Minutes
KEEP ARKANSAS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION
Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism
One Capitol Mall, Suite 4A-319, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
January 27, 2005
Commissioners Present:
Mary Smith, Chairman Laurie Black
Dixie Carlson Randy Frazier
Thurston Lamb Brenda Williams
Sarah Wruck
Commissioners Absent:
Phyllis Jones Gelene MacDowell
Staff Present:
Robert Phelps and Brenda Halbert of Keep Arkansas Beautiful
Guests Present:
Richard Davies and Gloria Robins of Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism
Steve Holcomb, Sharon Vogelpohl, Julie Robbins and Mary Burnett of Mangan Holcomb Rainwater Culpepper
Brian Pugh, City of Fayetteville
Call to Order:
Mary Smith opened the meeting with a prayer at 9:00 a.m. She welcomed guests, and Brenda Halbert called the roll.
Presentation of Minutes:
Ms. Smith stated that corrected page 4 of the November 18, 2004 minutes was included in the Commissioners' packets. She asked if there were any other corrections or additions.
Randy Frazier made a motion, seconded by Thurston Lamb, to approve
the November 18, 2004 KAB Commission Minutes, as corrected. The
motion passed.
Financial Report:
Mr. Phelps presented the Financial Report for the period ending December 31, 2004, reflecting 26% of the annual budget expended.
Thurston Lamb made a motion, seconded by Laurie Black, approving
the KAB Financial Report, as presented, for the period ending
December 31, 2004. The motion passed.
KAB Commission Minutes
January 27, 2005 - page 2
Chairman's Report:
Ms. Smith asked for approval of the KAB Commission Meeting Schedule 2005 as presented at the November, 2004 meeting, noting that the schedule can be changed if a called meeting is needed any time during the year.
Laurie Black made a motion, seconded by Sarah Wruck, to approve
the KAB Commission Meeting Schedule for 2005. The motion passed.
Executive Director's Report:
Mr. Phelps reported on the following:
· Announcements:
1. TR1 - complete, sign and turn in.
2. Per diem: Currently $70 with a possible maximum of $75; action required:
Sarah Wruck made a motion, seconded by Laurie Black, for the
per diem to remain at $70 for KAB Commissioners. The motion
passed.
3. Volunteer Hours Report: Commissioners should record volunteer hours monthly and attach to TR1.
4. Financial Statement to Secretary of State's Office by the end of the month.
5. 2005 Calendar of Events.
· Information:
1. Legislative Update: Reviewed eleven Senate and House bills pertinent to the KAB mission, focusing on HB1016 "… to amend the penalties for violations of the litter control act to allow … a fine between one hundred dollars and one thousand dollars … community punishment optional … remove the option for jail time"; and SB210 with the exception that it retains "mandated community service".
2. Legislative Dinner "Promises Made, Promises Kept" sponsored by 1/8 cent conservation tax partners at Rick's Armory on February 7 at 6:30 p.m. KAB is totally funded by this tax revenue, receiving 1 cent for each $800 in sales.
3. 2005 Awards deadline February 11; reported on status of entries and sponsors, encouraging Commissioners to remind everyone of the cash award for finalists.
4. Awards Luncheon set April 28 as a stand-alone event at the Doubletree with special guest Governor Mike Huckabee.
5. KAB and CAN training in lieu of Statewide Conference in 2005; future plans call for alternating the Awards ceremony and Statewide Conference, next scheduled for 2006.
(General discussion followed regarding the feasibility of continuing the conference, considering the cost and effort; Mr. Holcomb addressed the issue from a marketable standpoint.)
KAB Commission Minutes
January 27, 2005 - page 3
6. KAB Affiliate re-certification/new communities certification: Community development meetings have been held between Mr. Singleton and all communities in
Pulaski County, including Little Rock City Beautiful Commission and Judge Villines of Keep Pulaski County Beautiful. Keep America Beautiful Affiliate training will be conducted by Keep Arkansas Beautiful. The Great American Cleanup "Mow Across
America" event has also stimulated Bentonville's interest in becoming a KAB Affiliate.
7. KAB/Wrigley's Greenup: Morrilton High School was selected as 1 of 14 finalists (out of 300 schools participating) in the Wrigley's Greenup competition, thanks to Bill Stacks, the Chamber of Commerce, school administration and staff and other local leaders. They
are entitled to up to $10,000 in grant money as well as a concert presented by American
Idol if selected as a winner.
8. Hot Springs/Garland County Beautification Commission: Mr. Phelps attended the
retirement party of Julie Dickson in December. We are working with the Commission on reorganization. They have requested a grant in the amount of $237.50 to pay for one-half of a booth at their garden show with Mr. Phelps requesting action on this issue. (Mary
Smith asked for two Commissioners to serve on the Grant Committee: Sarah Wruck and Laurie Black volunteered to serve.)
9. Overview of the Great American Cleanup 2005: Events will take place March through May with supplies distributed by the KAB office.
10. Great Arkansas Cleanup 2004: Final report reflected 22,992 volunteers (considerably more than 2003), 54 counties participating with 199 events; 4,016,910 estimated pounds of trash collected with 1/4 of the items recycled.
11. Governor's Conference on Tourism to be held March 6-8 in Little Rock at the Robinson Center and Doubletree: Requested that Commissioners advise of their
attendance plans and need for lodging to the KAB office. The KAB Foundation will
host the Tuesday "Waste Free" break, KAB Staff and Commissioners will present the "Trashy Style Show" to educate and stimulate, as well as partnering in a workshop, "Drama on a Dime - Cost Effective Curb Appeal" with Bob Byers of Garvan Woodland Gardens.
12. Governor Huckabee has mandated state employees who attend conferences out of state to invite these organizations to schedule conferences in Arkansas; KAB will be submitting a request to host the Keep America Beautiful Mid-Year Conference in 2006 or 2007.
13. Fort Smith: Our thoughts and prayers are with our friends there with Dan Reikes terminally ill and Phyllis Bone's son in Iraq.
14. AR Parks Volunteer study reflected KAB having a volunteer value of $3,372,647,
resulting in a cost-benefit to state and its communities of $6.80 per $1 program cost.
15. Governor's Council on Litter Prevention and litter hotline:
a) December 14 press conference to introduce new litter reporting number 1-866- 811-1222: attended by First Lady Janet Huckabee, Chairman Mary P. "Prissy" Hickerson of the Arkansas State Highway Commission and other dignitaries (shared press kits with Commissioners);
b) Laminated litter law to all law enforcement officers in the state to include in their
ticket pad;
c) Static cling transfers with litter hotline available from KAB;
d) License plate holders with litter hotline from KAB;
e) Highway signs with new number will be posted by AHTD;
KAB Commission Minutes
January 27, 2005 - page 4
f) Hotline number and other efforts are to curb littering behavior: The information is
documented by AR Highway Police, a letter is sent from the Governor's Council, the
KAB toll free number is reflected for those who have questions or deny the allegation.
Eighty-five reports were received the first three weeks (the first call within hours of
implementation of the hotline) with KAB receiving approximately five calls from
recipients of the letter;
g) Getting the word out: Static clings, license holders and other information will be distributed to ADPT Welcome Centers, Parks, AGFC Nature Centers, State Agencies and the Legislative Dinner; additionally, NCSA and KAB advertising spots will begin in the spring to encourage use of the litter reporting number, and we will partner with AHTD and other agencies in media.
16. Website: Re-development and re-design with a projected completion date of 2007.
(Ms. Halbert presented a brief update of website short-term changes and long-term vision based on review by a website committee composed of Commissioners and KAB staff, followed by a meeting of KAB Staff and MHRC representatives in October, 2004. She stated it is hoped the site will become more user friendly, easier to navigate and more pleasing to the eye with a focus on the home page as the first area visitors see. She encouraged suggestions from Commissioners after they have had an opportunity to review the printed material and/or website.) A meeting will be scheduled with Aristotle in the near future.
17. "Lay Your Hammer Down" commencement address: Shared with you in November and implore you to read again. It addresses the growing trend of lack of civility and rancor by the public. Mr. Phelps expressed dismay at how rampant
uncivil attitudes have become, citing such behavior as driver rage and other areas of society. He stressed the importance of showing respect to government officials and candidates for political office, regardless of one's personal political affiliations. Despite differences that individualize us, i.e., education, faith, income, etc., we have a bound responsibility to represent KAB and the State of Arkansas in a most gracious and hospitable manner, both privately and publicly. (Mr. Frazier referred to the book, blink, which focused on psychological testing and results regarding people's attitudes and how they are primed by choice and use of words.)
· Keep Arkansas Beautiful Foundation:
1. NCSA new contract year.
2. 2004 ratio/benefit to cost results: $13.15 per $1 spent.
Program Services:
See Executive Director's Report.
Advisory Reports:
Richard Davies reported:
· Current Legislative Session update, stating that Mr. Phelps is staying on top of things relative to KAB.
KAB Commission Minutes
January 27, 2005 - page 5
· Two handouts shared:
1. "ADPT Mission and Organizational Chart";
2. "Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism 2005 Facts": brochure highlighting each division, mission, history, contact information, boards.
Mangan Holcomb Rainwater Culpepper:
Julie Robbins presented the MHRC report as follows:
· News clips: Available in March.
· The Keepsake: Next issue ready for the Governor's Conference.
· "Trashy Style Show": New coats will be ready for the event at the Governor's Conference.
· KAB Awards 2005: Issued "calling for entries" news release to all state newspapers.
· New litter hotline campaign/promotion:
1. 1-866-811-1222: New radio jingle to promote and help listeners remember number;
2. Partnering with other agencies, i.e., AHTD on promotional items, including outdoor boards;
3. Static clings (under reprint) and license plate holders.
· MHRC and KAB meeting next week for strategy between now and June 30, as well as mid-year planning, regarding the Awards, anti-litter campaign, newsletter, website, etc.
· MHRC produced some creative work for KAB's participation in the Legislative Dinner.
· 2004 GAC News Release: Issued results of the Great Arkansas Cleanup.
· History Channel program on the recycling industry praised: It is hoped KAB can add this to our library.
· Silver Microphone Award 2004: MHRC national finalist in the Public Service Category for KAB's "Cigarette Fairy" campaign.
Ms. Robbins thanked the Commission for allowing MHRC to do their creative work. Sharon Vogelpohl concluded, stating that MHRC would continue implementation of the strategic plan for the remaining year with Ms. Burnett working primarily on the advertising and production side and Ms. Robbins continuing to focus on public relations. Ms. Burnett said she was honored to be working with the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission and staff on behalf of Mangan Holcomb Rainwater Culpepper.
Congressional District Reports:
Commissioner-At-Large:
Ms. Wruck reported on the following:
· Arkansas State Forestry Commission Awards Luncheon December 2: Presented KAB Litter Law Enforcement Award of the Year, along with Glock certificate, to District 1 Forest Ranger, James L. Jones, recapping his record:
1. Opened 41 illegal dumping cases in 2004, closing all but 2 cases;
2. Wrote 19 citations, resulting in 11 guilty pleas;
3. 28 illegal dumping sites were cleaned by defendants as part of their sentences.
KAB Commission Minutes
January 27, 2005 - page 6
· Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Beautification Facilities Board (oversees Pine Bluff Clean and Beautiful Commission): Will be sworn in as a member next week.
· Recycling: Trinity Episcopal Church in Pine Bluff has re-started a recycling program for white paper, newspapers, aluminum cans with first trip to the recycle center yesterday.
· Wrightsville: Noticed significant improvement in the cleanliness of Wrightsville when driving through that community yesterday.
Congressional District 4:
Laurie Black reported:
· Litter bags: Wants KAB to make these available at state Welcome Centers, suggesting we partner with AHTD. (Ms. Smith recommended we obtain sponsors to defray cost.)
· Recycled newspapers are great to use on garden paths during rainy season.
· AR Federation of Garden Clubs Conference in November: Re-elected Southeast District Director which is a great opportunity to travel to 11 garden clubs in her area and speak and promote the KAB mission.
· Commended KAB office staff for an excellent job on the "litter hotline" press kits.
Mary Smith expressed appreciation for the opportunity to attend the Keep America Beautiful Annual Conference in December and deferred a complete report to Mr. Singleton in March.
Congressional District 1:
Brenda Williams reported that she had talked to the new Searcy County Judge and hopes to meet with him in the near future regarding involvement in the Great Arkansas Cleanup in the fall. Roy Ragland is a new State Representative from the district, is a good friend and will listen to us regarding KAB issues.
Congressional District 2:
Randy Frazier opened his remarks by commending the KAB staff for their great work, reporting as follows:
· December 16 Governor's Board orientation: Mr. Frazier attended along with Dr. Lamb and Dixie Carlson.
· Lake Maumelle District: Mr. Frazier, as a landowner, has been asked to write a testimonial about the clean water, etc.
· Litter law: Original understanding that all commissioned officers could enforce litter laws in the state, then received information to the contrary regarding jurisdiction. Would like to draft a letter for an opinion by the Attorney General to clarify the jurisdiction issue of Arkansas Code 8-6-412 of 1999, amended by Act 386. When an opinion is rendered,
Mr. Frazier would like to convey the appropriate information to the Law Enforcement Training Academy in Camden.
KAB Commission Minutes
January 27, 2005 - page 7
Randy Frazier made a motion, seconded by Laurie Black, to float