BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE
Special Meeting March 11, 2009
Chair – Sandi Power
Present: Sandi Power, Marcia Lambert, Jan Kendall, Mary Ellen Halliwell, Amy Alpert, Sara Fiore, Ellen Talkowsky, Judith Wolfe Absent: Bev Moustakis, Paul Falconer,
1. Announcements
Ellen reported that the City of Salem Beautification Committee plus Salem Main Streets have received a Community Development Block Grant for the purchase of outdoor smoking receptacles to be made available to Salem merchants. Merchants will apply for a receptacle and will agree to maintain it.
Ellen also reported that a citizen’s written concern about the condition of historic Lesley’s Retreat on North Street had been forwarded to the Committee. The writer suggested that the area be repaired and integrated into Salem’s historic sights walk. Whereas the Committee agreed with the writer’s concerns it was felt that the project was larger than the Committee can handle. It was suggested that the recommendation be forward to Historic Salem.
Ellen announced that the Recycling Committee is planning an event for Earth Day, April 22nd. Favorable discussion followed and will continue.
Ellen is pursing the permitting permissions necessary to hold the Plant Sale scheduled for May 16th. She advised that there will also be a city Fitness event occurring on the Common on the 16th.
2. Traffic Island Project
A list of the 2008 Salem Traffic Islands locations, sponsors, contacts and fees was reviewed. Expectations for this year were reported. The role of the Committee in monitoring, assistance with maintenance and other concerns were identified and discussed. Committee members volunteered to monitor various sites and to assist as needed. . It was suggested that Island sponsors be given a list of plants resistant to salt and/or drought.
Methods of advertising the availability of the Traffic Island sponsorship opportunity were explored. A flyer is to be created. A list of potential sponsors selected from Chamber of Commerce members will be generated. Distribution of the Flyers will follow. Notices in the Salem News and Salem Gazette will be placed.
The fee schedule was discussed and will be Ellen’s responsibility. The cost of the sponsorship signs must be covered.
3. Memorandum of Understanding
The language of the existing Memorandum of Understanding was reviewed and modified as was the text of letters that are sent to prospective sponsors and letters sent to thank sponsors.
Meeting Adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Judith Wolfe
Next Meeting 3/24/09 – Chairperson: Paul Falconer
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