Clean City Commission

FULL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Hampton Clean City Commission July 9, 2019 ~ 3:30pm Board Members Present: Ryan Adams; Chris Grady; Will Kotheimer; Alex Maness; Gayle Mooney; Jamie Osso; Also Present: Leslie Crandol; Linda Curtis; George Curran; Gaylynn Johnson; Dave McCauley; Jason Mitchell; Jim Williams; Debbie Blanton; Cris Ausink, C’Faison Harris Opening Business Welcome and Time Sheet: Ryan Adams opened the meeting. Roll Call & Protocol: Roll call conducted; quorum was present. Approval of May & June Minutes: Motion to approve May minutes as amended and June minutes offered by Will Kotheimer, seconded by Gayle Mooney. Minutes approved. Directors of HPRLS and Public Works joined the meeting and were introduced: Dave McCauley and Jason Mitchell, respectively. Guest Leslie Crandol also introduced. Ryan also spoke of his attendance at the HPRLS Strategic Plan Meeting 2019-2024, held in June at the YH Thomas Community Center Complex. The purpose of the plan was to delineate goals, strategies, and performance objectives for the proposed five-year period. The plan also wishes to further develop collaborative partnerships with internal agencies, HCCC being one. 1 City Council: No report City Attorney’s Office: No report Parks, Recreation & Leisure Services: Dave stated that HPRLS provided a Council briefing on its strategic master plan with a consultant from the HPRLS Advisory Board hired to assist. Dave mentioned that there are currently two board vacancies and asked that any HCCC board members are interested to submit an application to Council and he will make any necessary recommendations. As part of the master plan, bathroom updates will occur at Briarfield Park and the historic building on that site. The Buckroe Lighthouse project is nearing completion, and a study on the beach boardwalk revival is being done which will include extending it to Wilson Pier without compromising the beach area itself. Dave also talked about the increase in crowds this year at both Buckroe Beach and Ft. Monroe, citing close to 6,000 were at Buckroe during the Memorial Day Weekend, with Buckroe having a maximum capacity of 4,000. The count for both beaches was approximately 12,000. A shuttle is available from Jones Magnet School to Buckroe, but he noted that people were not fully utilizing the service. Linda Curtis added that the school bus used for the shuttle is not conducive to ease and comfort. Dave noted that various modes of transportation are being considered. Another success for HPRLS is the summer youth program, Camp Hampton, which has more than 500 teens and youth enrolled. Coliseum Central is graciously donating benches along the new nature trail, which starts at Air Power Park and extends to the Coliseum. Plans are in the making to connect the trail to Bluebird Gap Farm. Gayle Mooney asked about the addition of more swings at Buckroe Beach Park. Dave said that is being considered, but consensus is split right now. He is looking into more seating along the boardwalk. Debbie Blanton and Dave also congratulated Chris Grady for his work as litter abatement site captain for the Groovin’ by the Bay Music Series each Sunday evening. Mill Point Park will be the next venue for the event. Public Works: No report Financial Report: Financial data was distributed. It was noted that all accounts are in alignment with procurement guidelines and FY19 is closing with no issues. 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. 20190813 Ideas and Projects from May/June Minutes None New Business None Discussion Items 2019 Volunteer Recognition Event: Will agreed to chair this event with Ryan as the co-chair, and an ad hoc meeting will be scheduled with Debbie. The annual event is usually held the third Thursday of October with this year’s tentative date being the 24th. Leslie will check with last year’s venue, First United Methodist Church Foxhill, for availability on the 24th with the 17th as a backup date. Jamie asked that dinner options be considered, noting that the heavy hors d'oeuvres served last year didn’t allow for everyone to have a taste of everything. Some attendees were filling up their plates with one or two items and items were not replenished. Leslie said attendees were piling up plates and the serving tables and those tables were not attended. C’Faison Harris noted that the vendor was unable to provide sufficient staff to service the tables due to the per person cos. Returning to a plated meal would cost a little more but everyone would receive equal portions. A buffet meal may also cost extra, but the vendor can be asked to provide servers or board members may wish to provide that service. 2019 Holiday Dinner: Jim Williams agreed to chair this event. It was suggested that Debbie provide a survey monkey to canvass ideas/suggestions for the event. Proposed dates are December 3, 10, or 17. Ryan asked Jim to check with Roger Fournier of Goodwill Resources as a proposed site, and Will will check with the Hampton Yacht Club, noting that Tuesdays are not available. Plans for 2020-2023: Debbie asked members if they’d rather discuss plans for 2020-2023 at a regular board meeting or at a retreat; Gayle proposed having an off-site retreat. Debbie will check into the availability of Sandy Bottom Nature Park, but noted that the retreat must take place either before August 23 or after November 1 since she will be out for a second knee surgery during that itme. Will suggested that committee chairs and members submit ideas and suggestions now for the tentative retreat so everyone can be prepared for discussion. Appointed Member Reports Bee City USA: Gayle noted that the Bee Fest at Buckroe Beach was well attended, and thanked the Hampton Master Gardeners for 2 partnering with them. Although it was announced that people come dressed as bees or be similarly attired, only a few actually participated. The next Bee Fest will be July 27 at the Buckroe Beach Farmer’s Market. Dave asked Debbie to provide the Bee City information to him and Debbie said that he is invited to attend the next meeting. Beautification Committee: Jamie Osso announced that six yards were judged for June that resulted in three winners and one honorable mention: The Whites on Honeysuckle Hill; the Sterns on Eastlawn (which she stated had everything grown from seed, had nine rain barrels, and used recycled soil), the Brittons on Todds Lane, and the Chandlers on Thomas Street (honorable mention). Jamie noted that more nominations are needed and encouraged board members to submit their favorites. Fund-Raising Committee: No report Hampton Community Gardens: C’Faison provided a report from Wendy Iles. The Beekeeping Class had 16 attendees and was well received. The Tomatoes 101 Class will be July 21, 3pm, at Fox Hill United Methodist Church. Attendees are requested to bring their favorite tomato dish and recipe or fresh tomatoes to share. Methods of preserving tomatoes and the different varieties will be discussed. Those interested can find the registration link via the HCG Facebook page, the city calendar, or email to wendy.iles@hampton.gov. Groovin’ by the Bay: Chris Grady, Site Captain for Groovin’ by the Bay Litter Team announced that for the past three Sundays, 8 volunteers collected 10 bags of trash/debris and more than 500 cigarette ends. Three pocket ashtrays were distributed. He also asked about the possibility of having seating or a covered area for volunteers. Debbie stated that a tent and chairs are available for use. Standing Committee Reports Clean & Green Workplaces: Ryan stated that he, Roger Fournier and Barb Abraham met June 18. Upcoming events are the Hampton Recycles on August 10, 10am-1pm, at the Goodwill Resource Center parking lot, and a collaboration with HWRP. Jim checked the availability of incorporating Shred-It, but a local rep said they no longer participate in those types of activities. He added that funding from both HPRLS and HPW may be a possibility to fund having Shred-It or a similar company provide services. 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. 20190813 Will asked about liability in shredding, particularly when it came to important documents or prescription bottles. Jason stated that, if packaged properly, the Steam Plant could burn such items, which may help alleviate liability and customer hesitation about the shredding process. Also discussed were alternating meeting sites to have local businesses become more familiar with the committee and its mission and goals. Jim suggested that bookmarks with committee info be made for distribution to area businesses. Hampton Waterways Restoration Project: George announced that the committee’s two oyster gardening locations, Dandy Haven and Sunset Creek, are doing well. Fifteen bushels of live oysters were successfully placed at Sanctuary Reef. He added that citizens have stated they see a change in the water quality because of the filtering provided by the oysters. He asked members to patronize Fuller’s Raw Bar on Mellen Street because they are instrumental in recycling oyster shells. Jim also suggested Fuller’s as a nominee for the Clean & Green Business award. Dave asked the board about an oyster project initiated by former HWRP Chair Claire Neubert, and asked to meet with Debbie and David Imburgia of Planning on the project. Litter and Recycling Awareness: Debbie stated that the last few community cleanups did not go well due to inclement weather conditions. She also added that the next Community Appearance Liter Index will be Wednesday, October 9, 9am-5pm. Volunteers are needed and requested to contact Debbie via email or phone. School Pride in Action: Debbie stated that winners for the Plastic Bag Recycling Contest would be announced before the beginning of the school year. The first meeting of the school year will be Wednesday, October 2. Master Gardeners: The Fall Plant Sale will be in September at Bluebird Gap Farm, date to be announced. Master Naturalists: No report Virginia Cooperative Extension: Gaylynn Johnson announced that VCE recently hosted a fruit production class. On July 27, 9am- 1pm at Bluebird Gap Farm a class on Pollinators will be presented. Tyler Elementary School now has a garden, with Cris Ausink noting that the school also has rain barrels installed. 3 Staff Reports Debbie stated that required reports for Keep America Beautiful are being compiled and will be ready for submission by the deadline date. She added that volunteers are still needed for several events, especially Groovin’ by the Bay and the monthly community cleanups. Will asked about the results of the cigarette litter survey done at the intersection of Foxhill and Mercury. Debbie stated that the Hampton Waterways Restoration Project subcommittee is evaluating the results and we should receive them before the end of summer. Meeting adjourned 5:00pm Announcements  HWRP Meeting, July 11, FMCC, 6:30pm  Groovin by the Bay, July 14, 21,28, Buckroe Beach (VOLUNTEERS NEEDED)  Clean & Green Workplaces Meeting, July 16, Goodwill, 3:30pm  Community Cleanup, July 19, Big Bethel > Village Dr. & HRCP, 9am  BEE CITY @ Farmers’ Market, July 27, 9am  Commission projects/spending proposals due August 6  LARC Meeting, August 1, Mama Rosa’s, 11:30am  HWRP Meeting, August 8, FMCC, 6:30pm  Community Collection Day, August 10, 10am  YARDS Judging, August 12, HCCC, 8:30am  Full Commission Meeting, August 13, HCCC, 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. 20190813