Beautification Commission

STERLING HEIGHTS BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Monday, April 1, 2014 Chairman Aaron Wawrzyniak called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioner’s present: Janis Adams, Jazmine Early, Gary Isom, Darlene MacLeod, Ruthann Schinzing, Aaron Wawrzyniak and Ann Williams. Commissioner’s absent: Henrietta Baczewski, Steve Duncan and Sharon Mason Other present: Sue Giallombardo, Neighborhood Services Specialist Steve Guitar, Community Relations Director Approval of Minutes: Motion to approve Beautification Commission meeting minutes from the March 3, 2014 meeting made by Schinzing. Seconded by: Isom Ayes: all Nays: none Agenda Items: A. What Makes Sterling Heights Beautiful?  Wawrzyniak reminded the members that they were to think about what makes Sterling Heights Beautiful to them.  Warwrzyniak said “The energy and diversity of the different levels of activities around the city on any given day of the week. From the Library, Parks & Rec Activities, public events at the schools, the cultural centers, city business and the Freedom Hill Amphitheater, there is always an overabundance of actvities to have fun, no matter what you are into.”  Isom stated that he likes the diversity of residents and businesses, the shopping conveniences on every corner and the wide array of food options.  Adams said that she feels safe and financially secure and the city is beautiful because property values have been maintained , the schools are good and there are lots of nice things to do in the city.  Schinzing stated that she likes the way people, both business owners and residents, take care of their property. She added that they show a lot of pride when it comes to property maintenance.  Early said that the reason that Sterling Heights is beautiful is because it’s a safe place to live.  Williams said what makes the city beautiful is the parks. She enjoys the walking paths in the parks and long the river and also enjoys the Nature Center.   Mason (who was absent) stated that the library is what makes Sterling Heights beautiful to her. Old Business:  Giallombardo reminded members that the Spring Pride & SHINE Day is set for Saturday, May 3rd. Anyone wishing to volunteer should let her know. Williams said that she would like to volunteer.  The annual Plant Exchange will be held on Saturday, May 10th, at the Nature Center from 10:00 a.m. – noon.  Community Relations will send out a press release and revise it to say that the sale of plants is not allowed, and will also take pictures at the event.  Wawrzyniak asked what the commission would like to do with the extra plants.  Giallombardo suggested planting them near or around the Upton House.  Giallombardo stated that the seed packets (for the parade) were delivered from Waste Management, and need to be stapled to the Beautification Award Nomination flyers.  Schinzing suggested that members work on that during the meeting in May. New Business:  Giallombardo stated that she received the flag recognizing the city for earning the 29th consecutive Tree City USA designation.  The commission will be presenting the flag to City Council at the May 6th meeting, at 7:30 p.m.  Schinzing asked if the staff at the library would like Beautification members to help maintain their Children’s garden, and further asked if they would like leftover plants from the plant exchange.  Giallombardo will follow-up with Kathryn Ribant-Payne at the library. Adjournment: Motion to adjorn the Beautification Commission meeting at 7:00 p.m. made by MacLeod; seconded by Williams. Ayes: All Nays: None