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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCBC 1-14-1992Thy City Pedutiful Commission The Little Rock City Beautiful Commission held its regular meeting on Tuesday, January 14, 1992 in Room 1D of the University Conference Center. The Commission met at 9:30 a.m. for a pre -agenda meeting to discuss a variance request. The meeting was called to order for public hearing at 10:00 a.m. by Chairman Merle Seamon. Members Present: Merle Seamon Jo Rancifer Charlene Hardcastle Steve Cato Shalah Brummett Ross McCain Josephine Graham Also Present: Bill Bunten, Director Parks and Recreation Connie Fugedy, Parks & Rec. Design Mgr. Gayle Owens, Admin. Asst., Parks & Rec. Becky Switzer, Sec., Parks & Rec. Bob Brown, Review Specialist Tommy Crouch, Gator Golf 1. Pre -Agenda Meeting. Item No. 1 - C.B.C. 545 - New Matters variance RecRiested: A. Deletion of the six (S) feet wide perimeter landscaping strip along the western property line with the strip being provided on the property immediately to the west. 500 West Markham, Room 108 Little Rock, AR 72201 371-4770 Minutes January 14, 1992 Meeting Page 2 Bob Brown presented the case with staff recommendation as follows: B. Staff recommends approval of this application. The reasons for this recommendation are: the same amount of landscaping will be provided; the miniature golf course will have a park -like setting; the property owners affected, the Cemetery Board, agree that this proposal will not only provide for necessary access to the cemetery but will also generally upgrade the area. 2. Public hearing called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Chariman Merle Seamon. Roll Call: 5 of 8 members present. (One vacancy). Motion was made by Ross McCain and seconded by Jo Rancifer that the Commission accept the variance request. Vote carried, 5 ayes - 0 nays. Tommy Crouch, owner of Gator Golf, said he would send a copy of the easemant agreement to Bill Bunten, Parks and Recreation Director. Public hearing adjourned. 3. Regular meeting called to order. 4. Approval of Minutes. Minutes for the November meetings approved as submitted. 5. Treasurer's Rep❑rt. Ross McCain reported that there is $2500.00 in the City Beautiful account. In the Winterfest account there is $1,825.16 and out of that refund checks will be issued. In the City Beautiful checking account there is $3,770.19 and the City Beautiful special account there is $6,989.34. Josephine Graham came in during the discussion of the treasurer's report, 6 of 7 present. Minutes January 14, 1992 Meeting Page 3 Charlene Hardcastle asked where City Beautiful Kids money comes from. Gayle Owens explained that money is received from sponsors each year. Rip Rowan contacts about twenty sponsors each year. Charlene suggested that we work to get new additional sponsors. Shalah Brummett came in at this time, 7 of 7 present. Merle introduced Mrs. Josephine Graham as the commission's newest member. 6. Reports of Committees. A. Capitol Avenue. Connie Fugedy chaired RFP Committee that analyzed proposals from nine firms. Also on this committee, Bill Anderson, Diane Chachere, Charlene Hardcastle, Ross McCain and Sterling Cockrill. Three firms were chosen: Garver and Garver, McClellan Engineering and L.A. Design. Interviews will take place February 4. Charlene recognized Connie on her rating chart which helped the committee structure its selection process. B. Winterfest. Merle explained that because of the bad weather the boat parade was cancelled. The committee will begin soon working on next years event. Bill Bunten said that he had heard compliments about the lighting of the park after a speech he had given. Ross said he had received positive comments about the lighting. 7. 1992 Work Planning Session Merle presented his 1992 Preliminary Work Program (see attached. He explained each program and what he would like seen accomplished. He asked that each one call or bring him a list of three committees that they would like to be on. He asked that one commission member chair the committee and that people outside the commission could serve on the committees. He also would like to have a parks representative on each committee. Discussion was opened on the different committees. Minutes January 14, 1992 Meeting Page 4 Mrs. Graham suggested a poster be developed for Winterfest. She offered to do the art work for a poster that could be sold. She will need several photos or a video to get an idea for a poster. Gayle Owens told her she could provide her with a video. Mrs. Graham also suggested Garden Clubs as a good source to have on committees. Merle will be in touch with them. 8. Miscellaneous. A. Bill Bunten stated that Parks will be providing more support to the City Beautiful Commission. Becky Switzer will provide clerical support, Connie Fugedy, design support and Gayle Owens will provide administrative support and public relations assistance. Merle asked that one parks staff member be on each committee. B. Merle Seamon stated that several Commission members would like to have the meetings moved back to City Hall, 2nd floor conference room. Jo Rancifer moved that the meeting be moved to City Hall, Charlene Hardcastle seconded. Motion passed 7 ayes - 0. C. Merle Seamon requested that the Commission reimbruse him for lunches that he had with Commission members to discuss his 1192" Preliminary Work Program. Charlene Hardcastle moved that the Commission reimburse Merle for the lunches, Jo Rancifer seconded. Motion carried unanimously. 9. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 11:03 a.m.. 10. Next Meeting. Feb. 11, 10:00 A.M., City Hall Board Conference Room. Parking available behind City Hall on Arch St. CITY BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION 1992 PRELIMINARY WORK PROGRAM The following list identities projects or programs which could be undertaken by the commission in 1992-93. This list io not necessarily complete and is still open for addition or modification based upon additional input from the commission. Some of the items listed are the continuation of existing programs, while others are new or involve the reactivation of previously developed programs. 1. City Beautiful Kids - This excellent program will continue to serve as one of the commission's major efforts. Some revisions including a recreational element and some sort: of year round program may be looked into. Commissioners should become more involved in support of the program, perhaps in the area of fund raising. 2. Winterfest -'Winterfest will continue as a major project with commission support, consideration will be given to changes to make the event more weatherproof. 3. Adopt a Block Program - The Adopt a Block program already proposed will be completed and begin operation its ouon as is p000ible. 4. CBC Convention -- A convention of all similar cominia;sioris .from the state or region will be planned and held. This may occur either i=iedi ately before or after the State Garden Club Short Course in May of 92 In order to share some speakers, etc. v. Litter Awareness; Campaign - The previously developed Litter Campaign should be pulled out of mothballs and completed. We should develop PSA"s and related literature. Perhaps some sort of big spring clean up program should be. a part. of this. 6. Neighborhood Ambassador Program - The previously developed program should be completed and put into action. 7. Awards Program - The awards process should be revised and judging should occur in spring or summer, it may still be beat to give these awards in December. A comprehensive process for submission, ,judging, and awarding prizes should be developed. 8. School Program - Many years ago the; commission had considerable involvement with the public schools and a Clean Up, Paint Up, Fix Up program. This program was ultimately scrapped because it had become primarily an art conteot. A new program working, with the schools should be developed making use of the good 'part,:; of the old, and perhaps adding, ec:ologi.cal educat:i.ona1 elementn, tree planting, etc. 9. development of Environmental Ordinances - The specifics of what might be involved in this effort are not defined. Consideration should be Liven to determine specific ordinances that may be needed to promote environmental. quality. In order to a ssiot wi. t:li the= Operation of the c:omm i_rso_lon and to successfully implement the pror.;ramrs u.ltimatcsly sselected, t.hc::re are a ni.uuber o_L c:amusi_Lt:ecrs which arj. ne:e;dc:cl. 1 would uuggest that those conimitte:ea all be chaired by a comuisisuion member, however most, if not all other Committee memberu :should come from outside of the commission. This approach will allow us to make better use of our ti-a-le as commissioners, and 'also to select other committee members for their -areas of especial knowledge and expertise. Committees should be as small as possible. I will ask the chairperson of each committee to propose the other members to me before they are officially selected. I would propose the formation or continuati.orl of tile: following committees. 1.. Bylaws and Procedures Review Committee - I t has been a number of years since the bylaws of the commission have been reviewed and updated. I would like for this committee to review and make recommendations of revisions to the full commis.Jsiun. This committee should be made up of several commissioners and a representative' of the parks department. 2. Awards Committee - `Phis committee should develop the awards program for the: approval of the full commission. The program should allow objective review of applicants by all commissioners and a scoring syetem that determines the wi.r-ners of awards. The program should address issues including method of nomination, application or nomination form, photos, etc. whether honorable mentiono are to be Riven and if so how, and all related concerns. This program miuot be fully developed for approval by April 1992. 3. Wi.nterfest Cowmittee - A committee made up of the past chairman of the committee, the Director of Parks & Recreation, at least one commissioner and other appropriate persons should be developed to review and proceed with the development of Winterfest 1992. The committee should not be over B persons however sub committees may have additional persons as needed. 4. Capitol Avenue Review Committee - This committee uhould continue the process already begun for the Capitol Avenue Project. 5. Litter Committee - This committee should complete 'the development of the litter awareness campaign. 6. Adopt a Block Committee -- This committee should complete the development of the Adopt a Block program. 7. Neighborhood Ambassador Committee - This group should complete the development of this program and see that 1L iu implemented. 8. CilC Curivention Committee - This committee should oversee the planning{ of the p.r•opo: ed meeting- J. Education Committee. - This group should oversee the development and implementation' of a new programin conjunction with the school system- 10. Legislative Committee - 'Phis committee should keep the commission aware of environmental concerns and at the direction of the full commisE:ion respond in the appropriate manner. development of ordinances would fall within the duties of this committee. 11. FLuid Raising Committee - In order to succopsfull.y accomplish this program considerable funding could be required. It will be the responsibility of this group to determine potential funding sources and solicit funding to support the activities of the commission. All potential sources of funding; should be explored including grants, private foundations, bond isaues, etc. 12. Public Relations Committee - This group should assist in insuring that the'public is wade aware of the commiBsi.on and its activities. 13. City Beautiful Kids Committee - This committee will oversee the: operation of the Bids Program and review its operation to consider any revisions that way be needed. 14. 'free Planting Committee - TItits committee should work to promote the planting of trees in our'commnaiity. A number of ripecific programs could be developed to meet this goal including a cooperative program with the schoole, cibt:a:i_nirrg and administering grants, urbru-i forestry programs, historic grovez, etc_ l would like: for each commissioner to i.denUify at J_eaHt 3 of J these: committees and projects that they rare especially interested in bex:uming; involved in. :i, will then appoint the chairmen for each comet i L tee and aok that they report bark x•t�;eirdirig; their• pr•uNcsricd :u::l s01::i.0rus- for- committee menibers before- there selections are finalized- After committees are formed I will- ask that each conwil.ttee prepare a writ.-tu-n progrcun outlininc4 their approach to the Lask. I would 11.1to -to have, as mony as posoible of theue before tht.- JQ-4)rtiary mee-Ling. Thero i.o tiLill room fur additional input reAardindl addi'tional progrwaa or profit3cl.o. If you have a specific idea regarding" either a program or a project pleawe -pre-pare a written abstract explaiLling the program and how iL would operate and tiubmit it to me as tsoon as possible.. These will be added to the list and considered just like all. of the other programs. Some items may not actually be undertaken this year. Any item that does not have the sdpporL or interest of the commission will be tabled until such a time that the commission is interested in pursuing it. After the specific committees are defined, 1 will ask each chairman to prepare a written work schedule. This schedule will be reviewed monthly at commission meetings in order -to insure that the project or program is progressing on schedule. It will be very important that deadlines be met in order- to insure that our program ogram can be successful. Please consider- your workload before expreosing, intere.-it-, in a committee poultion. if your available time iLs Limited select areas of involvement that will be manageable within your con&trainta. I look forward to working with each of you to Esuc(.-.(-_ns:ful1Y complete a very productive and uxeiting Year. Thy City Pedutifd Commission MEETING NOTICE The City Beautiful Commission will hold its regular meeting Tuesday, January 14, 1992 in Room 1D of the University Conference Center at 10:00 a.m. A pre agenda meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m. AGENDA 1. Public Hearing Called to Order 2, Roll Call 3. Public Hearing Closed 4, Regular Meeting Called to Order 5. Approval of Minutes of November meetings, no minutes for December. 6. Reports of Committees A. Capitol Avenue - Ross McCain H. WinterFest - Merle Seamon 7. 1992 Work Planning Session 8. Miscellaneous 9. Adjournment 500 West Markham, Room 108 Little Rock, AR 72201 371-4770 January 14, 1992 ITEM NO. 1 - C.B.C. 545 - NEW MATTERS Applicant: Location: Description: ORDINANCE REQUIREMENT: Tommy Crouch Gator Golf, Inc. Pat McGetrick, Agent 11,000 South Interstate 30 Long Legal A perimeter planting strip shall be required along any side of a vehicular use area that abuts adjoining property. This strip shall be at least six (6) feet wide. VARIANCE REQUESTED: Deletion of the six (6) feet wide perimeter landscaping strip along the western property line with the strip being provided on the property immediately to the west. FINDINGS• The applicant is proposing to construct a miniature golf course. The Cemetery Board, owner of the property immediately to the west, and the applicant have worked out an agreement to allow a six (6) feet wide landscaping buffer strip and parking along the eastern portion of the cemetery property in exchange for an access easement to the cemetery. The Board of Adjustment has approved a variance to allow the six (6) feet wide buffer shift and parking arrangement. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of this application. The reasons for this recommendation are: the same amount of landscaping will be provided; the miniature golf course will have a park -like setting; the property owners affected, the Cemetery Board, agree that this proposal will not only provide for necessary access to the cemetery but will also generally upgrade the area. AREA IN 1 QUE5TIONl � p,--o wz < (I B. B. I" = 100, 30 C.B.C. CASE 5 45