Sustainability & Resiliency Advisory Board

SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCY ADVISORY BOARD

PLANTATION, FLORIDA

November 10, 2025

1)

CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL

Present:

Joseph Winn

Dr. Kate Peach

Dr. Mary Hope Schwoebel

Dr. Julie A Long

Maria Oliva

Guithele Ruiz-Nicolas

Ronald R. Eyma

2)

APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES

October 13th, 2025 Meeting Minutes

Motion by Dr. Julie A Long, seconded by Dr. Mary Hope Schwoebel, to approve the October 13th, 2025 Meeting Minutes Motion carried on the following roll call vote:

Ayes: Joseph Winn, Dr. Kate Peach, Dr. Mary Hope Schwoebel, Dr. Julie A Long, Maria Oliva, Guithele Ruiz-Nicolas, Ronald R. Eyma

Nays: None

Cover Page

COP-101325 SRAB Meeting Minutes.pdf

3)

NEW BUSINESS

Joseph Winn noted that the New Business section appeared empty on the agenda because many items to be discussed were actually continuations from previous meetings. However, he did address one item of new business regarding the Green Business program promotion.

Joseph Winn informed the board that at Dr. Kate Peach's request, the Green Business program would be promoted on two bus benches in the city - one at Cleary and Pine Island and another at University near Plantation Point. Both benches would feature the program information and a QR code that links to the application website. The benches would display the same logo used on the program decals to increase recognition.

Carole Morris, Assistant City Administrator, explained that they selected locations near Midtown where most businesses are concentrated and on busy roadways to maximize visibility.

4)

OLD BUSINESS

a.)

Continued Discussion of Work Plan

Joseph Winn led a discussion on the board's work plan for the coming year. The work plan included several priorities: the Green Business program, the Earth Day event, and guidance on the tree canopy.

Dr. Julie Long expressed her opinion that the city already does a good job with the tree canopy and suggested focusing on areas where the board could make more impact. Joseph Winn noted that while the city handles tree management well, private development impacts the tree canopy significantly, and the board could advise on balancing growth with maintaining appropriate tree coverage. He mentioned the importance of selecting the right trees for the right places to avoid infrastructure damage, and the value of shade trees over palm trees for pedestrian comfort.

The board discussed composting initiatives, with Dr. Long suggesting a community survey to gauge interest in different composting approaches. Carole Morris shared that the city was already planning to launch a drop-off composting program at Jim Ward community garden early next year.

Dr. Mary Schwoebel proposed making composting a theme for the upcoming Earth Day event, suggesting demonstrations of different composting methods for various living situations. The board agreed to discuss this further with the Parks Department at their January meeting.

The board also discussed the timeline for planning the Earth Day event, acknowledging the need to start preparations early to avoid last-minute challenges. They noted that Parks staff would be ready to discuss Earth Day planning in January after the holiday season. Joseph Winn confirmed the Earth Day event would be a standalone daytime event, not connected to other activities like a rock concert.

Members suggested involving the incoming student board member in planning student engagement activities for Earth Day. Joseph Winn mentioned that two student applications had been received - one from NSU and one from South Plantation High School's environmental science magnet program - and that the City Council would select one at their next meeting.

Cover Page

Sustainability and Resiliency Advisory Board (SRAB) 2026 Work Plan.docx

SRAB Work Document for 2026.docx

b.)