HomeMy WebLinkAboutTree Commission Meeting Minutes 050823
City Hall 55 W. Tompkins Street Galesburg, IL 61401 309-343-4181 www.ci.galesburg.il.us
Tree Commission – May 8, 2023
City Hall, Galesburg, IL
Meeting Called to Order: Meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by Ann Pennington
Attendance: Members Present:
Jane Easterly, Ann Pennington, Dan Thompson, Bill Sime, Pat Trant,
City of Galesburg:
Elizabeth Varner, Director of Parks and Recreation
Absent:
City Council Liason
Don Miles, Superintendent of Parks
Guest: None
Minutes:
Minutes of the April 2023 meeting were approved with motions from Pat Trant and Dan
Thompson. Commissioners inquired on the City Council member the liaison for the Tree
Commission would be. Three members mentioned Dwight White would be good.
Elizabeth Varner reminded them that the Mayor will appoint.
Forestry Report:
Elizabeth Varner provided copies of the Forestry report for commissioners to review. Pat
Trant raised a question on the Loads of brush dumped having such a big increase.
Elizabeth explained that Forestry stated the loads of brush dumped are from citizens on
the weekend. The loads hauled are the loads forestry dumps.
Old Business:
Bill Sime did the honors of opening the tree tag package to share with the Tree
Commission. Everyone thanked Bill and Dan Thompson for all they did to see the tree
tags ordered. There are 102 tags that are 2” round for the total number of individual trees.
Bill mentioned the map needs to be updated to match the tags.
Elizabeth explained that Kelli Bennewitz has been busy with the past/current City Council
and has not been able to finalize the Champion Tree nomination online.
New Business:
A tree tag plan was discussed by the Commissioners. Elizabeth will have Don meet with
Forestry to discuss. Pat suggested that the correct tree needs to correspond with the
correct tag. He also suggested a consistent height. Elizabeth will email the place the
tags were ordered to get their suggestion. Ann mentioned that consideration should be
given to people with disabilities and young children. Pat would like the tree tags to be on
City Hall 55 W. Tompkins Street Galesburg, IL 61401 309-343-4181 www.ci.galesburg.il.us
the side facing the sidewalk, so not all are on the same side of a tree. Dan wants all the
tags on the same side of the tree for all the trees. It was decided to have Don access this
with Forestry and report back in June. Ann Pennington suggested an on-site stroll to look
at the tree. Bill also mentioned young trees cannot use nails, so zip ties might be
appropriate. Pat is also concerned with the Forestry workload. The map needs to be
sequenced correctly, and the map in Standish Park needs updated and replaced. It was
suggested by Ann that the next meeting be in the park. The current inventory map needs
updated with all the new trees as well. This includes Project 350 tree plantings. Elizabeth
will check about updating the map.
Everyone thought the Arbor Day tree planting at Steele School was fantastic. They loved
the Principal and having all the students present. Commissioners felt it was the best
Arbor Day planting they have seen. Elizabeth reported that Steele School was taking on
the responsibility of watering the tree. Commissioners asked about the summer plans for
watering. Elizabeth will check on this. It might be possible to be on the rotation with
Project 350 for watering the tree at Steele, or perhaps the Custodian will be able to do
this. It was mentioned they were hoping Don would have a summer truck and staff to
help water trees, due to the trouble with Tom having a truck. Elizabeth expressed
manpower is difficult but will check. Everyone was happy to see Steve Davis present to
take a picture, but it was not covered by any news media, which was disheartening.
Elizabeth will see what can be done regarding media coverage.
Earth Day is on April 22, 2023 and Elizabeth reported the morning tree plantings went
great, along with one tree planted at Kiwanis Park, with youth participation. There were
61 volunteers who showed up in the afternoon at Kiwanis Park, led by United Way and
the Kiwanis Club, to clean up the park so it was a successful day overall.
Additional Comments: None
Citizen Comments: None
Meeting Adjourned: 4:39 p.m. with motions from Dan Thompson and Bill Sime
Next Meeting: Monday, June 12, 2023
(Jane Easterly will not be able to attend. Meeting may move to Standish Park.)
Elizabeth Varner
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Director of Parks & Recreation, Elizabeth Varner