Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Beautification Committee Minutes
June 20, 2021
The Zoom meeting was called to order at 7:04 PM by Committee Chair, Mary Steiner.
The following members were in attendance: Maryann Ellsworth, Mary Hoffmann, Maureen Kale, Karin Magala, Gary Mecca, Penny Mecca, Barbara Palombo, Sandy Pasola, Monica Post, Mary Lynn Ritchings, Alan Steiner, Lou Vassalotti, Chesla Wechsler, and Committee Chair Mary Steiner.
Upon motion by Sandy, with second by Alan, the minutes of the June 25, 2021 meeting were unanimously approved as read.
Committee Chair Mary Steiner updated all on previous items: the barrel at the Broadway 7-11 is on private property; the State ruled that the proposed lifeboat could not be used at the “Welcome Sign” garden; and the Committee could not get the Council Chambers as tonight’s meeting venue as the Council was utilizing it for a workshop meeting. Mary thanked Gary and Councilman Cortes for erecting the flags on light poles. She also reported that the Committee’s Council liaisons were not in attendance as they were at the Council’s workshop meeting.
Mary Lynn, planter project coordinator, reported on planters, which are doing great; only needed watering twice and she added Miracle Gro. Maryann added that she had only needed to water twice as well. The Committee Chair reported that she had gotten comments on how great they look.
Mary Lynn asked about the purple fan flowers and suggested they would look nice in the planters next year. She also reported that 20 drain plugs and 20 fill caps were ordered which came to just under $95.
Committee Chair Steiner reported on vandalized planter at corner of Woodland and Arnold. The culprits tried to remove the mandevilla with trellis but couldn’t. However, the roots were exposed. They did remove all of the vincas and a good amount of the special planting medium. All has been replaced. Also, one of the barrels on 35S (adjacent to Sherwin Williams) was demolished when a car ran it over along with the light pole there. She will ask DPW Superintendent Trout to cut a replacement barrel. Karin Magala volunteered to water 4 planters by Hardware Store and Corner Bagelry as Christina is short handed at the White Sands. Sandy volunteered to assist her.
Gary added that the Committee has run into the barrel destruction problem before. Maryann tried reaching out to the drivers and insurance companies involved to no avail. Suggested reaching out to the police department about adding it to their report and adding costs to their fines. If that can’t be done, the town should be approached about picking up the costs.
Maryann was asked to look into the matter.
Lou reported that one of the trees at the War Memorial is dying. Committee Chair Steiner stated that the trees had been in the planters a long time and they may all need to be replaced.
Committee Chair Mary Steiner reported on sprinkler problems at the Point. Gary reported that: the water was shut off; the sprinkler company was called 3 days ago; and sprinkler timer at Bird Sanctuary is not working. He will stay on top of the sprinkler outages.
Councilman Cortes was not present to report on stones and what is at Niblick Street, but Committee Chair Steiner will contact him.
Chesla reported that one of the little sea grass plants in the planter at Borough Hall is dead and consensus was to remove it as it wouldn’t be noticeable.
Sandy reported that the ‘Welcome’ sign finials were painted and the company was paid. She asked is help was needed to hang the patriotic bunting at the Gazebo. She will help our Committee Chair once Mary has contacted Dave, who has the necessary equipment.
Public participation was opened and closed with no member of the public participating.
Chesla asked about using ‘Nextdoor Point Pleasant’ to remark that the planters are a pleasant addition but to report any vandalism. (Was mentioned at the Council meeting).
Committee Chair Steiner reported that she was at the last Council meeting where a four foot sign was requested at the ‘Adopt-a-Spot’ at Baltimore and Niblick. The spot at Baltimore and Harvard already has a four foot sign which was not authorized. (Both would have to go before the Planning Board as waiver is needed from sign ordinance.)
Gary commented on remaining boat, which has deteriorated. Will be addressed in the off season.
Committee Chair Mary Steiner announced that the next meeting would be held on July 27, 2021 in the Council Chambers at the Borough Hall.
Meeting adjourned at 7:37 pm upon motion by Sandy and second by Maryann.
Respectfully Submitted,
Maryann Ellsworth
