HomeMy WebLinkAboutTree Commission Meeting Minutes 061223
City Hall 55 W. Tompkins Street Galesburg, IL 61401 309-343-4181 www.ci.galesburg.il.us
Tree Commission – June 5, 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:
Ann Pennington, Bill Sime, Pat Trant,
City of Galesburg:
Elizabeth Varner, Director of Parks and Recreation
Absent:
Jane Easterly (Informed last meeting), Dan Thompson
City Council Liason
Don Miles, Superintendent of Parks
Guest: Deborah Ferren
Minutes:
Minutes of the May 2023 meeting were approved with motions from Pat Trant and Bill
Sime.
Forestry Report:
Copies of the Forestry report were distributed for commissioners to review. A new line
was added for trees planted by volunteers. Project 350 is ahead of the tree planting goal.
There should be a total of 205 trees planted, with 93 total planted this spring. Two were
lost due to lack of rain. Tom replaced one at Lincoln Park recently. The five trees
removed did not include Emerald Ash Borer trees. There are still some EAB trees
remaining to be removed.
The guest, Ms. Deborah Ferren, asked if she could discuss Emerald Ash Borer trees.
Don stated that Forestry would take out the 59 Imperial D rive tree. She has two EAB
trees and wants limbs removed. Ms. Ferren was also a guest a couple of years ago
regarding a tree stump that has not been removed. She mentioned that public safety was
contacted regarding a limb that fell and almost hit a car and would like it trimmed or taken
out. Don will check the tree and call her about the status of the trees. (335-9601-Ms.
Ferren) She also inquired as to if she could hire someone to take the tree down. It was
explained that she must get the City of Galesburg permission since it is on city property.
Old Business:
City Clerk, Ms. Kelli Benniwitz, is working on the Tree Champion Nomination form.
The tree planted on Arbor Day at Steele School looks good. District #205 has a water
bag on it to help the tree out.
City Hall 55 W. Tompkins Street Galesburg, IL 61401 309-343-4181 www.ci.galesburg.il.us
There was discussion on what the height should be for the tree tags to be installed at
Standish Park. Bill suggested that tags should f ace the closest path. Pat thinks all tags
should face the same way and this could be the same as the path. He read a comment
from Dan Thompson in his absence. Dan would like the tree tags to be placed on the
same side of each tree to be easy to find on all trees. The consensus was to place the
tags on the side closest to the path. Commissioners agree to take a visual look at the
trees in Standish Park at the July meeting to decide the final height, weather permitting.
The standard diameter is 4 ½ feet on the tree.
Pat also mentioned that the small oak trees moved to Costa are gone, possibly mowed
over. Don suggested waiting until fall. He mentioned that Parks and Forestry keep taking
limbs off trees.
Bill asked about the plan to remove old tags. Don said that is the plan.
Mr. Jim Cueno sent an update of the tree list. Don will provide a new list so Jim can
update it.
Don mentioned that the city is watering trees with part time assistance. Pat mentioned
that a Service Berry at O.N. Custer Park does not look good. The tree at the train museum
was moved by Tom Simkins to O.N. Custer Park along the service road. There is a Bald
Cypress by the bridge in the gully at the overpass, which Don will check. This was planted
on Earth Day, April 22, 2023.
Ann Pennington reminded everyone of the plan to meet at Standish Park.
New Business:
None
Additional Comments: None
Additional Citizen Comments: None
Meeting Adjourned: 4:42 p.m. with motions from Bill Sime and Pat Trant
Next Meeting: Monday, July 10th, 2023
Elizabeth Varner
_____________________________________________
Director of Parks & Recreation, Elizabeth Varner