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CBC 03-06-2008LITTLE ROCK CITY BEAUTIFUL com M ESSION The City Beautiful Commission held its regular meeting Thursday, March the 6th, 2008, at 11:30 a.m. in the Sister Cities Conference Room on the second floor of City Hall. Chair Steve Homeyer called the meeting to order. MEMBERS PRESENT: Lynn Warren Jessica Watts Steve Homeyer Debra Redding Jennie Cole Walter Jennings Kay Tatum John Beneke Bill Weidower MEMBERS ABSENT: none ALSO PRESENT: Christy Marvel, Plans Development Administrator, Department of Planning & Development, City of Little Rock Beth Blevins Carpenter, Deputy City Attorney, City of Little Rock PRESENTATION OF NEW CBC MEMBER: BILL WEIDOWER: RE -APPOINTMENT OF LYNN WARREN BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ANNOUNCED: Deputy City Attorney, Beth Carpenter, opened the meeting reiterating the previous decision/vote for the 2008 CBC Officers. Ms. Carpenter explained that the CBC can either re -affirm the decision made in 2007 or nominate a new slate of officers. Commissioner Beneke inquired about the recent chain of events and inquiring about the re -appointment of Commissioner Warren and whether or not she'd be eligible for another chair appointment. After discussion between Ms. Carpenter and Ms. Marvel it was noted that clarification was needed from Ms. Nataki Blocker, the Assistant City Clerk regarding exactly which seat Ms. Warren was appointed to fill. Commissioner Beneke inquired from both Commissioner Warren and Commissioner Homeyer their reasons/desire for the position of Chair for the CBC. Commissioner Homeyer noted that he was bumped up to Chair due to the inaction of the Board of Directors and would be happy to do either. Commissioner Jennings noted that he was new to this Commission; however, had observed that Steve Homeyer had done an outstanding job as chair. On the other hand, Commissioner Warren is a wealth of knowledge and an obvious asset to the Commission; therefore, he feels they both would do a good job. Motion: Commissioner Beneke made a motion to keep Steve Homeyer as the chair and open nominations for the vice -chair position. Second: There was no second, motion failed. Motion: Commissioner Beneke made a motion to open nominations for a new slate of officers for both the chair and vice -chair positions and also vote today. Second: Commissioner Jennings seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Commissioner Watts ask that both nominees speak in regards to why each wants to be the chair position as opposed to the vice -chair position. Commissioner Warren noted that she would like to continue with the various projects she had undertaken to their completion. Commissioner Homeyer noted that he enjoyed what he was doing but would be happy to undertake either position. Commissioner Redding ask for clarification regarding the previous decision. Commissioner Redding thought that it was understood that if Commissioner Warren was reappointed by the Board that she would then become the chair. Commissioner Cole inquired about the need for a slate of officers. Commissioner Warren explained this procedure. Commissioner Beneke noted that he meant in his motion to actually nominate for the position(s) not a new slate of officers. Commissioner Beneke noted he thought it'd make more sense to go ahead and open nominations and vote today. Motion: Commissioner Beneke made a motion to amend his previous motion and thus eliminate the slate of officer's selection process and simply open the floor for nominations and then vote. Second: Commissioner Jennings seconded the amendment to the motion and the vote was noted as follows: Ayes, 5 Noes, 3 Motion passes. Chair Homeyer noted that he would entertain nominations. Commissioner Beneke nominated Steve Homeyer for Chair. Commissioner Watts nominated Lynn Warren for Chair. Commissioner Homeyer, 4 Commissioner Warren, 5 Commissioner Warren was voted in as Chair for the CBC. Commissioner Wiedower inquired about the vote and whether we could assume that second place is automatically vice -chair. It was noted that another nomination and vote was required for the Vice -Chair position. Motion: Chair Warren made a motion to nominate Steve Homeyer for the vice -chair position. Second: Commissioner Redding seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Final decision for the slate of officers for 2008: Chair, Lynn Warren Vice -chair, Steve Homeyer Treasurer, Debra Redding Commissioner Homeyer continued as chair for the duration of the meeting. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Motion: Commissioner Warren made a motion to approve the minutes with all changes noted. Second: Commissioner Redding seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Commissioner Cole inquired whether or not copies of the monthly minutes are printed for disbursement. It was noted that a few years ago it was decided to eliminate both the printing and the mail outs to save time, save paper, and save on postage. Commissioner Watts noted that she would work diligently on the minutes for the 2008 retreat and try to have them finished by the next CBC meeting. TREASURER'S REPORT: Per Debra Redding, Treasurer: Little Rock City Beautiful Commission Treasurer's Report 03-06-2008 Beginning Balance as of January 24, 2008 Credits $3,756.44 Interest on Account -29 Total credits $ 0.29 $3 7756.73 Debits Check # 1144 Caracalla $75.00 Note: annual retreat gift card for facilitator Total debits $75.00 $3,681.73 Ending Bank Balance as of February 21, 2008 COMMITTEE REPORTS: UPDATES: $3,681.73 Landscape Awards -Commissioner Cale noted that the date was far away enough that this topic could be discussed at a later date. Chair Homeyer noted that when ready he has quite a bit of information on the awards from chairing this committee last year. Eve of the Beholder (Debra) - Chair Homeyer noted the information he'd gathered regarding the recyclable plastic signage. It was suggested that "please recycle" be written on the backs of the proposed signage. Chair Homeyer will bring examples to the next meeting. Future Proiects City Hall Rear Entry Garden — Chair Homeyer and Commissioner Warren noted that some Foster Holly trees had been donated to the CBC and still needed to be planted. Commissioner Beneke noted those trees get quite large and perhaps another species would be more suitable for this location. Perhaps, the sky pencil holly would be more suitable for the area. Commissioner Homeyer noted he'd speak with Bemis, the nursery, and take suggestions from them upon their inspection of the location for the needed trees. It was suggested that a trellis might be optimal in this small area too. It was noted that the water to the water feature had to be turned off because it was spraying over the sidewalk area. Commissioner Warren mentioned that we need a plaque or something that would commemorate those involved in the project. Commissioner Warren will coordinate the ribbon cutting with Mr. Scott Carter with the City of Little Rock Public Relations Department and the CBC Boards Liaison. I-630 Trees -Commissioner Warren spoke with Mr. Pete Rausch and he noted that he's been planting trees along the interstate at his leisure. He noted he doesn't plant them right up next to the highway but if he sees a spot he wants to plant them, he just plants them. No one has said anything to him yet. The CBC needs to keep him in the loop he may be a good resource for trees in the future for this and other projects. Commissioner Cole noted that she'd noticed tree wells that had Crepe Myrtles planted along I-630. Commissioner Weidower noted that a lot of those trees had been planted with transportation funds for the Central High Anniversary Celebration. It was noted that perhaps plans for tree planting were already in place and that the CBC maybe able to merely adopt and implement an existing set of plans. It was noted more research should be done prior to any drawings being generated. PR-Website-Commissioner Beneke noted he wanted to turn the maintenance of the website back over to Commissioner Warren. Commissioner Warren noted that she'd be happy to take this responsibility. Commissioner Warren noted that recently, a group called Our Earth ask to be included on our webpage as a link at www.ourearth.or Commissioner Warren will make this minor change, along with updating the website when Commissioner Beneke gives her the new password. KLRB- Commissioner Jennings was unable to attend the last meeting due to extensive obligations. Ron Myers is heading up a recycling program behind the bars at the Downtown River Market Area. It will include fencing and various recycling facilities for the River Market Area. Upcoming is a "dumpster dive" which includes taking refuse from the area statistically graph the types of refuse for this area. It was asked if cigarette butts were part of the recycling program. It was noted that currently, it is not. KLRB is currently working on building a website. They are also investigating the use of a Master Recycling Program of classes. More information will follow on these classes. The KLRB logo sticker is ready for distribution and can be purchased for $20.00 a piece. Earth Day is April the 26'" this year and to be held at the Clinton Library. Commissioner Warren noted the CBC may want to consider getting involved again this year and perhaps pick up litter again with KLRB. 2008 Garden Show Booth- The garden show synopsis was great overall. Commissioner Redding noted it was a great booth, the bowls were beautiful, the rose bushes, the P. Allen Smith books, etc. it was a huge success. It was the consensus that next year the nominees need to be present to win. It was noted that next year perhaps people put one dollar ($1.00) in ajar to be in the drawing. Beth Carpenter, Deputy City Attorney noted that she would have to investigate this option further and report back to the CBC with her findings, a particular proposal would need to be presented at that time. There were a lot of questions regarding roses thus the handout was also a nice addition this year. The coupons were by far the most popular for the attendees. There were approximately 1800 of the coupons left so hopefully, these can be used again next year. The participating nurseries denoted on the coupons would have to be willing to do it again next year. The rose facts sheets and the generation of the coupons came to around nine hundred dollar ($900.00). This amount was more than the Commission initially wanted to spend. Commissioner Jennings noted that at times of the drawings, a large number of people were gathered and this was a great opportunity with a captive audience to give a quick spill about the CBC that next year we need to take advantage of having. It was noted that the CBC should be interested in doing the garden show in 2009. The poster of Willie Oats was also a very nice addition. Adopt -A -Street Coordinator -no report. OLD BUSINESS: Audubon Letter of Su ort- Commissioner Watts noted the letter is still in draft form. Landscape Ordinance- In reviewing, Beth Carpenter's comments to CBC's Landscape Ordinance comments, Commissioner Warren noted that sub -division was added to the overview of the landscape ordinance to try and encompass the massive amounts of tree loss due to the subdivisions in the City of Little Rock. Various other topics were discussed but it was noted that this is the first draft and the ordinance will go through many other revisions and bodies prior to a final draft generation. Beth Carpenter, Deputy City Attorney, reviewed the initial draft and made comments regarding the various changes. It was noted that the some of the changes included review of ordinances and variances that currently are governed by other Commissions within the city. Therefore, careful consideration must be given not to overlap jurisdictions of legislation. It was noted that perhaps the CBC request notification of all upcoming buffer variance requests. It was noted by city staff that this currently is an open public meeting and thus notifications are generated for these requests. The CBC decided to try and attend the Planning Commission Hearings more frequently and to put a written request in the document being sent to the Planning & Development department denoting the desire to be updated monthly on upcoming variance requests to the buffer ordinance. Motion: Commissioner Warren moved to send the document with Beth's' comments to the Planning and Development department as requested and would add a note that, "CBC would ask that when a landscape issue comes up for review with the Planning Commission and/or Board of � ,J Adjustment, that the CBC is notified thru city staff to see if CBC representation would be necessary during the upcoming review meeting. Second: Chair Homeyer seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Adopt -A -Median Update- Chair Homeyer noted that he would check with the Public Works Department regarding the error in the Adopt -A -Street sign. NEW BUSINESS: Partnership/future of Macarthur Park Commissioner Tatum informed the CBC regarding Macarthur Park. There is a committee that meets every Friday morning at 8:00 a.m. at the Military Museum, 2nd floor. One of the goals is to move forward with a master plan for the park and to also make Macarthur Park, THE city park again. There will be a park clean up on April the 26th. All CBC are encouraged to participate. Eye Award Presentations- Commissioner Warren will contact the previous CBC members to coordinate the presentations of the Eye Awards. Commissioner Redding will purchase the frames for the certificates. Commissioner Watts noted that she didn't mind baking a cake in that, she is allergic to eggs. National Trails Symposium; November 15-18, 2008- Commissioner Warren noted this symposium is something the CBC may want to be included in and to keep it in the back of your mind. Commissioner Beneke noted that he is now on the planning team for the National Trails Symposium and will email the CBC prior to anything in which they can become involved. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Litter Pickup -Saturday, March 8th (meet at 8:30 am) changed to the 15th due to expected snow. Next Meeting -Thursday, March 6th. Motion: Commissioner Warren made a motion to adjourn. Second: Commissioner Watts seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Adjournment: 1:42 p.m. LITTLE ROCK CITY BEAUTIFUL COMM ISSFON The City Beautiful Commission held its regular meeting Thursday, March the 6th, 2008, at 11:30 a.m. in the Sister Cities Conference Room on the second floor of City Hall. Chair Steve Homeyer called the meeting to order. MEMBERS PRESENT: Lynn Warren Jessica Watts Steve Homeyer Debra Redding Jennie Cole Walter Jennings Kay Tatum John Beneke Bill Weidower MEMBERS ABSENT: none ALSO PRESENT: Christy Marvel, Plans Development Administrator, Department of Planning & Development, City of Little Rock Beth Bievins Carpenter, Deputy City Attorney, City of Little Rock PRESENTATION OF NEW CBC MEMBER: BILL WEIDOWER: RE -APPOINTMENT OF LYNN WARREN BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ANNOUNCED: Deputy City Attorney, Beth Carpenter, opened the meeting reiterating the previous decision/vote for the 2008 CBC Officers. Ms. Carpenter explained that the CBC can either re -affirm the decision made in 2007 or nominate a new slate of officers. Commissioner Beneke inquired about the recent chain of events and inquiring about the re -appointment of Commissioner Warren and whether or not she'd be eligible for another re -appointment. After discussion between Ms. Carpenter and Ms. Marvel is was noted that clarification was needed from Ms. Nataki Blocker, the Assistant City Clerk regarding exactly which seat Ms. Warren was appointed to fill. Commissioner Beneke inquired from both Commissioner Warren and Commissioner Homeyer their reasons/desire for the position of Chair for the CBC. Commissioner Homeyer noted that he was bumped up to Chair due to the inaction of the Board of Directors and would be happy to do either. Commissioner Jennings noted that he was new to this Commission; however, had observed that Steve Homeyer had done an outstanding job as chair. On the other hand, Commissioner Warren is a wealth of knowledge and an obvious asset to the Commission; therefore, he feels they both would do a good job. Motion: Commissioner Beneke made a motion to keep Steve Homeyer as the chair and open nominations for the vice -chair position. Second: There was no second, motion failed. Motion: Commissioner Beneke made a motion to open nominations for a new slate of officers for both the chair and vice -chair positions and also vote today. Second: Commissioner Jennings seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Commissioner Watts ask that both nominees speak in regards to why each wants to be the chair position as opposed to the vice -chair position. Commissioner Warren noted that she would like to continue with the various projects she had undertook to there completion. Commissioner Homeyer noted that he enjoyed what he was doing but would be happy to undertake either position. Commissioner Redding ask for clarification regarding the previous decision. Commissioner Redding thought that it was understood that if Commissioner Warren was reappointed by the Board that she would then become the chair. Commissioner Cole inquired about the need for a slate of officers. Commissioner Warren explained this procedure. Commissioner Beneke noted that he meant in his motion to actually nominate for the position(s) not a new slate of officers. Commissioner Beneke noted he thought it'd make more sense to go ahead and open nominations and vote today. Motion: Commissioner Beneke made a motion to amend his previous motion and thus eliminate the slate of officer's selection process and simply open the floor for nominations and then vote. Second: Commissioner Jennings seconded the amendment to the motion and the vote was noted as follows: Ayes, 5 Noes, 3 Motion passes. Chair Homeyer noted that he would entertain nominations. Commissioner Beneke nominated Steve Homeyer for Chair. Commissioner Watts nominated Lynn Warren for Chair. Commissioner Homeyer, 4 Commissioner Warren, 5 Commissioner Warren was voted in as Chair for the CBC. Commissioner Wiedower inquired about the vote and whether we could assume that second place is automatically vice -chair. It was noted that another nomination and vote was required for the Vice -Chair position. Motion: Chair Warren made a motion to nominate Steve Homeyer for the vice -chair position. Second: Commissioner Redding seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Final decision for the slate of officers for 2008: Chair, Lynn Warren Vice -chair, Steve Homeyer Treasurer, Debra Redding APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Motion: Commissioner Warren made a motion to approve the minutes with all changes noted. Second: Commissioner Redding seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Commissioner Cole inquired whether or not copies of the monthly minutes are printed for disbursement. It was noted that a few years ago it was decided to eliminate both the printing and the mail outs to save time, save paper, and save on postage. Commissioner Watts noted that she would work diligently on the minutes for the 2008 retreat and try to have them finished by the next CBC meeting. TREASURER'S REPORT: Per Debra Redding, Treasurer: Little Rock City Beautiful Commission Treasurer's Report 03-06-2008 Beginning Balance as of January 24, 2008 Credits $3 756.44 Interest on Account .29 Total credits $ 0.29 $3 7. 756.73 Debits Check # 1144 Caracalla $75.00 Note: annual retreat gift card for facilitator Total debits $75.00 $3,681.73 Ending Bank Balance as of February 21, 2008 COMMITTEE REPORTS: UPDATES: $3,681.73 Landscape Awards -Commissioner Cole noted that the date was far away enough that this topic could be discussed at a later date. Chair Homeyer noted that when ready he has cittite a bit of information on the awards from chairing this committee last year. E e of the Beholder Debra - Chair Homeyer noted the information he'd gathered regarding the recyclable plastic signage. It was suggested that "please recycle' be written on the backs of the proposed signage. Chair Homeyer will bring examples to the next meeting. Future Proiects City Hall Rear Entry Garden — Chair Homeyer and Commissioner Warren noted that some Foster Holly trees had been donated to the CBC and still needed to be planted. Commissioner Beneke noted those trees get quite large and perhaps another species would be more suitable for this location. Perhaps, the sky pencil holly would be more suitable for the area. Commissioner Warren noted she'd speak with Bemis, the nursery, and take suggestions from them upon their inspection of the location for the needed trees. It was suggested that a trellis might be optimal in this small area too. It was noted that the water to the water feature had to be turned off because it was spraying over the sidewalk area. Commissioner Warren suggested a plaque or something that would commemorate those involved in the project. Commissioner Warren will coordinate the ribbon cutting with Mr. Scott Carter with the City of Little Rock Public Relations Department and the CBC Boards Liaison. I-630 Trees -Commissioner Warren spoke with Mr. Pete Rausch and he noted that he's been planting trees along the interstate at his leisure. He noted he doesn't plant them right up next to the highway but if he sees a spot he wants to plant them, he just plants them. No one has said anything to him yet. The CBC needs to keep him in the loop he may be a good resource for trees in the future for this and other projects. Commissioner Cole noted that she'd noticed tree wells that had Crepe Myrtles planted along I-630. Commissioner Weidower noted that a lot of those trees had been planted with transportation funds for the Central High Anniversary Celebration. It was noted that perhaps plans for tree planting were already in place and that the CBC maybe able to merely adopt and implement an existing set of plans. It was noted more research should be done prior to any drawings being generated. PR-Website-Commissioner Beneke noted he wanted to turn the maintenance of the website back over to Commissioner Warren. Commissioner Warren noted that she'd be happy to take this responsibility. Commissioner Warren noted that recently, a group called Our Earth ask to be included on our webpage as a link at www.ourearth.or Commissioner Warren will make this minor change. KLRB- Commissioner Jennings was unable to attend the last meeting due to extensive obligations. Ron Myers is heading up a recycling program behind the bars at the Downtown River Market Area. It will include fencing and various recycling facilities for the River Market Area. Upcoming is a "dumpster dive" which includes taking refuse from the area statistically graph the types of refuse for this area. It was ask if cigarette butts were part of the recycling program. It was noted that currently, it is not. KLRB is currently working on building a website. They are also investigating the use of a Master Recycling Program of classes. More information will follow on these classes. The KLRB logo sticker is ready for distribution and can be purchased for $20.00 a piece. Earth Day is April the 26"' this year and to be held at the Clinton Library. Commissioner Warren noted the CBC may want to consider getting involved again this year and perhaps pick up litter again. 2008 Garden Show Booth- The garden show synopsis was great overall. Commissioner Redding noted it was a great booth, the bowls were beautiful, the rose bushes, the P. Alien Smith book, etc. it was a huge success. It was the consensus that next year the nominees need to be present to win. It was noted that next year perhaps people put one dollar ($1.00) in ajar to be in the drawing. Beth Carpenter, Deputy City Attorney noted that she would have to investigate this option further and report back to the CBC with her findings. There were a lot of questions regarding roses thus the handout was also a nice addition this year. The coupons were by far the most popular for the attendees. There were approximately 1800 of the coupons left so hopefully, these can be used again next year. The participating nurseries denoted on the coupons would have to be willing to do it again next year. The rose facts sheets and the generation of the coupons came to around nine hundred dollar ($900.00). This amount was more than the Commission initially wanted to spend. Commissioner Jennings noted that at times of the drawings, a large number of people were gathered and this was a great opportunity with a captive audience to give a quick spill about the CBC that next year we need to take advantage of having. It was noted that the CBC should be interested in doing the garden show in 2009. The poster of Willie Oaks was also a very nice addition. Adopt -A -Street Coordinator -no report. OLD BUSINESS: Audubon Letter of Support- Commissioner Watts noted the letter is still in draft form. Landscape Ordinance- Commissioner Warren noted that sub -division was added to the overview of the landscape ordinance to try and encompass the massive amounts of tree loss due to the subdivisions in the City of Little Rock. Various other topics were discussed but it was noted that this is the first draft and the ordinance will go through many other revisions and bodies prior to a final draft generation. Beth Carpenter, Deputy City Attorney, reviewed the initial draft and made comments regarding the various changes. It was noted that the some of the changes included review of ordinances and variances that currently are governed by other governing bodies within the city. Therefore, careful consideration must be given not to overlap jurisdictions of legislation. It was noted that perhaps the CBC request notification of all upcoming buffer variance requests. It was noted by city staff that this currently is an open public meeting and thus notifications are generated for these requests. The CBC decided to try and attend the Planning Commission Hearings more frequently and to put a written request in the document being sent to the Planning & Development department denoting the desire to be updated monthly on upcoming variance requests to the buffer ordinance. Motion: Commissioner Warren moved to send the document with Beth's' comments to the Planning and Development department as requested. Second: Chair Homeyer seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Ado t-A-Median Update- Chair Homeyer noted that he would check with the Public Works Department regarding the error in the Adopt -A -Street sign. NEW BUSINESS: Partnershi Ift�ture of Macarthur Park- Commissioner Tatum informed the CBC regarding Macarthur Park. There is a committee that meets every Friday morning at 8:00 a.m. at the Military Museum, 2nd floor. One of the goals is to move forward with a master plan for the park and to also make Macarthur Park, THE city park again. There will be a park clean up on April the 26th. All CBC are encouraged to participate. Eve Award Presentations- Commissioner Warren will contact the previous CBC members to coordinate the presentations of the Eye Awards. Commissioner Redding will purchase the frames for the certificates. Commissioner Watts noted that she didn't mind baking a cake in that, she is allergic to eggs. National Trails Symposium; November 15-1$ 2008- Commissioner Warren noted this symposium is something the CBC may want to be included in and to keep it in the back of your mind. Commissioner Beneke noted that he is now on the planning team for the National Trails Symposium and will email the CBC prior to anything in which they can become involved. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Litter Pickup -Saturday, March 8th (meet at 8:30 am) Next Meeting -Thursday, March 6th. Motion: Commissioner Warren made a motion to adjourn. Second: Commissioner Watts seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Adjournment: 1:42 p.m.