City of Deerfield Beach MARINE ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES February 16, 2017

Transcription

1 City of Deerfield Beach MARINE ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES February 16, 2017 CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS 150 NE 2 nd Avenue The meeting was called to order on the above date by Chair Hendrickson at 6:00 p.m. The following Board Members were in attendance: Voting Mr. Nass Ms. Ramon Mr. Sinovcic Vice Chair Cisneros Chair Hendrickson Non-Voting Mr. Van Buskirk Mr. Siebert Excused Absence Mr. Wechterman Also in attendance: Jeff Siniawsky, Assistant City Attorney, Patrick Bardes, Board Liaison, Heather Montemayor, Assistant City Clerk, and members of the public. It was the consensus of the Board to approve the January 19, 2017 meeting minutes as submitted. Motion was passed unanimously. Chair Hendrickson approved the agenda as amended, moving Item A, under new business, prior to public input. There was no objection to the amended agenda. NEW BUSINESS - BROWARD COUNTY WATER CONSERVATION PRESENTATION Samantha Baker, Natural Resource Specialist, said she is the Program Manager for the Conservation Pays Program, which is part of the Broward Water Partnership; whereby, Deerfield Beach is a partner. Thereafter, Ms. Baker provided a PowerPoint presentation. Why is Water Conservation Important - Ms. Baker said water conservation is important because portable water is not an infinite resource, Broward County s economic growth equals increased water demand, saltwater intrusion causes wellfields to shutdown, additional demands often require new water treatment facilities, which increase cost to customers and the water we use impacts the Everglades. Water conservation is the most cost effective means of producing water. What is Broward County Doing - Ms. Baker stated that Broward County has year round irrigation restrictions, naturescape irrigation services, naturescape Broward and Broward Water Partnership Conservation Pays. Broward Water Partnership - Ms. Baker said Broward County has 18 different partners, to include: Broward County Water & Waterway, Coconut Creek, Cooper City, Coral Springs, Dania Beach, 1

2 NEW BUSINESS - BROWARD COUNTY WATER CONSERVATION PRESENTATION - CONTINUED Davie, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale Beach, Hillsboro Beach, Hollywood, Lauderhill, Margate, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Plantation and Sunrise/Weston. She stated that each partner manages their own rebate and incentive program. Program Goals - Ms. Baker said the goals for the program are to save water, money and the environment. These goals are achieved by offering residents rebates and incentives and creating a stronger water conservation ethic. Water Conservation Incentives - Ms. Baker explained that the incentives include, high efficiency toilet rebates. She said toilets constructed prior to 1994 use 3½ to 5 gallons per flush, whereby, the newer ones use 1.28 gallons per flush; the average person flushes the toilet five (5) times a day, which makes it the highest water use in the home. She stated that the rebates are up to $100. Further, Ms. Baker said the City of Deerfield Beach is offering free showerheads as well as bathroom and kitchen aerators to residents. Lastly, the program offers low flow pre-rinse valves for commercial kitchens, which saves up to 80 gallons of water every three (3) hours, saves energy while using less hot water and saves on utility bills. Rebate Eligibility - Ms. Baker listed the eligibility requirements, which include: pre-approval, location within the program area, building constructed before 1994 and use more than 1.6 gallons of water (gpf) per flush, new high efficiency toilet(s) must be WaterSense certified high model(s) using 1.28 gpf or less, dual flush toilets must also use 1.28 gpf or less for both flush options and must be owner or have permission from owner. Other Perks of the Program - Ms. Baker outlined other program incentives: continued water savings, contests, newsletters to learn about environmental events and new promotions. Water Conservation Month is April - Ms. Baker said every April is water conservation month. She said the rebate program has become very social; whereby, residents hear about it from either their friends or water bill. Also, for the first two (2) participating residents who tell five (5) friends in their community get $100. She asked that everyone take part in the program if eligible and to also tell their friends. Mr. Nass said with every drop of water you save that s another drop that is saved from the sewage. Ms. Baker said a case study was done on a condominium that replaced over 900 toilets. They saved over $7,000 a month on their water bill and $4,500 on their wastewater bill. In response to Mr. Nass question, Ms. Baker replied that Broward County does not get their water from Lake Okeechobee, but from the Biscayne Aquafer. Further, she does not know about the water levels at Lake Okeechobee or Century Village. Chair Hendrickson said the lakes near and around Century Village are retention areas and are sometimes used for escape routes to canals. Thereafter, discussion pursued regarding the water lake levels in Deerfield Beach. In response to Mr. Nass question, Ms. Baker replied that she would love to make a presentation at Century Village regarding water conservation. 2

3 PUBLIC COMMENTS Chair Hendrickson opened the meeting for public input. Ron Coddington, 501 NE 6 th Avenue, Deerfield Beach, outlined his background and credentials. He said the docks at Sullivan Park need to be looked at further, as they only have one (1) point of contact. He said previously, the Board discussed having an increased number of vessels by building the docks perpendicular to the seawall. Currently, the dock only has one (1) fender, which is near the end of the concrete dock. There is also a mooring piling in front that can be used on either side to tie it off on. Further, he explained the consequence of the vessel s stern if parked at that dock on the upstream side of the current, and on the other side on an outgoing tide; the vessel s stern will go underneath the dock, as there is no way to stop it. He explained that two (2) things can be done to keep this from occurring, another fender or piling could be added or cleats could be installed on the wall to tie the vessel s stern. In response to Mr. Coddington s question, Patrick Bardes, board liaison, replied that the grand opening of Sullivan Park is Saturday, February 25 th. Lastly, Mr. Coddington said ladders need to be installed at every dock. Chair Hendrickson said ladders have been added. Jim Mathie, 1307 SE 14 th Avenue, Deerfield Beach, clarified that the first four (4) hours of parking at Sullivan Park are free. Jeff Siniawsky, Assistant City Attorney, replied that everything is free. Individuals are limited to four (4) hours of parking time and have to move their vehicle once the time is up. Continuing, Mr. Mathie said it is $5 per hour, maximum four (4) hours to dock your boat at Sullivan Park. He said it is excessive and asked that the fee be waived as well or make the first two (2) hours free. He reminded the Board that the second reading of the ordinance will be heard at the next City Commission meeting. Moreover, Mr. Mathie said Dixie Divers Annual Pier Cleanup will be held Saturday, June 17 th from 9:00 a.m. to noon. He said divers and top side volunteers are needed, as Dixie Divers would like to break the underwater record for the most amount of underwater divers. Lastly, Mr. Mathie said he is working with the Chamber of Commerce to bring a Nautical Flea Market to Quiet Waters Park, which would be a fund raiser for the Chamber. In response to Mr. Nass s request, Mr. Mathie provided an update of the underwater camera, which was discussed at the previous meeting. Mr. Bardes displayed video footage of the underwater camera. NEW BUSINESS - BROWARD COUNTY MARINE SUMMIT OVERVIEW BY CHAIR HENDRICKSON Chair Hendrickson provided a brief overview of the creation of the Broward County Marine Summit. Thereafter, Chair Hendrickson provided commentary on how cities are dealing with illegal and legal anchoring; however, she was unaware of any issues in Deerfield. There was also discussion regarding climate change; whereas, other cities are working on ordinances to combat the effects of climate change and sea level rise. Lastly, there was discussion about a boater s organization, whereby, it would allow committees and boards to have a larger voice when 3

4 NEW BUSINESS - BROWARD COUNTY MARINE SUMMIT OVERVIEW BY CHAIR HENDRICKSON - CONTINUED preparing to talk to the County and State. She explained that a fee would be required to register for the organization, but participants would have the option to opt out. There will be a liaison meeting in the middle of the year and urged the members to look at the priority list and bring any questions or concerns to Mr. Bardes prior to the liaison meeting. Mr. Nass said the Town of Hillsboro Beach was concerned about the seawall. He explained that during high tides, water comes over the roadway. Chair Hendrickson advised that the Town passed an ordinance regarding the seawall. In response to Mr. Sinovcic s question, Patrick Bardes, board liaison, replied that the current record for underwater scuba divers is 182. Vice Chair Cisneros said the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) discussed their waterways program; whereby, it appears that some funding paid for signage and sign maintenance. Chair Hendrickson said FWC does an inventory of the signs. The signs require two (2) codes be placed on them; should the signs not possess the two (2) codes or if they are rundown, they are automatically replaced. Chair Hendrickson will provide the FWC contact information to Mr. Bardes. Ms. Ramon asked if the funding is for existing signage only or new waterway signage. Chair Hendrickson replied that it is for existing navigable signage, but they have an application program for new signage. Vice Chair Cisneros said BSO advised that they were looking for a new location near the water and suggested the City provide an office so the waterways could be enforced properly. Deputy Jay Dunning, BSO Marine Unit, said Deerfield Beach will be getting a full-time marine deputy by March, as Deputy Carolyn Ortega is currently being trained. He believes Pioneer Park will be used for storing the patrol vessel, but he is unsure if it is safe enough. He explained that the BSO marine patrols are divers for the County, so the vehicles carry a large amount of gear. Chair Hendrickson said the boats are currently stored at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. Deputy Dunning said he is assigned to Pompano Beach, but is in Deerfield Beach four (4) nights a week on a grant. He explained that for now, Deputy Ortega s boat will be stored at NE 14 th Street in Pompano Beach, with maintenance being done at the Executive Airport. The former Deerfield marine deputy kept his boat at the Lighthouse Yacht Club. He said the final decision will be made by the Deerfield Beach Captain, who is pushing for Pioneer Park. Chair Hendrickson said the County s boat is stored at Pioneer Park, but they do not have anything on it, i.e. dive gear, electronics, etc. Further, she explained that the City had to add the marine deputy to their budget to allocate the funding. Lastly, Chair Hendrickson said the deputy will help alleviate the current violations being made on the water. 4

5 NEW BUISNESS - NEW ALTERNATE BOARD MEMBER WELCOME Chair Hendrickson welcomed Mr. Siebert, as well as Mr. Van Buskirk to the Board. Mr. Siebert outlined his background and credentials. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS Mr. Sinovcic asked Mr. Mathie if he knew anything about the barefoot mailman. Mr. Mathie provided a brief overview of the sinking of the barefoot mailman, which was discussed at the previous meeting. In response to Mr. Sinovcic s question, Mr. Mathie replied that it is made of concrete, but there is a special sealer on it. Further, he said a gentleman volunteered his time to restore the statue, as it is 40 years old. Mr. Sinovcic said monuments made out of concrete that are sunk within in year will attract barnacles and not coral, sponges, etc. Thereafter, Mr. Sinovcic provided a brief overview of what happens to reefs when they are not sunk properly. Thereafter, discussion pursued regarding the sinking of different objects being used as reefs. Mr. Mathie explained that the barefoot mailman statue has been out in the environment for over 40 years and was completely refurbished before it was sunk. Further, Mr. Mathie said currently barnacles are not growing on the statue, but other marine life is. Mr. Coddington said Cheryl Miller, Coastal Eco-Group, did a study on a reef that was built in 1995 in the Florida Keys. He explained that Ms. Miller did research on what grows on concrete versus coral and urged all to research and review the study. Thereafter, he listed different reefs that are in the works throughout the State and the material being used on each. Chair Hendrickson said sometimes structures are put out into the ocean to only act as structures so they bring life forms closer to the shore. Mr. Sinovcic said there are around 1,200 species of barnacles and are asexual. Thereafter, he provided an overview of the creation of barnacles. In response to Chair Hendrickson s question, Mr. Sinovcic replied that barnacles harm the reefs because they displace the marine life currently there. Mr. Nass said there is an article in the Observer explaining the sand issue with the Town of Hillsboro Beach and Boca Raton; he urged all to read. Further, he stated that he applied as a volunteer for the Visitor s Center; however, he has been unable to contact Sherry Wilson, Acting Parks & Recreation Director. Patrick Bardes, board liaison, said he will reach out to Ms. Wilson. In response to Mr. Sinovcic s request, Mr. Bardes replied that he will find out what type of coating was used on the barefoot mailman statue. 5

6 BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS - CONTINUED Vice Chair Cisneros asked that Mr. Bardes resend the priority list. Further, she said Boca Bash is April 23 rd and the Board has received multiple complaints of pollution, traffic congestion, unruly people, etc. She asked that staff, as well as the Broward Marine Patrol be prepared. Mr. Bardes said he spoke with Ms. Wilson, who agreed that more police and staff presence is needed. He explained that staff is in the process of hiring a full-time park ranger for Pioneer Park; nevertheless, the BSO Marine Patrol will be in place by the event. Lastly, he said Solid Waste staff will also come out multiple times throughout the day of the event. Deputy Dunning reminded the Board that it is an all-day event; therefore, staff will have to advise when they would like the deputy present. He said Pompano Beach has three (3) deputies present on the weekends and incur the same issues during this event. He explained that it will be better, but incidents will still occur. Thereafter, discussion pursued regarding the Boca Bash. In response to Mr. Sinovcic s question, Deputy Dunning replied that during the event there is always an issue on the water. Further, due to social media the event has grown. Chair Hendrickson said the 4 th Annual Everyday Waterway Cleanup will be held on April 22 nd. The County has teamed up with Dixie Divers, Island Watersports and What s Up Paddle Boarding. Volunteers will be on kayaks and paddleboards cleaning up debris in the waterways and around Deerfield Island. Deputy Dunning said he will provide the contact information for Deputy Ortega and the Sergeant for the Marine Unit. Mr. Coddington said the Boca Bash Facebook page has 51,968 members. Thereafter, he explained some of the issues he has faced during the event. Chair Hendrickson said the dockage at Sullivan Park needs to be further investigated, as safety is everyone s main concern. Further, she said the dockage was brought to the County and the County asked for a floating dock. She explained that the City had the architects look at the seawalls and see if a parallel dock could be installed; however, there was an issue with the height of the seawall and thus, reverted to the original plan. She reminded everyone that the grand opening is on February 25 th at noon. Lastly, she again welcomed the new board members. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:07 p.m. 6