Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Beautification Committee Minutes
October 25, 2022
The meeting at the Borough Hall was called to order at 7:03 PM by Committee Chair Mary Lynn Ritchings.
The following members were in attendance: Beth Cox, Joan Davis-Crowe, Sue Dietz, Maryann Ellsworth, Dorothy Hadley, Maureen Kale, Gary Mecca, Penny Mecca, MJ Mitchell, Janine Mastrokalos, Sandy Pasola, Chesla Wechsler, Mary-Lynn Ritchings, Mary Steiner, Karen Testa and Moises Vasquez.
Chair Mary Lynn reported that the Committee had a new member – Vincent Rivera. Unfortunately he could not make tonight’s meeting.
Upon motion by Chesla, with second by Janine, the minutes of the September 27, 2022 meeting were unanimously approved.
Treasurers Report: Gary presented a detailed report. There is $374.46 left in the 2022 budget and $448.96 left in the Fisher Fund Grant. There are also monies in the Butterfly Garden Trust and the Arctic Butcher donation.
Mary reported on the Joining Forces Committee meeting: an electronic town crier sign was discussed; Winter Wonderland event is scheduled for December 10th in Pleasure Park; House Decorating Contest is planned with registered voters meeting to vote on 12/18; Eagle Scouts are looking for projects; the town is participating in Toys for Tots; the Mayor is participating in the Mayors’ Wellness Campaign; several concerns were discussed with the Volunteer form; Councilman Vitale spoke to Administrator Riehl and no one under 18 can volunteer for anything that is potentially dangerous unless parent or guardian executes the Borough’s Hold Harmless Agreement; Councilman Vitale will be revising the Volunteer form; the next meeting is scheduled for 11/14.
Chair Mary Lynn provided an update on gardens: DPW turned off water at pits and sprinklers – will winterize this week; need to remove all annuals; will move stones at O/B garden on 11/07 between 1pm and 3pm – will require assistance – won’t know about curbs until spring; cost to install sprinklers at Randall/Niblick would be $2,500 – felt this was too high – will check with library regarding who they used for sprinklers.
Gary added that the sign at the Bird Sanctuary was already peeling; should look into grant to replace it with something less permeable.
Chair Mary Lynn provided an update on planters and barrels: she willremove plugs from planters with help from Chesla; greenery will be delivered the second week of November – decorative balls on sticks will be ready for pick up at the same time – decision was to have 9 balls in each planter – Janine will meet with Mary Lynn to check supplies.
Janine added that longer sticks were needed.
Moises can get 100 pieces.
Chair Mary Lynn asked DPW Superintendent Trout to remove two barrels on Broadway.
Chair Mary Lynn provided an update on holiday decorations: on 11/02 or 11/03 will meet at 1pm to separate garland, cut ribbon and put them in bags; meeting on 11/10 at 4/5 pm to make bows; will put on decorative light posts in downtown area on 11/19 (Rain date; 11/20) – need volunteers to deliver the bags between 8/9 am and volunteers working in crews of 2, from 9 am on, to put the garland, ribbon and bows on the light poles; will need three 8-foot ladders that day.
Sandy added that we are getting too old to climb ladders; should ask DPW for help as they water the trees for Shade Tree Committee. Mary Lynn will check with DPW.
Mary Lynn thanked MJ for getting her friend to donate the wood for shed shelving. she also thanked John and Gary for erecting the shelves.
Maryann asked if any more containers were needed.
Chair Mary Lynn also reported that as per Administrator Riehl unwanted items can only be sold on Govdeals with a resolution from Council.
Sandy and Karen asked if they could be donated. Mary Lynn will check.
The following were voted as winners of the Scarecrow Contest at the Gazebo:
Scariest: #1 Nightmare Before Christmas Patriotic: #2 Wild Animal
Most Original: #8 Bob Dylan ‘Forever Young’ Recycling: #5 Kind Monsters
New Jersey Original: #3 Local 08742
Public participation was opened and closed with no member of the public participating.
New Business: The Committee unanimously decided to cancel the December meeting.
MJ will once again host cookie platter assembly at her home on 12/11. Drop off is 12/10 – each member should bring 3 to 4 dozen.
There will be a Holiday get together on 12/15. Janine and Beth will coordinate. Mary Lynn will alert members via email.
Gary asked if the Committee could meet with other members attending via zoom. (NO)
Mary Lynn spoke with Administrator Riehl and received approval for spouses to help with projects.
Mary reported that the Golden Gulls were willing to help with holiday decorations.
Chesla asked about putting an email address for Beautification in the meeting ad. She will follow-up with Councilman Vitale.
Mary reported that someone is needed to coordinate the flower order for next year; several vendors were contacted last year and Seemar Greenhouses was the only one who responded. Order must be placed in January. Sue will contact another vendor regarding the flower order and asked if she could attend our next meeting.
Chair Mary Lynn announced that our next meeting will be on 11/29 and the committee will focus on the flower order at that time. Garden caretakers should think about any changes they wish to make to their gardens.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:26 PM upon motion by MJ and second by Beth.
Respectfully Submitted,
Maryann Ellsworth
