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Parks and Recreation Department
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Tree Commission Minutes, October 13, 2025
City Hall, Galesburg, Illinois
Meeting was called to order by Ann Pennington at 4:00 pm
Roll Call: Present: Ann Pennington, Pat Trant, Jane Easterly, Dan Thompson, Bill Sime,
Arborist Brandon Phillips, Special Projects Coordinator Tom Simkins, and Parks
and Recreation Director Don Miles
Absent: none
Minutes: Minutes from the September meeting were approved by a motion from Jane Easterly
with a second by Pat Trant.
Forestry Report:
The Forestry Report was presented by Arborist Brandon Phillips. Brandon mentioned that the
brush drop off site is getting very full on the west side. The east side may have to be utilized
before the grinding happens next spring. It was also mentioned that with it being so dry, it is a
very dusty process grinding stumps.
Old Business:
Director Miles gave an update on the revitalization plan for Standish Arboretum. The
consultants specified thirty trees that will need to be removed due to several issues, along with
all the low growing bushes. The remaining trees will require the canopies to be raised to fifteen
feet above ground to allow for an improved line of sight throughout the park. The work will be
completed this winter by City staff. It was also noted that most of the improvements would be
happening in or along the east quadrant.
Ann Pennington mentioned that there was a great turnout for the Gateway 2 Community Fair
held at Knox College last month. Many students were interested in planting trees, but
transportation was a major roadblock.
There was also a short discussion about a ‘We Are Galesburg’ post on Facebook that seemed to
put a negative spin on Standish Arboretum. The post stated that many tree tags were missing
and the maps were not up to date and needed replaced. Staff will remove the maps from all
stands. Once the project is completed, the future of the tags and maps will be discussed.
Parks and Recreation Department
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New Business:
Tom Simkins discussed Project 350 and its progress during 2025. Over the first three years 4 79
trees were planted, representing 98 different species. By the end of this year, there will be over
700 trees planted. There are two more rounds of tree plantings this fall, with one being at Cooke
Park, once construction work gets done in the areas where the trees need to be planted.
Ann Pennigton asked if someone that had an ash tree removed years ago could still request a
tree for replacement. The answer was yes, and Tom Simkins would be able to take care of the
request.
Citizen Comments:
None.
Meeting adjourned at 4:29 P.M.
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Don Miles, Parks and Recreation Director