Galesburg Reporter

City of Galesburg Tree Commission met Sept. 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

Meeting Called to Order: Meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. 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

Guest: None

Minutes:

The minutes of the August 2023 meeting were approved with motions from Dan Thompson and Jane Easterly.

Forestry Report:

A Forestry report was provided for August showing 2 tree removals and 19 trees trimmed. There were 300 loads of brush dumped. Superintendent of Parks, Don Miles, will check with Tom Simkins to see how many trees have been planted by volunteers so they may be added to the Forestry report list. Director of Parks and Recreation, Elizabeth Varner, thanked the commission members for reporting the down limbs at Standish Park and Forestry for taking care of it.

Old Business:

Chairperson Ann Pennington mentioned having Ameren contacted for Arbor Day. Director of Parks and Recreation, Elizabeth Varner, would like to let Ameren know where the location would be when she contacts them. The committee then discussed the next Arbor Day tree planting. It was suggested that the Galesburg Public Library or Standish Park be considered. Jane Easterly talked about the tree plantings being planned at the Galesburg Public Library, most likely this fall. Standish Park was another location suggested for Arbor Day, which could allow for some of the tree replacements. If trees are planted on Arbor Day, then the library could walk to Standish Park and do a Story Walk the same day. Bill Sime suggested King School. Pat Trant would like another location instead of District #205 schools, as this has been hard to schedule the past few years. Everyone agreed that last year was the best year, when the entire Steele School came out and talked about Arbor Day and tree planting. Pat suggested investigating locations to report back to for the October meeting. Jane will check on the Galesburg Public Library and Don Miles will check on Standish Park.

Maple Tree plantings were discussed, with Don Miles stating he does not think there has been any infestation or there would be multiple trees. Bill Sime mentioned the Sugar Maple on his terrace needs the canopy raised. He wants to obtain permission or have the City perform the work but he does not care.

New Business:

Jane Easterly asked about the Tree Tags at Standish Park, as the Galesburg Public Library may be interested in the same Tree Tags. Elizabeth will get the information to Jane or Heather. Bill Sime thinks there is a minimum order.

Additional Comments:

None

Meeting Adjourned: The meeting was adjourned at 4:30 p.m. with motions from Jane Easterly and Dan Thompson.

https://cms7files.revize.com/galesburg/Document_Center/Agendas%20and%20Minutes/Tree/2023/Tree%20Commission%20Meeting%20Minutes%20091123.pdf