Clean City Commission

FULL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES February 13, 2018 ~ 3:30pm Board Members Present: Barb Abraham, Ryan Adams, Jackie Cannan, Wendy Iles, Will Kotheimer, Alex Maness, Gayle Mooney, Jamie Osso Also Present: Veronica Meade-City Attorney, Jason Mitchell-HPW, Claire Neubert, Teresa Schmidt-City Council, Kay Trotter-HPRLS, Jim Williams, Cris Ausink, Debbie Blanton, C’Faison Harris Opening Business Welcome and Time Sheet: Wendy Iles opened the meeting. Newly-appointed board member, Alex Maness, was introduced. Roll Call & Protocol: Debbie Blanton conducted the roll call, announcing that a quorum was present. Wendy read the opening statement and reminded everyone to sign in on the time sheet. Approval of November Minutes: Motion to approve made by Jackie Cannan, seconded by Will Kotheimer. City Attorney’s Office: No report City Council: Teresa Schmidt announced that Council elections are slated for May and that she is up for reelection. She encouraged members to attend and provide input at upcoming council sessions concerning budget issues, noting that Hampton E-News provides extensive council information and permits on-line participation in council meetings. Parks, Recreation, & Leisure Services: Kay Trotter stated that preparations are being made for the April 21 International Children’s Festival. Debbie noted that the agency has been asked to participate and more information pertaining to the event will be forthcoming. 1 Kay also announced there will be a grand opening of a Water Walk Park in April. Public Works: No report Financial Report: Was distributed with agenda packet. No questions were offered. Voting Items Hey Hampton, Butts Are Litter, Too! Project Proposal: Debbie asked Claire Neubert to provide an update during her standing committee report. McDonald’s Good Neighbor, Good Grounds Coffee Grounds Collection & Composting Proposal (KAB): Will stated that, to date, he has not yet received enough feedback to provide a basic working plan on which to vote. Letters are ready, however, to present to Hampton Master Gardeners. He explained that while the board would provide a jumping off stage for the proposal, he did not it to be completely in charge of overseeing the entire process, noting that he will have to find out who in Hampton could work with it. Jackie voiced concern over research she had done regarding the extremely high acidic levels of plain coffee grounds and what impact that would have on the City if participants experienced adverse results when using the grounds for their plants. Gayle Mooney stated she has been using plain coffee grounds for several years and has had great success with them, her azaleas being proof of such. Will continued that the role of the Master Gardeners would be in educating the public in best practices, proper usage, and recommendations. Debbie stated that she had contacted KAB’s Grace Keegan to see if McDonald’s should be contacted. Wendy announced that the Hampton Community Gardens will have several generously-sized composting bins that may be utilized. She also requested that Will send proposal information to Alex Maness who has a background in biotechnology. Walk Hampton Clean Proposal: Event coordinator Cris Ausink stated that a meeting was held with a representative from Marketing, Inc. to discuss how best to promote this year’s event. Since its inception in 2012, the event has been well-attended, and Cris would like to see a greater sense of appreciation awarded to participants. Marketing determined that having the event kick-off during the April 21 International Children’s Festival, where interested persons could pick up application and event information, in addition to some educational materials pertaining to the important of the event in protecting and maintaining of the City’s waterways. Cris asked for the The Hampton Clean City Commission works to improve and enhance the physical environment of Hampton through beautification, solid waste management education, coastal awareness activities, and litter abatement programs; educates citizens; and encourages their participation. As an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful Inc., we share the philosophy that each of us has a responsibility for enhancing our community environment. 20180213 Fund-raising committee to provide assistance in garnering donations for possibly food and give-a-ways for participants, noting that in the past, Bay Days generously provided assistance in the way of food and a few give-a-ways. Marketing, Inc. has also provided support in the way of special give-a-ways to participants who went above and beyond for the event. Wendy asked what, in particular, did Cris want to provide as far as food and what is the estimated budget. Cris stated that since this is an agency event, she is relying on the board members to fully participate and provide input on what they see most appropriate. Alex asked whether food items would be pre-cooked or cooked onsite, and if the latter, the cost of doing such would be much greater, in addition to following all health and safety guidelines for food handling and preparation. Barbara Abraham suggested purchasing fast- food restaurant gift certificates. Claire provided some history on previous events, noting that although food was served at the first two events, the consensus of participants was that while they did not mind donating their time for cleanups, once they were done, they did not want to participate in any other activities that would take up more time. Will suggested providing bottled water and individually wrapped energy bars to participants, which would, in effect, cover all participants at a lesser cost. Debbie and Wendy offered the proceeds for a March Paint Nite fund-raising event to help offset expense with estimated proceeds at about $350.00. A motion to research and provide funding for the event was made by Will and seconded by Alex. Motion passed unanimously. Cris to provide members with meeting updates with Marketing, Inc. on February 16. Teresa noted that Council has the event dates as April 22-28 and asked Cris to ensure that a correction was forwarded to Council as soon as possible. Discussion Items HCCC 40th Anniversary Celebration Plans and Committee Debbie announced that 2018 is the agency’s 40th anniversary, with the official date being June 28. She asked members to offer suggestions/ideas for publicizing and promoting the event, keeping in mind that the main focus will occur during the annual Volunteer Recognition and Celebration event, but asked if members thought having an Open House would be doable. Claire stated that another memorable event would be a tree planting, with Debbie suggesting the planting of a Liberty Tree. Jamie Osso was in agreement with Debbie on making the volunteer event the focal point since summers are so busy. She also asked that serious consideration be given 2 to a site other than Phoebus High School for this year’s event. Will said that now is the time to brand every agency activity and event with the 40th Anniversary theme. Barbara suggested that each committee create a slide of information and photos that may be uploaded to the agency’s webpage and social media platforms. Will asked whether photos were available since the agency’s beginnings and Debbie responded saying that while there may not be photos from the very beginning, there are plenty of photos available for use. Wendy suggested inviting major contributors and former board members and their families and volunteers to a huge celebration reception rather than a dinner. Jason Mitchell asked if corporate sponsors could be solicited. Jim said that if there were more participants on the Clean & Green Workplaces Committee, they could gain greater corporate support. Ryan Adams also suggested the possibility of a corporate-sponsored 5K walk/run, with a bowling tournament suggested. It was asked why the agency was formed in 1978 and whether the same vision and goals were applicable today. Debbie noted that in the beginning there were only five members. The Adopt-A-Spot program was the first major initiative and has grown over the years to more than 120 currently-sponsored sights. The agency also has approximately 5,000 volunteers that participate in and support a variety of the agency’s many environmental programs and initiatives. She noted that for the past year she has been uploading historical references on the agency’s Facebook page. It also was suggested that the board reach out to former board members for additional historical data. Appointed Member Reports Beautification Committee: Barb met with members of the YARDS Program on February 12 to discuss proposed program changes, including the criteria for judging. She would also like to increase the committee’s outreach and inform residents of native bee conservation. Hampton Community Gardens: Wendy stated that Northampton Community Center will be the site for the Successful Seed Starter and Soil Blocking class on February 17 at 10am. On March 1 at 6pm, Barbara will discuss Arthropods in the Garden, also at Northampton Community Center. Both events are free and open to the public. The Hampton Clean City Commission works to improve and enhance the physical environment of Hampton through beautification, solid waste management education, coastal awareness activities, and litter abatement programs; educates citizens; and encourages their participation. As an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful Inc., we share the philosophy that each of us has a responsibility for enhancing our community environment. 20180213 Fund-Raising Committee: A Painting With A Twist event is slated for March 16 at the Peninsula Town Center – time to be determined. Debbie will email picture selections which will then be forwarded to the coordinator. Cost of the event is $35/person. Standing Committee Reports Clean & Green Business: Jim advised that the Fall Quarter Clean Business winner was Hampton University. The Winter Quarter winner will be selected at the February committee meeting and recognized at the March 1 Virginia Peninsula Clean Business Forum Breakfast, Old Point National Bank in Hampton, beginning at 8:30am. Featured speaker will be Michael P. Benedetto, President of Tidewater Fibre Corporation. Members are encouraged to attend and meet CBF members and quarterly business winners from coordinating sponsors Newport News, James City County, and York County. Jim also stated that the January meeting was hosted by Roger Fournier at the Goodwill Neighborhood Recycling Center in Hampton. Discussed was the possibility of an April 28 electronics and household chemical recycling event either at the Recycling Center or the Lowe’s Hardware parking lots. Additional sponsors are also being sought. The next meeting will be February 20 at the Goodwill Neighborhood Recycling Center. Members were encouraged to participate. Hampton Waterways & Restoration Project: Claire discussed the committee’s well-received special presentation, “USCG Auxiliary’s Role in Waterways Restoration,” at the February meeting. Water quality testing at Gosnold’s Hope Park will be February 16, 1pm, and dates for Air Power Park and Grandview are pending. The Cigarette Butt Project has completed a 3-month assessment with 2 months of data. Since December, a total of 1,801 cigarette butts have been counted in the test area of Foxhill Road & E. Mercury Boulevard. Members were encouraged to participate in the counting and Debbie has offered the use of tally counters. Oyster Gardening is continuing at Dandy Haven Marina and the Sunset Boating Center. Claire noted that the severe weather early this year had a drastic effect on the oysters with some dying off. She added that members of the Hampton University Ecology Club are now participating and it’s been fun sharing the experience with them. Sunset’s next tending date/time will be March 10 at 11 a.m. An oyster webinar is scheduled for 12:30pm on February 14 with Jackie Shannon, Manager of CBF Oyster Restoration. She provided a link to 3 the webinar in the attachment. Oyster shell recycling is ongoing and she asked that members thank Crabtown Raw Bar & Grill for its stewardship. The Hampton Seafood Industry Tour will be May 11 and 18. Invitations will be sent only to those who are decision-makers for waterways. There will be, however, a lottery drawing for HCCC/HWRP members. Participating businesses: Hampton History Museum, Sam Rust, Agricultural and Research Education Center, Armory’s, and Graham and Rollins. Transportation costs may be applicable. Claire also spoke at the Hampton Women’s Club about the committee and its projects. Ileana Fenwick of Hampton University was also invited to discuss HU plans for an oyster reef on the Hampton River. The next committee meeting will be March 8, 6:30pm at the Fort Monroe Community Center. Hampton Master Gardeners: Wendy stated that the semi-annual plant sale will be May 5 at Bluebird Gap Farm and the next rain barrel workshop presented by Cris Ausink will be February 24, 9am, at HCCC. Fee for the workshop is $50. Hampton Master Naturalists: Claire announced the Waste Energy – Hampton Steam Plant engineer was the guest speaker for PMN's meeting tonight. There is the Great Backyard Bird Count starting on February 19. In addition, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science will host a lecture, "Romance Under the Waves" on March 7, 7:30-8:30, depicting the mating habits and rituals of marine mammals. Cris stated that she will be working with Boy Scouts on a tree planting in the Central Park area on March 17. Litter Awareness: A community cleanup is slated for February 16 along E Street. Adopt-A-Spot statistics for November through January were included in the agenda packet. Virginia Cooperative Extension: No report School Pride in Action: Debbie also asked for volunteer readers for the Spring Earth Day Stories. Interested parties were asked to email their intent. The Hampton Clean City Commission works to improve and enhance the physical environment of Hampton through beautification, solid waste management education, coastal awareness activities, and litter abatement programs; educates citizens; and encourages their participation. As an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful Inc., we share the philosophy that each of us has a responsibility for enhancing our community environment. 20180213 HCCC Staff Reports: In closing, Wendy asked if there were further questions, issues, or concerns to be brought before the board. No responses were given. Adjournment Wendy closed the meeting at 5:02pm. Announcements  School Pride in Action Meeting, February 14, 4:30pm, Google  PRESIDENT’S DAY – CITY OFFICES CLOSED – February 19  Clean & Green Workplaces Meeting, February 20, 3:30pm, Goodwill Employment Center  Rain Barrel Workshop, February 24, 9am, HCCC  VA Peninsula Clean Business Forum, March 1, Old Point National Bank, Hampton, 8:30am  Litter Awareness & Recycling Meeting, March 1, Mama Rosa’s, 11:30am  HWRP Meeting, March 8, 6:30pm, Ft. Monroe CC  Rain Barrel Workshop, March 10, 9am, HCCC  Beautification Meeting, March 12, 11am, HCCC  NEXT HCCC FULL COMMISSION MEETING March 13, HCCC Conference Room, 3:30pm 4 The Hampton Clean City Commission works to improve and enhance the physical environment of Hampton through beautification, solid waste management education, coastal awareness activities, and litter abatement programs; educates citizens; and encourages their participation. As an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful Inc., we share the philosophy that each of us has a responsibility for enhancing our community environment. 20180213