Washington Township, Ohio

3:30 p.m.

Members present:  Marlene Tiernan, Cheryl Mauer, Cathy Johnson, Mable Leyes, Kathy Yanko, June Ovington, Mitzi Lowery.

Others present:  Mike Wanamaker, Linda Madden.

May 13, 2009 Minutes were approved.

Guest Speaker

Linda Madden, Washington Township Recreation Center Supervisor, updated the VIP Committee about the need for new playground equipment and safety surface on the playground.
The center discussed the idea to plan the surface in the design of a butterfly to honor, Yukta Garg (the little girl who was killed at the Rec Center site).  However, the playground will be for the benefit of all Washington Township children.  Eric Sauer, resident of Washington Township and owner of Envision-Works Inc., a landscape company,  has offered to donate his time to install the project.  At this point $26,000 has been raised to fund this project.  However, more money is needed to complete this project. Since this project is extremely expensive, the design has been modified to reflect the Tom Stolz’s idea of a natural nature of the park.  Linda showed a plan that displayed the various ideas that may be used for the park.
Linda has a grant that she has written through Montgomery County and is unsure whether this will come through. She has several other ideas for fundraising that she will implement.  Some of these are Nike grind that can serve as a public awareness project as well as a source for materials for the playground surface.

Eric will have a plan ready for the community to view.
Hopefully construction will begin in January, 2010.

Old Business

Discussion was resumed regarding the banners for Washington Township.  The original design was located.  Mike will proceed with the order.

Yvonne has received the design for the VIP Park.  Yvonne outlined the plan for the park.  Berms on each side with spruce trees, and knockout roses.  The impact will be noticeable and appreciated.

Update on Banners.  Mike Wanamaker is working on the landscaping and planning for the cemetery at SR725 and Southwind Drive.  The company is putting the plan together. 

Plantings at Hithergreen Center are looking very good.
Gardens look “spectacular”.  Week of June 22nd is projected date for arrival of plants.

Some repairs need to be completed on the beds on Paragon. 
Yvonne discussed the maintenance of the beds at Washington Township.  She has some ideas about how to get the beds maintained.   All plantings are completed or very nearly planted. At the Rec Center they added the knockout roses and planted on the west side.  

New Business

Beautification Award Program – Six calls have been received.  Yvonne cannot find one of the addresses.  Yvonne is requesting at least one nomination from each member of the Committee by the next meeting. Call Mary with address.

Businesses are difficult to find because of the policy that winners cannot win again for three years.  Yvonne has some ideas to encourage businesses to vie for awards. 

Kathy presented six houses for consideration for awards.
Mike presented one house for consideration.
The committee voted to approve all seven.

Meeting was adjoined at 5:15.