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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-04-09 Beautification SummaryKENAI BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE April 9, ! 996 ~ ~ ~ 5'30 p.m. Council Chambers Chairperson Susan Hett ~~AGENDA~~ 1. ROLL CALL 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: February 13, 1996 4. PERSONS SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD 1 OLD BUSINESS a. Goals & Objectives for 1996 b. Theme 1996 c. Green Star "Adopt A Neighborhood" Program d. Banners 6. NEW BUSINESS a. Greenhouse Christening b. Gardening Pamphlet c. Sale of Starter Plants d. Volunteer Orientation 1 REPORTS a. Chairperson b. Parks & Rec c. Council 8. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS 9. INFORMATION a. Parks & Recreation Minutes (March 7, 1996) 10. ADJOURNMENT KENAI BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE April 9, 1996'** 5:30 p.m. Council Chambers Chairperson Susan Hett ***MINUTES*** Meeting called to order at approximately 5:30 by Chairperson Hett. 1. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Sylvia Johnson, Susan Hett, Nina Selby, Barb Nord, Marilyn Dimmick (arrived at 5:42 p.m.) Non-Voting Members Present: Linda Overturf (arrived at 6 p.m.) Non-Voting Members Absent: Jeneane Benedict Others present: Parks & Rec Representative Bob Frates, City Council Person Linda Swarner, Administrative Assistant Marilyn Kebschull 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Chairperson Hett asked if there were changes or additions to the agenda. noted. AGENDA APPROVED. None 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: February 13, 1996 Chairperson Hett asked for changes or corrections to the minutes of February 1 3th. BARB NORD MOVED TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 13, 1996. MINUTES APPROVED. 4. PERSONS SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD: None. 5. OLD BUSINESS : a. Goals & Objectives for 1996 Hett stated that the goals and objectives were included in the packet as they had not been formally approved. Hett asked for additions or changes to the list. Swarner commented that the Council had decided they did not want new banners. Swarner stated the group could still work on it. In addition, Council would like feedback on the Christmas decorations. Hett noted that banners were included under Old Business. Hett stated she had spoken to someone who had advised that Council wanted someone to take the process for new banners from start to finish. Hett stated that if that is something the Committee wanted to do in the next year, it would be time to start working on it for next year. Swarner stated she felt that this group was the only group in place who would work on getting new banners. Frates stated that he felt it had gotten dumped on the group and that in the minutes from years ago the banner "thing" had been a fiasco since the mid-80's. Frates stated that he felt that if they could get the Christmas lights in order, then maybe next year Council may be willing to fund new banners. Hett asked if banners should be changed to banners/whole decorations like Christmas, etc. on the list of goals. Frates commented that he felt they could be in the process of working on banners. Swarner stated it could be added as a new goal. Hett asked for any other changes or comments. Swarner commented that regarding the Garden Tour pamphlet that they had a color copy made at the copy place by Malstons and it was $2.50 per copy. Swarner noted they had only two copies done and it was color on both sides. Swarner commented that this may be a consideration in planning the pamphlet. Hett asked if anyone would like to make a motion to adopt the goals and objectives. NINA SELBY MOVED TO ADOPT THE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES. MOTION SECONDED BY BARB NORD. UNANIMOUS. b. Theme 1996 Hett advised that the theme had never been voted on and asked if anyone wished to make a motion to do so. Swarner clarified what the theme was. BARB NORD MOVED TO ACCEPT THE THEME AS WRITTEN. MOTION SECONDED BY SYLVIA JOHNSON. UNANIMOUS. BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE APRIL 9, 1996 MINUTES PAGE 2 c. Green Star "Adopt A Neighborhood" Program Hett stated that Shirley Levias of Green Star had presented information to the group earlier on the program. Hett added that she had put it on the agenda so they could be brought up to date on the program. Frates stated he felt that there had been a misunderstanding with Levias. Frates noted that they had thought Levias had stated the fanny packs were free but they are not free. Frates stated he thought she had meant they were free to the citizens but the agency has to purchase the packs. Frates advised he had contacted Barb Campbell in Anchorage who leads the volunteer program in Anchorage. In discussing the program with Kayo, Frates advised they had missed it for this budget. Kayo had brought up a good idea which Anchorage, as shown on the pack, uses sponsors to fund the program. Frates stated he felt that might be an approach to pursue whether it be UNOCAL or Phillips. Frates stated it will not be a big expense, maybe $600 for 1000 bags. Selby asked what is inside the pack. Frates explained that Anchorage keeps track of all the volunteers. They come to the recreational facility in Anchorage and they sign up and in return they get the packs. Volunteers can sign up to adopt a park or a trail or even a neighborhood. Frates noted that Mayor Mystrom started the program in Anchorage. Frates stated volunteers can get the packs at no charge and when they are out and about they pick up trash. The packs contain trash bags and rubber gloves. Frates commented he felt it was a neat idea. ,, Hett asked if there was any problem with someone sponsoring a city program such as this. Frates stated he didn't think so but felt bad noting the companies are hit hard for donations. Frates added that he felt that someone that has a concern for the environment such as UNOCAL and some of the other major oil companies could see this as a good promotion for their company. Selby asked how long they keep the packs? they are theirs to keep. Frates stated until they lose them, Hett commented that they had talked about garbage pickup. Frates advised he had talked to Campbell about that also. And, it is something that is hard to patrol or oversee. Frates added he wouldn't want a situation where everyone was bringing trash to the Rec Center because they don't have the means to accept it. As for incentives, Frates stated he guessed they were doing it out of pride for their BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE APRIL 9, 1996 MINUTES PAGE 3 community. And, if that isn't enough, perhaps another approach could be tried. Frates commented that Anchorage had just ordered another 8000 bags. That shows how the program is taking off in Anchorage. They constantly have Boy Scouts coming in for packs. Hett asked how the packs are distributed? Frates stated anyone can come and sign up. Selby commented they wouldn't hold a lot of trash. Frates clarified that they contain trash bags. Frates commented that perhaps the Chamber and Alpar could provide the bags but they may be too big. Swarner commented they do not fold easily. Hett asked if this information has been before the Parks and Rec Commission. Frates stated that he will take it after the group decides how they want to proceed. Frates commented that perhaps the group needed to attempt to locate a sponsor. Hett asked if anyone would like to make a motion to that effect. MARILYN DIMMICK MOVED THAT THE GROUP ATTEMPT TO SECURE A SPONSOR FOR THE PROGRAM. MOTION SECONDED BY NINA SELBY. UNANIMOUS. Swarner asked if the group meant that they were going to ask Parks and Rec if they agree to this concept. Swarner asked who will actually do the looking for a sponsor. Hett stated she felt that is something the group could do. Dimmick asked if any of the Parks and Rec Commission had connections that may help. Frates commented that some of those people may have some connections being in the area a long time. Dimmick stated she wondered if anyone worked for one of the oil companies. Frates stated he didn't think they did. Hett stated there are a number of places that can be approached such as banks. Frates stated someone may approach First National. Dimmick added someone should ask the new bank noting she is involved with them on another project. Swarner stated if a sponsor is obtained, she feels it will have to fall on an employee to look. Hett stated she wouldn't mind helping. Swarner stated she felt they needed to get it clear who would be looking for the sponsor. Hett stated she felt that if the Beautification Committee decided to do it, it is more likely to get done than passing it on to the Parks and Rec. Nord added that Bob Sizemore at the new bank is good about volunteering to do a lot of things. Selby asked if he was in Kenai and Swarner stated at the new Bank of America. Dimmick stated they have a corporate policy to do this kind of thing, to sponsor locally. Frates commented that a lot of local organizations have money to earmarked for this kind of activity. BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE APRIL 9, 1996 MINUTES PAGE 4 Hett commented it is her understanding that the Chamber is not interested. Nord asked Frates where he got the $600 figure. Frates stated it depends on the volume that is purchased and shared a catalog he had brought to the meeting. Frates noted that this is just one source and is sure there are other sources. Swarner noted that they would need to include the price of gloves and bags. Frates stated initially for the bags and then people could supply their own bags. Nord asked once they had the packs who would implement the program or where would people sign up? Frates stated that would be something the staff at the Rec Center could handle. Hett added that there would need to be advertising that could hopefully be done through public service announcements with the radio stations and the Clarion. Hett asked if there were any other questions. Frates commented that Anchorage, as an incentive, in the parks and along the trails they place plaques that list the volunteers names. Campbell noted that some people want to be recognized and other people don't. Hett asked about the Park Bucks they had discussed previously. Frates stated she talked ab°ut that with Anchorage and Park Bucks in Anchorage are collecting dust; they haven't implemented using them yet. d. Banners Hett stated in February there was a motion to spend $4,000 on banners and that was vetoed by Council. Now, the group needs to decide if they want to pursue banners as a committee. Hett stated she thought the problem was that no one was willing to select and design the banners and find the funding. Selby asked Where they would find funding? Hett stated from the city but they would need to go through the entire process and no one has taken that up at this point. Selby stated she thought they were going to do that once before and before they got to do anything, the city had gotten banners. Selby noted she didn't want to go through that again. Hett asked Selby if she would be interested in going through books and looking at designs and getting costs. Selby noted she wouldn't be able to do it until she returned from vacation. Hett stated that would be fine and she thought now would be the time to start instead of in the fall. Selby stated she will be back the 27t~. Hett stated she has some books and asked if a couple of the group would like to get together. Hett noted that companies will design the banner for them if an idea is come up with. Hett stated they had a beluga whale done that looks kind of like a dolphin. Hett noted they were in Seattle without a picture which could be the reason. Frates stated he felt it would be a worthwhile project. Selby stated she would like someone to work with her. Nord volunteered to help. BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE APRIL 9, 1996 MINUTES PAGE 5 Frates commented he felt it would be a nice break for the group to discuss something other than flowers. 6. NEW BUSINESS: a. Greenhouse Christening Hett stated the group may want to incorporate the christening with the volunteer orientation. Hett noted this might entice people to come and they wouldn't have to have two separate functions. Dimmick asked if that was the function scheduled in a week and a half. Swarner stated that is a volunteer reception at the Visitor's Center. Hett clarified they were separate functions. At the orientation last year they had cookies and coffee, Merle Dean showed slides, and everyone signed up for beds. Hett noted that it went really well. NORD MOVED TO HAVE THE GREEN HOUSE CHRISTENING WITH THE VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION. MOTION SECONDED BY DIMMICK. UNANIMOUS. Swarner asked when the function would be held. Hett stated that last year it was held on May 1 st which was a Tuesday. Hett stated she knew the room was open on April 30th which she believed was a Tuesday. Frates asked what happened with the idea of holding it at Merle Dean's house. Hett stated that is another option. Dimmick asked where she lived? Hett stated on K Beach Road. Dimmick asked if people would be as likely to go? Group consensus that they didn't feel people would be as likely to attend. Hett stated she would rather see Merle Dean have one in the spring when her gardens are in bloom. Swarner commented that if you are going to christen the green house, it should be close to the green house. Johnson asked how you christen a green house. Frates stated he has been wondering the same thing. Dimmick suggested breaking a sack of fishy peat over the side. Hett suggested starting at City Hall at 6:30 and then proceed to the green house around 7 p.m. Hett asked for suggestions. Frates asked if a half hour would be enough time at City Hall. Hett added she has not spoken to Merle Dean to see if she is available on the 30th, Frates commented that last year went well and thought the shorter the better. Hett suggested starting at 7 p.m. and then going to the green house after about 45 minutes. Hett asked if everyone could do it on the 30th. Swarner asked if they thought more people would come at 7 p.m. instead of 6:30 p.m.? Hett said she thought so. Swarner clarified then to set it for 7 p.m. and then move to the green house at 7:45 or 8 p.m. BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE APRIL 9, 1996 MINUTES PAGE 6 Hett stated that last year she sent out flyers to all of last year's volunteers and all the previous volunteers. Hett noted she has all the addresses on the computer. Swarner noted that cable t.v. could be contacted for public service announcement as well as KSRM and the Clarion. Selby asked what they do at the orientation noting she wasn't at it last year. Hett stated that last year they had cookies and coffee and then Merle Dean did a slide show. Then, there was a sign up table for signing up to take care of the beds. Swarner asked if they wanted cookies for the night. Hett asked if the city could provide them or should the group bake cookies. Hett stated they could each bring a dozen cookies. Dimmick stated she would bring something other than cookies as they are unable to eat sweets adding that she usually brings cheese and fruit. Selby noted that would be better that cookies. Hett noted that everyone should bring something. Swarner advised the group that if they locate volunteers between now and the volunteer reception on the 22nd, be sure to invite them to the reception on the 22~. Hett stated they would need a motion for the volunteer orientation. DIMMICK MOVED TO HOLD VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION ON APRIL 30TM AT 7 P.M. MOTION SECONDED BY NORD. UNANIMOUS. b. Gardening Pamphlet Hett stated if they want to do a pamphlet, they need to decide on a format noting there are a couple of different options. Hett advised the group could go into a work session and discuss this without parliamentary procedure or continue. Selby asked if there were samples available. Frates shared some pamphlets he had. Selby asked who would read all of that information. Frates showed one that is provided at the green house in Anchorage showing a list of all the flowers. Frates showed another pamphlet that is more specific and provided at the Chamber for the downtown bed by the cabin, the library, etc. Hett stated that at last meeting they decided to concentrate on the bed at the Chamber or Visitor's Center this year. Hett asked if some of the group would like to get together outside of a meeting to plan a format, etc. Hett added she would be willing to do that. Dimmick stated she would be willing to help noting she had just toured a garden in Fort Bragg, California, and she had brought back a brochure. BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE APRIL 9, 1996 MINUTES PAGE 7 Hett listed the committee as herself, Linda Overturf, Marilyn Dimmick, and Bob Frates and noted they will get together and bring ideas back to the next meeting. Frates stated it would be nice to have at least color on the cover. Selby commented they provide a brochure in Homer. Hett stated she would get a copy of their brochure. Selby stated it is plain but it tells about all of the plants' in the garden. c. Sale of Starter Plants Hett stated that at the last meeting they had discussed the sale of starter plants and Swarner was to have checked with the city attorney to see if it was legal. Swarner stated she had forgotten to check with the attorney. Hett asked if Swarner could check for the next meeting. Swarner stated she will not be at the next meeting so will send a note. d. Volunteer Orientation Discussed under 6a. 7. REPORTS' a. Chairperson Hett stated the group desperately needs two more members. Hett commented that Nord's neighbor, Ginger, is a possibility. Hett asked Nord if she knew her and could approach her. Nord stated she would do that. Hett stated just to let Carol Freas or Kebschull know the name and address and they could send an application. Hett commented she thought as long as they were within the city limits they would be accepted. Kebschull advised the application would need to be approved by City Council. Hett stated it usually isn't a controversial appointment. Hett added for the group to think of people they would like to work with and noted that men would be welcome. The only stipulation is that they live in the city limits. Dimmick advised she would be working at the Home Builders Show next weekend and it occurred to her it would be nice for the committee to have information at the show and a place to sign up. Hett stated she thought there was a substantial fee. Dimmick stated perhaps they could get space at someone's booth. Swarner stated she wondered if Bank of America would have a booth and Nord advised First BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE APRIL 9, 1996 MINUTES PAGE 8 National has a booth. Dimmick advised she would be there for Pickle Hill. Swarner commented it would be nice to have a picture and a sign saying, "Sign up please." Hett asked if the master gardeners were doing anything. Swarner stated Tom Janz was at the Village Fair. Swarner said someone should call and ask and Hett said she would call. Hett noted she has lots of photos. Swarner asked where the city's cubicle for hanging pictures was and Kebschull advised she was unaware of it. Swarner stated the city had purchased a display but didn't know how big it is. b. Parks & Rec Frates advised the budget to this point is pretty much as Kayo had submitted. Frates reported that the petunias in the green house were a near disaster. Frates stated they will need to buy petunias. Frates added that Merle Dean's are doing ,fine which leads him to believe it was the type of soil used. The soil dried out quicker and not having a water source, they dried out. There were a few that made it. Frates added that everything else is taking off and the geraniums look really good. Frates stated if anyone is interested on the way home, most are at the Teen Center if anyone wants to look at them. Overturf asked if there were buds on them and Frates stated no. Overturf asked what kind of fertilizer would they use to make the buds come out so early. Frates stated he is using 20-20-20 and thinks that is what Merle Dean uses. Frates asked if anyone knew once they are bloomed out, how often to fertilize. Nord stated she fertilized every time she waters with a diluted solution. Nord commented that she had trouble with her petunias this year too and it was a specific variety so she gave up on it. Frates stated the White Dreams came up fine with 80 percent germination. Nord asked if Frates had gotten single ones with white edges and Frates stated no. Frates noted they are beginning to put together summer crews and looks like 14 kids this summer. Swarner noted the hours will start earlier. Frates noted they got 400 additional hours in the budget. This allows them to put on a couple youngsters earlier and then keep them later. Frates stated this was a strategic plan as they were not adding any personnel. They just added the hours. Hett advised that Margaret Simon wants to volunteer at the green house. Hett added that she had her number. Frates stated that reminded him that he has a helper at the green house. She is there through the state welfare. Her name is Zeta Carter. Frates noted she has been a wonderful help. She is there everyday. BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE APRIL 9, 1996 MINUTES PAGE 9 Frates stated they may want to contact her in regards to the committee vacancies. Nord asked when they would be getting water to the green house. Frates stated they were hoping by mid-summer. Nord asked how far away the connection was. Frates estimated 400-500 feet. Swarner questioned if there was water in the shop building and Frates stated yes, the middle building. Frates re-estimated 200 feet. Nord stated it may be worthwhile to buy some hose. Frates stated that had crossed his mind until he bought a 2 gallon sprayer and since he has had that he hasn't had any problems. c. Council Swarner reported they are supposed to be working on Christmas decorations and asked for the groups ideas. Swarner stated the Council thought to try something new and not to go back to the wrap around garland. Hett asked what other options there were. Swarner stated she didn't know. Frates advised Kayo is working on that. Frates added that he hasn't seen anything different from the garland to the straight lights. Swarner asked if the group had a preference for the color of light bulbs versus white. Dimmick stated she prefers white. Swarner asked Dimmick if she liked the white and she agreed. Swarner advised that next winter the Mayor in Kenai wants to follow what the Mayor of Anchorage did with the City of Lights. Swarner added that the Fourth of July parade would have lights. Discussion about not being able to see lights then. Swarner stated it may be another time. Swarner added that there will be a promotion about lights in the city this winter. Dimmick stated that if you don't have white lights, they need to make sure there is a good mix of color. Hett stated it is difficult to get white lights because there is such a run on them and there may be a problem with the limited retail stock. Frates noted the problem they had was they couldn't find the size of lights anywhere. Frates reiterated that Kayo is working on pricing for rewiring and garland. Swarner commented that that was the other idea that council had was to have a private contractor put new wiring in the decorations the city has. The frames are okay it is just the wiring that needs to be replaced. Swarner stated that was all she had to report. There will be another budget work session tomorrow night. Beautification has already been taken care of in the budget. BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE APRIL 9, 1996 MINUTES PAGE 10 Swarner reminded the group of the volunteer reception on the 22nd from 6 to 8 p.m. , 8. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS: Overturf advised she had been asked to suggest plants to put into the cement planters in front of the middle school and asked if the group could make some suggestions. Discussion ensued and some of the suggestions included: Arabus, Yarrow, Iris, Tulips, Columbine, Vernacular, and Lupines. Johnson stated that she had noticed playground equipment in the budget and commented that she had brought it up a year ago that benches in the area of the senior housing would be nice. Johnson commented that there is no place to sit down on the north side and the some of the residents are not able to walk that far without resting. Johnson stated she had spoken to Pat Porter and she said the money would have to come from Parks and Rec. Frates stated money was appropriated for benches but they were charted to go to Municipal Park. Frates stated he always thought it would be a good idea to put benches at Leif Hansen Park. Swarner stated that they haven't had anyone come before for Eagle Scout awards and noted that this would be an appropriate project for them. Johnson reiterated that when it's sunny the seniors love to get outside but there is no place, except on the south side of the building, to sit. Johnson said a lot of times they will just go stand outside in the parking lot where it is warm. Swarner stated her neighbor is active in the boy scouts and she will call him tonight. Swarner asked if there were any other projects anyone could think of for Eagle Scout projects. Johnson stated she was thinking 6 benches. Nord asked if the rule about the 5 percent vegetation being left on city property was still in effect. Nord stated'she was looking at Mapco and they have left only three trees. Nord noted that wasn't city property. Swarner asked if there was a site plan approved and Kebschull advised yes. Kebschull stated it showed on the site plan shrubbery and grass islands and advised that the plans were available if anyone wanted to view them. Nord stated it may be a little too soon to make a complaint. BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE APRIL 9, 1996 MINUTES PAGE 11 Hett asked what is in plan for landscaping on that whole corner. Swarner stated that Mapco had a site plan which had to be filed with Planning and Zoning. Hett commented that they were tearing up the whole area again. Swarner asked if she was referring to the Highway Department and Hett answered yes. Swarner advised she didn't know. Hett commented that on Bridge Access there is that little island which would be a nice place to put flowers; however, they may be digging it up again. 9. INFORMATION' a. Parks & Recreation Minutes (March 7, 1996) No discussion. 10. ADJOURNMENT' Meeting adjourned at approximately 6'35 p.m. Respectfully Submitted' rilyfi Kebschull Administrative Assistant BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE APRIL 9, 1996 MINUTES PAGE 12