KEEP ARKANSAS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION
U of A Cooperative Extension Service, Little Rock, Arkansas
October 24, 2001
Commissioners Present:
Linda Westergard, Chairman Sarah Wruck, Vice-Chairman
Carl Garner Phyllis Jones
Mary Smith Peggy Weidman
Brenda Williams
Commissioners Absent:
None.
Staff Present:
Robert Phelps and Brenda Halbert of Keep Arkansas Beautiful
Guests Present:
Teresa Elkins-Caveness, State Coordinator, Great Arkansas Cleanup 2001
Suzanne Hirrell, U of A Cooperative Extension Service
Steve Holcomb, Lisa Plaquet and Rob Bell of Mangan, Holcomb, Rainwater, Culpepper
Call to Order:
Linda Westergard called the meeting to order and welcomed guests. Brenda Halbert called the roll.
Presentation of Minutes:
Ms. Westergard asked for a motion approving the September 27, 2001 minutes.
Peggy Weidman made a motion, seconded by Carl Garner, to approve
the KArB Commission Minutes for September 27, 2001 as mailed. The
motion passed.
Financial Report:
Mr. Phelps presented the Financial Report for the period ending September 30, 2001, reflecting total expenditures of $49,659 or 10% of the total annual budget. He noted this is below normal expenditures for the first quarter, particularly in the area of advertising.
Brenda Williams made a motion, seconded by Peggy Weidman, to approve
the KArB Financial Report for the period ending September 30, 2001 as printed. The motion passed.
KArB Commission Minutes
October 24, 2001 – page 2
Chairman’s Report:
Ms. Westergard reported as follows:
· Sarah Wruck has been re-appointed to the Commissioner-at-Large post.
· Phyllis Jones has been re-appointed to Larry Visnosky’s position in District 3.
· Update on vacancies and submissions, encouraging suggestions from Commissioners.
Executive Director’s Report:
Mr. Phelps reported on the following:
· Volunteer Services Coordinator – Kristie Rambo to begin in that position on
October 29; she will attend KAmB Conference in December for training.
· Keep America Beautiful:
1) State Leaders Conference in Hot Springs – enthusiastic reception by KArB leaders representing 14 states (distributed thank you notes from attendees);
2) Mid-Year conference July 31, 2003 to be held in Hot Springs based on impression at state leaders’ meeting – approximately 300 will attend;
3) “Liberty Gardens” – concept developed by KAmB as memorial to fallen in 9/11/01 events and/or honoring heroes of that day; details were presented, noting that Janet Huckabee had offered support through the First Spouses Organization.
Peggy Weidman made a motion, seconded by Mary Smith, that the KArB
Commission support the “Liberty Garden” project in Arkansas, enacting a
committee to spearhead that project. The motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Westergard stated that she and Mr. Phelps would lay the foundation for the committee, hoping to include new Commissioners to serve as well after the two current vacancies are filled.
4) Iron Eyes Cody Award – Senator Dale Bumpers has been selected, and Carl
Garner (first recipient) will make the presentation on December 7 at the annual KAmB Conference in Washington.
Peggy Weidman made a motion, seconded by Sarah Wruck, that Mr. Garner
be sent to the KAmB Annual Conference as the official representative of KArB.
The motion passed.
· Conservation Amendment 75 Task Force – four state agencies have formed a coalition to re-educate and communicate to legislators and the general public the benefits and results of the 1/8 of a cent tax.
KArB Commission Minutes
October 24, 2001 – page 3
Advisory Reports:
Mr. Davies of ADPT sent his apologies due to attendance at the AHA Annual Convention & Trade Show. Mary Smith submitted a name as potential Commissioner for referral to Marynell Branch.
Guests Remarks:
Suzanne Hirrell stated that UA Cooperative Extension had headed up the poster contest again this year in conjunction with KArB and Sonic. There was good response with judging to take place at 1:30 p.m.
KArB Affiliate Network:
Items reviewed by Ms. Wruck:
· The letter to KArB Affiliates has been drafted; this will be amended to include introduction of new Volunteer Services Coordinator and a reminder to submit year-end reports; they will be mailed along with a current Affiliate map from the KArB office.
· “Give & Gain” contest – Hot Springs Beautification Commission under the leadership of Julie Dickson won with their “Creative Clothes Collection” project.
(Ms. Westergard suggested this be included in the panel of success for the Affiliate Conference.)
KArB Affiliate Network Conference 2002:
Ms. Jones gave an update as follows:
· Featured speakers finalized:
1) Janet Huckabee – luncheon speaker;
2) Randy Frazier – motivational speaker and workshops;
3) Sue Smith of KAmB – “Liberty Gardens” and KAmB training.
· Workshops/panels – requested more suggestions.
· Mailers:
1) Initial notification of dates with calendar sticker reminder to be sent in November (Mr. Bell presented prototype);
2) Second mailing with details first week in January.
· Details – finalized in next two weeks:
1) Food and entertainment* assistance – Gay Rush;
2) Decorations/flowers – Julie Dickson;
3) Overall intinerary: Meeting with Jackie Lovell of HS Convention & Visitors Bureau for her input and support.
KArB Commission Minutes
October 24, 2001 – page 4
*Other entertainment suggestions: 1) Clover Kids, a 4-H youth group from Jefferson County – suggested by Suzanne Hirrell; 2) Ted Mullenix, Parks Recreation & Travel Commission, from Hot Springs Music Mountain Jamboree; as well as a musical group headed by Rep. Dewayne Mack – suggestions of Mary Smith.
KArB Awards 2002:
Ms. Weidman referred report to Rob Bell with update as follows:
· Mailer announcing event to encourage project entries – November 15; will include tag for Affiliates regarding annual report to be included in entries.
· Entry deadline – January 15 by general consent (website will be changed accordingly).
· Finalists announced at the Affiliate Conference in February.
· Award sponsors - Mr. Phelps emphasized need for procuring nine more award sponsors; Commissioners’ may be contacted to assist Mr. Phelps in that effort where appropriate.
· Judging criteria of project entries – Mr. Garner expressed the importance of consideration given to the population of the entering community.
Wildflowers Committee:
Ms. Williams presented prototype of “Wildflowers Forever” handbook designed by the Agency. After review and lengthy discussion, the following changes were made:
· Change name to “Keep Arkansas Beautiful Wildflowers” handbook.
· List Arkansas seed and flower vendors first under Arkansas (maybe in bold print);
then list out-of-state vendors (in regular print) under “other sources”.
It was suggested that we could further promote the Arkansas vendors by showcasing them at the Affiliate Conference.
Speakers’ Bureau Committee:
Mary Smith reported that work is progressing.
Minority Participation Committee:
No report.
KArB Commission Minutes
October 24, 2001 – page 5
KArB Foundation:
Mr. Garner stated a revised Board recommendation list had been distributed, referring further report to Mr. Phelps:
· Horne, Hollingsworth & Parker has been employed to review and revise bylaws as necessary; Mike Parker of that firm has submitted an initial report.
· The George Mallory Accounting Firm has agreed to bring tax records up to date.
· Bill Haught, prominent estate attorney from Little Rock, has agreed to serve on the Board and assist in recruiting and fund raising.
· Recruitment luncheon – Lt. Gov. Rockefeller will host that event, hopefully during Keep Arkansas Beautiful Month in April.
· Updated brochure/video – general discussion was held, stressing the importance of professional material in procuring Board members and in fund raising.
Grants Committee:
Mr. Phelps presented report as follows:
· Guidelines reviewed as mailed to Commissioners previous to meeting including:
1) Items 1 and 2 – KAmB Affiliates - $2,000 per year;
2) Items 3 and 4 – KArB Affiliates - $3,000 per year;
3) Applications reviewed and approved by Grants Committee consisting of KArB Executive Director and two Commissioners.
Reactions were voiced as follows:
· Ms. Westergard –
1) Support criteria;
2) Hopeful training might be extended to KArB Affiliates aspiring to become KAmB Affiliates;
3) Foundation support of Affiliate Network might encourage some matching funds in the future to add to the $10,000 budget item.
· Ms. Wruck stressed importance of not making criteria so strict in order to make it more flexible and workable.
Peggy Weidman made a motion, seconded by Mary Smith, to accept the
Guidelines for KArB Grants as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Westergard appointed Sarah Wruck and Peggy Weidman to serve on the Grants Committee.
KArB Commission Minutes
October 24, 2001 – page 6
Mangan Agency:
Rob Bell added to his report as follows:
· “Take It Back”:
1) Al Green association – efforts ongoing;
2) Final version – studio time will allow completion of final copy for schools in the next three weeks;
3) Presentation of song at the November 29 meeting;
4) Poster contest rules and regulations established (Ms. Plaquet);
· “Clean Getaway” – script with concept presented to schools in November for presentation in the spring.
Old Business:
Tyson Foods Great Arkansas Cleanup 2001:
Ms. Caveness presented an August-September update of the Great Arkansas Cleanup 2001, reflecting 58 events in 52 counties. With less than ten coordinator reports in, she stated she will not be able to file a final report until November or December. The campaign ends this month.
Lengthy discussion followed, highlighting the following:
· Importance of written guidelines for effective communication between the state coordinator, KArB and Tyson Foods and/or other sponsors for smooth campaign.
· Lake DeGray event – Brian Westfall was suggested to present a “How to Conduct a Cleanup” workshop at the Affiliate Conference.
· Affiliate Network – to change the coordinator status as well as effectiveness of campaigns in the future.
· KArB Foundation – possible future endowments for GAC and other projects and programs.
Nominating Committee:
Peggy Weidman presented recommendations of the Nominating Committee for Officers 2002 as follows: both Linda Westergard and Sarah Wruck to remain in their official positions as Chair and Vice-Chair respectively. Ms. Westergard requested nominations from the floor with none forthcoming. A vote will be taken at the November 29 meeting.
New Business:
None.
KArB Commission Minutes
October 24, 2001 – page 7
Miscellaneous:
Mr. Phelps reported as follows:
· Lunch catered - today’s lunch provided by the KArB Foundation; after lengthy discussion, it was the consensus that lunch should be catered each month at a cost of $8.00 each to KArB, Inc.
· Muscular Dystrophy Association Lockup – Mr. Phelps asked for contributions to assist with the $1,000 bail/contribution he needs to raise on behalf of that organization.
· KAmB Posters – 50 free with more ordered for use at Affiliate Conference, etc.
Ms. Westergard stated the November 29 meeting is confirmed at Pinnacle Mountain State Park Visitor Center with lunch to be catered. She invited everyone with spouse/guest to her home the previous evening with details and directions.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned around 12:40 p.m. for lunch.
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Robert Phelps, Director Linda Westergard, Chairman
KEEP ARKANSAS BEAUTIFUL KEEP ARKANSAS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION