Minutes of the Beautification Commission Meeting

September 24, 2008

ATTENDANCE: A. Cumming, D. Ford-Werntz, J. Lattanzi, B. MacDonald, D. Spencer, J. Steketee

GUESTS: Irene Muffly, Terry Sisto, Michael Breiding

This meeting lacked a quorum of members.

Minutes of the August meeting were approved.

The meeting began with the presentation of two proposals to the Commission:

The first proposal was made on behalf of the Monongalia Garden Council by Irene Mussly and Terry Sisto. They described the “Blue Star Memorial” marker program. This is a national program sponsored by the National Council of Garden Clubs, Inc. to erect markers as a tribute to the Armed Forces of America. The blue/bronze markers are seen across the country often along highways. West Virginia has few markers, but recently received a statewide grant to erect additional ones.

Irene and Terry are looking for a place to erect the marker. They want a place that is visible to the public. They suggested South University Avenue. The marker will be mounted on a stone. A decision needs to be made soon as they wish to order the marker and proceed with the project before the end of 2008. They asked the Commission for placement suggestions and our support. The issue should be discussed at the October meeting.

A second proposal was made by Michael Breiding. He presented a plan for a hosta garden on the Garlow House property. The garden is to be a tribute to Virginia Nugent and has been designed by Michael Barnes Nugent. A supportive discussion followed, although concerns were expressed about maintenance, security and lighting. Because a quorum was not present, Bill MacDonald agreed to poll the members relative to their support of the project. There were no negative responses to the poll. As a result Bill MacDonald called Michael and indicated he had our support and should proceed with the installation. The Commission may want to discuss ways to minimize vandalism at the site if it becomes a problem.

A Tree Board report was given by Anne Cumming. She indicated the Board is looking for a certified arborist with whom several city tree maintenance issues can be contracted. She also reported that the Board went to Dorsey’s Knob to identify and label trees on that property. They also reevaluated a list of acceptable trees for the City of Morgantown and discussed tree replacement of several trees in the downtown area. The suggestion was made to invite Jenny Selin to the next Commission meeting to discuss the issue of a visual tree screen in Krepp’s Park at the site of the day care center currently under construction.

Other existing business was tabled until the October meeting.