At its Dec. 2 meeting the City of Sebastian Natural Resources Board heard a staff update that the city’s existing stormwater fee-credit program applies to commercial property and that a residential credit program is not currently feasible for city staff to administer.

Board member Frank reported on a recent meeting with city staff and said, “the city doesn’t feel like they can do that right now,” referring to establishing residential stormwater credits. An unidentified staff member clarified later in the meeting that “we do have the existing stormwater fee credit program, but that’s, you know, for commercial property,” and said educational materials and recognition programs for residents could be pursued as lower-cost near-term options.

Board members also discussed vehicle-replacement planning. Staff said hybrid options are most likely for passenger vehicles and that larger utility vehicles may not have viable hybrid models within the city’s budget. Members noted procurement pathways (state or county contracts versus other sources) and the need to involve procurement, parks and public-works directors in any cost-benefit analysis.

On infrastructure costs, a board member cited an approximate installation cost for a single EV charging stand, saying the cheapest option would be “about $3,500 to put it in,” and raised practical concerns about parking and the time vehicles are available to charge. Staff also noted that the city maintains its own fleet and that mechanic training and service capacity would factor into any electric-vehicle transition.

Board members suggested alternatives to a residential credit program, including a low-cost recognition sign program for properties that adopt stormwater best management practices and increased public education about rain barrels and rain gardens. No formal policy change or vote to create a residential credit program occurred during the meeting.

Staff said they would follow up internally on procurement options and outreach materials and report back to the board at a future meeting.