Beautification Commission

STERLING HEIGHTS BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Monday, January 4, 2016 Chairman Gary Isom called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioner’s present: Henrietta Baczewski, Steve Duncan, Stephanie Guran, Gary Isom, Darlene MacLeod, Sharon Mason, Ruthann Schinzing and Joyce Tye Commissioner’s absent: Janis Adams, Paola Colombini, Kate Tuttle-Sniecinski and Ann Williams Other present: Bridget Doyle, Community Relations Director Sue Giallombardo, Neighborhood Services Specialist Approval of Minutes: Motion to approve Minutes of the Sep. 8, 2015 meeting by Mason; Seconded by: MacLeod. Ayes: all Nays: none Agenda Items: A. Election of Officers (Chairperson, Vice Chairperson)  Mason nominated Isom for Chairperson; Isom accepted.  Isom nominated Mason for Vice Chairperson; Mason accepted.  Guran made a motion to keep Gary Isom as Chairperson and Sharon Mason as Vice Chairperson for another term; Seconded by: Schinzing. Ayes: all Nays: none. Motion carried, 8-0. B. Adopt-a-Road Clean-up  Isom stated that at least four commission members should be available for the Adopt-a-Road clean up dates. Isom added that members meet at Walsh Elementary at 9:00 a.m. and clean the roadside between 17 Mile and Metro Parkway.  Giallombardo stated that since the commission members had a hard time coordinating dates last year, to perhaps try a different day of the week.  The following dates were decided on: Monday, June 6 at 6:00 p.m. Monday, July 11, at 6:00 p.m. Monday, August 1, at 6:00 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12, at 6:00 p.m.  Giallombardo will send out reminder e-mails prior to each date to ensure at least four members can participate. Old Business:  Isom inquired as to if the Tree City USA flag has been put on display yet. Doyle said that the flag is currently at the Nature Center, and the staff is working on finding the best location. New Business:  Tye presented the group with a list of ideas that could possibly be considered in the future.  Tye asked if DPW ever offered free wood chips to the residents. Giallombardo stated that they never had, due to lack of staff and often times the trees being removed are diseased.  Tye stated that she would like to see more trees in the right-of-ways and on city islands and cul-de-sacs. Doyle stated that Community Relations will talk with DPW staff to address this, and will promote adding trees via social media and in the upcoming edition of the city magazine.  Tye also suggested starting a "community garden", and said the group could start a pilot program to gage interest with the residents. Doyle added that the idea could be supported by the Beautification Commission but perhaps maintained and managed by city staff. Some of the roadblocks would be staff availability and a water source to the garden.  Tye also suggested starting an orchard on a vacant parcel of land and starting a Memorial Park. Baczewski stated that the city used to have a tree memorial program but it eventually went away due to the fact that residents would want their tree replaced if it were damaged or died, the city was unable to maintain the program.  Doyle said that the ideas are great for long-range goals and projects to think about. She added that Community Relations will follow-up with other departments and see what happens.  Doyle stated that the Plant Exchange will be in May, she will confirm the date. Doyle added that the Farmer's Market will return to Dodge Park from June thru September and suggested that the Commission discuss attending one week to promote their programs.  Baczewski asked about attendance at the meetings and reminded the members that missing three consecutive meetings could lead to dismissal from the commission. Giallombardo will look at attendance records. Adjournment: Motion to adjorn the Beautification Commission meeting at 7:05 p.m. made by MacLeod; seconded by Duncan. Ayes: All Nays: None