Beautification and Improvement Commission — Skokie, IL
Date: 2024-10-07

Village of Skokie Beautification and Improvement Commission
 Meeting Agenda
 October 7, 2024, from 6 pm to 7 pm
 Rooms D & E (upstairs)


 I. Approval of September 5 Minutes

 II. Education Committee, Spring Speaker-Rachel

 III. New Initiatives Committee-Valarie

 IV. Recap Planting Project- Katy and Mike

 V. Nov. 4 Awards Program-Bob

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

 VII. Report (optional) by James Johnson, Trustee Liaison

 VIII. Old Businesses

 IX. New Business

 X. 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
 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.