HomeMy WebLinkAboutAB Minutes: 04/13/2023O-A►t
ARCADIA BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER — Chairperson Brink called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. in the Council
Chambers Conference Room.
ROLL CALL OF COMMISSIONERS
PRESENT: Burton Brink, Gary Brewer, Sheryl Hunter, Ethel Laczko, Barbara Lyle,
Robert Miller, Lee Shimmin
ABSENT: Gary Brewer
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS — None
PUBLIC COMMENTS — None
CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Approve the Special Meetincl minutes of January 12, 2023
It was moved by Commissioner Shimmin, seconded by Commissioner Laczko, and carried
on a roll call vote to approve the minutes.
AYES: Brink, Hunter, Laczko, Lyle, Miller, Shimmin
NOES: None
ABSENT: Brewer
3. PRESENTATION OF THE CITY'S COMPREHENSIVE TREE MANAGEMENT PLAN
Deputy Public Works Services Director, Carmen Masud, and Environmental Services
Manager, Briget Arndell, presented an overview and status update on the City's
Comprehensive Tree Masterplan. Deputy Director Masud indicated that the City is in the
process of undertaking a Tree Master Plan inventory, which is a key component to
update in the Comprehensive Tree Management Plan. Commissioner Miller raised
questions about the trees located on Baldwin Avenue and the plans to address those;
Commissioner Shimmin expressed his interest in the City saving as many of its historic
trees as possible.
Staff and the Commission discussed the challenge of tree roots around water and sewer
lines, the cost that it creates for the property owner, and the sidewalk -heaving caused by
root overgrowth. Other issues raised were the work of Southern California Edison and
how power lines can interfere and impact healthy trees. Deputy Director Masud indicated
that when trees become deceased or are otherwise deemed hazardous and removed,
the City offers replacement trees to the impacted property owners, free of cost.
4. DISCUSSION OF 2023 WATERSMART HERO AWARDS
Commissioner Miller noted that residents used to submit an essay about how they save
water in order to be considered for the Water Smart Hero Award. Manager Arndell noted
that due to all the rain, the water conservation metrics that are typically reviewed to
determine qualifications will not be as helpful this year. In 2022, three homes were
recognized for Water Smart Hero Awards, but the Commissioners all agreed that they
would like more clarity and direction on the criteria to evaluate water use in the future.
The Commission agreed that during the next Spring Home Award judging, more detailed
photos and notes would be taken to highlight nominees that may qualify for the Water
Smart Hero Awards through drought tolerant landscaping.
Commissioner Laczko inquired about whether Public Works Services had connected with
the Arboretum to advise on landscaping the City should utilize. Deputy Director Masud
indicated that PWS had not undertaken that. Manager Arndell noted that the City could
collaborate with the Arboretum more to provide more education on the options and
benefits of drought -tolerant landscaping to the community. Commissioner Miller
mentioned the idea of translating brochures to promote water conservation and making
these materials available at the Community Center.
5. DISCUSSION OF 2023 SPRING HOME AWARDS
a. Review commissioner submissions by zone
b. Review any public submissions
c. Determine group judging procedures
d. Awards presentation during May 16, 2023, City Council Meeting
Commissioners reviewed their nominations and noted two public submissions that were
received. They noted that judging may be difficult this year due to all the overgrowth
from the unusually high rains. The Commission determined that group judging would be
conducted on Thursday, April 20, 2023, beginning at 3:00pm.
6. 2023 ARBOR DAY DEBRIEF & DISCUSSION
a. Proclamation received by Chair Brink during March 7, 2023, City Council Meeting
b. Summer Concerts and Movie in the Park dates confirmed: June 29; July 13; and
August 3.
Staff liaison Bruno thanked Chair Brink for attending the March 7, 2023, City Council
meeting to accept the Arbor Day Proclamation on behalf of the entire ABC. She also noted
that similar to prior years, the Commission will hand out saplings at one of the upcoming
Summer Concerts and Movies in the Park opposed to undertaking a traditional tree
planting, which allows many more trees to be provided and planted by the entire
community. Commissioner Shimmin noted that other giveaways should include
entertaining items for kids like bubbles. Staff liaison Bruno mentioned that some of the
other giveaways would include kids coloring books, glowsticks, seed packets, water
bottles and other items.
7. REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LIAISON
Council Member liaison Sharon Kwan was not present for this meeting.
8. REPORT FROM COMMISSIONERS
The Commission inquired about the budget for the remaining fiscal year and what their
annual allocation is. Staff liaison Bruno noted that the ABC has an annual budget of $4,500
and they had already exceeded their budget for this fiscal year and will need to consider
more budget -friendly replacements for some of the planned activities next year.
The Commission discussed that their next meeting would occur on July 13, 2023, at
5:00pm, before the Concerts and Movies in the Park begins at 6:00pm.
Commissioner Laczko noted that she would be drafting a letter to the Arcadia Unified
School District to solicit their interest in participating in the 2023 Holiday Awards. She also
noted that she would inquire about their last day of school in December 2023, to ensure
the students would be able to participate.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Shimmin made a motion to adjourn the meeting seconded by Commissioner
Hunter at 7:28 p.� .
Burton Brink, Chairperson Just, a Bru , Staff Liaison