City of Joliet Tree Advisory Board met Feb. 10.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
1. ROLL CALL
Also Present: Jim Teiber - Foresty Division and Councilwoman Quillman.
Present: William Bromer, Karen Fonte, Willie Jaeger, Ralph Schultz and Rita Renwick
Absent: Betsy Satcher and Mary Schoenheider
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Willie Jaeger, seconded by Ralph Schultz, to approve the Minutes of the November 4, 2021 Tree Advisory Board.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Bromer, Fonte, Jaeger, Schultz and Renwick
Absent: Satcher and Schoenheider
Tree Advisory Minutes - November 4, 2021 ID-609-20
3. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON AGENDA ITEMS
No citizens present at this time.
4. ARBORIST REPORT
Jim Teiber discussed the saplings that were ordered and small tree plantings. The board discussed the possibility of small trees that could be handed out at a Slammers game. Jim Teiber discussed other meetings and grants. Rita Renwick discussed the inventory of trees in the City. 15% of the City's parkway trees were inventoried. Great Lakes Urban Forest Management gave their report on what trees need to be removed, etc. for maintenance. Tree canopy was discussed and how to increase our tree canopy.
Councilwoman Quillman suggested having the Tree Inventory contractor give a presentation to City Council.
5. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
The Board nominated Rita Renwick as Chair of the Tree Board.
A motion was made by Karen Fonte, seconded by Willie Jaeger, to appoint Rita Renwick as Chair of the Tree Board.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Bromer, Fonte, Jaeger, Schultz and Renwick
Absent: Satcher and Schoenheider
Karen Fonte was nominated as Vice Chair of the Tree Board.
A motion was made by Willie Jaeger, seconded by William Bromer, to appoint Karen Fonte as Vice Chair of the Tree Board.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Bromer, Fonte, Jaeger, Schultz and Renwick
Absent: Satcher and Schoenheider
6. NEW OR OLD BUSINESS, NOT FOR FINAL ACTION OR RECOMMENDATION
a. Tree Maintenance
Rita Renwick and Jim Teiber discussed a new Ordinance that is being worked on and will have to be approved by Council. The board discussed having tree trimming personnel properly trained. Tree trimming is also a safety issue and best practices should be followed. Also discussed was adding members with different expertise regarding trees in the future.
Ralph Schultz came to meeting at 3:46 p.m.
b. Tree Preservation Ordinance
Rita Renwick discussed the Tree Preservation Ordinance that Chris Regis is in the process of working on. Approval must be done a few months before the July deadline for reimbursement of grant funds. Jim Teiber cannot begin the in-kind match grant until this Ordinance is approved by City Council.
Jim Teiber left meeting at 4:07 p.m.
c. Grants - US Forest Service/BCN
Jim Teiber discussed this $20,000.00 Grant. The Urban Forest Management Plan has to be done and part of this Grant. This will be used to trim and replant trees. The Ordinance has to be completed and voted on before this money is received. All necessary documentation has to be completed by July 1, 2022.
d. Openlands - Treekeeper Program
Rita Renwick discussed this Openlands Treekeeper Program. You can have 3-5 people to form a chapter. Training this Spring is at Thatcher Woods in River Forest and is four weekends of in person training and four evening zoom meetings. This will also be offered in Fall. This program is good for HOA's. This training program focuses on the pruning of small trees. Rita suggested the Board look into this.
Councilwoman Quillman left at 4:15 p.m.
e. Arbor Day 2022 Plans
Rita Renwick and Karen Fonte discussed the Thomas Jefferson School poster contest and logistics for judging. Awards and Proclamation will be on April 19, 2022.
f. Meeting Frequency Discussion
Jim Teiber suggested we meet more often as a Board. We used to meet monthly but that was too much. Four times a year is the minimum so Rita suggested we can call another meeting if needed.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT
None at this time.
8. ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Karen Fonte, seconded by William Bromer, to adjourn.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Bromer, Fonte, Jaeger, Schultz and Renwick
Absent: Satcher and Schoenheider
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