Beautification and Improvement Commission — Skokie, IL
Date: 2025-09-04

Village of Skokie Beautification and Improvement Commission
 Meeting Agenda
 September 4, 2025 from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
 Room D & E (upstairs)
 I. Motion to Approve August & June Minutes

 II. Introduction of New Commissioners

 III. Planting Activity (Oct. 5) Update-Katy

 IV. Speaker Series, Fall Speaker (Oct. 16) Update-Rachel

 V. Awards Program Update-George

 VI. Awards Recognition Night Assignments. (Board of Trustees Meeting, Oct. 22, 7:30
 pm)- Bob

 VII. June 2026 Garden Walk -Group Discussion

 VIII. Report (optional) by Cathy Stevens, Assistant Director, Public Works

 IX. Report (optional), Trustee Liaison

 X. Old Businesses

 XI. New Business

 XII. Public Comment

 XIII. Adjournment

Email me if you have an agenda item you would like to be considered for a future meeting.
Thanks.

Bob Quane, quane@siu.edu
847-271-3868

Village of Skokie Beautification and Improvement Commission
 Meeting Minutes
 September 4, 2025, 6:30 PM


 Commission Members Present Commission Members Not Present

 Bob Quane, Chair Sherwin Ditlove

 Mitchell Sandler, Vice Chair Charles Levine

 Katy Darr Will Oney-Paige

 Ross Del Rosario

 Vernell Ellison-Smith

 George Huback

 Mike Madalinski

 Brandon Munden

 Edward Potash

 Lucas Reczek

 Rachel Rosenberg

 Celeste Roy

 Ron Schrag

 Gary Schwarz

 Tina Seville Velasco

 Valerie Shuman


Also present was Cathy Stevens, Village Forester.

The meeting began at 6:31 PM.

  I.​ Approval of June and August Minutes

Vice Chair Sandler made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Commissioner
Rosenberg. Approved by voice vote.

 II.​ Introduction of New Commissioners
Chair Quane informed the Commission that three new commissioners had joined: Lucas
Reczek, Celeste Roy, and Gary Schwarz. Commissioners Reczek and Roy introduced
themselves. Commissioner Schwarz was absent.


 III.​ Fall Planting Activity (October 5th)

Commissioner Darr provided the commission with an overview of the planting project, including
the location, the design, the plants, and the proposed date for planting. Commissioner Darr
stated that the commission needs to order the plants, and that this order would include some
replacements for plants that did not survive the winter in last fall’s planting project. Additionally,
Commissioner Darr mentioned that the burning bushes on the planting site would need to be
removed by the Village in advance of the planting day.

Commissioner Darr explained that the planting activity will take place on Sunday, October 5th,
from 10am to 12 pm. A sign-up sheet was circulated.

Forester Stevens advised Commissioner Darr to be in touch with the Public Works Department
in the lead up to the planting day. Forester Stevens explained she will be out of town during day
of the planting.

Commissioner Schrag inquired about the possibility of partnering with students from Lincoln
Junior High School for the planting and stewardship of this public garden, since it is adjacent to
the school. Commissioner Shuman voiced support for partnering with the school for
stewardship. Commissioner Madalinski raised the possibility of encouraging the school to plant
its own native garden to expand pollinator habitat.

 IV.​ Speaker Series – Fall Speaker Update

Commissioner Rosenberg reminded the Commission that the next speaker event will take place
on Thursday, October 16th, at 7pm at the Skokie Public Library. Commission Rosenberg stated
that the goal is to fill every available seat (160) and asked that commissioners share the event
with their own networks. Commissioner Rosenberg stated that the event will be recorded and
posted to the library’s website for viewing.

Chair Quane mentioned that he will request for this event to be featured in the following week’s
edition of “The Scoop”.

 V.​ Awards Program Update

Commissioner Huback reported on the Beautification Awards judging process and shared
results. He shared that the number of properties judged in the last three years has increased,
while the average score has decreased in the last three years. While more awards are being
granted, the cutoff score has decreased and the percentage of applicants who are awarded
recognition has also decreased. Commissioner Huback attributes this to a more selective and
robust judging process and clearer criteria. Forester Cathy and Vice Chair Sandler echoed this
and reflected that the judging has become more sophisticated. The program is highly successful
and as a result, there are many applicants, and awards are not as easily given. Commissioner
Huback shared photos of the winning properties.

Commissioner Roy inquired about distinguishing between homeowner-driven landscapes and
professional installations, and Commissioner Huback replied that there is no distinction made.
Commissioner Reczek inquired if applicants who do not win are able to receive feedback. Chair
Quane stated that while applicants receive an email thanking them for participating and linking
to the program’s award criteria, no specific feedback is given. Commissioner Darr stated that the
Commission should provide feedback, and that the judges already do this in their notes.
Commissioner Shuman raised concerns that this might hurt feelings. Chair Quane proposed the
matter be tabled until later discussions on the grading and judging process.

VI.​ Awards Recognition Night

Chair Quane stated that the Awards Program would take place on Monday, October 20th, at
7:30pm, during the Board of Trustees Meeting. Chair Quane asked commissioners to arrive at
Village Hall at 6:45 for the event, and at 6:30 if they are able to help him set up. In advance of
the awards night and in advance of emails being sent out to participants and winners, Chair
Quane asked commissioners to deliver plaques and certificates to the winners’ homes before
the upcoming weekend.

Commissioner Shuman mentioned that at the event, the Commission should spread awareness
of the Spring garden walk that is being planned, as well as the upcoming planting project on
October 5th.

Commissioner Madalinski volunteered to be the photographer for the event, and Commissioner
Darr volunteered to log the photographs. Commissioners Roy, Ellison-Smith, and Schrag
volunteered to set up the reception following the Awards Ceremony. Commissioner
Ellison-Smith also offered to provide coffee and cookies.

Regarding the popular plant giveaway at the reception, Commissioner Shuman inquired if the
Commission should distribute seed packets, daffodil bulbs, or native plugs, and she asked that
commissioners email her on this matter. Commissioner Shuman stated she would then
purchase the plant material.

VII.​ June 2026 Garden Walk Discussion

Commissioner Schrag explained the reasoning for moving the Commission’s garden walk to late
spring/early summer and proposed several ideas for the format of the garden walk.
Commissioner Seville-Velasco advocated for commissioners to serve as docents at various
gardens on the walk and proposed that commissioners should work in tandem with the
homeowner.

VIII.​ Report by Cathy Stevens, Village Forester, Public Works

Village Forester Stevens did not have an update for this item.

 IX.​ Report by Trustee Liaison

None.

  X.​ Old Business

None.

 XI.​ New Business

Chair Quane proposed suspending the Commission’s October meeting. Vice Chair Sandler
made a motion to approve, seconded by Commissioner Ellison-Smith. Approved by voice vote.

XII.​ Adjournment

Chair Quane made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Vice Chair Sandler. The meeting ended at
7:45 PM.




Submitted by: Commissioner Ron Schrag