The Committee’s plans for Arbor Day stood out as a part of the meeting. They proposed to plant two Live Oaks and expressed their intent to involve local schools and organizations in the event. The celebration is not only symbolic but also a strategic move for Tequesta to apply for Tree City USA recognition. The Committee highlighted the upcoming kickoff of the tree canopy project along Tequesta Drive, underlining a commitment to enhancing the local environment through strategic tree planting initiatives. The Public Works director mentioned the importance of informing the community about this project through social media channels.

Another topic that garnered attention was the debate surrounding the inclusion of EV charging stations in future redevelopment projects. Concerns about the cost and practicality for different types of developments were discussed. The Committee is considering a motion, which has already been seconded and passed, for the Town Council to evaluate incentives for commercial redevelopment to include EV charging stations. The feasibility of implementing specific recommendations, such as requiring EV charging stations in new developments and whether to approach this with mandatory requirements or incentivized strategies, was a key point of debate.

Environmental sustainability grants were also a focal point of the meeting, with members deliberating on the relevance of various grants, including Coastal Resilience grants, to address the impact of greenhouse gas emissions. The discussion extended to exploring opportunities for green building infrastructure and the potential for expanding the street canopy of trees through grants to enhance the environmental landscape.

Further discussions revolved around the financial and practical aspects of increasing recycling efforts, especially in the Plaza, which is under new management and ownership. The committee delved into commercial recycling rules and the need for a clear game plan, which might involve contract renewals with Waste Management. The challenges faced by food trucks in recycling and the importance of signage improvements for easier recycling practices were also considered.

The Committee examined a novel approach to addressing beach erosion—a removable device designed to retain sand and possibly enlarge the beach area. However, there was skepticism due to concerns about the impact on the natural movement of sand and the composition of the material used, which is associated with a plastic company. A thorough research and analysis were deemed necessary before moving forward with the proposed solution.

Finally, there was a discussion about the village’s 2023-2024 strategic plan and the Environmental Advisory Committee’s initiatives. The need for a special meeting to discuss grants and specific strategies was debated, as well as the creation of a new trail on the north side of the BLM property. Members highlighted the importance of organizing environmental resources and making information accessible to the public, including the implementation of QR codes and digital folders for resources.