Keep League City Beautiful Citizen Committee

Meeting Minutes July 2, 2024 Keep League City Beautiful Citizen Committee 6:00 PM The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Beth Sears. Present were Frank Zgonc, Jill Reason, Richard Williams, Dave Bowman, Beth Sears, Lisette McClung, Todd Parker, and Casey Richard. Also present for the meeting was Director of Communications and Community Engagement Sarah Osborne and Parks and Cultural Services Coordinator John Orsag. Richard Williams asked for the minutes to be corrected from the May meeting. He wanted information that was discussed about the Veteran’s Art Exhibit added to the minutes. A motion to approve the minutes with the addition of Richard’s corrections from the May 7 meeting was made by Jill Reason and seconded by Beth Sears. All present agreed to approve the minutes. Orsag provided an update on the traffic box wraps. All the remaining wraps have been printed and are in the process of being installed this week at the final 8 intersections. Pictures will then be taken of each traffic box and posted to social media in the weeks to come. Various members of the Committee then talked about the White Linen Night Event. Richard said that the League City Patrons of the Parks and Arts Foundation hosted the Kid’s Space at League Park. It was very popular with activities such as rock painting, watercolor abstract painting, and kite making. Casey noted that the event was well organized and that the public transportation was a nice feature. Frank stated that there were 100 vendors this year which was fewer than last year. Lisette mentioned that it would be a good idea to add hours on the front end of the event and that a survey should go out to participating artists to get their feedback. Jill said that you could offer a discount to the artists who complete the survey. Todd added that the event has been great every year he has been. Richard also stated that the art cars were paid $50 per car to attend the event. Beth asked if there were photos taken of the event and Sarah informed everyone that they had already been posted on Facebook. Orsag then informed the group that the remaining Aviary Art bird paintings would be returned to the League City Art Gallery at the Civic Center. There are exactly 50 items that are left over and need to be hung on Monday, July 8. Any help from volunteers would be appreciated. Osborne next led a discussion about the Artists in Residence Program. A handout was passed out that provided an overview of the program. Items that were included in the program overview were the following: • Mission • Location • Parameters • Eligibility Requirements • Application Form • Selection Process • Rules Richard said that furniture should be kept to a minimum. Osborne noted that Casey provided a lot of links to other Artists in Residence Programs. She also stated that the residency will run for 9 months and that stipends will not be provided to the artists, only the space. She then went into detail over some of the rules. Items that were discussed were the following: • Hours for the building to be occupied • No alcohol • No animals • No friends or family allowed • No living on the premises Richard mentioned that it would be good to send out the handout electronically to the members to provide suggestions. Lisette thought it would be good to hold an orientation with the artists who are selected for the program. Dave stated that it would be a good idea for the Keep League City Beautiful Committee to meet with all the artists as a group at least twice a year. Casey said that there needs to be a definition of ‘Fine Arts’. Osborne then gave an update on City Art Projects. She mentioned that there will be a tour of the Baytown Sculpture Trail on July 17, with the Baytown ACE District. There are plans to purchase two of the sculptures: Heron Pond and Great Blue Flight. These will be purchased early next year and placed at Heritage Park. There was also an update on the large mural that will be completed on the side of the shopping center at the corner of I-45 and FM 518. That project is ready to go, and all the parking lot work at the shopping center has been approved and should start within the next few weeks. Once that is completed the work on the mural can begin. It looks like that will be sometime during the month of August or September. Orsag next gave the group an update about nature and conservation projects and events. It was noted that the Canvus park products were in production and should be completed in the next few weeks. All 10 Canvus items (7 benches and 3 picnic tables) will be delivered in August. Once they arrive, we will have artists come in and start painting all the benches before the installation process. Orsag then mentioned the following items, projects, activities, and events: - Keep Texas Waterways Clean: Held on May 11. Was a volunteer cleanup event on the West side of the Nature Center along Clear Creek. Had 40+ people that attended the event. - Additional Cleanup Events are coming later this year. There will be a Cleanup on either September 14 or 28, and then the Fall Sweep Cleanup in November. - Wild Birds Unlimited: Purchased Bat Houses, Barred Owl Houses, and Screech Owl Houses for the Nature Center. These will be installed later in the Summer. - Received Gold Level status for the annual Keep Texas Beautiful certification. - Self-Service Kayak Rental Station: Work continues with the agreement between the City and the new vendor. The vendor has purchased all the kayaks and supplies and is ready to get going in the next few months. This service will be offered on Clear Creek at Lynn Gripon Park at Countryside. - Music Friendly Texas Community Certification: The Memo of Understanding has been approved by the City and is now waiting for signature from the Office of the Governor of Texas.  - The Eagle Scout Project at the 600 West Walker Street Office has been finished. The Xeriscape garden beds are complete with numerous pollinator plants. - Tree Giveaway: We have more free trees that will be going out to the public on July 12. There are 200 trees available that are 2’-4’ in height. We will have Vitex, American Fringe, Mexican Plum, and Crepe Myrtles to choose from. Several members of the group then had comments to share. Richard talked about the Veteran's Expo Day planned for November at the Civic Center. The timeline for the event will go as follows: November 4 - 8; Receive artifacts, art, and writings November 8; Hang images on the walls, framed photos, and posters November 9; Set up display cases and other items November 10; Panel Discussion and meeting rooms will be open for the Veteran’s Expo November 11; BBQ, Ceremony, and Veteran’s Expo November 15; Closing day and pick-up artifacts Richard also stated that 180 pieces have already been submitted and that all 5 branches of the military are represented. Richard then let everyone know that the League City Patrons of the Parks and Arts Foundation will have a meeting on July 18, at the League City Community Center. Frank then said that all the Patrons of the Parks and Arts Foundation Classes and Workshops are going well. The meeting was adjourned at 7:41 PM.