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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCBC 02-05-2014MEETING NOTICE FEBRUARY 5, 2014 THE CITY BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION WILL HOLD ITS REGULAR MEETING AT 1 1:30 A.M. ON THURSDAY FEBRUARY 5, 2014, AT CURRAN HALL, 615 E. CAPITOL AVENUE AGENDA CALL TO ORDER: CHRIS ROLL CALL: DANA APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: JANUARY 9, 2014 VARIANCE REQUESTS: NONE TREASURER'S REPORT: • EXPENSES REPORT WALLY COMMITTEE REPORT: UPDATES • COMMUNITY PROJECTS o 1-630 TREES CHRIS o CITY HALL SOUTH YARD STEVE/LYNN ■ PUBLIC RELATIONS o WEBSITE LYNN o LIBRARY EXHIBIT/ HISTORY EXHIBIT ??? • KLRB (UPDATE) (4th Wed / Noon) WALLY • ADOPT -A -STREET COORDINATORS CHRIS • INFORMATION / COMMUNICATION JENNIE • EYE OF THE BEHOLDER CARRIE, ED, WALLY ip LANDSCAPE AWARDS STEVE NEW BUSINESS: ANNOUNCEMENTS: • NEXT MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014 ADJOURNMENT The City Beautiful Commission held its regular meeting Thursday, February 6, 2014, at 11:30 at Curran Hall. Commissioner Ed Peek acting as Chair called the meeting to order. MEMBERS PRESENT: Ed Peek Wally Loveless Bill Wiedower Chris Morgan Lynn Warren Cassie Toro Steve Homeyer MEMBERS ABSENT: Carrie Young Chris Minor Chip McCulley one open position ALSO PRESENT: Beth Carpenter, City Attorney's Office Dana Carney, Zoning and Subdivision Manager, Department of Planning and Development, City of Little Rock. D. Tracy Spillman, Plans Development Administrator, Department of Planning and Development, City of Little Rock. Frank Riggins, Crafton Tull Christy Marvel, Marvelous Landscapes A.J. and Gwen Gilbert, Universal Housing Group APPROVAL OF THE JANUARY MINUTES: Motion: Commissioner Warren made a motion that the Minutes be approved. Second: Commissioner Morgan seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Deferred Variance Request CBC Case 629, Universal Housing Group City Staff Member Carney stated that Staff still recommended denial. Commissioner Wiedower questioned the Planning Commission's approval of the PRD. Staff member Carney updated the commissioner's on the amending of the application and the site being rezoned as a PRD. Universal Housing Group Presentation: Ms. Christy Marvel agent for Universal Housing Group (A.J. and Gwen Gilbert) described property lines, building encroachment into the buffer, and existing trees that will be retained. She explained that both size and density of the proposed trees and shrubs will be increased due to her client's interest to retain the buffer, reduce noise, and screen the swimming pool. Commissioner Peek inquired how the residence to the north is positioned in relation to the existing buffer and further stated that the north end of the property is almost at an even elevation with the highway. Commissioner Wiedower noted that the plan is showing existing vegetation to remain in the right-of-way of the highway. Ms. Marvel stated that the vegetation is to remain and there are no plans to position the Highway Department to clear any additional vegetation from the right -of — way. Commissioner Peek inquired how the building will work with the topography of the site and if it will be a continuous elevation or be broken to step down with the existing contours. If continuous, Commissioner Peek stated that there could be as much as an eight (8) foot cut into the site. Ms. Marvel introduced A.J and Gwen Gilbert to address this issue. Mr. Gilbert stated that they were discussing their options with the project engineer Pat McGetrick to find the best solution. Mr. Gilbert also stated that if the building is stepped down with the contours it would lower the visibility. It was undetermined how the building would actually set on the contours but the option to split the structure at different elevations could possibly be implemented if needed. Commissioner Wiedower questioned the number of parking spaces shown on the plan. The plan listed sixty-seven (67) spaces. Commissioner Wiedower stated he only counted sixty-four (64) spaces. City staff member Mr. Carney explained that the Planning Commission was aware of this and knew that the spaces would be reduced when the parking island size was increased to obtain the eight (8) percent interior landscape requirement. Ms. Marvel stated that it was her intention to go above and beyond the Planning Commission's request. Commissioner Loveless inquired if the contract with the seller was based on two (2) usable acres or on 1.67 acres. Mr. Gilbert stated the seller was unaware of any discrepancies and he had not planned for a third (1/3) of the property to be dedicated to the street. Ms. Marvel stated that because of the dedication of the street right-of-way the project had to be shifted thirty (30) feet. Commissioner Warren inquired if a portion of the parking could be moved to the back of the property. Ms. Marvel stated that viewing the parking from the Interstate may be more obtrusive than viewing only the building. Commissioner Wiedower stated that there would not be enough room to accomplish this type of layout. Commissioner Warren inquired again why staff had recommended denial. City Staff Member Carney explained Staff has not been supportive of the project through the entire review process because Staff believes the development is too dense for this particular property. Commissioner Peek stated that from his personal observation of this site, the existing residence on the adjacent property is within approximately fifteen (15) of the existing fence and very noticeable. Commissioner Peek stated he believes the proposed building will be very visible from the highway and will defeat the spirit of the buffer zone altogether. Commissioner Wiedower explained how developments of this nature are limited by the zoning and that this type of project needs to be developed with as many units as possible to be an economically sound investment. Ms. Marvel stated that all of the site issues had been approved by the Planning Commission and in her mind the only outstanding issue is the buffer. She further stated that she believes that the proposed landscape goes above and beyond what is required for this area. Commissioner Wiedower asked her to expand on her statement. Ms. Marvel continues that the size and quantities of the landscape materials go beyond what is required. In addition the client wants to create a sound and visual barrier from the highway and additional plant materials are being proposed to accomplish this goal. Commissioner Loveless stated that even if the building doesn't encroach into the buffer it will still be thirty-five to forty feet in height and visible from the highway. Commissioners Wiedower, Morgan, and Loveless discuss that the proposed project does not seek visibility and they would much rather see this site developed in such a manner. It was further discussed if a commercial property is ever proposed for this site it is possible a developer may desire a higher visibility from the highway and want to delete all screening. Commissioner Warren stated that even though this project encroaches into the buffer there is a desire to screen and beautify with landscape. City Staff Member Carney clarifies that there are some substantial plantings in the Highway Departments right-of-way and that the developer will not be seeking the removal of any this material. Motion: Commissioner Peek entertains a request to make a motion. Commissioner Wiedower makes a motion that the request be approved, Second: Several commissioners seconded the motion. A vote was taken and it passed unanimously. COMMITTEE REPORTS: UPDATES: OLD BUSINESS: Commissioner Homeyer asked to add T.R.E.E Fund update to the agenda. Expense Resort: Commissioner Loveless stated that there was no change. Commissioner Toro arrives at 12:02 pm. T.R.E.E Fund: City Staff Member Carney stated that City Manager Moore had been consulted about deviation from the approved process of the installation of the trees and awarding a contract to an outside party. Mr. Moore concluded that this made good economic sense and approved the request. Deputy City Attorney Beth Carpenter included that state law requires any public betterment project over $20,000 would need to be formally put out for bid. City Staff Member Carney stated that the Park's Department is putting together a bid package and the schedule to start work is still planned to begin in March. In addition a press release is being prepared to coincide with the planting of the new trees. Ou Hap South Yard: Commissioner Homeyer stated that there are no updates. I-630 Trees: Commissioner Loveless stated that he had spoken with Mark Webb at the Parks Department about the area east of University and North of I-630 at War Memorial Golf Course. The Commissioner feels that this area could be enhanced and proposed to the City Beautiful Commission that this area be taken into consideration for future TREE Fund projects. Public Relations: Commissioner Warren stated that the website is up to date, LibraEy and History Exhibit: Commissioner Peek confirmed that the exhibit is still located in Commissioner Loveless' office. Commissioner Warren stated that at some point it is to be moved to City Hall. KLRB: Commissioner Loveless stated the City Wide Cleanup will take place March 8tr, Kickoff will begin at 8:00am at Western Hills Park and run until noon of this same day. Three parks will be targeted Western Hills Park, Murray Park and Interstate Park. A goal of having one thousand participants is trying to be reached. Approximately seven hundred people from different companies and neighborhood groups have agreed to participate. Some neighborhood cleanup will take place but the focus will be on the before -mentioned three parks. Commissioner Loveless provided photocopy announcements to the other commissioners. Commissioner Loveless also stated that there are still spots available on the official City Wide Cleanup t-shirt for company logos and the deadline to sponsor will be next Thursday, February 13tn Commissioner Morgan inquired if sponsors as well as volunteers are still being sought and stated that he will inquire at the Clinton School and try to put a group together. Commissioner Loveless stated a KLRB item that occurs each month are the Kroger gift cards and charitable donations. He continued to explain that Kroger has a budget each month to make donations to organizations. In the past these have been requested by KLRB to cover the cost of different items, drinks, or refreshments for different events. Commissioner Wiedower included that Kroger also has a program where the savings from the use an individual's Kroger card can be transferred to charitable organizations of a person's choice. The question was asked of City Attorney Carpenter if the City Beautiful Commission could benefit from this program. She stated that it was against the law for a city commission to give money to private entities but CBC could receive donations in the form of gift cards if presented. Commissioner Loveless stated he will add the CBC to the list of possible charities and that any contributions can be used to cover cost of CBC functions or activities. Commissioner Loveless stated that the Otter Creek Association is working with Kelly Ross and Bob Callans to provide a sculpture in the entrance median of Otter Creek. He also stated that in addition Mr. Callans is working on a new design competition with Studio Main and the possible subjects would be the Otter Creek area, Arkansas Baptist Campus, or the Mosaic Templers Hall, Placement is still to be determined. Commissioner Toro inquired about Main Street. Commissioner Loveless stated that twelve (12) hanging baskets will be added to make a total of fifty (50) to be provided in the spring. Commissioner Loveless stated that there is a movement starting to grow concerning the placement of a roundabout at the intersection of Kavanaugh / Pine Valley and McKinley / Richard B. Hardie Drive. A video is currently being produced for Vision 2013. Medowcliff Elementary School has received a $6000.00 grant for gardens. Ado t-A-Street: Commissioner Loveless stated that the adopter's names are being added to the streets quicker than originally expected. Initially he stated that there was going to be a twelve (12) month waiting period. However, there were several objections to this and as a result the placement of names has been expedited. Communications: Commissioner Homeyer restated that a press release will be made by the Parks Department concerning the T.R.E.E Fund. He also, stated that next month the Eye of the Beholder and the Landscape Awards will be kicked off. Eye of the Beholder: Commissioner Homeyer stated that there are no updates. Commissioner Loveless inquired about how people can be encouraged to make nominations. Commissioner Homeyer suggested that a booth could be placed at the Little Rock's Garden Show. Commissioner Loveless made the suggestion that a booth could perhaps be split between KLRB and CBC. Landscape Awards: Commissioner Homeyer stated that there are no updates. Signs are being made and will be picked up. The nomination period ends Thursday. New Business: Commissioner Homeyer stated that the CBC Retreat will be held at Mangan Holcomb Partners February 19, at 3:00 pm., Ms. Julie Robbins will be the facilitator. Motion: Commissioner Homeyer made a motion to spend $50.00 of private commission funds to purchase a spa gift certificate for Ms. Robbins in a show of appreciation. Second: Commissioner Wiedower seconded the motion. A vote was taken and it passed unanimously. ADJOURNMENT: Motion: Commissioner Homeyer made a motion to adjourn. Second: Several commissioners seconded the motion and it passed unanimously The meeting was adjourned at 1:03pm LITTLE ROCK CT1 Y 13EAUTIFUL CONE M ISSION The City Beautiful Commission held its annual retreat Wednesday, February 19, 2014, at 3:00 p.m. at Mangan Holcomb Partners in Riverdale. Commissioner Ed Peek acting as chairman called the meeting to order. MEMBERS PRESENT: Ed Peek Bill Weidower Lynn Warren Cassie Toro Steve Homeyer MEMBERS ABSENT: Carrie Young Chris Minor Chip McCulley one open position Wally Loveless Chris Morgan ALSO PRESENT: Julie Robbins, Mangan Holcomb Partners, Facilitator D. Tracy Spillman, Plans Development Administrator, Department of Planning and Development, City of Little Rock. Dana Carney, Zoning and Subdivision Manager, Department of Planning and Development, City of Little Rock. INTRODUCTIONS: Commissioners and staff introduced themselves and explained their involvement with the City Beautiful Commission. CITY BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION — COMMITTEES Awards 1. Eye Of The Beholder (Residential) Chair: Carrie Youn , Ed Peek, Wally Loveless, Steve Homeyer Chris Morgan 2. Landscape Awards (Commercial) Chair: 3. Landmark Award (Exceptional place/person) Chair: Steve Home er Lynn Warren Bill Wiedower Ed Peek, Lynn Warren Activities 4. Adopt -A -Street (1" Saturday/Odd Months) Coordinator: Chris Minor 5. Garden Show (February 2015) Chair: Cassie Toro Ed Peek 6. KLRB Partnership Variance Fundin Administration 7. T.R.E.E Fund Community Proiects 8. I-630 Beautification Project 9. City Hall Beautification Project Ph II, Southside Communications 10. Website 11. Social Media 12. Networking OVERVIEW OF THE PAST YEAR: Board Liaison: Wally Loveless Chair: Steve Home er Wally Loveless Lynn Warren Chair: Wally Loveless Bill Wiedower Ed Peek Chair: Steve Home er Lynn Warren Chair: Lynn Warren Cassie Toro, Chris Morgan Chair: Chris Morgan Chair: Steve Home er Commissioner Peek discussed the successes of the past year and the areas that need improvement. The CBC display case was noted as still not having a permanent home and Commissioner Peek opened this topic up to further discussion. Successes Landscape Awards: Commissioner Homeyer stated the success was due in part to the harder choices and recipients were well deserved of the award. In addition businesses have used landscape to attract customers. Commissioner Warren stated that the recipients were a more diverse group this past year. Commissioner Weidower suggested obtaining testimonials from recipients as a way to promote the landscape awards. Commissioner Toro inquired how the awards could be better publicized. Commissioner Warren stated that PSA's have been used in the past and testimonials could be used again before the kickoff in May. It was also suggested that the City of Little Rock's PR person be used in helping promote the landscape awards. It was also suggested that CBC funds be used to advertise in local magazines. Website: Commissioner Warren stated that the website is doing well and up to date. The commissioner further explained the features of the website. Facilitator Robbins inquired if the CBC is pleased with the website and if anything else could be obtained in the way it is used. The ability to upload photos or submitting them to a facilitator was discussed. Also, adding partner areas for Iris Society, Rose Society, or Master Gardeners to attract more attention to the website was discussed. Commissioner Morgan inquired about social media as a possibility for CBC. Commissioner Warren stated that City Manager Moore had not allowed this in the past. The use of hashtags was suggested by Facilitator Robbins as an alternative to having a social media page. Commissioner Morgan further explains hashtags and how they could be used to direct traffic to the CBC website. T.R.E.E Fund: It was agreed among the commissioners that the T.R.E.E. Fund was a success in 2013. Commissioner Warren stated that this was formulated in past year and became a working project. Commissioner Weidower stated that we had almost $60,000.00 in this fund and approximately $30,000.00 of these funds will be used in the spring of this year. - Adopt -A -Street: Commissioner Peek stated that a date needed to be set to clean the CBC's adopted street. A tentative date for the first Saturday in March was set. Opportunities 2014 / Programs to be Improved Library Display: Commissioner Warren stated that the display case was to be moved to City Hall and the follow up with Assistant City Manager Day was not accomplished. The commissioners discussed other options where the display could be placed, what materials that it could possibly include and how the CBC should be marketed. It was suggested that Ben Thielemier (City of Little Rock Public Relations) be contacted and invited to a CBC meeting to discuss these possibilities. City Hall Flag Pole Planting Bed: Commissioner Homeyer suggested accomplishing the clean-up of this area in the spring of 2014. - Commission Openings: It was discussed who could fill the open position and bring an additional perspective to the CBC. Commissioner Weidower suggested trying to add a master gardener to open position. Facilitator Robbins suggested diversifying the CBC. Eye of the Beholder: Commissioner Loveless opened the discussion and stated this was not a very successful program in 2013. He then inquired of the other commissioners how this could be improved. Commissioner Toro suggested using hashtags that could tie into the city's Facebook page. There was further discussion about social media and how marketing is accomplished using that format. Advertising on Facebook was suggested by Facilitator Robbins Commissioner Weidower suggested each Commissioner nominate five (5) landscapes. Commissioner Loveless proposed a joint booth between CBC and KLRB for the 2015 Garden Show. He stated that details would need to be accomplished in the fall of 2014 in order to be ready for the spring 2015 show. I-630 Trees: Commissioner Loveless presented the area of concentration to be from Fair Park Boulevard to University Avenue located on city property. He proposed that this area be cleaned up and T.R.E.E Fund proceeds be used in this area. Commissioner Warren requested an updated document stating the amount of T.R.E.E Fund proceeds for each district in which these are to be allocated. Commissioner Weidower stated that the I-630 project has never been well defined and most of the property is under the Highway Departments jurisdiction. He further suggested that a sign be produced for the area between Fair Park Boulevard and University Avenue stating, "This project is a courtesy of the City Beautiful T.R.E.E Fund". Garden Show Committee: Commissioner Toro and Commissioner Peek were appointed to co-chair this committee. Eye of the Beholder: Commissioner Young was reappointed to chair this committee. Commissioner Homeyer volunteered to place signs on the recipient's property. Commissioner Morgan was enlisted to provide social media support. It was further discussed what social platforms CBC would be allowed to use as a commission within the City of Little Rock. I-630 Trees Revisited: Commissioner Weidower moved that there be a subcommittee formed under the I-630 Trees Committee and it be called the Fair Park South Beautification Project. This area would be located between Fair Park Boulevard and University Avenue. Commissioner Weidower volunteered for this new committee. Commissioner Loveless volunteered to chair this committee. This committee will also be known as the I-630 Trees Project Phase 1. - T.R.E.E. Fund: Commissioner Homeyer volunteered to chair this committee. Commissioner Warren described how the TREE Fund functions. Commissioner Loveless and Commissioner Warren volunteered to serve on this committee. City Hall South Landscaping / AKA City Hall Beautification: Commissioner Homeyer volunteered to stay on this committee and Commissioner Warren volunteered to continue to serve. Website: Commissioner Warren is to continue as chair. Commissioner Toro and Commissioner Morgan will serve on this committee. It was discussed if the Communication and Publicity committee should be merged with the Website committee. The commissioners agreed to this merger and decided to call this Website PR. In addition it was agreed that the Library Display should be included within this renamed committee. - Adopt - A- Street: Commissioner Peek stated that he had spoken with Commissioner Minor and it was stated that Commissioner Minor would continue as the chair of this committee. - Landscape Awards: Commissioners Homeyer and Warren volunteered to continue to serve on this committee. - KLRB: Commissioner Loveless volunteered to be the liaison between CBC and KLRB. - Landmark Award: It was discussed that this is only given under certain circumstances. Commissioner Peek volunteered and Commissioner Weidower (absent) was assigned to this committee. Commissioner Warren will continue to serve on this committee. It was discussed that Vice Chairman Peek will continue to serve as chairman for CBC since Commissioner Minor has officially stepped down from the chairman position. A new vice chairman will be elected at the next meeting. It was suggested that Commissioner Morgan be nominated for the vice chairman position. Commissioner Homeyer discussed budget and how funds are received by the CBC. it was noted that the city provides $2500.00 a year to the commission and any additional funds are provided by donations. Commissioner Warren explained how city money can be used versus donations. Meeting adjourned at 5:51 p.m. LITTLE ROCK CITY BEAUTIFUL CONIMISSIOM DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT - 723 WEST MARKHAM - LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS 72201 PHONE: 501 371-4864 FAX: 501 371-6863 E-MAIL: RUIL MAN LER CK.OR WEBSITE: WWW.LRCITYBEAUTIFULCOMMISSION.ORG