ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY BOARD

MINUTES – ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY BOARD September 2, 2025 1 | P a g e The Environmental Advisory Board of the City of Fort Myers, Florida, met in regular session at Oscar M. Corbin, Jr. City Hall, 2200 Second Street, a meeting place in the City of Fort Myers, Florida, on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. Present were: Chair David Hempleman, presiding, Vice Chair Geraldine Reaves, Board Members Connie Bennett- Martin, Sharon Schulman, and Craig Edwards. Also present were Travis Cary, Assistant City Attorney, and Justin Mahon, Environmental Compliance Manager. Absent: Board Member Jerry Higby CALL TO ORDER Chair Hempleman called the meeting to order at 12:30 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair Hempleman led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL REGULAR ITEMS 1. Approve the August 5, 2025 regular meeting minutes Board Member Edwards noted a minor correction on the second page of the draft minutes and Jennifer Myers, Recording Specialist, ensured it will be corrected. MOTION: Board Member Bennett-Martin moved to approve the Minutes of August 5, 2025 regular meeting as amended; seconded by Vice-Chair Reaves; motion carried unanimously. 2. Presentation on environmental mitigation before, during, and after a hurricane event by Tracy McMillion, Fire Chief Tracy McMillion, Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director, detailed the City's emergency management strategies including the use of the emergency management app for reporting damages and crisis tracking for better disaster response. He highlighted the importance of having a debris plan with pre-staged debris sites, preparing key personnel, and having a holistic approach plan. During the storm, the focus is on environmental surveys, public health safeguards, and communication. Post-storm operations include debris removal, remediation of flooded areas, and long-term recovery efforts. He asked the Board for input in the preparation of the 2025-2030 Fort Myers Emergency Management Strategic Plan. Discussion ensued regarding runoff discharge, resource partnerships, community preparation education, debris removal, and vessel recovery. Nicole Setzer, City Engineer, explained the City’s role in monitoring and inspecting construction sites and the challenges of private property storm preparations. Justin Mahon, Environmental Compliance Manager, outlined the challenges of derelict vessel recovery and explained stormwater runoff monitoring. 3. Discuss the November meeting topic

MINUTES – ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY BOARD September 2, 2025 2 | P a g e Vice Chair Reaves suggested revisiting living shoreline projects as it could play a role in hurricane preparedness and surge protection. Chair Hempleman stated that Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is currently researching the impact of mangroves and suggested inviting a professor to a meeting to explain their research. Board Member Edwards noted that FGCU Environmental Studies Professor Molly Nation is available to attend the November meeting to discuss the environmental challenges that the students are working on solving and he will ask her to discuss the mangrove research as well. Board Member Bennett-Martin proposed a workshop to explore how the Board can better influence policy and planning processes. She inquired how the Board could get into a position to review City projects before they move forward. Mr. Mahon mentioned that the Planning Board has a role in influencing project approvals and suggested they would possibly be able to give this Board a level of understanding of the process and be able to ensure that this Board’s priorities are heard. Assistant City Attorney Cary mentioned that broadening the scope of the Board would need to go through changing the governing Ordinance. Board Member Schulman noted that the Board wants to be more involved so that it can review topics and give the advice as the ordinance already outlines. Board Member Bennett-Martin felt that the Board needs to find out what the Council would like the Board to advise on. Mr. Mahon suggested inviting Councilman Bochette to the workshop to provide recommendations on what the council would like the board to advise on. PUBLIC COMMENTS (NONE) STAFF COMMENTS Mr. Mahon advised that the Planning Board is discussing the draft Cell Tower Ordinance at their meeting tomorrow. Mr. Mahon provided a quick update on the North Bridge Marina derelict vessel recovery efforts and suggested that a more thorough review be a future agenda topic. NEXT MEETING – October 7, 2025 – LOCATION: Central Wastewater Plant, 1501 Raleigh Street, Fort Myers, Fl 33901 ADJOURNMENT: MOTION: Board Member Edwards moved to adjourn the meeting at 1:30 p.m.; seconded by Board Member Schulman; motion carried unanimously.