Clean City Commission

FULL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES March 13, 2018 ~ 3:30pm Board Members Present: Barb Abraham, Ryan Adams, Wendy Iles, Will Kotheimer, Alex Maness, Gayle Mooney, Jamie Osso Also Present: Veronica Meade-City Attorney, Claire Neubert, Jim Williams, Cris Ausink, Debbie Blanton, C’Faison Harris Opening Business Welcome and Time Sheet: Wendy Iles opened the meeting. 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. Wendy noted that Full Commission officer elections will take place in May and the end of her tenure as Chair. New officers will begin their terms in July. Wendy added that Vice Chair Jackie Cannan has stated that she did not want to be considered for the position of Chair. Debbie will provide a survey to members that will list the eligibility of board members and that will allow members to list their nominees. She would then contact all nominees to see if they are interested in the positions. Approval of February Minutes: Motion to approve with minor revision made by Barbara Abraham; seconded by Will Kotheimer. City Attorney’s Office: No report City Council: No report. Parks, Recreation, & Leisure Services: No report. 1 Public Works: No report Financial Report: Was distributed with agenda packet. Will asked why monies under the C.H.A.N.G.E. line item had not been transferred to funding for School Pride in Action (SPIA) since it was decided those funds would be used for that committee’s purposes. Debbie stated that the funds, awarded via a Keep America Beautiful, Inc. (KAB) grant specifically for the C.H.A.N.G.E. program had to remain in that line item; however, funds could be used for educational purposes for SPIA. Voting Items Community Collection Project Proposal: Jim Williams announced that the Clean & Green Workplaces Committee would like to present a community collection day in collaboration with Goodwill Industries and the Peninsula Area Foodbank on April 28. It would be a morning event (9am-noon) and would be held in the parking lot of Goodwill Industries. The committee is currently working on finding a shredder sponsor. Will stated that in the past, military installations provided shredding services and asked if items to be shredded could be taken to Norfolk. Debbie responded that due to safety and security reasons, it would be better that items remain on site so participants could view their items being properly disposed of. Will added that the sites he was initially thinking of were actual buildings and he withdrew his idea. Claire stated that a partnership with Langley Federal Credit Union should be explored since it holds similar events. Will asked what sort of items would be allowable; Debbie said that once the proposal was approved she would email a listing of those items to members. Ryan Adams made a motion that the proposal be approved; Barbara Abraham seconded. Motion passed. Discussion Items HCCC 40th Anniversary Celebration Plans and Committee: Debbie said that several items are in the planning, such as a tree planting, a site change, event branding, an anniversary slideshow, a celebration reception versus a dinner, a 5K walk/run, and a request for corporate sponsors. She asked that if anyone had any additional ideas to please submit them. Although the main event will be mid- to late October, other activities would run throughout the year. Will asked if there were local bands that could be solicited to write a song or perform for the event. Ryan offered that WHRO highlights several area bands and suggested contacting the station for assistance. Claire asked if a 40th anniversary banner could be purchased for use for upcoming activities; Debbie said she would check into that. Jim suggested that the 5K walk/run be a litter walk/run, with Wendy adding the idea of “plogging” – picking up litter while jogging – event. Such events could be cross-promoted with the Riverwalk and bike trail events. Debbie will provide an activity timeline. 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. 20180313 Walk Hampton Clean Proposal: Wendy asked Cris Ausink for an update of event funding. Cris replied that funding was approved at the February 13 meeting, with purchases being made for bottled water and nutrition bars for participants. Debbie added that there had been a glitch in Cris receiving event registrations because Marketing, Inc. had not connected Cris’ email to the registration site. But as of now, the problem has been resolved, but that she needed the online registration link from Cris to add to the agency’s Facebook page. Cris stated that a watershed map had been prepared which will indicate areas of the city which are in dire need of litter removal maintenance. Hey Hampton, Butts Are Litter, Too! Project Proposal: Claire stated that the project was now completing its fourth month. She noted that data may have to be reevaluated due to discovering that scheduled street sweeping performed by Public Works did not coincide with what the group initially thought the schedule to be. Debbie is providing assistance in finding out the schedule so assessments can be recalculated. Will noted that it may be difficult and too dangerous for the large street sweepers to navigate the left turn lanes at Mercury and Foxhill. Claire also spoke with a representative of Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company, an area distributor, who graciously donated 180 trashcan pocket ashtray keychains to the project. She also asked the distributor about the possibility of bio-degradable filters, but was told that they felt it would only create more litter because users would feel they could just discard anywhere. Claire is also looking into purchasing cup-holder ashtrays to be given to drivers who are smokers, since newer model cars no longer have ashtrays. Will asked Veronica Meade if distributing such could be viewed as an endorsement of smoking, but Debbie responded that in keeping with Keep America Beautiful Cigarette Litter Prevention Policy they would only be given to smokers 18 years of age and older. Veronica saw no issue with doing so. Jim asked for clarification again of the project area and Claire described it as 60 linear feet of pavement on the median side of the intersection of Mercury and Foxhill, and 2 foot strip along the grassy border on the right side of the 7-Eleven near the storm drain. McDonald’s Good Neighbor, Good Grounds Coffee Grounds Collection & Composting Proposal (KAB): To date, neither Will nor Debbie has received responses from McDonald’s or KAB, noting that the effort may have to be scaled down. Will stated that he would ask for assistance from the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) agent, Gaylynn Johnson for promotional feeds on social media sites. He is working on a scaled-down version and hopes to have it ready for a vote at the April 10 meeting. Wendy stated that Starbucks may be an contact since they give away their coffee grounds, as does 7-Eleven, but Will stated that since this is a KAB program, he will have to stay with McDonald’s. Appointed Member Reports 2 Beautification Committee: The committee met March 12 to plan the upcoming YARDS program. Barbara noted that items discussed were revisions to the scoring process, increased participation, number of monthly winners, new signage, environmental requirements, increased social media involvement, and revisions to program brochures. One handout will now read Steps to a Beautiful, Eco- Friendly Yard. Barbara stated that revisions to the judges’ training materials were not necessary since an emphasis on environmental requirements have already been addressed. Jim announced that the judges’ training will take place April 9, beginning at 10am, and invited members to participate. Will asked if the program offers residents a list of non-eco-friendly fertilizers are available. Jim responded that the resident surveys address that issue, and that requests for information are referred to the Virginia Cooperative Extension. Fund-Raising Committee: A Painting with a Twist event is slated for March 16 at the Peninsula Town Center beginning at 7pm. Current registration is at 14 participants, and Wendy noted that in order for it to be a private event, there must be 20 registrants. Participants are allowed to bring their own food and beverages. Cost of the event is $35/person. Gayle Mooney was asked to explain another fund-raising event that has been tabled for now – a “Tea Bag Mailing”. Mailings are done to residents that include a tea bag and an invitation to have a cup of tea on and make a donation to the agency. Wendy added that since the Hampton Women’s Club may host a ‘high tea’ event for the agency, the tea bag mailing will not be done at this time. A rock-carving class is being planned and will be taught by Roger Iles. Flyers for the event are forthcoming and the cost per person will be $110, which will include on-site instruction, video instruction, and materials. Roger has graciously offered to donate 50% of the proceeds to the agency. Members were asked to check Instagram @ilesgardens for more information and flyers will be available soon. Hampton Community Gardens: Wendy announced that Gaylynn would lead “Vegetables 101” training on May 19 at Northampton Community Center (NHCC), 6pm. No need to register and all are welcome to attend. She also gave kudos to Barbara for the excellent class she led, “Arthropods in the Garden” which was also at NHCC and was open to the public. A class on how to build a seed screen is tentatively scheduled for May, date/time to be announced. 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. 20180313 Standing Committee Reports Clean & Green Workplaces Committee: Jim stated that the 1st Quarter VA Peninsula Clean Business Forum Breakfast was a success and was well-attended. Teachers from Phenix Elementary School, Hampton’s quarterly business winner, were there to receive the award. Guest speaker, Mike Benedetto, President of Tidewater Fibre Corporation, provided a very informative presentation on “The China Syndrome: Recycling Markets”, which Ryan said was well-received by participants. Jim also recognized partnering organizations from James City County, Newport News, and Yorktown. Hampton Waterways & Restoration Project: Claire stated that Milyn King, Peninsula Organizer for “Catch the King Tide”/sea level rise monitoring gave an excellent presentation at the March meeting. Claire went on to say that the oyster shell collection and oyster gardening projects are going well. She noted in the committee report upcoming oyster gardening dates and times at Dandy Haven Marina and Sunset Boating Center. The goal of this effort is to meet the goal of 10 billion oysters in the Bay by 2025. She asked members to go to www.tenbillionoysters.org for more information. Debbie added that photographs have been uploaded to the agency Facebook page. The Hampton Seafood Industry Tour will be May 11 and 18. Hampton University’s Isaiah Timmons is designing the invitation and suggestions are needed for invitation recipients. Claire was proud to announce that the Hampton Roads Convention and Visitors Bureau is graciously providing transportation to and from the event free of charge. Costs for food and beverages, however, are pending. Claire also announced that she recently did a presentation at the Hampton Women’s Club February session, and was presented with a $340 donation. She then thanked Jamie Osso for the invitation and opportunity to present. Claire also stated that the committee is looking to purchase promotional items such as stickers, magnets, window clings and additional T-shirts. She asked staff for assistance in the selection and purchasing effort. The next committee meeting will be April 12, 7pm at the Fort Monroe Community Center. Hampton Master Gardeners: Cris provided information on upcoming Rain Barrel Workshops: March 23, 1pm, March 24, 9am; April 14, 1pm, and May 12, 9am – all at Clean City Offices. Debbie requested that Cris send her an updated list of workshops for publication. 3 Wendy added that the semi-annual plant sale is slated for May 5, 9am, Bluebird Gap Farm. Litter Awareness: A community cleanup is slated for February 16 along E Street. Debbie added that a Tour de Trash will be April 6, beginning at 9am, and that the Peninsula Pathfinders will conduct its annual spring walk on April 21, which is the same date for the International Children’s Festival at Mill Point Park, and the start of Walk Hampton Clean Week. Peninsula Master Naturalists: Claire commented that Karen Duhring, VIMS coastal scientist will present, “Bay-Friendly Gardens & Shorelines” at the York County Public Library on March 15, 7pm. This event is open to the public and is for the Virginia Native Plant Society (VNPS). The presentation will cover actions gardeners and waterfront property owners can take to help correct the Bay. She announced that March 22 is World Water Day, which focuses attention on the important of water. The theme for 2018 is Nature for Water – exploring nature-based solutions to the water challenges to be faced in the 21 st century. Claire also provided information on the Chesapeake Bay photo contest that has a cash prize of up to $500. For contest rules, check www.cbf.org/photocontest. Virginia Cooperative Extension: No report School Pride in Action: Debbie said that at the March 14 meeting, teachers will be invited to participate in the Student Art Day program. Teachers are also participating in a team encouragement project that will use some of the C.H.A.N.G.E. monies. HCCC Staff Reports Cris provided information on Public Works’ Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). Members were encouraged to check out the information online and to submit comments on the project. Debbie stated that she would send the information via email. Cris also reminded members to sign up for Walk Hampton Clean. 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. 20180313 Debbie also met with Marketing, Inc.’s Selene Guerrero regarding Council’s Spotlight on Volunteers event in April. She asked members to submit to her names of volunteers they feel should be featured. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 4:57pm. Announcements  School Pride in Action Meeting, March 14, 4:30pm, HCCC  LARC Meeting, April 5, 11:30am, Mama Rosa’s  LARC Community Cleanup, March 16, 3pm, E Street Pt2  Tour de Trash, April 6, 9am-3:30pm, HCCC  Painting with a Twist, March 16, 7pm, Peninsula Town  YARDS Judges’ Training, April 9, 10am, HCCC Centre  LARC Community Cleanup, April 20, Nettles La., 3pm  Household Chemical & Computer Recycling, March 17,  NEXT HCCC FULL COMMISSION MEETING April 10, Coliseum, 8am-12pm 3:30pm, Site TBD  Clean & Green Workplaces Meeting, March 20, 3:30pm, Goodwill Office  Rain Barrel Workshop, March 23, 1pm, HCCC  Rain Barrel Workshop, March 24, 9am, HCCC 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. 20180313