March
The March 28th meeting of 2002 was held at the East Lyme Town Hall. President Dan Shea opened the meeting at 7:15 p.m.
The Treasurer’s Report was read by Treasurer Anne Marie Rogers. We have a checking account balance of $3026.36 and Savings balance of $108.75. Total cash available as of 12/31/01 is $4110.11. The report was accepted. Secretary’s minutes were read by myself and accepted.
OLD BUSINESS
Daffodils continue to sprout. It was a good crop. There is talk of planting more this fall.
Dan Shea has asked the Niantic News to include our meetings with those listed under Town Meetings.
An additional $250 has been received from the “Donation” Letters for a total amount received of $975.00. Thank you letters will be sent out.
Pattagansett Island has been tabled for another month. Need suggestions for the eyesore.
The Welcome to the Niantic Sign will be erected at the grassy area entrance to Cini Park just at the Niantic River Bridge. No decision was made as to the location of the second sign which will be in the erected in the Flanders area. One suggestion included in the area of the old information center on Flanders Road near King Arthur Drive.
Loretta reported that the “Community” Bulletin board committee has reached an impasse. Marvin Schutt, Chairman of the Sign Committee announced the committee is defunct. This project has been very time consuming and frustrating. The Zoning Commission prohibits sandwich/portable signs. They are, however, still being used and it is felt they are ugly and a nuisance. The Commission does permit Community Bulletin Boards.
Dan and Joe attended a Board of Finance Meeting and requested funds in the amount of $3,000 for Beautification projects this upcoming year. Several people commented that our presence is noticeable in town.
Mr. White from the Flanders Elementary School e-mailed Joe to inquire about a planting project for his second grade students who are eager and ready to help.
The following projects will be worked on this year:
New McCooks Park Bathhouse
Niantic Fire Department Substation (helpers needed) Kim
Town Green Gazebo Planters (Lions Club) Joe
Cabbage Garden Town Hall - Joe
Gladiola Planting - Joe
McCooks Park (two gardens) - Dan, Dottie, Sue
Methodist/Main Street Garden - Joe
Hope Street (overgrown garden)
Library Front – renew planters – Kim and Sue
Berm on Route 1 Entering Flanders – Loretta and Hugh/Val and Richard
Planter in front of 911 Emergency Center – Loretta and Hugh
Dick North Sign at the High School – Loretta and Hugh
Sara Fenick Sign at the High School – Val and Richard
Trimming in Front of Town Hall – Dan
Front of Police Station Upkeep - Dan
Pattagansett Island – Pat Moreau
Loretta inquired about whether we could remove the three old, dilapidated planters from in front of the convenience store/gas station across from the Morton House. Joe will see Chuck Holyfield about their removal.
It was suggested we plant myrtle or a similar maintenance-free ivy in the stone wall at McCooks to keep children from climbing the wall and causing injuries. Ideas will be presented at our next meeting.
Youth Services will be contacted to help with watering of planters at the Community Center.
A suggestion was made that we purchase picnic benches to be located by the Butterfly Garden at McCooks Park.
In the past the Beautification Committee has participated in the “Pride in East Lyme Week” held in the spring (April). Members and helpers cleaned up litter/trash throughout town. Adopting the slogan “Don’t be too proud to pick up litter, be proud enough” generated help from all residents. We will continue this practice this year utilizing Saturday, April 20 and April 27, with May 4 as a rain date. Volunteers will be sought and advertisements put into the newspaper. A request for help could go to the High School Key Club and Boy/Girl Scouts in the area.
We will meet on April 25, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Hall. The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m. Guests and new members are always welcome.
Respectfully submitted
Barbara
Barbara Mingo
Secretary