West Cook News

Village of Franklin Park Tree Preservation Commission met May 16.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

The regular meeting of the Tree Preservation was called to order at 6:00 PM at the Village of Franklin Park Police Station, Community Room, located at 9451 W. Belmont Avenue, Franklin Park, Illinois 60131

Member Michael led the Pledge of Allegiance

PRESENT: Members Joan Ambo, Jennifer Costa, Les Grahn, Ramona Michael and Sylvia Noth

Sustainability, Forestry, Parkways and Facilities Director (SFPFD) Andrew Smolen was also present

APPROVAL AND SIGNING OF APRIL 11, 2023 MINUTES

Motion by Member Noth, seconded by Member Grahn to approval of April 11, 2023 regular schedule meeting minutes

OLD BUSINESS

SFPFD Smolen stated that he had good, great, and wonderful news: Arbor Day on May 6 was a success. The Village of Franklin Park planted 83 trees, 71 at the Franklin Park Library and 12 on Crown Road. There were 40 volunteers with 7 being students from East Leyden High School. In total Morton Arboretum and the Chicago Region of trees donated 112 and informed SFPFD Smolen that they have 15 more trees to donate to the Village. Member Grahn thanked SFPFD Smolen for his hard work in planning the event. Member Michael stated that the event was great, but wished there were more younger participants.

SFPFD Smolen explained that second and fourth grade students helped plant three trees at a Pietrini Elementary school on Monday, May 15th. Also, an eighth grader designed the 2023-2024 Village city sticker. Smolen expressed that there has been an increase of residents requesting tree planting in their parkway.

Member Ambo discussed different signups options similar to "SignUpGenius" online signup software we can adopt to help residents request trees to plant on their property; this will give residents the opportunity to view the current tree inventory.

NEW BUSINESS

Members of the committee brainstormed an idea for a Village of Franklin Park Tree Chat on the Village Website. The Tree Chat would provide residents with information, facts, stories and useful tips. The Committee also discussed reaching out to High Schools with a writing competition for the Tree Chat, with the winner receiving an award such as an iTunes gift card. Member Smolen will be discussing the steps for proceeding with Tree Chat with Franklin Park Village's Lawyer.

OTHER BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS

None

PUBLIC COMMENTS

None

ADJOURNMENT

7:12 p.m.

https://www.villageoffranklinpark.com/assets/1/7/MTPC20230516.pdf