BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE
Meeting – Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Chair – Marcia Lambert
Minutes
Present: Amy Alpert, Sara Fiore, Mary Ellen Halliwell, Marcia Lambert, Ellen Talkowsky, Judith Wolfe. Absent: Jan Kendall, Bev Moustakis, Sandra Power
Minutes of the meeting held May 26, 2009 were approved as written.
Old Business
1. Traffic Islands (McDonald Island – corner of Webb & Essex St.). Ellen described the tasks that were completed in the cleanup of McDonald island. Several folks from the Massachusetts Trial Court Community Service Program helped with the labor. She reported that Jason Silva received a nice note from the citizen who brought the project to the attention of the city.
The work on the long island on Washington Street was acknowledged. Amy assisted in the creation of the botanical centers of interest scattered down the length of the island. Home Depot supplied the materials and city employees helped with the planting.
All M.O.U.s are back and the sponsor signs have been installed.
Sandi and Ellen have selected five or six islands that could use further development.
2. M.B.T.A. – Mary Ellen reported that the urns at the M.B.T.A. have been planted and that there is still funds left for planting in the fall. She is working on plans for creating murals on walls in the area. The M.B.T.A. is supportive.
3. Newspaper Box Ordinance – Marcia noted that letters regarding the new ordinance have been sent out.
4. Artist Row – Mary Ellen described the work that has gone into the beautification of the area. The artists have been asked to keep the plants watered.
5. Local Merchant Assistance – The matter has been resolved. A discussion regarding the desirability of sending “Thank you” letters to those who contribute to the appearance of the city followed. Recipients of the letters were named.
6. Tree-mendous Event – Ellen agreed to e-mail Committee members a copy of an information packet developed by Donna Michaud for review and comment.
7. Smokers Receptacle - Press releases have been distributed. Several businesses have submitted applications for the drawing that will determine which business will receive one of the available receptacles.
9. Committee Meeting Protocols Discussion – It was agreed that the Committee should have a designated Chairperson. A motion was made, seconded and passed that Marcia Lambert should serve as chairperson for a period of one year. It was moved further that then moved, seconded and passed that meetings be limited to one hour. The motion was seconded and passed.
10. Ellen asked that Committee members assist with activities scheduled for the fourth of July.
Meeting Adjourned
Respectfully submitted,
Judith Wolfe
Next meeting: July 28, 2009
Chairperson: Marcia Lambert
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