BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2007

4:30 PM

Public Service Building

The meeting was called to order by President, Kara Hurst, at 4:30 PM. Those in attendance included: David Burnett (Tree Board), Neva Gocke, Kara Hurst, Julie Lattanzi, Bill MacDonald, Marchetta Maupin, Don Spencer, Annette Tanner. WVU students Elaine Miller and Jessica Paolucci also attended.

1. APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER MINUTES: The November minutes were approved as written.

2. INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS: The Commission introduced and welcomed new members, Julie Lattanzi and Annette Tanner.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

A. MARINA LANDSCAPING: The marina landscaping project is nearing completion. While it has not been determined who will ultimately be responsible for this project, it is believed that the responsibility will be Marchetta’s.

B. LIBRARY PROJECT: GARLOW HOUSE- It was determined that the Library’s Garlow House is city property and subject to Beautification Commission’s oversight. It was agreed that the middle Zelkova tree will be removed. All of the Zelkovas have been trimmed. The Library had the Bradford pears in front of the building pruned, but any final decision on these trees will have to wait until the issue of the sidewalk in front of the library is resolved. Follow- up: Sharon Turner, the head librarian, will be contacted concerning these issues. Note: Ultimately, issues like this should be a part of a Spruce Street streetscape plan which will not be considered until the High Street streetscape plan is completed.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

A. CITY COUNCIL PRESENTATION: Conceptual plans for areas throughout Morgantown that the Beautification Commission wishes to see addressed in the future were tabled.

B. 2008 FUNDING: The Beautification Commission’s funding request to the city will be completed shortly. Marchetta Maupin will bring an account of 2007 expenses as a working guide to the December meeting. It was agreed there is a need for an increase in the budget allotted to the Commission.

C. PRIVATE PROPERTY ISSUES: It was determined that the City cannot expend public funds in the clean-up of private properties. Spregar Lot: The City is exploring leasing the Spregar property through the Main Street Morgantown organization. The Commission is to work with Main Street Morgantown to get the lot cleaned up. Follow-up: Kara Hurst and/or Don Spencer will speak with Terri Cutright concerning this matter. Prete’s University Avenue Property: It was agreed that these properties are an eyesore and presents somewhat of a health and/or safety hazard. There are questions as to whether or not Code violations are occurring. Follow-up: A letter of concern will be sent to the City Manager from the Beautification Commission.

D. WOODBURN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION REQUEST:

The Commission approved adding the project site at Rogers Beauty Spot, Richwood & Monongalia Avenue. This is the site of the new neighborhood sign.

5. ADOPT-A-STREET: No report.

6. TREE BOARD REPORT: Arborist: The need for an arborist for the City of Morgantown was discussed. Most cities of Morgantown’s size and smaller have arborists. The cost of at least a part-time arborist will be incorporated into the Beautification Commission’s budget. Justification for this position will accompany the request.

A. Tree guards: Due to the flooding caused downtown businesses because of mulch washing from the newly planted tree areas, it has been proposed to place “pit guards” around the trees. The cost, usefulness, and practicality of tree guards was discussed and determined that a “riser or curb” devise would do more to alleviate the problem. Follow-up: David Burnett will talk with the Public Works department concerning this problem.

B. Tree Board Expenses: Currently, the Tree Board has no budget of its own. It is recommended that the Tree Board submit a total amount of expense to be incorporated into the 2008 Beautification Commission budget.

7. PROUD OF OUR TOWN AWARDS: No report; however, the newspaper should be contacted concerning a follow-up on the work done by volunteers for the neighborhood triangles. Follow-up action: should be done by Sandy Poulson, Marilyn Bowers, or Marchetta Maupin.

8. PROJECTS REPORT: Holiday Baskets project- Some of the baskets are completed and the remainder will be completed on December 2, 2007. The Monongalia County Master Gardener organization will assist with the completion of the baskets.

9. SUMMARY OF PLANNING DISCUSSION:

A. SHOES ON ELECTRIC WIRES: It was agreed that multiple pairs of shoes hanging on electric wires throughout the city are not only an eyesore but a dangerous and expensive problem to resolve. Follow-up: Don Spencer will bring this issue to the attention of City Council.

B. AURORA, CO. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES: A brochure describing Aurora’s Art in Public Places was presented to the members of the Commission. The Beautification Commission supports this concept. Follow-up: A proposal supporting this concept will be prepared and presented to City Council urging them to initiate this concept.

C. TREE ORDINANCE: It was proposed that a “tree ordinance” be written supporting the need for an arborist for Morgantown. To justify the need budgetary figures and previous workload figures must accompany the proposal.

D. NEIGHBORHOOD SIGNS: Several Morgantown neighborhoods already have installed signs designating the various neighborhoods throughout the City. The Suncrest sign is still pending approval and the Woodburn area is still determining their sign since there is no neighborhood association in that area. It was discussed as to the need for neighborhood associations to bring their final design to the Beautification Commission for final approval. Follow-up: Kara Hurst will bring this issue to the attention of City Council.

10. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 6:10 PM.

NEXT MEETING: The next meeting will be December 19, 2007 at 4:30 PM in the Public Safety Building.