McHenry Times

City of Woodstock Environmental Commission met May 4

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

The Regular Meeting of the City of Woodstock Environmental Commission was called to order by Chairperson Erica Poremba at 5:31 PM on Thursday, May 4, 2023.

1. CALL TO ORDER 

2. ROLL CALL 

COMMISSION MEMBERS ATTENDING: E. Ellinghausen, Laura Kacmar, Margaret Schneemann, Steve Wenzel and Chairperson Erica Poremba.

COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: none.

STAFF ATTENDING: Public Works Director Brent Aymond, Superintendent of Parks and Streets Chris Lynk and Chief Deputy City Clerk Jane Howie.

OTHERS PRESENT: none.

3. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: 

Motion by S. Wenzel, second by E. Ellinghausen, to accept the minutes from the April 6, 2023 meeting. Ayes: E. Ellinghausen, L. Kacmar, M. Schneemann, S. Wenzel and Chair Poremba. Nays: none. Absentees: none. Abstentions: none. Motion carried.

4. FLOOR DISCUSSION 

Anyone wishing to address the Commission on an item not already on the agenda may do so at this time.

a. Public Comments: none.

b. Commission Comments: none.

5. TRANSMITTALS (no discussion or action requested)

6. ITEMS OF BUSINESS 

a. Oak Decline Syndrome / Root Rot

Chair Poremba mentioned that there’s a pathogen in the ground that is causing root rot. She asked what is or can be done about this problem. C. Lynk said The Davey Tree Expert Company has assisted over the past few years with a process to treat the roots and tried to prevent the root rot. It is unknown how best to rebalance the ground; C. Lynk is looking for direction from this Commission. And, he’s looking for more hybrid, disease-resistant trees, perhaps Elm trees. S. Wenzel mentioned Hickory trees, although he’s unsure if the root rot will affect Hickories. C. Lynk said the root rot started showing signs about 6-7 years ago. E. Ellinghausen asked if Davey Tree knew of any way of fighting root rot. C. Lynk mentioned Oak scaling. The City’s budget included funds to help with 200 trees. They did a root feeding; however, it did not have a positive impact. The City is trying to find the best answer to this issue. It is unknown if this disease is airborne or in the soil only. Commissioners suggested having Davey Tree perform testing on the soil sampling, etc. C. Lynk mentioned that the City noticed the decline about 6-8 years ago in the area just off South Street to the west. The City planted one Hickory and one Elm to see how they would do. He added that the Oak forest near the tennis courts are showing signs of disease, as well (near the park building). It was noted that there is also an issue with the evergreens by the football field and tennis courts. This has been a slow progression over the past 20 years. E. Ellinghausen said he has some materials and equipment that might be helpful in this situation. He said he could share it with the City to sample it on one of the trees, if interested.

C. Lynk said Tru-Green sprayed near the Oaks yesterday on a windy day. The City has reached out to them to inform them of a miscommunication; they weren’t supposed to be spraying there. He shared that a similar situation happened about two years ago. Further discussion ensued. B. Aymond said the City is considering the purchase their own equipment so that Public Works can have their staff manage this work.

b. Tree Ordinance

Chair Poremba said the Commission will be reviewing Tree Ordinances. Discussion ensued. It was noted that grant funding is available to cities that are part of Tree City USA. Chair Poremba said the Tree Board could be a sub-committee of the Environmental Commission. Chair Poremba and S. Wenzel both liked the Village of Lakewood’s Tree Ordinance. Commissioners shared some ideas that they would like to be included in the Ordinance.

Commissioners will review Tree Ordinances from the Village of Lakewood and make notes for discussion at next month’s meeting. There was a suggestion to create a list of preferable trees to be planted as well as trees to stay away from.

B. Aymond shared that the City took down two dead trees in Park in the Square and planted a new tree on Arbor Day. There was a brief discussion about the large, dead evergreen tree in front of City Hall.

c. Kacmar’s Public Outreach Event Idea – this item was tabled and will be discussed at the Commission’s next meeting.

As it pertained to the Community Gardens, C. Lynk said they just ordered four yards of garden compost; however, none of the beds have been touched yet. The Commissioners thanked C. Lynk for all the work his employees do at the garden. B. Aymond shared that 33 gardens have been rented so far for the upcoming season.

S. Wenzel mentioned a Dark Skies Ordinance, which is “to promote energy conservation, public safety, aesthetic interests,” etc. He opined this may be a good project for students involved in the Project Lead the Way program.

M. Schneemann suggested having Woodstock’s ground water tested. She opined that there may be current funding that would help to create a sustainability plan.

Suggested Future Agenda Items:

Community Garden updates

Class III ground-water recharge area

Westwood Park

7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - UPDATED 

a. Paper Straws / Eliminating Plastic Straws

8. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS – MISCELLANEOUS 

a. Environmental Master Plan

b. Food Forest Concept

c. Food Composting Program (Fall 2023)

d. Rain Gardens

e. Stormwater Runoff & Retention Management

f. E. Ellinghausen’s Brine Study

9. ADJOURN: Adjourn to a regular meeting on Thursday, June 1, 2023 

Motion by E. Ellinghausen, seconded by L. Kacmar, to adjourn this regular meeting of the Environmental Commission. Ayes: E. Ellinghausen, L. Kacmar, M. Schneemann, S. Wenzel and Chair E. Poremba. Nays: none. Absentees: none. Abstentions: none. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:33 PM.

https://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/environmental_commission/meeting/46500/environmental_commission_minutes_5-4-23.pdf