Sustainability & Resiliency Advisory Board

SUSTAINABILITY & RESILIENCY ADVISORY BOARD COUNCIL CHAMBERS 400 NW 73RD AVE. PLANTATION, FL 33317 MONDAY, JULY 14, 2025 CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Joseph Winn at 6:33 p.m. Roll call was conducted by the clerk. A quorum was present. Present: Dr. Julie A. Long, Joseph Winn, Ronald R. Eyma, Dr. Kate Peach, and Guithele Ruiz-Nicholas. Absent: Maria Oliva, and Dr. Mary Hope Schwoebel Also Present: Carole Morris and Plantation Resident Michael Harari APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES June 9, 2025 Meeting Minutes Guithele Ruiz-Nicolas moved to approve the June 9, 2025, meeting minutes as presented; seconded by Dr. Julie Long. All in favor. 5-0 PUBLIC COMMENTS Chair Winn opened Public Comment. Plantation resident Michael Harari offered feedback on the city's sustainability recommendations, suggesting improvements such as updating the city's tagline to reflect more eco-conscious values and incorporating rain gardens as a solution for stormwater

management. He shared personal experiences with flooding and challenges installing a rain garden due to city property restrictions. Mr. Harari also discussed the need for the City to help mediate conflicts between homeowners and HOAs regarding Florida-friendly landscaping, which is protected under state law but difficult to enforce. He encouraged a more ecosystem-based approach to landscaping and proposed a neighborhood challenge for Earth Day to promote sustainable practices. Chair Winn closed Public Comment. NEW BUSINESS Dr. Long announced that the county will host a Community Climate Summit at the African American Research Library on Saturday, July 26, from 1 to 4 PM. She also promoted an upcoming free screening of the documentary “Phosphate” at the North Regional Library on August 23rd, organized by the League of Women Voters, Climate Reality Project, and the Sierra Club. The event will include a panel discussion with individuals involved in the film. Dr. Peach suggested having a future discussion on the City’s Tree Ordinance, particularly relating to tree removal, replacement, and sustainable landscaping, noting a personal interest in the topic. Chair Winn and Ms. Morris agreed it would be a valuable conversation and recommended reviewing the Ordinance in advance. They proposed distributing the current Ordinance and inviting relevant City staff to join the conversation once their availability is confirmed. OLD BUSINESS 1. Draft Fertilizer Ordinance The Board reviewed and discussed a draft Fertilizer Ordinance prepared by the City in response to prior requests. The draft is based largely on the DEP model Ordinance, with clarification that Fort Lauderdale's version, while more restrictive, includes elements that have been preempted by state law. Dr. Long asked whether the Ordinance would apply to private residences and how enforcement would be handled. Ms. Morris confirmed it would apply but explained that details on enforcement still need to be finalized, including which division would be responsible. Board Members raised questions about certification of city employees, with Ms. Morris confirming that staff have received training through UF/IFAS, though it was unclear whether the City contracts out landscape services. Discussion followed around launching an education campaign, especially targeting HOAs and residents near waterways, and the possibility of a phased rollout starting with larger users like parks and golf courses. Ms. Morris and Chair Winn spoke about a 30–60-day education period before enforcement begins, with warnings issued initially and citations following thereafter.

Questions were raised about clarity in Ordinance language, including potential contradictions between sections, the need for an effective date, and penalty definitions. Mr. Eyma pointed out the need to ensure clarity on requirements near waterways, and the Board discussed whether aerators or fountains—often found in retention ponds—should be maintained as part of nutrient management strategies, although it was noted that aerators do not affect nutrient content directly. There was a strong emphasis on the need for public education and outreach, including using social media, the Mayor’s weekly update, and potentially direct outreach to HOAs. While challenges with communication were acknowledged, there was consensus on the importance of educating the public before enforcement begins. Dr. Julie Long moved to send this Ordinance as written through Ms. Morris with any additional editorial suggestions to the City Council; seconded by Ron Eyma. All in favor. 5-0 2. Continued Review and Discussion of DRAFT Sustainability Plan The Board discussed the status and next steps for the Sustainability Plan, which has been in development for some time and has gone through multiple drafts. A key question was how this plan aligns with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, which calls for a sustainability plan by 2027. Staff clarified that although the 2027 goal was included in the Comprehensive Plan without input from the Sustainability Board, the current document reflects the Board's work and priorities and can serve as the City’s plan if adopted by Resolution. Staff emphasized the plan should reflect the Board’s goals and be considered a living document, reviewed and updated biennially, though additions could be noted earlier. Concerns were raised about certain sections, particularly on tree canopy, encouraging edits such as adding phrases like "right tree, right place" to avoid misinterpretation. The process for adoption involves Board approval, followed by presentation to the City Council via a Resolution, at which point it would be made publicly available—likely on the City’s website—and shared with department heads. Members asked whether edits could still be made, and staff explained that while the plan could be formally updated every two years, suggested changes could be documented in the interim for future consideration. There was also interest in making the final document more visually appealing for public use. The group agreed it was time to finalize the plan, correct any last issues, and move it forward to City Council approval. Dr. Julie Long moved that the Sustainability Plan go to staff and Council for Resolution; seconded by Ron Eyma. All in favor by roll call vote. 5-0

OTHER BUSINESS/DISCUSSIONS Ms. Morris announced the launch of Freebee, a free, on-demand electric vehicle service that began operating July 1 in the Midtown district, running from State Road 84 to Cleary and Pine Island to University. The service operates daily, starting at 10 a.m., with later hours on weekends. Freebee offers point-to-point rides within Midtown and is intended to improve mobility and support local businesses, which can be promoted for free through the app. It is currently funded by the Midtown Development District, with grant applications and potential use of surtax funds being explored for expansion, particularly to serve seniors and other neighborhoods. Future enhancements may include a small co-pay to reduce no-shows. The Board also discussed creating a student advisor position on the sustainability board for local high school students. The advisor would serve as a non-voting member for one year and help with public outreach efforts. The City Attorney will determine the appropriate approval process. Finally, the Board expressed interest in relaunching the green business contest at the start of the school year to improve participation and align with Earth Day goals. While no green businesses currently fall within Midtown for app promotion, members discussed future opportunities to feature them as the program grows. UPCOMING MEETINGS SRAB Meeting- August 11, 2025, Council Chambers @ 6:30 p.m. ADJOURNMENT: 7:42 p.m.