MINUTES

OF THE BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION

APRIL 20, 2005

Members Present: Bill MacDonald, Chuck Penn, Ralph LaRue, Sandy Poulson, Marchetta Maupin, Marilyn Bowers, Brent Bailey, Don Spencer

The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Bill MacDonald, Chairman. Minutes from the last meeting (March, 2005) were approved.

Special Topics:

A.        Revised Mountaineer Park Brochure:

            The brochure was discussed and Brent had some concerns. He felt that the design

            background should be changed and the current landmarks should be distinguished on

            the map. The brochure should indicate the difference between trees, banners and flags,

            etc. The Commission also felt that it was difficult to tell where Memorial Park actually

            is. It was also decided that the front cover needs to be more appropriate to the project.

            Amanda Tranquillo, WVU Student Affairs Office, will be notified of the concerns.

            Donna felt that the “sub-projects” should be approved by BOPARC and the Tree Board.

            She raised some concerns about the handling of memorial gifts and she felt the aesthetics

            control should be through the Beautification Commission.

            Some questions and comments were raised concerning the Park:

            1). It seems like it is primarily a WVU project using City land and that the City is

            merely an “aside” in the project. 2). Question was raised as to the City’s involvement --

            is it through BOPARC and does BOPARC have the right to approve each donation?

B.        Annual Budget - Purchase of Truck:

            It was decided to get a price from Stephens Auto.

C.        Memorial Plantings:

            This is a continuing issue and will be addressed at a later time.

D.        Metheney Park Survey:

            Ralph met with the surveyor. He will have information for the next meeting.

E.        Gateways:

            Don received a letter from Chuck Mollet saying that the gateways looked bad. Don met

            with Mayor Justice and others to discuss the appearance of the gateways. The City has

            control over the Sabraton gateway only. Mayor Justice suggested going ahead and

            working on the other gateways anyway. The DOH is in control of all the other gateways.

            Don is looking for ways to make the gateways look better.

F.        Suncrest Lake Park:

            Don said it needs to go to the Neighborhood Association and he feels it should be

            considered for use as a dog park. He is looking for ideas for the area.

            Don also reported that the Baptist parking lot is continuing to upgrade. He thought

            going to the Parking Authority to ask what can be done to “green” the lots was a good

            idea.

            Concerning Walk WV, Don felt sidewalks were a concern in walkable communities. He

            felt a sidewalk plan for the City needs to be made and critical areas need to be chosen.

G.        Solid Waste Planning:

            Don pointed out that the contract with BFI expires in two years. He is looking for

            recommendations as to what can be done between now and 2007 - and what after 2007.

            He said the solid waste and little codes were not being enforced. He feels the

            Beautification Commission needs to be savvy about how the two tie together. He thinks

            the Commission needs to be prepared to address this issue, as the little problem is a huge

            issue.

H.        Walnut Street Entrance to HRMP:

            This is a continuing issue and will be addressed at a later date.

I.         Development of Master Plan:

            This is a continuing issue and will be addressed at a later date.

Adopt a Street:

Donna reported that Carol had finished calling the list. She reported that Project Pride had a significant number of fraternities show up to work. The project was well attended. She did feel that younger people needed to be involved and that the project needs to be moved to a Saturday instead of Sunday as it is now. She felt that participation would be better from church organizations. All in all, it was a successful clean-up.

Proud of Our Town Awards:

Chuck met with the Assistant City Manager recently. The City now has the brochure and it is on the City’s web page. The Morgantown logo is going to be inserted on the front of the brochure. Chuck said an archive is going to be set up on the web page of past winners. He is now in the process of getting the brochure printed “in house” and will be receiving 100 at a time. Chuck reported that the Dominion Post is secure and supportive of this project. Once a nominee is chosen, the paper will cover the story.

Chuck wanted to acknowledge the Friedman’s of Suncrest now. They live on Laurel Street. He felt they should be recognized for their work. They were unable to be acknowledged last year.

Morgantown Tree Board:

Arbor Day:

Brent announced that Morgantown had received the Tree City USA award. The dedication of the sycamores for the Dickey family at Waterfront Park had been done. He said 8 trees were planted at the dog park. Brent reported that 20 people were there to help with the planting of the trees. Brent thanked Ralph for providing a worker to help with the day. Don commended Brent for his excellent job on presentation on Arbor Day.

Brent said that the trees for Habitat for Humanity will not be planted until fall.

Brent also suggested changing the Arbor Day plantings until fall. He said it was a much better time to plant trees.

Projects Report:

Marchetta reported that the merchants on Pleasant Street were happy with the new lamp post baskets. She said the basket planting had been changed from May 1 to May 22 this year.

Susan Parker has been hired as Marchetta’s intern. Marchetta said she was very pleased with her and wants to use her on the Rail Trail spots and South University Avenue.

She is still looking for someone to hire to water plants. She said she had asked the City Manager to bump up the pay to $6/hr. Ralph said he would send her some applications for employment he had received. Marchetta said she had just gotten the water truck today (4/20). There is some concern that the water truck is too heavy to be used on the Rail Trail.

Police Chief Phil Scott said he would provide assistance at the South University Avenue islands. He told Marchetta he would make sure there was ample safety while work is going on. The DOH will set up the lane blockage and the police will cover it. Marchetta was very pleased with Chief Scott’s eagerness to help with this.

Marchetta said the leftover trees from Arbor Day 2004 will be planted at Lake Street Circle.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m.