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.