Beautification Commission

STERLING HEIGHTS BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, September 6, 2016 Chairman Gary Isom called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioner’s present: Henrietta Baczewski, Steve Duncan, Manny Gonzales, Jennifer Gubin, Stephanie Guran, Gary Isom, Nancy Kijek, Robert Ljucovic, Darlene MacLeod, Sharon Mason and Joyce Tye. Commissioner’s absent: Ruthann Schinzing Other present: Bridget Doyle, Community Relations Director Sue Giallombardo, Neighborhood Services Specialist Approval of Minutes: Motion to approve Minutes of the May 2, 2016 meeting by Mason; Seconded by: Baczewski. Ayes: all Nays: none Prior to the agenda items, Isom told the new commission members about the different events in the city that the members are involved with and attend: Isom summarized the Beautification Awards, the snowman/snow sculpture contest, the Plant Exchange and participation in Sterlingfest and the Memorial Day parade. New members Gonzales, Gubin, Kijek and Ljucovic all introduced themselves and stated that they are excited to be a part of the commission. Agenda Items: A. Approval of 2016/2017 Meeting Dates  Members looked over meeting dates for the upcoming year.  Tye made a motion to approve the 2016/2017 meeting dates; seconded by Kijek. Ayes: all Nays: none B. Adopt-a-Road Clean Up  Isom stated that the Beautification Commission is assigned to clean along Dodge Park Road, between 17 Mile and Metro Parkway. He added that they try to get together four times during the Spring and Summer months, but took a break last summer due to road construction along Dodge Park.   The members stated that they would like to continue to clean the road. Isom said that members will confirm the four dates at the April 2017 meeting.  Ljucovic asked if the city has an "adopt a park" program. Giallombardo stated not at this time. C. 2016 Beautification Awards Jurying  Giallombardo stated that she received 42 nominations from residents, businesses, multi family properties, churches and schools. Giallombardo reminded members to vote for one Best of the Best in each category.  Members voted for their favorites and the following properties were picked as Best of the Best: o 39134 Poinciana - Residential o Nottingham Cove Condominiums - Multi family o St. Michael's Catholic Community - Church o Subway - Commercial Old Business:  None New Business:  Giallombardo stated that a city employee, Laura Glefke is interested in starting a monarch butterfly garden in the garden at the library. She is officially certified as a Monarch Butterfuly Waystation. Glefke received permission from the director of the library, and invited members of the commission to help her or meet with her to learn more about monarch butterflies. Glefke will plant a couple plants in the fall, and will continue in the spring.  Doyle stated that the city is seriously taking an intiative to increase the tree canopy in the city.  Doyle stated that the city will be hosting informal forums to educate residents on the Recreating Recreation initiative, and encourage residents to vote. Members are welcome to attend any of the forums. Dates are listed on the city's website: www.sterling-heights.net  Giallombardo reminded commission members to RSVP for the Volunteer Appreciation Banquet, which is on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 6:00 p.m., at Penna's Sterling Heights, 38400 Van Dyke.  Baczewski suggested that the city institute an ordinance to prevent roadside memorials from being a nuisance. Doyle stated that it's a grey area and a sensitive issue, no ordinance is in place at the time. Doyle stated that she will meet with the Director of City Development to get her thoughts on the subject. Adjournment:  Meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.