08-14-96BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
Meeting of August 14, 1996
The regular meeting of the Committee was held on Wednesday,
August 14, 1996, in the Conference Room of City Hall. Present
were: June Morris, Vice-Chairperson, Barbara Bonnier, Brenda
Wray, Allison Johnson, Ron Schiebler, City Gardener, and Carl
Walker, Coordinator. Also attending was guest, Kay Lanier.
June Morris, in the absence of Chairman Jack Robbins, called
the meeting to order at 7:30 PM. Barbara Bonner moved to ap-
prove the minutes of the last meeting; Brenda Wray seconded
and the motion carried unanimously.
Carl reported that he had asked the vendors to delay the tree
planting projects until September. The money has been encum-
bered in tYnis year's budget and September is a more desirable
nlOnltll for planting due to weather conditions. It was agreed
that this was a raise decision.
,,,~,, Ron reported on other projects, including the current status
on the sign locations, Ahern Street, the "mailbox" corner,
etc. Carl added that Ron had just completed remulching the
bases of all the trees on the City Hall grounds as well as
trimming the trees, including the palms.
On the subject of beach accesses/street ends, Barbara Bonner
advised that slie had spoken with Mrs. Tucker at 11th Street
but so far nio plan has been submitted for improvements at
that location. It was agreed that Jack Robbins should follow
up. Cax•1 will contact Jack on this. The 4th Street access
has now been completed and it is the intent of the group at
that location to continue improvements on a "phase-in" basis.
The group at 15th Street is making further modifications to
their plan and will be submitting it at a later date. Kay
Lanier asked for some help at the 10th Street access and some
ideas were suggested.
Carl reported on the cux•rent status of the Greenscape grant
for the Atlantic Boulevard medians. It has not yet been be-
fore the City Commission for their final decision as it is
not known what financing will be given the project by City
of Jacksonville and/or others. In the meantime, Carl Yias
been told that Gx•eenscape has requested an extension from
DOT for completion of: the grant agreement.
`" Carl also advised that Jack Robbins had talked to him, at
length by phone, on this subject arnd asked that Carl relay
his findings on this subject. Jack has. spoken with some of
our Commissioners and feels as though the project will be
approved. If this occurs, it will be necessary to take steps
to use the plants already in place and possibly the signs.
Jack was emphatic that if the grant is approved, the monies
should not be taken from the Beautification account and Ron
and Carl should not have to be involved with the project.
Jack wants to make it clear to ail that the planting is not
sponsored or endorsed by the Committee.
June Morris asked for a volunteer to chair the "Fall Bright
Spots" tour. Brenda Wray said she was willing to do so if
a group could be formed in the same manner as the "Spring
Tour". Carl said that Barbara Hopsan had indicated that she
was willing to help; he also said that Robin Soergel would
probably be able to assist again. Allison Johnson volunteered
to help also. The group will meet and work out details to
include a proposed date.
Carl reported on the proposed budget stating he had incorpor-
ated ideas/suggestions made by the committee during the ,year.
The proposal includes changing Ron's position to full time;
tx•ee planting at locations recommended by the Committee; a
shed to house equipment and supplies for Ron; continuation of
the beach access/street end program, and normal supplies re-
quired for implementing and maintaining landscaped areas. He
also included $3500 for the proposed native plant garden at
the intersecection of Seminole and East Coast. That project
is to be delayed due to sewer/starmwater drainage improve-
ments but could be used at another location.
It was reported that the ABET summer camp group had contri-
buted approximately $210 to the beautification fund. Ron re-
commended that this be used for purchase and installation of
two Washingtonian palms to be pJ_aced on either side of the
front of the Community Center. The committee agreed.
There was a brief discussion regarding the upcoming Luminaries
event. June Morris said she could chair if Joanna Fletcher
cauld not do so this year. Other details will be discussed
at the next meeting.
There was no further business and the meeting was adjourned
at 8:55 PM.
Carl Walker
Beautification Coordinator
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