Beautification Commission Meeting
Wednesday July 5, 2012
Present: Pat Byrnes; Marylee Hickey; Dolores Kehoe; Lee Ann Manning; Mary Mourey;
Tony Russo; Pat Sirois.
Also Present: Tim Bockus, Director/Public Works
Ted Fravel, Director/Parks and Recreation
Absent: Elaine Dube (excused); Betty Russell.
Call to Order:
Chair Sirois called the meeting of the Beautification Commission to order at 5:38 p.m.
At this time Chair Sirois introduced new Commissioner, Lee Ann Manning and welcomed her to the Beautification Commission.
Acceptance of minutes of June 7, 2012
Mary Mourey made a motion to accept the minutes of the June 7, 2012 meeting.
Seconded by Marylee Hickey. Approved.
Opportunity for citizens to speak: None.
Financial Report:
Mary Mourey reported the new fiscal year has begun and the Commission received $8100 through the town budget. Further she stated that the Commission spent 94.4% of the 2011-2012 budget, giving the town back $412.27. All monies have been encumbered to Botticello, Woodland Gardens, Shemin’s, and Better Stones.
Remembrance Fund balance is $520.96.
Communications:
None.
Chair's Report:
Chair Sirois reported that letters for the June awards have been mailed out and the awards will be given at the July 17 Town Council Meeting. Discussion was held as to where the Council will meet due to the Chamber being renovated. Chair Sirois will stay in contact with Angela Attenello, Council clerk, to find out where the meeting will be held.
Chair Sirois further stated she will be scheduling a meeting with Ted Fravel to discuss Holiday Fest ’12. The HolidayFest program was found on a computer at the Park and Recreation department. Chair Sirois will also contact the Chamber of Commerce to see if a company in town will host a kick-off for HolidayFest because it is the 20th anniversary. Chair Sirois will also contact Todd Andrews from Goodwin College to see if they will host the event.
Tree Warden's Report:
Tim Bockus distributed the report for May and June, some trees reported were still storm related. Tim informed the commission that he has $15000 in his budget for tree removal. This money is used for high risk and hazards on town property.
Tim further reported that CL & P will be doing enhanced trimming in town in the high school areas as well as the Burnham Street, College streets area.
Old Business:
Discussion was held on the planters located at Ridgewood Road going to the Veteran’s Memorial Clubhouse. The issue with the barrels is the time it takes to water and maintain them. Tony stated that self watering barrels, which the town has begun purchasing, cost $2220 for 5 which includes shipping. Tim Bockus remarked that the town may find funding through a grant.
Mary Mourey stated a concern she has on Main Street. The barrels stop at Governor and Main, with no plantings directly in front of the St. Francis building. Tim Bockus reported the Main Street enhancement program will begin soon.
New Business:
- Residential Beautification Award
Mary Mourey made a motion to award 5 Lehigh Drive the Residential Beautification Award for July 2012. Seconded by Pat Byrnes. Approved.
- Business Beautification Award
Dolores Kehoe made a motion to award Wells Fargo the Business Beautification Award for July 2012. Seconded by Pat Byrnes. Approved.
Recommendations for Residential Awards for August:
1 Joanne Drive
32 Carroll Road
206 Cambridge Drive (neat yard, flowers)
46 Long Hill Drive
78 Temple
216 Goodwin Street
Chair Sirois reminded Commissioners to be diligent in finding businesses in town.
Chair Sirois reported that the July and August Awards will be given at the August 21, 2012 Town Council meeting.
Other Business:
Dolores Kehoe informed Tim Bockus that the pole lights going up to Long Hill from Burnside are not lit. Tim Bockus will contact CL&P because he understood the area was taken care of after the storm.
Concerns of the Commission:
The following concerns were brought up at the meeting. The clerk will inform the Inspections and Permits department.
- 36 Church Street – grass and garbage
- Corner Goodwin/Bittersweet – grass
- 700 Brewer – red dumpster has been in front of the house for a length of time
- 33 Hilton Drive – no power, nothing being done to property
- Lots on Hills Street – Sentry Real Estate signs – need to be cut back 10 feet
- 63 Maple Street – Tim Bockus stated this property is in dispute with the DOT
- Deepwood/Rowland empty grass needs cutting
- Welcome to East Hartford sign – Rte 5, weeds, no mulch
- Main Street lots going toward Glastonbury (before Shop Rite) need to be cut back
- Dead trees directly across from Long Hill Drive (Labor Field?)
- Sunset Ridge School Sign – contact Al Costa
Discussion was held that a new director was hired for Inspections and Permits. The clerk will inform Greg Grew when the meetings are held and previously the director attended Beautification Commission meetings.
Payment of Bills:
Theresa Godreau (clerk) $ 75.00
Marylee Hickey made a motion to pay the bills as submitted. Seconded by Mary Mourey. Approved.
Adjournment:
There being no further business, Marylee Hickey made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:41 p.m. Seconded by Pat Byrnes. Approved.
The next meeting of the Commission will be August 2, 2012 in Building Department Conference Room at 5:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Theresa Godreau, Clerk
| 
