Clean City Commission

FULL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Hampton Clean City Commission February 11, 2020 ~ 3:30pm Board Members Present: Ryan Adams, Alex Maness, Barbara Abraham, Jackie Cannan, Chris Grady, Wendy Iles, Gayle Mooney Also Present: Linda Curtis, Kay Sumner, Tim Drewry, Jim Williams, Debbie Blanton, Cris Ausink, C’Faison Harris Opening Business Welcome and Time Sheet: Ryan Adams opened the meeting. Tim Drewry, Deputy City Attorney, was introduced. Roll Call, Protocol, and Approval of Minutes: Roll call conducted; quorum was present. Barb Abraham made a motion to accept the January 14 minutes as submitted; Wendy Iles seconded and the motion carried. Hampton Parks, Recreation & Leisure Services Annual Report: Debbie Blanton announced that HPRLS is having a ribbon cutting ceremony at YH Thomas Community Center Complex on Tuesday, February 18 due to the installation of solar lighting. Kay Sumner added that the lighting has motion sensors and allows for Wi-Fi 1 capabilities, adding an extra layer of security for persons using the playing fields and walking path. Adopt-A- Spot sponsors 100 Black Men of the Virginia Peninsula will perform a special cleanup on Saturday, February 15 in preparation for the ceremony. Public Works: No report City Council: Linda Curtis noted that HCCC board appointments are on this month’s Council agenda. City Attorney’s Office: No report Financial Report: Financial data was distributed. Correction was added to the debit/credit report in that a January donation of $30 toward Keep Hampton Green was omitted in error. Project/Program/Initiative Planning Beautification & Community Improvement; Litter Prevention & Abatement; Solid Waste; Water Quality; Community & City Support: Debbie stated that she still needs input from the board regarding the goals suggested at the November retreat. Only one member, Jackie Cannan, offered that goals be prioritized so they’re accomplished in a timely and effective manner. She also stated that since this is the Hampton Clean City Commission, everything that is done should first pertain to cleaning. Barb noted that beautification 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. 20200210 efforts are closely tied into the cleaning and litter abatement aspects in that landscaping tends to dissuade littering. Wendy added that education should be a priority, noting that an environmentally educated and informed citizenry would make goal attainment possible. Debbie stated that she would send members a quarterly timeline so they could add and prioritize projects. She requested that timelines be submitted to her by the end of February. Wendy also added she was intrigued by a friend’s child, Tilly, who, after watching the trash pick up, said, “they’re taking it away.” Her mother’s responded with, “There is no ‘away.’ Wendy feels that phrase could be used as part of a marketing campaign. Discussion Items CUC Meet & Greet Mar/Apr: Debbie has heard nothing further regarding the collaboration with the Citizens Unity Commission and the Neighborhood Office, but would follow up with both this week. Two Empty Board Seats: Debbie explained that nominee names have been the same, even having recent appointees still on the listing. She did contact the nominees to see if they were still interested in the position, and then made demographic notations on each. Because she was not familiar with any of the nominees, she deferred to Council on the selection. Spring Activities & Events and Annual Calendar: Members discussed the usage of online educational links 2 that would offer environmental information and useful tips to the community. Debbie encouraged committees to work on providing information to meet the needs of those who are unable to attend meetings and workshops. As an example, she used the upcoming Beautiful YARDS Judges’ Training in April stating that if any new participants wish to judge, they must attend the training. Those who have previously acted as judges, however, should be able to review training via online links to stay abreast of any new information. Kay stated that HPRLS meets monthly with Marketing, Inc., and she would be glad to present any ideas for online educational links to them for their input and guidance. Debbie distributed additional copies of the annual calendar, encouraging members to become more involved in listed events and activities. Committee & Partner Updates Beautification: Debbie announced the YARDS Judges’ Training would be April 13. At the last Beautification meeting on February 10, several judging facets were discussed and revisions were made, one being that there would be no honorable mention winners for this upcoming season. Debbie stated that there were questions if YARDS was separate from Beautification, and she explained that while YARDS and Bee City USA are under the umbrella of the Beautification Committee, they each operate as a separate entity. She added that Beautification also oversees urban forestry education that includes the tree tours, etc. It is hoped that this committee, along with the rest, will be able to become involved in producing and offering podcasts to 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. 20200210 public that would include more city employee participation. The next Beautification Committee meeting is scheduled for March 9, 10am, at HCCC. Members are encouraged to attend. Barb noted that she and committee member Marty Tennille are working on two possible tree tours that would include the Elizabeth Lakes area and would address native and non-native trees. Bee City USA: Barb stated that Bee City activities are coming along, but she was concerned about some people being able to upload videos to the Bee City Facebook page, and that these videos sometimes have incorrect information. Debbie said she would look into revising accessibility and providing data on what would/would not be accepted. Bee City USA will be working with the Hampton Master Gardeners on a Pollinator Week Celebration for June. Barb is putting together a list of woody native pollinator plants that include those native to Hampton, those native to the region, and nonnative plants. The next Bee City USA meeting is scheduled for February 20, 1pm, at HCCC. Clean & Green Workplaces: Jim Williams announced that the 1st Quarter Virginia Peninsula Clean Business Forum Breakfast, hosted by Hampton, will be Wednesday, February 26, at the Sentara CarePlex, beginning at 8am. The guest speaker is Eileen Bunn, Mission Advancement Manager of Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia. Hampton’s Clean Business Winner is Mr. Jaylen Wilson of Salvage Boyz. Jim added that the committee would present another recycling event, “Spring Cleaning Madness,” on March 20 at the Goodwill Resource Center. The event will be from 10am-1pm, and more vendors are needed. Ryan stated that the event would be a play on the annual March Madness basketball game brackets with prize 3 drawings. Community Gardens was invited to have a table at the event, along with Peninsula Hydroponics. Community Gardens: Wendy stated that the program would get another Trex bench that will be installed at the Buckroe garden site. A seed swap will take place on February 29, 10am-2pm, at Ft. Monroe and will feature presentations and displays courtesy of the Hampton Master Gardeners. A market gardening series will begin March 14 titled, “Navigating Virginia Food Regulations,” and will be presented by the owner of Sly Clyde’s. Hampton Waterways Restoration Project: Cris Ausink announced that at the January meeting, Melany Libby was installed as the new chair, with George Curran stepping down. She stated that at the February 13 meeting, Dr. Dobbs of Old Dominion University would discuss plastics and micro plastics. She asked that anyone wishing to attend please pre-register with her because seating is limited. That meeting will be at the Ft. Monroe Community Center beginning at 6:30pm. Litter & Recycling Awareness: Debbie said that topics of concern for the last meeting were the February 21 & 22 community cleanups and the February 20 Tour de Trash Express to the Steam Plant. Members also approved October 14 as the date for the Community Appearance Litter Index. Wendy noted that more volunteers need to be recruited, especially for the upcoming summer music series “Groovin’ by the Bay” at Buckroe Beach. Ryan said he would check with some of the student and young adult groups with which he comes into contact to recruit more participants for activities like this. 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. 20200210 Barb added that Briarfield Park is very littered and it looks horrible. There was a question as to who is responsible for emptying the trash bins, and Debbie said she would check into that. Alex Maness stated that the bins are always overflowing, and it is very bad around the HRT stop close to the park. School Pride in Action: Debbie met with teachers on January 30 and the topic of cafeteria waste was discussed. Teachers will be working with school board members and the school community on ways to combat the overwhelming amount of cafeteria waste. Virginia Cooperative Extension: Barb mentioned that VCE is offering a class where participants review scholarly articles on horticulture. Gayle Mooney stated that the class is very good and she finds the information helpful. Jim added VCE might also have online links that HCCC may be able to link with its own online info once in place. Hampton VCE Master Gardeners: Wendy announced that the semi-annual plant sale with be the first Saturday in May at Bluebird Gap Farm. The Master Gardeners will also present Bay Friendly Gardening on February 22, 10am, at the Sandy Bottom Nature Park. Hampton Master Naturalists: No report. Staff Reports: Debbie reminded members of the annual Walk Hampton Clean event that will run through the entire month of April. Cris added that registrations are now being accepted for the event, and she is working 4 on a “Spring Clean Relay” that will take participants from the Newport News City Line all the way to Ft. Monroe. Board members were encouraged to participate. Cris will present a rain barrel workshop on Saturday, February 15, 9am at HCCC. The class registration is already full, with more classes scheduled throughout the coming weeks. Cris also completed a cleanup with one other volunteer on Saturday, February 8 behind the Home Depot at New Market Creek. Meeting adjourned Meeting adjourned at 5:07pm 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. 20200210 Announcements  Rain Barrel Workshop, February 15, 9-11am, HCCC  Presidents’ Day National Holiday, February 17, CITY OFFICES CLOSED  Hampton Senior Center Tour de Trash, February 18, 10am-12noon, Senior Center  Clean & Green Workplaces Meeting, February 18, 3:30pm, Goodwill Resource Center  Tour de Trash Express –Steam Plant, February 20, 9-11am  Bee City Meeting, February 20, 1pm, HCCC  Community Cleanups, February 21, 3-4pm, Kearney Park, and February 22, 9am-12noon, Hall Road (Beach & Oldenburg)  VA Peninsula Clean Business Forum Breakfast, February 26, 8am-10am, Hampton Venue TBD  Full Commission Meeting, March 10, 3:30pm, HCCC  Tour de Trash Express – Compost Facility, March 11, 9am, HCCC  HWRP Meeting, March 12, Ft. Monroe, 6:30pm  Rain Barrel Workshop, March 14, HCCC, 9-11am  Oyster Gardening, March 14, Sunset Boating Cntr,, 11am  Clean & Green Workplace Meeting, March 17, Goodwill, 3:30pm  Bee City USA Meeting, March 19, 1pm, HCCC  Community Cleanup, March 20, Kentucky Ave., 3pm and March 21, Nettles La., 10am  Household Chemical & Electronics Collection, March 21, Coliseum Parking Lot, 8am-12pm 5 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. 20200210