? Well,
then I must say we will adjourn this meeting at 7:31 p.m. on
Thursday, June 18th, 2026.