Clean City Commission

FULL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES September 13, 2016 ~ 3:30pm Members  Lynn Allsbrook  John Golden  Jamie Osso  Tom Tinsley  Shirley Boyd  Wendy Iles, Chair  Pat Parker  Jim Williams  Jackie Cannan, V Chair  Sally Lewis  Luretta Ray  Cris Ausink  Clovis Calloway  Kevin Myers  Edward Robinson  Debbie Blanton  Nethea Calloway  Claire Neubert  Teresa Schmidt  CFaison Harris Welcome, Public Comment, Time Sheet: Meeting called to order by Wendy Iles. Wendy, as the newly elected chair, explained ‘rules of engagement’ to aid in meeting facilitation, asking that comments take up no more than two minutes. Wendy then introduced two guests, Gaylynn Johnson, Hampton’s new Cooperative Extension Agent, and Christy Everett of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Teresa Schmidt asked how best to handle the issue of citizens dumping ashtrays onto streets. Wendy Iles suggested revisiting the distribution of pocket ashtrays to the public. Claire Neubert suggested taking photographs of the offenders while Debbie Blanton added that pictures could be taken of the offender’s license plate for submission to police. She warned that doing so may involve court appearances, witness statements, etc. Jackie Cannan said that she actually spoke with an offender which seemed to help. Debbie noted that maybe explaining how chemicals from cigarette ends poison the waterways may influence changes in behavior. Approval of August Minutes: Debbie asked that three sentences be stricken from the minutes due to incomplete information. She also noted that the question concerning the acceptance of donations was forwarded to HPRLS management but has yet to receive a response. Motion to approve offered by Pat Parker. Parks & Recreation Report: No report Public Works Report: No report Chesapeake Bay Foundation Grant Update: Christy Everett, Director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation was introduced and provided an in-depth discussion of the grant and the many projects being undertaken by the Foundation. One of its challenges is addressing the those stormwater management techniques necessary for urban areas to meet water goals that are accessible, affordable and have ease in installation, particularly in Hampton. Particular projects are VoiCeS (Volunteers as Chesapeake Stewards), oyster restoration, and pollution reduction. Volunteer Recognition Celebration: Debbie stated that members should have had time to look at the packet of Environmental Excellence, Clean City and Green School nominations that were emailed. She asked that award scoring sheets be submitted on or before Thursday, September 15. Jackie Cannan stated that some schools color-coded their answers to distinguish them from the questions asked which really helped. She asked that all further submissions use color-coding also. With the event scheduled for Thursday, October 27, Debbie asked if any further quotes had been received for catering. The only quote received, to date, was from The Blue Phantom Inn at Phoebus High School. A second vendor initially called for more information, but failed to submit a quote before the deadline. Wendy announced that the Hampton Master Gardeners graciously committed to donating $250 to be used solely for the event. Debbie asked if anyone else had donation information from other businesses and that a list of businesses already contacted should be submitted to her to prevent duplication. Claire asked how soon donations would need to be submitted; Debbie stated at least a week prior to the event. 20160913 Full Commission Minutes 13 September 2016 Page 2 Debbie also noted that there seemed to be a slight conflict with donations from a silent auction and fund-raising activities with the roles and responsibilities of staff at the dinner. It would be difficult for staff to collect and handle funds during the dinner. She suggested keeping the two events separate. Pat donated two framed Heidi Johnson photographs of Buckroe Beach as door prizes. Wendy sadly announced that because her thyme plants died, the proposed gift tagline of “A Thyme to Say Thanks” will have to be revised. Jim Williams asked how many thyme plants were needed. Wendy said seventeen; however she was open to suggestions and ideas for something different. Debbie asked if members still wanted to have a presentation of colors. After consensus, Wendy said she’d ask Dave Crandol’s Boy Scout Troop to do the honors. Clean City Retreat: Members were asked to decide on a weekend or week day meeting and consensus was for a weekday. The scheduled date is Tuesday, November 1, 12pm-6pm. Beautification Committee Report: Shirley Boyd announced that there were only two YARDS winners this judging cycle and asked members to nominate more yards. The last two judging cycles will be September 12 and September 19 which will be for YARD of the Year. C.H.A.N.G.E. Report: Earlier, Edward Robinson submitted a proposal entitled, “Beautify Northampton1” in which he is asking for a cooperative effort between Northampton Community Center, HCCC, and Virginia Cooperative Extension. This initiative will involve the Northampton Community in beautification projects and he asked that a board member to act as a liaison and program speaker. Clovis Calloway indicated that he would be interested in taking on this endeavor. He’s to meet with Edward and Gaylynn Johnson. Clean & Green Businesses Committee Report: No report. Members were encouraged to assist with the committee rebuilding process. Community Gardens: Wendy said that the sailors did a fantastic job of building the new community garden beds. Although the fence has not yet been installed, other components of the project are underway. Hampton Waterways Restoration Project Report: Claire stated that the committee participated in the City’s Arts in the Park event at Buckroe Beach September 10. Visitors participated in submitting “water wishes,” writing how they felt about Hampton’s waterways. She then asked members to offer their “water wishes” by passing out raindrops on which to write. The goal is 100 or more ‘wishes’ that depict appreciation for, concerns about, and improvements to the waterway system. She noted that water quality testing and monitoring continues and that the guest speaker for the October 25 meeting will also discuss waterways. Claire talked about using funds from last year’s art auction and t-shirt sales to self-fund the committee’s events and projects. Cris Ausink stated that leaders and volunteers are needed for this year’s Intercoastal Cleanup campaign. So far, more than 500 volunteers have joined. A kayak cleanup is scheduled for Billy Woods Lake BMP, 8:30-10:30am. Cris also talked about floatables and the MS4 permit. Litter Awareness Committee Report: Pat announced the next community cleanup at Syms Middle School on September 16 at 4:15pm. The Phoebus Women’s Club will host a “Wine & Paint” night at Helldorser Hall, 7pm. Debbie announced America Recycles Day and asked for ideas for celebrating it. August Adopt-A-Spot statistics: 68 cleanups; 208 volunteers; 310 volunteer hours; 150 total bags; 8,354cigarette ends. School Pride in Action Committee Report: Next meeting scheduled for Wednesday October 5, 4pm. Debbie is hopeful that more schools will be involved in the plastic bag challenge. 20160913 Full Commission Minutes 13 September 2016 Page 3 Master Gardener Report: The 2016 Fall Plant Sale will be Saturday, September 17 beginning at 9am; rain date of September 18. Master Naturalist Report: No report. Adjournment: A motion to adjourn was made and accepted. Announcements Beautification Tree Tour Meeting, September 14, 3pm, HCCC Litter Awareness Community Cleanup, September 16, 4:00pm, Syms Middle School International Coastal Cleanup Campaign, September 17 Household Chemical & Electronics Collection, September 17, 8am, 419 N Armistead Ave. Beautiful YARDS Judging, September 19, 8:30am, HCCC Beautiful YARDS Final Judging, September 26, 8:30am, HCCC HWRP Meeting, September 27, 6:30pm, FMCC School Litter Index, October 1, 8am, HCCC – TENTATIVE Community Appearance Index, October 5, 8am, HCCC Litter Awareness Meeting, October 6, 11:30am, Mama Rosa’s Full Commission Meeting, October 11, 3:30pm, HCCC Litter Awareness Community Cleanup, October 21, King Street, 3:30pm 20160913