BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Monday, January 17, 2022
Call to Order
Mark Carroll called the meeting to order at 6:04 pm.
Attendance
Chairman Mark Carroll, Al Broholm, Brian Apgar, Edoardo Tabasso, Ann Hosler, Village Administrator Steve Bosco, Director of Public Works John Laskowski and Administrative Analyst Christine Wagner.
Discussion/New Business
Administrator Bosco welcomed everyone and introductions were made by each committee member. Al Broholm and Administrator Bosco provided a brief history, past projects, and goals of the beautification committee. In more recent years, the committee had consisted mainly of volunteers planting flowers in various planters and locations around the Village. Staff identified the need to update the village code regarding the committee, and formalize many processes for better function. Bosco stated that with the updated code, the committee can serve as an advisory board, providing direction for staff on various projects. Goals identified included staff assistance and advice, implementation of a community recognition program, along with other projects. Potential projects might include, banners, flower pots, silo work, and work in Riverfront Park. A budget of $15,000 has been specifically allocated for the committee but more funds exist elsewhere in the budget for projects already planned within capital projects, public works or Tax increment Fund (TIF) areas.
Chairman Carroll noted that while the previous committee existed, it has now simply been expanded and formalized.
1. Police Department Landscaping / Route 31 Mural Placement
Administrator Bosco provided background information on the Police Department building and location near Route 31 and Airport Road. Several landscaping elements that died and were removed since the original construction, ten years ago, have not been replaced, leaving empty mulch beds surrounding the building. This creates an opportunity for plantings, which can be explored with a landscaping designer. Bosco informed the committee that the mural depicting Expo Park, which was formerly located on the site of the police station, is presently being stored. Staff would like to put it up somewhere, preferably on or near the police station.
Chairman Carroll inquired if there was enough room on the police station for the mural, Administrator Bosco replied that staff would have to take a closer look at the elevations to determine what options exist, preferably to have the mural visible from route 31.
Al Broholm confirmed that the police station location was previously occupied by Exposition Park with a dance hall across the street. Broholm also noted that any landscaping placed at the police station would need to be planted in a location accessible with means for watering and maintenance. He also suggested flower planters for the site, which may also be in storage from previous years.
2. Village Hall Landscaping
Administrator Bosco presented another potential committee project, village hall landscaping. The landscaping there had similar issues as the police station, with gaps from removed landscaping.
Brian Apgar suggested the two locations be combined into a single project, at least in the phase of landscape design quotes, which can offer savings.
Al Broholm commented that the plantings, whichever are chosen, should not block windows, as they presently do. He suggested a low planter with flowers may be a better alternative.
3. Village Welcome Signs landscaping
Administrator Bosco gave a brief history of the signs, explaining that they were part of an earlier initiative of rebranding, with attempt to separate North Aurora from surrounding communities. Signs had never been fully landscaped, surrounded only with mulch beds. The signs exist primarily in Right-of-Way areas which tend to be more restrictive in landscaping options, but still offer possibility. Plantings here must also be salt and drought tolerant, as well as low maintenance.
4. Flowers for Spring
Administrator Bosco reiterated that plantings had been done in the past by volunteers at Village Hall and in other planters and baskets. He stated that the goal in placing flowers in the state street corridor was to help entice people into coming into the area. Bosco asked the committee for input on types of flowers or colors for the upcoming season.
Al Broholm stated that the Red or purple wave petunias from Schaefer’s Greenhouse in Montgomery had yielded the best results of all the flowers the committee had tried over the years. Al recommended getting the flower order in as soon as possible for the upcoming season.
Discussion was had regarding the history of flower planter locations in the community and Administrator Bosco stated that staff would duplicate the order from last year.
Chairman Carroll identified the grassy area near Route 31 as a possible project area for plantings.
Al Broholm suggested a planter be located near Oak St and Randall, as it a highly trafficked area, and is also near the geographic center of the community. All other committee members agreed.
5. Other Discussion Items
Brian Apgar inquired about the vacant lot near Route 31 and Oak St. Administrator Bosco replied that it was kept as a parking lot for various events, with the hope of future development in the corridor in the future.
Al Broholm discussed weed control with Public works Director Laskowski for the Oak Street corridor.
With no further business, Al Broholm made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:54 pm, which was seconded by Edoardo Tabasso.
Motion to Adjourn: All in Favor
Respectfully submitted,
Chris Wagner
