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June 2008 AVBC Minutes

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AMBERLEY BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE MEETING SUMMARY

MEETING DATE: June 23, 2008

TIME: 7:30-9:00 PM; Amberley Village Community Room

PRESENT: Latha Gowda; Merrie Stillpass; Peg Conway; Pam Hessler; Elaine & Albert Tomasi; Josephine Rosenblum; Ed Hattenbach; Regina Radin; Steve Rasfeld; Tom Karr; Bernie Boraten; Gary Meisner, Meisner + Associates/Land Vision

1. Update on Rain Garden installation—Steve reported that the wetland area construction was complete and that he was going to order plant plugs. Many of the plants originally specified by JFNew are no longer available so some substitutions will need to be made.

2. Update on Long Range Planning Committee
a. Discussed the LRPC’s draft of the 4 key points/pillars and the lists of assets & goals. Additional comments included:

1. environment: reduce solid waste

2. identity: local housing options; use word ethnicity

b. Gary Meisner was introduced. His firm was hired by AV to design the north gateway & identify elements that can be used at other gateways & crossroads; look at connectivity & green infrastructure. Discussion included: gateway at north entrance to AV at JCC and opposite; considerations for all include: how to tie together by landscape or interest; sign pedestal; who maintains; cost; use of native plants; where do people want to go and how to treat public spaces; site limitations at some gateways; use of street signs; distinction between —key crossroads vs. edge gateways. ODOT has $ for landscape but requires future maintenance. Use of low maintenance plants without sacrificing beauty; use of structural elements like trellis? Rock gardens? Beds of seasonal color?

c. 2-3 schemes will be prepared that maintain sightlines to J and sense of arrival in AV identifying signature plants at gateways vs. crossroads

d. Consideration to vandalism issues. GM looks at this as an opportunity to create quality project that community respects and distracts vandals

3. AVBC Beautification Awards
a. Regina reported that 12 properties were nominated, but 1 withdrew due to impending construction:

JOSE & CORA GARCIA
DIANA & BRIAN THIEL
STAN ELLIOT & JAY SHATZ
MARIANNE & ED BRILL
KATHY & IRVIN WISE
CYNTHIA GOODMAN & BOB WEINBERG
JOYCE SELTZER
CHRIS RITTER
MELISSA LAUER
DENNIS MEADOR
ENTRANCE TO ROLLMAN RESERVE (Ridge Rd.)

Awards will be given for both “professional” and “by owner” categories for Best Curb Appeal, Best Overall Landscape, Best Backyard Haven, and Best Green Landscape. Sharon A. Floro of Groundwork Design Collaborative will judge the entrants. The winners will be announced at the Ice Cream Social. Awards still need to be ordered

4. Heritage Tree Program
a. Article will be in 8/1 newsletter and at ice cream social with nomination form and additional information

b. Review committee needs to be appointed

c. Fall program on subject?

d. Look into National Tree Champion List –tree tags, ID

5. ReLeaf project 2008
a. Merrie will call City Parks to see if there will be a 2008 program

6. Ice Cream Social table: displays—EAB, Heritage Tree Program, AVBC AWARDS; rain garden/barrel info (Millcreek Watershed Council of Communities will have display). Regina, Ed, Elaine & Albert will help. Others Volunteers needed

7. Next meeting: July 28, 2008; 7:30 p.m.