Sustainability & Resiliency Advisory Board

SUSTAINABILITY & RESILIENCY ADVISORY BOARD COUNCIL CHAMBERS 400 NW 73RD AVE. PLANTATION, FL 33317 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2024 CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Guithele Ruiz-Nicolas at 6:30 p.m. It was determined that a quorum was present. Present: Ronald R. Eyma, Maria Oliva, Dr. Kate Peach, Guithele Ruiz-Nicolas, and Joseph Winn Also Present: Assistant City Administrator Carole Morris and City Council Member Timothy Fadgen APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES 101424 SRAB Meeting Minutes.pdf Guithele Ruiz-Nicolas moved to approve the October 14, 2024 meeting minutes as presented; seconded by Joseph Winn. Motion passed: 5-0. NEW BUSINESS Recognition of Florida Climate Week in October Proclamation Florida Climate Change Week 2023.jpeg No Discussion.

OLD BUSINESS 1. Green Business Certification Update • Reconsideration of Green Business Application - Marumi Sushi Mr. Winn reviewed the Marumi Sushi Green Business Application and reiterated to the board the scoring and updates made. Mr. Eyma questioned how the scoring was completed, and Mr. Winn reviewed the scoring scale of this application. Mr. Winn commended the restaurant for using sustainable seafood, buying locally, and replacing plastic bags with repurposed cardboard boxes for takeout. He noted these efforts significantly reduce single-use plastics and environmental impact, despite limitations from operating in a shared building. Dr. Peach asked about restaurant recycling practices and employee education within their plaza. Ms. Morris responded that such practices are typically at the discretion of the commercial complex management company and beyond the control of individual restaurants. The restaurant was commended for being sustainable and implementing consumption pricing. Ronald Eyma moved to approve the application; seconded by Dr. Kate Peach. Motion passed: 5-0. The Board congratulated the restaurant on their approval. • Update from Ms. Ruiz-Nicolas regarding Plantation Chamber of Commerce Vice Chair Ruiz-Nicolas reported visiting the Chamber of Commerce on October 25, 2024, where she met with a lead group of 20 business members. She distributed applications, discussed them, and recommended that the board or staff follow up to collaborate further with businesses. Mr. Eyma requested clarification on the Lead group. Mr. Winn suggested a low-pressure approach, such as including information in the new member packet and business renewal materials, to ensure everyone learns about it throughout the year. 2. Review of Draft Sustainability City Plan Ms. Morris updated the board that Dr. Schwoebel was still working on the matter but would have it ready by January, if not by December.

3. Discussion on School Contests Vice Chair Ruiz-Nicolas reviewed the draft proposal, and Ms. Morris suggested a composting pilot program contest tied to Earth Day, using the contest output to educate residents. Ms. Morris suggested consideration be given to focusing on a single theme for marketing materials and using videos instead of essays to engage younger generations and various school levels. She also outlined potential criteria for the contest. Mr. Eyma suggested changing the emphasis from Green Business to Green Organizations. The board discussed the contest's structure, with Vice Chair Ruiz-Nicolas suggesting a single theme to help students focus, while Mr. Winn proposed broader topics with three categories, each having its own question to encourage creativity. They also deliberated on the contest's goals and ideas. Vice Chair Ruiz-Nicolas requested the board to review the draft and provide feedback. Dr. Peach volunteered to create a draft rubric tailored for elementary, middle, and high school students. Guithele Ruiz-Nicolas moved to bring in the K to Grade 10 students for a video contest on environmental topics; seconded by Ronald Eyma. Motion passed: 5-0. 4. Broward Sustainability Coalition Update Ms. Morris referred to the update provided but suggested the board to hold their questions for Dr. Long. Mr. Winn reviewed the attachments submitted by Dr. Long but noted they were unclear. He summarized the information as best as possible and suggested revisiting the matter at the December meeting. OTHER BUSINESS/DISCUSSIONS Update on SRAB Educational Activities Ms. Morris, reminded the board about the Green School proclamation at the City Council meeting on November 20, 2024, and invited their support, as well as attendance at the January advisory workshop presentation. Vice Chair Ruiz-Nicolas suggested a sub-committee to review applications might be advisable given the competition timeline. Ms. Morris emphasized following Sunshine Law when selecting judges and holding meetings about the contest, recommending the attorney review the plan. Mr.

Eyma proposed dedicating time during monthly meetings to avoid issues, while Dr. Peach suggested using a judging rubric via email to minimize meetings and volunteered to draft it. Ms. Morris reiterated the need to keep all materials public record and stressed submitting documents on time for meeting agendas. Vice Chair Ruiz-Nicolas requested an extra copy of the agenda packet for future meetings. PUBLIC COMMENT None. ADJOURNMENT: 7:35 p.m.