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.
1�4/ 1— 1 - — Vl ..,
I IL I-" 1 iHlaC VL
To: Frank Riggins
Objective: To obtain Visibility for the City Beautiful Commission and pursue our goal of a
"Beautiful City".
I suggest we examine the following activities carefully and then pursue aggressively,
those that are within our jurisdiction and that we deem worthwhile.
Work with the Downtown Partnership to see what can be done to improve upon the
"UGLY PARKING LOT" situation downtown.
2. Work with the cities Public Works, Downtown Partnership and utility companies to
eliminate the overhead wires in the downtown area
Work with Paul Kelly, City Director and Tom Carpenter, Attorney for Little Rock, Et Al,
to eliminate ALL billboards possible. This is being pursued by the Little Rock City
Board of Directors.
4. Work at developing Identifying Landmark at 5`' & Ferry East of the new Post Office.
This Landmark would welcome motorists to our city and would be seen by millions
annually. They will remember Little Rock ! I understand that several years ago the
Downtown Partnership included this property in their plans for East Capitol Avenue. I
was told the State of Arkansas owns this property and would be willing to give it up.
5. Work with the leadership of the neighborhood groups of Little Rock, Identify areas in
which we can help these groups enhance the beauty of their neighborhoods.
6. Work to establish more sidewalks and green areas throughout the city, particularly
downtown in the River Market area. Push for a tree lined divided medium downtown,
possible, Capital Avenue_ Work to Have more trees planted downtown and continue to
discourage the cutting of existing trees. Encourage the new downtown Post office to add
trees to the East and North sides.
Work with the Airport Commission in developing a "very impressive view" on land and
if possible from the air for incoming business and leisure travelers.
8. Seek to increase membership in the City Beautiful Commission, for more working
members and encourage involvement.
9. RE-ESTABLISH Little Rock as the "City of Roses". Possible using this theme as part of
the Landmark at 5 h an Ferry.
Respectfully Submitted,
Nash Abrams
MEETING NOTICE
The City Beautiful Commission will hold its regular meeting at 8:15 a.m.
on Thursday August b, 1998 in the Sister Cities Conference Room Center
on the second floor at City Hall.
AGENDA
I. Call to Order
H. 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, PIans 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 Biggins called the Public Hearing to order.
Item No. I - CSC 559 - New Matters James M. Donnelly, Gen, Mgr.
Carter Oil and Tire
13625 Vimy Ridge Road
Variance Re nested: 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.
Applicant 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.
Item No. 1 -- CBC 560 -- New Al atters June Riddick, Owner
Riddick Office Building
2300 Cottondale Lane
Variance Rectuested: 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 561 - 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 concem. We
do not want to create hiding spots for people who night 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.