Clean City Commission

FULL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Hampton Clean City Commission August 13, 2019 ~ 3:30pm Board Members Present: Ryan Adams; Barb Abraham; Jackie Cannan; Cris Grady; Wendy Iles; Will Kotheimer; Gayle Mooney; Jamie Osso Also Present: George Curran; 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 July Minutes: Motion to approve July minutes as amended offered by Ryan, seconded by Gayle Mooney. Minutes approved as amended. City Council: No report City Attorney’s Office: No report Parks, Recreation & Leisure Services: In an effort to revamp the department’s Master Plan, Debbie Blanton encouraged board members to attend a public meeting on August 20 at the Convention Center to learn more about the plan. For those members who received an email invitation to participate in the focus group, they were reminded to RSVP by August 15. Jim Williams asked what 1 issues in particular should be mentioned and Debbie stated that ask that all HPRLS facilities have the capability to incorporate recycling and waste reduction. Debbie added asking about having pollinator gardens at each facility, in addition to rain barrels and native plants. Another requested feature would be having trash/recycling containers at each school to enhance their environmental programs. Will Kotheimer stated that he attended the HPRLS Advisory Board meeting, noting that the former master plan can be viewed online. He wanted everyone to understand that when it came to environmental issues, only those sites and/or facilities operated or maintained by HPRLS would be considered – not all city sites or buildings. As far as pollinator gardens, Will questioned how those would be at schools, community pools, etc. Wendy Iles stated that integrated pest management (IPM) insecticides are currently being used around aquatic areas. Debbie added that Parks personnel would have to be trained in IPM, but that training would, in the end, save the city money. Public Works: No report Financial Report: Financial data was distributed. Debbie informed members that although there was a budget sheet, actual monies had not yet been loaded due to a slight glitch in the budget request through the correct channels. The budget is expected to be approved at the September City Council session. Barb Abraham asked about the monies showing in the C.H.A.N.G.E budget line item and what those funds may be used for. Debbie stated that they would be used primarily for high school student programs via the School Pride in Action Committee (SPIA). Barb asked if using some of the funds for school pollinator gardens is a possibility. Debbie said her question would be presented at the next SPIA meeting. Ideas and Projects from July Minutes None New Business None Discussion Items 2019 Volunteer Recognition Event: To date, the committee consists of Will as chair, and Ryan. Will stated that he received the email from Leslie Crandol and will follow through. He asked members what type of dinner members would like to have for this event. 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 Wendy stated that last year’s offering did not flow properly. Instead of guests feeling free to move about to any of the hors d’oeuvres tables, they lined up instead on one side of the room as if they were at a buffet. Jamie Osso said another problem was there were no servers, so some of the items were gone before most of the guests had a chance to see them. C’Faison noted that the vendor did not supply servers for that event due to the per diem and staff shortages. It was suggested that this year’s event be a buffet meal provided by the same vendor as last year, and to ask if servers can be added. C’Faison stated that the vendor’s staff would be on hand only to set up and replenish, not to serve. Wendy suggested that perhaps a giving heart could donate to a teen group to have them serve. Debbie said that could be looked into by the committee as a possibility. Wendy also asked about the type of certificates and awards to be given. There was some discussion about the pros and cons of both, so the committee will determine what will be given. Wendy suggested the possibility of giving out lapel pins as awards for the Clean Business, Golden Litterstick, and Extra Mile award winners. C’Faison will provide cost comparisons to the committee by August 30. Barb suggested as awards taking a photograph of winners and later presenting them or adding them to the agency’s social media sites. Debbie noted that photos have always been uploaded, but not all the participants visit the social media sites. Cynthia added that trying to present photos to winners later may prove fruitless in that there are several winners who still haven’t picked up awards from the two previous years, and to mail them to winners would be a cost the agency cannot absorb. 2019 Holiday Dinner: Jim stated the event is slated for Tuesday, December 10, 6:30pm. In researching possible venues, he noted that the Vanguard may be a little too noisy, but the Olive Garden may be a suitable site. The Hamptons and the Woodlands Golf Course facilities were also mentioned as possible locations. Jim to continue his search and update members at the September 10 board meeting. Plans for 2020-2023: Debbie informed members that the retreat will be Tuesday, November 12, 10am-5pm, at Sandy Bottom Nature Park. Final details will be forthcoming. Appointed Member Reports Bee City USA: Barb noted that two more letters of support have been received, bringing the total to 100. She added that the resolution is still with the City Attorney’s office, but she’s unsure of why the holdup. The next Bee City USA meeting will be Thursday, August 15, 1pm, at HCCC. Beautification Committee: Due to planning issues/concerns, no yards were judged for August. Two yards will be judged in 2 September, in addition to selecting a YARD of the Year winner. Wendy noted that her neighbor’s yard had been judged previously but never received notification of any winners. Gayle said an issue is the criteria for a selected yard and that the specifications must be revamped for the 2020 judging season. Wendy asked that non-winners also be recognized for participating, with Jim adding that all participants should be made aware of what constitutes a beautiful yard, which is not just flowers, but conservation and environmentally friendly practices. Fund-Raising Committee: Wendy said there’s been no further information on online fundraising since the beginning of the year and asked members if the committee should be disbanded. Jackie Cannan stated that the commission should not have to do fundraising, and that the City should assist in raising funds for the worthwhile environmental events HCCC sponsors for its volunteers. She added that the volunteers alone save the City tens of thousands of dollars each year and that should account for something. A decision on disbanding this committee is tabled until the September 10 meeting. Hampton Community Gardens: Wendy said that tomato and blueberry gardening classes, although VCE Agent Gaylynn Johnson provided a wealth of great information, were not that well attended. She sent out kudos to the Hampton University group that assisted with the classes. Wendy also requested help with construction of a lean-to. Debbie asked her to check with volunteers from the WeLoveU Foundation. Groovin’ by the Bay: Chris Grady, Site Captain for Groovin’ by the Bay Litter Team said that for the past few Sundays, it has been him and HCCC Intern Diallo Toure manning the litter sticks, but folks have been gracious and thank them continuously for their efforts of keeping Buckroe litter free. Standing Committee Reports Clean & Green Workplaces: Ryan stated that the committee is currently working on a collaboration with local businesses for sponsorship, funds, and donations. Wendy asked about the possibility of members or interested parties forming a 501c3 to act as a fundraising partner with HCCC. Debbie said that can brought before the September 10 board meeting for more discussion. Debbie added that the summer quarter VA Peninsula Clean Business Forum will be hosted by James City County on Wednesday, August 21, 9am. The site is Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, VA. Attending with Debbie are Ryan, George Curran, and Claire Neubert. The nominee for Hampton’s Clean Business winner is Fuller’s Raw Bar. Jim asked again whether the four participating 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  government agencies had decided upon making event dates consistent so people will know for sure each year when the events will occur and be better prepared to attend. Debbie said that idea is still being discussed. Jim added that the committee sponsored its second Hampton Recycles/Community Collection Day at Goodwill Resource Center on Saturday, August 10. While attendance was a little mediocre, the folks who stopped by considered it a worthwhile event. Wendy mentioned maybe giving out adult coloring books as a way to increase participation. Jim said that is a consideration. Hampton Waterways Restoration Project: George stated that although the cigarette litter survey lasted 18months, drew data from four specific locations, and had signage provided by a councilperson, the results did not really show the impact the sign had on abatement. He added that Cris Ausink might be able to provide data from the last survey done in July of this year. Will discussed the little impact the city street sweeper had on the project also. George said the sweeper reportedly came through once each month during the survey, but Will noted that there was way too much debris left at any given time for that to have happened on a regular basis. It was also noted when asked to increase enforcement of litter laws; there was some pushback in that it would make it seem the police were targeting smokers. Lastly, George announced that the “Seize the Bay” art show will be November 1-9 at the Hampton University Museum. HWRP members Rory Hendricks and Mara Yoko are coordinating the event along with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. More information will be provided as it becomes available. Litter and Recycling Awareness: Debbie stated that the next Community Appearance Liter Index will be Wednesday, October 9, 9am-5pm, and the School Appearance Litter Index will be Saturday, October 26. 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: No report. 3 Staff Reports Debbie announced that she would be on medical leave again August 23-October 1 for a second knee surgery. She asked members to contact Cris or C’Faison if assistance was needed. Meeting adjourned 5:00pm Announcements  Bee City USA Meeting, August 15, 1pm, HCCC  Community Cleanup, August 16, 9am, Rawood Drive  Crabtown Festival, August 17, 11am, Millpoint Park  Groovin by the Bay, August 18, 25, Buckroe Beach (VOLUNTEERS NEEDED)  Clean & Green Workplaces Meeting, August 20, 3:30pm, Goodwill  VA Peninsula Clean Business Forum, August 21, 9am, James City County  HWRP ICC Kayak Cleanup, August 24, 8am, Pembroke Spit  Groovin by the Bay, September 1 (VOLUNTEERS NEEDED)  Labor Day Holiday Observance, September 2 – HCCC Closed  LARC Meeting, September 5, 11:30am, HCCC  Arts in the Park, September 7, 10am, Bluebird Gap Farm  YARDS Judging, September 9, 8:30am, HCCC  Full Commission Meeting, September 10, 3:30pm, HCCC  HWRP Meeting, September 12, FMCC, 6:30pm  HWRP ICC Kayak Cleanup, September 14, 8:30am, BBGF Floating Dock  Clean & Green Business Meeting, September 17, 3:30pm, Goodwill  Bee City USA Meeting, September 19, 1pm, HCCC  Community Cleanup, September 20, 9am, Little Back River Road  HWRP ICC Kayak Cleanup, September 28, 8:30am, Harris Creek 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