Beautification Commission Meeting
Thursday December 6, 2012
Present: Pat Byrnes;Elaine Dube; Marylee Hickey (arrived at 6:20 pm); Lee Ann Manning; Mary Mourey; Betty Russell; Pat Sirois.
Also Present: Tim Bockus, Director/Public Works
Ted Fravel, Director/Parks and Recreation
Greg Grew, Director/Inspection and Permits
Absent: Dolores Kehoe (excused); Tony Russo.
Call to Order:
Chair Sirois called the meeting of the Beautification Commission to order at 5: 31 p.m.
Acceptance of Minutes of November 8, 2012
Betty Russell made a motion to accept the minutes of the November 8, 2012 meeting.
Seconded by LeeAnn Manning. Approved.
Opportunity for citizens to speak.
None at this time.
Financial Report:
Mary Mourey reported there is $6758.93 in the General Budget. Remembrance Fund $520.96.
Communications:
Chair Sirois received the following communication:
Chair's report
Chair Sirois reported there was an article in The Reminder in reference to the $7050 America The Beautiful matching grant given to East Hartford. Tim Bockus reported the town will start a tree inventory from Pitkin Street to King Street on public property and develop a management plan. This inventory will show the health and age of the tree, life expectancy and types of trees to use in the area when replacement is necessary.
Chair Sirois further reported that the 2013-2014 Budget is due on January 2, 2013. Discussion was held. It was the consensus of the Beautification Commission to request the same funding of $8100 which means a zero percent increase.
Chair Sirois received information in reference to a schedule of meetings for the 2013 year. The Beautification Commission will meet the first Thursday of the month except for July 4, 2013.
MOTION By Mary Mourey
Seconded by Pat Byrnes
To hold the July meeting on July 11, 2013 at 5:30 p.m.
Approved.
Chair Sirois briefly discussed the Holiday Fest Kick-off. There was a cake as well as liquid refreshments left over. Betty Russell will host a social at her home on January 3, 2013 at 5:30 in lieu of a meeting.
Concerns of the Commission:
- Concern still with home on the corner of Handel and Maple Streets
Tree Warden's Report:
Tim Bockus reported a second pass for leaf collection will begin after December 10, 2012. There were 8 tree issues this month, on private property.
Tim Bockus further reported that 50 people had a signed petition for the removal of trees for the levee project. A public hearing was held on November 5. His department attempted to contact the 50 people and not one of them were in attendance.
Tim also stated there is a beaver problems at Great River Park as well as Brook Street. They are being trapped.
The application for “Tree City” is being written, application must be submitted by December 31, 2012.
Old Business:
Chair Sirois thanked Commission members for their assistance is getting brochures and posters out throughout town. She stated that there has been good publicity in the Gazette,The Reminder as well as the Hartford Courant Calendar. She also stated that Betsy Pitt that usually helps sell buttons at the events is ill. She asked that all members help sell buttons and attend the events to do so.
New Business:
None at this time.
OTHER BUSINESS
None at this time.
Payment of Bills:
Theresa Godreau $ 75.00
Pat Sirois (gifts for Holiday Fest) $ 29.92
Pat Bynes (cake for Kick-Off) NTE $25.00
Marylee Hickey (candy canes) NTE $13.00
Elaine Dube made a motion to pay the bills as submitted. Seconded by Pat Byrnes. Approved.
Adjournment:
There being no further business, Mary Mourey made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:25 p.m. Seconded by Betty Russell. Approved.
A Social will be held at the home of Betty and Dan Russell on January 3, 2013 at 5:30, at 118 Oak Street. Commissioners will chip in for pizza and salad.
The next meeting of the Commission will be February 7, 2013 in Building Department Conference Room at 5:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Theresa Godreau, Clerk
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