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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999 03 10 Beautification of Winter Springs Board Regular MinutesMINUTES BEAUTIFICATION OF WINTER SPRINGS BOARD MARCH 10, 1999-REGULAR MEETING I.CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:06 p.m., Wednesday, March 10, 1999, by Madam Chairperson Ethel Beecher in the Commission Chambers of the Municipal Building (City Hall, 1126 East State Road 434, Winter Springs, FL 32708). The Pledge of allegiance followed. Roll Call Ethel Beecher, Madam Chairperson, present Dawna Ferguson, Vice Chairperson, absent Darline Cook, absent Marilyn Dickinson, present Dart Helgeson, present Carol Morrison, present (arrived at 7:10 p.m.) James Harbin, present Approval of the February 10, 1999 Regular Meeting Minutes Motion by Board Member Dart Helgeson. Seconded by Board Member Marilyn Dickinson. It was agreed by consensus of the Board to accept and approve the Regular Meeting Minutes from February 10, 1999. Motion passes. Chairperson Beecher announced that the Board had a quest speaker and that she was “suspending” the Regular Meeting. II. REGULAR AGENDA A. Discussion of Updates to the City’s “Green Plan” This agenda item was tabled until the April 14, 1999 Regular Meeting. B. Finalizing the Landscape Design for the Edgemon Avenue Islands This agenda item was tabled until the April 14, 1999 Regular Meeting. C. Discussion of Possible Presentations to the City Commission on the Board’s Accomplishments This agenda item was tabled until the May 12, 1999 Regular Meeting. MINUTES BEAUTIFICATION OF WINTER SPRINGS BOARD MARCH 10, 1999-REGULAR MEETING Page 2 of 3 D. Discussion on Approaching the City Commission for More Funds This agenda item was tabled until the May 12, 1999 Regular Meeting. Presentation by Guest Speaker Chairperson Beecher introduced Ms. Alice Bard. Ms. Bard is a District Biologist with the Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Park Service, Division of Recreation and Parks. Chairperson Beecher also explained to Ms. Bard some of the Board’s experience. Board Member Carol Morrison arrived at 7:10 p.m. Ms. Bard gave the Board handouts regarding native plants and “invasive” exotic plants. Board Member James Harbin asked about ways of eliminating fleas. The Board briefly discussed this issue. Ms. Bard began her presentation by explaining her expertise. She explained that the intent of her presentation was to give to the Board “options in landscaping that exist using native plants” and to “dispel some myths that surround native plants”. She explained that native plants “are very available and help Florida in a variety of ways”. Ms. Bard showed the Board numerous slides of native plants. She explained that a native plant is a plant that was in Florida about the time that the Europeans arrived. Ms. Bard explained how seeds from invasive, non-native, plants that homeowners use can “travel” and end up growing in “natural” areas. She slowed slides of “problem” invasive plants that have started “taking over” natural areas, including Life plants, (Kalanchoe), Chinese Tallow (Popcorn), Camphor Tree, Air Potato, and Elephant Ear (Wild Taro). Ms. Bard gave the Board several reasons to use native plants. She informed the Board that native plants, once established, require less watering, less fertilizing, less pest control, and have a greater freeze and drought tolerance. According to Ms. Bard, native plants also tend to have fewer problems with soil, which in turn results in lower maintenance. Native plants also invite attractive wildlife, such as butterflies. The Board was shown more slides of native plants that correspond to a list given to them by Ms. Bard. Ms. Bard explained the slides and details about the plants, including color and soil type. The Board asked questions as the slides progressed. MINUTES BEAUTIFICATION OF WINTER SPRINGS BOARD MARCH 10, 1999-REGULAR MEETING Page 3 of 3 The Board asked about types of plants for difficult areas, such as medians and retention ponds. Ms. Bard informed the Board that there is literature and publications on that issue and can be purchased at various bookstores in the area. She also mentioned an article in Association of Florida Native Nurseries. Tape 1/Side 2 Ms. Bard continued showing more slides of native plants and discussions continued. Once finished with her presentation, the Board complimented Ms. Bard and said her presentation was “wonderful” and that they “learned so much”. The Board continued discussing native plants and which would be good to use on the medians. III. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ? Discussion of Updates to the City’s “Green Plan” ? Finalizing the Landscape Design for the Edgemon Avenue Islands ? Discussion with Fire Chief Tim Lallathin regarding the plantings at the Fire Stations and the City Parks IV. ADJOURNMENT Motion was made by Board Member Dickinson to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Board Member Helgeson. With consensus of the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m. DOCS/boards/beautification/arl/minutes/031099.doc MINUTES BEAUTIFICATION OF WINTER SPRINGS BOARD MARCH 10, 1999-REGULAR MEETING Page 4 of 3