Clean City Commission

FULL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Hampton Clean City Commission October 12, 2021 ~ 3:30pm Board Members Present: Alex Maness, Barb Abraham, Ryan Adams, Jackie Cannan, Chris Grady, Grady McLean, Gayle Mooney, April Receveur Also Present: Chris Bowman-City Council; Carolyn Heaps, Community Development; Linda & Robert Boone; Cris Ausink; Wendy Iles; C’Faison Harris Absent: James Fleetwood Opening Business Welcome and Time Sheet: Alex Maness called the meeting to order, welcoming everyone and asked all to sign in. Roll Call, Protocol , and Approval of Notes/ Minutes : Roll was called and a quorum was present. Protocol was read and Alex then asked for approval of the September 14 and October minutes. April Receveur made a motion that both sets of minutes be approved as written; Barb Abraham seconded, and the motion carried. 1 Hampton City Council: Councilman Chris Bowman announced that Council would meet Wednesday, October 13 and would address the board member recommendations submitted to Council last week. Chris asked if he could receive a copy of the recommendations so he would have knowledge of such if asked for input at the meeting Hampton City Attorney: Cynthia stated that the CAO is working on the proper language addressing the by-laws stance on absences and excused absences. It is hoped that the language will be ready for Council review and approval by the November 9 board meeting. The CAO is also working out the parameters for HWRP’s oyster restoration proposal, submitted at the September 14 meeting and will work with Hampton City Schools on transferring funds to them for program disbursement as needed. Hampton Parks, Recreation, & Leisure Services: No report Hampton Public Works: No report Financial Overview: Budget information was distributed. Resilient Hampton Presentation : Hampton’s Resiliency Officer, Carolyn Heaps, was introduced. Carolyn is responsible for coordinating the City’s Resilient Hampton Initiative, a City-wide effort to envision, create, and facilitate values – and data-driven approaches to live and 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. 20211012 thrive with water. In her presentation, Carolyn talked about “resilience” as the bolstering of a community’s inherent strengths in order to alleviate chronic stresses and enable recovery from extreme events and shocks in ways that make the community even stronger than before. Hampton’s approach to resiliency includes values, such as natural and integrated, and guiding principles, such as layering public benefits and strengthening partnerships. Three Newmarket Creek pilot projects are the Big Bethel Blueway that would introduce less total water volume into Newmarket Creek, thereby reducing the frequency and severity of local flooding events and create habitat and restore ecosystems; N. Armistead Avenue road raising & green infrastructure that would reduce roadway flooding from tidal floods and storm surge and create connections to Waterwalk Trail, increasing bicycle and pedestrian safety; Lake Hampton that would increase the ability of lake to store water during heaving rainfalls and also create and preserve habitat for plant and animal species. Discussions are also underway for Downtown Hampton, Phoebus, and the Buckroe water plan. Now through early December of this year, outreach and engagement events will begin including presentations and discussions with community groups, virtual public information, scheduled drop-in periods, and direct outreach to impacted residents and property owners. These events will provide ample opportunities for collaboration. 2 Ryan asked if she knew of any federal legislation regarding the awarding of funds for tree plantings. Carolyn stated that while she was unaware of any such programs on the federal level, there is state legislation that may provide funding, however that legislation must be enacted each year and that has not yet occurred. The Department of Forestry is looking at a tree program to implement in “red-lined” areas and Megan Mulroy of DOF would be a great contact to find out more. Wendy Iles stated that she had previously applied for the Keep Virginia Beautiful 30 in 30 grant outlining the need for a tree canopy in Hampton’s Newmarket Creek area; unfortunately, the grant was not awarded. Wendy did ask for a listing of areas that would benefit from community forestry efforts. Cynthia asked if Resilient Hampton is aligned with the City’s Comprehensive Improvement Plan. Carolyn stated that both initiatives are closely aligned in that she and Cynthia have both been assigned to certain aspects of the CIP. Carolyn is part of the data analysis team and Cynthia is on the facilitation and recording team. Carolyn encouraged the involvement of focus groups that could speak up about resiliency needs and efforts at other meetings. Linda Boone asked what professionals are working with Resilient Hampton. Carolyn noted that Langley NASA, NOAA, VIMS, HRPDC and Wagner & Ball are all involved in the resiliency design. Carolyn ended the presentation with again encouraging board members to become involved with both Resilient Hampton and the Comprehensive Improvement Plan. 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. 20211012 Carolyn encouraged members to contact her at Carolyn.heaps@hampton.gov and to obtain more information about the Resilient Hampton plan at www.hampton.gov/resilient. Proposals, Discussion , Voting Items & Updates 2021 Volunteer Recognition Event : Cynthia noted that at a special meeting on October 7, the board voted to cancel the VRE until 2022 due to COVID and concern for its volunteers. Cynthia explained about the maximum capacity for three venues being considered, and that the logistics of planning for social distancing and not being able to include all the volunteers in the event were of great concern. Another issue was the purchasing of final excellence awards and more promos for the gift bags. Because she is still responsible for requisitions, purchase orders, and invoices, Cynthia noted that there had not been ample time to accomplish this task. She added that all other needed awards would be purchased before the week’s end. Cynthia also suggested having award winners convene at a suitable location to pick up their awards and gift bags, and all other volunteers would be invited to pick up their gift bags at another date/time. She added that the LRAC Chair, Pat Parker, was checking with her church, 1st UMC Fox Hill, to see if would allow these volunteers to do a ‘swag bag drive-through at the church’s parking lot. The LRAC committee would be on hand to distribute these bags, along with other volunteers. Gayle recommended the writing of a formal cancellation/apology letter to volunteers that would also recognize their achievements and support of HCCC. Jackie Cannan asked if city leadership could write a note of thanks to the volunteers and include that in the swag bags. 3 Linda Boone asked if information could be made public via the city’s TV channel and/or eNews. Cynthia then asked that a motion be made to have winners pick up their awards and gifts at one time and all other volunteers do so at another time. The motion, made by Ryan and seconded by Alex, was unanimously carried. Cynthia will check with Ft. Monroe Community Center, the Rupert Sargent Bldg., Sandy Bottom Nature Park, and YH Thomas for dates. Committee , Partner , Staff Updates Beautification : Wendy Iles stated that there was one monthly winner in September, Jan Spencer of Wallace Road, and that the Beautiful Yard of the Year winner was Vicky Moyer of Holiday Drive. The Beautification Committee will begin planning for the 2022 season in February, in hopes of starting the YARDS Judges training and the season much sooner. There will also be more beautification projects to discuss. Bee City Hampton : Barb said the committee is working on a series of bee webinars, with Al Banwell presenting bee-keeping and Gayle presenting container gardening. The webinars will be featured on zoom or Eventbrite. Clean & Green Workplaces : Cynthia announced that in a special meeting on October 7, three members of the 5-member committee unanimously voted to accept Debbie Blanton as the fourth member, replacing Roger Fournier who had to step down due to his work responsibility being changed. The next meeting will be Tuesday, October 19, at HCCC, 3L30pm. Jackie talked 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. 20211012 about a business in her community that is overrun with trash and debris and asked if this is something the committee could look into. Cynthia stated issues such as that would not be the direct responsibility of the committee, however, the 311 Customer Contact Center would be a good place to report the issue. Chris Bowman added that could also contact Codes and Compliance for assistance. Community Gardens: Wendy asked for at least four volunteers to help recover the hoop house at North Phoebus Community Garden on W. Chamberlain. Alex and April said they would assist. Hampton Waterways Restoration Project : Linda stated that the board should have received a copy of Betsy McAllister’s recent email regarding an article she wrote on oyster restoration. Cynthia noted that the email had not yet been distributed, but the board would be issued of copy of the article. A kayak cleanup is scheduled for 9:30am at Bluebird Gap Farm on October 21. A boat cleanup will be October 23, 10am – the site is to be announced. Linda asked if brochures on HCCC’s committees, meetings, etc., were available for distribution at events like the Buckroe Beach Farmers Market. Cris stated that she would provide requested brochures at the nest HWRP meeting on Thursday, October 14, 6:30pm. Wendy added that she is currently working on Facebook posts to encourage and increase the agency’s volunteer base. An online form is available for folks to request HCCC information and to be added to the newsletter and email listing. 4 Litter and Recycling Awareness: Cris said that the committee is currently collecting new and unused greeting cards that will be donated to a senior rehabilitation facility for residents’ use. The Hampton Master Gardeners are also working with this facility. Jackie said that to get the military more involved to contact the Langley Public Affairs Office. Chris Bowman added reaching out to Community Development’s Bruce Sturke who is also the military liaison for the city. Ryan added that financial institutions and large stores often have their employees participate in community efforts and they, too, will be a source. There will be a community cleanup along N. Armistead Pointe (Boo Williams) on Saturday, November 6, 10am. The next meeting will be Thursday, November 4, 2021, 11:30am at Mama Rosa’s Restaurant on E. Mercury Blvd. School Pride in Action: Wendy stated that the committee is revamping due to COVID and the fact that several teachers have retired. Hampton Master Gardeners: Gayle said the September virtual plant sale was successful. The current new MG training cycle will end in November. Members were encouraged to join. Hampton Master Naturalists: Linda announced that the MN’s basic training curriculum is being adopted for use by Thomas Nelson Community College’s spring 2022 courses. She also asked the board to please take their plastic bags and wraps to Food Lion for those organizations participating in the Trex program. 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. 20211012 Staff Reports: No report Meeting adjourned A motion to adjourn was made by Alex, seconded by Ryan and was unanimously carried at 4:56pm. Announcements  HWRP Kayak Cleanup, October 21, 9:30am, Newmarket Creek  Clean & Green Workplaces Meeting, October 19, HCCC, 3:30pm  Volunteer Recognition Event Planning, October 21, HCCC, 12pm  Bee City-Hampton Meeting, October 21, HCCC, 1pm  Litter & Recycling Awareness Meeting, November 4, Mama Rosa’s, 11:30am  HWRP Community Cleanup, November 6, a/o E. Little Back River Rd. & Gosnold’s Hope Park – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED, contact causink@hampton.gov  HCCC Full Commission Meeting, November 9, HCCC, 3:30p  School Pride in Action Meeting, November 11, HCCC, 4pm  VETERANS DAY, November 11  Clean & Green Workplaces Meeting, November 16, HCCC, 3:30pm  2021 Volunteer Award & Gift Distribution, HCCC, November 19, 10a-3p & November 20, 910a-12p  THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY, November 25-26, HCCC Offices Closed  CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY, December 23-24, HCCC Offices Closed 5  NEW YEARS HOLIDAY, December 31, HCCC Offices Closed 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. 20211012