Will County Gazette

City of Joliet Tree Advisory Board met Dec. 5.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

ROLL CALL

Present Karen Fonte, Rita Renwick, Betsy Satcher, Mary Schoenheider and Jim Testin

Absent Ronald Van Dyke

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Small edit to be made.

A motion was made by Mary Schoenheider, seconded by Betsy Satcher, to approve the Octobert 3, 2024 Tree Advisory Meeting Minutes. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: Fonte, Renwick, Satcher, Schoenheider and Testin

Absent: Van Dyke

Tree Advisory Minutes - October 3, 2024

CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON AGENDA ITEMS

No one present at this time.

1. Tree City USA Application Status

Rita Renwick discussed this application which was turned in today. It talks about number of trees planted and a good snapshot of our program. Recent removals have been noted in contracts by number of inches of trees removed which does not give actual number of trees. This is the 34th year applying.

2. CN / AIB Grant

Rita Renwick is meeting with City of Joliet Staff on 12/6/24 to discuss further information for the CN / AIB Grant. Waiting on information from Chicago Street.

3. Growing Contract

Rita Renwick and Tree Advisory Board discussed the Growing Contract. Watering Bags were part of this discussion. Some provisions such as don't plant when above a certain temperature, certain soils, etc. should be added to the contract.

Other measures such as door tags of how to maintain should be hung on doors when trees are planted.

A motion was made by Karen Fonte, seconded by Betsy Satcher, to recommend that the use of tree watering bags not be part of the Growing Contract. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: Fonte, Renwick, Satcher, Schoenheider and Testin

Absent: Van Dyke

4. Inflation Reduction Act Grant

Rita discussed that this was awarded in June 2024 and the bid for the inventory has not gone out yet. The $216,509.00 award needs to be used in a specific manner and the bid documents are being worked on by Public Works. Would like to do neighborhood meetings in conjunction with Arbor Day. Part of the funds will be for tree inventory and would like to focus on underserved communities first. Must show substantial process within 12 months to qualify for the grant.

5. Arbor Day School

Rita and Board discussed suggested school could be Sator Sanchez. Karen Fonte will contact the Principal to see if they are interested in a poster contest, and celebration on Arbor Day.

6. New Board Member

Rita emailed Cesar Guerrero and Cesar Cardenas. She will reach out to the Spanish Community Center to find someone interested.

NEW OR OLD BUSINESS, NOT FOR FINAL ACTION OR RECOMMENDATION

Route 66 Park / Broadway Greenway - Signs are posted talking about the Arboretum portion. How can we better display signage for these trees. Jim Testin will look into some options and report back to the Board. Could make new signage with QR Codes on them.

2025 Budget - The City Manager approved for 1 arborist and 2 interns under Forestry. Next Meeting February 13, 2025

PUBLIC COMMENT

No Public in attendance at this time.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Jim Testin, seconded by Mary Schoenheider, to adjourn. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: Fonte, Renwick, Satcher, Schoenheider and Testin

Absent: Van Dyke

https://joliet.legistar1.com/joliet/meetings/2024/12/2120_M_Tree_Advisory_Board_24-12-05_Meeting_Minutes.pdf