Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Beautification Committee Minutes
September 22, 2020
The Zoom meeting was called to order at 7:07 PM by Committee Chair, Mary Steiner.
The following members were in attendance: Dave Cavagnaro, Maryann Ellsworth, Janine Mastrokalos, Gary Mecca, Penny Mecca, Maureen Kale, Robyn Palang, Sandy Pasola, Mary Lynn Ritchings, M J Rossilli-Mitchell, Alan Steiner, Committee Chair Mary Steiner and Council Liaison Arlene Testa.
Upon motion by Sandy, with second by M J, the minutes of the August 25, 2020 meeting were unanimously approved as read.
Chairperson, Mary Steiner reviewed gardens and barrel status and issues. If you don’t like the trees in the barrels please present alternate ideas. Jacqui Glass has ordered the Christmas greens at $18/bundle. They will arrive the first week in November. Also asked members to think about flowers for garden spots in 2021. Penny asked when ideas were needed (Answer by Mary: November 17th). Sandy asked how much was saved with new dealer (Answer by Alan: Seymour was 20% less expensive). Arlene has someone who will provide flowers at 50% discount (Need contact information). M J reported that DeVinos does Shop Rite and High School; she will provide contact information. Alan reported that 2020 prices were compared via spreadsheet that he prepared; time of order will dictate what is available. Dave added that the quality of the plants was not up to par on the 2019 order which dictated the change of venue. Sandy and Maryann stated that although the lantanas were small to start the season, they filled out the buckets later on. Penny added that the lantanas by the library were pretty big.
Chair, Mary Steiner, reported that she went into the Boro Hall basement with Arlene and Andy. The Beautification supplies are now all together in one location there. She thanked them both for their assistance. Mary also reported that Beth is still trying to decide what type of Magnolia tree to plant to honor her parents which will be planted at the island on Parkway near Chicago Avenue across from her home. Beth will water it once it’s been planted. M J offered to take the lead on this project and speak with Beth.
Chair, Mary Steiner, also thanked Dave Cavagnaro for writing the Beautification blurb which appeared in the town newsletter. Mary reported that additional reindeer pieces are needed; Andy will cut them and Dorothy will paint them. There is some brown and black paint in the Boro Hall basement. Dorothy also has some paint. Gary added that he also has some paint. It is semi gloss that was purchased at WalMart. In response to question from Arlene, Mary answered that the reindeer are erected at the following locations: 2 at the Bird Sanctuary; 5 at the Welcome Sign; 2 at the Gazebo; 2 at Sandy’s Point; and 2-3 at the Boro Hall. Dave asked that extra bodies be cut for future use. Mary will coordinate with Andy.
Chairperson Mary also reported that paint was needed to paint the posts at the Bird Sanctuary and Welcome Sign including the gold balls. Members will provide the labor. Sandy will contact the company that made the signs.
Sandy reported on the Scarecrow Contest. Usually the scarecrows are made in the classrooms with parents coming in to help. There was a group discussion regarding the problems that Covid is presenting this year. Need to get publicity out there; will post flyer on School Community page. Arlene suggested teaming up with the Arts Committee and using their FB page. Suggestions included having families put together at their homes; using Sign-up Genius; judging at people’s homes and taking the winners to the Gazebo for display. Manasquan lines the Main Street business district with scarecrows but that option was dismissed here due to worries regarding the weather and vandalism. Will have the usual categories with display in gazebo. Should there be an overabundance can put some at the Welcome Sign. Set-Up will be October 23rd. Arlene volunteered to help Sandy.
Chairperson, Mary Steiner, asked Gary to contact Laird’s about donating more barrels. Gary will ask for four which will yield 8 planters.
Penny reported that grass was coming up through the stones at the garden located at Harvard and Boston. Mary asked if that was town property and Arlene will check it out.
Robyn reported that the Boat Garden needs more rocks. Would need an estimate of how much was needed. The cost was originally split between Ward Realty and the Committee. Gary suggested contacting Ward and Lighthouse Ices to split the cost. Mary and Dave added that rocks should be put down in the spring but weed killing needs to be done now. Arlene will coordinate with the Mayor and report back to Committee.
Janine reported that she is looking for pilings by the sign. Sandy suggested DPW might have something. Dave gave several leads on properties that are installing pilings; they usually lob off and discard the tops. If you ask for them, they would be free.
Arlene asked about decorating the barrel trees for Christmas. Mary is coordinating with Jacqui Glass now.
Meeting adjourned at 8:01 pm upon motion by M J and second by Sandy.
Respectfully Submitted,
Maryann Ellsworth
