Beautification Commission

STERLING HEIGHTS BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Monday, May 1, 2017 Chairperson Gary Isom called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioner’s present: Henrietta Baczewski, Steve Duncan, Marta Guran, Gary Isom, Nancy Kijek, Darlene MacLeod, Sharon Mason, Ruthann Schinzing and Joyce Tye Commissioner’s absent: Manny Gonzales Robert Ljucovic Other present: Bridget Kozlowski, Community Relations Director Sue Giallombardo, Neighborhood Services Specialist Approval of Minutes: Motion to approve Minutes of the April 3, 2017 meeting by Mason; Seconded by: Duncan Ayes: all Nays: none Agenda Items: A. Children's Garden at the Library  Giallombardo stated that Eckert's Greenhouse would contribute toward some flowers for the planters in the Children's Garden at the Library and around the Upton House. Giallombardo will also use a donation of cash from Steve Duncan.  Giallombardo stated that members in attendance at the June meeting are invited to help plant flowers; and would meet directly at the Library. Giallombardo will bring gloves and shovels for everyone. B. Seed Packet Stapling  Members at the meeting stapled seed packets to Beautification nomination forms to be distributed along the Memorial Day Parade route. Old Business:  Isom stated that the Tree City USA tree planting and flag presentation went well, and thanked those that attended. MacLead noted that the Beautification Commission members were in the back of the photo, and suggested standing in better position next year to be more visible.  Kozlowski said that the City Attorney sent a draft of the APPO outlining the guidelines for Roadside Memorials. The draft was distributed to Commission members. Baczewski noted that she would like the time limit for the memorials to be less than 120 days. Kozlowski stated that 90-120 days is the norm in other cities that she researched. The maximum size of the memorial was discussed; it  was decided that it shouldn't be much larger than 3' x 3'. Kozlowski stated that the police department personnel will assist in contacting the family members, should it become necessary; and will also suggest to the family that they consider a tree memorial or bench memorial. As it stands, the family will have 30 days to remove the memorial after their 90 or 120 days time has passed. Kozlowski said that the APPO will be finalized prior to the next meeting.  Giallombardo stated that the members missed their first Adopt-a-Road clean-up date for the year, which was on June 3. She added that Dodge Park Road didn't look too bad, so members didn't need to try to reschedule the June date. However, the next clean-up day will be Saturday, August 5th. Giallombardo will follow-up with an e-mail reminder as we get closer to the date.  Kozlowski said that Melanie Ryska, the City Clerk, has a trailer that she is trying to get rid of, and perhaps the Commission members would like it to use for a Memorial Day Parade float. Isom asked the size of the trailer; Kozlowski will ask for a photo and measurements. New Business:  Giallombardo stated that she will send an e-mail and sign-up sheet for volunteering at the Information Table during Sterlingfest, July 27, 28 and 29. The table is open 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Volunteering is optional, but much appreciated!  Baczewski asked why the city stopped paying the membership dues for the Keep Michigan Beautiful (KMB) organization. Giallombardo stated that a few years back, city administration was asking all departments to cut their budget by 2%, so some memberships weren't renewed. Giallombardo that she would reinstate the KMB membership. Adjournment: Motion to adjorn the Beautification Commission meeting at 7:00 p.m. made by Guran; seconded by Kijek. Ayes: All Nays: None