HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-02-11 Beautification SummaryKENAI BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE
February 11, 1 997' * * 5:00 p.m.
Council Chambers
Chairperson Susan Hett
***AGENDA***
1. ROLL CALL
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: January 14, 1997
4. PERSONS SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD
1
OLD BUSINESS
a. 1997 Theme
b. Approval of Goals & Objectives
NEW BUSINESS
a. Litter Bag Program
b. Garden Bed Design
7. REPORTS
a. Chairperson
b. 'Parks & Rec
c. Council
8. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS
9. INFORMATION
a. Seminar Information
b. Parks & Rec. Commission Minutes of January 9, 1997
10. ADJOURNMENT
* * * NOTE MEETING TIME* * *
KENAI BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE
February 11, 1997'* ~ 5:00 p.m.
* * * Minutes* * *
1. ROLL CALL
Members present' Marilyn Dimmick, Karolee Hansen, Susan Hett, Nina
Selby, Wilma Jean Rogers
Non-Voting Members Present:
Linda Overturf, Jeneane Benedict
Members absent: Barb Nord, Sylvia Johnson
Others present: Councilwoman Linda Swarner, Parks & Rec Director
Bob Frates, Administrative Assistant Marilyn Kebschull
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES' January 14, 1997
Hett asked for changes or additions to the minutes. Selby noted that on page 3 in
the last line that "objections" should be "objectives."
SELBY MOVED TO ACCEPT MINUTES WITH THE NOTED CHANGE. APPROVED
BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
3. PERSONS SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD
1. OLD BUSINESS
a. 1997 Theme
Hett asked for suggestions for theme. Hett noted they were hoping to incorporate
the banners into the theme. Selby suggested, "City of banners and flowers."
Discussion about suggestions. "Beautiful highways and byways" suggested by
Hansen. Hett asked if they should keep the "Citizens for a beautiful Kenai,
beautiful highways and byways." Agreement that this suggestion was a little too
long. Dimmick commented that if you leave it at "Beautifying highways and
byways" that includes everything without specifying.
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February 11, 1997
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Minutes
SELBY MOVED TO ACCEPT "BEAUTIFYING OUR HIGHWAYS AND BYWAYS"
MOTION SECONDED BY ROGERS. UNANIMOUS.
b. Approval of Goals & Objectives
Hett drew attention to the list of goals and objectives that were included in the
packet from the discussion last month. Hett asked if anyone had any corrections or
additions. Selby asked which cabin they were talking about. Frates noted it was
the Cunningham cabin off Beaver Loop.
Hett stated the nursery beds should be at the extension plot. Hett asked to
combine number 3 and 4. Overturf clarified that Hett was suggesting to expand
the nursery bed.
Dimmick stated that number 2, as a practical matter, should be changed to
marketing chickweed. Dimmick noted it is good for you.
Swarner asked for an explanation of number 1 1. Frates noted his thought was to
contact Map¢o and to see if they were planning some landscaping and if not if the
Beautification could do something and ask for a small donation. Swarner suggested
asking for a large donation noting she had talked with them at the dedication and
they stated they were not planning on doing a lot of landscaping because in
Anchorage it had gotten torn up. Discussion about upkeep difficulties on the corner
with traffic and difficulty with watering. Frates stated he could see a problem
possibly developing wherein if they maintain flower beds, they may come back and
expect them to mow for them. Swarner commented that if they do it for the
Mapco corner and don't do it for the Dairy Queen, Katmai, or Arbys that could pose
problems. Frates stated they maintain the Katmai. Overturf stated she thought at
the last meeting they had discussed seeing if the state was going to maintain it
and perhaps just put boxes there. Frates stated they probably wouldn't want boxes
there because of the high traffic flow. Frates stated the only corner with boxes is
the Katmai because it is accessible. Swarner noted that if Map¢o would allow the
committee to use their hoses for watering it may not be a problem. Hett stated
they could look into more as they get further into spring. Swarner stated that
because they are a big corporation they may need to plan ahead. Frates stated he
would call and see if they had plans for the corner.
Selby asked about what was across on the opposite corner. Frates noted there
wasn't anything there last year. Swarner commented that at one time Arbys had
stated they would maintain something. Frates stated an alternative would be to
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February 11, 1997
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place flower boxes on the corner and to ask them to maintain them. Selby asked if
there will be anything at Arbys this year. Frates stated he hadn't planned on it
because it is too difficult to water. Swarner suggested writing a letter to ask if
they will water.
Hansen commented that last summer and spring she noted there were not many
flowers in front of city hall. Hansen noted she felt it would be nice to have more
flowers in front of city hall. Frates stated he will have bulbs, they have the whisky
barrels out front and he plans on two hanging baskets. Frates stated that he had
felt after the renovation that flowers didn't fit into the scheme. Hansen
commented that when she travels she notes how beautiful the flowers are at other
city halls. Frates agreed to look into some perennial flowers that would fit into the
scheme. Dimmick suggested lilies.
Frates questioned number 7, and wondered if this was groups or individuals
planning beds. Dimmick commented that she has a list of flowers for planting on
both sides of the steps at the Visitor's Center. Dimmick noted that she has seeds
and is thinking about planting all edible things. Dimmick noted she has wondered
about the beds is who is eating them, is it the moose or people. Dimmick noted it
was the cabbages. Hett stated she thought it was the moose.
Selby asked if Merle Dean would be doing anything this year.
has not been in contact with her.
Frates stated that he
Hett noted that when they went to Anchorage this is something they do adding
that Dimmick had a special interest. Dimmick noted it was just the one bed.
Overturf stated she thought someone was going to take the small triangle of
chickweed by the police department. Discussion about who had been interested in
that bed.
Frates added number 1 5, "To plant and maintain the bed at the police department."
Add number 1 6, "To add more flowers to city hall."
Frates stated they could look toward next winter to add white lights at Leif Hansen
Memorial Park. Frates was questioned if he meant on the trees and stated yes.
Agreement to add as number 1 7.
SELBY MOVED TO ACCEPT THE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR 1997.
SECONDED THE MOTION. UNANIMOUS.
HANSEN
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Minutes
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Litter Bag Program
Hett reviewed that last fall Shirley Levias had talked to the committee about the
litter bag program and that they had discussed starting it this spring.
Frates stated he is attempting to find good prices for fanny packs adding that the
prices'he has found is about $7.50 each. Swarner suggested contacting Mapco or
perhaps Tesoro noting it would be good P.R. Frates stated the idea was to pass
them out free. Each bag would contact trash bags and rubber gloves. Frates noted
the concept was that when they were out walking, they could pick up trash. Hett
added the concept for individuals to adopt a neighborhood. Frates noted that was
how the program originally began in Anchorage. Frates noted that if they can get
two or three of these industries in the area to sponsor the program they would get
the advertising by placing their logo on the fanny pack. Frates stated he knew they
could beat $7.50 price for each fanny pack.
Discussion about possible sources for less expensive fanny packs. Swarner noted
K-Mart could be another source. Dimmick noted perhaps they could supply them
and donate a portion of the cost.
Frates noted he felt the program needed more definition. Dimmick asked if the
people who had spoken to the group regarding the program had a lot of P.R. leading
up to the program. Selby asked if they would be having the yearly clean up.
Dimmick asked if they had Green Star and Hett advised yes and that they were
hiring a new director. Frates stated if they could tie it into that program it would be
easier. Selby asked if they would be handed out to anyone. Frates noted yes and
that was part of the problem. Frates stated that if it was a part of the annual clean
up that hopefully they would continue to use them.
Hett suggested forming a committee to talk to community members about the
program. Hansen stated if they published the names of those who picked up
packs, that could encourage them to pick up trash. Dimmick asked if they were
including kids and if so to what age. Benedict stated that perhaps they could get
with some of the kids groups (4-H, Scouts, Boys and Girls Club) adding that may
conflict with the Chamber program. Benedict commented that it takes adults to go
with kids.
Hett asked if they wanted to pursue it. Hansen commented she felt it was worth
trying. Dimmick asked when the cleanup was and Hett advised the weekend after
Mother's Day. Frates stated he would firm up prices and send letters to Tesoro,
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February 11, 1997
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some banks, Map¢o, Homer Electric.
sector noting that HEA is not private.
Dimmick suggested they stick to the private
Frates suggested they could add the 1997 theme,
byways," to the fanny pack as a logo.
"Beautifying highways and
b. Garden Bed Design
Hett asked if anyone was interested in planning a garden bed design. Dimmick
noted she is only interested in the one bed which is located on the sides of the
entrance to the Visitor's Center. Dimmick noted they are small. Dimmick
commented this will be an experiment to see how she does adding she is not a
good planner. Dimmick stated she wanted to make sure that this didn't reflect on
Merle Dean adding she loves working with her. Selby stated they should contact
Merle Dean and see if she is going to do any plans this year.
Hett suggested they may want to wait until they know what they have in the
greenhouse to make plans. Frates stated he will be starting the greenhouse the end
of the month. Frates stated he hasn't ordered seeds adding he has a couple more
weeks to get his orders in.
Frates suggested to streamline the process that if every member was appointed to
a bed then those members would be responsible for those beds and a number of
volunt'eers. Frates stated that would take the pressure off Frates and Merle Dean
to monitor all the beds. Frates noted there are volunteers who want to do it all
commenting that that is fine. Discussion that they felt this may be a good idea.
Benedict noted that in the past she had called volunteers and asked them to let
them know if they couldn't work on a bed and then they would take care of it.
Frates stated that way if a bed isn't weeded, he could contact one person.
Dimmick asked how many volunteers there were and how many were left at the
end of the year. Hett stated there are 25 who are fairly active. Benedict asked if
there were applications that people could fill out like they had in the past. Hett
stated she has some of the old applications.
Hett suggested they put volunteers on next month's agenda and to decide how to
organize them, etc. Dimmick stated you would be looking at 3 to 4 volunteers per
bed.
Benedict reminded the group how it had been when Merle Dean had first started
and they all went to her house. The volunteers then helped to plant seeds and
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follow them through planting in the beds. Benedict questioned Frates if volunteers
could be asked if they wanted to help plant the seeds. Frates stated he would
appreciate the help.
7. REPORTS
a. Chairperson
Hett advised February 27t~ is the Master Gardening Conference at the Sports
Center. Hett noted there is a $35 fee.
Hett stated she had been given nomination forms for First Lady Volunteer Awards.
Hett noted she was thinking of Helen Brown or Merle Dean adding she would be
willing to write the essay. Dimmick asked if it had to be limited to one and Hett
stated no. Hett stated it was due March 31st. Rogers noted that Swarner has
volunteered since the beginning and suggested nominating her also. Hett asked if
they should nominate all three. Frates asked if anyone could fill out these
nominations. Hett stated she believed so. Overturf stated she didn't know how
Merle Dean would feel about something like this adding she is very reticent about
it. Benedict noted she feels it has to do with her job. Hett stated they could call
and ask her how she felt. Frates asked if they wanted to do it as a group or if they
wanted to do them individually. Hett stated she would work on essays and bring
copies to the next meeting. Hansen clarified that this was the first time this had
been done by the board.
Hett n'oted that Merle Dean is retiring adding she doesn't know what she will be
doing.
b. Parks & Re¢
Frates stated he had contacted Ken Brown, superintendent at Wildwood,
concerning the flower boxes. Frates stated initially he was reluctant but felt that it
depended upon who he had in the facility who could take the project on. Frates
stated that the conversation ended with Brown agreeing to see if he had inmates
who would be willing to take the project on. Frates stated they are not doing off
site projects anyone. Hett asked if they could make new boxes and Frates stated
probably if the materials were supplied.
Frates. stated they had a teen center ski trip taking ten kids and it was a good trip.
Frates reported that two weekends ago they held a women's basketball tournament
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and last weekend a men's basketball tournament. Frates stated these were
successful adding that the economic impact was good with the out of town teens.
Frates noted they had a middle school dance three weeks ago with 105 kids
attending. This weekend there is a Valentine Wally Ball blast.
¢. Council
8. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS
9. INFORMATION
a. Seminar Information
b. Parks & Rec. Commission Minutes of January 9, 1997
10. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at approximately 5:55 p.m.
Resplctfully su, bmitted'
Marilyn Kebschull
Administrative Assistant