Beautification Commission Meeting
Thursday February 7, 2013
Present: Pat Byrnes (arrived at 6:03pm);Elaine Dube; Dolores Kehoe; Lee Ann Manning;
Mary Mourey; Betty Russell; Pat Sirois.
Also Present: Tim Bockus, Director/Public Works
Ted Fravel, Director/Parks and Recreation
Absent: Marylee Hickey (excused); Tony Russo.
Greg Grew, Director/Inspection and Permits
Call to order:
Chair Sirois called the meeting of the Beautification Commission to order at 5:35 p.m.
Acceptance of minutes of December 6, 2012
Betty Russell made a motion to accept the minutes of the December 6, 2012 meeting.
Seconded by Mary Mourey. Approved.
Opportunity for citizens to speak.
None at this time.
Financial Report:
Mary Mourey reported there is $6609.09 in the General Budget. Remembrance Fund $520.96.
Communications:
Chair Sirois received the following communication:
- Thank you letter from St. Mary’s Food Bank
- Thank you letter for the $695 Fuel Bank donation from Department of Health/Social Services
- Letter from Mayor Leclerc appointing Mary Mourey to the Beautification Commission. Her commission expires in December 2016.
- Arbor Day Foundation
Chair's report
Chair Sirois discussed Arbor Day which will be held on April 26, 2013 at Norris School. She has contacted Principal Dr. Edward Orszulak to inform him of the event. He was pleased that this event will be taking place at Norris School. The clerk will mail out all information to the music teacher, Robin Russoto and to Dr. Orszulak.
Concerns of the Commission
Mary Mourey asked Tim Bockus when the Maple Street bridge will be completed. He stated that the majority of the work is done.
Tree Warden's RePORT
Tim Bockus reported the following:
- So. Prospect/Caroll Road – dead stump, also hazardous trees (reported to the DOT)
- 48 Patton St – issue will limbs – privately owned
- 63 Penney Drive – trees – will contact the Board of Education
- 89 Heron – town owned tree, causing issue with the right of way
- 1566-64 Main Street – distressed tree – privately owned
- 40 Porter St. – distressed tree – privately owned
- 863 Oak Street- distressed tree- owned by town, needs to be removed
- 601 Hills Street - distressed tree- owned by town, needs to be removed
- 50 Saunders Street – dead limbs, owned by town, need to be addressed
Inspections were made on the following properties:
- 71 Sherwood Drive
- 47 Branch Street
- 65 Olmsted Street
- 188 Walnut Street
Tim Bockus stated that residents who are responsible for the trees get a letter from his department with the concern and action that must be taken.
Tim Bockus further reported that trees have been removed in front of the Riverpoint Condominiums to prepare for the work on the bulkhead. His department has been working with Park and Recreation to clean the perimeter of Shea Park. Further his department worked on Willow Street to clean up the shedding pine trees.
The Public Works department did receive the America the Beautiful Grant $7050, which the town will match to begin a tree inventory in town.
The Tree City application was completed and sent in December 2012. We should hear from the State of CT shortly.
Mayor Leclerc has told Public Works to begin phase 2 for Main Street. This will begin at Torpey Bridge north to Park Avenue. Also, Tim Bockus is investigating painting the flower barrels to match the seats, rubbish receptacles and bike racks that are now on Main St.
Old BUsiness:
Chair Sirois reported she sent in the budget with a zero percent increase. Budget hearings for the Commission will be held on March 2.
New BusineSS
See under Chair’s Report.
OTHER BUSINESS
Chair Sirois sent out thank you notes to those organizations and town departments that participated in Holiday Fest.
Discussion was held in reference to printing the 2013 brochure. Ted Fravel stated that he will be in contact with Pratt & Whitney to ask their assistance. Further, he is looking into getting snow (for the snowman building contest) at a ski resort because the quality is much better.
Chair Sirois discussed selling the buttons beforehand and it was recommended they be sold by the Rotary Club and Woman’s Club. If Commissioners have any other suggestions for selling buttons prior to the event, please contact Chair Sirois.
Payment of Bills:
Theresa Godreau $ 75.00
Dolores Kehoe made a motion to pay the bills as submitted. Seconded by Lee Ann Manning. Approved.
Adjournment:
There being no further business, Mary Mourey made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:26 p.m. Seconded by Betty Russell. Approved.
The next meeting of the Commission will be on March 7, 2013 in Building Department Conference Room at 5:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Theresa Godreau, Clerk
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