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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCBC 08-11-1992 (2)The City Beautiful Commission The Little Rock City Beautiful Commission held its regular meeting on Tuesday, August 11, 1992 at City Hall in the 2nd Floor Conference Room. The meeting was called to order at 10:00 A. M., by chairman, Merle Seamon. Members Present: Merle Seamon Steve Cato Joe Franklin Josephine Graham Jo Rancifer Liz Williams Eldridge Also Present: 1. Roll Call. roll call. Truman Tolefree Connie Fugedy Jim Sick Bob Brown Becky Switzer Assistant Director, Parks and Recreation Design Manager, Parks and Recreation Maint. and Development Parks and Recreation Review Specialist, Neighborhoods and Planning Executive Secretary, Parks and Recreation Five of nine members present at the time of 2. Approval of Minutes. A motion to approve minutes from July meeting was made by Steve Cato and seconded by Jo Rancifer. Motion carried. 500 West Markham, Room 108 Little Rock, AR 72201 371-4770 Minutes August 11, 1992 Meeting Page 2 3. Reports of Committees. A. City Beautiful Kids Jim Sick reported that the program is over for this year and that the kids had picked up over 202 tons of trash. The dropout rate for this year was down from last year. One of the highlights of the program was the painting of - the tunnel behind the Camelot Hotel that leads into Riverfront Park. On Wednesday, August 5th, the kids were taken to Wild River Country and on Friday, August 7th, a brunch and awards program was held for the last day. The Camelot Hotel donated everything for the brunch and Hayward Battle was the speaker. The Garden Project at Dunbar will be on going on for the next two weeks. Two of the gardens are planted and the kids seem to be really enjoying this project. Jim thanked the commission for all their help in conducting interviews and Steve Cato for all of his help with the City Beautiful Kids Program this year. Liz Williams Eldridge arrived at this time, bringing the total number of members present to six. B. Winterfest Merle Seamon informed the commission that this project is progressing. Merle was not able to attend the last meeting but Truman Tolefree was there. Truman stated that at the last meeting he attended that the group has decided to expand the meeting to include sub committees, that things are progressing as expected. Mrs. Graham asked about the progress of the ice skating rink. Truman informed here that the committee was unable to get a sponsor for the rink and that we will try and have it next year. C. Adopt A Block Program Merle Seamon stated that at this time they are waiting to work this program into the city budget for next year. Minutes August 11, 1992 Meeting Page 3 D. City Beautiful Commission Convention Jo Rancifer asked what time of year would_b.e---best to have the convention and if the commission was planning on making this a money making project. Merle stated that it should make enough to cover the programs operational expenses. Jo has been in touch with the commission in Pine Bluff and states they have shown the most interest in this convention. The suggestion was made to have the convention in the early spring. E. Litter Awareness Campaign Ross McCain, chairman was not at this meeting, Merle Seamon informed the commission that this program is also waiting to be involved in the city's budget process. Mrs. Graham told the commission about two certificates of appreciation'were given by the City Board. The first one was given to Dan McDaniels, for his work in keeping the grounds of the school litter free. Edward E. Brown made the back side of Brady Elementary School, the side facing Rodney Parham litter free. Mr. Brown was quoted as saying that " It was the motorist passing by the school and throwing out their trash, and not the school children". Mrs. Graham wrote a letter to the newspaper, letting them know that possibly Brady Elementary %hool would be a great example for the other businesses round that area to clean up. She has been in contact with the owners of the Union National Bank building on the corner of Rodney Parham and is working on getting the grounds cleaned up. Mrs. Graham also shared with the commission an article that Richard Allen had written about Paris, France and the way they clean up their streets. F. Neighborhood Ambassador Program No report at this time. Minutes August 11, 1992 Meeting Page 4 G. Awards Shalah Brummett was not able to attend this meeting. At the last meeting she informed the commission that only three nominations had been made and if more were not receiveominations would need to be taken from the commissio-ri at todays meeting. Several nominations were made and a list'was typed and mailed out to each commissioner. This list will enable the commissioners to find and look at the properties and be able to vote at the next meeting. H. Education Joe Franklin said that since school is about to start that this committee will be working on going into the schools. I. Development of Environmental Ordinances No report. J. Tree Planting Merle stated that a request has been submitted to the Highway Department for grants. A. Fund Raising No report. L. Traffic Island No report. M. Capitol Avenue Connie Fugedy informed the commission that the preliminary designs were presented to the committee but that there were a few problems. It was sent back to architects and they should have the designs back to the committee in a week. N. Public Awareness No report. Minutes August 11, 1992 Minute Page 5 O. Bylaws and Procedures No report. P. Long Range Planning No report. 4. Parks and Recreation Activities Truman Tolefree reported for Bill Bunten. September has been slated for the opening of the Adult Center. Invitations will be sent out to all of the commissioners. August in Arkansas starts Thursday and goes through Sunday. At the last meeting the cgmmissioners were informed of the project to start building of,the outdoor pool at the War Memorial Fitness Center. That project is moving along as according to plans. The ground breaking for the Southwest Little Rock Community Complex, took place last month. 5. Miscellaneous Liz Williams Eldridge asked if there were someway the commission could address permanent landscape maintenance. Bob Brown stated that someone could always turn in a complaint to the Enforcement Division of Neighborhoods and Planning. Merle Seamon suggested that if Bob Brown could provide the commission with a list of businesses implementing landscaping, commissioners can check on these places while traveling about the city. Liz suggested that the commission consider giving awards that call attention to the bad job that someone has done. This action may cause the business to improve its landscaping maintenance. Merle asked.if Bob Brown would it be possibly have someone from the Ordinance Division come to speak to the commission about the different landscape ordinances. Minutes August 11, 1992 Meeting Page 6 6. Adjournment Jo Rancifer made the motion to adjourn the meeting, Liz Williams Eldridge seconded. All ayes. Meeting adjourned at 11:15 a.m.. Thy City Pe�utifd Commission MEETING NOTICE The City Beautiful Commission will hold its regular meeting Tuesday, August 11, 1992 in the City Board Conference Room, 2nd Floor of City Hall at 10:00 A.M. AGENDA 1. Roll Call 2. Approval of Minutes of the June meeting 3. Reports of Committees A. City Beautiful Kids B. Winterf est C. Adopt a Block Program D. City Beautiful Commission Convention E. Litter Awareness Campaign F. Neighborhood Ambassador Program G. Awards H. Education I. Development of Environmental Ordinances J. Tree Planting K. Fund Raising L. Traffic Island M. Capitol Avenue N. Public Awareness 0. Bylaws and Procedures P. Long Range Planning 4. Parks and Recreation Activities - Bill Bunten 5. Miscellaneous 6. Adjournment 500 West Markham, Room 108 Little Rock, AR 72201 371-4770 The City Redutiful Commission The Little Rock City Beautiful Commission held its regular meeting on Tuesday, July 14, 1992 at City Hall in the 2nd Floor Conference Room. The meeting was called to order at 10:00 A.M., by chairman, Merle Seamon. Members Present: Also Present: Merle Seamon Jo Rancifer Steve Cato Josephine Graham Bill Bunten Connie Fugedy Jim Sick Bob Brown Becky Switzer Ross McCain Charlene Hardcastle Shalah Brummett Director, Parks and Recreation Design Manager, Parks and Recreation Maint. and Development Parks and Recreation Review Specialist Neighborhoods and Planning Executive Secretary Parks and Recreation 1. Roll Call. Five of nine members present. Ms. Graham asked what kind of action is taken against commissioners who do not attend meetings on a regular basis. Merle Seamon assured her that they would check into the by-laws concerning this matter. 2. Approval of Minutes. Motion to approve minutes from June meeting was made by Ross McCain and seconded by Jo Rancifer. The motion passed with all ayes. Shalah Brummett arrived at this point, bringing the total number of members present to six. 500 West Markham, Room 108 Little Rock, AR 72201 371-4770 Minutes July 14, 1992 Meeting Page 2 3. Reports of Committees. A. City Beautiful Kids Jim Sick informed the commission that the program is at the halfway point. There have been no major problems this year. The City Beautiful Kids Pro m has been expanded. A few months ago Pratt Remme,l came before the board and requested the commissio backing in name only for an outdoor classroom in which school kids would be able to learn to plant and grow flowers and vegetables. Last week JTPA informed Jim that they could give them a certain number of kids if he could get this project going. The project is being conducted at Dunbar Recreation Center. his was brought in under the umbrella of the City Beautiful Kids Program. This project will be self-sufficient, therefore, money from the City Beautiful Kids account will not be expended. Pratt feels he can raise money for this garden project. Pratt will run this project with the help of some older kids to be used as supervisors. The project will last five weeks with about fourteen kids participating in the project from the hours of 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily. Charlene Hardcastle arrived at this, point, bringing the total number of members present to seven. On July 23rd the City Beautiful Kids will be painting the tunnel behind the Camolet Hotel that leads into Riverfront Park. They will paint this based on a story told by a storyteller. The storyteller will spend about an hour and a half with the kids on July 17th. This is the part of the Arts and Humanities contribution to this yeafs City Beautiful Kids Program. The Commission has been invited to join the kids. The press will be contacted about this and Jim will let the commissioners know what will be the best time for them to be there. Ms. Graham asked the location where City Beautiful Kids have cleaned. -this year. Jim informed her that he has a master list of where the kids will be working. If she would like to call, or go and visit a site, he will be glad to set that up for her. Bill Bunten congratulated Jim Sick on the fact that there have not been any major problems this year with the City Beautiful Kids Program. Minutes July 14, 1992 Meeting Page 3 B. Winterfest Merle Seamon stated that everything is moving along smoothly with this program. C. Adopt A Block Program Merle has spoken to Sharon Priest and requested that she speak to the Public Works Department to see if they could provide support for this program. D. City Beautiful Commission Convention No report at this time. E. Litter Awareness Campaign Ross McCain distributed a hand out that consisted of a budget which included a full time position responsible for work on the Little Rock Keep America Beautiful Progam. Ross feels that many of the items he has listed on the budget may be able to be donated. The Litter Awareness Committee would like the City Beautiful Commission to look into passing a resolution supporting the Keep America Beautiful System and encouraging the City of Little Rock Board of Directors to adopt an ordinance appropriating the necessary funds The committee would like to make a presentation to the City Board and others to voice its support of their efforts. Steve Cato supports passage of the resolution at meeting so it, may be presented to the Board of Directors. Charlene Hardcastle asked if _this would be a yearly budget. Ross explained that once an office is created a lot of these items would be taken off the list. Agai"oss will be asking for sponsorships and donations. Merle Seamon suggested that the committee get a list of other cities of similar in size to Little Rock and see how they are running their program. Charlene agreed that she would like to see this information before this budget goes to the board and vote on the resolution at the next meeting. Merle asked Bill Bunten when the city budget is submitted. Bill stated that the budget goes up in October. That leaves the commission with the August and September meetings to make a decision. Minutes July 14, 1992 Meeting Page 4 Steve Cato feels that if passing the resolution will help Ross McCain and the committee get support from other people in the community, the resolution should be passed at this meeting. Shalah Brummett agreed with Steve. Charlene Hardcastle would like to see some of the wording of the resolution be changed. Possibly this can be worked on before the next meeting. Ross stated that even if the resolution does not pass at this meeting, they will continue to solicit help from other people. Ht is asking the commissio6 support in what the committee is trying to do. Merle asked for a motion. Steve Cato moved that the resolution be adopted as written by Ross McCain (copy of resolution attached) seconded by Shalah Brummett, 6 for, 1 opposed, motion passed. F. Neighborhood Ambassador Program No report. G. Awards Shalah Brummett informed the commission that there has only been three nominations made to date and that maybe the deadlines should be moved up a month. She stated she would contact each neighborhood association president herself. Also, the commission needs to review the list that Bob Brown distrubed at the last meeting. Steve Cato asked that next month the commissioners bring in their own nominations. Shalah asked if there was any other groups that information be sent. It was suggested that a letter be sent" -- Little Rock Board of Realtors and to the groups from last month informing them of the extended date. The nominations will be brought in at next month's meeting and voted on in September. H. Education No report. I. Development of Environmental Ordinances No report. Minutes July 14, 1992 Meeting Page 5 J. Tree Planting This committee has been combined with the Traffic Island �'ommittee and Fund Raising committee. K. Fund Raising This committee has been combined with tkie Traffic island committee and the Tree PlantingCommittee. L. Traffic Island Merle Seamon distributed a list of proposed public landscape projects. They have completed application to the Highway Department through Metro Plan for a highway enhancement fund for a three year project dealing with some of the median areas in Little Rock. Listed were the projects that will take place over the next three years. Sharon Priest is on the committee for Highway Enhancement and is aware of what the City Beautiful Commission is trying to accomplish. Merle should find out in August about the first project, South University. M. Capitol Avenue -Ross McCain stated that the Capitol Avenue project is moving right along. The Advisory Committee has met and received a presentation on the conceptual design. The first step has been to take an inventory of what is there, traffic and pedestrian counts. Connie Fugedy informed the commission that a citizen has contacted the Parks Department about a fountain that he would like to donate to the project. It is now on Arch Street and Connie is checking on how much it would cost to revitalize this fountain for use on Capitol Avenue. N. Public Relations No report. 0. Bylaws and Procedures No report. P. Long Range Planning No report. Minutes July 14, 1992 Meeting Page 6 4. Parks and Recreation Activities - Bill Bunten Bill Bunten invited the commission to the ground breaking of the Sout--"est Little Rock Community Complex. The commission members will receive invitations informing them of the date and time of the ground breaking. The Parks Department is ready now to move on to Phase II and Phase III of the War Memorial Fitness Center. This will include the outdoor recreational pool, this will be an upgrade of an recreational environment raEher than just a swimming pool. The second one will be the Children's Zoo, or as it is being called, the Arkansas Discovery Area. It will be a seven acre expansion that will be a learning laboratory. Both of these, combined with the Friends of the Carousel project that will put a cover over the carousel, will be part of the Arkansas Discovery Area. Bill wanted the commissioners to be aware of these projects as they talk to the public to let them know of this area. Connie Fugedy thanked the commission for their half of the funding that made it possible for she and Phoebe Stephens to attend the conference in Florida. 5. Miscellaneous Josephine Graham passed along information concerning buttons or pins that she would like to have purchased to present to school groups and also for the commissioners to wear. A copy of the price costs is included in this minutes package, please review it so there can be a vote at the next meeting. Ms. Graham would also like to see certificates of appreciation sent to certain groups in the Brady Station on their work of beautification in their area. Merle Seamon recapped what the commission has done up to to this point. He would like for each commissioner to have a list ready by the next meeting of what they would like to see accomplished the remainder of the year. 6. Adjournment Charlene Hardcastle made a motion to ad un the meeting, Ross McCain seconded the motion. All ayes. Meeting adjourned at 11:15 a.m.. CITY BEAUTMTUII COMMISSION RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE KEEP AMERICA BEAUTIFUL SYSTEM AND ENCOURAGING THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK BOARD"16F DIRECTORS TO ADOPT AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING THE NECESSARY FUNDS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. °WHEREAS, The City Beautiful- Commission is concerned with the aesthetic qualities of the City of Little Rock, and WHEREAS, The Keep America Beautiful System is a proven educational program designed to change people's habits of littering NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MSS OF THE CITY BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION OF LITTLE ROCK, SAS. SECTION 1. The City Beautiful Commission hereby endorses the Keep America Beautiful System, and urges the Board of Directors of the City of Little Rock to adopt an Ordinance appropriating the, necessary funds to establish the program as a part of the City of Little Rock. SECTION 2. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption. ADOPTED: APPROVED: Merlin S. Seamon Chairman City Beautiful Commission