HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 15, 2011 Draft Meeting MinutesDRAFT
St. Lucie County Sustainability Advisory Committee
September 15, 2011 Meeting Minutes
Present: Chairman Eric Winterstein, SLC Commissioner Tod Mowery, Marty Laven, Doug Coward, Donna Rhoden,
Bob Cenk, Ryan Strickland
Staff and Guests: Sandra Bogan (ERD), Karen Smith (ERD)
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The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 1:30 pm
MOTION TO APPROVE minutes from the August 18, 2011 meeting made by Bob Cenk and seconded by Tod
Mowery, passed unanimously.
The committee talked about implementing water conservation strategies within the County. It was noted that the best
approach would be for public facilities to implement these strategies first, and then introduce policies /ordinances /
incentives for new development. Duplication of effort should be avoided (e.g.: SFWMD jurisdictional policies).
Marty Laven brought up that the group looking at apost-disaster plan will be dealing with water as well. These public
meetings could be an opportunity for SAC to give input.
The group discussed that a lot of water is lost through run-off, instead of capturing it and using it wisely. A discussion
ensued that grey water requires a separate set of pipes leading into and out ofhomes/ developments; and that the
only grey water being used in the County is on North Hutchinson and in St. Lucie West. Donna Rhoden pointed out
that you need enough re-use to balance demand and that St. Lucie West doesn't have it, it doesn't add up.
Bob Cenk talked about creating sustainable communities models. County (and city) staff should be educated on
alternative water and water conservation tools for homes and communities.
The group thought that we should reach out to other communities that have grey water in place and/or other water
conservation initiatives and see if we can learn from them.
A demonstration area would be a good first step for the County. If the County had a plan, it could potentially find
grants, such as the WMD S.I.P grant. There is also another green infrastructure bill on the horizon that could be
targeted for such a project.
The committee asked Ms. Bogan to look into having experts talk to the group about strategies that can be
implemented to conserve water, enhance water quality and manage stormwater more effectively. The committee is
also interested in communities that have successfully implemented these strategies and how they overcame some of
the obstacles and challenges inherent in this effort.
MOTION TO ADJOURN made by Tod Mowery, seconded by Bob Cenk, passed unanimously. Meeting ended at
3:00.