Beautification Commission

STERLING HEIGHTS BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Monday, March 5, 2018 Chairperson Gary Isom called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioner’s present: Henrietta Baczewski, Anita Blanco, Steve Duncan, Gary Isom, Nancy Kijek, Brittany Koski, Sharon Mason, Ruthann Schinzing, Deborah Travis and Joyce Tye Commissioner’s absent: Manny Gonzales and Robert Ljucovic Other present: Bridget Kozlowski, Community Relations Director Dawn Schultz, Citizens Services Specialist Sue Giallombardo, Neighborhood Services Specialist Approval of Minutes: Motion to approve Minutes of the January 8, 2018 meeting by Isom; Seconded by: Travis Ayes: all Nays: none The new liaison, Dawn Schultz introduced herself. Each member introduced themselves stating how long they have been with the Beautification Commission 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. Snowman Contest Judging  Giallombardo displayed 3 photos of snowmen; and asked commission members to select their favorite. Members voted and the following snowman won by a unanimous vote: The Pinther Family.  Giallombardo stated that Schultz will send out a congratulatory letter and invite them to the next meeting on April 2nd at 6:00 p.m. for their certificate and gift card.  Travis suggested we could add a coupon for free Dairy Queen/Menchies ice cream with the gift certificate for next years contest. Koski added we could put a snowman holding a sign about the contest in the median to advertise more as well as at the children’s library since it is kid oriented. B. Sterling Pride Month   Kozlowski stated there will be more information to follow via email/press release in regards to Arbor Day on April 17th, Pride & Shine on May 5th, Clean-up on the following Saturday’s of May 5th, 12th and 19th and Plant Exchange on May 12th. Kozlowski also stated that the spring city magazine will be out at the end of this month.  Baczewski suggested we start the Plant Exchange a half hour earlier from 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and everyone agreed to that time. Isom suggested we add gardening tools/accessories to the exchange. He also suggested we sell 50th anniversary city merchandise at the event. Kozlowski said that would be too much work but stated we can provide a labeled paper with all our merchandise on it with the website of where it can all be purchased online or at City Hall. Old Business:  Kozlowski discussed memorials around the city being removed. The ordinance allows only 90 days. We can let the family know there are ways to honor the memorial with planting a tree and that is something they can talk to DPW about and possibly putting a plaque in place near the tree.  Giallombardo discussed the details of the tree seedlings, they come packaged in groups of 50 that would have to be separated and re-packaged. She asked if she should order them and everyone decided they were too expensive and decided against it. New Business:  Kozlowski stated that the Art Commission is having a contest for a mural that will go on the brick wall outside the children’s garden. She stated anyone can enter the contest and she will forward the press release. Kozlowski asked if commission members could clean-up the garden at the May 7th meeting, everyone agreed. The unveiling of the mural is expected to happen late May.  Isom asked who wanted the two old Beautification plaques and Mason took them. Adjournment: Motion to adjorn the Beautification Commission meeting at 6:45 p.m. made by Isom; seconded by Duncan. Ayes: All Nays: None