HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 04-29-2010
ST. LUCIE COUNTY BLUEWAY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Environmental Resources Conference Room
2300 Virginia Ave., Ft. Pierce
1:30 P.M. Thursday April 29, 2010
MINUTES
Members in attendance:
Commissioner Charles Grande, Jane Brooks, Camille Yates,Jim
David, Guy Medor, Steve Fousek, Pat Pacitti.
Members not in attendance
: Kay Nichols, Bobbie Billie.
Guests in attendance:
Amy Mott, Heather Lueke, John Tucker, Paul Bertram
Introductions
Election of Officers
- Pat was nominated as Chairperson, and Comm. Grande as Vice-chair
Item 1: Approved April 29, 2010 Agenda
Item 2: Public Comments
– none
Item 3: Government in the Sunshine Law –
The attorney’s office summarized the law and
Steve handed out a pamphlet. The members signed an acknowledgement form. Comm. Grande
inquired about the voting procedures for the staff serving on the committee. Steve advised that
he will abstain from any voting. Jane will be serving as the North Beach representative, while Pat
as the South Beach representative. We will be seeking a member of the Conservation Alliance to
serve on the Committee, as well as someone from the Seminole Tribe.
Item 4: Management Plan (Updates)
(Discussed the state statutes and procedure of the Blueway Advisory Committee, public
hearings, and Division of State Lands regarding final approval of management plans)
?
Surfside Park – (Ten year update to the management plan). Paul was available to answer
any questions about the project. The City is currently in the midst of replacing and
improving the facility. The Committee approved the updated site plan. Staff will forward
the draft management plan to the committee once completed.
?
South Ocean Beach Boardwalk (aka South Beach Park) – (new management plan). The
City completed renovations to the structures, and are not planning any new improvements
for the next 10 years. The Committee suggested controlling access where residents are
utilizing the lifeguard/emergency access north of the pavilion. Continued use of the trail
over the dune will increase erosion, causing a breach in the dune during hurricanes.
Suggested a gate, signage, mat, shell, or geotextile material. Also suggested to look at
ADA regarding access to the beach. The Committee approved the use. Staff will forward
the draft management plan to the committee once completed.
?
John Brooks Park – (Ten year update to the management plan). Jim discussed Reef Ball
research, and the possible use off shore of the site. Research in the Cayman Islands
showed an increase in dune. No new improvements are proposed for the site.
Management Needs: Managing access to the dune around the dune crossover. The
Committee approved the use. Staff will forward the draft management plan to the
committee once completed.
?
Pepper Park – (Ten year update to the management plan). An addition to the SEAL
museum and grounds around the museum are proposed with an expansion of 8,000 square
feet. Guy will be replacing the playground at the northeast corner of the site.
Management needs: Exotic removal and managing the access to the lifeguard/emergency
access. Jim recommended that to save money, that some of the fishing/crabbing piers not
be repaired when it is necessary. Steve will check the conditions of the grant that paid for
the piers/docks. The Committee approved the use. Staff will forward the draft
management plan to the committee once completed.
?
Coon Island – (Ten year update to the management plan). Discussed the past use of the
site, cost of managing it, and public use. Discussed the last public hearing regarding the
previous management plan. Management needs include exotic removal. Camille
recommended that we abandon the lease. Motion was seconded. Jim suggested
volunteers eradicate the site with assistance of grants. Voted: 4 yes, 2 no. Motion
passed. Staff will agenda the item for Board of County Commission approval.
Item 5: Management Plan (New)
?
Harbor Branch Preserve
– (new management plan). Staff discussed the Florida
Communities Trust (FCT)/Division of State Lands (DSL)/FAU/HBOI acquisition, its
access easements and the complexity of public use. The management plan is unique
because it combines FCT requirements as well as DSL’s. FCT requires specific
recreational amenities to compete for the grant funds. Discussed the potential parking lot
locations, and the problems with each one. Camille discussed the safety issues of crossing
U. S. 1 to the lake. Comm. Grande suggested that we use the Discovery Centers parking
lot to minimize to potential of crossing U. S. 1. Staff will talk to Harbor Branch to see if
that is a possibility. The Committee suggested that we visit the site before we approve the
draft site plan. Comm. Grande advised to coordinate the meeting date and time with his
assistant. We will try to meet within 2 weeks for the site visit.
Item 6: Other Business
– none
Adjourn