Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Beautification Committee Minutes
August 25, 2020
The Outside meeting at Sue Dietz’s was called to order at 7:12 PM by Committee Chair, Mary Steiner.
The following members were in attendance: Dave Cavagnaro, Janine Mastrokalos, Sandy Pasola, Monica Post, Mary Lynn Ritchings, Dorothy Hadley, Karen Testa, Sue Dietz, Alan Steiner, Mary Steiner, and Council Liaison Arlene Testa. Mayor Paul Kanitra, attended as a member of the public.
Upon motion by Dave, with second by Sandy, the minutes of the June 23, 2020 meeting were unanimously approved as read.
Chairperson, Mary Steiner, reviewed what’s happened lately
Barrels – She checks barrels and gardens early in the morning and will contact members whose areas may require help. The barrels really look good now that the lantanas have filled in. Everyone seems to be watering regularly to keep things going despite the heat and lack of rain
Gardens – The gardens all appear to be good thanks to sprinklers and member watering. Mary- Lynn said that the tropical storm was not kind to the butterfly garden south side, which was similar to the barrels at Arnold and Ocean looking somewhat beat up from the south side too. Most of the other barrels and gardens were somewhat protected by the prevailing wind direction.
New Letter – Mayor has spoken to the person responsible for the newsletter and we will be prominently displayed in next edition to be published shortly.
Sue Dietz indicated she had some hostas available
Flags – Both small and large flags abandoned this year due to COVID and DPW work schedule, part of issue is also finding materials in borough hall basement which has been painted and having shelves built but materials are in disarray. Arlene talked to Mary about trying to help straighten things up there.
Fall Activities
Scarecrow contest – Sandy not sure if school will agree to allow participation in the contest as putting together scarecrows requires gatherings and setup at the gazebo. Will need to wait until school starts to see where this will go.
Christmas – Discussed possibilities of how to decorate the barrels since there are now the little trees. In addition to the usual ribbon and Bow around the barrel, it was suggested that the amount of greens normally used can be cut in half. Motion was made by Sue and seconded by Sandy to buy 12 bundles of greens, all agreed. Further suggestions for the barrel were some sort of decoration (starfish?) wired on the top of the tree, balls wired together ringing the bottom of the tree, white sticks amongst the greens , etc. Will need to discuss further after number of balls available can be ascertained, and check availability and cost of other items
Garland -Discussed new garland which has been delivered to borough hall basement and possible challenge putting them up with the banners as they need to crossover each other. Agreed to try one and see what the issues might be.
Reindeer – Dorothy volunteered to paint any reindeer after doing it last year. Mary will need to get down the basement and see what is there needing a do over.
Mary has contacted borough hall for approval of planting the tree on Parkway requested by Beth Cox in her parents honor. Request was granted. Just need to verify with Beth what magnolia she is looking for.
New Business-
Monica and Janine presented some of their ideas for the sign. There seems to be some problems with plants dying which need to be replaced. Other plants need to be resituated. Idea is to do a more beachy theme with more sandy color stone over fabric, plant grasses and use pilings and anchor as accents. Know that the stone would be about $450 for 5 ton but need to have a more detailed plan to work up estimate for whole thing. Could possibly use some outside landscaping help.
Public Portion: Mayor Kanitra thanked everyone for their work. He mentioned several initiatives for getting control of some of the public properties that the state controls and neglects and would allow greater latitude in doing things.
Sandy Moved to Adjourn, seconded by Alan, all agreed
Meeting adjourned 8:20pm
Respectfully Submitted,
Alan Steiner for Maryann Ellsworth
