Beautification Commission
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Present: Marylee Hickey; Dolores Kehoe; Sue Kickery; Betty Russell; Tony Russo;
Pat Sirois.
Also Present: Bill Taylor, Director/Public Works
Absent: Helen Boardman; Pat Byrnes; Mary Mourey;
Roger Moss, Director/Park and Recreation
Bonnie Nichols, Director/Inspections and Permits
Call to order:
Chair Sirois called the meeting of the Beautification Commission to order at 7:19 p.m.
Acceptance of minutes of MARCH 5, 2009
Marylee Hickey made a motion to accept the minutes of the March 5, 2009 meeting. Seconded by Betty Russell. Approved.
Opportunity for citizens to speak: No report at this time.
Financial Report:
Chair Sirois reported the General Budget balance is $7515.16.
Remembrance fund balance is $520.96.
Communications:
Chair Sirois reported the Commission received an invoice from Discount Trophy. Twelve frames were purchased for a total of $180.00.
Chair's report: No report at this time.
Tree Warden's RePORT:
Billy Taylor distributed the report for March 2009.
Billy Taylor further reported that the Asian Longhorned Beetle was found in Worcester MA and adjoining towns. The area is being quarantined because of the issue with these beetles. There is no pesticide available to eradicate this insect. The female lays eggs, the insect boor into the tree, and leave to continue finding new homes. These insects are transplanted when wood or trees are moved from the area. The only way to rid them is by cutting the tree down, burning or chipping the wood. Billy enforced the importance of this insect and the destruction they cause.
Old BUsiness:
A. Meeting with Mayor Currey (Spring plantings & maintenance)
Chair Sirois reported that a meeting was not held. She spoke with Mayor Currey in reference to the maintenance and watering of the spring plantings. Mayor Currey reassured her that it would be taken care of and to plan on the planting.
B. Arbor Day
Commissioners began receiving the invitation from Goodwin School for the May 1 celebration. The time is 9:00 a.m. Tony Russo will contact Dan Brodeur, Principal, to discuss the type of tree and bush and where it will be planted on the grounds.
The following members will be in attendance: Pat Byrnes, Dolores Kehoe, Mary Mourey,
Betty Russell, Tony Russo, Roger Moss and Billy Taylor.
New Business
Billy Taylor questioned if the Beautification Commission acts as the Tree Board in town also. The issue at hand is that the Department of Transportation will be widening Silver Lane and Forbes Street. This will impact the hydrangea trees on Forbes Street located at DePietro Park. Discussion was held on having the trees moved back on the property. Billy will be meeting with an arborist to discuss the condition of the trees, if it is worth transplanting them and requesting a recommendation. Billy stated some of the trees are rotted and have dead wood. It is extremely costly to move these trees due to the age of the tree and the size of the roots. Further, the concern being will the trees survive the transplant. It was the consensus of the Beautification Commission that they will
support the decision made by the Tree Warden.
Other Business None. .
Concerns of the Commission
Greenbrier Street The backhoe was removed from the front yard but the dump truck is still there.
Property on the corner of Connecticut Blvd and South Prospect Street
The concern was the unsightly lot and if there are any economic plans for the site
Connecticut Boulevard
In front of Acme Auto building, plantings are overgrown – grass between bricks.
Tony Russo reported there was an accident on the median and the car ran over the plantings. This area will be taken care of.
Billboard near bridge crossover
The billboard has fallen down.
Chair Sirois requested that Sue Kickery take pictures of Alumni Park when the flowers are in bloom and submit them to the Gazette. It was further recommended that when the barrels are planted that pictures be taken and submitted.
Payment of Bills:
Theresa Godreau (clerk) $ 75.00
Discount Trophy $180.00
Dolores Kehoe made a motion to encumber funds up to $4000 for spring plantings. Seconded by Betty Russell. Approved.
Dolores Kehoe made a motion to pay the bills as submitted. Seconded by Marylee Hickey. Unanimously approved.
Adjournment:
There being no further business, Dolores Kehoe made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m. Seconded by Betty Russell. Unanimous.
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