Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCBC 11-01-2007LFTTLE ROCK CITY BEAUTIFUL CQMMF55FON The City Beautiful Commission held its regular meeting Thursday, November the 1 st, at 11:30 a.m. in the Sister Cities Conference Room on the second floor of City Hall. Chair Lynn Warren called the meeting to order. MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: Lynn Warren Steve Homeyer Jennie Cole Jessica Watts Vacancy John Beneke Debra Redding Mary Jane Rebick Vacancy 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 Johnnie Chamberlin, Assistant Director of Conservation, Audubon Arkansas, Heritage West INTRODUCTION OF NEW CBC MEMBER, JENNIE COLE APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Motion: Commissioner Homeyer made a motion to approve the minutes with minor changes as submitted. Second: Commissioner Redding seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. OPENING OF PUBLIC MEETING: TREASURER'S REPORT: Per Debra Redding, Treasurer: Little Rock City Beautiful Commission Treasurer's Report 11-01-2007 Beginning Balance as of October 04 , 2007 $3 4�1 Credits City of Little Rock reimbursement $307.56 Interest on Account .66 Total credits $308.22 $3,775_4..53 Debits None Total debits $0 $3,754.53 Ending Bank Balance as of November 01, 2007 $3,754.53 OLD BUSINESS: COMMITTEE REPORTS: UPDATES: l,andsca a Awards Steve -Awards have been put to rest for now other than a few outstanding debts to be paid. Billing can be given to Ms. Venita Young in the Planning & Development Department, she needs original receipts for payment. If/when possible have the bills sent directly to the Planning Department. Eye of the Beholder Ann & Debra)- There were 7 new nominations this month, bringing the total up to 31 for the year. Future Projects City Hall Rear Entry Garden(Lynn & Steve)- Chair Warren noted that donation was given to the CBC from Kroger, Inc. in the amount of fifteen dollars (15). This amount purchased apples, sodas, water, etc. for the installation individuals. Also, U.S. Pizza donated One hundred, nine dollars and fifty cents (109.50) worth of pizzas for the work day individuals. Vice -Chair Homeyer noted that the irrigation would not be installed until such time that the plants were in place. An email was received from the Public Relations individual, Mr. Scott Carter, inquiring about a date for the ribbon cutting. It was decided that the plants needed to be in place prior to this event. Mr. Chris Keeling, the installer of the water feature, will meet with the city regarding the warranty's and proper maintenance of the water feature soon. There was substantial newspaper and television coverage of the event. There was a press release submitted in front of the Board the night of completion. Chair Warren inquired about signage to keep individuals off of the rock area per potential liability concerns. Beth, The City Attorney, responded that if the city feels like it's an issue they will install signage. It was noted that some/most of the rocks could be stabilized with mortar/cement. Ways to have the plants donated and installed were discussed. I-630 Trees(Jessica & Christy) -no report. City Staff is in the process of getting maps of all the right-of-way areas for all of the city's Interstates. PR-Website L nn -The press used the website recently as a resource. Landscape Ordinance John - All commissioners review the landscape ordinance if it's not clear to you then it is probably confusing to the general public. Chair Warren requested all Commissioners send to Commissioner Beneke a written document of comments for him to compile for the Commissions review. Commissioner Beneke noted he will not be composing anything in writing until he feels like he has something meaningful to communicate. Chair Warren explained that the compilation will be to generate conversation between Commissioners and be a mechanism to begin a review and changes that the CBC can then vote upon. The CBC can vote on one unanimous agreed upon document then give to the Planning & Development Department. City Staff noted that the Director of Planning, Mr. Tony Bozynski, had been inquiring about the status of the CBC's review of the landscape ordinance. If Commissioner Beneke is comfortable then he can present the document at the December CBC meeting and perhaps a letter to the department can be distributed at the January CBC meeting. Guest Speaker Johnnie Chamberlin with Audubon Arkansas Mr. Chamberlin has a degree from the University of Berkley and a Masters Degree from Duke University. Audubon has extensive information available for the general public at www.fourchecreek.or One of the largest problems that the City of Little Rock is facing is due to floatable trash which compiles in the largest waterway in the city, Fourche Creek. Some of the quantities of trash are merely due to City of Little Rock Policy. Currently, there are 4 rare species of plants in this waterway alone. Floatable trash is a problem that stems from litter, illegal dumping, the overflow of dumpsters, parking lot runoff, and city trash trucks simply losing portions of their load. One of the solutions might be to put grates over the existing storm water catch basins. Another method includes the collection of the debris/trash at the end of the pipe via retrofits. One mechanism to finance a project such as this might be a storm water utility fee or the purchase of more street sweepers. Street sweepers remove up to 80% of street trash. Another option might be an Impact fee while also increasing the fines for those who litter. Commissioner Beneke inquired if the Audubon had done research to investigate what the top 3 polluters of the city were currently. Mr. Champerlin replied, this information has not been gathered. Mr. Chamberlin plans to present proposed changes to the City Board soon and would appreciate a letter of support from the CBC. Commissioner Beneke inquired whether or not the Parks and Recreational offerings have been investigated. Mr. Chamberlin noted that the 1" or 2"d day after a heavy rain the litter and water run-off make most of the areas unsafe for occupants. Commissioner noted that if the Audubon had more specific ideas/plans that the CBC could specifically support then there would be more potential for more progress on the goals set forth. Mr. Chamberlin stated he would draft something and present it to the CBC. Chair Warren recommended also speaking to the Keep Little Rock Beautiful Commission about this issue also. Chair Warren volunteered to get contact information for the KLRB to Mr. Chamberlin. With specific recommendations that are relatively affordable, the city could/would be more likely to support this effort. KLRB(Jessica-per Lynn Warren) -Chair Warren inquired per Commissioner Watts whether or not the CBC wanted to share a booth with the KLRB Commission at the 2008 Garden Show. The dates are February 22-24 for the show. Its ($200.00) two -hundred dollars if paid by December the 1st and increases to ($250.00) two -hundred and fifty dollars, afterwards. The CBC decided to fill out the forms and get it sent in so the Planning & Development Department could be invoiced. The CBC noted it worked out well last year, by sharing the booth, the CBC members weren't as pressed to be present. Motion: Commissioner Redding made a motion to proceed and process the application for the Garden Show. Second: Commissioner Homeyer seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Commissioner Redding noted that each CBC member needs to begin brainstorming on handouts for the show. Beth Carpenter, City Attorney, noted that by allowing the KLRB Commission use of the booth, indirectly the CBC is donating to the KLRB. Commissioner Beneke noted he was familiar with someone on the KLRB Commission and would discuss the option of the KLRB Commission getting a sponsor so they too, would have their own booth at the show. It was recommended that the KLRB Commission not bring their signage from last year due to its size. It consumed approximately 75% of the backdrop area and it muddled the organizations. Chair Warren noted that Commissioner Watts has stepped down from the fundraising committee chair. Commissioner Beneke noted that more discussion was needed on this issue. Commissioner Beneke also noted that he would speak with some individuals on that board and get back with the CBC with options. 2008 Garden Show South Debra -The CBC needs to begin considering options for things to give out at the Garden Show this year. Ado pt-A-Strect Coordinator -Chair Warren plans to pick up on Bowman this coming Saturday. NEW BUSINESS: The Mayors Luncheon is on the next CSC monthly scheduled meeting. It was decided to move the CBC meeting to the following Thursday, December the 131", same time and location. Motion: Commissioner Beneke made a motion to approve the 2008 CBC Calendar as is, with the exception of the May the 8th date changing to May the 1st Second: Commissioner Redding seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Litter Pickup -Saturday, November the 3rd (meet at 8:30 am) Mayor's Luncheon -December the 6th at 11:30 p.m. at the LR Hilton. Next Meeting -Thursday, December the 13th. Motion: Commissioner Beneke made a motion to adjourn. Second: Vice -chair Homeyer seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Adjournment: 1:03 p.m. ��l LITTLE ROCK CITY SEAUTIFUL C0MMissI0N The City Beautiful Commission held its regular meeting Thursday, November the 1st, at 11:30 a.m. in the Sister Cities Conference Room on the second floor of City Hall. Chair Lynn Warren called the meeting to order. MEMBERS PRESENT: Lynn Warren John Beneke Steve Homeyer Debra Redding Jennie Cole MEMBERS ABSENT: Jessica Watts Mary Jane Rebick Vacancy Vacancy 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 Johnnie Chamberlin, Assistant Director of Conservation, Audubon Arkansas, Heritage West INTRODUCTION OF NEW CBC MEMBER, JENNIE COLE APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Motion: Commissioner Homeyer made a motion to approve the minutes with minor changes as submitted. Second: Commissioner Redding seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. OPENING OF PUBLIC MEETING: TREASURER'S REPORT: Per Debra Redding, Treasurer: Little Rock City Beautiful Commission Treasurer's Report 11-01-2007 Beginning Balance as of October 04, 2007 $3,446.31 Credits City of Little Rock reimbursement $307.56 Interest on Account •66 Total credits $308.22 $3,754.53 Debits None Total debits $0 $32754.53 Ending Bank Balance as of November 01, 2007 $3,754.53 OLD BUSINESS: COMMITTEE REPORTS: UPDATES: Landscape Awards(Steve)-Awards have been put to rest for now other than a few outstanding debts to be paid. Billing can be given to Ms. Venita Young in the Planning & Development Department, she needs original receipts for payment. If/when possible have the bills sent directly to the Planning Department. Eye of the Beholder(Ann & Debra) --There were 7 new nominations this month, bringing the total up to 31 for the year. Future Pro'ects City Hall Rear Entry Garden(Lynn & Steve)- Chair Warren noted that donation was given to the CBC from Kroger, Inc. in the amount of fifteen dollars (15). This amount purchased apples, sodas, water, etc. for the installation individuals. Also, U.S. Pizza donated One hundred, nine dollars and fifty cents (109.50) worth of pizzas for the work day individuals. Vice -Chair Homeyer noted that the irrigation would not be installed until such time that the plants were in place. An email was received from the Public Relations individual, Mr. Scott Carter, inquiring about a date for the ribbon cutting. It was decided that the plants needed to be in place prior to this event. Mr. Chris Keeling, the installer of the water feature, will meet with the city regarding the warranty's and proper maintenance of the water feature soon. There was substantial newspaper and television coverage of the event. There was a press release submitted in front of the Board the night of completion. Chair Warren inquired about signage to keep individuals off of the rock area per potential liability concerns. Beth, The City Attorney, responded that if the city feels like it's an issue they will install signage. It was noted that some/most of the rocks could be stabilized with mortar/cement. Ways to have the plants donated and installed were discussed. I-630 Trees(Jessica & Christy) -no report. City Staff is in the process of getting maps of all the right-of-way areas for all of the city's Interstates. PR-Website(Lynn)-The press used the website recently as a resource. Landscape Ordinance Jo}in - All commissioners review the landscape ordinance if it's not clear to you then it is probably confusing to the general public. Chair Warren requested all Commissioners send to Commissioner Beneke a written document of comments for him to compile for the Commissions review. Commissioner Beneke noted he will not be composing anything in writing until he feels like he has something meaningful to communicate. Chair Warren explained that the compilation will be to generate conversation between Commissioners and be a mechanism to begin a review and changes that the CBC can then vote upon. The CBC can vote on one unanimous agreed upon document then give to the Planning & Development Department. City Staff noted that the Director of Planning, Mr. Tony Bozynski, had been inquiring about the status of the CBC's review of the landscape ordinance. If Commissioner Beneke is comfortable then he can present the document at the December CBC meeting and perhaps a letter to the department can be distributed at the January CBC meeting. Guest Speaker Johnnie Chamberlin with Audubon Arkansas Mr. Chamberlin has a degree from the University of Berkley and a Masters Degree from Duke University. Audubon has extensive information available for the general public at www.fourcliecreek.oxg One of the largest problems that the City of Little Rock is facing is due to floatable trash which compiles in the largest waterway in the city, Fourche Creek. In Mr. Chamberlin's opinion, some of the quantities of trash are merely due to City of Little Rock Policy. Currently, there are 4 rare species of plants in this waterway alone. Floatable trash is a problem that stems from litter, illegal dumping, the overflow of dumpsters, parking lot runoff, and city trash trucks simply losing portions of their load. One of the solutions might be to put grates over the existing storm water catch basins. Another method includes the collection of the debris/trash at the end of the pipe via retrofits. One mechanism to finance a project such as this might be a storm water utility fee or the purchase of more street sweepers. Street sweepers remove up to 80% of street trash. Another option might be an Impact fee while also increasing the fines for those who litter. Commissioner Beneke inquired if the Audubon had done research to investigate what the top 3 polluters of the city were currently. Mr. Chamberlin replied, this information has not been gathered. Mr. Chamberlin plans to present proposed changes to the City Board soon and would appreciate a letter of support from the CBC. Commissioner Beneke inquired whether or not the Parks and Recreational offerings have been investigated. Mr. Chamberlin noted that in his opinion, the I" or 2"d day after a heavy rain the litter and water run-off, may make some of the areas unsafe for occupants. Commissioner noted that if the Audubon had more specific ideas/plans that the CBC could specifically support then there would be more potential for more progress on the goals set forth. Mr. Chamberlin stated he would draft something and present it to the CBC. Chair Warren recommended also speaking to the Keep Little Rock Beautiful Commission about this issue also. Chair Warren volunteered to get contact information for the KLRB to Mr. Chamberlin. With specific recommendations that are relatively affordable, the city could/would be more likely to support this effort. KLRB Jessica- er Lynn Warren) -Chair Warren inquired per Commissioner Watts whether or not the CBC wanted to share a booth with the KLRB Commission at the 2008 Garden Show. The dates are February 22-24 for the show. Its ($200.00) two -hundred dollars if paid by December the 1st and increases to ($250.00) two -hundred and fifty dollars, afterwards. The CBC decided to fill out the forms and get it sent in so the Planning & Development Department could be invoiced. The CBC noted it worked out well last year, by sharing the booth, the CBC members weren't as pressed to be present. Motion: Commissioner Redding made a motion to proceed and process the application for the Garden Show. Second: Commissioner Homeyer seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Commissioner Redding noted that each CBC member needs to begin brainstorming on handouts for the show. Beth Carpenter, City Attorney, noted that by allowing the KLRB Commission use of the booth, displaying the KLRB Banner and other KLRB items extensively, that indirectly the CBC is donating to the KLRB, which is not legally allowed. Commissioner Beneke noted he was familiar with someone on the KLRB Commission and would discuss the option of the KLRB Commission getting a sponsor so they too, would have their own booth at the show. It was recommended that the KLRB Commission not bring their signage from last year due to its size. It consumed approximately 75% of the backdrop area and it muddled the organizations. Chair Warren noted that Commissioner Watts has stepped down from the fundraising committee chair. Commissioner Beneke noted that more discussion was needed on this issue. Commissioner Beneke also noted that he would speak with some individuals on that board and get back with the CBC with options. 2008 Garden Show Booth Debra -The CBC needs to begin considering options for things to give out at the Garden Show this year. Ado t-A-Street Coordinator -Chair Warren plans to pick up on Bowman this coming Saturday. NEW BUSINESS: The Mayors Luncheon is on the next CBC monthly scheduled meeting. It was decided to move the CBC meeting to the following Thursday, December the 13th, same time and location. Motion: Commissioner Beneke made a motion to approve the 2008 CBC Calendar as is, with the exception of the May the 8th date changing to May the 1st Second: Commissioner Redding seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Litter Pickup -Saturday, November the 3rd (meet at 8:30 am) Mayor's Luncheon -December the 61h at 11:30 p.m. at the LR Hilton. Next Meeting -Thursday, December the 13th. Motion: Commissioner Beneke made a motion to adjourn. Second: Vice -chair Homeyer seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Adjournment: 1:03 p.m.