Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Beautification Committee Minutes
January 24, 2021
The Zoom meeting was called to order at 7:04 PM by Committee Chair, Mary Steiner.
The following members were in attendance: Dave Cavagnaro, Danielle Dolan, Maryann Ellsworth, Barbara Favato, Mary Hoffman, Karin Magala, Gary Mecca, Robyn Palang, Barbara Palombo, Sandy Pasola, Mary Lynn Ritchings, Monica Post, Alan Steiner, Mary Testa, Lou Vassalotti, Chelsea Wechsler, Committee Chair Mary Steiner, and Council Liaisons Andy Cortes Arlene Testa.
Upon motion by Dave, with second by Sandy, the minutes of the November 24, 2020 meeting were unanimously approved as read.
Committee Chair Mary Steiner: welcomed the new members in attendance.
Upon motion by Sandy, with second by Maryann, Mary Steiner was unanimously elected to the position of Chairperson for 2021.
Upon motion by Sandy, with second by Mary, Maryann Ellsworth was unanimously elected to the position of Recording Secretary for 2021.
Committee Chair Mary Steiner thanked Sue Dietz for transporting barrel trees and storing spring plantings and Holiday greens on her property; those who helped with the Holiday garland and lights; Dave Cavagnaro for decorating and maintenance at the Gazebo, Borough Hall, War Memorial and Sandy’s Point; and the rest of the 2020 members for planting and maintaining their respective barrels and gardens.
Committee Chair Mary Steiner reported that barrels, garden and other assignments will be decided at the February meeting; the spring flower order was placed with Seymour at a cost of $1045. Discussion ensued about what is done with the barrels and gardens.
Mary also reported that all meetings are scheduled via Zoom and have been posted on the Borough’s website. Council Liaisons Cortes and Testa reiterated that all meetings would be via Zoom until further notice; the Borough will most likely keep the Zoom format even when meetings are live once more.
Mary asked for thoughts on how to honor long time former member and Chair Elaine Hennessy, who was the biggest and most vocal backer of Gazebo construction; a paver would cost $65 for 3 lines and $15 for each extra line of print. Arlene reported that she regularly speaks with Kristen Hennessy and the family is thinking of planting a tree in her honor with a small memorial service. Sandy asked about adding another paver for Marie Pfister by her tree, which was planted by the Shade Tree Committee. Dave added that Beautification would have to get permission from Shade Tree to do so.
Upon motion by Alan, with second by Maryann, it was unanimously approved to order and place a paver for Elaine Hennessy at the Gazebo.
Mary will look into other ideas for approval.
Regarding the balance of winter activities, Mary Steiner reported that she spoke with Caryn Byrnes and Arlene about keeping the garland up through February. Andy and Caryn will maintain the lights. Volunteers will be needed to take down the garland and put it into the Borough Hall basement. Dave suggested alerting DPW to open the hatch, then the garland bags can be dropped through the hatch into the basement with others below to catch and store.
Mary will coordinate with Caryn to take down the lights on the lighted poles before removing garland. Also, help is needed to take down tree and icicle lights at the Gazebo. Arlene, Lou and Monica volunteered. Mary reminded all that basement entry is limited to the hours of 9
am – 4 pm, Monday through Friday. Sandy asked if there was anyplace else to store Beautification supplies. Andy replied that there is no outside storage; the basement has been waterproofed and shelving has been installed.
Public participation was opened and closed with no member of the public participating.
New Business:
Council Liaison Cortes: downtown lighting was festive; already reset GFI twice and going a third time. Mayor likes the idea of a canopy of lights; some logistic problems, though; utility poles are only on the southwest side of Arnold Ave and no poles (underground service) on Bay Ave; have spoken with Public Works Superintendent and Administrator about redoing the outlets on the poles. Dave added that the problem is with the twinkle lights; the Chamber got 3 to 4 years out of rope lights; need 18 to 20 feet ropes per pole. Andy checked and Home Depot has 24 foot outdoor/incandescent rope lights for $17.89. Sandy added that 70 should be ordered as there are 64 poles. Chairperson Mary voiced concern about how the rope lights would fit with the Mayor’s vision.
Council Liaison Arlene and Karen Testa asked about new planters. Sandy: the Committee has tried different things, including resin and cast iron, but the barrels have been the sturdiest. Dave: they are also run over by cars and vandalized; the barrels are free. Karen was authorized to look into alternatives with input from Mary Lynne, Arlene and Mayor Kanitra. Mary cautioned that we should start small and be cautious.
Dave investigated the price of stone at New Jersey Sand and Gravel; runs $40 to $50 per ton with a $75 delivery fee; most likely 1 ton is needed at the boat garden.
Chairperson Mary asked if anyone had contact information for new members Joan Davis-Crowe and Diane Hayes.
Meeting adjourned at 8:02 pm upon motion by Alan and second by Maryann.
Respectfully Submitted,
Maryann Ellsworth
