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CBC 08-06-1998(2)The City Beautiful Commission held its regular meeting Thursday, August 6,1998, in the Sister Cities Conference Room. Chair Frank Riggins presided. Members Present: Frank Riggins Randall Stocks Carolyn Lawrence Dave Roberts Molly Satterfield Nash Abrams Also Present Bob Brown, Plans Review Specialist, Planning and Development Bryan Day, Interim Director Parks & Recreation Cindi Drilling Betty Wylan, Central Arkansas Transit Approval of Minutes: Minutes approve as distributed. Treasurer's Report: Randy reported that the checking account balance is $986.53. That does not include the recent honorarium donations from the two Questers Clubs. These donations are not deposited yet. If you include that our total cash balance would be $1,875.03. Also listed below are the contributions that are earmarked for the fountain. Our net balance is $776.53, which gives us about $1,100 that has been earmarked for the fountain. Brian Day said that the fountain had been moved to the City's Fleet Services Department where it is being repaired, all the metal work is being done with some in-house labor so there won't be any expense on that. Hopefully, this work will be completed in the next two or three weeks. The fountain will then be moved to the cemetary and installed at the end of the road by the Parks Department. The cost for the most part being absorbed with in-house labor and in -kind services. There will be some material expenses. I might suggest that as we get these invoices we could submit them to the Commission for payment. If there is any money left, you might use it yourselves or make a donation to the cemetary. Since we are doing it all in house now, it looks like it will not be as expensive. The target opening date is in time for their Halloween Event. Carolyn Lawrence said that the money received from the Questors grant must go toward the restoration of the fountain. Bryan said that with the water systems, electrical lines, paints and materials, we can easily absorb that. City Beautiful Commission + 500 West Markham, Room 108 + Little Rock, AR 72201 + (501) 371-4770 Randy suggested that the entire amount be donated to the cemetery for upkeep of the fountain. That might be easier than trying to do reimbursable. Frank Riggins said we need to get it off our books. Frank Riggins asked when we make the donation. Brian suggested that they wait until the fountain is on site and use it for an opportunity to get the press out. Brian said it would probably be in the next 30 days. Randy, reported that the expenses for the reception at the River Market was $235.95. That covered photographs, enlargements, and refreshments. Special Presentation: Frank announced that Betty Wylan with the Central Arkansas Transit Authority was there to make a special presentation. Betty said she was there to listen to Cindi Drilling's presentation and get an idea of the Commission members' reaction. Cindi then discussed the landscaping plans for the CATA Transfer station. Discussion centered around tree varieties, shrubs and plantings. The five mature trees on the site cannot be saved. Motion made and seconded that we approve the plan as presented with three conditions; 1) that the trees along Capitol Avenue be changed to match the trees along Capitol Avenue, 2) substituting ornamental evergreen trees for the crepe myrtle in four locations and retain the crepe myrtle at the entrance, and 3) provide evergreen shrubs meeting height requirement at the automobile parking area. Motion carried. Old Business: 1. Environmental Task Force. Randy asked if there was any news on the appointments to the Environmental Task Force. Frank said the only thing he knew was that Dottie Funk would co-chair the task force with Commissioner Hahn from the Planning Commission. 2. Bob Brown said that Dottie Funk had asked about the church on Ash Lane. Bob said that he had checked his records and found that CBC had given them a year to complete their landscaping. The year will be up on January 7, 1999. Landscape Awards. Randy Stocks and Molly Satterfield photographed all the sites for the landscape awards and elected to prepare slides. Randy handed out the list of nominated sites. (See attached list.) The commission will give awards in three categories with three winners in each category. 1) Exceeding Ordinance Requirements Cypress Plaza - 2200 Rodney Parham Road McDonalds' Restaurant - 8820 Baseline Road First Little Rock Plaza - 10800 Financial Parkway 2) Voluntary upgrading of Existing Sites St. Mark's Episcopal Church - 1000 Mississippi Whispering Oaks Apartments - 1812 Reservoir Road Village Shopping Center - Asher and University Avenue 3) Past Award Recipients with Continued Excellence Dillards' Corporate Offices - 1600 Cantrell Road Koger Office Park - 10809 Executive Center Drive R & G Sloan Manufacturing Co., Inc. - 777 Sloane Drive Commission members agreed that plaques should be given to the winners and certificate of appreciation and honorable mention to the non winners. Brian Day said that he would ask Gayle to report on the cost of plaques at the next meeting. Will try to make the presentation at a September Board Meeting. Meeting Adjourned. 500 WEST MARKHAM ROOM 108 LITTLE ROCK, AR 72201 (501) 371-4770 CITY BEAUTIFUL C O M M I S S I O N Treasurer's Report September 3 1998 Checking account balance: Less contributions for fountain: Arkropolis $ (200.00) Arkansas State Questers $ (838.50) Wildflowers $ (50.00) Antiaue Club $ (10.00) Net balance $ 1,936.84 $ (1,098.50) $ 838.34 MEETING NOTICE The City Beautiful Commission will hold its regular meeting at 8:15 a.m. on Thursday August 6, 1998 in the Sister Cities Conference Room Center on the second floor at City Hall. AGENDA I. Cali to Order II. Roll Call III. Approval of July Minutes IV. Treasurer's Report V. Special Presentation - CATA Revised Plans VI. Committee Reports A. Education - Dottie Funk B. Landscape Award VII. New Business VIII. Miscellaneous Business IX. Adjournment City Beautiful Commission + 500 West Markham, Room 108 + Little Rock, AR 72201 + (501) 371-4770 The City Beautiful Commission held its regular meeting Thursday, July 2,1998, in the Sister Cities Conference Room. Chair Frank Riggins presided. Members Present: Dottie Funk Frank Riggins Dave Roberts Randall Stocks Molly Satterfield Carolyn Lawrence Nash Abrams Also Present Bob Brown, Plans Review Specialist, Planning and Development Gayle Owens, Admin. Asst., Parks & Recreation Mr. James Donnelly, General Mgr., Carter Tire & Oil Mrs. June Riddick, Owner, Riddick Office Building Mr. Bob East, East -Harding, Inc. Mr. Robert Brown, Agent for CATA Approval of Minutes: Dottie Funk requested that the following be added to the June minutes: that a letter be written to City Planning Commission expressing our opinion on the Kanis Road Overlay District. Motion made to approve minutes as amended, seconded, and carried. Treasurer's Report: Randy said the Treasurer's report is the same as last month. No transactions during the month of June. Carolyn Lawrence reported that she had two checks to give to Commission, one for $838.50 from the grant, the second is a $50.00 check from the antique club. These funds are earmarked for the fountain. This makes a total of $1,098 earmarked for the fountain. Reception: Frank Riggins said he thought everyone had a good time at the reception. He had received several good comments on it Billboard Meeting: Dottie reported that she had gone to the Billboard Meeting following the reception. About 10 people attended Director Kelley's meeting at the library regarding the billboard ordinance. Dottie distributed copies of a 1997 report on billboards from Charles Nickerson to the Mayor and the Board of Directors. City Beautiful Commission + 500 West Markham, Room 108 + Little Rock, AR 72201 + (501) 371-4770 Open Public Hearing. Frank Riggins called the Public Hearing to order. Item No. I - CBC 559 - New Matters James M. Donnelly, Gen. Mgr. Carter Oil and Tire 13625 Vimy Ridge Road Variance Requested: To determine appropriate reinstallation of a mostly destroyed land use buffer. Presentation: Bob Brown made presentation to the Commission. Site located near the end of the city limits; County Line Road and Vimy Ridge at the North east corner. Staff recommends approval of the nine (9) trees but that they be installed immediately. Additionally, staff recommends that at least seventeen (17) shrubs with a minimum height at planting of thirty (30) inches and with the ability to grow to at least six feet in height be planted before the site is granted a certificate of occupancy. Auolicant Presentation: Mr. James Donally with Carter Oil Company stated that Mr. Brown was correct. Mr. Donally took full responsibility for sending the bull dozer to the property. Once he found out he was in violation, the clearing was stopped. He sent an employee of the company to the site, showed him on the blueprints what needed to be done. He did not make it clear to him to stay out of the buffer zone. We are willing to go from saplings to trees with a minimum of 2 inch caliper. We have no objection to accepting the 17 shrubs with a minimum of 30 inch height at planting. We will take care of it. Bob Brown said that staff recommends that the trees be installed now, and that the shrubs should be installed at least before a certificate of occupancy is issued. Mr. Donnally requested thirty days before planting the trees. He said he wanted to go back in that area and straighten it up because it is rough. He wants to smooth the area before planting the trees. If trees are planted right now, there will be erosion. Bob Brown said that staff would not have a problem with 30 days. The property would need some preparation. Motion: Dave Roberts moved to accept the application with the amendment that the miscellaneous saplings be changed to white pine to meet the minimum of 2 inch caliper and the seventeen shrubs. Motion seconded, and carried. Itern No. 1 -- CBC 560 -- New Matters June Riddick, Owner Riddick Office Building 2300 Cottondale Lane Variance Requested: To not require the minimum four (4) foot wide perimeter landscape strip and associated trees along the southern, western and a portion of the eastern perimeter of the proposed parking areas. Presentation: Bob Brown made presentation. Staff recognizes the difficulty with development when not over fifty (50) percent of the site is allowed to be disturbed. Staff recommends a reduction in perimeter landscaping width but not a deletion. Staff will support a reduction in perimeter landscape width to two (2) feet provided the applicant will (in addition to landscaping proposed): 1. Install a total of three (3) additional trees between those proposed along the perimeter of the sump. 2. Replace fallen Bradford pear tree within the public right-of-way. 3. Provide shrubs or trees along the top of sump around proposed eastern parking lot. Applicant Presentation: Mrs. Riddick said that they would not cut down a single tree. Every precaution will be made to save all the trees. We want the property to be a wildlife sanctuary. Chair Riggins asked if there was anyone else present who would like to speak on this issue. Bob Brown introduced Mr. Bob East owner of the Edgewater structure immediately to the East. Mr. East stated his concerns regarding the development of this property. Chair Riggins ended discussion. He said he would entertain a motion at this time. Our options are to table it, to vote on the waiver requested, or vote that they meet minimum standards, unless there are any options that I do not see. I will entertain a motion as to the pleasure of the commission. Molly Satterfield moved to deny the waiver requested. Motion seconded, motion carried. Item No. I - CBC 561E - New Matters CATA Bus Transfer Center Robert Brown, Agent 310 East Capitol Avenue Variance Requested; To not require the six (6) foot wide perimeter landscape strip and the associated shrubs and the fifty (50) percent live plant ground cover.. Presentation: Bob Brown made presentation. Staff acknowledges this site is unique in nature and is in overall agreement with the applicant's proposal provided: 1. At least fifty (50) percent of the proposed raised planter areas have evergreen shrubs of a height of at least eighteen (18) inches at planting. 2. That all trees will be of at least two (2) inch caliper at planting. 3. That water sources be made available to water plants. Applicant Presentation: Robert Brown said that Central Arkansas Transit Authority currently does bus transferring on public streets downtown. This really is not a typical "open to public' parking lot design. A key issue is security such as lighting at night and on -site security. Visibility for the police when they come around is a major concern. We do not want to create hiding spots for people who might want to mug someone. Chair Riggins asked for a motion. Randy Stocks moved to conditionally approve the variance request subject to revised plan to be presented at August meeting. Motion seconded and carried. Chair Riggins declared Public Hearing closed. Chair Riggins excused himself. Vice chair Dottie Funk assumed the chair. Landscape Awards: Commissioners discussed the method of voting on the 1998 Landscape Awards. Members said that they could not find some of the locations nominated. In the past, photographs of the sites were provided. Molly Satterfield and Randy Stocks volunteered to take photographs of the nominated sites. Carolyn Lawrence moved that we postpone our voting until the next meeting, motion seconded. Randy Stocks asked to add, that we get photographs of the sites" to the motion. Addition to the motion seconded, motion carried. Dottie asked if the letter to the Mayor regarding task force was sent to the Mayor. She also asked if the letter to the Airport Commission was sent. Meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m.