Beautification Commission

STERLING HEIGHTS BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Monday, March 7, 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, Ruthann Schinzing and Joyce Tye Commissioner’s absent: Janis Adams, Sharon Mason and Kate Tuttle-Sniecinski. Other present: Bridget Doyle, Community Relations Director Sue Giallombardo, Neighborhood Services Specialist Approval of Minutes: Motion to approve Minutes of the January 4, 2016 meeting by Baczewski; Seconded by: Tye. Ayes: all Nays: none Agenda Items: A. Snowman/Snow Sculpture Contest Judging  Giallombardo stated that due to the lack of snowfall, there were only two entries for the snowman/snow sculpture contest. Giallombardo shared the photos of the two entries.  Commission members liked both photos; Schinzing made a motion to award both applicants the annual prize of $25 (in the form of cash or a gift card). Motion seconded by Guran. Ayes: all Nays: none  Giallombardo said that she would send congraulatory letters to the two winners, and invite them to city hall for photos and their prize. She added that this will likely take place prior to the May meeting, at 6:00 p.m. in the lobby outside of council chambers. B. Sterling Pride Month  Doyle stated that the city will kick-off a new tradition known as "Sterling Pride Month" for the month of May. The activities during the month will focus on preserving and beautifying existing green space, cleaning up residential neighborhoods and encouraging the planting of trees. Doyle added that this effort should help increase the amount of trees in the city as well as encourage residents to take pride in keeping the City clean and green.   Doyle said that activities will include a possible adopt-a-road clean up or speical project by the Commission, Pride & Shine Day will be on May 7th and Saturday Clean-up days will take place through the entire month of May, which allows for residents to dispose of pretty much anything at our DPW building, with little restriction. In addition, the annual Plant Exchange will be on May 14, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Nature Center and City Council will host a tree planting ceremony on May 17 at 6:30 p.m., details to follow.  Tye asked if the city could add a green sign noting the Recycling Center on 18 Mile Road. Community Relations will follow up with this request.  Tye suggested giving away a few small pine trees or seedlings at the Plant Exchange.  Isom suggested that residents be asked to bring gardening books and/or magazines for trading or donating. Old Business:  None New Business:  Giallombardo stated that the Community Relations Department is planning a field trip to the DIA in April, which will take the place of the regular meeting. The optional trip will be free of charge, and held on April 15. The purpose of the trip is to give commission members a chance to meet and share ideas with members of two other committess that work with Community Relations: the Art Commission and the Ethnic Community Committee. Details of the trip will follow via e-mails.  Isom stated that the Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday, May 30, and confirmed that members would like to participate. Isom added that members not wishing to walk the route could ride in his car, which is a Journey, as long as someone could drive it, so that he could walk.  Giallombardo stated that Community Relations would contact Waste Management regarding the donation of seed packets. Adjournment:  Meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.