Beautification Committee Minutes 5-20-25

Beautification Committee Meeting notes 5/20/25

Attended:  Nancy Dunbar, Carole Betts, Donna Foltman, Hannah Garrison, Sasha Kamper, Ryan Kolder, Rita McKee, Barb Mullin, Donisue Rupp, Jean Swanson, Terry Thielen, John Waters, Amanda Winklemann

Parks: Ashby - annuals were planted in the sign bed, Beaverdale - annuals were planted in the sign bed - prepped by city, Westchester - annuals were planted in the sign bed, prepped by the city, Bel-Aire and Palm Islands - John planted annuals in Bel-Aire, Angela will plant in Palm Island, Rita & Ron will plant black eyed Susan and milkweed in island bed.

Trees:   A red oak was planted by Miller Nursery on May 3rd in memory of Marion Wissler.  Family and friends were present, photos taken, metal plaque was attached to the tree.  Two buckets attached to the tree for watering which will be done by the family. Marion’s family may plan an event to celebrate Marion’s birthday on July 16th.   

Urbandale median: Nancy and Mary Ellen have been picking up trash. The bed at 34th street was cleaned up and clay removed by Barb!!  Annuals were planted. Bob and Sue Knutson planted annuals at 36th St. The sign bed roses were pruned by Nancy and Amanda, preened and mulched. Nepeta beds still need to be preened and mulched.

Streetscape: The streetscape beds have been cleaned up and mulched. No plants in the planters yet.  Tom Boesen rescued the Ironworks planter in front of Basic Bird and will try to get it back in place. A bench was destroyed in front of Dam Pub, the SMIDD will try to replace it.

Flowers: The order for parks, islands and median beds (19.5 flats)  were picked up May 16 by John, Nancy, and Terry.  Almost all flowers were planted the same day.  Donisue will take photos that will be sent to the city of the beds.

2025 Garden Walk, June 7, 9am-3pm: 

John Holtorf has agreed to take photos of the gardens. Most posters and bookmarks have been distributed.  Yard signs are ready with a sign up sheet of locations. Ryan and Amanda will hang the banner with bungee cords at Ace Hardware.  Ryan reported 57 tickets have been purchased so far online.  300 tickets will be available at 4 Beaverdale businesses starting Friday.  Terry will be contacted if businesses need additional tickets. Tickets will also be available at the gardens for online ticket holders to pick up. Online ticket holders will need to show purchase on phone or printed sheet.  Amanda will create a new volunteer instruction sheet which will be mailed to volunteers and be available at each table.  Jean has organized volunteers: 2 volunteers at each shift, 9-noon, noon-3. Some gardens may need canopies for the volunteers. The BNA  has 5-6. Carole is loaning her’s to Ryan.  There will be a pre-tour for gardeners, and volunteers. Gardeners are asked their preference for Thursday or Friday.  Ryan is providing 2 complimentary tickets to platinum sponsors and one ticket to other sponsors. .

BNA board: Terry Thielen reported that the storeroom is being cleaned and organized. 41st street by Snookies is still closed for reconstruction but making good progress. The Board is undergoing a strategic plan.

Next meeting: June 17th, 6:30pm at 4326 Hickman Road, Jean Swanson will let you in.