Urban Landscape Commission

Morgantown Urban Landscape Commission Meeting Minutes Dec. 17, 2014 Attendees: Kara Hurst, Cindy Fike, Hana Tominaga, Damien Davis, Bill MacDonald, Michael Hasenmyer, Nancy Ganz, Joe Morris 1) APPROVAL OF MINUTES MacDonald motioned to approve minutes of the Nov. 19, 2014, meeting. Tominaga seconded, and the motion passed. 2) PRESENTATION Davis updated the commission on the Public Landscape Project at Stewart and University. Commission viewed a map of the project presented by Davis. Davis announced utility surveys are ongoing and said the contracted landscape designer, Lisa Orr of Radish Studio, was to meet with the Landscape Department on Dec. 18, 2014, to discuss the design and cost estimate. Davis said $50,000 in funds has been budgeted for the project but he expected $100,000 toward construction funds, and that Orr’s design would subsequently be put out to bid. Davis also said he understood that WVU officials intended to propose designs for the Loop area, including a vehicle berm. The city is considering planning the project’s construction in phases, in order to coordinate with potential cooperation from WVU. Davis also said he hoped the project would be ready for work to begin in the spring. 3) UNFINISHED BUSINESS A) PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING Davis updated the commission on the Public Safety Building project. The city has received statements of qualification from four firms: Thrasher, CTL, Alpha and LDG. Three will be selected to interview, and one will then be chosen for the project, pending Council approval. Hurst said the commission’s budget has earmarked $20,356, while an additional $50,000 had been set aside for it in another budgetary line, while still more funding for the project is possible from the proceeds of a TIF district designation. $40,000 is allotted as well for the Morgan statue, and some foundation and donor assistance has been offered. B) WALNUT STREETSCAPE Davis updated the commission on plans for the Walnut Street Streetscape. City is interested in burying utility lines and has met with Frontier and the electric utility, and intends to meet with Comcast, to discuss associated costs. Burying the lines would delay construction start until the next construction season, though a summer 2016 seems likelier. City still awaiting comment from state and federal highways officials. City has waited for more than a year for state DOH to grant approval of project’s proposed environmental impact. City has not yet secured funding for the project. 4) NEW BUSINESS: 2015/2016 BUDGET Hurst said the commission has a $20,000 budget currently, all of which is earmarked for the Public Safety Building Project. She advocated the commission request at least $20,000 for its upcoming budget, toward the Public Safety Building Project as well as other projects, if not more. 5) BOPARC REPORT BOPARC representative could not attend. Hurst said BOPARC is working on tree maintenance recommendations, as are Public Works with the City. 6) PROJECTS REPORT Staff report is attached. 7) TREE BOARD REPORT Hurst reiterated work on tree maintenance, in concert with BOPARC and Public Works. She said many hazardous trees are old silver maples that often appear healthy, prompting some residents to protest their removal. 8) PROUD OF OUR TOWN REPORT K. Lozier could not attend. 9) OPEN DISCUSSION Hurst announced that she is resigning from the commission as well as the tree board at the end of the month. She said she has talked with Marchette Maupin about successors. Members commended Hurst for her tenure. 10) COUNCIL UPDATE Ganz thanked commission for work on Jerome Park renovation and apologized for failure to invite members to the ceremony. 11) ADJOURN Commission adjourned until Jan. 28, 2015