Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Beautification Committee Minutes
August 23, 2022
The meeting at the Borough Hall was called to order at 7:00 PM by Chair Mary Lynn Ritchings.
The following members were in attendance: Sue Deitz, Maryann Ellsworth, Dorothy Hadley, Maureen Kale, Janine Mastrokalos, Gary Mecca, Penny Mecca, John Palang, Robyn Palang, Monica Post, Chesla Wechsler, Mary-Lynn Ritchings, Mary Steiner, Karen Testa, and Council Liaison Arlene Testa.
Chair Mary Lynn announced that the May 24th minutes were emailed to those who attended that meeting and were approved by a majority vote of those present.
Gary gave the treasurer’s report, There is $1288 of our $4,000 budget left in the Beautification line item of the Municipal Budget of which the following is already encumbered: $500 for Scarecrow contest; $150 for DPW Holiday luncheon; and $500 for Holiday decorations. Plus the Committee received a $500 donation from Arctic Market. There is also $500 left from the Fisher Family Grant.
Mary Steiner added that there was some money left from the Boat Parade in the Community Endowment Fund from past years. Should check with Karen Mills as it must be spent soon.
Mary reported that there was no Joint Forces Committee meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for September 12th.
Garden Report:
Chair Mary Lynn reported that everything still looked great in the gardens. The O/B garden needs the stone removed on the north side before winter, The County has said that there will be room for an apron there. Will touch base with Administrator Riehl regarding same
Penny and Robin offered to move the stones. The vision was to have a boulder there. DPW will be asked to do it off season.
Robins asked who takes care of the curbs as she’s been weed whacking there. Mary Lynn will see if DPW can do it as it’s a County road.
Penny asked if DPW could move the garbage cans at the Elizabeth Avenue side of the Bird Sanctuary back to the north end.
Mary Lynn responded that the cans can be moved as long as they are by the street. As per Administrator Riehl, the town will be cutting vegetation there.
Penny added that the evergreen shrubs seem to be taking over the garden on Arnold Avenue in front of the Railroad Lot.
Arlene suggested that someone from the Committee meet with them at that location. The Train Station is going to be getting a face lift. The Committee was asked to consider taking over the planter at the bus stop by the Train Station.
Sue asked if sprinklers could be added at that Garden.
Mary Lynn added that the Administrator has given the okay to paint the posts at the Lake Louise sign. The paint is in the shed.
Mary Lynn also thanked Penny, Gary, Karen, Lynn Bottrell and all who helped at Sandy’s Point. Special thanks go to John Robertson of Bay Head Landscaping for trimming the bushes at that location. Maryann will send a thank you card.
Chair Mary Lynn reported that the Ocean Star ran a nice article on the work of the Beautification Committee.
Planters/Barrels Report:
Chair Mary Lynn thanked Gary and Co-Chair Karen for filling the planter resevoirs with water last Saturday.
Monica reported that the flowers were removed from the 2 planters on Baltimore and Broadway where the barrels themselves are in poor shape. She suggested salvaging the trees, removing those 2 barrels, and taking over the planters by the bus stop at the railroad station.
Councilwoman Testa will check if there is soil in the bus station planters.
Mary reported that set-up for the Scarecrow Contest would be October 21st and 22nd. The Committee would vote at its October 25th meeting.
Arlene added that the Arts Committee would like to host a contest for scarecrows on light poles in the business district.
Mary also reported that the Committee would need about 23 bundles of holiday greens at $25 each and suggested that greens be added to the new planters only; not the barrels which already have small evergreen trees. She will touch base with Jacqui Glass about ordering same. The Committee members agreed that just the new planters would be decorated with greens so only 17 bundles need to be ordered.
Discussion ensued regarding add ons for holiday garland on business district decorative light poles.
Gary warned that the snowflake lights draw a lot of power and adding lights would trip the breakers.
Mary added that Dave’s idea was to use the wreaths we already have, add a red bow and place at the top of the garland.
It was decided to demo before the September meeting: one with wreath and garland and another with ribbon.
Public participation was opened and closed with no member of the public participating.
New Business:
Chair Mary Lynn reported that battery operated lamps are needed at the sheds as it is getting darker earlier. She will order same from either Home Depot or Amazon where the Borough has accounts.
Old Business:
Chair Mary Lynn reported that Maryann had received Council adopted March 7, 2000 Beautification guidelines from Municipal Clerk Farrell. However, the new guidelines would supersede them. All Beautification members will have to agree to follow the new guidelines by signing them in order to be an attending member of the Committee.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:24 PM upon motion by Maryann and second by John.
Respectfully Submitted,
Maryann Ellsworth
