HomeMy WebLinkAboutTree Commission Minutes 091222
City Hall 55 W. Tompkins Street Galesburg, IL 61401 309-343-4181 www.ci.galesburg.il.us
Tree Commission – September 12, 2022
City Hall, Galesburg, IL
Meeting Called to Order: Meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by Jane Easterly, in the
absence of Ann Pennington
Attendance: Members Present: Jane Easterly, Dan Thompson, Bill Sime, Pat Trant,
Dan Thompson
City of Galesburg:
Elizabeth Varner, Director Parks and Recreation
Don Miles, Superintendent of Parks
Larry Cox, Alderman
Absent: Daniel Leahy, Ann Pennington
Guest: Terry Tulin
Minutes: August 2022 minutes were approved, with corrections. Pat Trant needed
to be added to the list of members present along with a few other
corrections.
Forestry Report:
Don Miles distributed an update of the Forestry report. He addressed the issue of Ash Tree
removal stating that 329 were contracted and 381 the city removed with 710 Ash trees total
over the eight years year to date. There are about 2 dozen in Lincoln Park and ½ dozen at
Lake Storey, with others on the terrace needed removed. There are less than 50 that have yet
to be removed.
Old Business:
Bill Sime and Dan Thompson provided an update of Standish Park. Bill investigated pricing for
tree tags for the park. He also suggested a QR code on the tag, as well as the tree number in
case a person wants to look up a tree while visiting Standish Park. There were 2” round tags
that are like pet tags. The concern is if the nail interferes with the printing on the tag.
The cost was $487.50 for 200. There are also 3” x 5” tags that could be black and would cost
$160 for 200, with a setup fee of $35. He also suggested private donations or grant/private
funding. He is going to ask Tom Simkins. Pat suggested special nails. There is also the
possibility of zip ties on a branch, but it would still require checking each winter. Pat thinks
other arboretums should be checked on their practice, such as at Morton. Bill also talked with
the Mayor regarding possibly funding from a SOLAR company.
The Tree Commission would like to contact Steele School to be the site for Arbor Day next year.
Elizabeth Varner will check on April 28, 2023 with the School Principal so they can put it on their
calendar.
City Hall 55 W. Tompkins Street Galesburg, IL 61401 309-343-4181 www.ci.galesburg.il.us
New Business:
Pat Trant inquired on the Tree Commission absence policy. Elizabeth informed them that 75%
of the meetings must be attended. The Tree Commission is concerned about the attendance to
be able to get meetings done, and to see if there is an opening since there is an interested
individual. Elizabeth will check on sending a letter to anyone that has been missed 75% of the
meetings. Dan Thompson will be absent to the October meeting.
Additional Comments:
None
Citizen Comments:
None
Meeting Adjourned: 4:45 p.m.
Next Meeting: Monday, October 10, 2022.
Elizabeth Varner
_____________________________________________
Director of Parks & Recreation, Elizabeth Varner