TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Presentation by the North Port Natural Resources Division Regarding North Port Environmental Scorecard
Recommended Action
No action required.
Background Information
The following provides a chronological order of events regarding the North Port Environmental Scorecard:
Ø April 13, 2021: During the City Commission Regular Meeting, the Commission discussed and explored the potential implementation of an Environmental Scorecard.
Ø October 7, 2024: During the City Commission Workshop, Stefan Kalev, Natural Resources Manager provided a Presentation Regarding 2024 North Port Tree Canopy Assessment. The presentation included overview, Sarasota County Tree Canopy Study, Florida Urban Tree Canopy Assessment, past North Port Tree Canopy Assessment, tree equity score, 2024 North Port Tree Canopy Assessment, canopy coverage, cover class distribution, map assessment excluding Myakka State Forest, Myakka State Forest coverage, tree benefits, overall surface comparison and conclusion. At the conclusion of the discussion, the Commission reaffirmed its continued interest in the Environmental Scorecard's development and implementation.
Ø November 4, 2024: During the Environmental Advisory Board Meeting, Stefan Kalev, Natural Resources Manager provided a presentation on the Environmental Scorecard outlining proposed metrics and processes. The Environmental Advisory Board endorsed the initiative and strongly recommended the development of the Environmental Scorecard.
The North Port Natural Resources Division recognizes the critical importance of the Environmental Scorecard as a tool for evaluating and enhancing City environmental efforts and projects. The Scorecard supports informed decision-making by assessing key indicators such as tree canopy coverage, air and water quality, flood and stormwater management, and other environmental parameters. By incorporating the Scorecard development, the Natural Resources Division aims to promote environmental stewardship, create a more resilient and livable community, and ensure that North Port citizens remain informed and engaged.
The Environmental Scorecard framework is a proposed initiative for ongoing monitoring to safeguard community health and well-being while preserving North Port’s natural assets for present and future generations. At its core, the program emphasizes continuous assessments of water quality, air quality, tree canopy conditions, and wildlife, and other important environmental parameters.
The tree canopy is a focal point of the scorecard, with the Natural Resources Division closely tracking its overall condition by measuring percentage coverage and monitoring changes over time. This metric provides opportunities to prioritize tree planting and rewilding efforts in areas where additional coverage is needed, enhancing the City's resilience against the urban heat island effect and habitat loss.
As part of the Environmental Scorecard, water quality monitoring is separated into evaluations of drinking water and surface water. Drinking water is assessed through various parameters - including turbidity, total coliform bacteria, lead, and asbestos - that are evaluated by the Utilities Department and other related state and federal agencies, ensuring the community's safety and compliance with health standards. Surface water quality, on the other hand, is measured by tracking indicators such as dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll A, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and bacterial levels. These efforts are also quantified by multiple agencies and data sources, including the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), Sarasota County, the City of North Port, and resources like the Charlotte Harbor Natural Estuary Program (CHNEP) Water Atlas.
Another important environmental parameter is air quality, monitored through the Air Quality Index, which evaluates several pollutants - including particulate matter (both PM2.5 and PM10), ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide. Additionally, the City has implemented real-time monitoring via the Purple Air - Air Quality program, reinforcing its commitment to timely and actionable environmental data.
Wildlife considerations are integrated into the scorecard through detailed reporting on invasive species, wildlife populations, and the condition of conservation areas. The evaluation process also involves temporary signage, permits for listed species impacts, and plans for future initiatives aimed at bolstering biodiversity and supporting conservation efforts.
Complementing these assessments is a proactive approach to floodplain and storm management - areas that include vulnerability assessments and the monitoring of stormwater and floodplain parameters. Recognizing and quantifying the risk of flood events, the Natural Resources Division has recently hired a Floodplain Administrator, and efforts now extend to programs such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Community Rating System and initiatives supported by the Watershed Master Plan Grant.
In addition to these core environmental metrics, the scorecard incorporates other important parameters such as the number of trees donated and planted by the City, community educational events attended, citizens engaged or assisted, and the number of inspections and reviews conducted. The North Port Greenest Citizen Recognition and the accompanying environmental scorecard visual further illustrate the city’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and community involvement.
The Environmental Scorecard for North Port offers a comprehensive and easy-to-interpret tool to track the City's environmental parameters. Annual assessments ensure that the data remains current, allowing for the adjustment of goals in response to emerging challenges and new information. This proactive approach not only addresses today's environmental challenges but also lays the groundwork for greater adaptability and resilience in the future.
Strategic Plan
Quality of Life
Environmental Resiliency & Sustainability
Financial Impact
There is no impact on the budget, revenues, or expenditures.
Procurement
Not applicable.
Attachments:
1. Environmental Scorecard Presentation
2. Environmental Scorecard Visual
Prepared by: Stefan Kalev, Natural Resources Manager
Department Director: Alaina Ray, AICP, Development Services Director