Beautification Commission

STERLING HEIGHTS BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Monday, January 3, 2017 Vice-chairperson Sharon Mason called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioner’s present: Henrietta Baczewski, Steve Duncan, Manny Gonzales, Nancy Kijek, Darlene MacLeod, Sharon Mason and Ruthann Schinzing Commissioner’s absent: Stephanie Guran, Gary Isom and Joyce Tye Other present: Bridget Doyle, Community Relations Director Sue Giallombardo, Neighborhood Services Specialist Approval of Minutes: Motion to approve Minutes of the Sept. 6, 2016 meeting by Kijek; Seconded by: Gonzales Ayes: all Nays: none Agenda Items: A. Election of Officers (Chairperson, Vice Chairperson)  MacLeod made a motion to nominate Isom for Chairperson; Isom accepted via e-mail; Duncan seconded. Motion carried, 7-0  Duncan nominated Mason for Vice Chairperson; Mason accepted; Gonzales seconded. Motion carried, 7-0.  Congratulations to Isom and Mason. B. Adopt-a-Road Clean-up  Giallombardo stated that at least four commission members should be available for the Adopt-a-Road clean up dates. She added that members meet at Walsh Elementary at 9:00 a.m. and clean the roadside between 17 Mile and Metro Parkway.  Giallombardo added that no dates were set last season due to the construction on Dodge Park Road.  Doyle suggested setting a date in May to coincide with Pride Month in the city. MacLeod stated that the commission already has the Plant Exchange and the Memorial Day Parade, so May might not work for everyone. The Plant Exchange is tentatively set for Saturday, May 20th.  The following dates were decided on for Adopt-a-Road: Saturday, June 3 at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, August 5, at 9:00 a.m.  Saturday, October 7, at 9:00 a.m.  Giallombardo will send out reminder e-mails prior to each date to ensure at least four members can participate. Old Business:  Duncan said that there is world famous archeological site at Dodge Park & Metro Parkway, and suggested that the commission find out more about the site. Doyle stated that the city will be celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2018 and it will be recognized. Duncan added that there used to me a sign at the site, but was taken down for the construction and never put back. Community Relations will look into it.  Baczewski asked what the progress was on the Road Side Memorial ordinance. Doyle stated that she met with the City Planner and the City Attorney. The City Attorney is creating an APPO (Administrative Policy & Procedure Order). New Business:  Doyle stated that there is a Strategic Planning Meeting on Jan. 24, 2016. DPW is working on a comprehensive, re-forestation plan to increase the tree canopy throughout the city. Baczewski asked if the city will be replacing all of the trees that were diseased, adding that most residents are not willing to pay for their replacement tree. Doyle added that the city is working on grants that will help subsidize the cost of the trees. Adjournment: Motion to adjorn the Beautification Commission meeting at 6:45 p.m. made by Kijek; seconded by Gonzales. Ayes: All Nays: None