February 25, 2020

Minutes from the Feb. 25, 2020
Beautification Meeting
The meeting was held at Dave Cavagnaro’s home at 118 Parkway Ave. PPB.
It was called to order at 7:05 pm by Maryann Ellsworth.
The following members were in attendance: Maryann Ellsworth, Dave Cavagnaro, Sandy Pasola, Gary Mecca, Sue Dietz, Mary Lynn Ritchings, Dorothy Hadley, Beth Cox, John Palang, Robin Palang, Michele Mosca, MJ Rossilli-Mitchell, Karen Testa, Janine Mastrokalos, Arlene Testa
Minutes- Sandy moved and Gary seconded approval of last meeting’s minutes. Approved unanimously.
Maryann welcomed new members Karen Testa, Monica Post, Michele Mosca, Janine Mastrokalos, Robin and John Palang
Maryann also thanked all members that baked for the DPW at Christmas time, in case they were not at the January meeting. Also thanks was given to Andy, Mary, Mary Lynn, Robin and John for taking down the garland on the light poles.
Garden & Barrel Assignments- Dorothy Hadley volunteered to take care of barrels at corner of Rt. 35 and Laurel. New member, Karen Testa is going to help Barbara Favato take care of barrels on corner of Bay and Arnold Aves. and Laurel and Bay Aves. Beth Cox mentioned she needs a new barrel at her spot.
Gary suggested everyone have a copy of the barrel assignments. Everyone should take the time to check out their barrels to see their condition and if they need soil.
The boat at the Broadway Garden in not in good condition and MJ asked if it is going to be removed.
DPW would have to be contacted. Dave suggested putting railroad ties around the boat instead of removing it. MJ also mentioned that Lynn Petrell was asking a Master Gardener for a plan for the Broadway Garden. Gary mentioned that garden is county property. The plan needs to be coordinated with Mary Steiner.
Garden Flower Order- Maryann passed around the flower order to review and correct if needed.
Phone List- Current phone/email list was passed around for changes or corrections.
Christmas Garland- Dave mentioned that Andy Cortez asked the mayor and council for an extra $2000 for the Beautification Committee to purchase Christmas garland for the lamp poles. Dave passed around a sample of the garland. It was approved by the council and they are ordering the garland.
Budget Discussion-Maryann reported there is $350 left in the budget. We will receive $3,500 from the town once approved.. Michele Mosca asked what this money goes toward. She was told the scarecrow contest, flowers/ fertilizer for the barrels/gardens and flags.
Old Business-The Bird Sanctuary sign is in poor condition. Sandy received a quote of about $1000 for refurbishing the sign. Gary tried to get competitive quotes but no one has responded. It was suggested to put in an application for a grant from the Fisher Family Fund to pay for both signs. Arlene said you can submit your grant proposal through the online link www.fisherfamilyfund4ppb.org. This is a community grant from $500-$5000 and can be applied for by a nonprofit organization in town once a year.
New Business -Gary mentioned the gazebo needs painting. Gazebo will be utilized more now that farmer’s market will be in that location this year. It was suggested to put railroad ties around boat, the painting of the gazebo and refurbishing of both signs into grant request. Sandy said she would get an estimate for painting gazebo. Dave said Mary mentioned new benches for the gazebo would be nice. Mayor Kanitra wants new benches throughout town, so Arlene will talk to him about adding benches by gazebo.
Mary Lynn wanted members opinions on replacing barrels downtown with nicer planters. This could be part of grant request. Sandy said they have tried other planters with not much success. The barrels are cheap and last several years. Karen suggested formulating a grant committee. Alene offered for people to come to her house to work on grant details.
Arlene who is also the liaison for the Point Beach Arts Committee, invited everyone to the Black & White Gala Night at the White Sands Sat. March 21. You can purchase tickets ($65) online.
Move to adjourn meeting meeting by MJ and seconded by Sue. All agreed.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:05pm.
Mary Lynn Ritchings for Maryann Ellsworth