Meeting Minutes

Participants in the first meeting of 2016

Beautify CNMI meeting
February 1, 2016
Hyatt Chamolian Room

Participants: Vinnie Sablan (Legislature), Tatiana Babauta (MVA), Steve Jang (CARE), Lucy Sablan, Ike Cabrera, N Horiguchi, Walt Goodridge, Jojo Cruz (MINA), Angelo Villagomez (Pew), Aileen Benavente (BECQ), Jose Kaipat (BECQ), Brad Ruszala (CUC), Ed Propst (Legislature), Shelane Borja (CARE), Jill Arenovski (SCC), Jenny Hegland (CARE), Jon Perez (media), Cinta Kaipat, Arnold (media), Frau (media)

Cinta welcomed the group and introduced Angelo.

Angelo showed two movies from 2007:
What is Beautify CNMI?
One Year Anniversary
Cinta followed up with a history of Beautify CNMI and discussion of our values:
Beautify Virus – We must always be growing and sharing the message of our coaltion
We are a coaltion, not an organization – we steamroll bureaucracy
Do it now – if you have to ask if you can do it, the answer is yes
Give from your heart, we’ll take as much or as little as you can give
Everyone’s a member, even if they don’t know it yet

Following the talk, a discussion followed:

Please visit the website and sign up for the email list:
www.BeautifyCNMI.org

About 80% of the discussion was about solid waste
Solid waste management – Vin & Ed & Joe K. & MINA, Jen, Steve were identified as leaders and possible committee chairs. Taken as a whole, solid waste is too big an issues, so we discussed breaking up into sub-committees
-Enforcing Litter laws
-Village Cleanups- canvassing neighborhoods that still have typhoon debris & illegal dumping
-Restructuring price of dumping (tipping fee)
-Recycling, Tires
-Abandoned Structures – don’t have permission to remove debris from abandoned properties. How do we clean this up? What’s beautiful is also safe!

MINA brought up their work with marine debris & litter & plastic
It was mentioned that ocean issues as a whole are also important

Animals were discussed in two terms:
There is still an issue of abandoned and feral issues, and we should talk to Saipan Cares for Animals because they are doing great work. In the past we worked with PAWS and help public education activities and events
Dead animal cleanup – is there a government or a private sector solution to this perennial problem? It is related to the number of stray animals.

Working with the community was an overarching theme for all the discussions
There should an Education & Outreach committee
We should make educaitonal PSAs
Focus should be young kids & the parents

We want to plant trees to replace the ones destroyed by the Typhoon. We are having a tree planting this week.

Historical monuments & buildings – Aya & Ike
We need to talk to HPO
Promote this history

Diving was mentioned as important

Next meeting?
Ed Propst will convene a solid waste meeting in two weeks.
Joe Kaipat will see if we can hold the next general meeting at BECQ in March

Draft Meeting Minutes for March 11, 2010

MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, March 11, 2010 – 5:30PM
Tasi Tours Conference Room

I. Introductions – around the table
II. Adopt agenda and last meeting’s minutes
1) agenda adopted
2) no meeting minutes from last meeting - moved & approved to push adoption of minutes to next meeting: agreed!
III. Special Initiatives
1) Ogumoro-Uludong – SCS: Eco-Karnival
i. Saipan Community School is hosting
ii. Looking for community participation
iii. Mission to educate youth and community
iv. Booths from K-8: games, displays, Govt Agencies are going to be involved
v. Wants to invite Beautify CNMI
1. Thelma will follow up stickers
2. Try to prepare an info sheet that could distributed
2) Lisa Eller – DEQ: Garapan Stormwater Pollution Prevention Project
i. Water gets polluted by various human activities
ii. Goal is to teach community members that pollution is tied with coral reef health and tourism
iii. Businesses cooperate and get certified
1. Free training
2. Low cost remedies
3. Certified sticker for their window
iv. Some simple, affordable, beautifying ideas
1. Rain gardens
2. Rain catchment
3. Closing trash bins
4. Unclogging drain covers
v. Comments
1. Is the CNMI-wide plan being considered in this project?
2. Suggest splitting the businesses into two groups so that those who are already compliant are recognized
3. Others need to be shown how to fix the bigger problems
4. Blue Starfish is looking for business partners to help refine program and implementation
5. How can businesses open without being in compliance?
3) Aric Bickel – DEQ: Earth Hour a World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) project
i. A world-wide endeavor
ii. Everyone around the world turns their lights off for 1-hour as part of global-statement
iii. Mission is to speak out about climate change
iv. Why here?
1. We aren’t guilty of causing or contributing like other countries
2. We are effected by ocean acidification and rising sea levels
v. Brainstormed ideas on how to get the most participation in the CNMI
4) Open Discussion: Public Information Campaign on BCNMI
i. Beautify CNMI! Is a coalition of concerned citizens, private groups, and government entities united to enhance the CNMI’s natural beauty and foster community pride in its residents and visitors.
ii. The principle concept of this committee is to follow the Beautify CNMI established style of getting things done. We build a coalition, share resources where we can and support individual(s) and/or group(s) that have an action plan.
iii. The “Energy Star Program” – it’s a label and anyone can adopt to their own initiative…we are not a formal group, but a coalition of like-minded groups and individuals all contributing to the same focus
iv. Discussion
1. Background
2. Corporate functions are missing
a. Protection from liability
b. Implementation of accountability
3. Make sure that acknowledgment is given to the primary promoter
4. Is it a group or is it a campaign?
5. If it’s a group and should be a campaign there needs to be a transition
6. Cinta and Laurie are now council members for RC&D Marianas and part of the Saipan committee --- perhaps tuck BCNMI back under this non-profit where it was originally born --- it provides structure and allows there to be a group administering a campaign
7. Take discussion to subcommittee and report back to group at next meeting
IV. Committee reports
1) Solid Waste
i. DEQ: Clean Up Brigade 740lbs at CowTown; Kagman Marine Biology Club will clean up Marine Beach this weekend
ii. PDM Promoters: Garapan with Awadori and Tanapag families cleaned up in Garapan area (940lbs collected)
2) Mariana Islands Nature Alliance (MINA) – Marine Debris project update
i. Adopt-A-Bin launching March 27th
ii. Seven most popular beach sites – so far 4 beaches adopted
iii. www.minapacific.org for more information go to Projects & Goals from the home page to find the Adopt-A-Bin project
iv. Home recycling bins as incentive for volunteers who help spread awareness about bins
v. Tipping fees are waived for sponsor clean-ups
vi. Keep MINA informed of sponsor-organized clean-ups for promo assistance
vii. Tan Holdings adopted and CTSI cleans-up Susupe Park every last Saturday of the month --- maybe they need a bin?
3) Graffiti
i. No new meetings since the last monthly meeting
ii. Graffiti education - concept/vision remains the same
1. Celebrity “Graffiti Busters” (Neighborhood Watch, TrenchTech and Power99)
2. Graffiti Walls and contest (ISK8, Power99)
3. Car Show and ISK8 competition (ISK8, Power99)
4. Mayor’s office supports idea – try to set up judging and completion to coincide with Liberation Festival and Parade
5. Set up corporate relationships for village residences to help eliminate graffiti (Neighborhood Watch)
6. Need help with structuring plan so that it can move forward; we are in danger of losing time to make it all come together
iii. Navy Hill Lighthouse Restoration Project – no report
4) Junk Cars – not present
5) Friends of the Marianas Islands (FMI) – not present
6) New/Other – N/A
V. Coalition Housekeeping
1) Calendar of Events – asked AOV to correct “time zone” so that events will show up correctly on the link
2) Website
i. No further accomplishment to-date
ii. Please submit ideas for content so that we can make sure that its included; i.e. Projects, Key People, Coalition Partners, About Us
iii. Check with Tyler Yoshimoto to get started; Eli Arago also offered to help
3) Identify and plan promotions for Signature Events
i. Ran out of time
ii. Suggested/voted/approved trying to accomplish via email
4) Identify and plan Environmental Champion Awards (should be April)
i. Ran out of time
ii. Suggested/voted/approved trying to accomplish via email
VI. Announcements
1) Rotary Club Las Vegas Night looking for volunteers
2) Other - none
VII. Set day and location for regular monthly meeting
1) 2nd Thursday of the Month:
i. April 15th Confirm or Change to April 8th
ii. Time: 5:30pm
iii. Location: Fiesta Resort & Spa (tentative) --- Lina and Eli will confirm…

THANK YOU TASI TOURS for hosting this month's meeting! We look forward to our corporate partners continuing to help with donating their conference room just one night out of the year to help us keep Beautify CNMI! active.

Draft Subcommittee Meeting Minutes for Nov 16th

Beautify CNMI Subcommittee Meeting
Monday, Nov 16th, 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Whispering Palms School, Navy Hill
Meeting Minutes

“Operation Paint Over --- What do we want to do about/with graffiti in our community?”

Present: Laurie Peterka, Tyler Yoshimoto, Eric Atalig

Objectives:
1. Sign in (and introductions, if any)
2. Minutes and Agenda
a. Review/adopt meeting minutes from prior meeting (see attached; a limited number of paper copies will be available at meeting).
b. Review/adopt this meeting’s agenda
3. Welcome any new ideas and/or new participants
a. Eric Atalig – Neighborhood Watch Dist 1 & 2
4. Emails to share (if any) – Rebecca is working on her murals project for the lighthouse
5. Progress reports on
a. Photo journal project (Tyler & Laurie) – nothing new to report
b. Americorp Volunteers – not responding
6. Consider next steps:
a. Develop goals, measurable targets, and budget for 2010
i. Bringing in hardware and paint store managers
1. Paint sales policies
2. Discounts for graffiti abatement related paint purchases
3. Establish a community fund for graffiti abatement through paint sales
4. Public hotline to request help
a. Phone companies
b. Zoning Office
ii. Rotate “graffiti abatement teams” among businesses
1. Corporate participant supplies paint and employees
2. Saipan Chamber of Commerce
iii. Team with Neighborhood Watch on launching initial program
b. Timelines, goals, meetings – keep or modify?
i. Project leaders
ii. Take December off
iii. Restart third week of January 2010
7. Confirm next meeting date/time/location - Monday, Nov 30th, 5:30p, Whispering Palms School at Navy Hill

The principle concept of this committee is to follow the Beautify CNMI established style of getting things done. We build a coalition, share resources where we can and support individual(s) and/or group(s) that have an action plan.

Draft Subcommittee Meeting Minutes for Oct 26th

Beautify CNMI Subcommittee Meeting
Monday, Oct 26th, 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Whispering Palms School, Navy Hill
Meeting Minutes

“Operation Paint Over --- What do we want to do about/with graffiti in our community?”

Present: Laurie Peterka, Tyler Yoshimoto, Sen. Frica Pangelinan, Rebekah Yost, John Dax

Objectives:
1. Sign in and introductions
2. Minutes and Agenda
a. Review/adopt meeting minutes from prior meeting (see attached; a limited number of paper copies will be available at meeting).
b. Review/adopt this meeting’s agenda
c. Above adopted
3. Welcome any new ideas and/or new participants
a. Welcome to Senator Frica Pangelinan who brought with her info on the Mural of the Arts Program practiced in Philadelphia
b. Welcome to John Dax who is interested in getting involved in the planning and implementation side of graffiti abatement
4. Emails to share (if any) - NONE
5. Photo journal project (Tyler & Laurie)
a. Viewed photo journal
b. Discussed pictures, locations, patterns, etc.
6. Confirm next meeting date/time/location - Monday, Nov 9th, 5:30p, Whispering Palms School at Navy Hill – MOVED TO Monday, November 16

The principle concept of this committee is to follow the Beautify CNMI established style of getting things done. We build a coalition, share resources where we can and support individual(s) and/or group(s) that have an action plan.

Draft Subcommittee Meeting Minutes for Oct 5th

Beautify CNMI Subcommittee Meeting
Monday, October 5, 2009 - 5:30pm
Whispering Palm School, Navy Hill

“Operation Paint Over --- What do we want to do about/with graffiti in our community?”

Present: Laurie Peterka, Tyler Yoshimoto

Agenda/Objectives:
1. Sign in and introductions
2. Minutes and Agenda
a. Review/adopt meeting minutes from prior meeting (see attached; a limited number of paper copies will be available at meeting).
i. Tyler motioned to accept
ii. Laurie seconded
b. Review/adopt this meeting’s agenda
i. Tyler motioned to accept
ii. Laurie seconded
3. Welcome any new ideas and/or new participants – N/A
4. Emails to share (if any)
a. Anonymous donor suggested project(s)
i. Create a advertising/contest to promote awareness about graffiti
ii. Consider a poster awareness program targeted tourists
iii. Need to brainstorm further and discuss more at next meeting
iv. Probably something to consider after the initial photo journal project is complete
b. Penny Hofschneider - Invite public and private schools to form Beautify CNMI clubs and ask them to adopt a specific area in their vicinity that is often targeted.
c. Jim Arenovski for Crime Stoppers (CS) – will bring back materials from CS regional conference regarding youth and graffiti
d. Frank Camacho – been tied up but will be back for next meeting
e. Frica Pangelinan – will share her materials on the Mural Arts Program- Our City, Our Wall, Our Stories, Voices of Community at our next meeting.
f. Joannie Dubrall – coordinating with NMC students to help with photo journal project.
g. Rose Smith for Ladera Int’l School – will have her students help with photo journaling.
h. Thelma Cabrera – will make a report at next meeting regarding her contact with PSS principals.
5. Progress reports on
a. Photo journal project (Tyler & Laurie)
i. Discussed PPT layout
ii. Need to remind Angelo re project for 10/19 mtg
iii. List for villages is slowly filling in
iv. NMC students will likely join the photo journal project
b. HANMI Survey (Laurie & Shirata) – no progress
c. PSS Communications (Thelma) – tabled to next meeting
6. Consider next steps:
a. Bringing in hardware store managers (Ace Hardware, Guangdong, Do It Best, YCO, Transamerica)
i. Need a project leader
ii. Table to next meeting
iii. Discussed what the buy-in looks like and what the expected results could be if GM’s agree to setting specific policies about the purchase of spray paint (or maybe even regular paint)
iv. Need to see who else sells spray paint (i.e. office supply stores and craft stores)
v. Check the phone book to make sure all stakeholders are identified
b. Project leaders
i. Need hardware store idea leader
ii. Need photo contest/poster advertising project leader
iii. Need business-to-business outreach project (SCC Nov 1 meeting?)
c. Timelines, goals, meetings – keep or modify?
i. Continue collecting data, people through October
ii. Use November meetings to develop goals, measurable targets, and budget for 2010
iii. Take December off
iv. Restart second or third week of January 2010
7. Confirm next meeting date/time/location
a. Monday, Oct 19th, 5:30p, Whispering Palms School at Navy Hill
b. Meeting rescheduled to Monday, Oct 26th, 5:30p, Whispering Palms School at Navy Hill

The principle concept of this committee is to follow the Beautify CNMI established style of getting things done. We build a coalition, share resources where we can and support individual(s) and/or group(s) that have an action plan.

Draft September Meeting Minutes

Beautify CNMI September 2009 Meeting
DEQ Conference Room
Thursday, September 3, 2009
3:30 PM

I. Attendees: Angelo Villagomez, Laurie Peterka, Ian Catlett, Lisa Eller, Tyler Yoshimoto, Harrison Smith, Christina Smith, Tony Reyes, Carter Smith, Joe Kaipat, Sonia Siwa
II. Agenda Adopted
III. August Minutes Adopted
IV. Committee Reports
a. Restoration
i. Laolao Tree Planting – had a very successful event. We had over 100 volunteers and support from CRM, DEQ, Forestry, and others. Very successful event, with over 500 trees planted. Photos are on Facebook.
ii. Flame Trees – boy scouts might be able to help plant them. Laurie recommended putting something out in a community brief to see if any community groups need Flame Trees. Angelo volunteered to write a press release.
1. Angelo said he was waiting for someone to volunteer to plant all the trees – the boyscouts volunteered!
2. Koblerville was identified as a place to plant trees.
3. Boy scout meeting on Wednesday – will get back to me.
4. Tony recommended Uncle Dave help.
5. Laurie recommended we ask Rotary Club to participate
b. Junk Cars – nothing to report
c. Solid Waste
i. International Coastal Cleanup – This is the Ocean Conservancy 24th annual coastal cleanup day. People around the world are going to do cleanups all on the same day. About 10 groups have signed up on Saipan so far and several hundred volunteers. Will pick up their supplies in the week before the cleanup. The transfer station is ready to accept the trash and DEQ has 7 drivers that are going to pick up the trash around the entire island. DPW is going to leave a dumpster at fishing base to make trash hauling easier.
1. DEQ is printing 100/200 shirts
2. ITE is donating $500 for shirts.
3. Angelo asked about buying an ad in the paper. Laurie recommended we get a quote before we make the decision.
4. Laurie asked if Ocean Conservancy has any incentives for participating in the cleanup
5. First time for Tinian and Saipan. Bill Pendergrass is doing it on Rota. He is collected all the data and sending to the Ocean Conservancy.
6. Waiting on Tinian and Rota to organize a cleanup there.
7. Janet King said she was interested in participating. Laurie recommended we contact Deb Fleming.
ii. Tony Reyes recommended we put in some NO LITTERING signs. He’s worried that we leave a bad impression for tourists.
d. Parks & Trails – nothing to report
e. Graffiti
i. Graffiti has had two community meetings since the August meeting. Contact Laurie Peterka or visit the Beautify CNMI website for the minutes. The committee is meeting every two weeks. The next meeting is on the 14th of September at Whispering Palms School on Navy Hill at 5:30 PM.
ii. Going to make a photojournal of graffiti on the island
iii. Laurie is creating a list of stakeholders to participate and give feedback
iv. Zoning Board asked committee to participate in community meetings. Had a meeting in Kagman and Beach Rd
1. Kagman didn’t feel like there was a big problem with graffiti
2. The beach road side felt that there were a lot of problems. Biggest concern was how it looks for tourists.
v. Frank Camacho came to the last meeting and wants to be liason in the Dandan area because it ties into the work he’s doing with the neighborhood watch. Eric Atalig is the village captain for Susupe and is being invited to the next meeting.
vi. HANMI is being invited to participate. Working with Catherine Anderson to do a survey of the hotels to see what their concerns are and how they can participate
vii. Looking for Crime Stoppers to participate. Might be able to be a part of their commercials in the fall.
viii. John Gonzales invited committee to be on his show, wants to discuss a format.
ix. Tony Reyes recommended that we ask the paint companies for donations.
x. Laurie shared an idea where we would provide volunteers if businesses would provide supplies.
xi. Public defenders office is going to look into having painting be a form of community service.
xii. Angelo gave tshirts to Tyler. He will use them as an incentive for people to participate in the photojournal.
V. Miscellaneous
a. Bumper Stickers – Angelo will put together a press release after the Coastal Cleanup. $150 in prize money.
i. Christina recommended working in a radio promotion with the bumper stickers.
b. PIC Fundraiser – PIC donated $2500. Final number has not been confirmed yet. Photos from the event are on Facebook.
c. ITE donation – making us shirts for the coastal cleanup
VI. Other Business
a. Tony Reyes is disappointed that the wires at Susupe Beach were stolen.
VII. Adjournment

Operation Paint Over --- How do we want to deal with graffiti in our community?

This will be our second meeting. If you didn't get a chance to join us the first time, please come ---we are still very much in the planning stages.

When: Monday, August 31st, 5:30pm to 7:00pm

Where: Whispering Palms School at Navy Hill (park where you can and look for sign on the door)

Agenda/Objectives:

1. Review meeting minutes from prior meeting.
2. Share ideas (3-mins so we can give everyone a chance and allow time for discussion)
3. Report from Victor on Zoning village meetings.
4. Consider next steps:

• Developing a stakeholder list by village; dividing up the list and begin making contact to bring those people into the discussion (Crime Stoppers, Neighborhood Watch)


• Plan out how to achieve a photo journal of the existing graffiti issues village by village


• Assign one person to attend each of the remaining village-by-village Zoning meetings so that we can inquire about "graffiti" in that village
  
  

5. Confirm next meeting date/time/location - Monday, Sept 14th, 5:30p, Whispering Palms School at Navy Hill

The principle concept is to follow the Beautify CNMI established style of getting things done. We build a coalition, share resources where we can and support individual(s) and/or group(s) that have an action plan.

Note: Current organizational partners already committed include Rotary Club of Saipan and Island SK8 Society.

Questions can be directed to Laurie Peterka (483-7499) laurie.peterka@saipan.com or Tyler Yoshimoto at tyler_yosh@hotmail.com

See or forward our FaceBook event link at: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=122455452421&ref=mf

Draft Subcommittee Meeting Minutes for Aug 17th

Beautify CNMI Subcommittee Meeting
Monday, August 17, 2009 - 5:30pm
Whispering Palm School, Navy Hill

“Operation Paint Over --- What do we want to do about/with graffiti in our community?”

Present: Laurie Peterka, John Yoon, Tyler Yoshimoto, Ichiro Shirata, Mike Pai, Rebekah Yost, Victor Barrett, David C. Sablan

Email Notes shared with group were sent in by: Penny Hofschneider, Liz Swain, Joanna Durvall, Andrea Carr, Cinta Kaipat, Michael Brazel

Agenda/Objectives:
1. Introductions
a. Laurie – Skatepark, skaters, initial paint over project
b. Rebekah – students want to participate in community projects
c. John Yoon – student interested in community service (MBA senior)
d. Tyler Yoshimoto – student interested in community service (SIS senior)
e. Victor Barrett – New Zoning Administrator wants to work with community to make strides towards urban planning that is walkable, usable
f. Ichihiro Shirata – Tasi Tours, interested in environmental issues, seeing how we can deal with graffiti from a tourism perspective
g. Mike Pai – OPA, the community needs to address the graffiti issue as an eye sore to the community and to tourism
2. Shared ideas
a. Rebekah – lighthouse renovation, clean up, invite students to install murals “life as we know it”; ownership; buy a wall; tourist attraction
i. Who is responsible for the building
ii. It is historically registered
iii. Renew the program annual or bi-annually
iv. Contest to encourage ongoing participation
b. Tyler – taking pictures of graffiti on buildings and focusing first on getting graffiti cleaned up at private properties
i. Zoning can help by citing owners to get them to help clean up
ii. Set up a schedule of villages through business community to get existing defacement corrected
iii. Studies show that urban decay encourages theft, burglary, general disrespect
iv. An abandon building could be used for community center to give kids something to do
v. Junk cars need to be removed --- junk cars are 3-dimensional graffiti
c. Mike Pai – education programs at a young age
i. Look at peer pressure, boredom, anger/family issues
ii. Start with educating the parents
iii. Need to have a message in a hard-hitting public relations campaign that works into everyday language --- creates a new stigma, habit, subliminal suggestion
iv. We need a long-term set of goals and plan that move together in harmony
v. Instill a message of respect for the public realm
d. Victor – a start to a plan
i. Zoning is already on a schedule to start holding village meetings
ii. Victor could give us a slot on their agenda to feel out the communities concerns; they are going village by village
iii. First meeting is in Kagman – Wednesday, Aug 19th, 6pm, Kagman Community Center
3. Short recap of results
a. Projects could be/need to be set up to take place in stages – one on the heels of another in a logical order; for example, maybe target a string of events village-by-village
i. Start with a clean up
ii. Follow up with a mural contest
iii. Result is buy-in, removal of eye sore, and ownership of community public space
b. We project that we will need several meetings before we have an outline of our goals, plans and a timeline
c. It is imperative that all community organizations and business organizations get involved in the overall plan so that we can incorporate as many stakeholders as possible; currently we only have the commitment of the Rotary Club of Saipan and Island SK8 Society; tonight we add the CNMI Zoning Office
d. Overall, this committee’s objectives should be to offer support to a network of projects much like network-marketing with this committee at the top of the pyramid
e. Keep our expectations in accordance to what is reasonable and possible; in other words make a long term plan and take care implementing it rather than taking an ad hoc or one-off approach
4. Identify groups and/or leaders – tabled until further notice
5. Identify a standard day/time for meetings – Mondays, 5:30pm; start with two-weeks then move to once a month
6. Identify a standard location for meetings – Whispering Palms School at Navy Hill
7. Set next meeting – August 31st

Draft August Minutes

Beautify CNMI August 2009 Meeting
DEQ Conference Room
Thursday, August 6, 2009
3:30 PM

I. Attendees: Angelo Villagomez, Tyler Yoshimoto, Joe Kaipat, Carl Brachear, Lian Brachear
II. Agenda Adopted
III. July Minutes Adopted – Angelo will post on website
IV. Committee Reports
a. Restoration – Angelo
i. Laolao tree planting day is on August 16. Looking for 100 volunteers to help
ii. CRM is providing food
iii. DEQ is providing water, t-shirts. They are also doing press releases and fliers.
iv. Forestry is bringing trees.
v. Angelo will coordinate the donation of coconuts and will bring some Beautify CNMI t-shirts
vi. Hoping that USDA will provide Earth Team Coverage
vii. Angelo will need help finding volunteers.
b. Junk Cars – nothing to report
c. Solid Waste – Joe
i. Kathy could not make the meeting, but updated Joe on the MINA grant. They are still waiting on approval
ii. July 4 cleanup – volunteers cleaned 2500 lbs of trash along the parade route
iii. Kagman Biology Club cleaned up 1200 lbs of trash in July. Scheduled to do another cleanup on August 15.
iv. DEQ cleanup brigade got rained out this month
v. A company donated 12 empty oil drums. Joe wants to donate them to Parks and Rec or the Mayors.
vi. Dandan Community Watch is doing a cleanup of the Dandan Children’s Park this Saturday at 8 AM. Will clean the park and plant trees. We are donating trash bags and gloves.
vii. We are still waiting on our order of rubber gloves from Brabu.
viii. PDM Promoters did their cleanup.
d. Parks & Trails – nothing to report
e. Graffiti – Tyler
i. Created an email notification list. Discusses the ideas behind the graffiti campaign, the background of the reasons for the campaign. There are 18 people of the committee so far.
ii. Will contact DYS to participate
iii. Planning on having a meeting before August ends.
iv. ISK8 is meeting on August 6 to discuss graffiti. Hoping that they start a weekly graffiti cleanup.
v. MegaBYTE is going to donate 50% of the cost of a pressure washer and will store and maintain it.
vi. Had an idea to take picture of graffiti on a business and show it to the business owner. Ask the business owner for support if we help them.
vii. Will eventually looking for business support and government support. Several people threw out some ideas.
V. Miscellaneous
a. Bumper Stickers – We will do a bumper sticker and slogan contest starting in September. Will use $150 Bridge Capital donation.
b. PIC Fundraiser – PICpalooza on August 29. 80’s theme. $25 per person, funds to be split by PAWS and Beautify CNMI. A portion of this money will be used to purchase the bumper stickers in October.
c. RC&D Handouts – Angelo handed out papers from RC&D discussing their program. The organization is looking to rebuild in Saipan and is looking for Saipan Island Committee members.
VI. Other Business
VII. Adjournment

Approved July Minutes

Beautify CNMI July 2009 Meeting
DEQ Conference Room
Thursday, July 2, 2009
3:30 PM

I. Attendees – Angelo Villagomez, Kathleen Hermann, Joe Kaipat, Ken Kramer, Sharisse Rivera, Aya Matsumoto, Laurie Peterka, Sonia Silva
II. Adoption of Agenda
III. Assignment of Secretary – Angelo Villagomez appointed group Secretary
IV. Committee Reports
a. Restoration
i. Historical areas – nothing to report
ii. Reveg (Kathleen Hermann) – Laolao planting day planned for August 16 at 8:00 AM. NRCS, Forestry, CRMO, DEQ, and Beautify CNMI met to plan the event
1. Forestry is growing 400-500 plants
2. DEQ is purchasing 100 t-shirts and flyers
3. CRMO and Angelo are going to look for money to pay for food
4. Sharisse is going to write a press release, look for volunteers at NMC. Angelo will also help recruit volunteers
5. Angelo made a site visit, will forward results to partners. Planting coconuts at the site was brought up. It was suggested that people bring coconuts to the event.
6. An illegal road has been plowed into the reveg site.
7. Angelo asked about the $3 million grant for laolao reveg. Kathleen said that $2.5 million will pave road. $0.5 million will go to reveg, marine monitoring, signage, local coordinator & staff.
8. Restoration committee will have a meeting at the beginning of August to finalize the event.
b. Junk Cars – nothing to report
c. Solid Waste (Joe Kaipat) – Grant to MINA to support marine debris is on hold until stimulus money arrives
i. Grant will put garbage bins on beaches.
ii. Looking for community support. Planning community meetings. Going to ask people to pay for bins at beaches, perhaps in villages.
iii. Ken asked about the coral reef video made by DEQ. Asked about running it on TV.
iv. Weekly cleanups with FMI. 360 lbs last week.
v. PDM Promoters has a cleanup this weekend.
vi. Joe suggested Beautify CNMI cleanup at the end of the parade in t-shirts. The group liked this idea.
vii. Meeting with Parade group today. Angelo will promote the event if we get permission.
viii. Garbage bags and gloves are available for cleanups at DEQ.
d. Parks & Trails – Dan Lamar submitted written report. Available on Beautify CNMI blog at: http://beautifycnmi.blogspot.com/
e. Graffiti (Laurie Peterka) – Tyler and Laurie met before he went on vacation. Drafting an email to recruit volunteers. Email explains concept of committee. Gives background on why we are pursuing this and some background. Have been researching projects from other communities. ISKI, Rotary, MVA, MTEC, Mywave, local schools, PDO, AGO have been talked to. Going to talk to Legislature, and Crimestoppers.
i. Angelo suggested talking to LEEP, JPO, Crime Prevention DPS.
V. Miscellaneous
a. Bridge Capital Donation – Bridge Capital donated $2000 to Beautify CNMI. The funds are in the PAWS bank account. Angelo will purchase supplies and PAWS will refund him.
b. PAWS WARS – A very successful event was held.
c. PIC Fundraiser – August 29, 80’s theme, all proceeds to benefit PAWS and Beautify CNMI. $25 per person.
d. Champion & Steward Awards – Handed out
e. Bumper Stickers – Angelo has had a few requests for bumper stickers.
i. The group is going to have a slogan/bumper sticker contest to end the first week of September. Angelo will coordinate this.
VI. Other Business
VII. Adjournment

Marianas Dive Meeting Minutes

August 15, 2007.
Meeting Summary

Election of President (Mike Tripp), Vice President (Harry Blalock), Treasurer (Harry Blalock), and Secretary (Katrina Dugger).

Goals / Immediate Priorities

A. Mission Statement – to be done by Harry / Mike / others encouraged for input.
B. Website Development – Formation of committee, including Walt, Steve, Jonathon. Extensive discussion about content and set up.
C. Dive Site Improvement – Lots of discussion re moorings etc, beach clean ups, and what could be improved to make Marianas World Class.
D. Building of the Group – Membership, dues, etc to be determined. Social event. Individuals encouraged to promote Marianasdive.com site, to sign up on the mailing list and the forums as well as to use the forums for suggestions.


Additional committees discussed included

Non Profit formation
By virtue of absenteeism and his suggestion Ron Smith was appointed to head this effort.

Government / Inter-agency Liaison
Suggested appointments and Nominees – Mike Tripp, Harry Blalock, Doug B.

Promotions / Social Committee
Suggested appointments and Nominees – Katrina, Harry Blalock

Plan:

Board Meeting
Set for Friday August 17, 2007
Harry, Mike, Katrina and others interested to write Mission Statement, Welcome Letter, set agenda for next meeting and discuss options for membership fees / dues.

Membership Meeting
Set for Wednesday August 22, 2007 Oleai Beach bar 6:30 PM
Those interested in submitting a short synopsis on what makes Marianas diving unique are encouraged to do so at this meeting to facilitate website content development.



Friday August 17, 2007
Board Meeting Summary.

Attendance
Mike Tripp, Harry Blalock, Katrina Dugger, Greg Moretti, Mike Ernest, John Starmer, Jonathan,

Mission Statement draft Complete – ready for discussion (see attached)
Welcome letter complete – now automatically sent with new member sign up.
CRM Update:
Discussion with John Starmer of DEQ regarding moorings, reef lines, past and present education programs, reef monitoring activities, Coral reef out reach programs.

Dues / Membership structure
A proposed tiered system is offered as an option.
There will be a $20 or $50 yearly membership fee option.
The $20 option – addition to mailing list and right to vote on issues as required.
The $50 option – includes mailing list and right to vote but also includes a coupon book for items / services to be determined by participating donors. (minimum value of coupon book? tbd).

Other

Monthly Dive Site Cleaning--DEQ / BCNMI
Grants from PADI (up to $10,000), Project Aware and Education Programs.



Mission Statement: Awareness, Education & Protection

The Marianas Dive group is dedicated to creating a resource, a world class destination and a community for the purpose of increasing awareness, promoting education, and ensuring the protection of the underwater world of the Marianas Islands (Saipan, Tinian, Rota) and the unique diving experience it offers.

A Resource
We shall begin by networking and using the internet and all promotional tools available to create a Marianas Dive information portal. This information will be amassed and provided to the local and international dive, and scientific communities and be available in the languages of all our target tourist countries.

A World Class Destination
We shall ensure that the Mariana Islands meet or beat the expectations of a being a safe, environmentally friendly, world class dive destination. This includes improving diver safety and reducing environmental impact by assisting with the implementation and maintenance of a proper mooring system, including marker buoys and guide ropes at all popular dive sites. It is also our goal to ensure all divers are environmentally aware of their impact on the reef and marine environment.

A Community
We are, above all else, a community that shares a love of all things underwater. We shall promote fellowship and camaraderie among all divers who enjoy the waters of the Marianas whether full time, during occasional trips or as weekend warriors. We shall meet regularly, organize group dives and social events that allow members to interact, swap stories, discuss ideas and to get to know one another personally. We welcome all regardless of nationality, culture, level or frequency of dive experience.

August 2007 General Meeting Notes

August 2007 General Meeting

Restoration – Angelo Villagomez with help from Cinta Kaipat

Planted 100 Flame Trees so far, about 25 ready to be planted
Purchasing supplies for more plantings with RCDs NFWF grant
Upcoming Obyan Planting – Sept.
Upcoming Laulau Planting – Sept.
Saipan Southern HS painting on Aug. 11
MHS Tree Planting on Aug. 10
Year of the Coral Reef mural contest
-Reina needs a budget/proposal
-Cinta wants to have a one day painting
-We need to talk to Officer Seman

Micronesia Challenge – Angelo Villagomez

Panel Discussion on MC on Aug. 24. May have to postpone one week due to American Samoa conference – I’ll find out tomorrow
Reserved www.micronesiachallenge.com – redirects to the Unofficial MC Blog
Photo contest has 11 submissions. We need more.

Parks & Trails – Angelo Villagomez for Ken Kramer

Working with BSA to restore Banadero Trail
Coordinating with RCD, MINA, HPO, and DFW
Next meeting is on August 17, 1 PM at USDA NRCS

Animal Welfare – Angelo Villagomez, read an email by Katie Busenkell

- We are still working towards opening a humane shelter with the Mayor's office. So far, the Mayor's office is unwilling to entertain the idea of re-designing the shelter. Chair Katie Busenkell objects to the Mayor's current design plan because: (1) it is absorbing too much money and appears to be ill-designed; and (2) No one from the Humane Society, or with experience operating a shelter, has been consulted about the design plan. Proper design is extremely important, as ill-designed shelter can quickly become death traps that cultivate and host diseases.

-Passing anti-cruelty legislation. A presentation to the Senate/House Committee will hopefully take place sometime in the next couple of weeks. With approval from the committee considering the bill, AWC members and PAWS members will be invited to attend the presentation;

-PAWS President.AWC Chair Katie Busenkell just returned from a conference in Samoa, hosted by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), a United Nations Partner. The conference focused primarily on educating children about responsible pet ownership and government methods of animal control.

PAWS will be hosting a general meeting in September wherein the conference will be discussed in greater detail. All are invited to attend and participate in discussions and endeavors. The date and time will be announced later.

-Katie mentioned the Turtle Conservation Project to WSPA representatives. They will send AWC what materials they have about turtle conservation/preservation.

Legislation & Zoning – Cinta Kaipat

Cinta submitted a Global Warming bill
Zoning hearing on August 14, 6:30 at the Multipurpose Center

Solid Waste – Steve Hiney

The project has been slowed because there was no property to work on the cars and no permits from DEQ
Bali Steel and DPL signed Lease on August 3, they now have land.
They are writing a permit application for DEQ
Going to do a survey of the area next week looking for cars
Mayor has not responded, may have equipment, but hasn’t confirmed
There are some issues concerning what to do with the parts of the car that can’t be sold as scrap metal – it will probably end up in the landfill

July General Meeting Notes

Animal Welfare:
Shelter is being built, needs funding for training, staffing
Mayor’s office has to spend $75,000 by Sept 30, we still have concerns that Tinian was able to build a shelter for $8000. Why is ours so expensive?
Neutering Clinic killed by Doctor Tudor

Restoration:
Still doing weekly cleanups
13 Flame trees this year
Planting more on Sunday
There have been two articles in the Variety about the damage bush cutters are doing to Flame Trees
Continuing Lighthouse cleanups
Sam’s Class

Parks:
Had a meeting with Lynn Knight & Perry Tenorio
Not much to report

Grafitti:
I have a quote from Ace…I need to give to MVA
Painted several bus stops

Micronesia Challenge & Turtles:
No movement since the turtle meeting in May
Had a Micronesia Summer Camp with 15 students
Teny wants to have monthly presentations – we should invite Teny, Angelo, Katie will work on some conservation presentations with turtles perhaps

Media:
Sponsoring Friday Family Fun Night
PSAs on 103.9 and 101.1
We Love Saipan network has helped with creation of 100 blogs, been mentioned on Radio, MP Magazine, Marianas Variety

SAVE Club:
Will be meeting on the first Wednesday of every month at Java Joes
Will be Saipan wide, not just Hopwood
Goal is to have 100 members by December

Junk Cars:
Garapan first as a pilot
Moving on to other villages, starting in a few weeks

Minutes of Meeting, 6/14/07

Present were Cinta Kaipat, chair, Angelo Villogomez, Ken Kramer, Teny Topalian, Steve Hiney, Ruth Tighe and Dennis Cabrera.

Restoration Committee: Angelo said that in light of the cutting down of diseased flame-trees, planting more should be a priority. A flame-tree planting is scheduled for June 19 on Beach Road to mark the anniversary of the first tree planting, and purchasers of flame trees will be encouraged to plant their trees themselves. Over 2,000 trees have been planted by Beautify CNMI! in the year since the program started.

Several bus stops have also been repainted since the last meeting.

Turtle Conservation/MC Committee: The Resource and Conservation District has developed bags and bumper stickers in support of turtle conservation, carrying the slogan, "What we do on the land can affect our marine environment." Making a video as an educational tool was discussed, with concern expressed not only about what phase of turtle conservation to include (does showing tagging give away how to capture a turtle?), but also about distribution. Angelo will talk to Mike Tripp about suggestions, ideas, but it seems likely a grant will be needed to make the film and get it distributed. The turtle poaching of the previous week was mentioned.

Access to a boat for turtle projects was raised, but it was concluded that while CRM, Fish and Wildlife and NMC may have vessels, the liability risk militates against using a government owned boat for Beautify CNMI! projects.

Triggered by Angelo's suggestion that turtle-decorating contest winners from Guam be brought to Saipan, holding a local contest was discussed, perhaps of creating turtles, to be exhibited at the Paseo. Though using only re-cycled materials was proposed, it was decided not to limit the materials that could be used. Angelo will discuss this further with PDM, Masako-san

Cinta reminded everyone that the turtle issue began with Lynn Bruzesse's interest in having Ulithi join hands with the CNMI in turtle conservation programs that perpetuate traditional approaches to preservation and protection. The idea of establishing a turtle hatchery was discussed.

Status of the solar-powered restroom on the Beach Path: Water and sewer connections have not been made. Since it is allegedly on the right-of-way, the Department of Land and Natural Resources cannot use its park money as it had intended, to make the connections. Ken will be meeting with Thelma Inos of the Energy Department and Dr. Dela Cruz of DLNR to see if a solution can be found.

Angelo noted that the Marshall Islands, from which he had just returned, face the same problems Beautify CNMI! does: the difficulty faced by NGO's in being invited, being able to participate, in issues related to the NGO mission.

Animal Welfare Committee: Cinta reported on behalf of Katie Busenkell, who was not able to attend. The stateside veterinarian Katie has been communicating with is due to arrive on Saipan in August for a week to check out facilities, etc. The spay and neuter clinic is now tentatively scheduled for February or March 2008. Katie distributed an extensive list of items needed for such a clinic that had been drawn up by the group that sponsored a similar clinic on Guam. This project has been killed.

Legislation Committee: Cinta reported that there has been no progress on amending the litter law, as DEQ had requested, and as was discussed at last month's meeting. She said legislators are adamant that fines be increased, despite the concern about blanket fines for minor or major littering and the reluctance of "litter cops" to write tickets. The law should have been tiered, suggested Steve.

Ken Kramer announced that forestry training is being conducted by DLNR. He noted that Dr. Dela Cruz said the department has $150,000 that must be committed or it will be lost. Several suggestions were made for its use: a chipper, a pull-behind trailer for re-cycling use.....

Steve Hiney said he'd asked several vendors to submit proposals for patrolling Middle Road and Beach Road for four hours twice a week to picking up road kill but had gotten no response to date. Angelo said the real need was to have someone available on call. It was suggested that the informal request for proposal be broadened, and not restricted only to trash collectors, or to specific times and frequencies.

Re-cycling: Steve reported that a place to put junk cars would be available in two weeks, and what was needed was a place for someone to take phone calls relating to the location of the cars, etc. Angelo offered space and phones in the MINA office.

Steve said that while there now is no specific slot on the agenda of the EPA annual meeting in American Samoa for a discussion of Beautify CNMI!, he will be referring to it as a repeatable model in his talk re: regionalization.

In closing, Cinta asked about a float for the 4th of July. Apparently, the project has fallen by the wayside.

May General Meeting Minutes

Thank you, Ruth, for taking the minutes.

BEAUTIFY CNMI!
General Membership Meeting
Minutes, 5/09/07


The meeting was held in the conference room of the DPW transfer station in Lower Base and chaired by Representative Cinta Kaipat. It was observed that the general meeeting attendance seemed to be declining, but that attendance at committee meetings was growing. In providing Scott Crockett, Natural Resources Conservation Service District Conservationist and first-time attendee, of an overview of the function of Beautify CNMI!, Angelo explained that BC has no by-laws, no officers, no formal organization. It is intended to to serve as a model for problem solving, the steps being: identify the problem/need, identify the solution, find the means to apply the solution, and then do so.

Angelo welcomed Scott, noting that Scott's office has funding the BC could tap into, and that in turn, the BC could offer his office a network of do-ers, and a means of providing outreach.

The report from Solid Waste, Recycling and Junk Cars committee was deferred due to the absence of its chairman.

Chairperson Angelo Villagomez presented the report from the Restoration and Graffiti committees. Instead of "grafitti," Micronesian Mural Challenge should be used, he said, to put the emphasis on creating art, to encourage positive artistic talent. The MMC committee will solicit art work, identify places to be painted, and provide paints. The project is under the leadership of DPS Crime Prevention Unit's Tricia Semen.

The flame tree replacement program has received funding for 50 trees from Attorney Jed Horey, and for 21 more from individuals to date. The trees will be planted when rainy season starts. Ken Kramer suggested that an embossing stamp be created, for placement on the ground as a means of identifying tree donors. Angelo said he would look into it.

A comment was made re DPW's cutting down of ailing flame trees - that it should wait until the trees have finished blooming. Cinta said she'd follow up on that.

Herminia Fusco reported that Roy Sablan, of HPO, has money to restore the bell tower, which had been one of the Restoration committee's concerns.

Cinta, in her capacity as Legislation Committee chair, reported that she had been asked to amend the littering law to lower the fines for littering, since litter officers were reluctant to impose the $200 fine now in the law for lesser infringements. There was considerable discussion, but all agreed it was important to enforce the principle that littering be against the law - no matter how small. In addition to discussing the pros and cons of lowering the fine, the group suggesting including a mandatory requirement for community service. Publication of the names of litterers, and having them wear identifying vests (labelled "litter bug") were also discussed.

Chris Parke was called upon to for an update on Zoning Board activity - she noted that the zoning board will hold an open house from 2-5 the next day on tentative plans for Garapan and the Beach Road area. Consultant John Owens from Seattle, Oregon, had conducted a 1 1/2-day workshop and the presentation was based on its findings. Among the suggestions coming forth: that the island's architecture reflect its island location.

Angelo noted that the Micronesian Challenge committee had focused on turtle breeding site protection. He note that some government agencies working on the Challenge do not seem to be on the same page as BC.

Scott was then given the floor, and mentioned two specific programs he administers that BC might find useful: EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentive Program), which promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible goals, and WHIP (Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program), which encourages the creation of high quality wildlife habitats that support wildlife of national, state and local significance. Both provide funding, for which matching can be done with labor and locally supplied materials. The programs, said Scott, could help leverage BC funds by providing technical assistance and funding in the areas of conservation, forestry, ecology and land use planning.

Discussion focussed on the trail, earlier proposed by Carl Brachaer - dubbed the "Pacific Crest Birdwatching Trail" - whose construction Scott said could be assisted by both the NRCS and RCD programs, under the rubric of creating, enhancing and restoring habitat. Ken Kramer was named head of the Trail committee.

Katie Busenkell reported the Animal Welfare Committees' upcoming pet show, to be held on Saturday at the airport football field, and the committee's project to make presentations on pet care in every school on island. The next PAWS Meeting will be held at Bobby Cadillac's on 5/16 at ll:30 a.m. Nominations will be sought for PAWS Board members.

The new committee chairs named are: Ken Kramer, Trail Committee and Tricia Semen, Micronesian Challenge.

Angelo reported that BC had collected $1200 from ARC, received a $500 check from Bank of Guam, another $500 from Nancy Rushmerand $700 from the Flame Tree festival, plus $1420 from the sale of flame trees to date. About $1400 of the money has already been spent to pay for the awards, some t-shirts, and buttons and stickers from the fundraiser at Aqua Resort.

Cinta reported on the extensive plans San Vicente Elementary School has made for the week of May 21, starting with a full day dedicated to cleaning up the SVS adopted beach at Lau Lau on that Monday.

She reported that Ken Concepcion (KC) is working with Koblerville families to get the Koblerville Youth Center up and running. Among the plans: to hold Friday night family fun programs along the lines of the street market, complete with a stage for performances.

She also mentioned Tanapag's Tataga Fundraising event - BC will be donating a tent for use at the event, and making available information about BC activities and projects. She asked for volunteers to help man the booth between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 26.

It was decided to enter a BC float in the 4th of July parade - Marites Castillo was asked to chair that project/committee.

Lastly, Angelo announced that there will be a clean-up of the Okinawa War Memorial on Saturday, the 26th, in preparation for the arrival of an Okinawan group of visitors.

Steve Hiney, chair of the Solid Waste, Recycling and Junk Cars committee arrived as the meeting was ending. He assured attendees that the junk car project was still alive, and expected to be implemented shortly.

February 15 General Meeting

Thank you, Ruth for taking notes!

Beautify CNMI!
Minutes of General Membership Meeting, February 15, 2007

David Bell of Bali Steel introduced himself. He called attention to the Green Island Alliance, a Pacific Islands Regional Recycling Network funded by the U.S. EPA, and allied with the United Nations Environmental Program. More information on this organization can be found at http://www.greenislandalliance.org.

Steve Hiney, chair of the Solid Waste committee, reported that the draft regulations are being reviewed for curbside trash pick-up in conjunction with the DEQ village beautification campaign. Implementation of the scrap auto project is now expected to begin at the same time as the March summit meeting of Micronesia leaders. An understanding has been developed between SamCor, DEQ and Bali Steel for the project.

Angelo reported for the Restoration Committee that the tree-trimming training program had been very successful, but that the bad news is the arborist found that most of the CNMI flame trees need replacing within the next 5-10 years or they could all be lost to the next typhoon. He said a long term re-planting program should be started immediately - planting new flame trees between the existing ones so that as the old trees are taken down, there will be new ones to replace them.

Gonzalo Santos from Indigenous Affairs explained that his interest at the moment was in the cultivation and preservation of medicinal plants and in sharing information about them. A conference on the topic is to be held on Rota.

Angelo reported that the paperwork required to begin re-painting the lighthouse on Navy Hill is underway - clearance is required from both HPO and DPL.

He announced that MVA has donated $10,000 to Beautify CNMI! and it has been used to purchase gloves and bags for the weekly clean-ups.

The report by the Legislation committee was deferred due to the absence of the Chairman.

Katie Busenkell announced that the first meeting of her committee on Animal Welfare will be held at the Cafe at the Park at 6 p.m. on Thursday, February 22. Among topics to be discussed: the animal shelter, education for responsible ownership, a clinic for animal sterilization.

Angelo also reported that a new Micronesian Challenge subcommittee has been formed; co-chairs are Fran Castro and Angelo.

Steve Tilley spoke about the Zoning Board's recent articles in the paper, and the list he is building of village meetings and persons who would help facilitate them. A summary report of the village meetings is scheduled for May. The expected product for the round of village meetings is a report consisting of a half-page "summary" for each village that would list the problems, issues and recommendations identified by participants. Local participation is critical to the success of these meetings, he said. Following the village meetings, a draft zoning plan will be drawn up incorporating all the findings. The draft will be published as a newspaper insert in order to make it widely available. As now envisioned, all village meetings will be held at the Susupe multi-purpose center since equivalent facilities in the villages were difficult to arrange.

Angelo raised a question about the newly-announced plans to proceed with the construction of the cross-island and Talofofo highway projects, and how they fit into the land-use and zoning plans being prepared by the Zoning Board. It was suggested that the design plan for roads should be obtained from DPL.

Discussions after the meeting had adjourned included Representative Absalon Waki's comments on the ad hoc Garapan committee, which is concerned about keeping the Paseo area clean and well-lighted as well as calling on all area businessmen (and women!).

He also suggested that BC issue a statement in regard to its concerns over the proposed road plans.

Also included were comments by Representative Cinta Kaipat regarding the highly successful Kagman clean-up project, and the plans to conduct a certification ceremony for attendees at the tree-trimming class. The Beautify virus/infection is alive and well in Kagman, she reported. She also expressed thanks to MVA for its contribution - she said the trash bags purchased were from a local factory , Jin Yong's Plastics, that re-cycles plastic bags. The factory is located behind Chalan Kanoa school.

Dave Bell said the CNMI's re-cycling of plastic bags is unique to the Pacific - no one else is doing that.

Concern was expressed at the few litter citations that have been issued. Cinta suggested having the governor send out a memo to all agencies with litter officers urging them to enforce the litter-ticket program.