HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-02-16 Beautication CALDWELL BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
February 16, 1976 - 11 :50 A.M.
Present: members - Matheson, Rankin, Brooks, Wallace, Ogstad, Roberts, Conger
ex officio - Williams, Bauman
The meeting was called to order in the Council chambers by Chairman Matheson.
Minutes of the meeting of January 12, 1976 were read and approved as written.
New Commission member Jerry Ogstad was welcomed.
Resignation from Commission - A letter of resignation from Mel Wilhelmsen was
read with the reason for his resignation stated to be his recent move outside
the planning area of Caldwell.
Dixie Drain project - Chr. Matheson reported the following:
A meeting held for landowners south of Linden was attended by Chr. Matheson,
Mel Lewis, Jackie Brooks, Mel Wilhelmsen, Councilman Bauman, and owners
Bud Jones, Bates Gibson, Pete Hokum, and Mr. and Mrs. Levi Strange. Owners'
grievances were aired. Owners generally seemed agreeable to signing
easements but wanted to wait until the School District Board meeting on
February 16 to see what would be done about the Spruce Street problem.
The request for an easement presented to the School Board in January was
tabled until the February 16 meeting due to questions on ownership and
liability. A letter drafted by Matheson, Brooks, Wallace and Conger giving
background on the project was sent to all Board members on January 30, 1976.
Copies were distributed for other members to read. (copy is attached)
Shirley Conger reported she had met with School Board members Dillon, Jones, and
Waterman, Superintendent Diede, and Mel Lewis on February 10, 1976 to answer
questions and for inspection of the areas involved. Board members expressed the
indication that any action they would take would involve a total proposal with
conditions.
Easements not yet obtained between Ash and Linden are Hull and Christensen. No
definite information was presented concerning the possibility of obtaining these
easements.
Chr. Matheson reported that Mel Wilhelmsen had gone to the Bureau of Reclamation
in Boise concerning an easement from Logan to Ash and had obtained the name of
the Bureau official to contact. Mel Lewis then wrote requesting the easement.
A letter dated January 30, 1976 from the Bureau of Reclamation to the City of
Caldwell was read. It stated that the Bureau would cooperate in every way but was
requesting a three-way agreement between Pioneer Irrigation District, the City
of Caldwell, and the L.S. Governmnet concerning maintenence, liability, environ-
mental impact, etc. for the full length of the project be signed prior to the
exercise of the easement.
A topography survey from Logan to Linden has been completed by the City. This will
be used to develop a design for the path.
It was noted that homeowners on Robert Street may be planning to fight the project.
H. S. tennis courts - Shirley Conger reported that the Student Council had dis-
cussed the problem but felt it was the responsibility of the janitors. Council
members were to check on the situation and the possibility of providing trash cans
if necessary but have not reported any action taken as yet. Shirley will follow-
. up with the Student Council and high school principal.
' CALDWELL BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION
Regular Meeting - February 16, 1976
Page 2
rils) Spring Cleanup - Jackie Brooks asked for sugEe.;t -ons of youth groups to contact
with the hope of involving a large number of your; people in the cleanup project.
Dates have not been set but will probably be later than usual because City pickup
is scheduled later this year. Jackie will coordinate with the Mayor and begin
contacting such groups as Key Club, Boy and Girl Scouts, and 4-H groups.
Tree replacement - Bobbie Rankin reported she had contacted Merle Samson, County
Agent, about information available on possible replacement trees for those lost
to Dutch Elm disease. He has a wealth of such material which could he used in
a series starting with the Dutch Elm problem, listing suitable replacements for
this area, and following up with individual articles on each tree. Ken Roberts
moved we authorize Bobbie to work on the preparation of a series of articles and
effect their publication in the local paper. Seconded by Val Wallace. Passed.
tunelnanBauman stated the City is planning the purchase of a Tree Spade which
will be available for rental. The City also has land available at Purple Sage
for starting trees. These areas of possible Commission involvement will be
discussed at a later date.
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Newspaper coverage - Discussion was held concerning the article appearing in the
Poor Rick's Almanac column of February 14. Relations in general with the local
media were also discussed. Individuals will contact media personnel in an
attempt to improve coverage of Commission projects.
Jefferson Junior High Complex study - Ken Roberts reported the task force called
nto study potentials of the complex has held three meetings. A three man delegation
has studied and reported on the size and physical condition of the various sections
t. as follows: the gym is in the best shape but does need some work; the auditorium
could be made usable with not too much work; the center or oldest section of the
main building needs to be torn down but the two outside sections of the main
building are structurally sound and could be made usable with more extensive
work. The possibility of converting the ground levels of the two outside
buildings to be used as the main floor and connecting them with a new one story
building in the center was presented to the task force. Jerry Ogstad, also a
member of the task force, stated the possibility of moving City Hall to the
complex would be discussed at the next Retail Merchants meeting.
Bike standards - It was reported that the secretary had not completed the telephone
vote as instructed at the last regular meeting because critiques from Mel Lewis
and Chief of Police Astleford have not yet been received. Chro Matheson will
meet with Lewis, Astleford, and Mel Wilhelmsen to go over the standards for
practicality.
Vacancy on Commission - Names were discussed as possible replacements for
Mel Wilhelmsen. Members were instructed to be prepared at the regular March
meeting to present nominations and to vote.
Bike path design consultant - A letter from Nature West, Inc. was read which
detailed what services would be offered for a price not to exceed $3000. Problems
of legalities of the Commission authorizing hiring a consultant with some
— Whittenberger Foundation funds were discussed„ No definite information had
been obtained on whether bids would be necessary. Ken Roberts moved that Chr.
Matheson be authorized to proceed with obtaining bids for design if necessary.
Seconded by Jerry Ogstad. Passed.
Meeting was adjourned at 2:10 P.M.
Shirley Conger
Secretary