HomeMy WebLinkAboutTree Commission Minutes 101022
City Hall 55 W. Tompkins Street Galesburg, IL 61401 309-343-4181 www.ci.galesburg.il.us
Tree Commission – October 10, 2022
City Hall, Galesburg, IL
Meeting Called to Order: Meeting was called to order at 4:02 p.m. by Ann Pennington
Attendance: Members Present: Ann Pennington, Dan Thompson, Bill Sime, Pat
Trant
City of Galesburg:
Elizabeth Varner, Director Parks and Recreation
Don Miles, Superintendent of Parks
Larry Cox, Alderman
Absent: Jane Easterly, Daniel Leahy
Guest: None
Minutes: September minutes were approved, with a motion from Pat Trant and Bill
Sime.
Forestry Report:
Don Miles distributed an update of the Forestry report. Bill Sime would like to ensure Tom
Simkins trees are planted. Don will as September tree plantings, which should be around
thirteen trees with Project 350. Ann pointed out that 13 were planted and 13 tree removed
which seemed to equal out this month.
Old Business:
Bill Sime provided an update on his research of various tree tags from National Band and Tag
Company. This included the nails and the springs. He suggested the smaller tree tags, and
that the Mayor had mentioned potential funding. Don Miles and Elizabeth Varner will check the
budget to see if there is any money available to purchase tags. The pricing was included in the
September minutes. ($487.50 for 200 / $160.00 for 3” x 5” black tags with a $35.00 setup fee)
Elizabeth will contact Mayor Schwartzman regarding the potential funding. Don suggested
getting number tags, 1-200, for the individual trees. He also stated the tree map needs to be
updated. He saw approximately 98-100 trees at Standish Park. It was also decided that if a
tree dies the tag could be saved and the tree replaced. Pat Trant suggested purchasing
additional due to potential theft. Another consideration regarding the tags was to have QR
Codes, which could provide information on each individual tree. It was suggested that a tree
tag might last longer than technology. (QR Code and name on a stand with a description of the
trees vs. a tree tag.)
Elizabeth updated the commission that Steele school has been contacted to be the site for the
Arbor Day planting on April 28, 2023 next year. The School Principal is supposed to return the
call.
City Hall 55 W. Tompkins Street Galesburg, IL 61401 309-343-4181 www.ci.galesburg.il.us
Elizabeth informed the Commissioners that a letter has been sent to anyone who has not
attended 75% of the meetings but has not heard back from them yet. Elizabeth will follow up
regarding these members. There was also discussion as to whether a new member could be
added since the Tree Commission states 5 instead of 6, which is how many are on the roll call.
New Business:
Ann Pennington shared concerns from citizens regarding the new trees at H.T. Custer Park
based on the renovation project which is scheduled for next year. There
were 3 trees planted there this year. Don mentioned that if they did
need moved it would be in the spring. She also brought up a spot by
Packinghouse area for trees along the boulevard.
Dan Thompson wanted to submit trees to a Champion Trees application. Elizabeth explained
that this was once a city program and offered to ask Larry Cox about the program. Dan knows
of a Giant Catalpa Tree and was told it is the biggest one in Galesburg. (Located between 4th
and 5th Street on South Chambers) Dan wants to compare trees as they are nominated to
determine the largest tree of its species. He said the Catalpa Tree is the 2nd largest in the Knox
County. It was suggested to remove the category of age on the Champion Form if the program
is revitalized. Bill suggested that the Tree Commission advertise on the Parks and Recreation
newsletter if it is decided to bring back Champion Trees.
Additional Comments:
Dan believes the new tree map is accurate, noting the location of the Paper Bark Maple.
The number of species is 48. Don and Elizabeth will look for the original tree map.
Citizen Comments:
None (Ann brought citizen comments to the Tree Commission in new business.)
Meeting Adjourned: 4:40 p.m.
Next Meeting: Monday, November 14, 2022.
Elizabeth Varner
_____________________________________________
Director of Parks & Recreation, Elizabeth Varner