BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE
Meeting – Tuesday, March, 24, 2009
Chair – Amy Alpert
Present: Amy Alpert, Mary Ellen Halliwell, Sara Fiore, Jan Kendall, Sandra Power, Ellen Talkowsky, Judith Wolfe Absent: Marcia Lambert, Bev Moustakis
The minutes of the meeting held February 24, 2009, were amended at Shirley Walker’s request to note that in announcing her resignation she had stated that she regretted she had to resign as she was no longer able to do the physical work that is a key requirement of the position. The minutes were approved as amended.
The minutes of the Special Meeting held March 11, 2009 were approved as written. The usefulness of the meeting was acknowledged.
Old Business
1. Tree-mendous Event.
The Committee was joined by Donna Michaud and Sue Fusegini. Ms. Michaud distributed a proposed a plan for the Tree-mendous Event. Among other things she suggested that the event be held in Old Town Hall. Tree Decoration, the canvassing of merchants and the potential interest of Main Streets was discussed. It was agreed that the Event will be sponsored by the Committee with Donna as Event Manager. The Committee will fill in as needed. The guests were invited to the next Committee meeting to discuss the matter further.
2. Clean Sweeps/Earth Day
Salem Recycling Committee members, Liz Vago, Katie Giddings and Julie Rose joined the Committee. The Discussion centered around merging Earth Day centered activities of the Recycling Committee together with the Beautification Committee’s Clean Sweeps Event scheduled for May 2nd. Ideas included collecting recyclable items in separate clear plastic bags, recycle bin decorating contest, providing recycling information etc. The Recycling Committee is in the process of choosing graphics for Recycling Committee buttons. Ellen will be the liaison between the two Committees as planning continues.
The Beautification Committee and the City will provide the necessaries for the cleanup activities. In addition the Committee will provide a DJ, pizza and a drawing for prizes. Committee members, Amy, Sandi, Mary Ellen and Sara volunteered to approach specific businesses about providing pizza, gloves, tools, etc. for the Event.
A reconsideration of the expense of the T-Shirts the Beautification Committee has distributed in the past took place. The cost has been about One Thousand Dollars. There are some leftovers. It was decided to approach Walmart for support.
Letters announcing the date and particulars are to be distributed on April 3rd to the various groups that have participated in the past plus others.
3. Traffic Islands
Ellen reported that letters to Island sponsors are to go out April 3rd.
4. Plant Sale
Sandi requested that the Recycling Committee have a presence at the plant sale. She also suggested that we might try selling aprons at the Event. Mary Ellen will not be available but will provide some plants for sale.
Agenda items 4-6 were tabled for lack of time.
New Business
1. Street Sweeping
Concern about the uneven results of street sweeping efforts due to the failure to remove cars from a scheduled side of the street was mentioned. Ellen was asked whether it would be possible for the City to place reminder calls as it does with other city events. She said that the City lists are not conducive to such a plan.
2. The Committee was informed that Paul Falconer had submitted a letter or resignation. His contribution to the work of the Committee was noted. He will be missed.
Respectfully submitted
Judith Wolfe
Next Meeting: 4/28/09
Chairperson: Amy Alpert
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