Beautification and Improvement Commission

BEAUTIFICATION AND IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION Mee�ng Minutes - May 2, 2024 Commissioners Present: George Hubchak, Vernell Ellison-Smith, Chuck Levine, Frederick Lisiewicz, Mitchell Sandler, Valerie Shuman, Brooke Sprague, Ross Del Rosario, Bob Quane, Mike Madalinski, Katy Darr, Edward Potash, Liz Zimmerman (Staff), James Johnson (Trustee) Commissioners Absent: William (Tony) Barney, William Oney-Paige, Cathy Stevens (Staff) Commissioners Excused: Rachel Rosenberg I. Mee�ng Called to Order-Bob Quane Bob Quane called the Mee�ng to order at 6:30 p.m. The minutes for the April Mee�ng were approved by voice vote. II. Arbor Day – Bob Quane Bob Quane said he appreciated people coming out for Arbor Day. All Madison school classes came to the observance. The Superintendent made nice remarks to the students. Meredith id extra outreach to community to come out, but no residents came to the observance. The ceremony ended at 10:30 a.m. The focus will be on the kids for the next Arbor Day. III. Beau�fica�on Awards Program Zones-Vernell Ellison-Smith The Zone Sheet for The Beau�fica�on Awards Program was distributed to members of the commitee. Bob (Quane) encouraged everyone to pick a zone to pick nomina�ons. Valerie said the earlier in June you could nominate front lawns the beter. Bob said the door hangers had all the informa�on on them. The deadline is July 15. Bob wants the nomina�ons to be brought in a week before the deadline. The deadline window is June 15-July 15. IV. Spring Plan�ng Update-Mike Matalinski and Katy Darr Mike and Katy did a survey for plan�ng. Liz Zimmerman said there were medians that needed to be refreshed. Mike said Dempster Street was not a good place for plan�ng. Bob liked the idea of the Triangle around Niles Center Road as a good place for plan�ng. Liz said we had $25,000 in our budget for five years to do plan�ng for a given area. Valerie said if we could pick five plants to use for decora�on, our planters would learn to plant with those five types of plants. Bob said Mike and Katy would keep the Commitee apprised of their progress un�l the Fall. 1  BEAUTIFICATION AND IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION Mee�ng Minutes - May 2, 2024 V. Emily Oaks Plant and Tree Sale-Frederick Lisiewicz Fred has said it will be on Sunday, May 19, between 12 noon and 2:30 p.m. Two-foot trees would be $35. Brooke would be there, too. VI. Fes�val of Cultures Update-Edward Potash Ed said we have enough people for each two-hour session on Saturday and Sunday for the Beau�fica�on and Improvement Booth at the Fes�val of Cultures. There would be no prize wheel; a $50 raffle prize would be offered. There would also be a drawing for a tree. Mitch Sandler said a reminder should be sent out close to May 19 to remind people of their �me slots for being representa�ves at the booth. VII. Fourth of July Parade-Chuck Levine Chuck said we were switching float companies for this year’s parade. We would have a bucket design which had a flat pla�orm in front and a huge sign at the back. Bob said we would make our own banner this year, as ABC charged too much to make a banner for us. Bob said this float was a “low rider.” It would be much easier to get on and off the float. The Parade will be on Thursday, July 4. Bob said we would be at the front of the Parade this year. VIII. New Tools – Valerie Shuman There were three types of tools to use in our beau�fica�on campaign: 1. Linktree 2. Parkway Tree Request Form 3. Tree Counter (In Review) Valerie said a calendar was being maintained for anyone who wanted one. Bob suggested a Block Party Captain Program for people who wanted to serve as a tree advocate for their block. IX. Tools and Tracking – E-asset Management-Valerie Shuman Valerie said we should do Public Rela�ons for Fes�val of Cultures and the Emily Oaks Plant Sale, as it was already May. Liz Zimmerman said people should take a sec�on of their yard to plant na�ve plants. That would be more effec�ve for pollinators than not mowing in May. Liz said that we should not worry about emerging cicadas. They would be gone around July. James Johnson spoke about the Budget Hearing last night and how great it was to get so much work done. The Mee�ng adjourned at 7:37 p.m. 2