Will County Gazette

City of Joliet Tree Advisory Board met Oct. 2.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

ROLL CALL

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

Absent Eric Moon and Ronald Van Dyke

ALSO PRESENT:

Ryan Sweeney - CRTI, Michael Obodzinski - Resident

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion was made by Jim Testin, seconded by Betsy Satcher, to approve the August 7, 2025 Tree Advisory Meeting Minutes. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: Fonte, Renwick, Satcher, Schoenheider and Testin

Absent: Moon and Van Dyke

CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON AGENDA ITEMS

AGENDA ITEMS

Inflation Reduction Act Inventory Grant

Rita Renwick discussed the Inflation Reduction Act Inventory Grant. Ryan Sweeney from The Morton Arboretum also discussed the grant and community engagement for the inventory and planting.

Educational Outreach Projects for the Future

Rita discussed the different ways and possible locations they can do outreach in the community.

Educational Signage for City Arboretum

Jim Testin discussed the QR code for the City Arboretum Education, which would include a GIS mapping system to be able to locate trees around the City.

NEW OR OLD BUSINESS, NOT FOR FINAL ACTION OR RECOMMENDATION

Arbor Day Plans

Rita discussed Arbor Day and what school they plan to be at for that day. Multiple schools were mentioned, at the same time they discussed the ordering of the trees that will be given away at this event.

Tree City USA Application for 35th Year Designation

Rita discussed the Tree City USA application and what they have to do to qualify to become a Tree City.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Michael Obodzinski came to say that the Tree Board has many great ideas and he plans to attend City Council meetings to help the Tree Board. Mr. Obodzinski also named a few schools for Arbor day and how he is interested in becoming the Tree board mascot if they are looking for one.

ADJOURNMENT

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

Aye: Fonte, Renwick, Satcher, Schoenheider and Testin

https://joliet.legistar1.com/joliet/meetings/2025/10/2293_M_Tree_Advisory_Board_25-10-02_Meeting_Minutes.pdf