The April 25th meeting was held at the East Lyme Town Hall. President Dan Shea opened the meeting at 7:17 p.m.
The Treasurer’s Report was read by Treasurer Anne Marie Rogers. We have a checking account balance of $3,507.06 and a Savings balance of $1,083.75. Total cash available $4,590.81. The report was accepted. Secretary’s minutes were read by myself and accepted.
OLD BUSINESS
The Niantic News failed to put in our ad announcing Clean Up Week next weekend. We will request a credit to use for future advertisements.
Another $650 has been generated and as of this date “Donation” Letters have realized a total amount of $1,625.00. Thank you letters will be sent out.
The dangerous Pattagansett Island received several suggestions including paving it over. It was indicated that the Town or Chapman Farms may be responsible for its’ upkeep. Lynn will check into this for next months’ meeting.
The Welcome to Niantic Sign will be erected next week by Dan and John Wilson, at the grassy area entrance to Cini Park near the Niantic River Bridge. No decision was made as to the location of the second sign which will be in the erected in Flanders. One suggestion included in the area of the old information center on Flanders Road near King Arthur Drive. Another just across the exit ramp by The Shack, on Route 1 near Holdridge Gardens, Ron’s Guns and also near the High School entrance on Route 161. No decision made. Lynn will scout out a location and report at our next meeting. It was suggested the legs on the signs be painted a color other than white.
The Board of Finance has honored our request for $3,000 for Beautification projects this upcoming year.
Mr. White from the Flanders Elementary School and his second grade students are eager and ready to help with a project this spring. Joe to coordinate.
The three old, dilapidated planters from in front of the convenience store/gas station across from the Morton House will be removed. Joe will see Chuck Holyfield about same.
Sam Peretz of Parks and Rec indicated the town has a bench we can use at the Butterfly Garden at McCooks Park. Dottie will coordinate.
Dottie and Sue spent two hours weeding the butterfly garden. COME ON BUTTERFLIES........
Information will be obtained about picnic tables/benches. We would like to purchase some for McCooks Park.
“Pride in East Lyme Week” – clean up days have been completed. Our April 20 date coincided with the Main Street Program Clean Up Project which met at McCooks Park. Several of our helpers were sent to McCooks Park
The planters in front of the Library have been cleaned out by Lynn and Kim and are ready for planting. The holly tree was transplanted to an area near the shed at the Senior Center. A $200 maximum was put for the purchase of plants/greenery. It will be necessary to contact the Youth Services Center to remind them to help water.
Dottie graciously donated two zebra grass plantings to be used at the entrance to the Library Complex.
NEW BUSINESS
Dan has been asked to be on the Executive Board of the Main Street Program. This will enable him to be a liaison between our Committee and theirs in coordinating future events and keeping us informed of their projects. The Main Street Program is a national program coordinated to bring life to Main Streets across America.
Kim and Lynn will attend to the overgrown Hope Street gardens.
Chris Green and his dad visited us. Chris is a Boy Scout and is looking for a Project to fulfill his Eagle Scout duties. It was decided he would be responsible for the plantings around the new bathhouse at McCooks Park. He will bring a “layout and plan” to our next meeting for approval and guidance.
It was suggested we plant myrtle or a similar maintenance-free ivy in the stone wall near the new bathhouse restrooms at McCooks to keep children from climbing the wall and causing injuries. Ideas will be presented at our next meeting.
It has become vital to entice new members to Beautification. Suggestions included a Pizza Party or Wine and Cheese Social. Please rack your brain for a solution to this age-old problem and present it at our next meeting.
We will meet on May 30, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Hall. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Guests and new members are always welcome.
Respectfully submitted
Barbara
Barbara Mingo
Secretary
EAST LYME BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE
MEETINGS FOR 2002
MAY 30
JUNE 27
JULY 25
AUGUST 22
SEPTEMBER 26
OCTOBER 24
NOVEMBER 21