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2004-09-21DRAFT CITY OF BEVERLY MASSACHUSETTS PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES BOARD OR COMMISSION: Beautification Committee SUBCOMMITTEE: DATE: September 21, 2004 LOCATION: Third Floor Conference Room, City Hall MEMBERS PRESENT: Rod Shropshire, Ann Devereaux, Rosalie Kerr, Nancy Ormiston MEMBERS ABSENT: Ellen Todd OTHERS PRESENT: Tina Cassidy, Bill Finch RECORDER: Tina Cassidy Shropshire calls the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. The first order of business is discussion of the most convenient meeting date for the committee. The committee decides that the second Tuesday of every month is the best date; therefore, the next committee meeting will be on October 12, 2004 at 3:00 p.m. Next, the committee reviews the draft minutes of the August 11, 2004 meeting. Shropshire asks if there are any corrections. There are none. th Kerr: motion to approve the minutes of the August 11 meeting, seconded by Shropshire. All members in favor; the minutes are approved as drafted. Next, Ormiston distributes copies of a treasurer’s report of the committee’s finances. At the moment, the Committee has $115.85 to spend on future projects. The Committee then discusses the Gruppe mural at the former McDonald’s building. Cassidy informs the committee that the City’s Parks and Recreation Commission has $25,000.00 earmarked in a special account for the relocation of the mural. The money was donated by Algonquin Gas specifically for that purpose, and if the money were to be used for another purpose, it would be necessary to get Algonquin’s approval to do so. However, she’s heard estimates as high as $40,000 for the mural’s removal and relocation, more than the $25,000 currently available. Cassidy recaps a conversation she had with Bill Finch regarding the mural. Finch had done some research on the mural with the assistance of colleagues familiar with restoration and care of paintings. It was the consensus that the mural could be moved, but that the location of the mural is somewhat integral to its value (on the waterfront), and that if possible the mural should stay in that location. She adds that she is optimistic that if the City does elect to do something with the former McDonald’s building in the future, the City could make arrangements to ensure the mural stays there. Next, Kerr notes that she saw a fraternal organization – maybe the Beverly Elks Club – cleaning up trash and debris in North Beverly over the weekend. She says that kind of civic involvement is a great service to the community. Devereaux suggests that there are probably several schools and colleges in Beverly looking to do similar community service projects, and the committee might be able to tap them as a resource. Shropshire suggests that the Beautification Committee might be able to assist Earth Day events and efforts by rallying those types of organizations to participate. Next, Bill Finch joins the meeting. Finch was invited by Cassidy because he had done some research (with the help of colleagues) on the Gruppe mural. Finch explains some of the research they did, which included a determination as to what would be involved in dismantling the mural from its current location and stabilizing it for relocation. In summary, it may take $20,000 - $30,000 to remove it from the wall, and an additional $3,000 or so to restore it. Applying the appropriate backing material may cost upwards of $6,000 - $10,000, since the backing is an expensive, lightweight type of aircraft material. However, it would remain on the mural as a permanent backing, adding needed stability to the piece and allowing for easier installation and removal in the future. Next the Committee decides to write thank you letters to Mr. Phil Klimowicz of the Department of Public Services and to the Friendly Garden Club for their recent help in landscaping the Beverly/Salem bridge area. Cassidy will draft letters for the chairman’s review and approval. The Committee then discusses potential spring and winter projects. Restoration of the front entrance of City Hall might make a good winter project, and the committee’s spring project might include additional landscaping work at the foot of the bridge. Cassidy will check to see if there is any reason why loam can’t be added to the landscaping island near the former McDonald’s building and report back to the committee. Shropshire will draft a letter seeking donations for the winter project and a list of potential donors to send the letter to. The draft letter and list of possible donors will be discussed at the next meeting. Shropshire asks if there is any additional business. Kerr informs the Board that the Garden Club recently voted to remove the flower boxes on City Hall permanently at the end of the season. The Club is unhappy with the success of the plantings, and the practical difficulties in maintaining the boxes. Members express both their disappointment and understanding of the reason for the decision. There being no other business, the meeting is adjourned at 4:15 p.m.