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Environmental Advisory Board schedules November living-shoreline talk, discusses workshop on board influence
Summary
At its Sept. 2 meeting the Fort Myers Environmental Advisory Board set November to hear a presentation on living shorelines and discussed holding a workshop to clarify how the board can advise city policy; members and staff also reviewed the ordinance mechanics for expanding the board—s role.
The City of Fort Myers Environmental Advisory Board on Sept. 2 agreed to pursue a November presentation on living shorelines and invited a Florida Gulf Coast University participant to speak about mangrove research and student projects.
Board members also discussed holding a workshop to examine how the advisory board can be more effective in advising city policy and planning processes. Assistant City Attorney Travis Carey explained that formal changes to the board—s duties would require an amendment to the ordinance that created the board, but said the board could begin by reviewing its founding ordinance to clarify responsibilities.
Why it matters: The board is a young advisory body. Members said they want to ensure their guidance reaches decision-making bodies, and they asked the council liaison to attend the proposed workshop so council priorities and expectations can be spelled out.
Details and next steps
- Living Shoreline presentation: A board member had contacted FGCU and said a professor and students researching mangroves and living shorelines have expressed interest in speaking at the November meeting. The board agreed that topic fits the agenda.
- Workshop on board influence: Members proposed a standalone workshop to review the board's ordinance, consider how to coordinate with the Planning Board, and identify practical ways to offer policy advice. Carey said broadening the board—s formal scope would require an ordinance change initiated by City Council or the city manager—s office; however, a workshop to clarify responsibilities can be scheduled without ordinance changes.
- Request for liaison participation: The board asked staff to invite Council Liaison (Councilman Boche) to the workshop to relay Council expectations and priorities.
Procedural actions
The board approved the Aug. 5 meeting minutes after a small wording correction was recorded in the minutes; the motion to approve carried unanimously. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, which also passed by unanimous voice vote.
Quotes
"I actually had a conversation with FGCU about that," a board member said about living-shoreline research.
"Broadening the scope is a process," Assistant City Attorney Travis Carey said when the board discussed ordinance changes.
Ending
Staff said they will circulate the November meeting agenda and will propose a date for a workshop that includes the council liaison and city staff. The board confirmed its next regular meeting date (Oct. 7) and plans a site visit to a city facility; staff will provide parking and safety equipment.
