CBC_2017 Annual Retreat Minutes 01 18 2017The City Beautiful Commission held its annual retreat Wednesday, January 18, 2017, at
3:00 p.m. at Mangan Holcomb Partners in Riverdale. Facilitator Julie Robbins called the meeting
to order.
MEMBERS PRESENT: BJ Sanders-Woods Melissa Henshaw
Steve Homeyer Bob Winchester
Bobby Cushman Carrie Young
MEMBERS ABSENT: Chris Hancock
Wally Loveless
Ed Peek
Janet Wilson
One Open Position
ALSO PRESENT: Julie Robbins, Mangan Holcomb Partners, Facilitator
D.Tracy Spillman, Plans Development Administrator, Department
of Planning and Development, City of Little Rock
INTRODUCTIONS:
Facilitator Julie Robbins introduced herself and gave a brief history of how Mangan Holcomb
Partners became involved with the City Beautiful Commission.
Commissioners and staff introduced themselves and briefly discussed their backgrounds and
interest in serving on the CBC
Ms. Robbins then proceeded by opening the discussion and inquiring about the CBC’s 2016
successes.
OVERVIEW OF THE PAST YEAR:
2016 Successes / Achievements:
Landscape Awards
Three (non-residential) awards were presented in the fall. It was noted that these were
chosen from approximately fifteen nominations. It was also noted that these projects
are becoming progressively harder to choose because of the landscape that is required
to be included in Little Rock’s commercial projects.
Eye of the Beholder Awards
Approximately ten were presented to residential property owners.
Bowman T.R.E.E fund project.
Progress has been made and trees have been secured. Waiting for the city to complete
the preparations so the trees can be installed.
Variance request. The commissioner’s successfully heard and ruled on ten cases in 2016.
Facebook page. The goal to have 500 followers has been reached.
Five adopt-a-street pick-ups were accomplished.
2017 OPPORTUNITIES:
Keep growing the commission Facebook page.
Eye of the Beholder Awards.
Each commissioner to meet the goal of three nominations.
Be more mindful of geographic diversity.
Complete projects and identify new ones
Bowman T.R.E.E. Fund Project, City Hall South Yard
Adopt-A-Street (KLRB)
Develop collaborations / cycling communities
Build a better relationship City Director Liaison, Dr Kumpuris.
Involve incoming Director Peck
Abandoned Houses / Properties
Implement and Adopt-A-Lot program / be more attentive to alerting code
enforcement.
Lead by example with regard to maintaining personal properties.
In addition to having one open position Commissioner Young’s term will be fulfilled in
October. Influence City Clerk’s office to appoint and keep positions filled.
2017 PRIORITIES:
Variances
Complete Bowman T.R.E.E. Fund project.
Promote Beautiful Landscapes.
Booth at Flower and Garden Shows
Provide How-to videos on Facebook page.
Develop partnerships with nurseries and Master Gardeners
Connect with the Cooperative Extension Service / Janet Carson
Collaborate with local gardening clubs
Increase Facebook content and postings via sharing trusted content
Award Programs
Eye of the Beholder
Landscape Awards
Full Commission
CBC Exhibit
Under review with the Historic Arkansas Museum curators
Possible exhibit space, City Hall, Libraries
2017 ACTIVITY:
CITY BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION – COMMITTEES
The commissioners discussed each committee and the projects and goals associated with each.
It was also decided which commissioners would serve on these committees.
Awards
1.Eye of the Beholder (Residential)Chair: Carrie Young,
Manage certificates, yard signs, Ed Peek
Cards, and spreadsheet. Wally Loveless,
Steve Homeyer
Bobby Cushman
Janet Wilson
2.Landscape Awards (Commercial) Chair: Steve Homeyer
Accept nominations from public. Bobby Cushman
Determine three winners. Janet Wilson
Diversify by geography. Ed Peek
Coordinate awards at City Board
Meeting.
Winners determined late summer /
early fall.
Add people’s choice category.
Nominations open March / April and
close in August.
Establish criteria.
Activities
3.Adopt-A-Street (1st Saturday/Odd Months) Coordinator: Wally Loveless
Bowman Road (between Kanis and Bobby Cushman
Markham)
4.KLRB Partnership Board
Attends Adopt-A-Street Meetings Liaison: Chris Hancock
4th Wednesday at noon. Melissa Henshaw
Variance Funding Administration
5.T.R.E.E Fund Chair: Steve Homeyer
Complete Bowman Road. Wally Loveless
Identify new projects. Melissa Henshaw
Approximately $30K existing in the Carrie Young
fund. Bobby Cushman
Present completed project to
City Board.
Coordinate any sign placement /
Communicate with Parks and Public
Works Departments.
Engage City Directors as to projects
in their wards.
Coordinate announcements /
Promotions or finished projects
Present finished projects to City
Board
Community Projects
6.City Hall South Landscape Chair: Steve Homeyer
AKA / City Hall Beautification Carrie Young
Project has been approved, Bob Winchester
landscape plan exists, donations
secured.
Possible PR opportunity.
Possible City Board presentation
Opportunity.
Public Relations
7.Website Chair: Chris Hancock
Facebook Administrative Responsibilities BJ Sanders-Woods
Promotions Melissa Henshaw
Award Programs
City Beautiful Exhibit
City of Little Rock Government /Public
Regulations / City of Little Rock Access
Channel
CONCLUSION:
After committee appointments were completed a discussion concerning the various activities of
the CBC was opened. This conversation allowed the new committee members to ask questions
concerning their duties and the mission of the City Beautiful Commission.
Meeting adjourned at 5:58 p.m.
LITTLE ROCK CITY BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT - 723 WEST MARKHAM - LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS 72201
PHONE: 501 371-4864 FAX: 501 371-6863 E-MAIL: DSPILLMAN@LITTLEROCK.GOV