CBC 05-03-2001The City Beautiful Commission held its regular meeting Thursday, May 3, 2001 at 11:30
a.m. in the Sister Cities Conference Room at City Hall. The meeting was called to order
by Chair Dottie Funk.
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Also Present:
Approval of Minutes:
Dottie Funk
Nash Abrams
Karol Zoeller
Troy Laha
Sharon Talbuch Vogelpohl
Tim Heiple
Billie Calloway
Randy Stocks
Ann Levy
Jim Lawson, Director of Planning, Department of
Planning and Development
Dana Carney, Zoning and Subdivision Manager,
Department of Planning and Development
Bob Brown, Plans Development Administrator,
Department of Planning and Development
Bill Hall, Landscape Specialist, Department
of Planning and Development
April meeting minutes approved as submitted.
Treasurer's Report: Randy Stocks reported a checking account balance of $1,400.67
on May 1, 2001. Less a donation of $1,000.00 to the City Beautiful Celebration, leaving
a balance of $400.67.
Introduction of Visitors: Bob Brown introduced Jim Lawson, Director of Planning and
Bill Hall, Landscape Specialist.
Old Business.
1. Mt. Holly Fountain — Dottie Funk reported on the dedication ceremony for the Mt.
Holly Fountain. The City Beautiful Commission presented a $1,100.00 check for the
maintenance of the fountain. There was a good attendance at the ceremony including
City Beautiful Commission ♦ 723 West Markham ♦ Little Rock, AR 72201 ♦ (501) 371-4864
2. Little Rock Gateway Project — Dottie Funk raised the idea of the City Beautiful
Commission sponsoring the development of a gateway to the City in the area of
Capitol Avenue and 1-30 as has been discussed in the past. Mr. Lawson reminded the
City Beautiful Commission the Planning Department has no funds for such a project
but the department could provide design and planning assistance. Nash Abrams
suggested since the site is close to the proposed new Alltel building they might
become a corporate sponsor for such a project. He also said there has been some
discussion of using the proposed gateway site as parking for the new City of Little
Rock Visitor's Center. Ms. Funk requested the Gateway Subcommittee meet to
discuss this project.
New Business.
1. City Beautiful Commission Staff Support — Jim Lawson gave a report to the
Commission regarding the reassignment of the City Beautiful Commission from the
Parks Department to the Department of Planning and Development. This change was
made administratively by the City Manager. Mr. Lawson reported that the Planning
Department will provide staff services for the City Beautiful Commission. He stated
the department has $0.00 for the City Beautiful Commission budget the remainder of
this calendar year but the department will make a budget request for next year. Troy
Laha asked what a reasonable budget request would be and Mr. Lawson responded
that a request in the $5,000.00 range would not be out of line. He also suggested the
possibility of seeking a corporate sponsor.
Mr. Lawson asked about the cost of the Polish the Rock awards and was told the City
Beautiful Commission has several on hand and the cost for engraving those for award
would be approximately $45.00 each. Mr. Lawson said the Planning Department
would be able to provide the cost of engraving for those existing awards.
Dottie Funk stated that the City Beautiful Commission needs to be more actively
involved/informed regarding City happenings, workshops, etc. that are pertinent to
the City Beautiful Commission mission.
2. Role of City Beautiful Commission —Dottie Funk opened a discussion of the scope
of the responsibilities of the City Beautiful Commission. Ms. Funk reported a
conversation she had with City Director Kumpuris. In that conversation he
mentioned his interest in the future of the City Beautiful Commission. Ms. Funk will
set up a meeting with Director Kumpuris and the City Beautiful Commission, also
inviting Director Keck, Director Pugh, and Bill Gaskin, chairman of the Arts and
Humanities Commission. The purpose of this meeting would be to decide the future
role of the City Beautiful Commission in anticipation of the future of the City Natural
and Cultural Heritage Commission. A question was raised regarding whether such a
meeting would require public notification. Dana Carney informed the City Beautiful
Commission that all of their meetings require public notice.
3. Public Relations — Dottie Funk opened a discussion of the current Web site. Ms.
Funk suggested the City Beautiful Commission commissioners' names and the City
Beautiful Commission's mission statement should be added to the Web site, as well
as an e-mail address for contacting the Commission. She also said photographs and
information on the Landscape awards and Polish the Rock awards should be added.
There was also discussion regarding providing an e-mail address on the Web. Randy
Stocks suggested adding the Web site address to the City Beautiful Commission
brochure. Bob Brown said that Shawn Spencer in the Planning Department could
provide information on what can be done with Web site. Ms. Funk will talk with Mr.
Spencer regarding this matter. Press releases should be prepared for all activities of
the City Beautiful Commission.
Adjournment: 12:58 p.m.
City Beautiful Commission
Treasurer's Report
May 3, 2001
Checking account balance, 3/1/01: $ 2,496.44
Interest, 3/22/01 $ 2.21
Interest, 4/23/01 $ 2.02
Payment to Mt. Holly (fountain contribution) $ (1,100.00)
Checking account balance, 5/1 /01-1 $ 1,400.67
Less donation for City Beautiful Celebration $ (1,000.00)
Net balance $ 400.67