Beautification & Tree Commission

Edwardsville Beautification & Tree Commission Minutes June 25, 2019 Meeting called to order by Benna Denue 6:35pm. Present: Benna Denue, Wilma Jene Bond, Bob Pfeiffer, Rebecca Sievers, Clint Soldan, Susan Bautsch, Kim Schoenfeld Absent: Chris Farrar, Jeanie Umbaugh, Jeff Papajcik, Larry Lipe, Dennis Pluta Discussion: Minutes from the May 28, 2019 meeting approved with motions from Susan Bautsch and Kim Schoenfeld. Budget: Showed expenditures of 2.3% with project allocation of $998.20 for flowerpot purchases. Guests: Invited to the meeting by Susan Bautsch Amy Yates, SIUE Successful Communities Collaborative Program Assistant. Amy explained the role of the SSCC program that supports partnerships between the University and communities in Illinois to meet sustainability and livability. The SSCC links the University’s faculty and students to municipalities by directing students’ coursework to carry out social, economic, cultural, and environmental projects. The City of Edwardsville has partnered with SSCC to address parking solutions and the Earth Edwardsville initiative. Amy confirmed that the Clock Tower could be considered for the Earth Edwardsville beautification project. SSCC is also involved with Drda Woods, the Watershed and The Gardens of SIUE. Connie Frey Spurlock, Faculty Director, SIUE SSCC will be attending the July 30, 2019 meeting. Invited to the meeting by Benna Denue Sarah Cundiff started her career in Environmental Education as the Educator at the Watershed Nature Center in 2003. Sarah returned to volunteer at the Watershed as a board member from 2008-2012 serving as Secretary, Education Committee Chair, and Run Wild! 5K Chair. Sarah continues to volunteer at the Watershed to implement field trip educational programs. Sarah is considering other volunteer opportunities in the community. Fourteen nominations were selected as Green Thumb Award recipients. Kim Schoenfeld and Wilma Jene Bond chaired this project, with the help of Clint Soldan, Jeff Papajcik and Jeanie Umbaugh. Recipients will receive a letter from Mayor Patton, followed by an article in the Intelligencer and Green Thumb Award signs placed at the address. GT 2019 was a successful year showcasing diverse gardens ranging from businesses to private homes, and a plot of land on a city street corner gardened by a neighborhood family. Susan Bautsch continues to research the Heritage Tree program possibilities. City of Edwardsville Welcome Sign on Mooney Hill location continues to be considered as purchase of the location remains to be negotiated. Kim Schoenfeld and Jeanie Umbaugh will set up the City canopy and information table at the Goshen Market on July 20. Bob Pfeiffer shared an update on the Drda Woods project. He is very pleased with the progress of the project, the involvement of the community and the SSCC partnership. 1900 trees have been planted and work continues. Bob Pfeiffer asked if members of the commission would consider selecting and planting flowers in the 6 concrete planters placed at Vadalabene Park. Work has been done to freshen and update the conditions and appearance of the ballfield. Meeting adjourned at 7:45pm Next meeting scheduled for July 30, 2019 Minutes submitted by Benna Denue