BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION
Annual Report 2001
BRIEF HISTORY
The Beautification Commission has been in existence since February of 1974. The Commissioners are volunteers appointed by the City. In its infant years its function was usually that of an advisory group, although it worked on several major impact projects. In 1979, it was essential in efforts to secure the leasing of what is now known as the "Hazel Ruby McQuain Park." Examples of other projects from earlier years were the Downtown trees; the initial development of the Westover planting; an awards program; and planters in the Downtown and in front of City Hall. During the 70's and early 80's the Commission worked under the guidance of Barbara Starcher, W.A. Van Eck, and City Manger George DeFrench. Then David Utterback, Betty McClain and Dr. Edith Levy chaired the Beautification Commission for several years. The Commission also initiated the printing of the brochure "Morgantown Neighborhoods". Last revised in 1984, it is still being utilized. In 1998, City Council recognized a need and reorganized the Commission asking that professionals in certain fields be required on the roster. With this change new ideas were introduced and new paths opened for the approach to beautification issues. Dr. William MacDonald has chaired the 13 member volunteer Commission since that time.
RESOURCES
In addition to advising the City, Parking Authority, and BOPARC on Beautification Projects, the Commission has accepted new responsibilities with its reorganization. The Commission explores potential sites, develops projects, and contracts maintenance for all its own projects. With continued funding from the City, the Commission contracts with a company that provides intermittent or continuous maintenance on an as need basis year round. The Contractor works closely with the staff in the City Manager's Office. The Public Works Department provides a truck which is used for watering and hauling. Several small pieces of lawn and garden equipment are owned by the Commission and utilized by the contractor.
2001 EVENTS
The fruits of the previous three years of Beautification Commission restructuring materialized in 2001. Rehabilitation of poorly attended project sites in 1998 - 2000 coupled with a successful maintenance program in 2001, has given the City a sense of beauty greatly appreciated by residents and visitors.
Currently there are thirty-two project sites maintained by Commission staff and volunteers. (see an attached list). Although the projects are beautiful and pleasing to the eye it should be noted that when plants are selected they are site specific with drought tolerance in mind.
Of these planted sites, there is a total of 14 located in the various neighborhoods. Ten locations are cared for by 15 sustained volunteers. The Commission staff maintains the other 4 neighborhood sites and when possible provides assistance to the volunteers upon request.
The remaining 18 project sites are located in the business districts, including the airport area. In 2001 two-new sites, the Wharf District and Beechurst Ave. lamppost baskets, were added.
This year the Commission utilized fifty-two volunteers to plant the Downtown baskets and place decorations for the holiday season. Including the new additions in 2001, the City now maintains 34 lamppost baskets and 22 hayrack planters.
The most recent site redeveloped by the Commission was at the Westover Bridge gateway. A short wall was installed to replace the old, rotting railroad ties which previously defined the area around the blue spruce. A low maintenance planting of trees, shrubs and perennials were also added.
Each year the Beautification Commission works with the Monongalia County Extension Office/Master Gardeners to obtain free bulbs from the America the Beautiful Fund. In 2000 and 2001, 15,000 bulbs per year were obtained for the program and in the spring staff and several dozen volunteers planted them at various sites throughout Monongalia County.
As an indicator of the size of the City's projects, just this year more than 350 cubic yards of mulch was disbursed at the City's project sites. [1 yard of mulch fills the bed of a pickup truck]. This is just an estimate as some tandem trucks haul more than 60 cubic yards at a time.
In addition to the before mentioned projects, the Beautification Commission has lent support to the Morgantown Tree Board's efforts in the City. The Tree Board coordinates new tree plantings and maintenance/pruning, and then the Commission staff assists with watering, fertilization, and some pruning. At last count it was estimated that the staff cared for at least 335 trees.
Staff and volunteers provided citizens with a walking tour of the Downtown plantings for the first time this year. A list of the names of flowers in the containers was compiled and made available for the public. The lists were given out during the tour.
The Proud of Our Town Awards Ceremony was held on May 25th. These awards are given to individuals, businesses, and organizations that exhibit exceptional landscapes and gardens as determined by a group of horticultural professionals. At the May ceremony awards were presented to five different individuals.
The Beautification Commission also coordinates efforts for the "City Adopt a Street Program". Currently there are 42 groups helping to keep the City clean. In previous years there have been as many as 60 groups in this program. The numbers vary each year because of the turn over in sororities and fraternities. The program asks that the groups clean their areas on a monthly basis.
FORECAST
In 2002, the Commission plans to continue the recently established programs and to expand to include some innovative educational sessions.
PROJECT SITES -- JULY 2001
MORGANTOWN TREE BOARD TREES