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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-02-13 Beautification SummaryKENAI BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE February 1 3, 1 996 ~ ~ ~ 5:30 p.m. Council Chambers Chairperson Susan Hett ~AGENDA~ 1. ROLL CALL a. Election of Officers 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. July 11, 1995 b. September 12, 1995 a. January 9, 1996 (Work Session-For Infor Only) 4. PERSONS SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD 5. OLD BUSINESS 6. NEW BUSINESS a. Goals & Objectives for 1996 b. Theme 1996 c. Green Star "Adopt A Neighborhood" Program 7. REPORTS a. Chairperson b. Parks & Rec c. Council 8. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS 9. INFORMATION a. Committee Roster b. Parks & Recreation Minutes 10. ADJOURNMENT ROLL CALL: KENAI BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE February 13, 1996 Minutes Members Present: Others Present: Sylvia Johnson, Susan Hett, Barb Nord, Marilyn Dimmick, Jeneane Benedict, Linda Overturf Council Member Linda Swarner, Parks & Rec representative Bob Frates, Volunteer Merle Dean Feldman, Administrative Assistant Marilyn Kebschull Chairperson Susan Hett informed the committee that at the last meeting a quorum had not been established so that all items that were voted on would have to be reviewed, including elections. Election of Officers: MARILYN DIMMICK MOVED TO APPROVE NOMINATIONS THAT WERE VOTED ON AT THE JANUARY MEETING. MOTION SECONDED BY SYLVIA JOHNSON. UNANIMOUS. Chairperson Hett stated that Barb Nord had been elected to the vice-chair position and she was chair. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Ms. Hett asked if there were any changes to the agenda. Hett advised that Merle Dean Feldman was expected and when she arrived she would like to talk about the plans for next summer. Hett stated she would like to add Feldman to the agenda when she arrives. No other changes noted. AGENDA APPROVED AS MODIFIED. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Chairperson Hett attempted to clarify if the minutes which had been approved at the last meeting could be approved with a blanket motion. Council person Swarner stated the committee could make a blanket motion to approve everything that was approved at the last meeting. MARILYN DIMMICK MOVED TO APPROVE EVERYTHING THAT WAS APPROVED AT THE LAST MEETING. MOTION SECONDED BY BARB NORD. UNANIMOUS. NEW BUSINESS' Goals & Objectives for 1 996' Chairperson Hett stated she had asked everyone to make a list of what they would like to accomplish this year. Hett stated it had been discussed before. Ms. Nord stated a brochure had been talked about. Hett added volunteers had been discussed. Benedict added tracking hours for volunteers who weed. Hett stated she added to her list to control all of the chickweed in the flower beds. Hett added that she had also listed the greenhouse set up, experimentation, propagation training, getting it going, better coordination with the city in getting purchase orders and supplies. Benedict asked if Frates would be talking about banners. Hett stated that could be added to the list. Hett continued stating she had listed beautification awards, continue to build the nursery beds at the garden plot, the fire station and library beds, and look at Old Town for prospective areas for starting gardens. Hett asked for comments. Nord stated she was under the impression that the library had someone who was doing a fine job in taking care of the beds. Hett stated that was correct but Feldman had wanted to pull out undergrowth and to put more of a shade garden instead of having it so natural. Benedict stated it does look a little wild but that is okay. Hett stated irises were talked about which are a very labor intensive project. (Discussion about the area being shaded and what would be needed.) Frates stated he felt the two projects that would be critical for this year would be the fire station and the library, if those two projects can be done in one summer. Frates stated he knew both of them were big projects, especially the library. Frates added that the fire station really needs addressed, the island in front. Hett added that she thought that in Old Town there would be paving and street changing and asked Swarner if she knew about that. Swarner stated she didn't think it had been finalized and asked Kebschull the status. Kebschull stated she felt it was still in the planning stages and there had been a public hearing in December. Hett stated she had heard they would be changing some streets to one way. Swarner stated that that was a possibility; however, nothing was definite. Merle Dean Feldman arrived and Hett informed her that the Committee was discussing goals and objectives for the year and updated Feldman. Feldman commented that volunteers would be increased by 20 this year. Hett asked Feldman about'the library beds. Feldman advised that Margaret Simon had met with Emily, the librarian. Feldman stated that Simon is an expert on shady areas and woodland sitting areas and that her home is Nikiski is an absolute marvel. BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE--MINUTES FEBRUARY 13, 1996 PAGE 2 Feldman added that she had taken people from the Extension Service out there this past summer and they had taken photos of Simon's gardens. Simon and the librarian came up with ideas and decisions; however, Feldman stated she couldn't remember what they were. Feldman noted that Emily (the librarian) wants to keep it natural. Hett asked if Emily wanted the beds done and Feldman stated she was still very interested in some things. Simon had made suggestions for the shady areas; however, Feldman stated she could not remember the suggestions. Hett continued the update stating the Committee had planned a garden tour pamphlet and that it should be started soon. Hett noted that the Committee had looked at a variety of pamphlets and the Committee needs to decide what they want to do. Benedict asked if Frates had checked on the cost of printing and he stated no. Discussion that it could be copied in a copy machine. Benedict stated the group could design their own and then $50 could be used for the paper or the printing or whatever. Nord shared a sample pamphlet she had created. Nord stated it wouldn't cost a lot to prepare a pamphlet if they stayed with something simple; however, a color printing would cost. Group discussed printing options available. Frates stated the pamphlet could be saved to a disk and then taken to a copy company. Hett stated it could be put on the agenda for next month and decide on a layout at that time. Hett added that the group knows pretty much what will be in the beds. Benedict asked if the pamphlet would contain information about what is in the beds already. Hett stated that Anchorage's pamphlets have the beds listed with the flowers contained in those beds. Frates stated that he found out when visiting the Anchorage Greenhouse that for their high profile beds they produce a single card, front and back. It highlights the different colors and the flowers that are associated with those colors. Frates noted that has worked well for Anchorage. Feldman commented that Kenai has so many more varieties than Anchorage and that concerns her noting that there are a lot of red flowers and pink flowers. Feldman continued listing some flowers. Frates commented that if you end up with 50 flowers under one color it would be a problem. Overturf noted they give the size and that helps to differentiate. Hett suggested the Committee could just do Leif Hansen this summer and then next summer add to the brochure. Overturf agreed that would be a good idea to start small. Frates stated he would agree to either Leif Hansen or the Visitor's Center as they get a lot of questions. Swarner suggested doing the Visitor's Center first and maybe the Chamber and then the paper from the brochures could be controlled. Group agreed with this idea. Discussion about the area in Old Town around the Art Guild. Hett stated that they had given them some flowers last year. Benedict asked if they would be developing any beds there noting that kids play ball in the area. Hett commented BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE--MINUTES FEBRUARY 13, 1996 PAGE 3 that the park is closed. Benedict stated she had seen kids playing in the area and clarified it as the area between the pawn shop, preschool, Art Gallery. Benedict again asked if there were plans to develop any of those corners in the area. Frates stated no other than to continue with what was done last year and to add to that which was under the sign and along the building. Hett stated that Feldman and she had talked about what kind of look they would like the beds to have this summer and noted that Frates has been planning some beds. Feldman stated she would like to know what Frates has been planning. Frates stated that his style had been influenced by Feldman and that he is trying to break away from the symmetrical, concrete type flower bed. Frates stated he had purchased a bunch of different flowers and shared the list noting that some were new flowers but some were used last year. Feldman asked if the Purple Wave did okay noting that she didn't see it. Feldman noted that it was supposed to cascade over the planters. Overturf stated that hers did really well late into the fall. Frates continued stating the only areas he has been working on are the Rec Center and the "Welcome to Kenai" sign along the Spur Highway. Feldman commented she was glad that Frates had ordered some Achilles (sp?) summer pastels noting that she never did get enough of those. Benedict asked who Frates had ordered through. Frates listed H.P.S., Thompson Morgan and (unintelligible). Frates stated he is expecting another order soon. Feldman commented that the list of flowers looked good and asked Frates what else he had in mind. Frates stated that was pretty much it, the Rec Center beds and the "Welcome to Kenai" sign, and the airport. Feldman stated that she has been helping the Assisted Care Center on their gardens. In creating them, the contractor was adamant that he wanted them to match whatever else had been done in Kenai. Feldman stated she felt that it needs to be called the "Kenai look" or something giving it a special name because they are different from any other gardens. Feldman stated there are a lot of micro climates within this area and planting is done according to the wind, etc. (Feldman read an except from the planting details that she prepared for the Assisted Care Center and shared a photo of a garden at Buchart Gardens.) Feldman explained that she had discussed with Frates and Hett last year a goal to achieve architecture of the flower beds. Feldman noted there are not plants that give particular shape and form and there are certain colors missing that weave in and out that give a lot of feelings to the beds, the blending colors. Some being silvers, chartreuse green, blue-greens. Feldman explained that some of the shrubs shown cannot be grown in Alaska but there are others that can be used. (Feldman continued reading the description of the Assisted Care Center gardens.) Feldman explained her vision of the same beds but those beds being more striking and having more characteristics about them. Feldman stated that this would not have to be done in one year but could be an BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE--MINUTES FEBRUARY 13, 1996 PAGE 4 ongoing process. Frates stated it was the texture they were discussing. Feldman stated that for example there are no large leafed plants in any of the gardens. Feldman explained how important large leafed plants are and the feeling of magnificence it gives. In addition, there are hardly any ferns in the gardens. Feldman stated she had planted a lot of ferns last fall and hopes to be able to transplant them. Feldman stated that in "Bob's Garden" it would be nice to have a small tree or shrub off to the side and added that they never have figured out how to get rocks. (Discussion on how expensive rocks (boulders) are.) Feldman noted that at the meeting with the Assisted Care Center that Mayor Williams had been there. The Assisted Care Center will have a lot of dirt and Feldman stated that Mayor Williams seemed to be working on an arrangement for some of the dirt that sounded promising. Feldman stated she would like to get together to plan the end area of Leif Hansen park. Hett asked who will be planting and taking care of the Assisted Living Center. Feldman stated she is volunteer at this point and she doesn't know who will be doing it. Benedict asked if it was city or private and was advised it is a private development. Feldman stated she was pleased that she was given the opportunity to design the gardens. In addition, Feldman commented that Pat Porter has asked her to design some gardens at the Senior Center. Feldman stated she is excited because the whole area can be brought together. Feldman asked the group what they thought about the styles, noting the architectural interest with the cone trees. Feldman stated she had gotten a list from Kathy Wright in Palmer and noted she has strong recommendations. Feldman commented that the city can order trees from places where you can get 100 trees fairly cheap. Trees could be ordered for next year and then kept growing. Feldman added that there will be good perennials next year. Hett asked how much space the city would have at the garden. Frates stated he thought it had almost tripled. Benedict asked why the city got more space. Frates stated they are consolidating space and some of the plants that they have doubles and triples of, they are moving and some have been given to the city. Frates noted he had planted probably 20 shrubs and trees. Chairperson Hett asked if there are any other additions to g°als and objectives. Johnson asked if she could make a suggestion that benches be worked into the area of the Assisted Living Center. Johnson commented that several of the older residents like to walk but need a place to rest. Feldman stated there will be a lot of benches, at least one in every garden. The gardens must be wheel chair accessible. The herb garden is designed in a half-moon design and the brick bench BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE--MINUTES FEBRUARY 13, 1996 PAGE 5 forms it's bench. Feldman explained when you sit down, at shoulder level, herbs grow right behind where you sit. The wheel chairs can access the area and because the gardens are up so high people can actually plant the herbs and tend to them from their chairs. Feldman stated the idea is to bring the folks who live there into leading productive lives by helping to do the things that they can do and those things improve the quality of their lives. In addition, there will be gardening going on inside also. They have agreed to change the basement so it can be used for planting materials and planting seedlings and a craft room. Benedict asked if there would be an atrium. Feldman stated there would be somewhat of an atrium and additional planters inside are being talked about. Feldman stated it would be nice to get benches into the gardens the city has also. Swarner stated that would be a good Eagle Scout project. Benedict asked if the city could have benches sponsored by businesses. Johnson stated there is one bench at the Senior Center that is a memorial bench. Feldman stated that probably concrete would need to be put under the benches because of the mowing problems. Frates stated that shouldn't be a problem because they could weed eat around the benches easily. Feldman stated the most important thing about gardens is if you can pause in the garden. Feldman stated that she had a new herb that was in it's second year this year in her garden and she cannot wait to put it into the city gardens. Feldman stated the fragrance is unforgettable noting that she felt she could make them forget about the lilacs. Feldman commented that the fragrance is so intense that she can smell it at her gate from the middle of the field. It is a large shrub with showers of clusters that come down. Feldman stated it is valarium (sp?). Feldman added that she has worked with a lot of new grasses and if they winter they will come into the gardens. The blue fescue was put in last year. A cluster can be taken apart and you can get 100 new plants out of one cluster and that would be a good job for a volunteer. Feldman stated she had ordered new catalogs from the grass states that she is experimenting with because grasses are good even for the winter. Hett asked Kebschull to make a list from the goals and objectives that had been listed. Hett asked for a motion to approve the goals and objectives. BARB NORD MOVED THAT THE COMMITTEE APPROVE ALL OF THE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES THAT HAD BEEN DISCUSSED. MOTION SECONDED BY JOHNSON. UNANIMOUS. Theme 1996: Hett stated that the theme had been suggested as, "Citizens for a Beautiful Kenai, Come Grow With Us." Nord commented she thought it was, "Come Grow With BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE--MINUTES FEBRUARY 13, 1996 PAGE 6 Us, Citizens For a Beautiful Kenai." Benedict noted that depending on where the punctuation was placed it could change the meaning. (Discussion on which part of the statement should be first.) BARD NORD MOVED TO ACCEPT, "COME GROW WITH US, CITIZENS FOR A BEAUTIFUL KENAI." MOTION SECONDED BY MARILYN DIMMICK. UNANIMOUS. REPORTS: Chairperson--Hett reported she is taking the Master Gardening Course and it is a wonderful class and she is learning a lot. They have had a lot of guest speakers. Parks & Re¢--Frates reported it has been a hectic month. He spent three days last week at a conference in Wasilla. Frates noted it was informative and probably what will apply most to Kenai is the worker protective standard for agricultural pesticide which will apply to the greenhouse. Frates stated he also spent about three hours will Bill Robb and Susan Miller at the Anchorage Green House. They are growing 60,000 plants this year. Frates stated there is a slight problem with the greenhouse; the heater that was purchased is under capacity. It is not big enough to heat the greenhouse. It will be replaced in the next couple days. The greenhouse is 1 8 by 24 and it will be pushed to 100,000 BTUs, right now it is at 40,000. Frates was asked if he got any idea on the boxes and tips on how to get them to succeed. Nord asked what the problem was. Feldman stated it didn't make sense to her because they didn't do as well as the plants on the ground and they were up high. Questions if the soil was tested. Frates stated that was onlY the second year with that soil. Benedict stated that was one of the Sexton's problems in doing those flower boxes was the fact that the soil was never changed. Frates stated the soil had been recycled but that two years ago new soil was purchased. Feldman stated all she could think of is a mineral deficiency because that causes failure to thrive and these plants just didn't thrive even after being replanted. Hett questioned if putting grass around the plants in the boxes would help with moisture. (Discussion about whether that would work and if it would cause weeds.) Nord stated she thought about doing something in containers and if something dies you can take the container out and replace it. Nord described what she was talking about and stated that if the planters don't do well this year they may want to consider doing something like that. Dimmick asked if there was a compost pile that could be used. Frates stated there was one at the Extension Service that could be used. (Discussion about collecting grass for future compost piles and what is currently done at the garden site.) BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE--MINUTES FEBRUARY 13, 1996 PAGE 7 Coun¢il-Swarner stated the budget is coming up and noted that they had not discussed banners. Frates stated he had discussed banners with Kayo and he was hesitant because they had spent over 8600 on fixing the one that the city has. Frates stated that maybe if money was added to the budget to add to what the city already has rather than trying to replace all of them. Swarner stated it had been a direction from the council that Christmas lights need to be added and some banners so maybe the committee could just give their informal input and she could suggest it at budget time. Benedict asked if they were wanting to put up more banners. Swarner stated no different banners; that some of the council members are tired of the current banners. Swarner added that there was a definite problem with some of the council members regarding the Christmas lights. Frates asked if it was a matter of changing bulbs. Swarner asked if bulbs could be replaced and Frates responded yes and it would be a lot less expensive and any color could be used. Johnson stated she had heard that Soldotna's light were much prettier and they had all different colors. Frates stated in defense of the white lights, he had talked to a number of people who liked them and a number who didn't like them. Frates stated he felt that they were aiming for the "new 90's" look away from the old traditional style. Swarner stated she felt that if there had been snow on the ground it would have looked better. Frates added that he felt that the fact that a lot of the lights were broken detracted from the lights and the crews never got back to replace them. Frates stated he felt if they were all working and the bulbs replaced they would be okay. (Discussion over color of lights.) Benedict asked if Parks and Rec had some money for banners. Frates stated no but money had been put in the budget. Benedict asked how many banners the city currently had and if they were only on the Spur Highway. Swarner stated there were some on Willow. Frates said he didn't know how many there were. Benedict asked how much the banners cost and Swarner stated she felt they were like $200 each. Benedict stated she would ask Davidhizers who had made their banners at Porters that were very nice and they had weathered two years. Benedict asked if there were people locally who made banners. Frates stated custom made banners really drove up the cost and a lot of the p~e-made banners aren't Alaskan. Frates stated if money was dedicated for banners he would like to see them bright and colorful. Benedict asked if the current banners were for the "All American City" and was told yes. Swarner was asked if there was time to put off requesting banner funds to the next month's meeting. Swarner stated she thought it could be but Frates stated it would be too late. Benedict asked about replacing a portion at a time. Frates stated that Parks and Re¢ will be holding a special meeting next week and this would be a recommendation to Parks and Rec. The budget mUSt be submitted by February 28TM. Hett asked if they could recommend to Parks and Rec BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE--MINUTES FEBRUARY 13, 1996 PAGE 8 to look at the cost of new banners. Swarner stated they could recommend replacing 20 banners. (Discussion about how many banners they should recommending replacing.) Frates stated that if it is something that council really wants he doesn't see why the money wouldn't be dedicated and he would recommend replacing all of none of them. Frates noted he would be hesitant at co- mingling the old with new. BARB NORD MOVED TO RECOMMEND REPLACING ALL OF THE BANNERS. Dimmick questioned how many banners there were stating she hesitated going along with the motion if it was too much money. Maybe they could replace enough to make a decent showing with the old banners and then get more the following year. Hett stated the city is already short quite a few due to damage over the years. Frates stated just to guess there were 40 poles. BARB NORD MOVED TO RECOMMEND SPENDING UP TO $4000 FOR NEW BANNERS. MOTION SECONDED BY MARILYN DIMMICK. UNANIMOUS. Frates commented that the direction for this year's budget is to include everything that they determine as necessary to function and to operate at 100 percent capacity. Council and city administration will look at this and they will determine what needs cut. If something is cut, it will be placed on a decrement list and it will be something that will be put aside until funds are available it will be looked at again. Swarner stated that previously if an item was cut by the finance director or city manager, council never saw the item. Frates stated that with the motion that was passed, Parks and Rec may put it in the budget for all of the banners. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS' Feldman asked if there will be a certain amount of money put aside that can be used to order just certain plants from companies rather than seeds. Feldman explained that a lot of the books she looked at you can order six plants for $8.00 noting that a lot of the seeds she cannot germinate. Frates stated that certainly as a goal and objective the committee needs to look at that and include that in addition to the budget last year. Feldman stated it would be really nice if there were a set amount that could be ordered in just plants as that is one of the things that is really needed. Feldman commented that they need to be ordered in April. Benedict asked if the plants that there is an excess of at the end of the season if the seeds are pulled from them. Discussion that they just fall to the ground and BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE--MINUTES FEBRUARY 13, 1996 PAGE 9 make new babies and what happens then. Feldman stated she suggested in the past to have a plant sale in the spring but cannot'remember what happened to the idea. Swarner stated it is a good idea but the city cannot sell things but for example the library has the Friends of the Library who can sell things. Swarner stated they would need a "Friends of the Garden" club. Question if the same people could be on both committees. Feldman suggested they could have the volunteers form a group. Feldman added that enough money could be made from the sale to buy the plants that are needed. Swarner questioned if the volunteers are too busy planting to have a garden sale. Feldman stated not if enough volunteers are gotten. Dimmick stated that if they were equipped before they started pulling plants like at the fire station last year they could put them right into trays it wouldn't take any more time. Swarner stated she would speak to the city attorney to see what they could do. Overturf stated that a garden club had done that every year within the garden club members. Everyone just brought a flat of whatever they had too much of and sold it and then it was opened to the public. Overturf stated they made a lot of money without advertisement. ADJOURNMENT' Meeting adjourned at approximately 6'50 p.m. Resp ~Kebschull '~ Administrative Assistant BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE--MINUTES FEBRUARY 13, 1996 PAGE 10