I found out some incredible stuff, so I'll share my essay
when it gets ready. Was it coming up with. Other
weather? Closer or no. There was one in. That's weird. If there.
Email, but there may be some type of fire. Or fire firewall that is found, you know, not allowing them to get through or
something. Well, if that's the case, I don't know. There's a real problem. There's a real problem because I have had two people apply. One got through
and then she couldn't get in because even though she wanted to, she lives in the unincorporated area. And there's a regulation against that in the
charter. But Loretta lives right near the high school, so. You know that they can she just walk it into the clerk's office? They
found it. Oh, they ended up finding it because she sent. Us out. And what she did with it.
Right. So Holly pursued it, and they finally located it. That's a concern. Yeah, if they're right, there's no way of. So
she's now she's resigned having them go through. And. Then
you've also got. Dynamic stuff. So. Yeah.
Hi, Siobhan. How are you? And Robert and I don't think that this clock is correct. It's
good for me. It's good. It's a little. That clock is a little. Oh, there we go. For you, it's 6:00. Okay. I'm like, clock in the media room says 6:06 p.m.
It's. And I'm calling the sustainability committee to order on Thursday, July 17th, 2025 at 6 p.m. And, Holly, can
we have a roll call? Yes. Chairperson Menino here. Siobhan here, and Carol here. Thank you.
Oh, it's just a point of order. Diane Brown did notify me ahead of time. She would not be able to be at this meeting. She has also had to resign from the
committee. So the power three. Prime number. So as far as the minutes go for May 2025. Does
anybody have any thoughts or amendments to that? No, I move to pass them. I second okay. All in favor? Hi. Hi. The only the
only thing I saw on that was urban forestry was mentioned. So I don't know whether we're calling. I know that the plan is urban forest management plan,
but throughout the minutes said urban forestry and several different places. So I don't know whether that's an issue or not because the urban forest.
Right. The story map is about the urban forestry program, essentially. So I think that that was aptly titled. Okay, that's and I will ensure that
anytime we reference the plan that we're saying the urban forest management plan. But I think because we're talking about the urban forestry story map and it is titled that. So all right. Okay. Thank you so
much. One point of information I did add that Christina was present, I think, in the version of minutes that I had sent out, I overlooked the fact that I had not recorded her attendance
under the staff. So I added Christina Cole, sustainability intern. Okay, excellent. Okay. Thank you. Okay. Moving. We don't have anybody from the public, but we continue to
invite anybody that has any interest in sustainability and the way that it is vital to the city of Tarpon Springs. Please
come and join us. And you can speak on anything that is not on the agenda, or comment on things that are on the agenda as we go
through. But moving to the next discussion item, the first one is the our final discussion and the committee endorsement of the
Urban Forest Management Plan. Thanks, Shannon. Thank you. So hello. Welcome again and thank
you for having us. I do have Mr. John Snow, our consulting arborist, and then we have miss Pat, who was instrumental in
providing help with the plan as well. Tonight we asked for talking about the urban Forestry management plan. And this is about taking care of all of the trees and all of the green
space. And as we all know, that trees are just more than just a decoration. They have quite a valuable. And this guide will keep our city green and healthy
for everyone. And that is the whole point of it. So why is a plan like this important to
Tarpon Springs? Trees are one of our city's greatest assets. They help protect our homes from storms, keep our air and water clean. They make our city a
beautiful place to live and visit. This plan helps us care for those trees smartly so they stay healthy for generations to come. It also shows other
organizations that Tarpon is serious about protecting its environment, and becomes very helpful when trying to find
proper funding and support. Why does the urban forest matter to tarpon? This plan connects with
all the big goals that the city already has, like keeping our heritage alive, managing growth wisely and protecting our environment. Together, these
goals make sure as the city grows, the tree and the spaces green space grows as well. It's about building a community where
everyone benefits from nature. So the vision that you helped created is simple. It's to create a lively, welcoming,
urban forest that reflects our city's unique history, helps manage rainwater and heat, improves air quality. We want everyone to enjoy these benefits
now and in the future. We came up with six clear goals to grow the tree canopy, involve the community, update the city
rules, and build a strong urban forestry team. Prepare for storms and track our progress. These goals will help focus on
what matters most. The plan isn't just words. There's 25 specific steps we want to complete over the next ten years. These steps will guide the work that we do. Help us
stay on track and will keep everyone up to date so you can see how we're doing. An annual state of the Urban Forestry Plan will be presented by the Municipal Arborist to track that
progress, progress and inform future actions. The city team will create be created from different departments to work this plan together. We'll also
ask for public input at key moments to make sure your voice is heard. Teamwork is essential in making our urban forest
thrive. We need to address the challenges head on. Like any city, Tarpon has some challenges with its trees. Storms can
damage them. Development can reduce the spacing for planting. Sometimes maintenance is tough. This plan helps understand these challenges and come up with a
smart ways to handle them, like tree diversity, keeping nature balanced, our trees keeping our trees healthy. We need a good
mix of different kinds, not just 1 or 2 species. This balance helps protect our forests from pests, pests, disease, changing weather. We're setting the
limits so no one, no one species can be dominant. We're going to plan with nature. We want to make sure new buildings and road works work with our trees, not
against them. Planning with green spaces in mind means healthier neighborhoods, a better quality of life for all. Keeping our trees healthy and
growing good tree care is key. Planting trees well, watering them properly and taking care of soil helps trees grow strong and live healthier. We'll
incorporate more industry best practices to keep our urban forests thriving. Cooler neighborhoods for everyone. Trees help cool our streets and
homes, making sure summer hot days are comfortable and we can lower these energy costs. This plan focuses on making sure all neighborhoods benefit from
trade. Shade trees, and green spaces. Everyone has a role in the urban forest. Taking care of trees isn't the city's job. It's everyone's. It's a community
effort. We want residents, schools, businesses and other groups to help get involved. Together, we protect and grow
our green spaces. As you know, we work together, this team and all of us in this committee. So part of the integration is to
make the 335 300 benchmark not just recommended, but adopted. The sustainability is no net zero. Canopy loss was the goal, but the journey to net zero is
not about planting more trees, but how we plant those trees. We want every home to see at least three trees from their yard, or a vantage point in their home neighborhoods, to have 35% tree
cover for everyone to live within, a short walk for 300 yards to a park or green space. This simple rule creates fair access to nature for everyone.
We'll track our progress year to year to see our urban forest grows and changes the staff to adjust the plan. As a meeting
all of our community's goals. I do want to thank the Committee for your hard work and being part of this journey. Teamwork we have shared with the needs to
be fostered in the future, just like you're doing with your other frameworks and plans already developed, we need your support. The community can learn more and share thoughts on our
Urban Forestry page at Connect Tarpon springs.com. There is a survey after they read the plan and they can provide their own input. So please anyone listening online, please go and
check it out on Tarpon springs.com on the Urban Forestry Management page. Thank you for helping us build a better urban forest. Thank you.
Comments. Questions. We have the head cheeses along here with us. I just have a question about the presentation you just gave. So
we have this. But then what you're saying is not on here, but you are doing a narrative to go with this. Is that what's going on here? I have a very
limited amount of time, possibly at the BOC and you're my practice. Okay. Because I'm looking like, where is she saying all of that? You know, it's not. So it was really good.
Thank you. Yes. Excellent. We did make some other additions to your comments. This is the long
version. It should be. There we go. This is the plan itself. The mangrove section. We did talk
about water I find it. Hold on. Bear with.
Shannon. Is it possible for us to get the updated so it will be in the. It's going to be it will be in the agenda packet for the
BOC on Tuesday or the meeting on the 22nd. And then once it's if that whatever happens, the outcome of that, I can provide you all with a copy of wherever
it stands, whether it's still in a draft format or whether it's approved, pushed through is, yes, a final document. And then I could I just didn't want to spend the paper to give you
something tonight that I would just like, you know, to it's on Tarpon Springs also. Connect tarpon. So I did add a section
on mangroves. Oh great. About showing which ones are where, how they. As we know as a, you know, having erosion and taking
the carbon out of the air, putting it in the ground and the social and economic benefits of having them, especially with our storm prone areas. That's great.
They're my best friends. I know it's so good. The mangrove section is excellent. The whole plan is that policy actions on mangroves. And this is the
working group that we did a little bit more in depth on it. And we talked about water a little bit more and the other
different areas trying to make that maybe the next step. As for a deeper dive, as you may want to call it, for the individual departments and seeing what
their needs are as well as how they can plan for the future. So and you're going to be presenting on the 22nd, it's as a consent agenda item right now.
And if it gets pulled or anything, then yes, I will be there for that. Okay. And you'll send us the final. Yes, I can send and I can also make sure I
can send it to you, you know, via our Google Drive. And make sure that you have the link to the plan on Connect Tarpon to. And then if you all desire a printed, I can also do that for
you once it's to that point. So we'll just make sure that everybody has what they need. Absolutely. Terrific. So as you saw, we had the little blank page. The goal is if you have a consensus today, and I would love to add the letter into this
document and make it a part of the final one that does actually go to the BOC. Should we pull up the letter? Yeah. That's a nice
letter. I thought it was lovely. Yeah. There we go. I thank Holly for proofing it and a number of times. And the only thing I think that I'd like to add is
second line. It says everyone from city staff to citizens. So. That's clarified. To residents.
Yeah, right. Say city staff to citizens. You read it. And are you. Yeah. I thought it was great. Okay. Yeah. Really? All I
had to do was echo everything that was so beautifully written in the plan. Because it's all true. All. Absolutely essential,
you know, in the way that we interact with trees and our environment and that's. And how many bases were covered for the
sustainability plan, really air quality. Storm control. I mean, there's just there's so much I looked at both plans side by
side, and there's so much that Interlap interface. Awesome. Okay. So I move that we accept
this letter and that we present it to Shannon to incorporate in
her presentation. I second all in favor. Wonderful plan. So much work. Oh, boy. It's been a
labor of love. Yeah. And also I would just like to say from a, you know, pier perspective, that the time and professionalism with which Shannon has done this, I am so impressed. So and
with John's, you know, guidance and Pat you know giving input the committee just it was I just thought it was lovely how it all came together. Teamwork like a
tree. Yeah. Very much like a tree. Well rooted. Yeah. And branching. Yes. Branching out to
the citizens. Yeah. Okay. Thank you, thank you. It was it was truly the most beautiful plan
I've seen ever. Well. It was so I certainly encourage and hope anybody that can go online to go
online, read it and give feedback and participate with other citizens in the in Tarpon Springs. Because it's essential
to our quality of life, absolutely essential. And the heritage to send it out to people I know here. Okay, good.
What was that line about city staff and citizens? Oh, it's just add. Are you thanking just. No, it's just the very
beginning. And she's just adding the innumerable benefits that trees provide to enhance health. Beauty and quality of life are nearly impossible to quantify.
Everyone, and at the way it says right now is from staff to citizens. I think just city staff, the citizens might read better or make more sense so
that people go, what? What staff, you know, I mean, I want them to understand that we're talking about city staff, but I'm wondering about the use of
the word citizens because not everybody you want to say residents who live here are citizens, right? They can be residents. And visitors.
Resident kind of incorporates anyone who lives in the city for any amount of time or. Right. It's we could I mean yeah, I
think residents is better. Okay. Wherever it says citizens, we will change it to residents. And everyone is okay with that. Yeah, I think so. We'll just
amend that we accept the letter with those two changes. Yes, please. John, your comments, I would say everyone from staff
and visitors. Yeah, I would too. Okay, good. Great. Because they come down on the Forth and Clyde
Craig Park as harmful and just isn't true for even First Fridays. The big events that you know draw people to Tarpon Springs that don't live here. I think that's great. Exactly. Thank you. Visitors. That would
be good. Okay. I think that's a great idea. Everybody. Even space aliens. That might be the
first time that's referenced in an official document of the. Just kidding. I like the way you think. Okay, well, that sounds
like thank you so much for all of your all of your hard work. Yeah. Absolutely. Thank you all.
Thank you. Take care. Thank you. Okay. Well, that went just swimmingly. So thank you. Yes. We are all so grateful for that.
So yes. Item number two I just wanted to give you all a little tour of we just published this week, our sustainability web
page. So really just in the last few days, I just wanted to give you a little overview of that. Now this is this is kudos to Christina. So since I started
with the city, you know, a year ago, one of my main goals, underlying goals was to, you know, prepare for the time that we when we would be able to update the city website. So that
time came and thankfully Christina was already on board and she had the right skill set. So you all had given your comments, you know, about the need to make information more
readily accessible. So we're trying to connect everything. So on the main sustainability landing page, we've created these nice little buttons. These are little, you know, widgets tiles that you can click on to
go to our sub pages. So the sustainability plan and we'll go there. You know solar energy which is really like it covers other green initiatives. We've got water conservation recycling
that's going to link to our solid waste department, solid waste and recycling department. We've got a link to, of course, the urban forestry page that's going to take us straight to Target Connect Tarpon Springs.
So a quick way to access the urban forest management plan would be to go to the sustainability web page and click on Urban Forestry. We have a whole section of environmental or as rather educational links.
Sorry about that. And resident resources and pertinent local organizations. And then over on the side we've got the link again directly to connect Tarpon Springs. And that's going to take anyone who clicks on this
to our sustainability page on Connect Tarpon Springs, which was begun, you know, when the plan was being developed, but now it kind of has housed some other information and, and updates, and that's where we
post the newsletter. We publish the newsletter there. So this is the best way to access our sustainability newsletters. And then we've got a little blurb about, you know, upcoming events, the next public event
that sustainability will be involved in is the Back to School Splash Bash and Eco Fest. And so anyway, I just think it's a really clean and nice plan, I
mean, plan page. And then down here at the bottom we have added a this is sort of our best attempt at encapsulating sort of
how the sustainability program came into being as a formalized program in the city. So it talks a little bit about the sustainable Tarpon Springs blog that Denise started and then
into, you know, how Turn the Tide came into existence, and then how that sort of fueled the creation of the Sustainability Advisory Committee and our, you
know, evolution into having a sustainability coordinator position and then creating the plan sustainable Tarpon Springs, very aptly named. So feel free
to read over this. Send me any comments. Because again, this is just I was just trying to is it live already? It is. Okay. So I went into the beginning of the
website. You know, you get to the city of Tarpon Springs, florida.us. It's the city's website. Okay. So when you go to departments we are under public services. So sustainability is
under public services. Okay. And I know that public services is not a department that every city has, but that is where we are here in Tarpon Springs. And you can also search. Right. So you
could I think the search link needs to be better though, because I tried searching it under sustainability. And there's just there there are links that come up, but it doesn't lead to this page page
under department. Under department what. So under departments you go to public services. So it's I say sustainability. So it is there are quite a few departments
listed. So I understand that. Alternatively if you click on this department's it takes you to a separate page I love I love that the bicycle in the background. Isn't it the cute.
The scrolling pictures are very, very pretty. So it's two different ways. Scrolling. If you hover, it'll pop up. If you scroll down. If you click and go
to the departments page, it will give you the list of all the departments. So it's it is where where are the pictures you're talking about. Oh, she was talking about with when I think
I was hovering they scroll. So I was just talking about when you right when they scroll. So this the ribbon picture at the top where it says Welcome to Tarpon Springs. The picture in the
background is going to be continually turning into a new picture. Right? It's a it's a slideshow essentially. So just have the city hall. Yeah. Right. So yours is right. So yours is
so because you engage with the website at a different moment than I did, you might it might have given you a different image. That's just how it's they
do on the main on the main city website. It scrolls. So once I've clicked on to my department page, it may just be static, but
like on the city's main page, it scrolls. So if I go to the home page, this picture now it's showing Sunset Beach. So in just a couple of seconds it will be a
new picture. So now it's the sponge guy to be a little faster. Scrolls but it doesn't scroll on the. So once you go
into the departments I guess it's static. But that's just it's just city hall. That's all I have, right, but I have. A
hibiscus. So see what I'm saying. When you when you load it, it might populate with a different picture from the slideshow. So it's just it's, it's a, it's a group of photos
that this is awesome though because this was one of the recommendations made. Now I don't have any pictures been made for quite some time to
update the website. So the website is really, really coming along nicely. So sustainability plan, we'll just go to. Great.
Now I have the hibiscus. Yeah. It just yeah that's what I load. So this is because we're on a sub page. So you just have to understand that hibiscus okay.
Sometimes when you go down a certain number of levels into like a sub page of a division or department, there might not be a photo. There's not one on this. So but if you click on
sustainability plan, it kind of gives an overview of the plan. And then the photo itself of the cover is a clickable link that will then take you to the document itself. So our plan is
right here, front and center, which we love with the letter adopting it or the letter referring to the to the resolution that adopted the plan
in 2023. So that's great. And then we have like a picture of our future of the region award. And then we have a little we have links to other related plans. Of course the comprehensive plan, the
strategic plan. We have a slideshow just a rolling slideshow of this was just the recent photos from the awards. If you all have any photographs
that you took during the time that the plan was being made or anything like that, feel free to send them to me because we're having a hard time finding them. And I feel like there were, you
know, obviously I wasn't here, but I know that there were workshops and there were, you know, work sessions and things of that nature are in the plan.
Yeah. But so a lot of the work that was done was during Covid. So we were meeting by zoom, zoom
for some of the meetings or meeting downstairs. We were all wearing masks. Okay. Yeah. And no, no one was thinking about documenting that. It was a different time. A different
time. Forget about, you know, this photograph and you also have it in your newsletter. I mean, one thing is in the newsletter you put names, but
yes, we don't know who those are, like the two women at the end. That's because we just didn't really have a lot of room. No clue who they are and why they're in that photo. So it
would be good. Yes, especially in the newsletter to say we just didn't really have a lot of room because the type, the font would have been very, very small. But I will do that on the website.
That's I think that to acknowledge everyone who was included in doing the plan. Well, the letter in the plan does that. I mean, to be fair, we can certainly do that again,
but that I think it's important. I mean, one of the things and this is very important in any group, especially when you're
volunteers. Volunteers don't get paid. So what is important with volunteers is acknowledgment. And I it's a real bee in my
bonnet that there's not a lot of acknowledgment for volunteers. And I do know a number of people who have resigned from committees because they're not
acknowledged for their work. Indeed, they get pushback for things. And if the city is requiring to have citizen
committees, which they do, the key of you want to show that as a volunteer, volunteers are acknowledged and praised, and
that would get more volunteers because it's like, why would I do that? Well, one one is that you're acknowledged and you're
put forth for the work that you do. I know many of us who wrote that sustainability plan and worked tirelessly. Well, I do know that you have been
acknowledged, and I apologize that you haven't been acknowledged other than in the plan. But I will tell you that that's how you got that's how the city got the award, because I did the write up and I
acknowledged the immense amount of work that was put in by the committee and also through the core staff that, you know, did that plan together so you wouldn't have gotten the award were it not for that in the write up, but you didn't see the
write up. So that's fair. Yeah. We aren't getting acknowledgment and it needs to be public acknowledgment. And for the people who actually put the plan
together, and it's not only this committee, it's all of the committees. People need to feel as though the work they do is
being valued. And you're not just there because you have to have these committees. And if you want citizen engagement,
citizens need to feel like they're getting something. I mean, there is a personal thing about wanting sustainability and
wanting to contribute to your city, your home, but it needs to be both ways, especially if you're a volunteer, because, you
know, a lot of people get resentful. And I've heard this from people on committees that they're not being paid and they're doing all this work that really a city staff person
should do. This committee is different. Our staff is remarkable and does a lot of work. Thank you. So anyway, this is a real bee in my bonnet and
being on other boards, you know, I know on other boards I've seen very powerful people resign from the boards because they're not being acknowledged for all of
the work they've done or money they've given. And that's crucial to volunteers, is there has the city ever done like a
get together for all the volunteers? I mean, we volunteer appreciation. We did the there was a resolution in April that was the volunteer appreciation month. And I believe that the
Board of commissioners, the mayor acknowledged all of the committees, you know, directly at that time, as that was on Earth Day, it was the same day
as when we were there. Yes. They only acknowledge the chairs of the department of the group. Well, they had everybody up
there and everyone invited. You know, it's not to say that the chairs don't do things, but everybody does. And a year or
two ago we had that dinner. Remember, at the Heritage Museum. But we had a dinner, but no one was introduced, you know,
it was like nobody said, oh, here's the sustainability committee. Stand up and say your name. It was like. Well, that is something a certain gift of
hospitality. I think that that's what you're, you're talking about. It's, it's and it is a real charism of hospitality where someone not completely off
topic, but I was at a situation at my store once, years ago, where we were honoring someone who had passed unexpectedly, and
everyone just sat there and no one was saying anything. And I realized that no one knew how to facilitate the situation. And
just because I had had some experience, I just jumped into the role. But it was like the store director was there and she was quiet, and the mother of the deceased person had come all the
way from England. And I thought I was thinking, oh, this is so uncomfortable that nobody is jumping into that leadership.
But it is almost as though at this, any time we have a gathering where the people that are part of the committees are
being recognized, you have to have somebody that understands the importance of facilitating and welcoming and appreciating
everything that is done. That's and that's a gift, right, to be able to do that. So they've got to figure that out within the city staff. Who is best at doing
that? Who might be that point person that actually the mayor should do it? Yes. Well, maybe. And our current mayor is really good at that too. We send a letter. Is it possible? Yeah,
maybe. Maybe that's something that just needs to be. Yeah. He's been getting his feet into
the mayor. Right. Just I know I had a meeting with him a couple months. For our in North Pinellas Advocates for racial
equity. And we met with him, me and the board chair. And, I mean, he welcomed us. He immediately we our names were on
a stand. We immediately had a photograph. I mean, and he made us coffee. He was I mean, we were like felt so welcomed. It
was wonderful, you know, and that's the way volunteers on these committees need to be treated. Yeah, I, I'm a major
volunteer at Safety Harbor Art Music Center, and they're continually. Acknowledging us. And you know and it it's just
amazing. You know you just feel you feel like it's your clubhouse. You know, it's so yeah, I, I totally, wholeheartedly agree I think this this is an excellent point.
And I do think it is great feedback. And I do think that, you know, this is there has obviously been a gap. And so when something is interacting with the other committees, you
know, in a social situation so that we can all, you know, it will really help bond us. And we have so many challenges living
in Florida right now, horrendous challenges with the weakening of FEMA. You know, we're we're not going to have have door to door
contact anymore from FEMA. They're getting rid of that numerous other things. So it's it behooves us to become a
stronger community. Yes. Interface between the citizens. You know, I was telling Carol before we started, I was really, really appreciating the fact
that, you know, we are still honoring some things that are falling by the wayside. Yes. I'm not going to say it because I
don't think this is the forum at all, but I just I think it's up to us to be community. It's up
to us to engage in positive actions and leadership wherever we go, where, where, whoever we're relating to and to encourage that and others. And
maybe that's why we're going through such a strange time, you know, is that that, you know, the depression, the Great Depression brought out some of the best behaviors in people.
Right? Right. There are trying times that bring out the very best. And we have to hold that, that there's always there's always light. Right. You know,
as long as we shine it totally. And what Siobhan said, you know, people on the other committees are people who want to engage.
Yeah. And they're so we all need to meet and bond with them because we are like minded in that regard. I mean, we could go to they have that event room.
I'm just throwing out, you know, possibilities. And also seeing that we have a new engaged mayor to have an opportunity to meet
with him more, engage with him. And at a time when and we're not going to get overly political here, but we're getting less support from the feds and the
state. Okay, all the municipalities in Florida. So it's a it is a moment of opportunity and in a moment of
need. Right. Very much. Okay. Well thank you. Noted. Comments. Yes. Thank you for eliminating this. Important. That may indeed bring more people right to the
committees if they see that there's engagement and it's not just, you know, an excellent idea because, you know, trying to get people maybe maybe we
have an event where it's all about bringing in more people for the committees, and we can meet the other people in the committees, because I, I've been
trying to get this one friend of mine to join the committee and he's, you know, he's on the fence. He's not sure. But if you're able to bring these
people to an event. Yeah, maybe the second event after we sort of work it out. Totally. We want to meet everybody else first. Right. And then what? You know,
then the next one would be let's bring in more people and encourage more people to come. Basically, the thing is, you can't invite people to be part
of something and then just drop it, right? It's got to be continually welcoming and because, you know, it's a difference. If you have a job,
you you go to your job because you may like it, but you also doing it because you're getting paid volunteers. You know, that's tough. It is. No, it's
quite a commitment above and beyond your, you know, it's you're spending your free time. So it's it is and it's not something that needs to be committee. It's all the
preparation. And you know, you spend a little extra time. So on that note, I am wondering, Christine and I are wondering if you all would like photographs of yourselves on the advisory
committee page. This is a personal you know, this is I didn't want to I don't want to assume anything. So. But we would love, you know, we can put them there. We can put a group
picture there. We can do whatever you all feel comfortable with I think. Yeah. For however long the committee has been in for each year, it
would be nice on there to list people's names. So okay, I can, I can try, I can try to go back and document that to, to the best of my ability. It is sort
of a rolling, you know, list. It doesn't honor I mean, it doesn't fit within the boundaries of year, but we can definitely do 2020, 2019. I don't know when did the committee first start?
The resolution was a 2019 resolution that established the committee. I'm not sure about the first. Yes. The first, like Denise's of the people that were
mentioned right in the table of well, in the brochure there in the beginning of the sustainability plan, there are quite well there are quite a few
people, I think, that were have been on the committee that are right in this advisory committee. Page. In the plan.
But you're right, I think that that the history. Okay. And the dates because I'm not seeing. Oh yeah. It says Doctor Paul Robinson. Previous member Judy
Nelson really important. You know, I didn't always agree with him, but he really did a lot and worked extremely hard on this
plan. And, you know, as did Robin. Robin Reeve. Yeah, I mean, she well, she's acknowledging the plan. I don't think that we would she I mean, she was incredible in the advisory committee. I mean we're
just specifically talking about the committee now. So I think it's a great idea to put the former members just to acknowledge their service and involvement. And I think that's that's great. That's why I
wanted to, you know, bring this to you all. It's here. Please send me comments. You know, this is this is an an opportunity for you to give input. So I love it.
And they see their name there. Maybe they they would help with this growing this tree so to speak. Absolutely. You know well do you know anybody who might be
interested in the committee. You know. Well, Paul, Paul lives in Maine now, some of them have moved on to different places or things. But if you know, we
never know, right? The impact of saying a thank you for the service of previous members, like you're saying, acknowledge that. So I think that's a really easy and smart way to do it. I
think for all of the committee again, yeah, I will pass that along. I don't manage any other committee, but I will around for
much longer. Yes. And when we, you know, add that to this page, I can certainly, you know, share that with any of the other staff liaisons and, you know, say our committee thought it would be
important, right, to thank the previous, you know, volunteers from years prior. And so we did that. And it's a really nice that's a really nice idea. So
hopefully it'll catch on. And where did you say the part is about the history. So that's on the main the just if you click
on the sustainability the landing page if you will, for sustainability. And again we just base this on we emailed Denise and Dory really since
they were kind of some of the early chairs and co-chairs of the committee. So this is just our attempt really at encapsulating sort of that
without getting into an actual, you know, specific timeline and, and, you know, names and where is that? So it's just on the sustainability page. The first,
it's called the landing page. So the main sustainability page below these tiles, below these buttons that you can click on at the bottom. It talks about paving the way for a sustainable
future. So just kind of talks about like the origin of the history. Yeah. The history. What brought the advisory committee
about. And Dory had the grassroots efforts that led to, to talk to me about forming a grassroots committee, Turn the tide, which is still, you know,
active. Right. Think that we could reach out to some of those members? I actually did this week, reach out to somebody who is the brother of a woman that
still involved and asked him to send her put in an application. Well, maybe you'd want to go to their meeting and talk about the
sustainability committee and invite them to apply. That would
be good. And on next Monday at the Citizens Academy, the community meeting that we could say that I thought Sam told me
his wife was okay. We I mean, I don't I am not invited as a speaker in any capacity. But if there is, if that is an opportunity that presents
itself, I would absolutely do that meetings all the time. Which me. So on Monday and I have to double check the time.
But there is this their regular community meeting. Okay. They have one each month. Citizens Alliance for progress. Right. Or well or it's the Union Academy
neighborhood. It's the neighborhood, okay. It's the neighborhood. It's that
community that puts on Juneteenth and all sorts of. And are there the people who are
discussing the move, moving of Stevens art piece to Dorset Park. But it's that the active community, it's at the Cap
center, though, so that's their, I guess, monthly meeting. That's where they meet. Yeah. Okay. Are there any more comments on the
sustainability web page? Please feel free to spend your you know, I'm not asking you to spend more of your free time, but should you desire to send any, you know, comments on just
content or, you know, there are things that we could have missed. That said, we don't want every page to be, you know, miles long, but we want to make sure we cover, you know, kind of
the intent of what obviously is in the plan. And. I just had a thought, actually economic development. So. Does every
website on this have the little guy waving at us spongy. That's spongy. He is the, you know, assistant. The chat. Yes. And you can search or ask him to
help you find something. He should pop up on every page when you are on the website. So it is cute and you can ask him a question. And if he does not give you the correct
information, you can let him know that he did not give you what you were looking for and that you need better information so it trained. You know it gets trained over time essentially.
So that's a that's a feature of having a having an AI little helper there. So. Well thank you again for just making it a priority to support, you know,
improvements like this in the city. I think that the website updates are super. They're just really helpful. And to just add another kudo to Christina, she
also we did a collaborative effort and I just kind of said to other departments, you know, if somebody needed help and didn't have the capacity that Christina could help them. And so she actually worked on the
solid waste and recycling the yard waste, getting all their information put together in a really nice visual way. So she's just been an incredible resource. And I think that the
city is just really lucky to have people, you know, staff, even interns that are that care, that are dedicated to, you know, making making things better. So
kudos to her for that. And kind of I guess we are good to go into our next topic, if that's okay with you. Denise. Scheduling, scheduling. So
because we, we were alluding a little bit to our committee membership, you know, challenges and limitations. So I just kind of wanted to take everyone's pulse and take a poll on
availability, you know, for the next let's just say two meetings, because we do have September being possibly depending on, you know, we don't know about extending anyone's
term, but that would possibly that would, you know, according to what we know, that would be Denise's last meeting. Doctor McKay is considering, you know, the her future and we have two
more. How much more do I have? One year more. I think one year would be the time that you have left. According to the document that the assistant city clerk
keeps all of the dates on. But so. And approved by the commission? Yes, because your
term is up on the 30th of 2025 of September. Yes. The we would have to. That's correct. Yes. Because your term is September
30th of 2025. So we would need to if you choose to do another year, which again you have the prerogative, right. It would be a one year extension because then that would take you to the
six year limit. So okay please just you know, let me know what you just because that does just have if it's a board item, I mean it would have to be a board item, in which case we would
just need enough notice to then put it on one of the September meetings so that it's done before the end of the month. And so that really is, you know, the
meat of it is it's just you three. And so for August and September, if anyone knows that they cannot, you know, be here. I just August 20th 1st August is
the 21st and September 18th in September. I wasn't going to be able to be here on the 18th, but I think I can now. And there is
the possibility, since we do have an active applicant, there is a possibility that we could have that. I don't know if it's
possible by August that she might be able to join us. I really don't know. But I'm going to make sure that process continues rolling. So we will, you know, have hopefully a new
member by the August or September at the absolute latest meeting. So no one has any known conflicts at this time. Okay.
And of course it is a consideration going forward. Just if, you know, our membership continues to be a small number, we don't know. We don't know what the future holds. But, you know, there are
other committees that did decide to meet at different intervals rather than monthly. If it becomes too burdensome for the members, that's just something you all can consider, right? So I just want you to know you have that as an option in the you
know, it's just a reserve option. I'm certainly not I wouldn't sway anyone any way. It my job is to be here every month for this meeting. So I will be here regardless. But if you ever
want to consider that, you certainly could bring that as, you know, a discussion topic. So. Okay. Okay, we have items
for the next meeting's agenda. And I think that at that point you may be ready to share the climate. Yes. So I should we
should be, we should I should be able to get you all a draft. You know, at the time that the agenda goes out, the agenda packet of the Energy and Climate
Action Plan. So that will be our presentation for the next agenda. And then doctor McKee, you invited. Your contacts.
Okay. And I think okay. And we'll see them on Monday. Correct. So we'll confirm if we're going to have, you know, any other organizations come to
that meeting. If so would put them, you know, I would give them obviously the floor to be first. Exactly. And then our presentation, my presentation would be could be after that.
And if they were interested in staying, they could if they wanted to leave, they could also do that. So and I think really with those two things, that's probably enough. Unless there's
something small that, you know, we just needed to discuss. But like if we do have a new member, you know, doing an introduction right would be probably the only
other thing we would need to fit in. The energy and climate action. Is probably extensive.
Yes. Okay. All right. Just my staff comments. I just included, you know, materials in the agenda just so you all had them for reference, just so you could see kind of some of the
programmatic things that we have been doing. Obviously, you saw Doctor Mickey, you alluded to the fact that you had seen the newsletter. So that's great. And so it's the goal to do one, you
know, quarterly or, or if not if we ever, you know, space it out, it would be like three a year. But I think we'll definitely do another one in the fall. So I thought it had some good. And we
are still, even though the drought information is slightly out of date, we are still even though we've had all that rain in a abnormally dry condition. So it's just something to for
everyone to stay mindful of. And then of course, our watering restrictions. We are going to continue doing a series on water conservation. So we created a
bill in the utility that everyone should receive in their utility bills throughout a cycle. So I guess the utility bills get printed like in five printings for each cycle. So you
may not have gotten yours yet. That has this, but everyone in the city should get a water conservation flier. And so we're going to kind of do good okay. So we're going to do a series,
you know, just to draw attention to it. It's also something that I think we are really actually, you know, required to do through various, you know, permits. And
our just the, the oversight with the water management district everything. So we are trying to do more just awareness. Right. So we might do the next one might be more of like water
myths, like busting common water myths. Right. Like Florida is a wet state. So why do we need to water about worry about our water usage. So, you know, just things like that. So if anybody
has any ideas for other water conservation. You know, points. But this is a big one for the city because, you know, we just don't have an endless water supply. And of course, the
reverse osmosis process is a very energy intensive process. So when people are using fresh water, they need to keep in mind that it's using a lot of resources to get to that point.
So people ask us at all because they know they might find on the computer how is the wastewater being utilized. So the
wastewater, about 80% of our wastewater in the city is turned into reclaimed water, and a lot of that is reclaimed, correct, for golf courses. That's right.
So there is a tank at the golf course that is for the reclaimed water that is utilized for the irrigation there. And then we have two reclaimed tanks, of course, at the wastewater treatment plant that then
service the other irrigation lines in the city that are reclaimed irrigation. But unfortunately, our reclaimed irrigation lines, you know, they don't cover the whole city. We can't quite cover the whole
city. It's just it's such a costly, you know, endeavor to put all that into place. And since we do have an 80% use rate, that's actually really great. And it's. Yeah. So I
think, you know, there's kind of the way that it's working right now has been very consistent and very smooth. And the in the newsletter we did a whole, you know, highlight on the
wastewater treatment plant and our wastewater treatment plant processes are it's an impressive facility honestly especially it's not the most modern but the staff the way that they've kept
it up to date and have added new technology. It's impressive. They really do a great job there. So the city is super, super lucky that that facility is just as you know, well
maintained and cared for as it is in our reclaimed use rate again, is just it's phenomenal. So you have reclaimed water at your house? No, I don't either.
Yeah you do. You know who has it. Yeah. There. We have a tank for rainwater. Yeah. We have rain barrels. Yeah. Or cisterns or rain barrels. Yeah. Rain
barrels. We use that a lot. The best in the sense that it's all nitrogen enriched by the lightning and everything. And we have a we have a. Well, yeah.
That's good. So just keeping our little awareness about that. And I think that was the. Oh okay. Pay for reclaim don't they. Yes. No it does. Yes of course it it
costs. It is not it is not free. I will not speak on the, the cost or the billing aspect of it because I am not super knowledgeable about that. But yes, it is. And the watering
restrictions are slightly different. If you are watering with reclaimed versus fresh water. So yes. So for more information, obviously the city's website, we have all of
the restrictions listed very thoroughly there, but that was just a little highlight. And then the next update is our Storm Drain mural program. So I did discuss that last Wednesday
the ninth with the public art committee. They were very supportive. They were very interested. It was a lovely exchange. They were wonderful and supported. You know, they
did vote to move the program forward. And they said that they would support it financially as far as paying for supplies or, or materials stipend of some kind. So really, really great.
They do not meet again until October. So I think that they sort of designated one of their members as a liaison. And we could discuss, you know, with the staff that will be involved,
kind of some of the details between now and then and then I think at the October meeting, they would, you know, kind of finalize things. So it's not it's not going to be something
that that is going to be Martha Hickey. Okay. I believe that's her. And so they were. Yeah, they were they were wonderful
and very receptive. So great little partnership developing with sustainability and public art and staff. And it was yeah so very exciting overall. So
thank you all for you know sending that to them. And thank you to them for pushing it forward. Great great all around.
And then one other just thing to highlight is that at Tuesday's Board of Commissioners meeting, I will be presenting about the Solar and Energy Loan Fund,
which I've talked about a little bit before, and that is our that's Florida's first green bank. They do the alternative lending specifically aimed at low and moderate income
residents, homeowners, landlords, and for a lot of resiliency based home improvements as well as, you know, they have special lending
programs for veterans for. You know, disabled persons, for female head of household. Again, low and moderate income people who have low or not great credit
scores. So really just wanting to ask the Board of Commissioners to support the mission of self to the benefit of our city residents, and just asking that they allow self to
put our city seal on their website as a, you know, kind of as one of the cities or counties that is, you know, in support of their mission and just to draw attention to the services, the products that they offer, rather
so that our, you know, the residents of the city know that it exists. Right? They can apply directly to self. It's not going to require any additional, you
know, staff time or resources to just try to illuminate this as a great resource that's out in the world so that people can upgrade their living conditions. You know, they have a special going
on right now, I think, for air conditioning loans. So for people who might, you know, have had their air conditioner go out in the heat of the summer and they might not be able to afford
to fix it, they can apply to self for a loan. So the interest rate is so their interest rates are typically under 10%. I can't speak to exactly what it would
be for any particular product or applicant, but they do. Typically I think they're somewhere in the like 5 to 10% range. So it's lower than a
traditional bank and they do not again, check credit. They require an applicant to show that they can pay so they approve a loan based on an
applicant's ability to pay. And of course, they have to. If they would be a homeowner, they would have to be in good standing on their property taxes, all of those things. So they do have, you know, there are
requirements, but they have a very smooth process and they have a very low default percent. So really, it's just a great resource, again, to share out in
the city so that people know that if they fall upon hard times, that there might be an alternative, you know, source of funding to help them fix
something at their house. And this is only for new solar. So it's not even specifically for solar, it's for general home
improvements. They give loans for roofs. They give loans for windows, doors, air conditioning. They do energy efficiency specific loans. So solar can be part of that. Lighting can be part of that.
Weatherization can be part of that. So lots of things to help reduce the cost, the operating costs for a homeowner or for a landlord, so suppose someone
already has solar, has a loan out, will they refine refinance? I do not I do not know that they do any refinancing. I would have to find out about that. I'm
pretty sure it's just for a first time project, but I don't know that for a fact. But I could definitely find out. That's a good question that could be helpful for people. So
this is just one of those sustainability things that I feel like is part of the social, you know, aspect of sustainability, as well as the economic really reaching out and making sure that, you know, our
residents have resources that they might not have been aware of before. So just kind of formalizing that and, and, and really broadcasting it and
trying to encourage other departments to share it, you know, and yeah. And then the last update, which I don't think made it on the agenda, is that
we also initiated some energy audits with Duke Energy. So they do this as a free service for their business customers essentially. And we are a large
customer for Duke Energy. And they are going to be coming into our buildings. So we started here at City Hall yesterday and looking at things like lighting, you know, again, kind of like we
were just talking about with the cell phones building envelope, where, where we're using our energy the most that we could possibly make a change and save,
obviously save electricity, save resources, save money, all those things. So they're going to be doing a few buildings kind of each week and just putting together a packet for us that
lists, you know, here are some changes that you can make. And here are the expected savings. And so that's just been something that I've wanted to include in our sustainability program. Just looking at ways
the city can, you know, save money, save again our our precious resources. Let's let's not use more electricity than we than we really need to. So,
yeah. Awesome. Thank you. Absolutely. Is there an update at all on the light? The amber lights, the. Oh yes, I apologize, I thought I had I
thought I had closed that loop with y'all. We did initiate a new contract with Duke Energy for the amber sea turtle lighting as well. So that has gone through, and I don't know
about the timing of as far as when they're going to change out the fixtures, but I can find out. So that was initiated completed. But then yeah, maybe
maybe actually. Right. Maybe that was right after oh, we didn't have a meeting in June. That's why I didn't update you on it. So I'm sorry about that. Yes. So city manager approved it. Finance. We talked to the
city attorney looked at it, went through all the proper channels. So it's a small, you know, small cost more than what we were previously paying. But for the,
you know, aspect of it being that environmentally friendly initiative and directed by one of our commissioners. So I think that that was a win. Great. Yeah. Awesome. Yeah. So Sunset
Beach, I think there were either 16 or 17 fixtures. And interestingly on Fred Howard Beach, they don't have there aren't lights there. So I thought that was interesting
because I was trying to compare and ask the county if they had made that change, but they don't. There aren't any fixtures to change there. So that was an interesting thing to learn along
the way. But anyway, so it's been a busy couple of months. Terrible comments. Well, the I
just want to say that this meeting, the BOC meeting, that's this coming Tuesday, Shannon's going to be presenting. I don't know where it's going to be when
they say it's on the it's right. Yes. Like doctor said, that is usually one of the first. So I will be doing the resolution for self which usually they do resolutions at the very beginning and then they go into
the consent agenda typically. And then. So you're presenting on the South. Yes. Okay. So that should be early as well. That should be at the beginning. If you if you're able to be there
be nice to support the. Sustainability slash urban forest management plan. Yes. What has transpired with the
urban forest management plan. The global UN's global risk report has just been published and it's worth reading if you
haven't. And I sent Holly has done the Google Drive. Google drive. I'm not sure how to access it. Okay, I can give you
a little, which I would love to see, but there's going to be a place where articles and videos and things could be shared without always having to request
that they be sent to all of the committee members. And that's on Google Drive. I'm not super savvy with that yet. But I did
send her something on significant concern that just has. It was just published in an article on July 1st of this
month that a major reversal on sea in ocean circulation has been detected in the Southern Ocean for the first time, with key climate implications. And
what's happening is that the saltier, heavier water that really sequesters a lot of carbon is rising to the surface.
They've lost as much ice. They're in calving and melting. That equals the entire area of Greenland. And that's been
happening gradually. But they always thought scientists always thought that this would mean that the freshwater was going to be rebuilding ice on the top.
But you know, these this is completely unexpected, unanticipated. And it's really interesting and worth reading how this might affect global
temperature and how the reversal it's called sea mark. It's trying to remember what that actually stands for. But the
reversal of the of the current there will eventually affect probably Amoc, which is the Atlantic currents. And there
we're kind of in uncharted territory for the first time in. And the Gulf Stream. Yes. Absolute first time in recorded history. I mean, it may have
happened on the Earth at some point, at some, you know, in some epoch, but this is the first time that humans have recorded this experience, and no
one knows at this point how this will affect. There's a lot of stuff like that happening, and way more quickly than they
expected. Yes. Okay, so I'm on this sustainability and then it says zip extractor or what. So
let's see. Please share with me okay. So when you click on that it doesn't let you open it. There we go. You just double tap double tap okay. There's a folder. And then when you double
click to go into it you will see that I, I created a document that says shared links for committee members interests. So in the interest of obviously not that. So you would just same
double click it. So again in the interest of oh I didn't give permission. Well I'll do that. I thought that if I well where's the thing that Denise was
talking about. So it's on that, it's on this document. So I didn't know how to. Yeah. But I just have women. Right. So I think it says because you're signed in as it's a different email. So if you go into your
other if you sign in as your other account, you will have permission to view. So the Google doc is a place where we can drop link and share. But
obviously you're not commenting because that would not be like that would be communicating. Right. So but it's just the act of sharing. Are sharing things
that you feel are are vital to kind of having more of a global background of what's going on. Sure. I mean, you're just the sustainability related, you
know, things of interest that you all feel are pertinent to, you know, just being aware of that could influence things that we might discuss here. I don't
yeah, I mean, obviously like local Florida, you know, environmental concerns, things of that nature with me, you know, city if there was
something in city news that, you know, you thought that someone might not have and you can always just send it to me and I can put it in there as well. So.
Okay. You sure? Why? Why am I? Not getting this kind of weird? Because you're in the folder, so I don't know why. Well, let me
see if I'm. If I'm me now. Oh, yeah. Yeah. I'm in. I'm me now. Okay. No, this is. Oh yes. That one. Yes. Okay. So now. Okay. So
now it should open. There we go. So okay. So shared links for committee members interest slash free time reading. And I just started listing ones that you had people had sent in the past.
So I just put them all in there. And then I started looking at other things that we talked about in meetings. So I added those just kind of wanted to create like we talked about a little library. I can update the
version of the urban forest management plan that's in there to make sure everyone you know has direct access to that. So just a place to keep updated information. That's excellent.
Thank you. You're welcome. So any comments? Nope. You don't have comments. We can the roundup situation. Oh yes I mean it's still out there. So we do
the I don't know if you saw in the last board of commissioners meeting, but the city has ratified a new public works director who will be starting soon. So I think once that
director is in that position for a little bit of time, that might be something that we can start to address or just, you know, there really just was not a way
to do that without someone in that position. So we will see how we can, you know, look at that. That's definitely a thing I'm willing to cross over and
try to get as much information about as we can and just, you know, see what their policies, their procedures are and kind of go from there. Yeah, I would
definitely prioritize it. Yeah. Okay. Well, I move that we adjourn and all in favor. Thank
you very much for adjourning at 716. Good meeting. Thank you all for your time. And. Efficiency
is always good when we can do that. Would you all want me to take your photo tonight, or would you want me or would you
want to send me a preferred photo of yourself?