CBC 01-10-1995The City Pewifd Commission
The City Beautiful Commission held its regular meeting on Tuesday, January 10, 1995 in the
City Board Room, 2nd Floor of City Hail. A public hearing was held before the regular meeting.
The Public Hearing was called to order by Lin Blair, Chairman at 10:00 a.m.
Members Present:
Lin Blair Steve Cato
Josephine Graham Joyce Raynor
Frank Rigger Joe Robbins
Liz Williams
Also Present:
Bob Brown, Plans Review Specialist, Neighborhoocz & Planning
Mark Webre, Project & ]Design Mgr., Parks and Recreation
Becky Switzer, Executive Secretary, Parks and Recreation
Jerlene Burton, TRI Western Express Trucldng
Al Gowns, Property Owner adjacent to TRI Western Express Trucking
I. Public Hearing - Item No. 1 - CBC 551 - New Matters
William N. and Jerlene S. Burton, TRI Western Express Trucking, 10601 1-30.
Variance Requested - An eighteen (18) month time extension to install
required landscaping.
Staff Recommendation - Staff believes that reasonable justification has been
provided for the time extension and supports this request.
The Buttons feel that they need more time because of weather and financial
problems. They are involved in Chapter 11 Bankruptcy and they are trying to
problems worked out but at this time the judge will only ok spending to keep
the trucks going.
500 West Markham, Room 108 Little Rock, AR 72201 371-4770
Minutes January 11, 1995 Meeting
Page 2
At this time, Mr. Al Gorms, who lives at 9300 Mabelvale Pike addressed the
commission. His property is adjacent to 10601 I-30 and 151 ft. adjacent to
10801 I-30( which is also TRI Western). He stated that he is not opposed to
the landscape proposal but to ask for help to get the Code Enforcement agency
require that the damage to his property be repaired. This damage was Clone by
TRI Western attempting to complete standards required by the City. Mr. Gorms
stated that in 1988, the truck company parking lot was paved with no provisions
for drainage on his property. He now has a 50 x 25 foot pond on his property.
On July 10, 1989, at 10801 I-30, 180 days was requested to replace additional
shrubs that had died. On April 20th, 1990, at 10801 1-30, a request was made
for additional shrubs and those that had died. In Feb. 1992, a 55 gallon drum
of crank case oil or diesel fuel was spilled into his pond. In turn a ditch was dug
to drain off the oil(not by him). This oil drained onto other property and
eventually into Fouche Creek. A month or two later donnafill with large chunks
of concrete was dumped on the oil spill and it is still there. August 1992, Mr.
Burton applied for 10601 I-30 to be zoned 12 from R2. On Jan. 25th, 1993 a
request was made for eighteen months to complete five items of landscaping.
Item 5 of this request reads "To haul and pack down ground up asphalt to form
a hard surface driveway and parking area for cars". The asphalt is 1/2 to 2/3
ground up and the balance of it was large chunks of asphalt. This asphalt
is also on Mr. Groms property. This makes it impossible to get a bush hog
into this area. Mr. Gorms stated that now they have applied again today.
He just wants his property repaired.
Steve Cato asked Bob Brown how long the Burton have to complete the
landscaping. Bob Brown said that the Burton have 120 days from approval
of the landscape ordinance. Bob Brown stated that he did not realize how
bad the situation is. Bob has talked to the Zone Enforcement Agent who
will go out and look at the property in question. Bob asked to change the
staff recommendations to that the owners of the property clean up the back
side of the property.
Frank Riggins stated that he did not mind the eighteen month period as
long as the Burtons returned Mr. Gorms property be returned to its original
state. Steve Cato said that conditions are stated in the amendment that
covers time period. He feels that a shorter time period is needed to comply
with the variance. Steve stated that a six month time period should be
enough time to comply.
Public Hearing closed.
After much discussion, Steve Cato made the motion that the adjacent
property be repaired to the condition that it was before and to accept the
variance after Bob Brown changes and that these repairs be done in a
six month period. Seconded by Liz Williams. All ayes.
Minutes January 11, 1995 Meeting
Page 3
IL Roll Call - Eight members present.
III. Approval of Minutes - Liz Williams made the motion to accept the
minutes. Seconded by Joyce Raynor. All ayes.
At this time Lin Blair presented Steve Cato a certificate of appreciation
for his term as Chairman of the City Beautiful Commission.
IV. Lighting Project Update (Zoo) - Lin Blair reported that the attendance
was very high and that Garver and Garver, was very helpful with this
years project.
V. Lighting Contest - Review of the judging process. Joe Robbins felt that
something was done this year that got the whole city involved. Joyce Raynor
feels that the use of time needs to be better put to use. She feels like a
judging criteria form needs to be developed. Frank Riggins said he would
like to thank Joe Robbins and Mark Webre for a job well done on putting the
entry form and map together.
Mark Webre passed out a copy of the letters that was sent to the people
who had a problem with the contest. It was explained that there was
a misunderstanding of the zones and that the rule of not being able to
enter the contest for next three years has been waived. Darrin Shea who
was one of the winners did not like the letter and the offer. He was the
contestant who feels he should have won fast place if the contestant who
won first place had been in the right zone. Joe Robbins stated that even
if the zones had been right Mr. Shea would have not won first place. Steve
Cato suggested that next year that once the winners are decided that
someone check and make sure that they are in the right zone.
Joyce Raynor stated that she has a problem with the way the judging
is done because only certain groups of people seem to be winning
the contest. It was stated that because of the zoning and the division
of the money this problem will be minimized. Also with a revised form
that will be developed next year this will help in the judging.
Lin Blair asked that Joe Robbins, Frank Riggins and Joyce Raynor get
together and work on next years contest and to have something ready
by the March meeting. Lin also ask that the commission not cancel
the December meeting as they have done in the past so that problems
like this can be worked out. The commissioners may even have to
meet at a different time other then the regular meeting time. Lin also
suggested that the commissioners try and bring in other people such
as radio and t.v. people to help in the judging.
Minutes January 11, 1995 Meeting
Page 4
Mark Webre asked the commissioners to note, that if they wish to address
"Light Up Little Rock" more effectively, then they should count on
committing more time and resources. Parks will not be able to assist
anymore than they have in the past. Mark noted that if the commission
kept things loose and emphasized the desire to spread good will and cheer,
then the commission may not be held as accountable.
VII. Treasurer Report - Joe Robbins reported that he wrote a check to Fleming
Electric as the commissions part of helping light up Riverfront Park.
This check was for $1000.00. Liz Williams asked where the commission
gets its money. Mark Webre stated that it comes from the Board Members
who allocate $2500.00 a year in the budget to be used by the commission.
VIII. 1995 Projects - Lin Blair would like to see the commission play a big
part in these projects in the coming year. The Adopt -A -Park Program,
Becky will keep us posted on this project and let us know when the
award recognition will take place. The Clean Up Little Rock
Campaign was a great success this past year and Lin would like the
commission to be active in it this year.
IX. Parks and Recreation Update - Mark Webre stated that there is a
desire from the Parks Department to have the City Beautiful Commission
to help develop a resolution that shows the commissions support for
open space. Mark said he will bring to the next meeting information
explaining what open space is all about. Mark also said he will help the
commission in the writing of the resolution.
Mark stated that a master plan refinement has been completed of the
Riverfront Amphitheater. The Parks Department is going to install a new
fence in that area to help control and bring safety to that environment.
The budget is limited on this project. At this time a fence will be built
with a gateway entry. Hopefully by this fall an entertainment amenity
package will begin construction. This package would provide the
entertainer or entertainers a place of privacy before and after a performance.
This will hopefully help bring bigger acts to the Little Rock area.
Parks is also preparing an RFP for Riverfront expansion eastward
with the idea of building a concert facility that will hold 12000 to 15000
people compared to the 6000 at the amphitheater area. It would then
attract the primary venue market. A feasibility study is being done and
a concept plan. It will first be determined if it is feasible to build such
a facility before preparation of a concept plan.
Joe Ford would like to build an arena in the War Memorial area. The Parks
Department does not agree with this plan and one of the reasons is the value
of open space. This area is a open park that is highly used and is highly
visible. The Parks Department would like for the City Beautiful Commission
to support Parks in a form of a resolution supporting the arena being located
elsewhere.
Minutes January 11, 1995 Meeting
Page 5
X. Miscellaneous - Steve stated that he received a letter from Dr. Sloan Wilson.
Dr. Wilson is concerned about the green garbage containers that the City is
having citizens use in parts of the city. His concern is that some citizens do
not put these containers away week to week once the trash is picked up.
Dr. Wilson would like to have a response to his letter.
Steve Cato stated that he had visited with Bill Bunten after he got his letter
and Mr. Bunten suggested that the commission hold a Public Hearing and to
have Chan Russell from Public Works there to answer questions about the
above matter.
Mark Webre stated that if the commission decides to have a Public Hearing
that the commission needs to take the time to prepare for it. This would be a
chance for the City Beautiful Commission to answer questions regarding
beautification of the city.
Lin Blair said that she will respond to Dr. Wilson's letter.
Mark said that he would talk to Public Works about a pre -meeting
regarding a Public Hearing, and he would contact the commissioners
in about two weeks to let them know when the pre -meeting will take
place.
M. Adjournment - Joe Robbins made the motion to adjourn, seconded by Liz
Williams. All ayes. Meeting adjourned.
The City Redutiful Commission
CITY BEAUTIFUL KID
1994 QUESTIONNAIRE SUMMARY
Written by: Jessica Benthall
CBK Secretary
After evaluating the questionnaires filled out by the
participants of the 1994 summer work period, I feel the City
Beautiful Kid Program succeeded more than failed. Please
take into account that a program as large as City Beautiful,
governed by generic rules, is inevitably going to experience
problems. It is up to the administrators of City Beautiful
to personalize the procedure so that the participating youth
may benefit as much as possible.
The majority of the participants answered positively to
the questions on the questionnaire. The workers felt the
hiring procedure and orientation week were informative and
helpful, but were pleased mostly with the special activities
planned: writing workshops, painting, the garden, and Wild
River Country. For the most part, the participants knew to
expect hark work and hot weather but not all were prepared
to experience them. Working in parks and getting paid were
enjoyable aspects of the job for them. Further more, the
superintendents and Operational Director were well -liked by
most.
The main disappointment of the workers was with their
supervisors, which shows the need for strong role models.
These teens are very impressionable and do not need more
negativity than is already present in their lives. Other
main complaints were the vans and equipment and the
participants would like to work more in parks and their
neighborhoods(exact locations on notes). Our workers find
being referred to as "Kids" degrading.
Based on the answers of the questionnaire, the workers
seemed to have improved from their work with City Beautiful.
Many of them had never worked with their peers to accomplish
good. Their accomplishments proved to them that they can
500 West Markham, Room 108 Little Rock, AR 72201 371-4770
achieve goals and make a positive difference in their
community when given the chance and initiative. These
responses are very encouraging for the program's future.
Some of the improvements needed in the program are
however left up to City Beautiful's administrators. Not all
suggestions were feasible, but quite a few were. The
supervisor problem can hopefully be solved by seeking
applicants at local colleges and work studies. The uniform,
yellow shirts and orange hats, were suggested to be replaced
by white hats and green shirts with a different logo on the
front; and the name can very easily be voted on and changed.
The freedom to wear sunglasses and go straight home when
working close may not be admissible, but we can acquire more
security when needed so our participants do not feel
threatened. If just a few of these can be accomplished
before the start of next year's program, I feel City
Beautiful participants will greatly benefit. We have a
wonderful program that is full of potential and should build
upon its strengths.
CITY BEAUTIFUL KID PARTICIPANT'S
Q UESTIONNA I REW O MMENT S
Thank you for making '94 a great summer! You did an excellent job!
1. What improvements can you suggest for the overall CBK program?
2. What name do you feel is appropriate for your group? (ex. City Beautiful
Kids, Participants)
3. What is your favorite part of the CBK program?
4. What is your least favorite part of the CBK program?
5. What progress do you feel you have made while participating in the CBK work
experience?
6. Do you enjoy working with your peers?
7. Do you enjoy working with your supervisors?
8. Do you feel this summer has been a productive one by making a difference in Little
Rock? Explain your answer.
9. What is the most exciting thing you have done this summer with the CBK program?
10. What areas of the city would you have liked to work in, but did not have the
opportunity?
11. What uniform do you think would be appropriate? same, other
12. Do you feel the orientation week was organized and handled properly?
13. Is the program what you expected it to be when you joined?
Why or why not?
14. Do you feel the equipment and vans were the best available?
15. How did you feel about Interstate Park as the meeting site?
16. Do you feel the Supervisors treated you fairly?
17. Was you superintendent(Smith or Moren) helpful to you?
18. Was your Operational Director(Myers) helpful to you?
19. Do you feel the application, interview, and hiring procedure was handled properly?
20. Do you feel the CBK Program has taught you lessons in punctuality and job
responsibility? Any suggestions for improvement?
21. Please comment if you might consider returning next year.
22. Please list any pros and cons about this program and staff members.
23. How would you evaluate your supervisor?
24. How would you rate the City Beautiful Kids Program?
1 2
Poor
3 4 5
average excellent
CITY BEAUTIFUL KID 1994 QUESTIONNAIRE
NOTES/RESULTS
* 46 Questionnaires handed in.
Quest. #
1. Needed Improvements:
-Better supervisors and more respect from them (14)
-Betther equipment and working conditions(12)
-More money(almost all)
-Longer break(7)
-Ability to go home when finished if close to home
-Better security
-Wear sunglasses
2. Name:
-Kids(3)
-Participants(10)
-Youth(4)
-Other: City Beautiful Inc.
3. Favorite Part:
positive -painting, writing, garden, working
together, working hard, finishing a job
others: pay day, break, Wild River Country
4. Least Favorite Part:
working, hot sun, cutting grass, pick-up paper,
raking, supervisors, uniforms, vans, work places
5. Progress:
-Making friends with others
-acquiring better working skills, attitude
-learning how to use time wisely, listen to
authority, accept responsibility, work as a group,
work hard
-clean up city
-completing job, achieving a goal
-making and managing own money
6. Working with Peers:
Yes No OK
39 4 4
*no because of language
7. Working with Supervisors:
Yes No Sometimes
18 17 11
8. Productivity:
*no(19)-said they didn't think it would stay
cleaned up, people would always litter of didn't
work in enough areas.
*yes -helped city look good, made a difference,
helped keep kids off the streets and out of
trouble, learned to work hard
9. Exciting Thing:
*positive -painting, writing, getting paid, spending
money, working hard, working at parks, Wild River
Country
*negative -joy riding, mall, going places other than
work
10. Suggested Areas:
East End, Zoo, Pine Cone, University, Granite
Mountain Park, Southwest Little Rock, Boyce street,
their own neighborhoods
11. Uniform:
Same-11 Other-29
Suggestions: white and green shirts and hats
instead of yellow and orange
*wanted to not wear hats and be able to wear shorts
12. Orientation week organized properly:
Yes No Did not like
33 5 2
13. Expected:
Yes No
25 17
-heard from friends, relatives hot and hard work
-harder than they thought
14. Equipment Good:
Yes No
6 36
15. Like Interstate:
Yes No OK
24 6 16
16. Treated fairly by supervisors:
Yes No Sometimes
12 24 9
17. Superintendents helpful:
Yes No OK
23 17 3
18. Operational Director helpful:
Yes No OK
29 13 2
19. Hiring procedure handled properly:
Yes No
40 2
20. Learned lessons -punctuality, responsibility:
Yes No
36 6
21. Return:
Yes No
11 18
22. Pros/Cons:
Pros -paycheck, meet friends, have fun
Cons -bad supervisors, no respect from supervisors,
fights, supervisor drives too fast
23. Rate Supervisor:
-half evaluated negatively
-other half evaluated neutrally, few positively
24. Rate Program:
5 4.5 4 3 2 1
6 1 9 22 5 1
BRAINSTORMING FOR NAME
TEEN
CHILD
JUVENILE
ADOLESCENT
YOUTH
YOUTHHOOD
MINOR
JUNIOR
YOUNG ADULT
WORKER
TEENIEBOPPER
CORPS
CORE
DELEGATE
AMBASSADOR
DIPLOMAT
ENVOY