Beautification Commission Meeting
Wednesday May 3, 2012
PRESENT: Elaine Dube; Marylee Hickey; Dolores Kehoe; Mary Mourey; Betty Russell;
Tony Russo; Pat Sirois.
Also Present: Tim Bockus, Director/Public Works
Absent: Pat Byrnes (excused); Ted Fravel, Director/Parks and Recreation.
CALL TO ORDER:
Chair Sirois called the meeting of the Beautification Commission to order at 5:32 p.m.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES OF APRIL 4, 2012
Mary Mourey made a motion to accept the minutes of the April 4, 2012 meeting.
Seconded by Betty Russell. Approved.
OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO SPEAK: None.
FINANCIAL REPORT:
Mary Mourey reported that $800 has been encumbered to Woodland Gardens. The General Fund balance is $5462.27. Remembrance Fund balance is $520.96.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Information from Arbor Day Foundation
Letter from Chris Donnolly, State Tree Forester, thanking the Commission for the invitation to the Arbor Day celebration and announcing “Tree City USA” award to the Town of East Hartford.
CHAIR'S REPORT:
Chair Sirois reported that Diane Carlucci moved out of East Hartford and resigned from the Commission. Lee Ann Manning will be the new Commissioner, awaiting approval from the Town Council and Mayor Leclerc.
TREE WARDEN'S REPORT:
Tim Bockus distributed and discussed the Tree Warden’s report.
Tim further reported that the State has gotten a Task Force together to evaluate response to storms (due to Storm Alfred).Tim has been appointed to this Task Force. This Task Force will make suggestions for the best management for roadside vegetation throughout the State. These recommendations will be presented to Governor Malloy by August.
Tim also reported on the May 19 “Mission Possible” program being held in town as a town-wide clean up. An article is in the Gazette this week.
OLD BUSINESS:
A. Arbor Day
Arbor Day was held at Hockanum School on April 27. Mayor Leclerc’s office will do a press release.
B. Spring Plantings
Tony Russo reported he is working with Woodland Garden with plants on order, as well as Botticellos.
Tony has not contacted the Garden Club as yet for plantings on the Oak Street/Hill Street median.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Residential Beautification Award
The following properties were suggested:
31 Andover Road
Temple/College Drive
Corner of Scott St. (on left)
Maple and Forbes
B. Business Beautification Award
Corner of Pitkin Street/Main Street
Commissioners will email Chair Sirois with other recommendations by May 28.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Chair Sirois stated that the boulder at the beginning of Pitkin Street will have the shrubs removed and the First Congregational Church will do plantings around it. This boulder has a sign stating that this is where the First Congregational Church was housed as part of the government in East Hartford.
Mary Mourey requested purchasing additional frames for the Beautification Awards.
Mary Mourey made a motion to purchase 10 picture frames from Discount Trophy from the Special Event line item. Seconded by Betty Russell. Approved.
CONCERNS OF THE COMMISSION:
- Brewer Street (across from St. Chris) motorcycles on tree belt with For Sale signs on them
- Upper Brewer – on left dumpster on property, overfilled
- Greenwood St – home has brown paper on windows, Tyvec ripped off, no siding, and many types of vehicles on grounds
- Jefferson Lane (close to Brewer) – gutters hanging off
- Greenwood St – property has garbage in driveway, furniture, etc on tree belt
Tim Bockus stated for the record that a law has been passed for recycling mattresses. A small fee will be imposed to the consumer for recycling of old mattresses.
PAYMENT OF BILLS:
Theresa Godreau (clerk) $ 75.00
Marylee Hickey made a motion to pay the bills as submitted. Seconded by Elaine Dube. Approved.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, Mary Lee Hickey made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:36 p.m. Seconded by Elaine Dube. Approved.
The next meeting of the Commission will be June 7, 2012 in Building Department Conference Room at 5:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Theresa Godreau, Clerk
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