Clean City Commission

FULL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES February 9, 2016 ~ 3:30pm Members  Kinesha Allen  Wendy Iles  Pat Parker  Dennis VanCamp, Chair  Lynn Allsbrook  Theodore Jackson, Alt.  Luretta Ray  Jim Williams  Anthony Askew  Sally Lewis  Brian Rueger  Cris Ausink  Shirley Boyd  Kevin Myers  Edward Robinson  Debbie Blanton  Jackie Cannan  Claire Neubert  Teresa Schmidt  CFaison Harris  John Golden  Jamie Osso  Tom Tinsley Welcome, Public Comment, Time Sheet: Dennis VanCamp called meeting to order. He noted that the litter problem around the Kecoughtan High School campus is increasing once again. Teresa Schmidt stated that in the City’s efforts to control the amount of litter and debris, particularly from apartments, it has now placed three large recycling containers at Briarfield Park, Gosnold’s Hope Park, and the Yards Waste Station. Edward (Sean) Robinson asked if Public Works was able to glean hard statistical data on the effectiveness of both the recycling and trash containers. Cris Ausink stated that sanitation trucks are installed with cameras that record pickups and is used as an enforcement tool in addition to recording statistics. Debbie noted that one way to measure effectiveness is checking the number of times a container is pulled and its capacity at pulling. In response to Dennis talking about the difficulty in getting people to properly and consistently separate recyclable items, Claire Neubert said that pizza shops in the City of Virginia Beach have agreed to use a wax paper covering for the bottom of their pizza boxes which keeps grease from compromising the material. Doing so allows schools to recycle those boxes. Sean then asked if the City of Hampton had a similar program and what happens in the event a great amount of recyclable materials is compromised. Debbie answered that Hampton has a contamination contract for TFC to accept our recyclables, and that in typical contracts, there is an allowance for non-recyclable contamination. She is not sure of contract limits. Sean also discussed an eco-tourism plan initiated by the City of Seattle, Washington, in which it promotes tourism by selectively placing recycling/litter containers in and around new business developments. Businesses are encouraged to make decisions about placement and are proactive in the effort. He wondered if Clean City could partner with Economic Development in developing a similar initiative for Hampton. Jim Williams noted that most new construction are already LEEDS certified, so it would be a matter of incorporating current businesses into the effort. Debbie stated that she met with members of the Downtown Hampton Exchange Club and was by one of the members about adding recycling containers to business areas, especially in those with a large number of restaurants. She suggested that perhaps business improvement districts could work with businesses to provide recycling. Dennis suggested that since the business districts all use the same marketing representative, “Jimmy C”, that is with whom Debbie needs to speak. John Golden added that the major factor in getting businesses involved in the environmental effort is for the City to show them how doing so would be advantageous to both them and the City. Teresa noted that a major issue would be whether a recycling truck could actually reach the bins. John stated that Tidewater Fiber Company (TFC) has been able to do so for several businesses, particularly those on the Southside. He added that TFC’s regional manager, Dave Felton, has been instrumental in getting businesses to become effective recycling partners and how they have incorporated a discount program, “Trash Money” that provides perks for customers. John will be speaking with Dave to discuss strategy for a similar program for Hampton. Jim asked Teresa if Economic Development had an environmental initiative for established businesses. She stated that there is a green initiative but not one for recycling. She has agreed to speak with Council further about the subject. Wendy Iles suggested the following eco-tourism slogan for businesses to get them excited and involved – “Go Green to Get Green!” 20160112 Full Commission Minutes 9 February 2016 Page 2 Approval of January Minutes: Motion to approve offered by Shirley Boyd, seconded by Wendy Iles. Parks & Recreation Report: No report Public Works Report: No report Budget Discussion: Debbie informed members that an additional $20,000 had been requested; however, final word on the request has not yet been received. Claire asked what would be the timeframe on final approval of the budget. Debbie thought it would be late May, but Teresa said she would confirm. Volunteer Recognition Celebration: Sean volunteered to chair the October 27 event. A motion was made by Wendy to accept and was seconded by Shirley. The committee formed at last month’s meeting has not yet met to begin planning. Wendy stated that she would forward her notes from last year’s event and tentative sites for this year to Sean. Walk Hampton Clean 2016: Cris Ausink said that the WHC committee met January 7 and February 3 with the latter welcoming SrA Kyle Anderson, Langley AFB, Peggy Todd, Chair, Neighborhood Commission, and Brianna Venner, Marketing Outreach Manager, Marketing, Inc. The event will begin at 6:30pm April 22 and end at 3:00pm on April 23. Marketing, Inc. will provide media support beginning with a kickoff campaign in March. Event information will be available on social media websites. It was suggested that a simple tag be used for Twitter users, such as #walkhamptonclean. Discussion of strategies used for the first two events involved registration, areas/sites covered, types of groups/individuals involved, pickup/drop-off sites for equipment, and prizes/give-a-ways for participants. Cris noted that the first year celebration was underwritten by Hampton Bay Days which provided hot dogs, snacks, and drinks for participants at Mill Point Park. Last year’s event received help from the Hampton Waterways Restoration Project in the form of bottle koozies. Because the Commission’s budget constraints, it was decided that committee members would solicit prize donations from area businesses. It was also suggested that prize categories be established. SrA Anderson graciously offered the assistance of his staff in the planning, setup, distribution and breakdown of the event. The next meeting will be at the Commission on February 25 at 1pm. Beautification Committee Report: Shirley stated that the Beautification Committee will meet at 9am on February 18 to discuss a tentative tree tour and the upcoming Beautiful Yards contest season. Clean & Green Businesses Committee Report: John talked about the many projects planned by C&GBC. The 1st Quarter Virginia Peninsula Clean & Green Business Forum Breakfast will be March 31 at Sentara Careplex, starting at 8:30am. The theme is “Recycle the Present, Save the Future,” and guest speaker will be Leonard Sledge, Director of Hampton Economic Development. Members were encouraged to attend. C&GBC will also partner with Sentara and C&F Bank on a recycling project that will promote cancer research. In addition, the committee will co-sponsor a food drive campaign to benefit the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank. Debbie suggested that the Commission be used as a drop-off point, but wondered how best to get donations to the collection site. John said he would take care of that. John also mentioned that C&F Bank is working with Strayer University on a “Business Beyond Banking’ project. Information on all these events will be available by the March regular meeting. Community Gardens: Wendy announced that a third community garden site is currently under construction and will be announced soon. She received over a thousand garden seed packets, many of them already distributed to schools and organizations, but there are still more available. Cris suggested giving the Foodbank some for its gardens. Wendy asked members to email her with names of groups or organizations that may want some also. 20160112 Full Commission Minutes 9 February 2016 Page 3 February 27at 9am a Gardening 101 class will take place at the Marian Center of St. Joseph’s Church on Buckroe Road. The class is free of charge, but participants must register at http://hampton.gov/FormCenter/Hampton-Boards-Commission-Committees- 5/Community-Garden-Event-Registration-Form-132. Wendy also spoke with two groups within the last two weeks and has received four new applications for garden plots. Formal orientation for Community Gardening will take place on April 2. Additionally, a pollinator class is upcoming and along with a nature photography class. More information will be forthcoming. Brian Rueger asked if many firefighters participated in the program. Wendy stated that there were a few last year who were very successful in their efforts. Jim wondered if the house that was situated close to the Buckroe community garden was still standing. Wendy answered that it had been torn down and soil testing will determine what type of gardening will be most successful on that lot. Sean then mentioned a community group from Fayetteville, NC, which is trying to promote community gardens in that city and asked if Wendy would reach out to them to offer guidance on how to get started and sustain a project. Wendy agreed and asked Sean to send her the group’s contact information. Hampton Waterways Restoration Project Report: Dennis asked Claire if any word had been received regarding last month’s internal audit of the HWRP. She noted that she had received a call from City Manager Mary Bunting offering an apology for the way in which the audit came about. Claire stated that the City Manager’s staff wants to work with the Commission to accommodate its efforts and would be researching best practices for future fundraising endeavors. As far as a final word from Internal Auditing, nothing has been received to date. Debbie added that she had also asked for guidance from the City Attorney’s office two weeks ago regarding the procedure to be used in the sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages during Commission events. Again, no word has been received to date. She noted that not having the necessary information in a timely manner makes moving ahead with proposed plans somewhat difficult. Claire also discussed upcoming HWRP events. HWRP was awarded a Citizens Water Quality Monitoring Grant for $1,000 for the purchase of water monitoring supplies and equipment for ongoing and systematic testing and to help expand upon previous water quality training, education, and stewardship. Chosen water monitoring sites are Gosnold’s Hope Park and Air Power Park. HWRP is also looking into the purchase of T-shirts and other promotional items that will be purchased using donations received during the November art auction. When the question arose about local vendors who could be contacted, Wendy offered to provide a list of reputable vendors. The next meeting will be February 23 at Fort Monroe Community Center and will feature guest speaker, Karen Durhing, from the Center for Coastal Management at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS). Her topic will highlight living shorelines. Seating at Fort Monroe is limited and will be on a first come-first seated basis. Lastly, Claire shared information about oyster restoration partnership with two Newport News businesses, Sam Rust Seafood and The Mariner’s Museum, which have oyster recycling bins. Claire also picks up shells from Crabtown Raw Bar & Grill in Hampton. Claire explained the need for the restoration project, stating that the used shells provide a platform for oyster spat to attach and thrive. Teresa suggested advertising examples of what is being accomplished with the project to enhance business and public interest. Claire noted that she is currently in the process of promoting public participation in the project though enlightenment, education, and encouragement. Teresa added that Virginia has started an “Oyster Trail”, and is now marketing oysters like wine in that each oyster has a distinctive flavor/saltiness. Litter Awareness Committee Report: Pat Parker announced the next Community Cleanup will be 3pm on February 19 along Virginia Avenue. The LAC will hold its next monthly meeting at 11:30am March 10 at Mama Rosa’s Restaurant. School Pride In Action Committee Report: Debbie announced the Earth Day reading program begins in March and asked for volunteers. For those that want to do the Rigsby and Friends segment, contact Debbie for special training. 20160112 Full Commission Minutes 9 February 2016 Page 4 SPIA members were enthused about the Walk Hampton Clean event and it is hopeful that student participation will be great. SPIA is also planning a student art exhibit for next where. A soft start to the project would begin this year where schools will be asked to submit digital art for display on the Commission’s Facebook page. A theme is still under discussion. The plastic bag challenge is going strong, but volunteers were requested to help collect the bags. Pat and Wendy both volunteered to be backups. C.H.A.N.G.E. Report: Sean announced the official launch of the initiative to take place in conjunction with the LAC’s February 19 Virginia Avenue Community Cleanup. He distributed a flyer that will announce the event and hopefully encourage Hampton University and area high school students and organizations to participate. Grant applications will be completed at the time of registration. Sean also attended the February Neighborhood Commission meeting and discovered that members were already discussing the Walk Hampton Clean event. He suggested also promoting the Walk through the upcoming Neighborhood Repair Blitz. Master Gardener Report: Shirley announced the MG spring plant sale will be at Blue Bird Gap Farm on April 30, 9am-2pm. Master Naturalist Report: No report Adjournment: A motion to adjourn was made and accepted. Announcements Coastal Virginia Home & Garden Show, February 12-14, HRCC Presidents Day, February 15, City Offices/Schools Closed KAB GoToWebinar: Plastics Recycling, February 16, 3pm (see Debbie for details) Beautification Meeting, February 18, HCCC, 9am LAC Virginia Avenue Community Cleanup, February 19, 3:30pm HWRP Meeting, February 23, FMCC 6:30pm Walk Hampton Clean Meeting, February 25, HCCC, 1pm Community Gardening 101, February 27, Marian Center, 9am SPIA Meeting, March 2, HCCC, 4:30pm LAC Meeting, March 3, Mama Rosa’s, 11:30am Full Commission Meeting, March 8, HCCC, 3:30pm Earth Day Stories, March 10-11, Burbank ES, 10:30am Rain Barrel Workshop, March 12, HCCC, 9am VA Peninsula Clean Business Forum Breakfast, March 31, Sentara CarePlex, 8:30am Earth Day Stories, March 14-15 & 17, Burbank ES, 9am Spratley 4th Grade Tour de Trash, March 14, 9am LAC Big Bethel (Bethel HS) Community Cleanup, February 19, 3:30pm Beautification Meeting, March 21, HCCC, 10am HWRP Meeting, March 22, FMCC, 6:30pm 20160112