EAC-SC Minutes 05/30/2012 Environmental Advisory Council LDC GMP Subcommittee
Meeting minutes Wed. May 30, 2012
Meeting started at 9:05 am.
In attendance: Chairman Andrew Dickman, Vice chair Gina Downs, Judy Hushon.
Absent: David Bishof and Gary McNally
Also in attendance: Jeremy Franz, Conservancy; Brad Cornell, Audubon
Staff: Summer Araque, Jerry Kurtz
Motion to Approve Agenda made by Gina Downs, seconded by Judy Hushon.
Passed unanimously
Motion to Approve May 2, 2012 meeting minutes made by Andrew Dickman,
seconded by Gina Downs. Passed unanimously.
Upcoming absences: Judy Hushon may not be present at the June 26, 2012
scheduled subcommittee meeting
Andrew Dickman would like the process of the subcommittee to follow four
steps: 1-Topic; 2- Discussion; 3-Accompanying documentation; and 4- Make
bullet point recommendations or statements similar to white papers as a
summary of each topic. Input from all in attendance was encouraged.
Andrew Dickman was assigned Miami-Dade County for review. He looked at the
Southeast Regional Planning Council (identified as SFRPC). Compromises in
stormwater system and aging infrastructure problems related to the stormwater
system are identified by SFRPC. Eco-system problems and aquifer concerns.
Discussion ensued about the differences between east and west coast issues.
Brad Cornell suggested that the Everglades Plan to restore water flow will have a
minor impact on the Big Cypress area in Collier County but almost no impact
elsewhere in our county. Identifies Golden Gate Estates as the red flag area for
Collier County as buildup continues in that area. Concern that building criteria
addresses only a one in 10 year rain/flood occurrence.
Andrew agreed and suggested while the east coast is focusing on very expensive
and retroactive 'fixes' for their water, stormwater and related infrastructure
problems, Collier County has an opportunity to focus on prevention.
Judy Hushon focused her research on Charlotte County. Map series, quality and
timeliness in Charlotte County is outstanfding. The maps clearly show re-charge
areas. In an effort to preserve floodplain areas, wetlands and aquifer re-charge
areas, Charlotte limits development in those impacted areas.
Charlotte County development in western part of the county concentrates on
urban revitalization and infill ... encouraging development where stormwater
management IS in place.
Judy recommends adding groundwater recharge areas to the RLSA areas. Also
recommends updating Collier County maps. Suggests the challenge for Collier
County is how to limit or restrict growth in recharge areas. Increase density in
current areas will make expansion of water/sewer system less costly for the
entire county.
Brad Cornell discussed ASR wells. They could be a supplement to stormwater
strategy. As the wells could even out the water supply during peak and non-peak
times. All agreed it is better to harness the natural protection of the water by
preserving natural sheetflow than it will be to remedy problems that are certain
to impact the stormwater system as growth continues to move east.
Judy Hushon will investigate and bring more details to the next meeting re: new
regulations recently put in place by the Department of Agriculture.
Staff suggested looking at innovative programs in Martin County and getting
familiar with Florida Stormwater Association website and reports/publications.
Gina Downs covered Lee County. Compared GMP and LDC with Collier County
regarding stormwater strategies. Reports that both counties seem to be busy
complying with all regulations contained in MS4 and NPDES and therefore found
few differences regarding stormwater management between the two counties.
How they fund that stormwater management is different. Lee County is divided
into 'drainage district' and charges a stormwater fee according to impact within
these district.
Staff added that Sarasota also charges a stormwater fee countywide. It appears
eight to 10 counties have charges in place dedicated to improving and managing
stormwater. SFWMD was instrumental in determining the drainage districts and
appropriate charges for Lee County. SFWMD probably also worked with Sarasota
County to formulate appropriate planning and costing for stormwater
management.
Meeting adjourned at 11 am. Next meeting 9-11 am Wed. June 26, 2012 again
held in Room 609 at 2800 North Horseshoe Drive location for Growth Mgmt.
Andrew Dickman will put together and forward a word document form to help
focus our efforts. He invites comments and recommendations to the document.