Minutes
KEEP ARKANSAS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION
North Arkansas College Durand Center
Harrison, Arkansas
May 23, 2012
Commissioners Present
Thurston Lamb, Chairman Debbie Hoofman, Vice-Chairman
Laurie Black Randy Frazier
Georgette Garner Dianne Hammond
JeNelle Lipton John Pope
Betty Shaw
Commissioners Absent
None.
Staff Present
Robert Phelps, Brenda Halbert and Sarah Wruck
Guests Present
Patti Methvin, Chairman, Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce (welcome)
David Holsted and Lee Dunlap of the Harrison Daily Times
Betty Barnhardt and Nancy Kirk, Keep Sherwood Beautiful
Adam Roberts, Hot Springs/Garland County Beautification Commission
Julie Robbins and Stephanie Slagle of Mangan Holcomb Partners
Meeting Opening
Call to Order/Invocation/Roll Call/Welcome
Thurston Lamb called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m., welcoming Commissioners and guests.
Randy Frazier presented the invocation, and Brenda Halbert called the roll.
Introduction of Guests
Robert Phelps introduced Patti Methvin, Chairman of the Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Methvin welcomed everyone, noting Harrison is proud to have been a KAB Shine Award recipient in 2011. She praised Mayor Crockett for being very proactive in keeping the city clean, including ordinance enforcement. CORE, the downtown organization begun by Congressman John Paul Hammerschmidt, has also been most effective in raising awareness and citizens taking pride in the community. Mr. Phelps presented Ms. Methvin with a KAB logo cup and lapel pin.
Mr. Lamb added his appreciation to Mayor Crockett for his gracious welcome at the reception on Wednesday and to Ms. Garner for her efforts in making the visit to Harrison a reality.
Mr. Phelps welcomed David Holsted of the Harrison Daily Times.
KAB Commission Minutes
May 23, 2012 – page 2
Action Items
Mr. Phelps requested that Ms. Hammond serve as timekeeper and Mr. Pope serve as Parliamentarian.
Chairman Lamb called for approval of the agenda.
John Pope made a motion, seconded by Dianne Hammond, to approve
the May 23, 2012, KAB Commission Meeting Agenda, as distributed.
The motion passed.
Chairman Lamb called for corrections or additions to the March 28, 2012, KAB Commission minutes.
JeNelle Lipton made a motion, seconded by Dianne Hammond, to approve
the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission minutes of March 28, 2012.
Mr. Frazier raised the issue that proper procedure was not followed regarding “calling of the question” on page 4. Discussion followed with acting Parliamentarian, John Pope, stating proper procedure was followed but not reported as such in the March 28 minutes, and Ms. Shaw concurred.
Chairman Thurston Lamb called for a vote that the March 28, 2012,
KAB Commission minutes be revised accordingly, and the motion passed.
Mr. Phelps reviewed the KAB Financial Report for the period ending April 30, 2012, reflecting expenditures of 60% of the 2012 budget with an anticipated carry forward to FYE 2013. There being no questions, a motion was made.
Debbie Hoofman made a motion, seconded by Randy Frazier, to accept
the KAB Financial Report for the period ending April 30, 2012, as printed.
The motion passed.
Special Reports
ADPT and the Governor’s Office were not represented.
Program Reports
Executive Director
Robert Phelps’s reported on his previously distributed report:
· Sarah Wruck’s retirement is imminent with posting of the job and replacement process to begin soon. An appreciation lunch will be held immediately following today’s meeting.
· John Pope was commended on his efforts to revive a KAB Affiliation in Fort Smith with Mr. Phelps sharing a thank you note from Paula Linder.
KAB Commission Minutes
May 23, 2012 – page 3
· July 17 reception at the Governor’s Mansion will honor Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Clean & Beautiful and Hot Springs/Garland County Beautification Commission for their long tenured affiliation with Keep America Beautiful.
There being no questions, Mr. Phelps concluded that he was open to suggestions for improvement of the reporting process. Discussion ensued with Commissioners emphasizing the need for better communication regarding events in their districts. Ms. Robbins mentioned that cleanup events are posted to the website as well as meetings of partnering organizations. Ms. Garner said she appreciated being copied on e-mails of events in her district; Mr. Pope and Ms. Shaw concurred.
Volunteer Services Coordinator
Ms. Wruck elaborated on her printed report, as follows:
· 2012 Great American Cleanup concludes this month.
· July 17 KAB Affiliate reception is close, and she will bring that event to completion.
· She is currently attending the AR Rural Development Conference in Eureka Springs.
Chairman Lamb and others praised Ms. Wruck for her work at Keep Arkansas Beautiful. She commented that she has a lot of fond memories as a KAB staff member and Commissioner as well as Director of Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Clean & Beautiful.
Marketing Report – Mangan Holcomb Partners
A report was distributed electronically with Ms. Robbins opening the floor to questions. Tote bags filled with the latest KAB promotional items were provided Commissioners. Included were flash drives containing a PowerPoint presentation to be reviewed by Stephanie Slagle, State Coordinator for the spring Great American Cleanup.
Addressing Ms. Shaw’s request for notification of district events, Ms. Robbins said Commissioners will be notified once a week of activities in their area. Mr. Phelps suggested Commissioners monitor KAB’s Facebook page. Discussion followed.
KAB Affiliates Reports
Keep Sherwood Beautiful
Betty Barnhardt reported on the following:
· Sherwood’s GAmC event was covered by Roby Brock’s “Clean & Green” team and THV 11.
· Cintas shredding event was covered by the “Clean & Green” team: 14.25 tons were shredded saving 70 trees, 12 cu.ft. of landfill, 29,000 gallons of water and 8 barrels of oil.
· CLPP is no longer active in Sherwood due to an ongoing problem of stolen receptacles.
· Praised Nancy Kirk who has been KSB’s public relations person since inception.
· Commended The Voice for better coverage of Sherwood community activities.
· New Farmers’ Market will kick off June 7.
KAB Commission Minutes
May 23, 2012 – page 4
· Ms. Barnhardt serves on KAB’s Awards Committee. They are developing two new awards, one that will recognize a person with no connections to KAB who supports, promotes and participates in recycling.
Ms. Barnhardt has proposed the idea of a city green economic committee to Mayor Hillman to improve communication between KSB and city government.
Hot Springs/Garland County Beautification Commission
Adam Roberts expanded on his Director’s report for May:
· Great American Greenway Cleanup:
1) 14 cigarette butts were collected compared to 1,000 when the studies began;
2) Pilot study, working with Bronwen Evans of KAB, included cigar waste at 11% compared to cigarette butts; the study will continue.
· Household Hazardous Waste Day included a “Take Back Drugs” event with 165 pounds collected in four hours.
· 500 children participated in Arbor Day event.
· May 20 E-Day Festival was attended by 2,000; appreciation extended to Mr. Phelps for his participation.
· New 3-month CLPP study will begin in June: Several locations will be studied and videotaped – one area with signs, an area with signs and receptacles, and an area with signs, receptacles and a person giving away pocket ashtrays. Bronwen Evans, Director of the CLPP nationally, and her intern will be in Hot Springs to observe.
Keep Van Buren Beautiful
John Pope reported on the following:
· Fort Smith and Van Buren held a joint “River Valley” Cleanup: The two cities provided street sweepers and service workers to clean the Midland Bridge across the AR River.
· A regular cleanup with volunteers was held the following Saturday.
· An E-Waste event was held for the fourth year, filling a 53-foot trailer; USA Truck also assisted with collections from homes of the retired and disabled.
· 4,000 pounds were recycled at a shredding event at the library.
· KVBB is involved with the Verizon cell phone recycling on their Hope line.
· Van Buren has two permanent “Take Back” locations, one added at the Sheriff’s office.
The Commission recessed for 10 minutes, then reconvened.
Randy Frazier relayed an invitation from Congressman Hammerschmidt that Commissioners make a visit to his office. Chairman Lamb requested that Mr. Frazier coordinate a meeting for those that can attend around 1:00 p.m.
Business Items
Unfinished Business
None.
KAB Commission Minutes
May 23, 2012 – page 5
New Business
Prior to scheduled information reports, Mr. Pope recommended a future presentation on the KAB Affiliate process. Ms. Wruck briefly reviewed the initial steps, noting a very prescribed pre-certification process follows. Mr. Pope emphasized the importance of Commissioners being knowledgeable and confident to discuss the issue.
Mr. Phelps stated Commissioners will be provided the same information that is given to interested communities. Mr. Phelps and Mr. Frazier have also prepared a PowerPoint that can be presented at a Commission meeting or provided to Commissioners who have a keen interest in future KAB Affiliation.
Lengthy discussion ensued, resulting in a comment that many communities do not express interest in KAB Affiliation until they have been actively involved in a Keep Arkansas Beautiful cleanup or awards competition.
KAB Information Reports
Reports were presented, as follows:
· Cigarette Litter Prevention – Georgette Garner presented:
1) Distributed information that can be easily accessed at www.kab.org;
2) Bronwen Evans is the contact at KAB;
3) Grants of $1,000 - $5,000 are available again in 2013.
Eureka Springs has been awarded a $1,000 grant since our meeting there in March.
· Waste-In-Place – Betty Shaw stated she had copied the curriculum and lined up a classroom for implementation; however, the program has since been totally revamped. Consequently, she will be attending a workshop at the Keep Texas Beautiful Conference in June and will make her presentation at the July Commission meeting.
Ms. Barnhardt commented that they will be taking the curriculum to the Sherwood schools in September.
· Great American Cleanup – Mangan Holcomb Partners: Stephanie Slagle presented a PowerPoint:
General Information:
1) The Great American Cleanup is the largest annual community improvement program in the nation, beginning in 1985, with 4,500 communities participating today.
2) Different aspects of participation were reviewed;
3) Volunteer participation has doubled to almost 3.8 million since 2001 with the most litter collected in 2006 at 228 million pounds.
Arkansas’ Involvement:
1) Keep Arkansas Beautiful’s involvement began 15 years ago as a requirement of KAB Affiliate certification; Arkansas is now recognized as one of the top Affiliates;
KAB Commission Minutes
May 23, 2012 – page 6
2) Highlights of past showcase events in Morrilton, North Little Rock and Bentonville;
3) Certified Affiliates register with Keep America Beautiful and Keep Arkansas Beautiful;
4) Coordinators’ materials are available online at www.keeparkanbeautiful.com; cleanups are posted to the website calendar; postings and updates are made to the Facebook page (nationally, postings are made to Twitter);
5) Shine logo has been incorporated locally with the Keep America Beautiful logo;
6) Statewide poster contest added for K – 6;
7) Supplies are provided by KAB national sponsors and Keep Arkansas Beautiful;
8) KAB has extended the campaign throughout the year, but Arkansas has opted to stay with the spring campaign, March thru May, for reasons including the continuing credence of the fall Great Arkansas Cleanup and its founder, Carl Garner.
Despite changes over the years, Ms. Slagle stated the main concept remains with individuals coming together to spruce up their neighborhoods, increasing the economic value of their communities and making things more aesthetically pleasing. Preliminary results of the 2012 campaign with wrap-up reports still coming in, are as follows:
· 80 events
· 217,000 pounds of litter collected
· 300 miles of roadway cleaned
· 300 tires recycled
· 100 trees planted
Commissioner Activity Sharing
Congressional District 1
Laurie Black reported:
· AR Federation of Garden Clubs:
1) March 28-29: Attended state convention in Little Rock, sharing KAB material;
2) March 30-31: Attended South Central Region meeting – AR, TX, NM, OK.
· Master Gardeners State Convention was held recently in Monticello; Ms. Black set up a KAB booth for the 4-day conference.
Congressional District 2
Randy Frazier reported:
· Spoke at UCA “Green Week”.
· Scheduled as the keynote speaker at the Master Gardeners Leadership Conference in October.
· During recent visit to England and Scotland, he noted their slogan is “Keep Britain Tidy”, stating they have an interesting program and deal with similar issues as KAB.
KAB Commission Minutes
May 23, 2012 – page 7
Congressional District 4
JeNelle Lipton reported:
· April 27, National Arbor Day: Ms. Lipton organized the Warren event, including planting of two trees, with the school and many others involved in the celebration.
· April 28: Drug “Take Back” event was held with two scheduled annually. The Sheriff plans a permanent drop-off location in the future.
· The pop-tab collection program has been very successful with one school rewarded for filling nine computer paper boxes. Approximately 130 gallons will be delivered to Ronald McDonald House July 25.
· The GFWC will donate 10,000 recycled grocery bags to Helping Hands this year.
· Great American Cleanup event held May 14 – 19 with the landfill open the last day.
· Spoke to a Blytheville group on conservation; encouraged them to enter the Shine Awards competition and participate in the GAmC.
· Spoke to GFWC spring convention about volunteer opportunities during the spring and fall cleanups; she will speak to the board in August.
Dianne Hammond reported:
· Great American Cleanup event held:
1) Lots of response to news ad, including youth, Civitan and other organizations; one business leader has since offered $5.00 for each bag of trash;
2) Drugs “Take Back” was held at the Sheriff and Police Department that has also been made a 24/7 permanent drop-off location.
· Neal Park has been adopted by a local church who monitor and clean it regularly:
1) Budweiser has donated recycle containers and has a presence at all local festivals;
2) Murphy Oil has adopted the neighborhood and offered $5,000 to any homeowner wanting to improve his/her property;
3) The police purchased a home in the area; with a police officer residing in the house, there is no longer a drug problem.