HomeMy WebLinkAboutTree Commission Meeting Minutes 121123City Hall 55 W. Tompkins Street Galesburg, IL 61401 309-343-4181 www.ci.galesburg.il.us
Tree Commission – December 11, 2023
City Hall, Galesburg, IL
Meeting Called to Order: Meeting was called to order by Ann Pennington.
Attendance: Members Present: Jane Easterly, Ann Pennington, Bill Sime,
Dan Thompson, Pat Trant
City of Galesburg: Elizabeth Varner, Director of Parks and Recreation
Don Miles -Superintendent of Parks , Ann Pennington
Minutes:
The minutes of the November 2023 meeting were approved, with changes, followed by
motions from Pat Trant and Bill Sime. The changes include replacing St. Mary’s with
Prairie and Tompkins in the Forestry report, and Jane Easterly provided information on
the namesake of Standish Park instead of Bill Sime in the New Business, 2nd Paragraph.
Forestry Report:
A Forestry report was provided for November 2023. Don Miles, Superintendent of Parks,
provided an overview. A line has been added to show Project 350 trees for future reports.
Old Business:
Tom Simkins attended to provide an end of the year report for Project 350. There were
112 trees planted in 2022, and 149 in 2023 for a grand total of 261 tree planted with
Project 350 money and volunteers. Don Miles will provide Tom with a tablet so he can
update the tree total this winter. A report was provided that also showed new species.
There were 70 different species in Project 350 only. Tom thanked the Parks Division for
all of their assistance. There should be around a $17,000.00 balance going in to 2024.
Trees averaged around $147 so that should enable another 117 trees to be planted so
this could actually be Project “378” instead of “350”. There are about 30 trees still yet to
be designated with the annual allotment.
New Business:
Jane Easterly inquired about the number of trees down at Lake Storey Park, and no new
trees being planted as she walked along the lake. She is concerned for the birds. There
was a dead Ash tree out. Don Miles explained that two Oak trees were planted last fall.
Don Miles will work on getting new trees planted. The Tree Commission expressed
concern regarding the Disc Golf being proposed at Lake Storey. They would like to see
the proposal before any action is taken. Elizabeth Varner will see about getting the
proposal.
The gazebo at Standish Park was mentioned, with Elizabeth Varner stated there are plans
for something coming.
City Hall 55 W. Tompkins Street Galesburg, IL 61401 309-343-4181 www.ci.galesburg.il.us
Pat Trant asked if the snow fence could be removed on the lot on East Main street where
the proposed park is for aesthetic purposes. It was suggested that a barrier may be
needed, as the neighbor drives around it. Tom Simkins stated a chain fence may be
possible.
Dan Thompson brought a Bonsai Tree and explained the process. It is a pine that can
be left outdoors all winter. (Birds Nest Pine) He showed the wire wrapped around
the branches to create the art form. Dan belongs to three Bonsai Clubs in
Bettendorf, Springfield and the University of Illinois. It was mentioned that he could be
a guest at the Galesburg Library and City of Galesburg Parks and Recreation.
Meeting Adjourned: The meeting was adjourned at 4:44 p.m. with motions from Bill Sime
and Dan Thompson.
*It was then discussed and approved not to have a meeting in January 2024.
Next Meeting: Monday, February 12, 2024
Elizabeth Varner
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Director of Parks & Recreation, Elizabeth Varner