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Resident urges Atlantic Beach to distribute rain barrels; ESC reports tree giveaways and planning changes to chapter 23
Summary
A resident told the commission rain barrels are inexpensive, reduce runoff, and should be included as an option in the city’s master stormwater plan; Amy Franke of the Environmental Stewardship Committee updated the commission on a giveaway of more than 100 trees, upcoming educational events and a chapter 23 revision planned for December.
At the City Commission's Oct. 27 meeting, resident David Bew described buying a rain barrel for under $90, saying it collected more than 60 gallons in a single overnight storm and urging the city to provide barrels to households that want them as part of the master stormwater plan. Bew said rain barrels can reduce stormwater entering drains and encouraged incentives for residents who adopt them.
Amy Franke, speaking for the Environmental Stewardship Committee, gave three brief updates: a successful "treats and trees" giveaway at the farmers market distributing over 100 trees; an upcoming speaker series event on Florida‑friendly landscaping principles with a session on planting locations and wildflower seed giveaways; and committee work with staff to revise chapter 23 of the city code, with a workshop expected before the commission in December.
Both speakers credited city staff and public‑works assistance in supporting volunteer outreach and tree distribution efforts, and recommended the commission consider rain‑barrel incentives and incorporate the practice in stormwater planning.
