Clean City Commission

FULL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Hampton Clean City Commission April 14, 2020 ~ 3:30pm – Zoom Teleconferencing Board Members Present: Ryan Adams, Jackie Cannan, Wendy Iles, Gayle Mooney Also Present: Linda Curtis, Dave McCauley, Jason Mitchell, Melany Libby, Gaylynn Johnson, Jim Williams, Debbie Blanton, C’Faison Harris Opening Business Welcome and Time Sheet: Ryan Adams opened the meeting, thanking everyone present for signing onto the Zoom teleconferencing website. Roll Call, Protocol, and Approval of Minutes: Roll call conducted; a quorum was not present. Gayle Mooney made a motion to accept the March 10 minutes as submitted; Wendy Iles seconded and the motion carried. City Council: Linda Curtis stated that only emergency matters were being addressed by Council during COVID- 19. 1 City Attorney’s Office: No report Financial Report: Financial data was distributed. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Services Annual Report: Dave McCauley stated that HPRLS work on the Bike Month and other May events were being cancelled at this time. Renovation on the boardwalk, however, was ongoing. HPRLS facilities have been assigned to three categories: open til further notice, open but monitored, and closed. Public Works: Jason Mitchell said that the right of way project should near completion in two weeks, with everything looking much cleaner and more manicured. He asked that if anyone saw right of way areas still needing attention to let him know as soon as possible. A question was asked regarding the continuation of recycling by the City. Jason noted that like some municipalities Hampton is monitoring the program with the possibility of shutting it down. Recyclables are being contaminated by garbage and has become a growing concern. He added that the 311Customer Call Center is still available to the public to find out more information regarding trash and bulk pickup services. Wendy asked if putting informational stickers on the tops of the containers would help. Jason stated that it was tried previously, however, the stickers wound up being damaged or worn thin by the trucks and people didn’t really pay attention to them anyway. Discussion Items 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. 20200414 Board of Elections: Debbie stated that according to the by-laws, elections for new officers are to be held in May; however, due to COVID-19, she suggested using Survey Monkey as a tool in this year’s election process. She will send out that information on April 15. Volunteer Recognition Dinner 2020: Jackie Cannan suggested cancelling the event due to COVID-19, particularly citing that the number of cleanups for the largest award category would be negatively impacted. Ryan added that he did not feel comfortable asking for donations during the crisis. Linda suggested waiting a few more weeks before electing to cancel the event all together. Spring Calendar Events: All spring events are cancelled at this time. Committee & Partner Updates Beautification: The YARDS contest season is pending right now. Debbie will survey committee members this week to see if the contest should be postponed or cancelled. Bee City USA: Barb Abraham stated that the committee is waiting on a final word on the placement of the two recently purchased Bee City signs and will be working on program plans for the remainder of the year. Clean & Green Workplaces: Jim Williams stated that due to the pandemic, the March 20 March Madness Recycling event was cancelled. Plans for the future will be discussed during the April 21 meeting via Zoom. 2 Community Gardens: Wendy announced that the Buckroe site now has a waiting list and there are only two spots each available at the Phoebus and North Phoebus sites. She stated there are free tomato plants to anyone wanting them. She also added that both seeds and plants are allowed purchases for those with SNAP benefits. Hampton Waterways Restoration Project: Melany said both the April and May meetings have been cancelled and there will be no waterway cleanups until further notice. Litter & Recycling Awareness: Debbie stated in addition to the cancellation of both the March & April meetings, all cleanups are also discontinued. As soon as safe to do so, community cleanups will be rescheduled. Jackie added that since the shelter at home mandate, she has seen an increase in the amount of personal protective equipment (PPEs) in the parking lots at Big Bethel & Village Drive. She spoke with the manager of the Food Lion about providing containers, but was told that was something their corporate office would have to address. Jackie tried contacting the corporate office via phone and US mail, and is waiting for a response. Debbie suggested that members continue to ask store managers the same question, maybe prompting a faster response from their corporate offices. School Pride in Action: No report 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. 20200414 Virginia Cooperative Extension: Gaylynn Johnson stated that VCE is trying to convert to using ZOOM for their classes and meetings. She noted that deadlines for pesticides recertification is pending with the Virginia Department of Agriculture. More information will be forthcoming. Hampton VCE Master Gardeners: Gaylynn noted that all in-person classes are cancelled through June 10. Master Gardeners are encouraged, however, to submit journal articles, digitize information, etc. She added that emergency maintenance of the Arboretum at Bluebird Gap Farm is necessary. Hampton Master Naturalists: Melany Libby stated that some Master Naturalists are doing cleanups at school and church gardens. Their next meeting will be via ZOOM on March 12. Staff Reports: Debbie stated that committee meetings will continue via the ZOOM teleconferencing app; dates/times for such will be emailed to members. Meeting adjourned Meeting adjourned at 4:27pm Announcements 3  Bee City Teleconference, April 16, 1pm  Clean & Green Teleconference, April 21, 3:30pm  Volunteer Recognition Teleconference, April 28, 2pm  Litter & Recycling Awareness Teleconference, May 7, 11:30am  Full Commission Teleconference, May 12, 3:30pm  Clean & Green Teleconference, May 19, 3:30pm  Bee City Teleconference, May 21, 1pm  Memorial Day Holiday, May 25 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. 20200414