BEAUTIFICATION BOARD
REGULAR MEETING
A
Regular Meeting of the Beautification Board was held on
Chairperson
Hale called the meeting to order at
Judy Hale – Chair Andrea Rice
Martha
Carroll, Vice Chair
Elizabeth
Mars
Paula
Collins
Council Member Leo Nicholas
Council Member Shannon Roberts (Arrived
Bennett Boucher, City Manager
Andrea Bowers, City Treasurer
Kay McKee, Supervisor, Streets Department
Ed Lawson, Staff Representative
The
board unanimously approved to adopt the minutes of the Regular Meeting of
REPORTS:
City Report: Kay McKee
Kay McKee reviewed the August
2007 City Report which is attached and made part of these minutes. There was discussion on the time schedule of
decorative flags. Ms. Hale remarked that
some of the flags were beginning to look rather worn. Ms. McKee recommended that they be changed
out 4 times a year and that doing this would preclude banners from being up
twice in one year. Ms. Hale suggested
that a new schedule be prepared for vote at next months meeting. Staff will prepare a new schedule for review
at the October meeting.
1. DISCUSSION RE:
Moment of Silence – The board and audience observed a moment of silence for the victims of
2. DISCUSSION RE: Bennix Fund Expenditures – Andrea Bowers, City Treasurer
provided the board with the expenditures of the William Bennix Fund from its
beginning. She indicated that council
has indicated that more of the monies are needed for maintenance. Council member Roberts stated that the
council would take a look at recommended new projects. Ms. Bowers stated that the Beautification
Board has done a lot of projects and now more funds are being used for
maintaining current completed beautification projects. Ms. Hale expressed what bothered the board
was the amount the board had to consider for use. She indicated that it would
be nice to know what they have for consideration. Ms. McKee informed the board that there is a
lot of dollars saved by the city workers doing most of the planting of flowers
throughout the city. Ms. Mars asked if there was a way the board could get
provided a monthly recap of account activity.
Ms. Bowers indicated that her office could provide this
information. Ms. Roberts asked who
decides what is planted and where things are planted. Ms. McKee responded that what is planted
depends on the season and where it is planted is that there are several places
that were predetermined when Mr. Bennix was alive and a couple additions have
been added throughout the years. Ms. Roberts also stated that some of the
citizens have also remarked that it appears that the city plants a lot of
palms. Ms. Hale responded that there are several varieties of trees that have
been planted throughout the city. Ms.
Carroll stated that she too has made the same observation. She also stated that she was told that the
easements and underground utilities are defining factors as to what can and
cannot be planted.
3. DISCUSSION RE:
Updated “We Noticed” Recipient List
– Staff
provided the board with an updated list.
4. DISCUSSION
RE: Benches for City Parks and Bus Stops – Staff asked that the board
consider tabling this item until the October meeting at the request of Robert Lefever, Acting Recreation Director. He would like to
discuss his ideas with the board and hear their ideas. Ms. Roberts indicated that he would like to
inquire if the board would be interested in helping obtain tiered bleachers for
spectators at the ballparks. Ms. Roberts
stated that she thought the board might want to consider more decorative
benches as a beautification effort throughout the city. Ms. Hale stated that a citizen has made
benches at several bus stops. Mr.
Boucher stated that DOT will not allow anything in their “clear zone”. He also stated that several attempts have been
made to obtain easements from property owners in order to place bus stop
shelters outside the rights-of-way.
However, the property owners are not willing to give up their parking
areas. He reiterated the tax reform
issue that is playing a big factor in completing projects that are now on hold
until after January 08.
5. DISCUSSION RE: Replica Shuttle – Staff reported that they had
contacted the regional office for McDonald’s in Cocoa and is awaiting a
response for a point-of-contact name for gathering information on the cost of
the replica shuttle located at the McDonald’s playground on Merritt Island. Mr.
Boucher stated if the board still wishes to pursue they should make a
recommendation for council’s consideration.
6. DISCUSSION RE: Beautification Board Awards Schedule
Update – Staff
provided the updated Awards Schedule.
OPEN – Staff provided for information a city coin
project. The board liked the idea and
asked that this be an agenda item for October for further discussion.
Ms.
Roberts informed the board that someone in the community is using the gazebo
area to clean fish. Ms. Hale stated that
this is something that the citizens should report to the authorities. Ms. Roberts responded that this has been
tried, however, the authorities indicated that they couldn’t enforce because
there is nothing indicating that it is not allowed. Mr. Boucher indicated that staff would
monitor this.
Ms.
McKee reported that the city had received signs concerning Manatee safety
zones. She indicated that Fish and
Wildlife should be contacted if anyone should observe abuse of Manatee.
Mr.
Boucher indicated that we should “think green” when planning future projects.
ADJOURNMENT
With
no further business to conduct, the chair adjourned the meeting at
Approved this________________ day of
________________, 2007.
___________________________
Judy
Hale, Chairperson
ATTEST:
___________________________
Ed Lawson, Secretary