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2023_02-08 SRC - Minutes Revised 1 SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCY COMMITTEE MINUTES (Revised) WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2023 10050 NE 2nd Avenue 6:30 PM 1. CALL TO ORDER Vice Chairperson Weber called the meeting to order at 6:35 PM 2. ROLL CALL Present: Ms. Malebranche Ms. McSherry Ms. Weber Mr. Pluhar Chairperson Meyer Late- in at 8:10 PM Absent: Mr. Suman Also, Present: Ms. Tanya Wilson, Deputy Village Manager Mr. Christopher Miranda, Public Works Director Mr. Lazaro Remond, Neighborhood Services Director Ms. Claudia Hasbun, Planning and Zoning Director Ms. Mariana Gracia, Secretary for the Committee 3. MINUTES 3.a. MINUTES Approval of the Minutes for January 11, 2023 Motion to approve the Minutes for January 11, 2023 by Mr. Pluhar seconded by Ms. Malebranche and the Motion was approved 4-0. 3. DISCUSSION ITEMS: a) Miami Shores Staff Presentations a. Ms. Tanya Wilson, Deputy Village Manager 2 Ms. Wilson, spoke about the memorandum prepared two weeks ago regarding a sustainability plan of action and started the presentation by saying that; “Any goals discussed, will be considered a wish list.” Then the question was asked how do we (Miami Shores Village) manage resources for future generations?” To which Ms. Wilson stated that Resilience focuses on different topics for everyday issues for example; Traffic, water, sewage, etc., Ms. Wilson continued the dialogue with sustainability and resiliency issues that continue to be a topic of discussion for programs like; Carbon neutrality, economy of the system, focus on the environment, and social aspects also being part of the Sustainable Miami Shores Village goals and objectives. Deferring to the presentation, Ms. Wilson stated “what does a sustainable and resilient Miami Shores Village look like?” Ms. Wilson discussed the physiological composition of the Village; Limestone sedimentary rock foundation, heavy flooding, Coastal City highly susceptible to hurricane flash floods, king tides, rising temperatures, sea level rise, large number of septic systems- leaching into Biscayne bay, storm water run-off affecting Biscayne Bay, and Tree loss- natural and man-made impacts. Ms. Wilson continued with, “Why comprehensive plan?” and stated that, you have to have proper policies to mitigate and prepare for those risks that is specific to our community and identify the most affected areas of higher vulnerability. Ms. Wilson’s presentation continue with implementation strategies for highest risks neighborhoods. Coastal risks with king tide and temperature rise, and explained that we mitigate that. For example, we can protect the trees; why not put these policies in our comprehensive plans? Ms. Wilson asked and stated that, the fauna and flora in our village is amazing and should be protected and preserved, as well as increasing the foliage by implementing a Tree ordinance. In addition to this topic, Ms. Wilson stated that we need to gather data about vulnerable areas in the Village that need to increase in foliage. Ms. Wilson discussed the topic about Biscayne Bay and our current bans on fertilizer. The septic systems have been a topic for long time, and some have started leaching out on to the Biscayne Bay. This is not just the fertilizer and septic system issues; all our systems affect the bay. Based on the study conducted and presented, Ms. Wilson was able to provide current data on Storm water management, which currently shows as a low D rated score, Ms. Wilson presented a Three-plan approach to move forward. The committee is involved in the climate change element to which a white paper draft has begun to the comprehensive plan for the sustainability element. From Ms. Wilson’s perspective on research and data gathered that; “most cities are 10 years behind and there is room and an appetite for improvement and innovative approach. Educations is a big part of the program and a sustainable lifestyle is a mindset to have, in order to participate and fully engage for the cause.” 3 Ms. Wilson stated that there are partners that we know of Green day that are actively participating. Mayor’s monarch pledge is one of many and the other question brought up by Ms. Wilson is “How do we fund these programs?” And place focus on these policies, programs and projects. Then, she introduced Chris Miranda from Public Works Department. b. Mr. Christopher Miranda, Public Works Director Mr. Miranda started with his presentation stating being greener is the optimal approach; Public Works has applied for the neat streets program for years to improve tree canopy around the Village. The strategy is to find areas that are open, infestation decrease of unwanted vegetation, reduce motor-vehicular accidents, and wide-open programs for trees. Anywhere from 50 to 100 trees for a period of 10 years. Mr. Miranda brought up the project that was awarded by the Miami Dade sewer program. It allowed the businesses in downtown to bring in more food services. There are currently 26 parcels and village owned properties. Dunking doughnuts, with stations in the alleys with the pilot program. Small force main, large pump state, lift station that is operated by system works. Ms. Weber asked if there is a cost related to the property owner. Masonic lodge did not connect to the sewer and mention of the fire department has not connected, four not connected. Mr. Miranda stated, there is an enforcement feature by DERM to force them to connect. Ms. McSherry asked did they pay for the pump station. Mr. Miranda responded that every year there is an assessment to connect and the engineers calculate at the time they construct the project. The dialysis center had a great deal of discharge and that the center was in part a negative, 5000-gallon septic system. The board commented on this center. Mr. Miranda gave the specifics about where these small forces changed to larger stations. The Septic and sewer conversion was addressed and according to Mr. Miranda, they typically go based on gravity lines and based on experience they seem to work much better and consume less electricity. Ms. Weber asked about the time it took to commence the septic to sewer and Mr. Miranda explained how it is very common in the keys and areas like Monroe County to experience the same delay. Their challenge is how far out the cost of the conversion will be to which Mr. Miranda stated, an estimating $25, 0000,000 million sewer system. Mr. Miranda further explained the process of this cost by showcasing the issues with the current septic system with the drain field being raised is a requirement for the county, then the homeowner has to maintain the pump, replace them to the standards of the county. Ms. Weber asked should there be an ordinance about septic? Ms. Wilson stated that DERM have something on it but is not enforced with Miami Shores Village. Ms. Wilson also stated that data shows that eventually there will be a step up monitoring and enforcing at a later time. Mr. Miranda discussed the benefits of sewer system. Explained how the cleaning process of goes. Mr. Miranda shared with the committee that The Shores estates, storm water finally got approval, it will take the next two to three months to begin. The cost associated approximately will be 4 $10,000 per home. Ms. Wilson stated that there are systems in place that will assist the homeowners with the costs. Mr. Miranda mentioned that in 2015, a lift station costed $700,000. Mr. Pluhar asked does the county already pays for this treatment of the grey water and is this considered an issue? Mr. Miranda said that the county is the leading agency; “we are in with other surrounding areas that are affected as well.” Is there any new development with the canal? Ms. Weber asked. Ms. Hasbun said that new development is endorsed and it depends on how much gallons of water per usage. Mr. Miranda said we do have funds that match those dollars and that the owners need to pay for connections to the sewers. Furthermore, all the construction donated to the Miami Dade is paid for by the residents, Mr. Miranda mentioned. Discussion took place about the planning part of this. For planning and zoning, currently there is no policy in place, as well as how it will affect all the properties on the canal was brought up and Mr. Miranda stated that many areas do not have a seawall. Mr. Miranda also, explained that Village Hall and Recreation Center have a plan to upgrade to impact windows for more energy efficiency. These are ongoing projects. The Board proceed to asked questions. Mr. Miranda stated that 70 percent of the buildings are impact windows and the golf course does not have impact windows, this is a wish list for the future. Ms. Weber stated that she appreciates these programs, and asked how are we going to contribute to these programs and finds it difficult for the committee to do? Ms. Wilson stated that; “this sustainability and resiliency committee has done more than the predecessors have, and some of the best ways the SRC can further assist is with advocating for grant funding opportunity being marketing ambassadors is how to maximize influence to push these things further. “ Ms. Weber, stated that youth input is helpful as well. Mr. Miranda introduced the upcoming project with $6,000,000 worth. Mr. Miranda gave the coordinates for the area that is in the vulnerability study. Mr. Miranda stated that his view is when king tide comes and fish appears. An update from the county highest predicted king tide is from the autumn months of October, November, and December. This year public works objective is to be proactive with having the pumps running. Ms. Malebranche asked about 103 St. Mr. Miranda said that a grant to upgrade the generator portion of 93 St System has been made at this present time. Ms. Wilson stated that the vulnerability study on the web site will be very helpful to Ms. Malebranche to further read and get insight on. Ms. Hasbun stated that access to the vulnerability study can be through the link provided. Mr. Miranda said 100 street east of 12 Ave there is no issue for high level storm surge. Raising the soils are an issue and that water is running off the swales. There is a huge difference between ponding and flooding and Mr. Miranda gave coordinates for flooding areas in Miami Shores Village with higher vulnerability. Mr. Pluhar asked, from a 5 sustainability stand point what can be done? Ms. Wilson stated that by making sure the programing is more solid. Mr. Pluhar asked how do all of these correlate? Ms. Wilson stated that the comprehensive plan is state mandated and thus, within the 10 to 20 years a strategic plan makes things become practical. Ms. Hasbun reiterated that the comp plan is the legal framework so, we do need a more strategic and practical plan. Mr. Miranda vulnerability study got us the $6 million dollars in grants. Explanation about storm water runoff. Septic to sewer master plan will allow us to go to the state and ask for grants. Ms. Wilson stated that more intentionality to septic to sewer can get Miami Shores going in the right direction towards actions. Concrete data is what will get you the money, Ms. Wilson stated. Mr. Miranda added, this is how we get to the funding, he pointed to the PowerPoint to the ones he anticipates will take the most time to achieve with A through E. The Village procured, 21 firm’s agreements for master plans. Treating storm water will be in all of our projects and will be mandated to have pollution control systems. There will be community meetings for feedback to make sure it is tailored to the affected areas. The ordinance for trees is being drafted now and being prepared for the next meeting. Education is key for people to see the benefit and a bird sanctuary would be great someone added. Mr. Miranda has 9 divisions in public works, and for Arbor Day the public works team is in preparation. Green day will take place in April 29,2023. Mr. Miranda said this is for public areas within Miami Shores Village boundaries and public works does not go in Private property. Mike Skofstad is the arborist for public works and does not service private property. For Bayfront park seawall there is a new company awarded for this project and this is public area for other neighborhood areas come as well, Mr. Miranda added. Mr. Miranda went over the requirements for additional funding through Florida department of environmental protection. He gave an overview of what the seawall is going through. Incorporating the entire park, bench refurbishing, main water meter lines for water fountains being installed. An example of the Little River Adaptation area grant partnership was mentioned: -Little River Adaptation area grant partnership – expanded from the bay up to 10th avenue. Sept 30 deadline for meeting this deadline we have to have an approved design. Ms. Malebranche asked about the houses there and how they are affected. New house with their own drainage system installed stated by Mr. Miranda c. Mr. Lazaro Remond, Neighborhood Services Director Mr. Remond introduced himself –Neighborhood Services Director in charge of the CRS. Mr. Remond stated the intent for the presentation is to sustain this program. FEMA, Mr. Remond explained the base and the community rating system. He went through the rating system and is set on how it is factored. 1-10 with 10 being the worst. Mr. Remond stated the benefits and how it lowers the insurance. Miami Shores and the CRS have been for on a seven to a six rating. Seven gives the Miami Shores Village 15 percent discount. 6 This percentage can save the residents money and every resident is being affected. Preliminary maps and the new maps for flood plain are essential to fully understand the scope of the $149,000 in savings to the residents. Ms. Wilson stated that FEMA tracks the $149,000, and there are certain requirements that the city must meet. These flood maps from FEMA affect flood insurance, and it goes in increments of 5% discount. Many cities are in the 9 to 10 percent. From 7 to a 6 changes in the code and resolutions are processed. Mr. Remond stated that Miami Shores can be one-step ahead of the game with public education, CRS is a point’s bank. In the last council meeting the CRS was able to pick up points, the goal is to get the number as small as we can. How do we get those points is the question we are addressing? One person commented. Mr. Remond mentioned areas of focus; Doubling points with targeted areas, flood plain areas letters are sent out. Then, FEMA asks for pictures of the postings. Real estate, contractors, areas of focus have to be touched on and this is a current plan in progress. Code compliance is CRS certified. Ms. Wilson said this is more than a job is our lifestyle and project area needs the committee’s assistance. Ms. McSherry asked a question about regional policy language and supporting partnering agents. The village is very involved, Ms. Hasbun stated and requires for three level elevation as well as implementing the code. Combining efforts to get to the points is more education. Maybe a topic that the committee can bring forth for a general audience, target audience then we bring on more points, this meeting is part of getting points, anything that has to do with floods will get us those points, Ms. Hasbun added. Ms. Wilson stated there is a checklist, and Cutler Bay was mentioned that they have a low CRS score. Mr. Remond has been able to move the Miami Shores Village from an eight to almost a six now. The realtors will include it in their packets in terms of incentivizing new residents of Miami Shores Village and making to get us to that number. Someone asked, Mr. Remond in our next conversation how do we educate the residents? Mr. Remond stated that improvements of monthly newsletter and provide a section for flood articles, BTR section and a code section. Also, Library flood books, flyers, having the books, social media outlets, Facebook, neighbor, Instagram, etc. Neighborhood Outreach. Ms. Meyer mentioned pool drainage. Ms. Wilson encouraged covering all issues that the board things are important. b) Comprehensive Plan – Climate Change, Resiliency and Sustainability White Paper – Tabled to next meeting 5. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS 6. NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING – MARCH 8, 2023 7. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM by Ms. Meyer. Miami Shores Village complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disability Act. If you are a disabled person requirin g any accommodations or assistance, including materials in accessible format, a sign language interpreter (5 days’ notice required), or information, please notify the Village Clerk's office of such need at least 72 hours (3 days) in advance. In accordance with Village code and section 2-11.1(s) of the Miami-Dade County Code, any person engaging in lobbying activities, as defined therein, must register at the Village Clerk’s Office before addressing the Council on the above matters or engaging in lobbying activi ties.