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2023_09-13 SRC Minutes 1 SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCY COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13TH, 2023 MINUTES 10050 NE 2nd Avenue 6:30 PM 1. CALL TO ORDER- meeting called to order at 6:33pm 2. ROLL CALL Present: Mr. Richard Pluhar Ms. Lauren Rangel Ms. Patricia Casey Chair Ms. Nicola Meyer Ms. Sarah McSherry Ms. Silvia Kang Ms. Carol Respondek Also, Present: Mayor George Burch Mr. Esmond Scott – Miami Shores Village Manager Ms. Claudia Hasbun –Planning, Zoning and Resiliency Director Ms. Alizgreeth Tezen –Planning and Zoning Technician 3. MINUTES (S): 3.a. Approval of the minutes July 12, 2023 https://cloud.msvfl.gov/s/x2xD3s6TN9RiTDS Ms. Meyer stated to move to the next meeting, motion to defer by Ms. Respondek seconded by Ms. McSherry. 7-0. 3.b. Approval of the minutes July 26th, 2023 (Workshop) https://cloud.msvfl.gov/s/MH9paXxwFqC6yE4 Motion to approve minutes by Ms. McSherry seconded by Chair Ms. Meyer. 7-0. 4. NEW MEMBERS 4.a. New members welcoming and introductions. 2 Chair Ms. Meyer asked the new members to go around the room and introduce themselves. Ms. Respondek stated that her interest in the environment and her love for nature if what motivates her. Ms. Respondek also stated that after seeing the current issues with the surrounding environment of Miami Shores Village, it needs much work and improvement. Ms. Kang stated that she lived in Miami Shores for a year and is currently working on obtaining her masters in sustainability and global development. Ms. Kang stated that she is interested and curious with the studies that have been conducted so far and wants to do contribute with her own background in the subject matter. Ms. Kang wants to bring knowledge and energy to the committee. Ms. McSherry stated that she has been in the committee since October of 2022 and has lived in Miami Shores for five years her background is environmental and land use law. Ms. McSherry stated that she comes from a public interest non-profit side and feels development can be sustainable while protecting what is existing. Chair Ms. Meyer stated that she has been a Miami Shores Village resident for 13 years and is originally from Germany. Ms. Meyer owns a hotel and is passionate about the community and sustainability practices. Chair Ms. Meyer stated that she followed the way that the committee came about and how it was brought to life. Chair Ms. Meyer added that she could bring items that will go to a desired path and so far, the committee was able to pass an ordinance and is in working progress on action plans that will help staff and village council move forward with funding for projects that are necessary for the village. Becoming resilient is the main concern, Chair Ms. Meyer stated. Ms. Casey stated she is a South Florida native and her background is a law degree with animal behavior and conservation. Ms. Casey wants to help move the next generation forward. Ms. Rangel stated that she has been a resident of Miami Shores since 2016 and is originally from California. Ms. Rangel’s background is hospitality and is used to planning everything in terms of legal and environmental facets. Mr. Pluhar stated that he has been on the board at the same time as Ms. McSherry and he wanted to get involved with sustainability. Mr. Pluhar’s background is technology and is big on sustainable practices. Mr. Pluhar wants to contribute with his expertise and give feedback. 5. ACTION ITEM (S): 5.a. Chair and Vice-chair Election. Chair Ms. Meyer asked about the proceedings. Ms. Hasbun stated that every year the board needs to elect a Chair and vice-chair for one-year term. The tasks of a vice-chair is to be a representative to speak and provide the information on the agenda and assist whenever the chair is not available. Ms. Kang stated that it would be best to have someone that has been on the committee to be appointed since there are new members and need more time being with the committee. Mr. Pluhar volunteered to be vice chair. Motion to re-elect chair Meyer and Vice chair Mr. Pluhar seconded by Ms. Respondek. 7-0. Mayor Burch gave a statement to the committee and thanked the new members for joining the committee. Mr. Burch stated his concerns on the seawall and septic to sewer conversions. Mayor Burch emphasized the needs on the sea wall repair as well as the concerns with the studies that are showing issues with flooding, and how this will affect the next generation. Mayor Burch also brought up with issues concerning the country club, plumbing issues of the Miami Shores Village and hopes the committee comes up with solutions on the current concerns with sustainability. 5.b. Adaptation Action Areas Ms. Hasbun stated that the document that was passed by Miami-Dade County as a tool that can help identify areas that are vulnerable and an opportunity to learn the process and included it on the next council meeting and being able to include other tools that can mitigate those areas that are most affected. Mr. Pluhar asked is this for reference for the committee to use? Chair Ms. Meyer stated that she read the document and what was addressed to Miami-Dade County and came up with 7 to 8 proposal, pros, and cons on how to go about it. Chair Ms. Meyer shared that adaptation action areas are important and it should be broken into parts. Ms. Rangel asked does the sea wall apply to the adaptation areas? Chair Ms. Meyer asked what are the processes to go about these adaptation action areas? Mr. Scott stated that if the committee wants to know the list of grants and items concerning adaptation areas it would be recommended for the committee to be present at the 3 next council meeting. Chair Ms. Meyer stated that there is so much that the committee needs to know and a discovery is necessary for the members to be aware of what staff knows and provide support. Chair Ms. Meyer stated that she read somewhere that the vulnerability study needs to be redone every five years; Mr. Scott stated that it is for modeling storm water and flooding as well as other areas that are regulatory items that help to monitor data. Ms. Respondek asked does this take the $150,000 and Mr. Scott stated that is doesn’t. Ms. Casey asked when the committee would get the updated studies? Ms. Hasbun stated that she is waiting on Ms. Keeley to give the updated agreement. Ms. Kang stated that it would be best to ask about additional items to include in the study. Ms. Kang asked can the study provide new options and is this something that the committee might want to consider? Mr. Pluhar stated that the reason for the action plan is to find the issues and provide information for those items that the committee wants to look into. Ms. Hasbun stated that the task of the committee is to provide an action plan and have priorities set to provide it to council. Mr. Scott stated that it helps to brand the committee and it engages with the consultants as well ass concerns will be taken into account. Ms. McSherry stated that this study will be able to provide a list of priorities to tackle. Chair Ms. Meyer stated that the adaptation action plan only deals with water and its one piece of the puzzle. Also, Chair Ms. Meyer wants to know, how El Portal managed to have an adaptation study? Ms. Respondek stated that is based on the demographics and that they are piggybacking little river. Ms. McSherry stated that she asked staff last meeting to bring someone to this meeting and have insight on the process. Ms. Rangel researched Thrive305 and that an ambassador will help to bring someone to understand the adaptation area study. Chair Ms. Meyer asked is the goal of the adaptation study is to be considered by Miami Dade County as an adaptation area? Ms. Hasbun stated that it would need to start by creating a map with different data sets and through Miami-Dade County, you can apply to grants and have funding for different projects. Ms. Respondek stated that the 2017 study can be used since the areas are the same. Ms. Hasbun stated that is the purpose on using what is there. Ms. Hasbun stated that the first step is the action plan, which will include priorities, goals, recommendations and then village council will look into it and see what will work and not work. Chair Ms. Meyer stated that she arranged the items through focused areas instead of priorities on the shared excel sheet. Ms. McSherry stated that it is best to be clear and simple instead of being vague. Being effective and efficient. Ms. Respondek stated that it is best to start one thing every three months so that it is ready to go. Ms. Respondek stated that storm water is one of the main concerns and we should focus on that. Ms. Kang stated is this part of public works or is this something we have to add. Ms. Kang wanted to know what the role of this committee is? Ms. Respondek talked about the roof changes and how that can be a good example to highlight as part of the flooding issues with water retention. Ms. Rangel stated that this committee needs to come together with a list of priorities and tackle them. Ms. Respondek stated that if we want more grants then studies are necessary. Ms. Casey asked could someone see where we are at in terms of what the village needs and what has been done? Without forming an opinion it wouldn’t be a good idea to have it part of the next discussion with proper research. Ms. Hasbun stated that it would be best to have Mr. Miranda and provide a presentation on how to go about the projects of concerns. Kimley Horn’s presentation was a good presentation according to Chair Ms. Meyer. Ms. Kang stated that the best approach would be to include sewer and storm water issues and be a main topic on the committee of list of concerns. Ms. McSherry stated that most of the areas of concerns have already been identified and talked about in the white paper. Ms. McSherry stated that the committee should start talking about the important action plan for next year. Ms. Casey asked would this be for year 2024? Ms. Hasbun stated that the items would be presented for October budget items for the 2025 year. Ms. Hasbun stated that one of the goals addressed in the white paper is education and this is included for the budget as a topic of focus. Ms. Rangel stated that this is would be as a way to build some sense of authority so they are aware of the level of expertise. The adverting and poll from the residents would help to push forward in the future goals. Ms. Hasbun stated that in the current budget is $1500.00 and this is a line item to provide a more meaningful approach to the community. Chair Ms. Meyer brought up the ordinance about the SRC, she believes the voice of the SRC is essential especially in elements that need to be redone in the zoning. Chair Ms. Meyer stated that what this will do is, guide council and be more organized on projects that are in high priority. Ms. Hasbun stated that this body is to provide recommendation and how those projects will be enacted. Ms. Casey asked about the period for those goals and action items need to be set in-place to be on a specific timeline? Ms. Hasbun brought up the deadline for March 2024. Right now the only action item that needs to be addressed is on October 2023. Ms. McSherry stated that the first item should be the climate item, and provide recommendation to council. Ms. Respondek asked about the time given for the presentation. Ms. Hasbun talked about the minor edits made before going 4 to council; Chair Ms. Meyer stated that the costal element could not stay in the back and make the coastal element as a priority. Ms. Respondek asked is there any negative effects on property value on being labeled an adaptation area? In an insurance prospective, Mr. Pluhar stated that his wife works in the insurance business and it would be a great idea to provide insight on how this negatively affects the community. Chair Ms. Meyer asked about the chart on the website, it needs to be updated, and it is not accurate. Ms. Hasbun stated some events happening: September 30th University of Florida is doing a tree giveaway. 10:30am Miami-Dade County is doing a costal clean up. October 4th energy efficient day. October 3rd –Council October 16th, November 6th Motion for members to share research on adaptation areas, public works will provide insight on current projects and what the village has. by Ms. MCSherry, Seconded by Mr. Pluhar 7-0. https://cloud.msvfl.gov/s/RikGHwLFRQFa8RN 5.c. FDEP Resiliency Grant – Vulnerability and Peril of Flood https://cloud.msvfl.gov/s/26WaTwPHDmnYiKD 5.d. Sustainability Resiliency Committee- Action Plan https://cloud.msvfl.gov/s/EPJBTWFsatAFFAq 6. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS 7. NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING – October 11th, 2023 8. ADJOURNMENT- 8:33pm by Chair Ms. Meyer second by Mr. Pluhar. 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 n eed 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 activities.