Visual Improvement Program

Washington Township , Ohio

3:30PM

VIP members present: Marlene Tiernan, Co-Chairperson; Gordon Dodane, Bob Harrington, Mabel Leyes. and Sandra Drain. Joyce Young, Township Trustee was present. Township staff members present: Mike Wanamaker, Greg DeLong, Tom Toberen and Vinnie Keane. Sandra Spees, VIP Consultant was also present. Mary Lou Schauer and Wendi Crabill of Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Department of Forestry were guests.

Tiernan introduced Crabill who gave an overview of Tree City USA and the aid she is able to provide communities. She discussed the infestation of the emerald ash borer and its spread across Ohio. It was suggested that communities develop a policy on the possible removal of ash trees as the infestation spreads.

Drain moved to recommend application for TreeCity USA to the trustees. Tiernan seconded. It was approved.

Wanamaker asked for a change in the agenda to proceed to the banner purchase. Drain worked with Bronner’s to develop the unique banners for several months. She explained that the VIP had approved the design of three sets of banners—spring, summer and winter. The VIP members understood that the price Bronner’s quoted for the winter banners which were purchases was based on the purchase of all three sets. Joyce Young, Trustee stated that trustees want to co-ordinate banner design with Centerville. Drain read a letter from Lee Snyder and Terry Blair, Trustees. (See attached.) Wanamaker will contact Centerville regarding banners.

Drain reported her committee’s work on Arbor Day activities. Three areas were identified as possible sites: Countryside Park, Hithergreen Senior Center and the township cemeteries.

Drain and Spees met with Cynthi Fraley, Executive Director of Hithergreen Senior Center and Carol Kennard of the Centerville-Washington Township Park District to discuss the landscape at the center. Spees was asked to develop a tentative plan for additional landscaping behind the center. Leyes moved to develop a five year Arbor Day plan for Highergreen Senior Center. Drain seconded. It was passed.

Drain met with the director of the Recreation Center and with Keane, arborist for the park. The identified areas in the park that could be developed. In addition, they would like to see the various species of trees labeled. Keane was asked to develop a list of the trees. Spees will secure information about cost and production of signs. Drain moved to develop a five year Arbor Day plan for Countryside Park. Leyes seconded. It was passed.

Harrignton moved to develop an Arbor Day activity plan for the township cemeteries. Drain seconded. It was passed. Drain will talk with VIP member, Angela Hodson, about developing a plan for the cemeteries.

Harrington led a brief discussion of the VIP brochure. An update is needed. He noted that “visual” means more than trees and flowers. He suggests that the committee thinks “out side the box.” He will present some possibilities for work that may be part of the Visual Improvement Program that is not currently being done.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:15PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sandra Spees