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07-22-1998 ~ ~ CITY OF EDGEWATER BEAUTIFICATION , TREE COMMITTEE JULY 22, 1998 7:00 P.M. COMMUNITY CENTER MINUTES CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Chairman visconti called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. in the Community Center. Members present were: Michael Visconti, Michael Tanksley, Patrick Conway and Rose Hoffman. Not present was Eleanor German. Also present were Bob Harmon and Susan Hammond from the Volusia County Camellia Society, Gary Bowles and Helen Pleterski from the Edgewater Cemetery, Robert Letter from Letter Memorial, Adelaide Carter from the Economic Development Board and Recording Secretary Lisa Kruckmeyer. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Special Meeting of May 21, 1998 Regular Meeting of June 9, 1998 Mr. Tanksley made a motion to approve the May 21, 1998 and June 9, 1998 minutes, second by Mr. Conway. The motion CARRIED 3-0. OLD BUSINESS Approve By-laws changes Mr. Visconti went over the changes made to the by-laws for the residential and commercial Beautification Awards. Ms. Hoffman made a motion to approve the changes, second by Mr. Conway. The motion CARRIED 4-0. Beautification Award Choice - District 2 Mr. Visconti spoke about the Beautification Award he presented to Frances Ford and Nationwide Medical. The secretary asked the Committee to rank their choices for District 2. Mr. Tanksley asked to table this item until after the discussion regarding the Living Memorial. Mr. Visconti explained this was brought up from a phone call from Terry Webb who wanted to honor her mother on Mother's Day by planting a tree. ~ -..""I Mr. Tanksley asked for everyone to introduce themselves. Mr. Harmon commended the Committee for their interest in doing this. They are here to help any way they can. He would like to see the Camellia become the City flower. Mr. Tanksley went over some areas of concern the Committee has such as right-of-way issues, placement of the water lines, and replacement of the existing fence in front of Edgewater Cemetery. Mr. Bowles questioned how much room is going to be needed for the trees and how close they would ge to private property. He wasn't sure of the size of the Camellia. Mr. Harmon elaborated on Camellias and the different sizes that are available. He feels this would be a good investment. Once they get established, they will do fine with little maintenance and they can take the cold weather. Mr. Bowles asked about the height of the plants. Mr. Harmon stated it all depends on what they want. If the Camellias were planted eight to ten feet apart, they would be looking at approximately 134 plants. He feels they could start with three- gallon plants which would be two to three feet. Larger Camellias are harder to obtain. If they are talking long range and he knows it is going to happen, he can start acquiring them now. Mr. visconti asked the cost of each plant. Mr. Harmon informed him a three-gallon plant would be approximately $15 at 2 ~ to 3 feet. A nice, instant plant would be about $50. Ms. Hammond spoke about choosing a variety once they decide on height and width. Mr. Harmon spoke about choosing the Camellias that are more durable. The pinks and reds are more durable than the whites or striped. He further spoke about different varieties of Camellias and the different times of the year they bloom. There was some discussion regarding making a hedgerow in front of Edgewater Cemetery. Ms. Hammond spoke about Camellias she has planted at her house. There was some discussion regarding how long the distance is in front of the cemetery and the amount of Camellias they would need. Mr. Bowles asked if the Oak trees in front of the cemetery will be a problem. Mr. Harmon explained an Oak tree is the best thing in the world for a Camellia due to them being compatible. Page -2- Beautification & Tree Committee July 22, 1998 '-" ...., Mr. Bowles stated the Cemetery is in favor of any beautification project along the fence line and will do what they can to help. Mr. Tanksley explained they are hopeful they can advertise this through the newsletter. The secretary informed him that wouldn't be a problem. Mr. Tanksley spoke about if the Committee got a large response, how would the Camellia Society be prepared to respond to that. Mr. visconti commented on an example of an article he had from the newspaper. Mr. Tanksley asked what they can promise consumers as far as installation of the first Camellias. Mr. Harmon stated they would be container grown so they could be planted any time. He recommended planting them when they are in flower in December or so. Mr. Harmon spoke about the Camellia shows that are held in the State of Florida. They usually have their show the first weekend in February. Ms. Hammond spoke about the success of their shows. Ms. Carter suggested pursuing this in November and using Thanksgiving as a theme. Mr. visconti suggested the Camellia Society have a show at Rotary park. Mr. Harmon spoke about needing a kitchen, restroom, water and an area for people to get out of the rain in case it rains. There was a brief discussion regarding places the Camellia Society could hold their shows. The Committee then discussed putting Camellias in the medians. Mr. Harmon informed Ms. Hoffman they have small growing that spread out, grow straight up or grow very loose. Ms. Hammond suggested looking at the Camellias at Mr. Harmon's house or at Bob Summerbell's home on Tamarind Drive. He suggested the Committee contact Mr. Summerbell. Mr. Tanksley informed the Committee they need to discuss the options to the consumer such as a tree or a tree and a message engraved on a wall. Mr. Letter discussed his plans for the Living Memorial Wall. He suggested using granite for the wall. He showed the Committee some drawings he made. Page -3- Beautification & Tree Committee July 22, 1998 ......... ..""., Mr. Tanksley asked if there is another place within the cemetery to plant Camellias if they get a large response. Mr. Bowles spoke of the property they own on the north side of the cemetery. He spoke of doing a hedgerow in the front of the cemetery and other places that Camellias could be planted. He hopes eventually they will have an entrance on the property on the north side of the cemetery. Mr. visconti asked where they would get the money to start off with and who would absorb the cost for the initial monument. He questioned if they should ask the citizens for a donation to the Living Memorial Wall. He suggested contacting the Veterans Groups and the local clubs in town. Mr. Letter spoke of a memorial they just did for the Hacienda Del Rio Veterans. The cost, using a Gray Granite, would be $2,204 without a foundation without the lettering. The foundation would be a separate cost. Each addition would be $684. Ms. Hoffman asked about the cost for engraving. Mr. Memorial stated the smaller letters would be $1.50 per letter. Mr. Visconti questioned if they would be planting the trees in the area of the wall or anywhere in Edgewater. Mr. Harmon would like to see a Camellia placed on either side of the fountain on Indian River Boulevard. Mr. Conway spoke about a gentleman that lives by the median where the fountain is that keeps running over the grass. Mr. Visconti asked where they could purchase the Camellias. Mr. Harmond would like the Committee to purchase them from him. In the chain stores, they are generally anywhere from $12 to $20 but he has a better variety and selection. Mr. Tanksley asked if the Camellia Society would want to be involved in the initial installation of the Camellias. Mr. Harmon stated absolutely. Their main goal is to promote and expand the knowledge of Camellias. Mr. Harmon stated if they know for a fact they will be doing this project, they could start now by putting down oak leaves, pine needles, and mowed grass and start building that soil up. Mr. Bowles spoke about people needing a place to park to look at the wall. Mr. Harmon volunteered to put a small aluminum marker on the Camellia with a name. Page -4- Beautification & Tree Committee July 22, 1998 '-" .", Ms. Hoffman presented a cost of $35 per donation for the cost of the plaque and one plant. If they want their name engraved, it would be ten dollars more or $50 for the tree and the engraving. Mr. Letter informed the Committee the lettering on the center piece would be $4 per letter. Ms. Carter would like to see the names of the Committee members and the Mayor and Council on the wall. There was a discussion regarding the amount of the donation to ask for. Ms. Hammond stated you don't want to knock the Camellia down because of the price. The Committee would show what the price would include. Ms. Hoffman stated it would be cheaper if they just wanted the Camellia as opposed to getting their names engraved on the wall. They would have to at least cover the expense. Mr. Harmon stated they may be able to get donations from the service clubs. Ms. Hammond asked if the City would donate anything. Mr. visconti informed her the City is putting up the money for the beautification of the first two medians going south and next year for the two medians going north. Ms. Hammond asked if any money was put in the budget for beautification. Mr. Visconti informed her yes, for the medians. Mr. Tanksley stated they want to get the City to fund the reuse water lines and they hope Parks and Recreation will be able to pour the foundation. Mr. Tanksley briefly spoke about maintenance. Ms. Hoffman spoke about the Camellia society taking care of one median. Mr. Harmon spoke about a few parks the Camellia Society maintains. He agreed to donate a few plants. Ms. Hoffman spoke about trying to get businesses and clubs to adopt a median due to the lack of funding and manpower that is available. Ms. Hammond asked when they will get the water. Mr. Visconti spoke about the difficult Mr. Corder is having finding someone to jack and bore under u.s. #1. Ms. Hoffman spoke about the City having to pay impact fees. Mr. Visconti asked if there is water at the cemetery. Mr. Bowles informed him they have a well system. Ms. Hoffman stated at the last meeting they spoke about tapping into the well at the cemetery. Mr. Bowles informed her they are overburdened now. Page -5- Beautification & Tree Committee July 22, 1998 '-" ...." Ms. Hoffman spoke about getting different organizations to start one median. Mr. Harmon informed the Committee if they get water, he'll get Camellias. There was some discussion regarding how much water is required for the Camellias and preparing the ground with compost. Ms. Carter asked if they would be taking the fence down before they plant the Camellias. Mr. Harmon informed her it would depend on the Department of Transportation. He stated they could also tear it down as the Camellias are planted. Mr. Bowles would hate to see the fence come down and nothing put in its place. Mr. Tanksley spoke about the widening of U.s. #1 in the future. He asked if they had to if they could move the Camellias. Mr. Harmon informed him it is better to move them in October when they are in full bloom due to them being dormant at that time. If the Committee finds they have to move them before October, several months prior, they could start root pruning every thirty days. When they are transplanted, there will be 2/3 new roots and they will have a better chance of surviving, with the proper trimming. Mr. Harmon suggested the Committee go before Council and recommend the Camellia be named the City flower. Mr. Visconti would like the Camellia Society to attend one of the Council meetings. Ms. Hoffman suggested planting all the Camellias on U.S. #1 so the Council can see the beauty of them and then approach the Council with it. Mr. Tanksley explained they will probably have to buy a registration book to keep track of who made donations. Mr. Harmon stated if the Committee would like, he could show them some Camellia slides or pictures of their different shows. Mr. Tanksley stated they have time on their hands because they are waiting on the water lines. Mr. Visconti spoke about getting put on the agenda for a Council meeting. Mr. Harmon told Mr. Visconti to set it up and let him know the date. Mr. Tanksley spoke about showing the Council where the wall will be placed. Mr. Bowles stated they could possibly, for a very small fee, lease a piece of property to the City to place this wall. The church currently leases a portion of their property for parking. Page -6- Beautification & Tree Committee July 22, 1998 ~ ~ There was some discussion regarding Mr. Hawks being buried at the Edgewater Cemetery. Mr. Tanksley agreed to do the plans to present to Council. There was some discussion regarding memorials being done for people that are cremated. The Committee thanked all of the people that attended. Mr. Visconti agreed to notify everyone when he would get this put on the agenda. Mr. Harmon stated any way they can help, they will work with the Committee. The meeting recessed at 8:20 and reconvened at 8:28. Beautification Award Choice - District 2 The Committee listed their votes with the winner being 1529 Queen Palm Drive. Mr. Tanksley spoke about one of the home's chosen having a recreational vehicle being parked in the front of the house being disqualified. The secretary agreed to find out the owner of the property and give the information to Mr. Visconti to present the award. The choices for District 3 are as follows: 2503 Woodland Drive - Ms. Hoffman 2229 Vista Palm Drive - Mr. Visconti The secretary informed the Committee to bring a choice for District 4 to the next meeting. Mr. Tanksley and Mr. Conway agreed to let the secretary know their choices and she would contact the other members. MISCELLANEOUS The Committee reviewed the interested applicants. Ms. Hoffman made a motion to nominate Terry Webb, second by Mr. Tanksley. The motion CARRIED 4-0. Mr. Visconti would like to see a Pride of Edgewater campaign started. Ms. Hoffman suggested setting up a meeting with the local clubs to try and get them involved and make a presentation of the projects the Committee is interested in. The Committee feel a Pride of Edgewater Campaign is a good idea. Page -7- Beautification & Tree Committee July 22, 1998 "-' ....., Mr. Conway feels they need to do something about the trash around Edgewater. He spoke about trash being out for three weeks before it is picked up. He asked why they don't have a day they pick up bulk items. He was informed the City does. He asked why there couldn't be some kind of ordinance that says trash can't be put out until the night before. Mr. Visconti asked if there is a sign ordinance in effect. The secretary informed him yes and that signs are handled through the Building Department. The Committee discussed addressing the Council requesting existing code enforcement laws have stricter enforcement. The secretary informed the Committee she didn't know what Code Enforcement could do about trash that is not picked up by Public Works being it is not the property owner's fault the trash isn't getting picked up. Mr. Conway stated the Code Enforcement Officer's jOb is to enforce the code that the ordinance falls under. He feels if the people set trash out, the Code Enforcement Officer should go to the people and tell them they can't do that. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss, Mr. Tanksley made a motion to adjourn, second by Ms. Hoffman. The meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m. Minutes submitted by: Lisa Kruckmeyer Page -8- Beautification & Tree Committee July 22, 1998