03-14-01AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING OF
BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE
March 14, 2001
7:30 p.m.
City Hall Conference Room
1. Call to Order
2. Recognition of Visitors
3. Approval of Minutes of February 7, 2001
4. Old Business
A. Discussion with Commissioner Beaver
B. Update on Landscaped Areas
C. Sailfish Drive
D. Francis Street
5. New Business
A. 8~' Street Beach Access Presentation
B. Greenscape Tree Sale
6. Announcements/Reports
7. Adjournment
MINUTES OF
BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE
March 14, 2001
A regular meeting of the Beautification Committee was held Wednesday, March 14, 2001, in the
City Hall Conference Room. Present were Chairperson Jody Richards, Mimi Ames, Dee Carter,
Commissioner Rick Beaver, Parks and Recreation Director Timmy Johnson, Beautification
Division Chief Terry Putnam and Staff Member Susan Dunham.
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:40 p.m.
Discussion was held with regard to whether or not the meeting could be held due to the fact that
only three members were present. Chairperson Richards determined that since three members
and a commissioner were present, the meeting would be held.
2. Recognition of Visitors
Mr. Al Vedro and Mr. John Wasloski of Le Chateau Condominiums introduced themselves.
3. Approval of Minutes of February 7, 2001
A motion was made by Committee Member Ames, seconded by Committee Member Carter
and unanimously carried to approve the Minutes of February 7, 2001.
'~ 5. New Business
A. 8t" Street Beach Access: This item was moved to the beginning of the Agenda at the
request of the Chairperson.
Mr. Al Vedro distributed a proposal for beautifying the 8~' Street beach access. Chairperson
Richards asked Mr. Vedro what their objective was and how they came up with the plant
selection. Mr. Vedro responded that he wanted the access to look beautiful and would like the
plantings to grow to the top of the fence on each side of the walkway (6 feet tall on the north side
and 3.5 feet tall on the south side).
Discussion was held with regard to the stormwater project and how it would affect this beach
access. Mr. Johnson stated that he would check with the Public Works Director, Bob Kosoy, to
confirm whether or not any work will be performed at the 8~' Street beach access.
Discussion was held with regard to the size of the planting area (3 feet on the north side and 22
inches on the south side) and whether or not ligustnxm would be the best choice for this area.
Mr. Vedro advised that the homeowners of Le Chateau Condominiums would be responsible for
the ongoing maintenance of the 8~` Street beach access. Commissioner Beaver advised Mr. Vedro
that the City Manager would most likely want adocument stating that the homeowners will
maintain the beach access. Mr. Vedro further stated that he would like the City's approval of the
landscaping plan, the City to provide the water for irrigation and the City to pay for one-half of
the cost of this project.
Discussion was held with regard to how much the ligustrum could be cut back and whether or not
~'`~"' it would diminish the life cycle of the shrub. Mr. Vedro stated that they were not committed to
any particular plant and would be glad to entertain any suggestions made by the Committee.
Minutes of Beautification Committee
March 14, 2001
Page 2
Commissioner Beaver stated that the ligustrum is a good choice. He further stated that the
ligustrum may have some. decline from being cut back but they would survive at least 20 years.
Chairperson Richards stated that the Committee would like an opportunity to look at this area and
would take the request under consideration.
Mr. Vedro also advised the Committee that they would like to install plants and irrigation in the
dunes at the end of the boardwalk but will work with Department of Environmental Protection for
approval of this portion of the project.
4. Old Business
A. Discussion with Commissioner Beaver: Commissioner Beaver advised that he wanted to
follow up on the last Beautification Committee meeting. He stated that at that meeting he asked
the Committee members how this Committee could be useful to the City and to redefine the
charter.
Committee Member Carter asked Commissioner Beaver, `What is the Committee's purpose?"
Commissioner Beaver responded that right now the Committee does not have a real definition of
its purpose. He stated that he thinks there should be five or seven members from different areas
of expertise and they should be appointed for a term. Commissioner Beaver advised that at this
time, anyone who comes to this meeting is a member of the Committee.
Committee Member Carter stated that she would personally like to bring ideas to the Committee
for anything that would beautify Atlantic Beach.
Visitor Pat Pillmore asked Commissioner Beaver what did he as a commissioner need from this
Committee. Commissioner Beaver responded that the original committee was designed for
citizens to help make the City look better. The members came up with the ideas and did the
planting. He stated that things have now changed; the City is now being run like a busyness. The
City now designates money to make the City more attractive and personnel have been hired to
plant and maintain those plantings. Commissioner Beaver stated that he thinks the Committee
should look at the City as a whole and make recommendations on certain areas to be beautified.
He further stated that throughout the year, the Committee should pick areas to be beautified so
that at budget time the Committee is ready to request monies to beautify these areas.
Commissioner Beaver also recommended that the Committee become a resource for the
community, i.e., send out newsletters, hold quarterly seminars, talk to citizens about pruning,
fertilization, etc., to help them beautify their own yards.
Mr. Johnson stated that it would make staff's job easier if the Committee made recommendations
to them. He also stated that volunteer help would be beneficial since his staff is limited.
Chairperson Richards stated that the original design of the Committee was to be an advisory
group to the Commission. The current Committee lacks professional knowledge. She
recommended that the Committee bring in members who are trained in land design, landscape,
irrigation, etc. Visitor Pat Pillmore stated that the Committee also needs concerned citizens.
Visitor Sam Barnett stated that she was at this meeting to discuss a maintenance problem with the
,,,~,,, Selva Marina Drive medians.. Ms. Barnett stated that no one rakes the leaves when they fall so
that the grass dies and they are left with a sand pit. In addition, no one enforces the "No Parking"
Minutes of Beautification Committee
March 14, 2001
Page 3
.,
signs in the medians. Ms. Barnett stated that she has spoken with the Director of Public Works,
Bob Kosoy, who states that he cannot do the work requested. Mr. Johnson stated that he would
talk with Director of Public Works Bob Kosoy, Chief of Police David Thompson and the Code
Enforcement Officer Alex Sherrer to see if they could provide assistance.
B. Update on Landscaped Areas: Ms. Putnam stated that the beds located at the five-way stop,
Ahern, Atlantic/Seminole Road and the Police Station have been weeded, amended and are ready
to plant. Ms. Putnam suggested using pine straw instead of mulch since pine straw is a renewable
resource and will not reduce the Ph in the soil. Discussion was held with regard to what types of
flowers can be planted this time of year. Ms. Putnam stated that she would order the flowers
tomorrow. Another discussion ensued with regard to the high Ph level in the soil at the 8~' Street
beach access. Chairperson Richards suggested that the soil should be replaced and that Ms.
Putnam should check the Ph level of the water being used for irrigation.
C. Sailfish Drive: Ms. Putnam advised the Committee that the paperwork to proceed with
planting trees on Sailfish Drive has been sent to the City Manager for approval. She stated due to
an issue of trees to be replaced on Seminole Road (the same contractor is being used), Sailfish
Drive has been placed on hold until the Seminole Road work is complete. Ms. Putnam further
advised that the area has been mowed, edged, the palm trees trimmed and weed/feed has been put
in place so the area is ready to plant.
D. Francis Street: Ms. Putnam will attempt to plant the trees on Francis Street the same day as
Sailfish Drive. Discussion was held with regard to what type of trees to plant at this location.
The Committee determined that crape myrtles with a variety of colors would be planted.
5. New Business
A. 8a' Street Beach Access Presentation: This item was moved to the beginning of the
Agenda at the request of the Chairperson.
B. Greenscape Tree Sale: Ms. Putnam advised the Committee that the Greenscape Tree Sale
would be held March 31 in Town Center. She also advised that the City gave Greenscape $500 to
assist with the tree sale.
6. Announcements/Reports
Chairperson Richards requested that the Committee members review the 8r`' Street beach access.
She also stated that she questions their planting material due to the limited planting area.
Chairperson Richards asked the Committee members and Ms. Putnam to make alternative
planting recommendations.
Chairperson Richards asked all the committee members to make a list of people with pertinent
expertise who might be willing to become members of the Beautification Committee.
Chairperson Richards suggested that the Committee members think about and be ready to discuss
the following at the next Beautification Committee meeting:
1. Decide how many people should serve on the Committee and prepare a set of guidelines with
regard to how long each person would serve;
2. Committee members to present five new areas to be beautified (if there axe any other areas);
3. Schedule public information seminars.
. .
Minutes of Beautification Committee
March 14, 2001
Page 4
^~..
Chairperson Richards stated that she was very much against the Committee becoming a Board
because the Commission appoints the people who serve on the Boards. She stated that she would
prefer to maintain a citizens' committee with people that the Committee chooses. She further
stated that this would allow the Committee input into the community that the Committee might
not have with Board appointees.
Chairperson Richards asked that Ms. Putnam bring to the next meeting a list of speakers and
topics so the Committee can begin scheduling public seminars. Chairperson Richards also
suggested that Ms. Putnam contact Committee members if she needs assistance.
Chairperson Richards reminded the Committee that the Committee is subject to the sunshine laws
and should not discuss business amongst themselves unless it is in a public forum.
7. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 10:04 p.m.
8th Street Beach Access Beautification Proposal
F
The ad hoc committee for the beautification of the 8th Street Beach Access was
formed by AI Vedro and John Wasloski of Le Chateau Condominium, 701 Beach
Avenue. Post cards were sent to all residents of the block bounded by Beach Avenue,
Club Drive, Ocean Boulevard, 8th Street, and the six North side condominium owners
of Le Chateau, inviting them to a planning meeting at Adele Grage Community- Center
on Saturday, February 24.
In addition to Messrs Vedro and Wasloski, only one other person attended, Robert
Hines of 880 Beach Avenue. However, Mr. Hines also attended on behalf of two of his
neighbors, Philip Corp and William Thompson, who were very interested but unable to
come to the meeting.
Discussion centered on the limitations of what could be accomplished at the 8th Street
Access. The 180' space is a narrow corridor containing a wooden board walk that is
bordered on the North side by a solid 6' fence and on the South side by a decorative
3' fence. The spaces between the edge of the board walk and the fences are 3' on the
North and 22" on the South.
Consequently, the challenge is to choose a planting that is salt, wind, and sun tolerant
but also one that can be maintained attractively within the narrow confines of the
Access. There was immediate and unanimous agreement that the best "look" would
be a hedge that could be trained and trimmed to a height just below each of the
fences.
Messrs Vedro and Wasloski had spoken with shrub specialists at Plant Ranch Nursery
and Second Hand Rose Nursery to garner a list of salt, sun, and wind tolerant
possibilities and presented them for discussion at the meeting.
Pittosporum was ruled out because it tends to grow bushy and would immediately
crowd the board walk. Keeping it cut back would result in a leggy, woody
appearance.
Eleagnus and Majestic Beauty Hawthorn were ruled out because of their sprawling
characteristics: 8-10 feet in height and breadth and the difficulty to maintain them at
smaller sizes.
Indian Hawthorn was ruled out because of its height limitations: 3' at best.
We discovered Escallonia in a gardening encyclopedia and were impressed because
it was described as a shrub "that thrives at the seaside." However, further
investigation with nursery representatives and the USDA Field Office suggested that it
is rare in this area and is better suited to southern California. It would be a risky
"'' undertaking to select it.
The best candidate to meet the unique requirements of the 8th Street Beach Access
seems to be LIGUSTRUM.
L. japonicurn is afast-growing (1 to 2 feet a year), pest-free shrub that is extensively
used in the South and West as a screen, shrub border, hedge, and foundation-hiding
plant. It is an attractive plant with clusters of pungent white flowers in the summer,
followed by small blue-black berries that cling for many months.
Notable for its gleaming dark green foliage, it resists cold exceptionally well and
reaches a maximum height of 6 feet in six to eight years. It thrives in sun or shade in
any soil and is noted for its tolerance of difficult conditions- poor soil, drought and
neglect. Fertilizer is seldom needed unless the usually rapid growth seems
abnormally slow. Pruning maintenance is easy to achieve a formal shape such as a
hedge.
A survey of beach front properties in Atlantic Beach revealed ubiquitous plantings of
Ligustrum.
PR~P4SAL
Accompanying this Proposal are computer generated "before and after" images of the
°"`°' Beach Access from both the Beach. Avenue point of view and the Ocean point of view
in its current state and after the proposed planting.
Because there. already exists a large planting of Pittosporum at the Beach
Avenue entrance, with additional plantings in the coming weeks by Le Chateau
Condominium on its property in an extended planter area, we propose
additional Pittosporum to frame the entrance: 4 to 6 7-gallon plants. (The palm
suckers at the base of the. existing palm trees should be removed.)
2. 120 3-gallon Ligustrum planted on 3' centers, 60 down each side of the board
walk.
3. Two straight lines (one each side) of 1/2" PVC irrigation piping with one low-
flow bubbler at the base of each plant.
Additional possibilities
Long time residents have reported that the beach renourishment scheduled for this
spring will bring the sand up to the second step on the boardwalk stairs. If we can get
permission from the State, we would like to plant "flora sun' Beach Sunflower in the
sand on both sides. Initially some irrigation would be required (extension of the lines
described above) which can be terminated once they have established.
Estimated Cost
6 Pittosporum ~ $25 $ 150.00
120 Ligustrum ~ $9.00 1,080.00
360' 1 /2" PVC 75.00
120 "T" fittings a~ .50 60.00
120 Bubblers @ .75 90.00
1 Irrigation Timer 100.00
1 lot Miscellaneous (PVC cement, stakes, tie-downs, etc) 100.00
Labor (est) 05 0.00
Total approximate cost $2155.00
Maintenance
Le Chateau Condominium Association proposes to absorb the cost of keeping the
Ligustrum trimmed, assigning this task to its Landscape and Maintenance vendor
because the increase to the service contract with the vendor will be minimal. This
proposal assumes that per Item #11 in the Beautification Program specifications, the
,,,, City will match 5000 of the additional fee up to $300 per year.
Submitted for your approval.
8th Street Beach Access Beautification Committee
John Wasloski, Chair
Phil Corp, Vice Chair
Bob Hines, Treasurer
AI Vedro, Secretary
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