Clean City Commission

FULL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Hampton Clean City Commission January 8, 2019 ~ 3:30pm Board Members Present: Barb Abraham; Wendy Iles; Alex Maness; Gayle Mooney, Jamie Osso Also Present: Linda Curtis; George Curran; Jim Williams; Cris Ausink; Debbie Blanton Opening Business Welcome and Time Sheet: Wendy Iles opened the meeting and introduced Allison Eubank and Liz Linthicum who led a discussion of the 2040 Community Update Plan. The group provided the following feedback on the 20-year focus:  Roads and other infrastructure need to be in good, functional condition  There needs to be more accountability for residents to take care of their homes and keep them in good condition o More residential cooperation in participating in city programs like recycling  Improve perception of the city o When Buckroe playground installed, perception was it would be destroyed by teens, but that hasn’t happened  Increase regionalism and work with our neighboring communities more  Improve communication o City website a nightmare, needs to be more user-friendly  Underdevelopment of Buckroe Beach and other Hampton highlights  Green industries and jobs needed for young people The group provided the following feedback for the 5-10year range: 1  Convert vacant lots to quality of life highlights like community gardens and other green space  Focus on neighborhood upkeep, including getting large trees out from under power lines and encourage smaller trees  Encourage creative solutions to a better quality of life and environment o Rain barrels o Green streets o Gardens  How do you get citizen involvement?  Attract recycling businesses to provide jobs and solve recycling market problems  Educate people about how they should live in a community – build pride in their homes and city  Need better interdepartmental communication to provide better customer service to citizens and better use of resources Ideas for Partnerships to Achieve the Above:  Clean City Commission Volunteers  Community Gardens  Community Development  Economic Development  Churches  Civic Groups Roll Call & Protocol: Roll call was conducted Approval of November Minutes: Minutes from the November meeting were not approved because there was not a quorum at the time the minutes were considered. City Attorney’s Office: Debbie Blanton announced that Veronica Meade had left the City Attorney’s Office and the representative was now Trish Melochick. The group expressed dismay about Veronica’s departure and asked that their best wishes be relayed to her. 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. 20190108 New Business - None Discussion Items - None Appointed Member Reports Bee City USA: Barb Abraham announced that she is asking the Master Gardeners to potentially fund the Bee City USA registration fee. A suggestion was made to ask Debbie Ott, Billy Wood’s daughter, to participate. Barb will be presenting Native Plants for Native Bees at the Community Collection on February 2, 11am, and at Sandy Bottom on February 23 at 10am. Beautification Committee: Barb announced that YARDS judging has ended for the season. Debbie announced Allena Whippo of Adriatic Drive as the YARD of the Year winner. Melany Libby will check to see if Ms. Whippo is attending the event. Fund-Raising Committee: The Murder Mystery Dinner will be January 24, 7pm, at the Woman’s Club of Hampton. Tickets are $35 per person and an Italian meal will be provided. February 21 a Paint Night Fundraiser will be held at Painting with a Twist, 6:30-9pm. Hampton Community Gardens: Wendy announced the Community Garden-sponsored, “Planning Your Garden” class will be on February 9 at the Marian Center. 40th Anniversary Volunteer Event: Wendy thanked everyone for their contributions to the anniversary cake for the event. HCCC Staff Reports Clean & Green Workplaces: Jim Williams reported that Clean & Green Workplaces is hosting a Community Collection on February 2 at Goodwill, 9am-12pm. Waste Management was selected as the Clean & Green Workplaces Award winner. Jim also reminded everyone that nutrient loading is a concern for the health of the Chesapeake Bay and educational efforts should be increased. Litter Awareness & Recycling: Debbie reported that the Litter & Recycling Awareness Committee is working on the community 2 cleanups schedule. Meanwhile, the We Love U Foundation will clean up a section of North King Street on January 27. The litter index has been tabulated and awaiting review for accuracy before being released. Virginia Cooperative Extension: Debbie mentioned that Virginia Cooperative Extension will release a survey and members are asked to respond to help plan VCE programs. Staff Reports: Cris Ausink reminded members that rain barrel workshops are coming up and to look for flyers and other information to be distributed. Participants can receive reimbursement through the Virginia Lakes & Watersheds Association. Announcements  HCCC Full Commission Meeting, HCCC, February 12, 3:30pm 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. 20190108