BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION MINUTES

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Attendees: D. Spencer, A. Tanner, M. Bowers, A. Cumming, M. Maupin, J. Steketee, J. Lattanzi, K. Hurst

Minutes for the June Beautification Commission meeting were approved. Members of the Commission did not receive minutes with the agenda for the August meeting.

Old Business:

It was agreed that the Commission should pursue a professional design concept for the Rawley Lane pedestrian corridor in the Suncrest neighborhood. K. Hurst will follow up on this with Erin Hager at Biafore Landscape Development.

It was agreed that a meeting should be set up with the Friends of Deckers Creek leadership to determine if Beautification can team with FODC on some design needs in the Sabraton area. The Commission is specifically interested in a gateway concept.

The Fifth Ward/Woodburn steps have been completed. J. Lattanzi inquired about the installation of a railing. The Neighborhood Association can talk with Public Works or their Council representative regarding this matter. M. Maupin will also be working with the Neighborhood Association on some recommendations for perennials in this area.

There is an ongoing issue with the unsightliness of the trash receptacles on High St. The receptacles have been removed from the bump-outs/planted areas, but have not been positioned in an efficient manner on the street. They are presently located in the middle of the sidewalk. They need to be properly sited in the streetscape and then more carefully maintained, as they are often overflowing with trash and vomit. A letter from the Commission outlining its concerns regarding this situation will follow.

Some issues for advocacy on the part of the Commission are the development of criteria and standards for design review and work with the Planning Department on approval and implementation. The City is working toward a comprehensive plan to be completed by July, 2009. The Commission will seek to participate in the planning process.

New Business:

The holly trees outside the Public Safety Building have been cleaned up and pruned. Future assessment will be done when plans are completed for the new City building that will be adjacent to the Public Safety Building.

A meeting will be arranged with the Friends of Deckers Creek regarding a Gateway project for Sabraton.

Arch Street: The Greenmont Neighborhood Association is still working on plans for the center islands. Curb work appears to be needed and the Tree Board needs to evaluate the existing trees and meet with the Association. M. Maupin and the Commission will continue to give design and material support as appropriate.

The Commission will do research on restructuring, renaming, and redefining the duties of the Beautification Commission.

Adopt-A-Street: No report.

Tree Board:

The schedule for Arbor Day was discussed.

A. Cumming reported that the only comment given regarding the updated tree list was that some selections are not native to the area.

There will be four trees planted in Evansdale, where two had to be removed.

Christmas lights are being cut out of the new High St. Trees. New lights will be replaced and provided by Main Street Morgantown.

It was reported that there has been some tree pruning done without the approval of the Tree Board. It is important that specifications for tree work be followed.

The cherry trees at Hazel Ruby McQuain Park should not be altered, and any questions about this should be brought before the tree board.

There has been a request for the tree board to identify trees at Dorsey’s Knob for educational labeling purposes.

Proud of Our Town:

It was suggested that the Woodburn Neighborhood Association, the Tree Board, and Public Works be recognized for their efforts to create a safe and attractive gateway to the Fifth Ward.

BOPARC:

R. Larue was not in attendance but sent report that there is a scout project at the Riverfront, and they would like to plant river alder from Walnut Street to the amphitheater. The Commission would like to show the size and number to be planted.

Project Report:

M. Maupin reported two workers have left. One worker will stay until October and one may work around his class schedule at WVU. Maintenance is mostly watering and cleaning beds.