Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Beautification Committee Minutes
October 26, 2021
The meeting at the Borough Hall was called to order at 7:00 PM by Committee Chair, Mary Steiner.
The following members were in attendance: Sue Dietz, Maryann Ellsworth, Maureen Kale, Jeanine Mastrokalos, Gary Mecca, Penny Mecca, MJ Rossilli-Mitchell, Sandy Pasola, Christina Ranuro, Mary Lynn Ritchings, Moises Vasquez, Chesla Wechsler, Council Liaisons Andy Cortes and Arlene Testa, and Committee Chair Mary Steiner.
Committee Chair Steiner confirmed that all had read the September workshop notes and August 24th meeting minutes.
Upon motion by Mary Lynn, with second by Sue, the minutes of the August 24, 2021 meeting were unanimously approved.
Resignations of Barbara Palombo and Lou Vassalotti were accepted.
Sandy announced that she was going to remove the vincas from her planters and leave the mandevillas.
Mary Lynn advised all planter custodians to drain the water from their planters
Committee Chair Mary Steiner: announced that the water was turned off in the garden spots. Greens are arriving on either November 9th or the following Tuesday. Sue will accept the greens delivery at her home. Michelle Crawford is making bows for the barrels. Asked if anyone had suggestions where to get ribbon to make large bows for the planters as it is proving hard to get. Will be adding 5 Christmas balls on 2 foot sticks to the greens.
Will be getting the garland ready on November 12th and hanging it on November 13th and 14th. Will need lots of help.
Committee Chair Steiner explained about the holiday cookie baking for the DPW. Didn’t do it last year because of Covid. After discussion about what to do this year, it was the consensus of those present that we will bake if DPW will accept. Mary will check with DPW Superintendent Trout and also coordinate dates for both cookies and DPW luncheon. Sue, MJ and Jeanine volunteered to coordinate cookie bake.
Sandy explained about the Scarecrow contest. Sandy has made up candy bags for all the children in participating classes. Mary provided pictures for all to view. The following prize categories and winners were decided upon:
Scariest: Art Club (Lord of the Mummi Flies) Patriotic: Mrs. Larsen’s 2nd Grade Class
Cutest Scariest: 6th Grade (Monsters University) Recycling: Grade 1D
Committee Choice: Kindergarten (Hatching Kinder Eggs)
Most Orignial: Schneider Family (Unicorn) Most Creative: Grade 2B (Flamingos)
Storybook Themed: Tied between Grade 4S (Diary of a Fourth Grade Class) and Grade 1W (Spread a Little Sparkle)
Sandy also dropped off a letter for additional prizes to Dunkin Donuts, whose been generous in the past, along with Sundaes.
Public participation was opened and closed with no member of the public participating.
New Business:
Sandy: reached out to Shade Tree Commission in November of 2013 regarding tree near the gazebo which was blocking the police camera. Andy will follow-up.
Chesla: In May letters were painted on the pavers on the west side of Bay Avenue, between Arnold and Laurel, which seem to be permanent. They cannot be scrubbed off. Andy will reach out to all Committees reiterating that only water soluble paint can be used.
Penny: walked Boro Hall grounds with Chesla. Beautification is responsible for planter box in front of New Jersey Avenue entrance and plants around the flag pole. Some other items need pruning. Specifically asked for clarification on garden in front of sign and flower boxes in front of building facing Municipal Way. (Not the responsibility of Beautification). Reported that the light is out in front of the sign.
Penny also asked about getting stone for Harvard Avenue garden (1.5 inch Delaware River rock).
The flower box in front of the New Jersey Avenue entrance needs to be power-washed. The round ball shrubs are too big for that box. Suggested at least removing the center one and perhaps replacing them with taller shrubs; also planting something that will trail down the front of the box.
Sandy: noticed pavers piled around utility poles. DPW will have to address. She will send a list of affected areas to Andy.
Penny announced that the Elizabeth Avenue garden was awarded “Garden of Distinction” by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. The Butterfly Garden previously received an award.
Meeting adjourned at 8:24 pm upon motion by Arlene and second by Chesla.
Respectfully Submitted,
Maryann Ellsworth
