VISUAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM COMMITTEE
Washington Township, Ohio

Members present:  Marlene Tiernan, Cathy Johnson, Mable Leyes, June Ovington, Mack VanAllen.

Others present:  Mike Wanamaker, Yvonne Dunphe.

September 9, 2009 Minutes were approved with corrections.

Old Business

Nuisance signs update.
Washington Township Zoning Inspectors are picking up signs on weekends at random hours.  Some signs may be evident because violators waited for the collections to be over before they put their signs up.  There have been telephone complaints that their signs were gone.  They were told they were in violation of the Zoning Resolution.

Annual Beautification Awards will be held November 2, 2009.
Each Board Member will receive an invitation with the time and other information.

New Business

Yvonne announced that there is a tree award event presented by ODNR being held in Cincinnati on November 13 and 14, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Cost is $25.00. 

Yvonne presented the photographs of the Township beds. 

Congress Park
She indicated that there has been some chop back and add in for those plants that required this.  The Blue Spruce is problematic in this bed.  Perennials are more ideal for this location (rather than the Blue Spruce) because of the traffic and pollution in this area.  Ruby Crystal Molenus grasses will be added.

Government Center (8 beds)
Issues in these beds are pruning, especially the roses.
More perennials were added.  Some separation will need to occur in order to get the two beds to be more uniform. 

Lyons Road Bed
Issues with impatiens and bed near the tree.  Yvonne guesses that mulch rather than compost was applied.  This would have caused lack of moisture.

Maple Street
This bed is a problem.  The Ice Cream Social occurs here.  The bed cannot be extended.  The volunteer does a nice job, but it is not easy to maintain.  A tree was limbed up in this area, but nothing can be planted because the roots are compacted.

McEwen and SR725
Grasses will need to be divided next year.  This is true for this bed as well as for other beds with grasses.  Sedums were divided so that they would bulk out.  More plants will most likely be divided in the spring.  The bed has changed in the back area because of the tree.  The impatiens have been drying because this bed is no longer classified as shady.

Fire Station Steps
This bed looks very good.  The pots worked well.  Perhaps another pot can be placed in the front on the right.  Roses are going to get bigger and bulk it out. 

McEwen Fire Station
There was an increase in plantings this year in the full side all the way around and the back side.  These beds are a challenge.  There is a lot of thistle and has solid clay soil.  The combination shot of grasses looked impressive.

McEwen Beds by the Government Center
Added roses for continuity.  There was discussion if the company gives compensation for plants that fail?  Not if we plant.  And not in roadways or areas where there is a stop light. 

McEwen (other beds)
Sam’s Club bed looks the best.  Probably needs some division.  They are getting out of control. 

Rahn and Paddington
Issues are in turn lanes where cars run over the plants.  These beds have had cannas and they did not do well.  They were not impressive by any means.  Grasses have been successful and easier if planted closer together.

Paragon North
Issues are with the right of ways.  Trim roses back partially.  Asters and coneflowers have prompted phone calls complimenting the beds because they carry over into the fall. 

Paragon South
Shrubs were taken out of the bed near Spring Valley.
The height of plants in the bed at Peachcreek has to be watched.  Angelonia is a great plant because it lasts through the summer into fall.  Angelonias come in pink and other colors.  Petunias can add some brightness in darker beds.  Blue petunia will work in this bed.  Roses have done fairly well.  Presently there are three roses.  Potato vine will work for ground cover with roses.  Weigeilea “Wine and Roses”. 

Center Island
Very effective bed. 

RecWest
A decision needs to be made about what to plant there.

Social Row
There are lots of weeds in this bed and it has not been amended.  It has grass issues.
Not watering.  If planted next year, soil has to be composted heavily. 

Washington Village
No pictures.
Need to decide what to do with this area.  The bed needs to be opened up, cut down spirea; perhaps use larger containers here.  It is a larger bed.  Hostas were added.

Whipp Fire Station
Containers are down to five.  Some went to Hithergreen Center. 
Small space.  Never been planted.  Mulch deep so that weeds don’t pop up.

Whipp Road (small bed)
Looks good.  Hostas are gone. 

Woodbourne
This is the bed with the rock.  Have to have an impact.  Grasses need to be divided out.  There are 3 grasses there at present, along with sedum, yellow day lilies, and roses.

Yanks Court
What should be done here? 

Annual Dinner

Discussion was held regarding the annual dinner.  Several restaurants were suggested.  Mack volunteered to call Carvers to ensure we can have our event there.  He will check on the availability of a room for our group.  The date will be December 2, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. if the restaurant is available at that time.

Meeting was adjoined at 5:10 p.m.

Minutes respectfully submitted by June Ovington.