Beautification Commission

STERLING HEIGHTS BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, September 5, 2017 Chairperson Gary Isom called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioner’s present: Henrietta Baczewski, Anita Blanco, Marta Guran, Gary Isom, Sharon Mason, Ruthann Schinzing and Deborah Travis Commissioner’s absent: Steve Duncan, Manny Gonzales, Nancy Kijek, Robert Ljucovic and Joyce Tye Other present: Bridget Kozlowski, Community Relations Director Sue Giallombardo, Neighborhood Services Specialist Approval of Minutes: Motion to approve Minutes of the May 1, 2017 meeting by Mason; Seconded by: Baczewski Ayes: all Nays: none Two newest members, Anita Blanco and Deborah Travis introduced themselves and Isom provided them with an overview of the commission and discussed all of the events that the commission sponsors and/or is involved in: Adopt-a-Road, volunteering at Sterlingfest, planting flowers at the Upton House and the garden at the library, Beautification Awards and marching in the Memorial Day Parade. Agenda Items: A. Approval of 2017/2018 Meeting Dates (see attached)  Giallombardo distributed the regular meeting dates and asked if any member would like to make changes to the dates. Giallombardo noted that the January meeting is scheduled for January 2nd, due to Monday being New Years Day. Isom made a motion to change the January meeting to January 8th; Mason seconded the motion. Ayes: all Nays: none Motion carried. B. Adopt-a-Road Clean-up  Giallombardo stated that the next clean-up date was scheduled for Saturday, October 7. Please let Giallombardo know if you are available. C. 2017 Beautification Awards Jurying  Giallombardo displayed photos of 42 homes, 7 multi-family properties, 7 businesses, two churches and one gas station; and asked commission members to select their favorites in each of the categories. Members voted and the following  properties were voted as Best of the Best: 11524 Anna Lisa, Aberdeen Gardens, St. Matthias Catholic Church, City of Sterling Heights and BP Oil.  Giallombardo stated that she will send out congratulatory letters and reminded members that the regular October meeting is cancelled. Members are invited to attend the City Council meeting on October 3 at 7:00 p.m. Giallombardo will purchase doughnuts and cider for award winners and guests. Old Business:  Giallombardo distributed the APPO regarding Roadside Memorials. The APPO has been finalized. New Business:  Baczewski stated that she received a flyer in her water bill regarding the sink hole that included tips for keeping your drains clear. Baczewski said that the city needs to advertise it more. Giallombardo stated that the flyer is being mailed to every home with their water bill, they were shared on social media and have been posted throughout City Hall.  Giallombardo said that the city's Volunteer Appreciation Banquet will be held on Wednesday, October 25 at 6:00 p.m., at Penna's on Van Dyke. Invitations will be mailed shortly.  Isom stated that the city will be having its 50th anniversary in 2018 and he has been attending meetings as part of the celebration's planning committee. Isom added that he would like to do something different for the occasion and suggested passing out seedlings during the parade instead of seed packets. Isom received a quote from Heritage Seedlings for $2,700 for 3,000 seedlings. Isom said that 2018 parade should be bigger and better than previous parades. Isom is trying to reach out to Mike McManemy (DPW's tree expert) for suggestions. Mason asked what the kids along the parade route would do with the seedlings. Giallombardo suggested having a stationery area to distribute the seedlings from, at the parade or perhaps the plant exchange. Blanco stated that the seedlings should only be given out to adults, and not the children. Schinzing stated that the members could pass out seed packets once the seedlings were all gone. Isom stated that he will have his pick-up truck in the parade to hold all of the seedlings, but said that the city needs to add the cost to the budget. It was also suggested that members try to raise the funds through donations. Adjournment: Motion to adjorn the Beautification Commission meeting at 7:00 p.m. made by Schinzing; seconded by Duncan. Ayes: All Nays: None