Beautification Commission

STERLING HEIGHTS BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Monday, November 4, 2013 Chairman Aaron Wawrzyniak called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioner’s present: Janis Adams, Henrietta Baczewski, Steve Duncan, Gary Isom, and Aaron Wawrzyniak and Ann Williams. Commissioner’s absent: Jazmine Early, Darlene MacLeod, Sharon Mason and Ruthann Schinzing Other present: Sue Giallombardo, Neighborhood Services Specialist Steve Guitar, Community Relations Director Approval of Minutes: Motion to approve Beautification Commission meeting minutes from the September 3, 2013 meeting made by Duncan. Seconded by: Williams Ayes: all Nays: none Introduction of two new members: Janis Adams has lived in Sterling Heights for six years, and works in Southfield. She has attended the plant exchanges and has a monarch butterfly garden. Ann Williams grew up in Sterling Heights, graduated from Stevenson High School and works at DC3S. Agenda Items: A. BCSEM Luncheon – Final Report  Giallombardo reviewed the final report for the luncheon, held at the Sterling Heights Senior Center on Sept. 26th.  Six local florists contributed various raffle prizes. Approximately 80 people attended the event.  Total cost of the event was $419.04, divided equally between Sterling Heights, Utica and Shelby Twp. Giallombardo stated that she has invoiced both communities for their portion of the luncheon. Members that were in attendance said that the luncheon was a huge success. B. Tree City Award – Photo for Press Release   Giallombardo stated that Community Relations would like to take a picture of some of the members standing by a newly planted tree, for inclusion in the application for the Tree City Award.  It was agreed that the photo would be taken on Friday, Nov. 8th, at 9:00 a.m., near the clock tower along Utica Road.  Giallombardo will send a reminder e-mail later in the week. C. December Meeting – Holiday Get-Together o Wawrzyniak stated that the commission usually plans a holiday get-together, in place of the regular December meeting. The group will either meet at a restaurant, or have a pot luck dinner at a member’s home. o The members in attendance agreed on meeting at Jovan’s Steak House, on December 2nd at 6:00 p.m. o Giallombardo will make a reservation for the group and send a reminder e-mail later in the month. Old Business:  Duncan said that the Beautification Award presentation was flawless and added that he liked it being combined with the City Council meeting. However, he was disappointed that the awards didn’t take place right at the start of the meeting.  Isom suggested having the presentation on a Monday night.  Giallombardo stated that if they were to do that, it would not be recorded for SHTV.  Guitar stated that it’s not a typical occurrence (length of the manager’s report). The meeting has to follow a certain order, and the presentation can’t take place until after the manager’s report. New Business:  Wawrzyniak encouraged members to feel free to suggest new ideas for the new year. He added that it would be nice to have a new project to work on.  Guitar said that the snowman competition will continue for the winter season and added that there’s time to work on something new.  Wawrzyniak mentioned that last year there were about 50 entries for the snowman/snow sculpture contest. He added that the winner is awarded $25.00.  Guitar stated that Pride & SHINE Day was on Nov. 2nd. The city typically organizes two major clean-ups each year, one in the Spring and one in the Fall. There are over 300 volunteers on the city’s volunteer list, but the churches are a huge part of the program’s success. Guitar said that it would be great for the Beautification Commission to become involved.  Giallombardo stated that volunteers come together to assist homeowners with outdoor maintenance, such as raking, edging, weeding, pruning, etc. The homeowners are unable to perform the duties themselves, due to health issues or age restrictions.   Adams stated that it would be nice to plant some perennials for some of the homeowners receiving assistance from the SHINE volunteers.  Giallombardo suggested that perinnials could also be planted around the Upton House. Adjournment: Motion to adjorn the Beautification Commission meeting at 7:00 p.m. made by Duncan; seconded by Williams. Ayes: All Nays: None