Clean City Commission

FULL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES March 8, 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, welcoming and introducing Andrew Stith, and guest speaker, Dr. Jeffrey Smith, Superintendent of Hampton City Schools. Dr. Smith thanked the Commission for its leadership and partnership with the schools via its School Pride in Action Committee and the School Appearance Indices conducted each year. He then spoke about his “Look, Listen, and Learn” Tour and goals of creating opportunities to listen to and engage stakeholders, as well as share aspects of his personal journey; to provide a framework for a smooth transition of superintendent leadership within the division; and, to gain knowledge that will assist in the development of action plans for the 2016-2020 Strategic Plan. Additional key goals to maximize student learning are to increase student literacy and achievement, to close achievement gaps, and to graduate 100% of students. Dr. Smith went on to say that there is a need to establish good stewardship behavior early on and that environmental education component must become a part of a student’s day-to-day life and activities – establishing it as a way of life versus an add-on behavior. He stated that Dr. Caggiano, Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, would be a great resource for the Commission. Dr. Smith added that providing a platform for students to be involved in the ownership of their community is being integrated into the curriculum, not just in theory, but as an applied practice, particularly in the middle and high schools. Edward (Sean) Robinson asked how exactly that would be applied. Dr. Smith responded that it could be done via the Adopt-A-Spot program and in-class workshops, in addition to creating competitions and vehicles for recognition. Debbie Blanton noted partnership success with area schools such as Kecoughtan and Spratley and is looking forward to having all the schools participate in the Commission’s annual “Walk Hampton Clean” event, taking place April 22-23. She added that both Sean and Claire Neubert have conducted in-class programs, and that John Golden and Jim Williams have assisted in reading programs at several schools. Dennis asked if teachers/instructors would be able to identify those students that could be a part of a student clean city advisory group. He also proposed having a school liaison present at School Pride in Action meetings. Dr. Smith agreed to that proposal, and asked Debbie to contact Pam Bagley, Executive Assistant, and Susie Scott, Deputy Superintendent of Operations and Support. Dr. Smith mentioned that he had plans for forming WOW committees at each school to advise on curriculum and Pride Initiatives. Cris Ausink asked for greater involvement from the schools’ athletic departments when it comes to litter abatement at sports fields. Debbie commented on Spratley Gifted Center’s integration of outdoor classrooms with environmental education and hands-on activities. She noted other schools, such as Hampton, Kecoughtan and Phoebus High Schools that have either ecology clubs or courtyard greenhouses, and Asbury, has integrated environmental lessons into the third grade curriculum. Dr. Smith stated that best practices from those schools would be replicated in other schools. Debbie noted that her School Pride in Action external email network helps push environmental information to other schools for their use. 20160308 Full Commission Minutes 8 March 2016 Page 2 Jim Williams stated that any new environmental education initiatives must first be aligned with the Virginia Department of Education’s Standards of Learning or SOLs, to which Dr. Smith agreed stating that there is a need to create relevance and application, but followed with saying that he was unsure of how the new federal “Every Child Must Succeed” will affect the SOLs. In closing, Dr. Smith presented Commission members with a copy of his “LOOK, LISTEN AND LEARN” Report to the School Board and Community which offers a strategic focus for strategic action. Dennis and Debbie thanked him for taking the time to speak with the Commission and that they look forward to a more focused partnership. Approval of January Minutes: Motion to approve offered by Pat Parker, seconded by Jamie Osso. Parks & Recreation Report: Debbie noted that the Director, Kevin Myers, has meetings on the 2nd Tuesdays of each month which accounts for his inability to attend Commission meetings. Public Works Report: Debbie reminded members that the Chemical and Electronic pickup will be Saturday, March 19, from 8am- 12noon at the Armistead Complex. Budget Discussion: A copy of the February budget was provided in the agenda packet. To date, out of a FY budget of $186,216, $120,752.23 has been expensed with $107,911.96 dedicated to full-time salaries and benefits, and $12,840.27 dedicated to overall operating expenses. Other budget information to date (remaining balances): C.H.A.N.G.E Grant = $5,564.00 DOF Water Monitoring Grant = $38.12 HWRP Donations = $1,577.00 KAB Community Improvement Grant = $19,058.00 Keep Hampton Green Donations = $123.00 Volunteer Recognition Celebration: Sean discussed contracting with the Quality Inn as a venue, stating that the manager has promised free use of the requested space if a particular vendor is contracted for table settings that include linens and centerpieces. Board members questioned the policy on the serving of alcoholic beverages and Teresa Schmidt stated she would check. Debbie noted that since this is a city-sponsored event, there will be no serving or drinking of such beverages. Jamie noted that last year’s opening ice-breaker received several positive reviews. The planning committee will meet March 28 at 9:30am. Beautification Committee Report: Shirley stated that the Beautification Committee will meet March 21 at 10am to finalize data for the YARDS program and complete tree tour surveys. YARDS Judges Training will be April 18 at 10am. Clean & Green Businesses Committee Report: John noted that 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.H.A.N.G.E. Report: Sean discussed the possibility of sponsoring a Community Night at The Cinebistro. He has a meeting with the manager to discuss an April 19 event and will forward the information to Debbie. C.H.A.N.G.E. has been able to purchase vests and littersticks with its logo, and Sean is pricing the costs of banners and T-shirts. Debbie stated that she will amend the By-Laws to include C.H.A.N.G.E. Community Gardens: No report. 20160308 Full Commission Minutes 8 March 2016 Page 3 Hampton Waterways Restoration Project Report: Claire announced that the next meeting will be March 22, 6:30pm, at Fort Monroe Community Center. Litter Awareness Committee Report: Pat Parker stated the next Community Cleanup will be 3pm on March 18 along Big Bethel Road. Mayor Wallace, Vice Mayor Curtis and Council Person Chris Snead will also participate. The LAC will hold its next monthly meeting at 11:30am April 7 at Mama Rosa’s Restaurant. February cleanup statistics: 37 participating groups; 58 cleanups; 338 volunteers; 407 volunteer hours; 202 total bags; 13,177 cigarette ends. School Pride In Action Committee Report: Debbie noted that Vivien Griese will be the featured speaker at the March 10 meeting. The committee is still planning the Fine Arts Contest and Exhibit and will be accepting Earth Day submissions. It is hoped that there will be school participation in the Walk Hampton Clean event. Master Gardener Report: No report. Master Naturalist Report: No report Walk Hampton Clean 2016: Cris reiterated that the event will begin at 6:30pm April 22 and end at 3:00pm on April 23. She asked that each Commission member take a flyer to post at their selected sites. Jamie asked whether Hampton Police could assist during the Hall Road cleanup. The next meeting will be March 10 at 3pm. Adjournment: A motion to adjourn was made and accepted. Announcements 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 Community Cleanup, March 18, Big Bethel/Bethel HS, 3:30pm Beautification Meeting, March 21, HCCC, 10am HWRP Meeting, March 22, FMCC, 6:30pm VA Peninsula Clean Business Forum Breakfast, March 31, Sentara CarePlex, 8:30am Rain Barrel Workshop, April 2, HCCC, 9am Litter Awareness Meeting, April 7, Mama Rosa’s, 11:30am Tour de Trash, April 8, HCCC, 9am Bluebird Gap Farm Spring Festival Display, April 9, 9am Rain Barrel Workshop, April 2, HCCC, 3pm Full Commission Meeting, April 12, HCCC, 3:30pm LAC Community Cleanup, April 15, Findley Street, 3:30pm 20160308