HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-12-2021 Fairhope Environmental Advisory Board Meeting MinutesFEAB MEETING MINUTES
February 12 th , 2021
3:00 p.m .
Fairhope Civic Center Delchamps Room, Fairhope, AL
Member Attendees : Gary Gover, Ji m Horner, Mike Shelton , Nigel Temple, M ichelle
Melton
M embers not in attendan ce: Jea n ine Norma nd (warranted absence); A my Paulson
(warranted absence); Ben Frater (warranted absence)
City of Fairhope : Kim Burmeiste r, Ch r ist in a LeJeune -Plan nin g a nd Zoni ng Departmen t ;
City Council : Core y M artin {3 :55 p .m .)
Honored Guests : Je n nifer Foutch; Danie l Ga lb raith , South A labama La nd Trust
M in utes taken by Kim Burmeister
Gary ca ll ed t he m ee t ing to orde r at 3 :05 p .m .
FEAB MINUTES :
January minutes were amended per Amy's comments se nt v ia emai l. Minutes and
amendme nts a pproved .
DISCUSSION OF ITEMS :
Introductions :
Daniel w as introdu ced . He works for So ut h Al abama Land Tr ust, pre v io usly Weeks Bay
Foundation .
FEAB Attendance/ membership:
1. Ga ry : Pe r Li sa Hank s the re is a req uirement to ha ve FEA B me mb ers r eapp o i nted
eve ry four y ears . These members are overdue for renewa l/r eappointment : Gary
Gover, M i ke Shelton , To ny Pritchett and Jean i ne No r mand . Tony ha s resig ned via
email and failure to appear for 3 meetings, unexc used . Gary o pened a motio n to
r e n ew Go ver, Shelton a nd No r m and . M ichelle sec ond ed t he motion. Unan imou sly
approved
2 . Since Tony Pr itchett has resigned , t hi s leaves FEA B membership at e ight, with one
vacancy.
3 . Ga ry ma d e a motion to accept Je nnifer Foutch's FEA B membership appoi ntm e nt .
M ichelle seconded the mot ion . U na ni mou sly approved .
4. MOTIONS APPROVED :
FEAB February 2021
a. Renew 4-year appointment for Gover, Shelton and Normand
b. Accept Jennifer Foutch as new member to FEAB
2021 EAB Priorities and Membership Bias:
Gary discussed Amy's draft document below. He said the Mayor has been making rounds
at different committee meetings and is expected to attend FEAB soon. He feels FEAB
needs to streamline a presentation to the Mayor on FEABs missions, priorities and an
introduction to board members . Amy has prepared a draft for FEAB to review .
Jim had these comments :
1. The document is a little overwhelming and suggested it be trimmed down and
divided into a format w ith small tasks .
2. FEAB should ask the council for a suggested priority list. (Mike agreed)
3. Staff positions should be added under "Mainta in Connection" pg. 4 .
Gary thinks FEAB would have better luck initially addressing management-level sta ff in
the future versu s first addressing Council. Currently FEAB first addresses Council liaison.
FEAB needs more engagement with department heads . He envisions this working like
how the City Planning Commission interacts with the Planning Department before going
to Council.
Nigel asked where the priorities list items referenced in Amy draft were from? Gary said
Amy pulled most of the information from past FEAB minutes .
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FEAB February 2021
Page \3
f AIRB OPI! ENVIRONll£NTAL AD\lSORY BOAJU>
POC AAIY PAULS0:'1"
FDIRUARY 7,2-021
DRAFT-WORKING COPY
IEMORANDUM
FROM THE CITY OF FAIRHOPE E NVIRO~-ME NTAL ADVISORY BOARD
2021 ORGANIZATIO N AND PRIORITIES
An organization's mission describes 1he overall purpose of 1he organization. Conversely. the vision
statement pertrins to where the company or organization hopes they will be going in the future if they can
fulfill their mission
• Mission stltements define the organization's purpose and primary objectives . These statements
are set in the present tense , and they explain why you exist as a business, both to members of the
organization and to people outside it. :\fasion statements tend to be short. clear and powerful.
• Vision statements also define your organization's purpose , but they focus on its goals and
aspirat ions . These statements are designed to be uplifting and inspiring . They're also timeless :
even if the organization changes its strategy . the vision will often stay the same .
1\'fusion : (CURRENT) to pro,·ide policy ad,-ice to the City Council, :M.ayor, and City departments
regarding environmental matters that concern the City of Fairhope .
Vision : to serve as a trusted, scientillc resource providing a local em·ironmental perspective to policy
decisions to ensure em·ironmental matters are given full consideration in the City 's decision making
processes . We strive to positively affect the quality of life for all residents , their connection to our local
ecosystems , and the resilience and sustainment of Fairhope as a small to\vn, but world-class , city.
Role: the FEAB is dedicated to increasing awareness of environmental issues . offering recommendations
to City administrators , and providing state-of-the science consultation in the implementation of
sustainable solutions .
The Environmental Advisory Board may review and make recommendations to th .e City Council and
Mayor on environmental policy issues as follows :
(1 ) Proposed ordinances and codes of an environmental nature.
(2 ) Proposed changes to existing em ·ironmental ordinances and codes.
(3) Other environmental matters affect.ing the City as referred to the Board by the City Council ,
Mayor, or City Office (and residents ?).
(4) Other environmental matters affecting the City that are initiated by the Board.
Regular Meeting Timing/Location: 3-4pm on the second Friday of each month /~ Room,
City Building, Section S~eet
City Liaisons: City ofFairhope, Councilmember, Corey :M.artin
City of Fairhope , Community De\·elopment, Jessica. Walker
City ofFairhope, Planning and Zoning Department , Kim Bwmeister
City off airhope, Planning and Zoning Department , Christina LeJeune
ff.AB Org;m,zanon, 2021
DIUFT. 21a1011
Page I
FEA B Fe bru ary 202 1
Member Information (FEAB Member bios requested):
• Gary Gover, Board President, MS Business Administration, MS Public Administratio n, BS
B iological Science.
Electronics technician instructor and supervisory computer systems analyst. Leads Mobile Bay Earth
Day and partic ipates in the City Bike and Pedestrian Committee, [and others?]. Lived in Fairhope 24
years and FEAB since 2006.
• Ben Frat.er, MS, Fish and Wildlife Biology
He moved he.re from Panama City, Florida 10 years ago to raise a family and work on Deepwater
Horizon related restoration projects through the !,!.S,fim,and Wildlife Service's Gulf Restoration
Offic.e . He currently serves as the Chief of Planning and Compliance for the Department of the
Interior on activities throughout the Gulf related to the RESTORE Act, NRDA, and Gulf
Environmental Benefit Fund. Earlier in his Fish and Wildlife Service career, Ben worked with city
and county planners to permit mitigation banks and habitat conservation preserves for endangered
species in California and Florida. Ben has also worked many years in fisheries management. and as a
Forest Planner for the .S Forest Service. His love for his community and interest in outdoor
recreation, compromise, urban conservation. and green space drew him to v olunteer for FEAB. He
lives with his wife and three daughters within walking distance to many gullies and the Fly
Creek/Dyas property, and is eager to see them properly celebrated as a lure to citizens and visitors to
Fairhope. FEAB since 2 01 7
• l\'like Shelton, }.;JS Biolo gy I BS B iology
is the Training ,Watershed Program Coordinator at Weeks Bay Reserve in Lands Division of the
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and a component of the ational
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Estuarine Research Reserve System. He has worked in
emironmental science. research, and compliance for ov er 30 y ears. Since coming in Weeks Bay
Reserve in 2001, Mike has collaborated with agencies, decision-makers, and area residents to
achieve better use of the natural resources of coastal Alabama. Duties include professional training,
water quality monitoring and research, and assisting watershed stakeholders with on-the-ground
pollution prevention and restoration projects.
i'.\1ike has been a resident of Fairhope for over 26 years and has served the City as a member and
chainnan of the Environmental Advisory Board. Wendy . spouse, and Mike raised the,ir two sons,
James and Charles, in Fairhope. Mike earned a master's degree in Biology at Emory University and
undergraduate degree at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia. Prior to Weeks Bay Reserve, Mike
managed the applications and environmental testing laboratory for an engineering firm in Charlotte,
North Carolina. He worked with both the regulators and the regulated communities on stormwater,
drinking water, and wastewater treatment issues.
• Amy Paulson. }.;JS Conservation and Susta inable D evelopment I BS Ecology
25 years in enYironmental planning, including project analysis under the National Environmental
Policy Act; sustainability, resiliency. and watershed plans; pollution prevention and environmental
c ompliance; military installation master planning; renewable energy systems; and conflict
negotiation and facilitation. W orked special environmental projects for EPA; the May or of Denv er,
CO; and various federal, state, local, and international agencies. FEAB since 2 019.
• i'.\-lic be ll e l\.lelton
FEABOr~2021
DR4FT.1101011
Page 14
FEAB February 2021
• l'iigel Temple
• JimHorner
• Jeanine Norman
2021 P riorities:
The FE.AB will focus on a handful of priorities in 202 1, organizing our energy (monthly agenda, action
items, individual labor, Board discussions , and government interactions) around making real progress on
these select initiatives . Additional priorities may be added to this list as they arise in 2021. ote that
POCs are designated to lead an effort but may be assisted by other FE.AB members or assemble a
community subcommittee as desired .
PRIORITY DESIRED O UTC OMES ACTIO "ITEMS FEAB
I SSUE LEAD
Dj,;is Triangle (I) City of Fairhope makes definitive Michelle
decision and initiates action on Dyas J\,felton;
Trian~e restoration and public use . Tonv
(2) Dyaa Triangle is restored to Pritchett
appropriate ecological endpoint and
developed as ~een~pace for the Citv
off airbope.
Fair hope Wetlands (1 ) City of Fairhope is empowered and a. Assist Erik Cortinas , City ofF air hope TBD Building Official, in planning cbarrette Protection equipped to protect local wetland for Citv ofFaimope Wetlands Ordinance resources. re,~ew .
C-Ommunity (I) Tut. City of F aimope re scores the a. Dengnate City liaison for effort Mike
Resiliency Index 201 7 C-Ommunitv 1™ilience lnde.x b. Re\iewlprepare materials Shelton
(CRI) in li1,ht of 2020 hurricane c. Schedule re \'iew
cl Perfonn review sea.son. e. Docmnent and communicate findings (2) The City sets triggers (e .g., Cat 2
hurricane makes landfall within 50
miles) or schedule for next update .
Meaningful (1) The FEAB prO\>ides Meaningful
Partic ip ation in City participation in ongoing City
Planning Efforts planning efforts, inclwimll
designating FEAB liaison to
participate in/report on the following
Plans.
(2) The FEAB provides objecti.-e input
to City governing members on these
initiati,-es .
(1) FlyCn;gk (I) FEAB is champion of, and active. a. Attend all stakeholder group meetings . Kim participant in, de,·elopment and b. Re,~ew and pro\ide comments on all Warerslwd ONGOING imp lementation of Fly draft docmnents (solicit discussion and Burmeister
Mana1,ungnf CreekWMP. recommendations from FEAB and Plan(WMP) (2) Fly Creek WMP implemeniation compile for WMP Study Team).
recommendations are continuously
FEABOrprugticm,2021 P,p 3
DJUFT.1110-70]1
Page I 5
FEAB February 2021
Page 16
PRIORITY
I SSUE
(2) Land Use Plan
(WP)
(3) Staie
Compr,htlnsive
Outdoor
Recremion
P/1111 (SCORP)
(4) Climate Action
Pla11 (CA P)
(J) Alabama
Community of
Excellence
(COE)
desigllfltion
Maintain
connection to I
relationship with
Fairhope go\'eming
bodies
(I) Mayor 's Office
(2) City Council
(3) Specific
Departmenb ?
Other Priorities?
FE.AB Orpniz>tion, 2021
DRAFT. no·,o:u
D ESIRED O UTCOMES
pursued and Jmplemented by City of
Fairhope .
{1) FEAB is champion of, and active
participant in, development and
ONGOING implementation of City
of Fairhope LUP .
(2) City ofFairhope policy, zoning. and
permitting decisions are continUOU!l •
informed by LUP .
(I) City ofF airhope proteds and
de\-elops adequate nriety and
volume. of greenspace and recreation
options that rerve all residents,
protect ecosystem functiom , and
invest in natural capital as
commensurate \\ith growth
projections.
(I) City ofFairhope prepares ,
implements, and promotes a CAP,
includin_g our ri~ks FROM and our
contribution TO climate change.
(I) City off airhope is designated as a
COE
(2) City ofFairhope tal--es advantage of
the technical and granting assistance
a,-ai!able thro~ this program
(I) FEAB offers relevant, dependable,
and consist ent support to City
~\-er:ning bodies .
(2) City governing bodies access FEAB
for support, perspecti,·es, or
recommendations.
P•ge4
ACTION ITEMS
a. Attend all stakeho lder group meetings .
b. Review and provide comments on all
draft documenb (s olicit discussion and
recommendations from FEAB and
compile for LUP Study Team).
a. Partner with other Fairhope ad\~sory
boards, committees , and departments,
including bike and pedestrian committe e,
transportation board , and recreation
departmeJ1t.
b. Identify local SCORP participants and
encourage them to take SCORP
~agemeni seriously, including
response to surveys and requeru for
grant funding .
a. Integrate CR!
b. Find fimding / hire consultant (?)
a. Obtain City of Fairhope permission to
pursue COE
b.Perform asses!ment and de\•elop "report
card"
c. Develop Strategic Plan and LeadeRhip
Development Plan
d. Develop Comprehemive Plan
e. lmplemmt plans and promote benefits of
accreditation.
a. Attend appropriate meetings
b. Report relevant items to FE.AB for
consideration and Resolution
c. Communicate FEAB recommmdations
and init:iati,·es
FEAB
LIAD
TBD
TBD
TBD
Gary
Go\'er
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
FEAB February 2021
Wetlands
Jim would like FEAB to follow up with Erik Cortinas on the proposed wetland charrette to
see if that has been scheduled yet . Intent was to review City wetland ordinance. Kim will
make sure Erik is copied on this minute draft.
Triangle Property
Gary said there seems to be a strong proposal for bike trails to be at least one use for the
Triangle property. He said the Bike/Ped committee approves this designation . Michelle
said the Triangle Conservancy group also seems to be in support of this designation.
Daniel thinks all groups he is aware of would support this designation, and it is likely the
triangle property could carry more than one designation . Gary is concerned that there is
not enough public input over the triangle property.
Michelle mentioned her concerns that the triangle property is not yet deeded as a park .
Gary mentioned possible upkeep issues if this area is designated as a park . Kim
mentioned some city park areas are not maintained at all, like the strip between North
Mobile Street and the bay. This area is generally left natural.
Jim asked about the procedure for de sig nating the triangle property as a park. Michelle
said City would have to resolve to change the deed , a pretty straightforward process.
Daniel said park designat ion is a big step, and it is not easily undone . Undoing the park
designation on the deed would involve public input. Jim would like FEAB to draft a
motion to present to Council stating FEABs recommendation to designate the triangle
property as a park. Currently the deed does not restrict development on the property.
Kim said Jessica Walker would be a good start to find out information on Triangle
property status and initiatives and to confirm the plans for bike trails .
ACTION ITEM: Michelle said she will draft language for next meeting for a motion for
Council to consider designating triangle property as a park.
CRI: Community Resilience Index
M i ke is waiting on a green light from the City to move forward with this effort. He said
Fairhope did not hold up well resilience-wise during Hurricane Sally, but the city scored
high on the CRI in 2017 CRI residential survey . He thinks the parameters or questions
might need to be tweaked based on lessons learned from H-
Sally .
Water Quality Sampling
Christina gave a report on her water sampling efforts in Fly Creek . She and Sean Saye
from Fairhope Docks began water sampling for bacteria (f. coli) in January of 2021 . She
has recently uploaded the results to Alabama Water Watch
Alabama Water Watch (aubum.edu) and is follow ing Mike Shelton 's suggested protocol
as per training from 2020 . Currently the three sampling sites are :
1. Fairhope Docks
2. Woodlands Lift Station/ pede str ian bridge
Page 17
. .
FEAB February 2021
3 . Retreat Apartments, wetlands (special permission from property owner was
obtained to sample here).
Fairhope Docks showed high levels of E. coli . The other two sites were within normal
range .
Ki m asked Mike about protocol for high level findings . She said Sean Saye , Fairhope Docks
manager, did not feel the high levels were due to live aboard boaters at Fairhope Docks .
There are currently only 4 live aboard boaters at Fly Creek Fairhope Docks . How do we
eliminate possible sources? Fairhope Docks has a marine pump-out in operation, per
Sean Saye . City has a septic tank inv entory of Fly Creek listed in the 2018 Mobile Bay
Keepers Fly Creek Water Quality report. If it's not boaters at the Docks, then the high
col iform count might be due to failing septic tanks .
Microsoft Word -Full Report Fly Creek FINAL-2018-5-9 .docx (fairhopeal.gov)
Mike said FEAB previously held t he Clean Marina program as a high priority for Fairhope
Docks, but this has not been completely pursued. This program would li kely help address
the high coliform problem, i ncluding identifying sources . Should the Clean Mari na
program be added to the FEAB priority list?
Meeting adjourned at 4:00 p .m .
Next meeting is Friday, March 12th @ 3 p .m . Fairhope Delchamps Room (*subject to
change*)
FEAB CONTACT INFORMATION:
Chairman:
Gary Gover
Members :
Jeanine Normand
Ben Frater
Mike Shelton
Jim Horner
Amy Paulson
Nigel Temple
M ichelle Melton
CllY CONTACTS:
govers@bellsouth .net
drjnormand@aol.com
ben .frater@gmail .com
yaupon3@gmail.com
none
amy.paulson@yahoo .com
757nigel@gmail .com
michel leleemeltonlee@gmail .com
(251) 990-8662
(251) 928-2284
(404) 314-8815
(251) 270-9042
(251) 928-9722
(251) 654 -7401
(757) 803 -3589
(423) 504 -8253
Corey Martin, City Council corey.mart i n@fairhopea l.gov
Ki m Burmeister, Planning and Zoning Department ki m .burmeister@fairhopeal.gov
Christina LeJeune , Planning and Zoning Department c hristina .lejeune@fa i rhopeal.gov
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