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Minutes
KEEP ARKANSAS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION
Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
Crossover Road, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
July 23, 2009
Commissioners Present:
Randy Frazier, Chairman
Laurie Black
Debbie Hoofman
JeNelle Lipton
Carroll Prewett
John Pope, Vice-Chairman
Georgette Garner
Thurston Lamb
Greg Morris
Commissioners Absent:
None.
Staff Present:
Robert Phelps, Brenda Halbert and Sarah Wruck
Guests Present:
Betty Barnhardt, Executive Director, Keep Sherwood Beautiful
Melinda Glasgow, Executive Director, Keep Little Rock Beautiful
Julie Robbins of Mangan Holcomb Partners
Deede Phelps of Little Rock
John Garner of Eureka Springs
Mayor Lioneld Jordan and Assistant Julie McQuade of the City of Fayetteville
Call to Order:
Randy Frazier called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Welcome:
Randy Frazier introduced Commissioner Georgette Garner who welcomed Fayetteville Mayor
Lioneld Jordan to the KAB Commission meeting. Ms. Garner stated the City of Fayetteville is
doing great things and is a role model for other cities. She offered the Commission’s support in
areas of cigarette butt disposal and, possibly, pharmaceutical disposal, with Commissioner Pope
and Ms. Robbins to follow up.
Mayor Jordan remarked that he was pleased the Commission chose to meet in Fayetteville, noting
the Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks is one of the crown jewels of the city. He stated that one of
his goals is to keep the city “clean and green”, noting there is a green revolution going on in the
city and across the country. He emphasized the importance of setting the tone for children, “You
start the child the way they should go and, when they are grown, they will not depart.” He said,
“We must go to the next level.”
KAB Commission Meeting
July 23, 2009 – page 2
Chairman Frazier stated it is most appropriate that we welcome children today from R. E. Baker
Elementary School who will be presenting their “Litter-Free Zone” program under the direction
of Jack Singleton, program coordinator. The program is funded by Wal-Mart under the
sponsorship of the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Foundation.
Invocation:
Commissioner Thurston Lamb presented the invocation.
“Litter-Free Zone” Presentation:
Program Coordinator, Jack Singleton, opened the presentation by complementing the great
leadership of the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission. He provided a brief history of the
program and how it had developed. He introduced Matt Young, Principal of Baker Elementary,
Phyllis Abraham, teacher; and volunteers with students introducing themselves. Mr. Singleton
stated he was proud today to bring two groups together, the Keep Arkansas Beautiful
Commission and Phyllis Abraham’s class at R. E. Baker Elementary School as Arkansas’ first
“Litter-Free Zone” school group. He expressed appreciation to the Wal-Mart Foundation who has
provided funding for implementation of the program.
Mr. Singleton reviewed all facets of the program on Power Point, followed by participation of the
students. He distributed CD’s to KAB Commissioners, inviting them to attend R. E. Baker
Elementary’s certification ceremony next Thursday evening, July 30, at the school in Bentonville.
Roll Call:
The KAB Commission business meeting continued. Brenda Halbert called the roll at 9:55 a.m.
with all Commissioners present.
Introduction of Guests:
Chairman Randy Frazier expressed appreciation to Mr. Singleton and the Baker Elementary staff
and students for their “Litter-Free Zone” presentation, stating everyone had been truly inspired
and could foresee some of these students being the next Rachel Carson of their day.
Mr. Frazier welcomed guests, including Mayor Jordan.
Approval of Agenda:
Mr. Frazier called for approval of the agenda.
John Pope made a motion, seconded by Laurie Black, to approve the
July 23, 2009, KAB Commission Meeting Agenda. The motion passed.
Presentation of Minutes:
Mr. Frazier called for corrections or additions to the May 28, 2009, KAB Commission Meeting
Minutes.
KAB Commission Meeting
July 23, 2009 – page 3
Thurston Lamb made a motion, seconded by JeNelle Lipton, to approve the
May 23, 2009, KAB Commission Meeting Minutes as mailed. The motion
passed.
Financial Report:
Mr. Phelps reviewed the printed KAB Financial Report for the period ending June 30, 2009,
reflecting 87% or $615,994 expended of the total $707,416 2009 fiscal year budget. After
opening the floor to questions, Mr. Phelps reviewed the carry-forward aspect of the KAB budget
for new Commissioners.
Mr. Phelps reviewed briefly the FY2010 appropriation of $712,545, noting most categories
remain at the same level as the 2009 budget except payroll and payroll match. DFA has projected
revenue of $594,610, carry forward of $297,714, fine revenue of $1,200 for total funding of
$893,524. Mr. Phelps reviewed contracts, as follows:
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Mangan Holcomb Partners advertising contract for $354,000.
NCSA contract with AR Broadcasters at $25,000, resulting in a return of $500,000 media
value.
Aristotle for website hosting and update.
Mangan Holcomb Partners were awarded the $40,000 two-year contract to coordinate the
spring and fall statewide cleanup/beautification campaigns.
Mr. Phelps concluded by briefly reviewing the history of the cleanup campaigns in Arkansas,
particularly funding and support from AR State Highway & Transportation Department; also, the
role of the KAB Foundation in supporting KAB programs and activities.
Mr. Frazier said he had facilitated KAB State Leaders’ Council meetings and, compared to our
counterparts in other states, we are fortunate to have good leadership and sound government
funding for the KAB Affiliate program in Arkansas.
Mr. Frazier called for approval of the KAB Financial Statement for the period ending June 30,
2009.
Thurston Lamb made a motion, seconded by John Pope, approving the
KAB Financial Report, as presented, for the period ending June 30, 2009.
The motion passed.
Executive Director’s Report:
Robert Phelps referred to his printed report, highlighting the following:
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Items 1-5: Covered under the Financial Report.
Appreciation to the returning sponsors of the Great Arkansas Cleanup: AR State
Highway & Transportation Department, Glad Manufacturing and Keep America
Beautiful; also, Wal-Mart and AR Department of Environmental Quality who will waive
landfill fees to participating groups that is a great incentive for involvement in our
program.
KAB Commission Meeting
July 23, 2009 – page 4
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2009 Great American Cleanup in Arkansas: Magnificent coordination of a very
successful campaign by Brenda Halbert with an impressive final report to Keep America
Beautiful. He noted that the content and quality of the final report puts us in good stead
with KAB, resulting in more supplies to us each year for the GAmC. Ms. Halbert will
present her analysis and totals.
2009 Great American Cleanup – Arkansas:
Brenda Halbert, State Coordinator, 2009 GAmC in Arkansas, distributed her printed report,
elaborating on the following:
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Binders of individual wrap-up reports for Keep America Beautiful Affiliates and NonAffiliate organizations, as well as supplemental material, are available for review.
Results of the three-month campaign:
1) 18,505 volunteers contributing 50,256 total hours for a volunteer value to the State of
Arkansas of $943,505;
2) 224 events were held, including an estimated 60 events by the nine Keep America
Beautiful communities; plus 276 events were held by Adopt-A-Highway volunteers
who are one of our partnering groups and works throughout the year;
3) 1,177,415 pounds of trash were collected along 1,822 miles of roadways, trails and
shoreline and 429 acres of parks and public areas; 74 recreation and playground areas
were cleaned, built or restored; and 5 illegal dumps were closed;
4) Recycling included 68,255 pounds of aluminum, 17,155 pounds of newspaper and
964,537 pounds of electronics were recycled (electronics tripled from 2008);
6,938 tires were removed; 1,195 pounds of clothing collected, 703 batteries recycled;
and 8 junk cars were removed;
5) Beautification efforts included 173,211 flowers/bulbs planted as well as 695 trees; 17
homes and buildings were painted or renovated and 3 graffiti sites were removed;
6) Educational events included 107 workshops attended by 9,305 and 32 general
awareness events attended by 33,312 persons.
Appreciation to Keep America Beautiful and the national sponsors who supplied products
and support, including Glad Manufacturing who has a corporate office in North Arkansas
and provided all the trash bags; Pepsi; Wrigley; Honda; Arm & Hammer ; Scotts MiracleGro; Solo; Colgate-Palmolive; University of Phoenix; Waste Management; Dow
Chemical; and Troy-Bilt who provided three sets of lawn machines that were awarded to
KAB Affiliates for use as prizes during their events:
1) Supplies included Glad bags, banners, posters, Troy-Bilt weed trimmers and leaf
blowers, volunteer badges, t-shirts, Arm & Hammer coupons and Solo food container
products valued at $73,734.
2) Keep Arkansas Beautiful provided safety vests, gloves and t-shirts to our volunteers
valued at $15,591, in addition to media support.
Volunteers that registered at local events were also eligible for a Wal-Mart gift card.
Those winners have been notified and thanked for their participation at events in Wickes,
Little Rock, Mulberry, Helena/West Helena, McNeil and Fairfield Bay.
Ms. Halbert concluded her report, stating “the volunteers are truly angels in their counties and
their communities in wanting to make a difference in the State of Arkansas”. She said we owe
the volunteers and supporters of the campaign a big thanks.
KAB Commission Meeting
July 23, 2009 – page 5
Mr. Phelps expressed appreciation for Ms. Halbert’s coordination of the Great American Cleanup
these past years. He stated it was an appropriate time to recognize her overall dedication and
employment with Keep Arkansas Beautiful and the Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism,
presenting her a ten-year service pin.
He continued his Executive Director’s report, as follows:
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Mangan Holcomb Partners: Annual evaluation.
GAC and GAmC coordinator contract awarded MHP: Alexis Gullick and MHP team
have begun work on the 2009 Great Arkansas Cleanup. (Ms. Gullick volunteered in
cleanup efforts as young as 14, later using “recycling” as her pageant platform. Her first
job at MHP was in KAB’s radio spots.)
Mangan Holcomb Partners: FY2010 marketing budget review by Julie Robbins.
Mangan Holcomb Partners:
Julie Robbins distributed a printed copy of the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission FY2010
Marketing Budget totaling $354,000, highlighting the following:
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Education/Awareness – SHINE Campaign (73% of total marketing budget or $258,000):
1) Creative/Production – new TV and radio spots;
2) DFA partnership – production and distribution of materials to top 15 DFA offices
statewide;
3) Media placement – Includes traditional media of $100,000, ARSN, NCSA, billboards
and a new Roby Brock sponsorship;
4) AR Shine Awards Program at $8,000.
Events Marketing:
1) Great Arkansas Cleanup 2009 (7% of budget) - $22,000;
2) KAB Foundation 20th Anniversary - $10,000;
3) Great American Cleanup 2010 (6% of budget) - $23,000.
Public Relations - $8,000.
Research – Shine Tracking Survey (7% of budget) - $10,000 - $25,000.
Ms. Robbins presented some history of the first marketing survey reviewed at the August 2007
Commission meeting, She explained all the various venues of marketing and the importance to
Mangan Holcomb Partners that the marketing plan is reaching Arkansans in a very effective way.
She explained how the Shine survey would work at an estimated cost of $25,000 or around
$10,000 each if split with up to three other agencies. After discussion, it was the consensus that
we control the survey ourselves at an expenditure of up to $25,000.
Mr. Phelps explained the Shine campaign has been in effect for nearly two years and marketed on
everything from trash cans to billboards. Results of the survey will tell us if we need to put that
slogan into neutral or go forward.
Ms. Lipton asked what the survey is supposed to provide us. Ms. Robbins responded that it will
provide factual, measurable data of the effectiveness of the Shine media campaign.
After lengthy discussion, the following motion was made:
KAB Commission Meeting
July 23, 2009 – page 6
John Pope made a motion, seconded by Thurston Lamb, to accept the
Mangan Holcomb Partners FY2010 Marketing Budget Proposal for the
Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission. The motion passed.
Ms. Black said she would like to see KAB’s celebration of the 20 -year anniversary included in
some of our media. Mr. Phelps supported the idea with Ms. Robins stating it could probably be
included somehow.
Mr. Phelps continued his report, as follows:
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KAB Foundation 20th Anniversary Celebration plans for an October 6, 2009, event at the
Governor’s Mansion are still in progress: Confirmed attendance by KAB President Matt
McKenna; President Clinton is unavailable as well as former Governor Huckabee; we are
waiting for a response from Governor Beebe and former Governor Tucker.
KAB State Leaders Council: Just returned from a meeting in Chicago that was facilitated
by Randy Frazier. Many state KAB Affiliates are suffering from budget cuts or closing,
so we are fortunate to have a sound organization in Arkansas.
National Recycling Coalition: KAB has tendered an offer to purchase the floundering
organization and its signature event, America Recycles Day. A vote of KAB Affiliates
will be taken in August, and the results of that possibility will be forthcoming.
Congratulations to John Pope being named “Person of the Month” for June by Van
Buren’s City Wire newspaper with his profile detailed in KAB’s e-newsletter.
2009 Shine Awards postmark deadline of July 31 with details to follow by Sarah Wruck.
2009 Great Arkansas Cleanup: Ms. Wruck will report.
Mr. Phelps concluded by reporting on the 34,000 littering calls received to date. Letters were
read from two individuals that received warning letters; also, response from Chief Ronnie Burks
to one of the complaints. Mr. Frazier read the form letter that violators receive and relayed the
history of an ASP signature on the letter with Mr. Phelps stating he hoped to some day receive
Colonel Phillips’ signature and support of the program.
Volunteer Services Coordinator’s Report:
Sarah Wruck referred to her printed report, highlighting the following:
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2009 Shine Awards:
1) Reminder of the July 31 deadline mailed to mayors;
2) Two out-of-state judges will be from the Keep America Beautiful Affiliates in Iowa
and Louisiana, plus two judges from Arkansas State Agencies;
3) Winners will be announced around the middle of August;
4) Award ceremonies will take place in the winners’ local communities with the city
presented an engraved Armetale platter and certificate, plus recognition by statewide
and local press releases.
2009 Great Arkansas Cleanup:
1) Support from AR State Highway & Transportation, including funding to purchase
5,000 t-shirts for volunteers; remaining GAmC supplies will be provided volunteers
for the fall campaign;
2) Campaign timeline has been shortened to two months, from September 12 thru
October;
KAB Commission Meeting
July 23, 2009 – page 7
Coordinator meetings are scheduled at AR State Parks: August 5 at Devil’s Den;
August 12 at DeGray Lake State Park Lodge; August 18 at Jacksonport State Park
outside of Newport;
4) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: There’s much more support and involvement by the
USACE lakes this year with celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Greers
Ferry/Little Red River Cleanup, the originator of the GAC by former KAB
Commissioner and Foundation Board Member, Carl Garner;
5) Ocean Conservancy – International Waterways Cleanup on September 19 will
coincide with the GAC timeline which is consistent with us doing our part by
keeping our state’s rivers and lakes clean that flow into the ocean;
6) Support from the Stream Team of AGFC.
City of Ozark, new KAB Affiliate: Voted to be a KAB Affiliate at their last city council
meeting attended by Commissioner John Pope; this has been an ongoing recruitment
effort by Commissioner Pope and Ms. Wruck.
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Chairman’s Report:
Randy Frazier distributed a printed report, highlighting items, as follows:
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GAC/GAmC contract awarded to Mangan Holcomb Partners was a good choice.
KAB Foundation:
1) Website development being coordinated by Ms. Robbins of MHP;
2) Important role in development of the “Litter-Free” Zone program.
Keep America Beautiful:
1) Affiliate status worth the benefits;
2) Facilitated KAB State Leaders training session recently;
3) Scheduled to provide leadership training for Keep Nebraska Beautiful in August.
Ms. Wruck stated that grant incentives is one of the major benefits of becoming a KAB Affiliate,
referring to their website for resources and information. Mr. Phelps added that one of President
McKenna’s priorities is to offer Affiliates greater support by bringing more incentives and value
to the table.
Mr. Phelps followed with a history of the KAB Foundation as a 501 (c)(3), pass-thru organization
in the past to assist and support activities and programs of the KAB Commission and our
Affiliates. This role will be more restricted in the future. The presentation today has been made
possible by a grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation that would not have been possible without the
existence of the KAB Foundation. In order to continue the program to the second phase, we will
be submitting another grant application in September. The program will eventually be under the
KAB Commission.
Miscellaneous:
Mr. Phelps officially welcomed Carroll Prewett as one of our newest Keep Arkansas Beautiful
Commissioners. Mr. Prewett is from Oxford in Izard County, representing Congressional
District 1. Mr. Prewett said he had spent many years in academia, currently employed with the
U of A Cooperative Extension Service. He stated it is an honor to be asked to serve on the
Commission, and he hopes to be able to contribute in some way.
KAB Commission Meeting
July 23, 2009 – page 8
Ms. Halbert thanked Liz Esch, Event Coordinator, and staff at Botanical Garden of the Ozarks for
providing tours at the reception last evening as well as complementing the meeting room today
for our KAB Commission. Ms. Halbert also extended appreciation to Bill Dollar, BGO Board
President. She acknowledged Allyson Twiggs-Dyer and staff of the Fayetteville Visitors Bureau
for hosting the reception as well as providing lunch for today’s meeting.
Ms. Esch extended an invitation to the gardens at any time. She reviewed membership benefits
and upcoming events, including the Farmers’ Market on Sunday and “Chefs in the Garden during
September/October/November.
Unfinished Business:
Mr. Phelps reviewed carryover items from the May meeting:
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AR State Highway & Transportation Department: E-mail response from Ralph Hall
regarding the following:
1) Fold-down signs to provide an anti-litter message; Ms. Robbins is developing that
signage;
2) Rest stops “Shine” decals – replaced at stop south of Russellville; also, addressing
problem of curling signs at area near Mulberry (application problem has been
resolved);
3) Trash collections improved at pull-off areas with placement of cans with “please
place trash here” message;
4) Flashing electronic highway signs: These are part of a federal program and cannot be
used for anti-litter or statistical messages.
Mr. Phelps noted that the Highway Department continues to strongly support the KAB mission.
Other items of old business:
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Truckers’ issues:
1) Pull-off areas – encourage education of their drivers to utilize those areas in a
responsible manner by keeping them clean; Ms. Garner noted she had personally
observed that the trash receptacles have been reinstated;
2) “Please Don’t Litter” messages on trucks – this will be addressed with the truckers
and their association at a future date; appreciation expressed to Ms. Lipton for
providing needed contacts.
“Wildflowers Forever” program: Georgette Garner reported that she will be a member of
that committee this year to come up with new ideas to improve and revitalize it.
Ms. Lipton said she would ask members of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs to
support the program.
KAB Commission meeting news releases: Consistent with discussion at the spring
retreat, Mr. Pope requested that a synopsis of KAB Commission meetings be posted to
the Keep Arkansas Beautiful website in a timely manner; Ms. Robbins will post.
New KAB logo shirts: One complimentary shirt will be offered with an order placed
with the KAB office regarding preferences, i.e., long-sleeve or short-sleeve, color, style,
size and either the “Shine” or “KAB” logo.
KAB Commission Meeting
July 23, 2009 – page 9
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Ms. Black raised the issue of a Commission sculpture from recycled materials, stating she
knew an artist that might assist with the process and wanted to know if she should pursue
it. After discussion, it was apparent there was no longer an interest.
Ms. Garner expressed appreciation for prayers, cards and e-mails during John’s illness.
Ms. Halbert noted that an e-mail had been received from Dixie Carlson thanking everyone for
their concerns during Ralph’s recent surgery.
New Business:
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AR Federation of Garden Clubs’ Mid-Year Conference: Ms. Black requested approval to
represent Keep Arkansas Beautiful at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute. After
Mr. Phelps’s discussion of policy regarding limitation of attendance at selected
conferences, the following motion was made:
John Pope made a motion, seconded by Georgette Garner, to send Commissioner
Laurie Black as the KAB Commission representative to the AR Federation of
Garden Clubs Mid-Year meeting in August. The motion passed.
KAB Commissioner Reports:
Congressional District 3: Georgette Garner referred to the printed synopsis of her meeting with
Mayor Jordan and staff in June, raising awareness of the KAB mission and how it relates to issues
of interest in the city. She said it has been a work in progress to hold a KAB Commission
meeting in the city, and she is grateful it has finally come to fruition at Botanical Garden of the
Ozarks. She noted she regretted missing the May meeting but has continued to be active in NW
Arkansas and Carroll County.
Congressional District 3: John Pope said he finally received response from the California
legislator regarding cigarette litter on public beaches.
Congressional District 1: Greg Morris distributed a printed report for review.
KAB Affiliate Reports:
Keep Sherwood Beautiful:
Betty Barnhardt reported on the following:
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GAC: Requested small gloves for youth volunteers; it was suggested that she contact
her local Wal-Mart Supercenter “Green Team” Coordinator that might consider donating
extra supplies.
Kohl’s Department Store team participated in the recent GAmC event and contributed
$500 for children’s programs; the money will be used for butterfly gardening and
establish a “Litter-Free Zone” program.
Serves as a member of the Census 2010 Committee for Sherwood with plans for the
T-shirts to have the Keep Arkansas Beautiful logo on the front and “be sure to be
counted” on the back.
KAB Commission Meeting
July 23, 2009 – page 10
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Ms. Glasgow and she are both on the Metroplan “Green Committee”, part of the “Green
Task Force”, to establish criteria and promote green certified communities in the
Metropolitan Area.
CLPP program update: Money will be used to purchase cigarette litter receptacles; this
year’s survey resulted in three times as much cigarette litter as the original.
Keep Sherwood Beautiful website is being restructured, using the city’s server, but
administration will have more control over content.
The Voice , weekly newspaper, is now supporting KSB with a bi-weekly article called
“Recycle Tips”; KSB, KAB and Shine logos are used.
Keep Little Rock Beautiful:
Melinda Glasgow reported on the following:
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Beautification Committee of Keep Little Rock Beautiful is working on median
beautification; the mayor has earmarked money for that purpose:
1) KLRB partnership with Heifer – Tim Heiple, architect and board member, is heading
up the “Passing on Plants” project at the intersection of Second & Cumberland, one
of four areas;
2) Included in “Shine” Awards application.
Recycling:
1) KLRB’s plan to re-energize the paper recycling program in schools in 2010;
approximately six participating now and hope to recruit more.
2) Cardboard recycling: Tim Heiple, President of the “Downtown Neighborhood
Association” heading up that effort; plan to revamp the original program with
placement of containers;
3) Increased recycling education in schools.
August 8: Litter index survey of five zones scheduled; last year’s survey resulted in 9 out
of 10 worst streets adopted.
September 19: Cleanup in Fourche Creek Area, partnering with the Village Commons, a
501(c)(3) organization where KLRB’s new offices are located at 1423 S. Main Street.
2010 Great American Cleanup will be a “paper shredding” event with support from State
Representative Kathy Webb and Goldman’s Recycling.
Keep Van Buren Beautiful:
John Pope reported on the following:
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School recycling program update:
1) 184 tons of material have been kept out of the landfill; school district is recycling as
much as the entire City of Van Buren;
2) Rusty Myers attended the city utilities board meeting to see if they needed assistance
with their recycling program; the city’s service contract is up for renewal this year so,
hopefully, the new service will be more friendly to recycling.
City Wire, web-based news agency out of the Ft. Smith area:
1) “Keep Van Buren Beautiful” was recently recognized as the organization of the
month;
2) Article was picked up and run in KAB’s community newsletter.
KAB Commission Meeting
July 23, 2009 – page 11
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KVB affiliation with Keep America Beautiful: Commended Jack Singleton who spoke to
the Van Buren group four years ago and was instrumental in the resulting Keep Van
Buren Beautiful Affiliate of KAB and Mr. Pope’s involvement.
There being no further business, Mr. Phelps reminded Commissioners to turn in their completed
and signed TR-1’s as well as volunteer hours. The following motion was made:
Laurie Black made a motion, seconded by Greg Morris, to adjourn
the meeting at 2:15 p.m. The motion passed.
The next meeting of the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission will be September 17, 2009, in
Little Rock at Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism.
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Robert Phelps, Director
Keep Arkansas Beautiful
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Randy Frazier, Chairman
Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission