Beautification Commission

STERLING HEIGHTS BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Monday, March 5, 2012 Chairman Wawrzyniak called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Commissioner’s present: Jennifer Abed, Henrietta Baczewski, Darlene MacLeod, Ruthann Schinzing, Aaron Wawrzyniak, Josh MacKinnon, Jazmine Early, Jim Francis, Sharon Mason Commissioner’s absent: Steve Duncan, Gary Isom, Kate Jiles Others present: Steve Guitar, Community Relations Director Bill Driskell, Community Relations Approval of the minutes for the Jan. 2, 2012 meeting was delayed until the April 2, 2012 meeting so that two commissioners would have the opportunity to review them. Chairman Wawrzyniak introduced new commissioner Jazmine Early. He explained the activities of the commission, including the Beautification Awards, Adopt-a-Road, Snowman Contest, Arbor Day planting and the Plant Exchange. The remaining members of the commission introduced themselves. Jazmine then introduced herself. She’s a native of Columbia and is an architect by trade. She currently works as an English/Spanish and Spanish/English tutor. She described Sterling Heights as a city “that is proud of what it’s doing” and that she’s glad to be a member of the Beautification Commission. Agenda Items: A. Snowman Contest judging The commission reviewed a total of 12 entries, eventually selecting an upside down snowman submitted by Antonia Lighter from 33665 Kennedy as the winner. The snowman was made by Antonia, her husband and her daughter. The trio has been invited to the Monday, April 2 meeting. We’re still waiting to see if they can attend. B. Memorial Day Parade float Ruthann Schinzing made a motion for the commission to participate in this year’s parade without a float, but rather as a group carrying a banner and hopefully passing out seeds. Motion was supported by Josh McKinnon. The commission will likely have to seek seed donations, as this year’s budget does not contain funding for such a use. The commission typically spends $300- $400 per year for flower seeds to be passed out along the parade route. Commissioner Jennifer Abed offered to contribute $100 toward seed purchases. Ayes: 9 Nays:0 C. America in Bloom Discussion continued on city’s possible participation in America in Bloom, a nationwide project in which communities compete for “America in Bloom” designation based on floral efforts, environmental projects, urban forestry and other factors. Old Business: None New Business: Commissioner Baczewski reminded the group that the next BCSEM quarterly luncheon is March 15 in Grosse Pointe. Motion to adjourn made by Sharon Mason, supported by Darlene MacLeod. Ayes: 9 Nays:0 Meeting ended at 7:35 p.m. Next meeting: April 2, 6:30 p.m.