Meeting Minutes
March 1, 2005
Attendees: Faith Klareich (FK), Carl Henn (CH), Alicia Hosmer (AH), Tolulope Odunlami (TO), Geoff Sanders (GS) and Nate Wall (NW)
Absent: Gerald Leighton (JL) and Jaskaran Singh (JS)
Agenda:
1. Review of Actions to Date Concerning Tree Maintenance
FK summarized EC actions to date concerning tree maintenance in forest preserves, and explained the rationale for reviewing staff comments on the draft position paper. Commissioners then took time to read through staff comments presented by NW.
2. Tree Maintenance Position Paper
a) Discussion of Staff Comments
NW presented a basic flowchart that summarized possible City procedures for dealing with hazardous trees in forest preserves. Reviewed City Staff’s comments point-by-point.
b) Recommendations for Revisions
Include additional language exempting trees adjacent to streets, sidewalks and structures; re-word section mentioning that regular inspections not be required in forest preserves; remove condition to “mark” trees in the field; remove the appeals process, and change to a formalized citizen comment / suggestion; remove discussion on staff liability; add in annual reporting requirement.
c) Assignment to Draft Final Position Paper
CH volunteered to incorporate proposed changes, and prepare the final position paper.
3. Filling Commission Vacancies
FK mentioned that in thinking about filling Commission vacancies, we not only require qualified individuals, but also diverse backgrounds - the EC charter requires diversity. To staff up and retain diversity, the EC may want to consider either adding two “alternate Commissioner” positions, or possibly adding two new full Commissioners. This discussion will be up for discussion at the next EC meeting.
4. Wrap-up and Adjourn
