Loading...
2011.12.13_BSAB_Minutes_RegularTOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH s: .e► 3• :s e: •�i MDUMS OF THE BEACHES & SHORES ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING Tuesday, December 13, 2011 9;30 AM Members Present: Chair Rosalind Svenstrup; Vice Chair Ira Oakiander, Member Linda Albertson; Member Elizabeth Andrews; Member Susan Hiles; Member Jim Aovanazzw, Member Elyse Riesa. Also Ath ndhW. Commissioner John Pagliaro• Rosalie DeMartino, Administrative Assistant and members of the public. 1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Syg st= called. the Regular Meeting to order at 930 AM. Roll Call was taken by Rosalie DeMartino, Administrative Ate, followed by the; Pledge of Allegiance. Chair Svc welcomed Elyse Riesa as the newest member of the Beaches & Shores Advisory Board. 2. ADDITIONS, DELETIONS OR ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: Chair Svenstnm called for any additions, deletions or acceptance of the agen& By consensus, the Board accepted the agenda as presented. 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND REOUESTS: Elizabeth Andrews stated that a resident of Highland Beach presented her with an article regarding "Earthquake activity affecting beaches around the world and how it might affect us". Chair Svenstrun indicated that since the Board did not receive this information prior to the meeting they would be unable to discuss the article at this time. Copies will be distributed to the Board members for a possible discussion at a later date. 4. PRESENTATIONS: None. 6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: • October 11, 2013 — Regular Meeting MOTION: Member Hiles moved to approve the October 11, 2011 Regular Meeting Minutes; seconded by Member Andrews. Motion passed with all in favor. 7.OLD BUSINESS: None. Beaches & Shores Advisory Board December 13, 2011 Page 2 of 4 8. NEW BUSINESS: A. Member Hiles' Report on Turtle Season 2011: Member Hiles reported on the sea turtle nesting season which runs from March 1 st thru October 31sL She indicated that there are 5 nesting zones in Highland Beach and she works in zone 1. There are two types of crawls. One is an actual nesting crawl and the other is known as a false crawl. The first nesting of the leatherbacks was March 22nd in her zone and one other zone. The next nesting wasn't until April 20u` which was a loggerhead. turtle The season gets busy during the months of May and June. The last hatching was on October 31'` which was the last day that they were refired to monitor the beach. Member Hiles indicated that during the 245 days of monitoring the sea turtle activity, they were able to confirm 1,466 adult female sea turtle exits from the ocean onto our shore Of those exits, they were able to confirm 826 as actual nests. The balance of 640, according to their training, was reported as non -nesting crawls or false crawls. Member Hiles stated that the Beaches & Shores Advisory Board along with the Sea Turtle Program of Highland Beach held a Sea Turtle Walk & Talk Day this July. Chair Svenstrvp and Barbara James, Permit Holder for the Sea Turtle Program in Highland Beach worked together to accomplish this event Approximately 50 residents came to walk along the beach with 8 or 9 sea turtle volunteers to guide them and answer questions_ They saw the different tracks made by the sea turtles as well as 2 leatherback hatchlings. Member Riles indicted that this was the second best year for nests in the past six years which was largely due to the help of our beach front property residents keeping the lights off during turtle nesting season. She also stated that there were fewer human issues with disturbances of nests. There are shill problems with animal disturbances particularly with dogs that are not leashed while walking along the beaches with their owners. She also reported that there were less fire ants invasions which injure and kill the hatchlings. Many nests were lost this year due to the cliffs and shelves caused by driving surfs and hurricane Irene. There are 20 plus volunteers and all the details are reported to the Federal and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission_ Chair SyenstW asked about the Leatherback turtle since she noticed there were very few nests on the beach. Member Hiles indicated that they are a very rare species and the largest turtle in the world. They can grow up to 2000 lbs. Member Hiles had one leatherback nest in her zone stating that the track was at least 6 feet wide. There were 8 leatherback nest reported this year. Chair Syenstm stated that there was a program held in the Commission Chambers by a representative from Gumbo Limbo Center who gave an informative talk about the sea turtles. She hopes to be able to have this program again for the next turtle season. Member Hiles indicated that they work very closely with Gumbo Limbo. Beaches & Shores Advisory Board December 13, 2011 Page 3 of 4 B. Election of Officers: • Chairman: MOTION: Member Albertson moved to nominate Rosalind Svenstrup as Chair, seconded by Member Riles. Motion passed with all in favor. • Vice Chairman: MOTION: Member Albertson moved to nominate Ira Oaklander as Vice Chairman, seconded by Member Hiles. Motion passed with all in favor. Vice Chair Oaklander wanted the Board to be aware of a capsized canoe in the hitracoastal Waterway by Gumbo Limbo Center which was caused by a large wake. C. Approval of 2012 Meeting Dates: Tuesday, January 10, 2012 Tuesday, February 14, 2012 Tuesday, March 13, 2012 Tuesday, April 10, 2012 Tuesday, May 8, 2012 Tuesday, Jane 12, 2012 Tuesday, July 10, 2012 Tuesday, August 14, 2012 Tuesday, September 11, 2012 Tuesday, October 9, 2012 Tuesday, November 13, 2012 Tuesday, December 11, 2012 All meetings are scheduled for 9.30 a m. in the Town Commission Chambers. MOTION: Member Andrews moved to approve the 2012 meeting dates; seconded by Member Rovanazzo. 8. ADJOURNMENT: Chair Svenstrup called for a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:00 am. MOTION: Member 11iles moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:00 a.m. Vice Chair Oaklander seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Beaches & Shores Advisory Board December 13, 2011 Page 4 of 4 ... 6 zip Ira Oaklander. Vice d & L�. Albertson, Member Elizabeth Andrews, Member Susan Hiles, Member J es Rio , Member Elysatiesa5Member 740 TED'a _ -0 " Rosalie DeMartino Administrative Assistant Date: / / .