Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Beautification Committee Minutes
July 24, 2021
The meeting at the Borough Hall was called to order at 7:06 PM by Committee Chair, Mary Steiner.
The following members were in attendance: Sue Dietz, Maryann Ellsworth, Dorothy Hadley, Karin Magala, Gary Mecca, Penny Mecca, Monica Post, Mary Lynn Ritchings, MJ Rossilli-Mitchell, Alan Steiner, Moises Vasquez, Chesla Wechsler, and Committee Chair Mary Steiner.
Upon motion by Alan, with second by MJ, the minutes of the June 20, 2021 meeting were unanimously approved as corrected by Chesla.
Committee Chair Mary Steiner reported that all future meetings would be held at the Borough Hall unless there is a special Council meeting which would take precedence.
Mary Lynn, planter project coordinator, reported on planters. She added 7 gallons of water, weeded, cleared the area around the planters and wrapped the mandevilla around the trellis. She reminded all about the need for watering, weeding and wrapping and asked that planter caretakers clear the areas around their planters.
Penny added that we should think about trimming the vines as they will get leggy.
Maryann reported that she cleared many dropped flowers from around her planters. Additionally, someone tried to remove the mandevilla and trellis from one of her planters, which her husband helped her reset.
Committee Chair Steiner alerted all that there were extra vincas and planting medium should they be needed.
Gary provided an update on sprinkler problems: the line at River Avenue was cut and it took several calls, finally going as high as the owner of the company, to get results; the timer at the bird sanctuary failed; and he had to screw a sprinkler head back on at Parkway.
Committee Chair Steiner reported that she spoke with DPW Superintendent Trout regarding the water pit at Niblick and Boston and he will coordinate with Administrator Riehl to find who is responsible. Nothing will be planted there until the matter is resolved.
Gary Mecca mentioned that Envinronmental/Open Space/Shade Tree member, Anne Lightburn, has volunteered to plant there.
Mary also reported that she has talked to John Trout about more mulch for the boat and will follow-up with him once MJ is ready for same. She also reported that a mass card was sent to Mary Hoffman due to the death of her nephew. Unfortunately, the Committee will be loosing Mary as a member as she is moving out of town this Friday.
Moises volunteered to take over the care of her barrels at Arnold and Ocean if someone tells him what is needed. Moises also volunteered to take care of the four urns at the Butterfly Garden.
Maryann updated all on barrel destruction. Chief Michigan got back to her about adding barrel destruction to tickets. However, only the court can add replacement costs. Chief Michigan reached out to the Court Administrator and Maryann will follow-up with her.
Committee Chair Mary Steiner explained how the annual Scarecrow contest works. She will check with Sandy about which day (October 16th or 23rd) works best for set-up with the classroom teachers. The Committee would vote on which scarecrow wins which category at the October 27th meeting.
Mary also asked that Committee members think about what should be done with the planters and light poles for the winter holiday season. The recommendation will be that no lights should be added to the garland as Councilman Cortes is the only one who is able to reset the breakers when they go out. Unfortunately, he may not be on Council after December 31st.
Gary added that when the breakers go, the snowflake lights are also affected.
Alan reported that the lights were still on the poles when the garland was dropped earlier this year.
Mary explained that the decision must by made by September whether ribbon or tinsel will be added to the garland.
Alan stated that we should also be looking at ordering plants then as he wants to get quotes from multiple suppliers.
Gary suggested asking the Council for more budget monies as our taxes go up but the Beautification budget stays the same.
Maryann spoke about the different costs which affect raising taxes over which the Governing body has no control; such as medical, utilities and rising supply costs from vendors.
Discussion ensued about using GoFundMe or the Fisher Family Fund. It was explained that the Fisher Family Fund was only for capital costs not recurring costs.
Council Chair Steiner reported that our next meeting on August 24th would be a summer social and held at Sue’s home, which she cordially volunteered. Everyone should respond as to whether they are bringing an appetizer or dessert. Spouses are welcome. Noshes are at 6:30 with meeting to follow.
Public participation was opened and closed with no member of the public participating.
Karin reported that she had been approached by Suzanne Tombs as the Laurel Court Island is overgrown and Suzanne would maintain it but didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes. (As it is not maintained by Beautification and is town property, an ‘Adopt-a-Spot’ application would be the way to proceed).
Gary reported that Anne Lighburn has asked about wildflowers in the back of the River Avenue triangle and perennials (Anything south of the Beautification garden is not Beautification’s purview; should talk to the Administrator; Sandy is not in favor of it.)
Gary also spoke about Broadway garden where weeds are out of control, not through lack of effort. Have tried Preen and other weed killers including the DIY. It’s a three person dedicated garden.
Sue suggested dedicating a day where all could help.
Penny added that the only thing that works is getting on your hands and knees and pulling the weeds. It needs to be done every other week.
Penny and Alan suggested reaching out to those Committee members who do not maintain planters or gardens for their help.
Gary asked about what could be done about the boat there. Alan replied that nothing could be done until after the Tug of War.
Penny asked that it be put on the November agenda. Committee Chair Steiner replied that it could be discussed and put to a vote of the entire Committee.
Penny asked if there was a design plan for the ‘Welcome Sign’ garden. MJ replied that perhaps Jeanine is working on one.
Karin asked about clean-up of the broken barrel. Committee Chair Steiner replied that it was on DPW’s list.
Meeting adjourned at 7:54 pm upon motion by Alan and second by MJ.
Respectfully Submitted,
Maryann Ellsworth
