KEEP ARKANSAS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION
Conway Area Chamber of Commerce
900 Oak Street, Conway, Arkansas 72032
August 28, 2001
Commissioners Present:
Linda Westergard, Chairman Carl Garner
Mary Smith Brenda Williams
Commissioners Absent:
Phyllis Jones Peggy Weidman
Sarah Wruck
Staff Present:
Robert Phelps and Brenda Halbert of Keep Arkansas Beautiful
Guests Present:
Richard Davies and Gloria Robins of AR Dept. of Parks and Tourism
Marynell Branch of the Governor’s Office
Steve Holcomb, Sharon Vogelpohl, Lisa Plaquet and Rob Bell of Mangan, Holcomb, Rainwater,
Culpepper
Nicki Harris, Charlotte Nabholz, Terry Starnes, Peggy Crowell, Mozella Flucht, Judy Manley and Jerry Park of Keep Faulkner County Beautiful
Nancy Elphingstone, Executive Director, Conway Area Chamber of Commerce
Former Sen. Stanley Russ
Mayor Jason Donham of Holland
Mayor Frank Pearce of Mayflower
Marie Wilson of Wooster
Matt Webber, Cabot City Beautiful
Call to Order:
Robert Phelps opened the meeting stating that Ms. Westergard had been delayed but would be arriving shortly. Brenda Halbert called the role.
Mr. Phelps welcomed guests. He expressed appreciation to Keep Faulkner County Beautiful and the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce for hosting the meeting. He also expressed thanks to Sen. Russ whose legislation guided the Keep Faulkner County Beautiful movement, noting that KFCB is a signature group that we hold up as an example of what can be done in a community when the civic, private and government sectors work together to improve a community.
Mangan Agency:
In order to accommodate the schedule of the Mangan Agency, Mr. Phelps stated their report would be presented first. Rob Bell opened the presentation, stating that the annual report was presented at the July meeting, with updates as follows:
KArB Commission Minutes
August 28, 2001 – page 2
· Great Arkansas Cleanup – September 8 statewide kickoff with events through October. Two ads to run in state newspapers: 1) event publicity and recruitment;
2) thank you for volunteers and supporters.
· Creative campaign for 2001-02:
1) “Take It Back” song: Plan A: Song with celebrity endorsement, possibly Rev. Al Green; Plan B: Produce the song locally for radio and TV, incorporating beauty spots. After the song is introduced to Arkansans, possibility of utilizing Arkansas musical celebrities.
· KArB Month (April) – A poster was presented detailing an opportunity for KArB to introduce a new campaign strategy for statewide awareness of KArB Month, promoting the three-pronged mission, using the “Take It Back” theme;
Ms. Plaquet reviewed events during KArB Month involving increasing awareness and volunteer participation through media:
· Commission:
Targets
1) Corporate sponsors;
2) Agencies/businesses supporting mission: a) “litter prevention” – Solid Waste Management Districts; b) “recycling” – AR Recycling Coalition; c) “beautification” – gardening departments of retailers along with Master Gardeners;
3) State print and broadcast media – newsletters, newspapers and magazines of AR Electric Coops, ADPT; At Home, Active Years, etc. for articles or inserts regarding KArB Month.
Awards
1) April 12;
2) Pre-awards media blitz – finalists will be announced at the Affiliate Conference in February with news releases to local communities; media appointments booked plus UPN has agreed to do a 30-minute segment on KArB Month;
3) Three booths for each mission in major malls – LR, NLR, Fayetteville, Ft. Smith, Pine Bluff, Jonesboro – activities for children and adults with completion certificate and/or prize.
· Affiliate Network:
1) Tool kit – media materials such as articles, “Take It Back” ad, etc. that can be taken to local media for personalization;
2) Statewide Affiliate Conference – February;
3) Schools/community groups – September: a) “Take It Back”; b) “Clean Getaway” scripts and VHS tapes for performance in April; c) Poster (K-3, 4-6) and essay contests (junior high and high school) – judging, awarding and display in April;
4) Speakers’ Bureau Blitz: October/November procure bookings; packets to be distributed at February conference with workshop; April presentations;
5) Monthly signature event in local Affiliate communities in line with mission.
KArB Commission Minutes
August 28, 2001 – page 3
Ms. Westergard joined the meeting about 9:40 a.m., apologizing for her delay. She stated she had been able to meet with the Agency representatives on the plan just presented and hoped the Commission was pleased with the results.
Ms. Westergard officially called the meeting to order, acknowledging those present as recorded.
Ms. Westergard asked for approval of the minutes, however, Mr. Garner had left the room shortly, and this was delayed for action until a quorum was present.
Executive Director’s Report:
Mr. Phelps presented the KArB Director’s report as follows:
· GAC 2001:
1) Press Conference – attended at Tyson Headquarters in Springdale with 100 attendees including media;
2) State Coordinator Meeting – August 2 in Little Rock; over 70 attendees;
3) 70 events scheduled in 52 counties will begin September 8 with some in October.
· UA Physical Plant reps., Gary Enzor and Ron Edwards, of Fayetteville – meeting to discuss plans for a “litter free” campus proposal and support from KArB.
· Meeting with Mayors of Fayetteville and Springdale – Fayetteville has interest in becoming KAmB Affiliate with Mr. Phelps’s encouragement for surrounding communities to work with Fayetteville in becoming sixth Arkansas KAmB Affiliate.
· KAmB Mid-Year Conference – attended by Mr. Phelps and Nicki Harris from KFCB with wonderful opportunity to network and learn.
· U. S. Army Corps of Engineers change of command ceremony for Col. Benjamin Butler, Little Rock District – attended by Mr. Phelps and Mr. Garner and relayed partnership KArB enjoys with the state Corps., particularly for the GAC campaign.
· Legislative Subcommittee for ADPT – Phelps’s presentation at that meeting in North Arkansas and informal networking with the legislators that oversee our goals to acquaint them with our mission.
· Proposals from Horizon Stewardship Co. to assist in development of KArB, Inc. (Foundation) rejected.
· Volunteer Services Coordinator position – numerous applications; job posting closed; processing and interviewing will begin. Office almost ready with updated computer equipment, and furniture to arrive soon.
· Vendors – procurement and payment delayed somewhat with new AASIS accounting system.
· AR/LA/MS – ADEQ Solid Waste Information Exchange in Monroe will be attended by Mr. Phelps on September 10-11.
· September 27 Commission Meeting – to be hosted by Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs. This showcase botanical garden covers 210 acres including a portion of Lake Hamilton shoreline.
· Commission vacancies update will be presented by Ms. Westergard. Mr. Phelps stated the low attendance today is due in part to two vacancies on the Commission.
KArB Commission Minutes
August 28, 2001 – page 4
· Press clippings shared regarding litter and other KArB points of interest, including the “glass” problem that gained attention from Fulton County and the Spring River, finally culminating in passage of state legislation: 1) Two editorials in Arkansas Times, one of which was read; 2) Arkansas Democrat-Gazette – Tri-Lakes Edition spread on the Great Arkansas Cleanup with Mr. Phelps expressing appreciation for the coverage, stating he hoped it was carried in other editions.
· KArB ad for Weekend Theater – “Masterpiece in Three Acts: Litter Control, Beautification, Recycling – Play Your Part”.
· Arkansas Outdoor Hall of Fame on Friday evening – proud announcement of two out of three inductees, Richard Davies and Carl Garner.
Presentation of Minutes:
Ms. Westergard entertained a motion for approval of the July 28, 2001 minutes as mailed.
Carl Garner made a motion, seconded by Mary Smith, to approve the
July 28, 2001 KArB Commission minutes. The motion passed.
Chairman’s Report:
Ms. Westergard presented her report as follows:
· Meeting between Ms. Westergard, Marynell Branch and Jason Brady of AR State Commissions regarding KArB Commission vacancies created by Messrs. Ridout and Visnosky. Some changes planned with re-appointments will allow for better representation in NE Arkansas with Ms. Wruck having relocated to that area. Vacancies will be: 1) Dist. 4 (formerly in Pine Bluff), representing SE Arkansas; 2) Dist. 2 (formerly in LR), representing Central Arkansas. Update in September.
· Interviews on Ch. 16, Ch. 38 for the Great Arkansas Cleanup and KArB programs.
· Arkansas Volunteer Coordinators Association – hosted meeting of people who lead non-profit agencies in the central area, encouraging participation in GAC 2001.
· Pinnacle Mtn. Rendezvous – third weekend in October; booth space for non-profits with 8,000-10,000 attendees.
· Passed around a cup made from recycled paper that is being used in the national park system. She suggested we consider using them in our state parks.
Ms. Westergard concluded by expressing appreciation to the hosts for allowing the KArB Commission to meet in such a beautiful facility.
Financial Report:
Mr. Phelps presented the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Financial Report ending July 31, 2001 (actual August 7), the first month of the fiscal year, reflecting expenditures of $6,844 or 1% of the annual budget. That amount is about $22,000 less than normal due to backlog on AASIS with
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August 28, 2001 – page 5
Mr. Phelps stating that next month will show a sizable increase in spending. Mr. Phelps also gave a brief explanation of the new accounting system, stating it should be an improved method for accountability and information retrieval.
Ms. Westergard requested approval of the Financial Report.
Mary Smith made a motion, seconded by Brenda Williams to accept the
July 31, 2001 Financial Report as printed (expenditures through August 7).
The motion passed.
Advisory Reports:
ADPT Director’s Office:
Mr. Davies reported as follows:
· Praised efforts of Stanley Russ and Charlotte Nabholz on the statewide effort, not just in Keep Faulkner County, which has been used as an example in other areas.
· Better media coverage noticed for the Great Arkansas Cleanup this year.
· Good coverage for new litter laws, noting in Mr. Phelps’s absence recently he had answered many news requests for information and comments. The next step will be followup by law enforcement.
· Compliment to Mr. Phelps on his presentation to the Joint Interim Committee on Agriculture, Economic Development and Forestry (Parks & Tourism Subcommittee) that met in Mountain Home last week.
· AASIS - The state’s new method of doing business, i.e., accounting, purchasing, employment practices, payroll, etc. for 29,000 people. It has changed the procedures and language of doing things. Mr. Davies serves on the AASIS Steering Committee that meets every Tuesday with all state agencies. It is totally integrated and should be a massive improvement from what we have been accustomed to, although there have been a few negatives in adjustment to the new system.
Governor’s Office:
Ms. Branch reported:
· Litter complaints and related issues received by the Governor’s office – at least ten pieces of communication per week. Some of these will be forwarded to the local KArB Affiliates in the future.
· Musical presentations planned for schools by KArB – suggested these be introduced at the music teachers’ state convention in February; also, recommended that the local cable stations be contacted regarding airing the scripts and/or songs.
Ms. Westergard reminded everyone that Ms. Branch is the keyboard artist with “Capital Offense”, the Governor’s musical group.
KArB Commission Minutes
August 28, 2001 – page 6
Guests Remarks:
Nancy Elphingstone of Conway Area Chamber of Commerce officially welcomed everyone to the Conway Area, presenting everyone a goody bag with information about the area.
Charlotte Nabholz was called upon to give a report on Keep Faulkner County Beautiful. She thanked KFCB Board members for attending. Ms. Nabholz reported as follows:
· KFCB consists of twenty-two members representing most of the towns in Faulkner County.
· KFCB is beginning their third year as an Affiliate.
· Ms. Nabholz distributed a copy of last year’s annual report outlining projects and activities.
· KFCB received two state awards and was influential in litter legislation passed in the spring session.
· Distribution of overview outlining projects for the current year reflecting chairmen of the projects, including two annual cleanups, booth at the Children’s Health Fair in August, litter free events for the year, disposal of hazardous waste drives, beautification including signs and landscaping of town entrances, “clean building program”, and training workshops with assistance from UCA.
· Fall cleanup scheduled for September 15 - county coordinators, Marlene Guyer and Mary Wells, with each town having their own coordinator.
· Solid waste management plan is also being reviewed to alleviate the illegal dumping problem.
· Litter prevention sign project to be expanded with 169 posted throughout the county. (Signs are 18x24 aluminum with reflective background, three-color imprint, at a cost of $17.70 each.) Ms. Nabholz stated they had worked with Dan Flowers of AHTD.
(Mr. Parks reported signs were placed on existing poles where possible, also avoiding placing them at major intersections.)
· Speakers’ bureau committee will be established, hopefully with support from the KArB committee.
Ms. Westergard reported that KArB representatives and supporters will probably appear again before the AR Public Transportation Committee on issues related to our cause. She, therefore, requested written documentation regarding the signage project in Faulkner County for backup support on the litter issue. Jerry Park stated it is all about awareness. Mayor Donham stated he had seen a difference during the spring cleanup after signs had been placed in Holland.
“Littering” stories were shared by Robert Phelps, Charlotte Nabholz and Jerry Park.
Mr. Park stated he felt the new legislation with a lesser fine would make enforcement more feasible. Ms. Nabholz stated the local police are providing KFCB with 90-day reports – the first report reflected five arrests with two of those leading to drug possession arrests also.
Ms. Westergard praised KFCB on their efforts.
Ms. Westergard introduced Matt Webber of Cabot City Beautiful, asking for his comments regarding projects and programs in their area. Mr. Webber reported from the Volunteer
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August 28, 2001 – page 7
Community Award Report, stating that Cabot is not as big an organization as Keep Faulkner County Beautiful, but they are growing with a lot of assistance from the solid waste district, Lee Ann Covington, who is assisting with grants, etc. He asked for a list of projects of KFCB that Cabot might use including the signage program.