Beautification and Improvement Commission

Minutes – 9/7/23 Beau�fica�on and Improvement Commission Roll Call: Commissioners Present: Robert Quane (Chair) Sherwin Ditlove Dalya Horowitz George Hubchak Frederick Lisiewicz Edward Potash Rachel Rosenberg Mitchell Sandler (Vice Chair) Valerie Shuman Brooke Sprague Mike Madalinski Katy Darr Will Oney-Paige Commissioners Absent: Vernell Ellison-Smith Ann Goldsha� Joseph Hasten Chuck Levine (excused) Ross Del Rosario (excused) William (Tony) Barney Bahram Khazni Forester Cathy Stevens and Trustee James Johnson – absent Guest – Assistant to the Public Works Director Liz Zimmerman Mee�ng called to order by Chair Quane at 6:34PM Chair Quane introduces (new) commissioner Katy Darr to commission Minutes approved by commission. Commissioner Hubchak provides updates/results on Beau�fica�on & Improvement Commission Awards highlights: 1. 23 winners over 83 points 2. All top 5 proper�es were first �me winners 3. 6 in top 23 were winners for last year too 4. 63 proper�es were judged 5. Consent was not received for 5 proper�es in �me, so only 58 proper�es qualified 6. Some people were nomina�ng other peoples’ proper�es (need to adjust form) 7. Other judging commissioners chimed in about their experiences judging 8. Commissioner Shuman stated that we s�ll need to work on people with nice yards but maybe not pollinator friendly 9. Commissioner Shuman would like to have a follow-up mee�ng to discuss what improvements can be made to the process Chair Quanes shows signs for the award and explains the leters 1. Meredith to publish winners in next enews + photos 2. Chair Quane to dra� leter for others who didn’t win 3. Volunteers to distribute envelopes: commissioners Madalinski, Darr, Ed, ONey-Paige Chair Quane to contact everyone about roles for awards ceremony on 10/16/23 at 6:30PM Assistant to the Public Works Director Liz Zimmerman reviewed tree plan�ng details: 1. Tagged 210 trees for Fall + budget increase 2. Hired consultant to look at SW area of Skokie by Village Crossing 3. Consensus is that Village needs to updated landscape agreements 4. SW industrial area – 251 loca�ons on private and parkway for trees a. Some businesses have landscape agreements b. Send leter to those businesses who do not have landscape agreements c. Provide watering contracts & quote for trees d. How many trees do they owe us and how many can we get them to plant or want them to plant? e. Cer�fied arborist recommending trees to these businesses giving them automa�c plans for trees for the property 5. Commissioner Shuman – explained what NI subcommission is doing 6. Liz Zimmerman applied for grant – only for disadvantaged study areas – already knows where areas of high need are 7. Chair Quane states that Appearance Commission/Plan Commission should look at this plan 8. No species of trees listed in codes per Liz Zimmerman 9. Upward development and “pocket” parks are also on the agenda to be discussed in public works Commissioner Rosenberg talks to presenta�on at Library later in the month sponsored by B&I 1. Encourages commissioners to reach out to various contacts via social media, websites, etc 2. Sollicits ideas for ideas for Spring speakers, including an event for business owners regarding trees Na�ve plan�ng at end of month addressed by Liz Zimmerman Liz Zimmerman announces (new) sustainability coordinator – Lisa Sansenbacher and men�ons na�ve plan�ng project on 9/26 in mul�use area behind Dempster Swi� Brief discussion among commissioners regarding pros/cons of possible gas-powered leaf blower ban Chair Quane men�ons Northshore plant site – neat tool on website Mee�ng adjourned at 7:46PM