The Titusville Environmental Commission (TEC) of the City of Titusville, Florida met in regular session at City Hall in the Council Chamber located at 555 South Washington Avenue on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at 5:30pm.

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Chairwoman Thompson called the meeting to order at 5:30pm. Present were Vice Chairman Rice, Member Perez, Member Yount, Alternate Member Young and Alternate Member Flis. Member Tucker and Member Myjak, were absent. Staff present was Sustainability Planner Rachel Muller, Recording Secretary Wendy Van Cott and Laurie Dargie.

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Member Perez made a motion to approve the minutes from the September 15, 2022 meeting. Vice Chairman Rice seconded. There was a unanimous voice vote in favor. 

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Petitions & Requests from Public Present

Stan Johnston of 860 Poinsettia Avenue Titusville, Florida came to speak about sewage concerns at one of the lift stations during Hurricane Ian. 

Discussion took place between the TEC members and Mr. Johnston. The TEC members requested that Mr. Johnston provide his videos and photos taken during  Hurricane Ian showing his concerns with the lift station that he witnessed. The TEC members suggested looking into FEMA grants to maintain optimal performance of the city’s critical infrastructure.

Bill Klein of  3 Indian River Ave #906 Titusville, Florida came to speak about the sewage concerns at the lift stations. 

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Old Business

City Arborist

Ms. Muller gave an overview of this item. Ms. Muller provided the job descriptions for the two city inspectors with the ISA certification.

Kay St. Onge of 2360 Maryland Avenue Titusville, Florida came to speak in favor of this item.

Discussion took place amongst the Titusville Environmental Commission members.

Chairwoman Thompson said there was no action needed at this time.

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New Business

Tree Board Responsibilities

Kay St. Onge of 2360 Maryland Avenue Titusville, Florida came to speak in favor of this item.

Stan Johnston of 860 Poinsettia Avenue Titusville, Florida came to speak neither for nor against this item. 

Discussion took place between the TEC members and public present. 

Bill Klein of 3 Indian River Avenue #906 Titusville, Florida came to speak in favor of this item. 

Member Young requested that Ms. Muller ask City Attorney Broome about hiring a consultant to come and provide updates at the TEC meetings. 

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Urban Forestry Program

Kay St. Onge of 2360 Maryland Avnue Titusville, Florida came to speak in favor of this item. Ms. St. Onge went over the Concept Plan of Proposed Urban Forestry Program that was provided in the agenda packet. 

Mary Sphar of 825 Cliftons Cove Ct. Cocoa, Florida came to speak in favor of this item. 

Bill Klein of 3 Indian River Avenue #906 Titusville, Florida came to speak in favor of this item.

Marlys Breckle of 3 Indian River Avenue #906 Titusville, Florida came to speak in favor of this item. 

Member Perez made a motion to extend the meeting for 30 minutes. Member Flis seconded. There was a unanimous voice vote in favor.

Discussion continued between TEC members and public present. 

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Member Perez made a motion to accept the Concept Plan of Proposed Urban Forestry Program. Member Young seconded. TEC decided to discuss changes to the concept plan. Member Perez withdrew his motion. Member Young seconded. 

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The TEC discussed making the following changes to the Concept Plan of Proposed Urban Forestry Program.

• Delete paragraph 4 completely. 
• Delete paragraph 6 completely.
• Fix the numbering of the paragraphs. 
• In paragraph 9, delete the following sentence. Provide staff/arborist for Public Works Department as needed for Urban Forestry Program efforts. 

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Vice Chairman Rice made a motion to extend the meeting for 10 minutes. Member Flis seconded. There was a unanimous voice vote in favor.

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Member Perez made a motion to accept the Concept Plan of Proposed Urban Forestry Program with the following changes. 

• Delete paragraph 4 completely 
• Delete paragraph 6 completely
• Fix the numbering of the paragraphs 
• In paragraph 9, delete the following sentence. Provide staff/arborist for Public Works Department as needed for Urban Forestry Program efforts.

Member Young seconded. 

Roll Call is as follows:

Member Yount                       Yes

Member Young                       Yes

Member Flis                            Yes

Vice Chairman Rice                Yes

Member Perez                         Yes

Chairwoman Thompson          Yes

Motion passed.

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Vice Chairman Rice made a motion to request hiring a new arborist position with the following job description.

• Landscape reviews and irrigation reviews. 
• Tree removal approval as the staff person.
• Tree planting plan development and implementation.
• Works with Public Works and Community Development departments crosses any boundaries between all city departments regarding all tree issues.  
• Review public lands for tree plans and recommendation.
• Coordinate Arbor Day events.
• Speak to community groups, businesses and HOA’s.
• Liaison to the Titusville Environmental Commission, Tree Board, Planning and Zoning Commission, and City Council. 
• Develop HOA guidebooks for canopy preservation rules and regulations. 

Member Perez seconded. 

Roll Call is as follows:

Member Perez                         Yes

Vice Chairman Rice                Yes

Member Flis                            Yes

Member Yount                       Yes

Member Young                       Yes

Chairwoman Thompson          Yes

Motion passed. 

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Petitions and Requests

None

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Reports

Ms. Muller advised the next TEC meeting will be on Thursday, November 10, 2022.

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Discussion of Future Agenda Items

1. Discussion regarding lift station issues. (Water Resources field trip)
2. Concept Plan of Proposed Urban Forestry Program with updated changes.

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Adjournment 8:29 p.m.