Beautification Commission

STERLING HEIGHTS BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Monday, April 7, 2015 The meeting was called to order at 6:05 p.m. Commissioner’s present: Henrietta Baczewski, Maryann Calabro, Paolo Colombini, Steve Duncan, Sharon Mason, Ruthann Schinzing, Kate Tuttle-Sniecinski and Ann Williams. Commissioner’s absent: Janis Adams, Gary Isom, Darlene MacLeod and Erin Younan. Other present: Sue Giallombardo, Neighborhood Services Specialist Bridet Doyle, Community Relations Director Colombini introduced herself to commission members; stated that she has been on the commission since July, 2014 but this has been her first meeting, due to cancelled meetings. She added that she is very glad to be a part of the commission. Approval of Minutes: Motion to approve Beautification Commission meeting minutes, with minor corrections, from the March 2, 2015 meeting made by Schinzing. Seconded by: Baczewski Ayes: All Nays: None Agenda Items: A. Election of Officers (Chairperson, Vice Chairperson)  Giallombardo stated that Isom would be considered for Chairperson, and would accept a nomination. Mason nominated Isom for Chairperson, seconded by Williams. Ayes: All Nays: None  Schinzing nominated Williams for Vice Chair, seconded by Tuttle-Sniecinski, Williams politely declined. Duncan nominated Mason for Vice Chair, seconded by Tuttle-Sniecinski. Mason accepted. Ayes: All Nays: None  Congratulation to Chairperson Gary Isom and Vice Chairperson Sharon Mason B. Beautification Commission shirts  Commission members agreed that it is time to order new shirts. Giallombardo passed around pictures from an EA Graphics catalog. She added that city used EA Graphics often, and their prices are extremely reasonable. A variety of colors and styles were discussed. It was agreed upon to purchase light blue (aquatic) shirts and blue embroidering.  C. What makes Sterling Heights beautiful?  Past Chairman Aaron Wawrzyniak has expressed an interest in getting more exposure for the Beautification Commission, and had suggested the idea of members sharing thoughts on what makes Sterling Heights beautiful, and then incorporating these thoughts into a video on the city's website. He was looking for any ideas or suggestioins from commission members. Current commission members decided to table this item for a future meeting. Old Business:  Giallombardo stated that the Spring Pride & SHINE Day will be held on Saturday, May 2nd. Anyone interested in volunteering to assist residents should contact her. She added that if members know of any residents that would benefit and need assistance with outdoor maintenance, please call Giallombardo and she will follow-up with the resident.  Giallombardo announced that the next BCSEM quarterly luncheon will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2015. The lunch will be hosted by the city of St. Clair Shores, at the St. Clair Shores Golf Club, cost is $15.00. Notify Giallombardo if you would like to attend, and she will RSVP for you. Or, if you attend, submit a receipt to Giallombardo if you would like to be reimbursed.  Giallombardo said that Keep Michigan Beautiful is hosting a "Celebrate Spring" lunch at the Gazebo Banquet Center on April 15, 2015. The cost is $20.00. Contact Giallombardo for more information. New Business:  Calabro inquired as to what the commission members do as a group, and asked if members ever help other residents bring their properties up to code.  Giallombardo stated that the city has a code enforcement division that tracks code violations. She encouraged members to report any code violations as they see them, and the code enforcment officers will follow up on them and see that they are corrected.  Doyle added that the city is in the process of planning city wide special clean-up days for specific areas of Sterling Heights. These clean-up days will take place on Saturdays throughout the month of May. Doyle said that Giallombardo will forward further details to members as they become available. Adjournment: Motion to adjorn the Beautification Commission meeting at 7:15 p.m. made by Williams; seconded by Tuttle-Sniecinski. Ayes: All Nays: None