Beautification Commission Minutes

NORTHVILLE BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION
Tuesday, July 20, 2004

Members present: Hansknecht, Hayes, Lestock, Tague

Members absent: Cusmano, Rewald

The meeting was called to order by Chair Lestock at 7:10 PM.

The planters and clock seem to be doing well this year but the five hanging ferns and the two planter boxes on the band shell have been neglected by Peter DPW employee. You can tell that they are dieing because the fern foliage in the boxes is dry and falling off.

The sunflower seeds planted in the Witch Wall did not germinate because they were not watered on a regular basis so Lestock purchased four verbena bonariensis to fill the space. (Lestock did personally ask Heidt and Peter to water the sunflower seed area. The last two years the sunflowers did germinate with the previous DPW water person.)

Lestock gave Heidt - DPW Assistant Director, a copy of the letter she wrote to Gallogly in 1998 in regards to the watering situation with the planters, clock and Witch Wall. Though we have had an unusual amount of rain this year, it is still necessary to water. As the foliage in the planters grows it acts like an umbrella and when in rains the water cascades off the plants and not into the container thus regular watering regularly is essential.

The Arts Commission will be taking over the old Senior Center and is looking into landscape renovation and maintenance to the outside of the building.

Lestock asked the thoughts and preference of the members in regards to photo awards versus a plaque and tag system. Hansknecht suggested that we check with the business community to see what they would prefer. Lestock would check into what the costs are for each method.

As we have fewer members this year, Lestock must reconfigure the city areas. She will do this and get it to the members this month.

The members brought all of their business selections to the meeting. They are: American Spoon, Asher’s, Elizabeth’s Bridal Salon, Kitchen Witch, Little Italy, Marquis Theater ‘Flag’, Mechatronis Inc., Northville Chamber of Commerce, Northville Clock Shop, Northville Senior Center and Second Street Hair.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM. The next meeting will be Tuesday, August 10 at 7:00 PM. Please call if you cannot attend.