Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Beautification Committee Minutes
May 24, 2022
The meeting at the Borough Hall was called to order at 7:05 PM by Acting Chair Mary Lynn Ritchings
The following members were in attendance: Joan Davis-Crowe, Dorothy Hadley, Karin Magala, Gary Mecca, Penny Mecca, John Palang, Robyn Palang, Sandy Pasola, Monica Post, Christina Ranuro, Chesla Wechsler, Mary Steiner, Mary-Lynn Ritchings, Alan Steiner, Sue Dietz, Maureen Kale. Karen Testa, MJ Mitchell, Moises Vasquez and Council Liaison Arlene Testa.
Upon motion by Alan with second by Robyn, the minutes of the March 22, 2022 meeting were unanimously approved.
Motion to accept April 26, 2022 workshop minutes was made be MJ seconded by John. Approved
Nomination for new Chairperson Mary Lynn Ritchings made by Sandy Pasola. Motion by MJ and second by Gary to accept. Vote by members to select Mary Lynn.
Mary Lynn nominated Karn Testa as co chair. Penny made motion to accept. Alan seconded. Vote by members to select Karen.
Mary Lynn nominated Gary to be treasurer. MJ made motion to accept. Robyn seconded
Vote by members to select.
Discussion held on new policy published by Borough Hall concerning committee operations. What was originally supposed to be by-laws came as a process/procedures document. Many questions on spending process, voting, volunteers, chain of command. Arlene to follow up with Chris Reihl.
Duiscussion on what might be appropriate rules within bylaws to control voting, attendance, and other issues discussed. Committee formed to draft: Mary Lynn, Karin Magala, Gary, Chesla and Arlene.
Flower orders all picked up; extra fan flowers and vincas for planters. Mary Lynn and Peter planted the war memorial.
Placards for “Beautification Members Working” for posting in windshield passed out.
Extra signs available for gardens “Maintained By Beautification”
Contact Mary Lynn for mulch drop for any Garden spots needing it.
Sprinklers update: New company handling did not do the job for batteries, set up times so many aren’t working. John Trout at DPW to work with them.
Ocean Broadway garden needs oscillating sprinkler as they don’t have full coverage per MJ.
John and Robyn to refurbish birdhouses at the horseshoe garden.
Volunteer needed for watering War Memorial. Monica volunteered to help and Gary will assist with reel and lock. Penny painted planters there and there are two new planters.
Mary Lynn thanked those members that helped with flag preparation. DPW will install when they have time
Fisher Family Fund used to refurbish the Broadway/Ocean garden. Thanks to all who helped. DPW will be asked to remove the excess stones.
Mark O’Connell will start doing changes at the sign with Fisher Funds; will be some items available for other gardens. Contact Mary Lynn once that list is available.
New sheds need brown, battery powered lights, flashlights. Maureen Kale volunteered a long broom she has. No added shelves until materials are moved from basement. Pole and stump behind sheds are going to be removed, and fence put up between neighbor’s yard and shed property.
Gary mentioned there is more vandalism at gazebo; Mary agreed.
Gary said our budget for this year is $4000, spent $2700 so far
Penny said there is a dead tree at the bird sanctuary that needs to go. Arlene will see how to get it done.
Have received no input from people who expressed interest in joining at volunteer fair. Suspect they are scared off by extent of data on online form. Need to reach out to them
Motion made to adjourn by MJ, seconded by Chesla. Meeting adjourned at 8:25pm
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary Steiner
