Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Beautification Committee Minutes
February 22, 2022
The meeting at the Borough Hall was called to order at 7:00 PM by Committee Chair, Mary Steiner.
The following members were in attendance: Joan Davis-Crowe, Maryann Ellsworth, Dorothy Hadley, Karin Magala, Gary Mecca, Penny Mecca, MJ Mitchell, John Palang, Robyn Palang, Sandy Pasola, Monica Post, Mary Lynn Ritchings, Alan Steiner, Moises Vasquez, Chesla Wechsler, Council Liaison Arlene Testa, and Committee Chair Mary Steiner.
Upon motion by Alan, with second by MJ, the minutes of the November 30, 2021 meeting were unanimously approved. All present reviewed the notes from the January 25, 2022 workshop meeting.
There were neither volunteers nor nominees for the position of Co-Chair.
Upon motion by John with second by Councilwoman Testa, Mary Steiner was nominated for the position of Committee Chair and the motion was unanimously approved.
Upon motion by Alan with second by MJ, Maryann Ellsworth was nominated for the position of Secretary and the motion was unanimously approved.
Committee Chair Steiner thanked MJ for preparing the holiday cookie platters which looked great. MJ thanked those who helped her.
Alan solicited quotes for flowers from five vendors; Barlow’s and Seymour, which were solicited before, plus Farmer Al’s, Davino’s and Andrew’s. Neither Farmer Al or Davino can supply what’s on our list. Barlow’s doesn’t carry some things; can’t give a price on mandevillas, and their flats are priced at $13. Seymour’s flats are either $10.75 or $10.95 and mandevillas are $21.50. Barlow’s was $24 two years ago. Arlene will check with her contact and also suggested checking with Nature’s Way regarding the mandevillas. The Committee decided to go with Andrew’s again this year as they had the best prices and don’t charge for delivery.
Committee Chair Steiner thanked Christina Ranuro for sending help to remove the wreaths at the Borough Hall. She also thanked Andy Cortes, John, Gary, Penny, Diane H & Jim, Chesla, Arlene, June C, Sandy & Jack for their help removing garland from light poles and transporting to sheds. Ideas are needed on how to decorate the garland next year. Sandy suggested sending a Thank You Note to Andy as he is no longer a member of the Committee.
Committee Chair Steiner reported that the Committee has two new, large shed over by the mulch pile at the Borough Garage. The Committee will slowly move everything over to them. MJ has a lead on shelving. John volunteered to build shelves and will price out the wood.
Mary also reported that all members that she contacted will continue with their planter assignments. Chesla volunteered to aid Barbara during the her busy summer months.
There are 2 open garden assignments, both with water pits: One at Harvard and the other at the Band Shell/War Memorial. Joan volunteered to take care of the one by the lake.
Mary announced that not only is Joan a master gardener, June C and Lynn B are as well.
New Business:
Chairwoman Steiner announced that the Mayor is having a volunteer fair on Sunday, March 27th, at Fire Company #2. Beautification will have a table there. Beautification also had a table at the health fair. Bob Ellsworth volunteered to check the old wooden barrels to see which were in need of repair.
MJ suggested putting together a list to help with projects.
Mary also updated the Committee on the planter box parallel to New Jersey Avenue at the Borough Hall. Originally the Mayor had agreed to keep it and the landscaper was going to plant shrubs. However, the plan now is to get rid of all three wooden planters and replace with stone planters. Councilwoman Testa reached out to the Mayor. The planters will either be brick or stone and the Committee will have input on same. Once there are definitive plans, Mary will keep all informed. Consensus was to not order flowers for that planter for this year.
Public participation was opened and closed with no member of the public participating.
Gary asked about culling members who neither come to meetings or take care of planters or gardens. Chairwoman Steiner has already reached out to members and some have been culled.
Gary asked about prior discussions regarding public works getting another watering truck or a bigger truck. Councilwoman Testa will check into it.
Chairwoman Steiner asked all to remove greens from their planters. Will ask DPW to remove those that are left when they can fit it into their schedules.
Sandy informed all that she had picked up detritus by the Welcome Sign and put it in a pile. Councilwoman Testa will check with DPW about removing same.
Councilwoman Testa reminded all about the Fisher Family Fund which will provide grants for projects. Sandy suggested a sprinkler system by the War Memorial/Band Shell area. Penny suggested a grant to design and plant a garden by the Welcome Sign as well as install a sprinkler system there. They will coordinate on completing grant application.
Councilwoman Testa announced that there would be a second annual Shamrock event on March 12, 2022.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:21 pm upon motion by Alan and second by Karin.
Respectfully Submitted,
Maryann Ellsworth
