East Central Reporter

City of Olney Tree Board met March 21.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

AGENDA #1 “CALL TO ORDER” The meeting of the Tree Board was called to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 300 S. Whittle Ave., Olney, Illinois, with Todd Bettis presiding.

AGENDA #2 “ROLL CALL” The following Tree Board members were present: Amanda Thomann, Natalie Shryock, Jan McKinney, Sharon Behnke and Todd Bettis. Kelsie Sterchi and Chris Simpson were absent.

AGENDA #3 “APPROVE MINUTES FROM NOVEMBER 9, 2022” Ms. Shryock moved to approve the minutes from November 9, 2022, seconded by Mrs. Behnke. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

AGENDA #4 “PUBLIC COMMENTS/PRESENTATIONS” No one from the public was present.

AGENDA #5 “UPDATE/POSSIBLE ACTION: CITY PARK TREE PLANTING AND TREE ADOPTION MADE POSSIBLE FROM AMEREN’S RIGHT TREE, RIGHT PLACE GRANT PROGRAM” The City had received the $2,500.00 in grant funds from application to Ameren’s

Right Tree, Right Place Grant Program. At the last meeting of the Tree Board, the Board voted to use the funds for tree planting in the City Park and for a Tree Adoption.

Mr. Bettis had looked into tree availability for use of the grant funds. The Board had been focusing on the planting of more fruit and nut trees for the squirrels. Unfortunately, Mr. Bettis had discovered that availability on Oak trees would be hard to come by this year. Fruit trees could be more of a focus, but he noted that traditional fruit trees typically resulted in mowing trouble.

Mr. Bettis expected that the Board could procure about 50, 7-gallon trees with the grant funds.

The Richland County Soil & Water Conservation District had partnered with the local 4-H organization, and they were donating and planting 25, 3-gallon trees in the City Park per the Park Department Supervisor’s recommendations. Because of this, the Board believed that fewer trees from this tree order would actually be needed for the City Park.

The Board then discussed whether or not to offer a Tree Adoption based on application or a first come, first served availability. The Board believed that first come, first served would be the best option. They could limit adopted trees to two per person.

Mrs. Sterchi could create a digital advertisement for this program.

Mr. Bettis moved to purchase trees, based on nursery availability and cost of delivery, and to offer some trees for a Tree Adoption on a first come, first served basis, with a starting limit of two trees per person, seconded by Mrs. Thomann. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

Mrs. McKinney asked if persons needed to be physically present to pick up the trees or if they could reserve in advance. The Board felt that no trees should be reserved. Interested persons would either need to show up at the designated time or send someone on their behalf.

Like last year, the trees would be delivered where the Musgrove House used to stand. The Board would plan on holding the Tree Adoption on Earth Day, April 22, 2023, starting at 8:00 a.m.

AGENDA #6 “UPDATE/POSSIBLE ACTION: ARBOR DAY 2023 PROGRAM FOR 4TH GRADE STUDENTS MADE POSSIBLE FROM AMEREN’S ARBOR DAY GRANT PROGRAM” The City had received the $500.00 in grant funds from application to Ameren’s Arbor Day Grant Program. At the last meeting of the Tree Board, the Board voted to use the funds for seedlings to be given away at the local elementary schools and to host a tree planting demonstration.

Mr. Bettis had also looked into availability on the seedling and found that 450 white pine seedlings could be purchased with some funds leftover for supplies. Mr. Bettis planned on speaking with the elementary schools to get the program scheduled. It was not guaranteed that the seedlings would arrive by Arbor Day.

Mr. Bettis moved to purchase 450 white pine seedlings and necessary supplies, seconded by Ms. Shryock. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

AGENDA #7 “GENERAL DISCUSSION” Mrs. Sterchi had left a note that the City had again been designated as a Tree City USA and had also received another Growth Award. Both designations were given by the Arbor Day Foundation.

After this Spring’s Board activities, Mr. Bettis announced that he would be resigning from the Tree Board in order to focus on other pursuits. The Board thanked Mr. Bettis for his service. Mr. Bettis noted that he would still be happy to be a resource for the Board in ways of advice, connections, and volunteerism on plantings.

AGENDA #8 “SCHEDULE NEXT MEETING DATE” The next meeting of the Tree Board would be scheduled at a later time.

AGENDA #9 “ADJOURN” Mrs. McKinney moved to adjourn, seconded by Ms. Shryock. A majority affirmative voice vote was received. The Tree Board meeting adjourned at 6:33 p.m.

https://cms2.revize.com/revize/olneynew/Tree%20Board%2003212023.pdf