Beautification Committee

Regular Meeting

Mundelein, IL · August 20, 2025

Minutes

Beautification Committee Meeting Minutes August 20, 2025 CALL TO ORDER The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Committee was held on August 20, 2025. Chairperson Ross called the meeting to order at 5:31 PM. ATTENDANCE Lynne Monroe took the roll call. It indicted as follows: Committee Attendance PRESENT: Committee Member Nunez, Committee Member Tancredi, Committee Member Tierney, Committee Member Mitchell, Committee Member Jankowski Jr., Committee Member Ross ABSENT: Committee Member Almanzo Other Attendance: PRESENT: Chris Woodard, Mundelein Arts Commission Liaison and Lynne Monroe, Assistant Village Administrator PUBLIC COMMENTARY None MINUTES APPROVAL Approval of the July 16, 2025 Beautification Committee Meeting Minutes Motion to approve the July 16, 2025 Beautification Committee Meeting Minutes. RESULT: Passed [Yes 6, No 0, Abstained 0] MOVER: Committee Member Margaret (Peg) Tierney SECONDER: Committee Member Colleen Tancredi AYES: Kim Nunez, Colleen Tancredi, Margaret (Peg) Tierney, Jill Mitchell, Chester Jankowski Jr., Jenny Ross NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None MUNDELEIN ARTS COMMISSION REPORT Chris Woodard provided Mundelein Arts Commission updates as follows: MAC hosted a Guitar Jam last weekend and a Poetry Storytelling is planned for next weekend, both in the park next to the mural on Park Street. The Lure of the Local will have 80 artists and MAC looks forward to a raffle item from the Beautification Committee. All money from the event is donated to the Kracklauer Fund for Public Art. The hand sculpture is getting ready to be installed at Courtland Commons Pollinator Garden The artist chosen for the MAC and Beautification Committee Mundelein Star will begin work soon. MAC is partnering with Kirk Players for performances. MAC is considering ideas for the open land next to Bill's Pub owned by the Village and MAC is interested in partnering with the Beautification Committee to beautify the space. Member Tierney thought at least flower plantings would be beneficial. Chair Ross explained that any project there could be a large expense and require board approval and also suggested a volunteer effort for grants. ANNOUNCEMENTS Co-chair Tancredi recommends attendance at the Diamond Lake Open House on August 27, 2025 promoting the design of their new recreation center and shoreline project. Chair Ross recommended attendance on August 20, 2025 at Greenbelt for Tree Listening sessions, with a focus on urban forest trees. PROJECTS Pollinator Garden Lynne provided a brief report on the pollinator Garden at Courtland Commons. Member Tierney expressed concern for the state of the park with dead plants and many weeds. Of particular concern was the grant funds received from the Audobon Society for the garden. Lynne explained that the plans were under warranty the first year, but the landscape company used has been replaced by the Village. The park will be undergoing construction with a new hand sculpture and a new bridge. With this construction, new plants are part of a bigger plan once the bridge is completed. The path is part of the plan to be replaced with a permeable paver. The committee should consider a plan for future maintenance to ensure it is tended to regularly once it is newly planted. Chair Ross reiterated a strong volunteer base is the key to maintaining gardens in communities. Member Tierney recommends reviewing the list of what was planted to determine if they were the best choices. Member Jankowski reported that the garden at Village Hall was doing well, and he shared a plan for the small space at Village Hall next to the employee patio. Lynne will share with Public Works to get approval, and confirm irrigation. Member Jankowski suggested September 27, 2025. Bird City Proclamation on the Village Board Agenda on August 11, 2025 Member Mitchell reported that the board approved the resolution for Bird City USA commitment on August 11. Lynne explained this was one of the requirements to achieve an official designation. Lynne distributed a checklist of items to be completed to apply for designation and Member Mitchell is actively working on these initiatives. Lynne included completed initiatives in the packet, including LEED certification and articles about Courtland Commons native habitat. Member Mitchell will work on narratives as required with the application process for each initiative. Lynne addressed a resident concern made at a recent board meeting regarding mosquito abatement connected to the Bird City initiatives. Bird City designation and mosquito abatement are two different issues and the initiatives being addressed by Bird City will only bring positive results for bird populations. Public opinion may exist about the risks and benefits of mosquito abatement, but that is not within the scope of this committee. Chair Ross added that the Audubon Society has spent a lot of money and research into how to address bird diseases. Lynne reiterated that if members are confronted about mosquito abatement, residents should be referred to the Village Public Works department. Upcoming Activities Member Mitchell confirmed a Bird Walk with the Seminary on October 11. Lynne will work internally to have that event promoted. Upcoming events, including the Tiger Truck Fest and the Farmer's Market, will be avenues to distribute educational materials and giveaways that encourage bird-friendly environments. Member Mitchell shared some of the recently purchased giveaways, including window clings to help avoid bird collisions. Lynne will have a small postcard created to distribute with the clings. Chair Ross suggested connecting with Eileen Davis with the Lake County Forest Preserves for educational materials they may already have. Community Events Tiger Truck Fest (used to be Brat Fest) - at Carl Sandburg Middle School on September 5, 2025, from 5:00–7:30 PM. Set up starts at 4:00 PM; 1 table and 2 chairs are provided. Participating community partners are encouraged to bring a game or activity. The Committee discussed the upcoming Tiger Truck Fest. Member Mitchell, Member Jankowski and Member Nunez agreed to be there to represent the Beautification Committee, promote Bird City initiatives, and bring the prize wheel for giveaways. Member Tierney distributed word puzzles that could be distributed. Lynne will make copies and be available to pick up other supplies prior to the event. Members suggested having a Spanish version if possible. Farmer's Market - September 20, 2025 Co-Chair Tancredi will be at the Farmer's Market hosting a Beautification Committee Table on September 20, 2025. The same prizes and Bird City education materials will be distributed. Winter Tree Lighting Fest- December 6, 2025 from 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM in Courtland Commons The Winter Tree-Lighting Festival will be held on December 6, 2025 at Courtland Commons. Lynne will be sure that the Beautification Committee's interest in participating is shared with the planning committee. Chair Ross and Co-Chair Tancredi said they would be available for this event. The group discussed that a table for activities would be a nice addition this year. Lynne will share that idea. Garden Awards Co-Chair Tancredi reported the Garden Awards were a huge success this year with over 30 yards displaying the sign. Co-Chair Tancredi asked that the photos be displayed on our website and Lynne will coordinate that internally since the winners have signed a release. Co-Chari Tancredi announced that the Winter Decorating Awards will not be brought back this year due to the shortened season and other logistical challenges. Clean Up Events Member Nunez reported the past clean-up event went well, but no future events are planned. The group discussed potentially committing to quarterly clean-up events. Member Nunez suggested partnering with the library for clean-up efforts in the future. NEW BUSINESS Projects Member Tierney suggested the group take on a planting project at Regent Center and work with their volunteers as a way to add to our volunteer base. There was discussion about this property being on Park District land, and not necessarily a priority for the Beautification Committee. Chair Ross reported that many village properties need attention and park district land is not within scope. Lynne suggested members volunteer their time to help the park district if so inclined. After an informal poll, it was decided the group had their own initiatives to focus on and this would not be a Beautification Committee project. Member Tierney suggested adding themes (a bird theme and a flower theme) and perhaps a gift certificate to Country Bumpkin to the planters planned for the Lure of the Local raffle. Everyone was in favor of this option for two nice raffles in our wooden planters, that could likely be done for less than $100. Budget No report. Co-chair Tancredi submitted reimbursement requests to Lynne for the purchase of marigolds and prizes. OLD BUSINESS None OTHER BUSINESS Member Nunez introduced the concept of a Windphone as a unique idea for a community park. A wind phone is a disconnected rotary or push-button phone located in a secluded spot in nature, usually within a booth-type structure. People use the Windphone to “call” and have a one-way conversation with deceased loved ones. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn the Beautification Committee Meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:01 PM. RESULT: Passed [Yes 6, No 0, Abstained 0] MOVER: Committee Member Jill Mitchell SECONDER: Committee Member Chester Jankowski Jr. AYES: Kim Nunez, Colleen Tancredi, Margaret (Peg) Tierney, Jill Mitchell, Chester Jankowski Jr., Jenny Ross NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None _______________________ Jenny Ross, Chairman NEXT MEETING - SEPTEMBER 17, 2025

Agenda

Packet

AGENDA BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE MEETING August 20, 2025 - 5:30 PM Village Hall - Room 101 300 Plaza Circle, Mundelein, IL 60060 I. CALL TO ORDER II. ATTENDANCE III. PUBLIC COMMENTARY IV. MINUTES APPROVAL A. Approval of the July 16, 2025 Beautification Committee Meeting Minutes Motion to approve the July 16, 2025 Beautification Committee Meeting Minutes. V. MUNDELEIN ARTS COMMISSION REPORT VI. ANNOUNCEMENTS VII. PROJECTS A. Pollinator Garden B. Bird City 1. Proclamation on the Village Board Agenda on August 11, 2025 2. Upcoming Activities C. Community Events Page |1 Page 1 of 6 1. Tiger Truck Fest (used to be Brat Fest) - at Carl Sandburg Middle School on September 5, 2025, from 5:00–7:30 PM. Set up starts at 4:00 PM; 1 table and 2 chairs are provided. Participating community partners are encouraged to bring a game or activity. 2. Farmer's Market - September 20, 2025 3. WinterFest - December 6, 2025 from 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM in Courtland Commons D. Garden Awards E. Clean Up Events VIII. NEW BUSINESS A. Projects B. Budget IX. OLD BUSINESS X. OTHER BUSINESS XI. ADJOURNMENT A. Motion to adjourn the Beautification Committee Meeting. XII. NEXT MEETING - SEPTEMBER 17, 2025 The Village of Mundelein, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, requests that persons with disabilities who require certain accommodations to allow them to observe and/or participate in this meeting, or who have questions about the accessibility of the meeting or facilities, to contact the ADA Coordinator at 847-949-3200 to allow the Village to arrange accommodations for those persons. Beautification Committee Agenda 8/20/2025 Page |2 Page 2 of 6 Beautification Committee Meeting Minutes July 16, 2025 CALL TO ORDER The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Committee was held on July 16, 2025. Co-Chairperson Tancredi called the meeting to order at 5:36 PM. ATTENDANCE Lynne Monroe took the roll call. It indicted as follows: Committee Attendance PRESENT: Committee Member Nunez, Committee Member Tancredi, Committee Member Tierney, Committee Member Mitchell, Committee Member Ross ABSENT: Committee Member Almanzo, Committee Member Jankowski Jr. Other Attendance: PRESENT: Lynne Monroe, Assistant Village Administrator ABSENT: Chris Woodard, Mundelein Arts Commissioner Liason PUBLIC COMMENTARY None MINUTES APPROVAL Approval of Minutes Motion to approve the Beautification Committee Meeting Minutes from June 18, 2025. No edits recommended MUNDELEIN ARTS COMMISSION REPORT No report; Chirs Woodard not in attendance ANNOUNCEMENTS Member Tierney recommended the members consider a Master Gardner's class that will be held in January;applications are currently being accepted. She also reported on an Open House for Master Gardeners being held Thursday, August 21, 2025: 2PM-3PM. Member Tierney reported she has been accepted into the Master Naturalist Training Program. PROJECTS Pollinator Garden Member Jankowski was not present. However, Lynne Monroe followed up on a discussion last month regarding the area outside of Village Hall being considered for a possible area to plant. Lynne explained that Public Works will establish a working Page 3 of 6 irrigation system in that area, and the committee can submit a plan for suggested plantings. Committee plantings are welcome and this is a great area for the Committee to take. Public Works asks for a design that is orderly, with clean edges and groupings. The committee discussed the desire for a pollinator-friendly native garden, but this can be done with intentional design that avoids a weed appearance. Planting will ideally occur in the fall. Bird City Member Mitchell provided an update to the Bird City USA designation plans, including an event, likely a bird walk, to be held October 11. She suggested Ray's Lake or the Seminary. She will also promote the walk at the Farmer's Market on September 20. Lynne distributed the proposed Resolution and Proclamation, and explained the difference. The resolution will need to be renewed every three years, and a proclamation for a specific event will be made annually. These are both scheduled for a board meeting this fall. The group reviewed and briefly discussed the documents to be presented to the board. Lynne will come up with a checklist for the Bird City Designation, as the Village has also met several other requirements for the designation. Community Events Brat Fest - Event affected by school construction, Sarah Christ will provide informaiton soon - scheduled for September 5, 2025. • Prize Wheel - Jenny stored large items. Small / inexpensive items for kids will be needed. Chair Ross explained that she is still awaiting full details of the Brat Fest being held at Carl Sandburg. The Committee will participate, and it was suggested to include the prize wheel, inexpensive candy, and bird event promotion. The members discussed who could and could not attend. Members Tierney and Almanzo will assure participation and activities are verified. Farmer's Market - September 20, 2025 The Farmer's Market was discussed for giveaways and educational opportunities. Chair Ross recommended giving away pollinator kits still in the supply, but this may be better for the Little Maker's table earlier in the season due to the Monarch migration. Co- Chair Tancredi will reach out to the Farmer's Market director, Becca Merkau. Member Nunez suggested the creation of a laminated poster to have on the table at all events. Co-chair Tancredi will work with employee Freedom Nguyen to help create this. Page 4 of 6 Garden Awards Co-Chair Tancredi is still seeking submissions for Excellence in Gardening. The deadline has been extended through August. Members will be asking their neighbors to submit nominees. New signs are being designed, and the group agreed 2025 should be on the signs to properly designate the year the yard was awarded. The group discussed the use of marigolds and maintaining this as a symbol in Mundelein. Member Mitchell suggested marigolds be given to gardeners in the neighborhoods to promote them being planted. Member Nunez suggested going door to door with marigolds or nomination forms and wondered if this was acceptable. Chair Ross and Lynne confirmed this is not soliciting and is allowed. Clean Up Events Member Nunez is organizing a clean-up event for Friday, July 18, along the Rt 176 bike path. Everyone provided their availability and Co-Chair Tancredi offered tips for a successful event. The group also discussed signage for clean-up events, but determined that the permitting needed was likely not worth exploring further. NEW BUSINESS Projects Member Tierney reported she and Member Nunez will be helping at the Regent Center with plantings. Budget Co-Chair Tancredi provided a review of the YTD budget. Members suggested a dog waste station at the Park Street Mural park. Two were installed at Courtland Commons and Lynne will inquire with Public Works about this purchase. OLD BUSINESS None OTHER BUSINESS Member Tierney asked about a display at Lure of the Local. Chair Ross suggested a raffle item. Lynne acknowledged that there are still wooden planters and last year we used them with mums for a display at the Lure. ADJOURNMENT Adjourn the Beautification Committee Meeting Motion to adjourn the Beautification Committee Meeting of July 16, 2025. Page 5 of 6 Member Mitchell made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Member Nunez seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 6:41 PM. _______________________ Jenny Ross, Chairman NEXT MEETING - August 20, 2025 Page 6 of 6