Beautification and Improvement Commission

Village of Skokie Beautification and Improvement Commission Meeting Minutes October 7, 2024, 6PM Commission Members Present Commission Members Not Present Bob Quane, Chair Mitchell Sandler, Vice Chair Katy Darr Sherwin Ditlove Ross Del Rosario Vernell Ellison-Smith George Huback Fred Lisiewicz Charles Levine Will Oney-Paige Mike Madalinski Barbara Rubins Brandon Munden Edward Potash Rachel Rosenberg Valerie Shuman Also present was Cathy Stevens, Village Forester. The meeting began at 6:04 PM. Chair Quane thanked everyone for joining. I. Approval of September 5 Minutes Due to a minor error, the meeting minutes were not approved and will be returned at the following meeting. II. Education Committee Commissioner Rosenberg discussed meeting with Commissioner Darr to discuss potential spring education presentation topics. The Commission discussed potential ideas including pollinators, trees, compost, rat education, pollinator pathways and fearless gardening. Chair Quane asked that the Commission set a deadline for the spring presentation. Commissioner Rosenberg stated that in order to have a spring education presentation, the speaker would need to be November 1st. III. New Initiatives Committee Commissioner Shuman shared that the committee is in process of discussing plans for 2025 and expects to present them to the Commission at the December meeting. For 2025, the focus will be on pollinators and continues to reflect on the initiatives as set forth in the sustainability plan, including a push to leave the leaves in fall. Commissioner Rosenberg discussed the potential of a turf replacement spring presentation, which may align with the 2025 goals of the Commission. Commissioner Rosenberg will contact a speaker from the Chicago Botanic Garden who specializes in turf replacement. Chair Quane discussed assisting with the Sustainability Commission’s “Leaf it Alone” program. IV. Recap Planting Project Commissioner Darr and Commissioner Madalinski gave a recap of the planning work and planting day work, which included a significant amount of time spent on preparing the design and site prior to the work day. Village Forester Stevens thanked Public Works employee for his knowledge and tools on the work day. Village Forester Stevens also shared that the remainder of plants were planted in other areas throughout Skokie. Commissioner Shuman discussed connecting with pollinator friendly gardens to create a network throughout Skokie. Chair Quane discussed that planning in advance of the work day may allow the Commission to host a work day on an evening during the week. V. November 4 Awards Program Chair Quane gave an update on the status of the awards program and the timeline for the awards ceremony at the Village Board meeting. There was a brief discussion on the prize for awardees. Commissioner Shuman volunteered to order hens and chicks, a succulent species, for the awardees. Chair Quane shared the PowerPoint showcasing the award winners. There was a brief discussion on changing the music for the presentation. There was a brief discussion on how to share the names of awardees at the Board meeting. Commissioner Shuman discussed last year's education table being well attended at the reception after the awards presentation and ideas on what to offer at this year's table. Commissioner Madalinski discussed the potential of the spring education presentation. Chair Quane asked Commissioner Shuman and Commissioner Darr to present a few of the Commission’s initiatives during the Village Board meeting. Both Commissioners agreed and will coordinate. Chair Quane gave an overview on the timeline for the awards ceremony. Commissioner Madalinski volunteered to take pictures at the awards ceremony. There was a brief discussion on refreshments for the reception to be held after the ceremony. Commissioner Rosenberg stated that she will attempt to get a speaker and have a conversation with the library in order to have a flyer ready for the education table. VI. Report by Cathy Stevens, Village Forester, Public Works Village Forester Stevens shared an update of the tree planting form and Skokie tree counter and that very few of the trees planted were shade trees. Chair Quane discussed emailing his list of contacts to remind them of the tree counter. Village Forester Stevens shared that the overall goal of the Village is to increase canopy. There was a brief discussion on how difficult tree preservation is in Skokie. Commissioner Shuman discussed circling back to a previous initiative to discuss planting trees with businesses. Commissioner Rosenberg made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Levine. The meeting ended at 6:56 PM.