Beautification Commission

STERLING HEIGHTS BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Monday, April 3, 2017 Chairperson Gary Isom called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioner’s present: Henrietta Baczewski, Steve Duncan, Manny Gonzales, Gary Isom, Nancy Kijek, Robert Ljucovic, Darlene MacLeod, Sharon Mason, Ruthann Schinzing and Joyce Tye Commissioner’s absent: Marta Guran Other present: Bridget Kozlowski, Community Relations Director Sue Giallombardo, Neighborhood Services Specialist Approval of Minutes: Motion to approve Minutes of the March 6, 2017 meeting by Mason; Seconded by: Duncan Ayes: all Nays: none Agenda Items: A. Snowman Winner Presentation  Members presented Abigail Guiao with a certificate and a $25 gift card to Toys R Us. B. Tree City USA - Dedication Planting & Flag Presentation  In honor of Arbor Day, members are invited to attend a tree planting ceremony prior to the April 18 City Council meeting, at 6:30 p.m. (Location to be determined at a later date) In addition, members are invited to attend the City Council meeting at 7:30 p.m. to present Council with the Tree City flag, 2016 marks the 32nd consecutive year that the city received this designation.  Isom and Mason stated that they would be able to attend both events.  Giallombardo stated that she will follow-up with members via email on the location of the tree planting. Old Business:  Kozlowski stated that the city is again coordinating Spring Sterling Pride, in an effort to encourage property owners to take pride in their property and spruce it up for the summer months. Kozlowski added that there are several events planned during April and May: Shred Day was April 1 and was very successful, Hazardous Waste Day is April 8, E-Recycling Day will be on April 22 and Pride & Shine Day is May 6. In addition, DPW will be open on Saturdays beginning April 29 through May 20 and will be accepting pretty much any items that homeowners are looking to dispose of. This includes items such a hazardous  waste, rubber tires, tree stumps and other items that they don't normally take. Habitat for Humanity will be on site during these two of the Saturdays to take any items that they would see a need for. Beautification members are welcome to participate in any of the above-mentioned events.  MacLeod stated that she was able to donate her points earned through Waste Management's recycling program to the Arbor Day Foundation.  Giallombardo stated that she will be ordering new polo shirts this week and that they would be ready for the May meeting and for the Plant Exchange. Members decided on a light blue polo, with the new logo on the left breast.  Giallombardo stated that she purchased 600 seed packets from Menards, for a total cost of $60. Duncan generously donated an additional $60 to possibly be used for addtional packets if they can be found for a good price. (If not, Giallombardo will return his donation.) Giallombardo added that she will bring flyers to the next meeting, promoting the Beautification Awards. Members can staple the flyers to the seed packets, for distribution along the Memorial Day Parade route. New Business:  Schinzing mentioned that the Upton House will be celebrating their 150th anniversary this summer. Giallombardo will reach out to Eckert's about donating flowers for planting around the house.  Baczewski inquired about the status on the roadside memorial ordiance. Kozlowski stated that she has been working on the final wording with the city attorney; she is not sure if there will be an official city ordinance or an APPO. The details will likely state that residents can keep the memorial for 45 days, and if it's not removed by the individuals, then the city will remove the items and properly dispose of and candles or flags. She will have a further update at the May meeting. Ljucovic asked why the 45 day rule, and Kozlowski stated that after looking at what other cities are doing, that was the number agreed upon by the parties involved.  Kozlowski stated that the city was given an EPA grant to clear log jams from the Clinton River to make is passable for canoers and kayakers. The clean-up was completed so the river is now passable. There will be a group paddle event taking place on June 24th, all commission members and residents are invited to attend. Details to follow.  Tye asked who was in charge of the Recreating Recreation project and asked if a bike rental area will be included in the plans. Kozlowski stated that City Administration is working on the details and there are no plans for a bike rental at this time.  Duncan stated that he was asked if the commission would be building a float for the Memorial Day parade. Isom reminded the members that the last time the commission built a float, he and Duncan contributed about 50 hours, and other members put in about 20 hours; adding that he doesn't think there is enough time for this year. Members will discuss the idea for 2018 at future meetings.  Giallombardo stated that she will ask the city's Sign Shop to create an A-frame sign for the Nature Center to bring more visitors to the Plant Exchange.   Ljucovic stated that he is trying to get an idea of what division of City Hall would the commission try to influence in order to help beautify the city. For example, he would like to suggest planting specific types of trees at a certain park. Kozlowski said that it would be a combination of Community Relations, DPW Parks and Grounds division and Parks & Recreation. She added that any initiatives that members would like to tackle are welcome and Community Relations would help in any way possible. Adjournment: Motion to adjorn the Beautification Commission meeting at 7:00 p.m. made by Duncan; seconded by MacLeod. Ayes: All Nays: None