Blue Island public meetings in 2022
11 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Forestry Board
The Forestry Board discussed the newly awarded Community and Urban Forestry Grant, including next steps for paperwork, community outreach, and coordination with partners. The board also reviewed the Tree Preservation Ordinance, which must be approved by June 2024 to align with the grant. Reinstatement of Tree City USA status and a new forestry website were also discussed.
- Community and Urban Forestry Grant awarded to Blue Island
- Tree Preservation Ordinance final review and approval needed by June 2024
- Tree City USA application approved at state level; considering Growth Award
- New forestry website at www.blueislandforestryboard.org under development
- Town Hall meeting tentatively set for January 26th at East Annex Building
Forestry Board
The Blue Island Forestry Board discussed the pending Tree Preservation Ordinance, which requires final review before City Council approval and is tied to a grant requirement. The board also covered the reinstatement of Blue Island as a Tree City USA and the status of a 2022 urban tree grant. Other items included website logo selection, a winter pruning event, and a maple tree tapping activity.
- Tree Preservation Ordinance pending final review with Public Works and City Council
- Reinstatement of Blue Island as Tree City USA, awaiting official proclamation
- 2022 Urban and Community Tree Grant submitted; decision expected in weeks
- City Council vote on Forestry Board logo selection
- Winter pruning event with Openlands and Eisenhower Environmental Club planned for Feb/March
Forestry Board
The Blue Island Forestry Board is finalizing a tree preservation ordinance, pursuing reinstatement as a Tree City USA, and awaiting a decision on a grant for tree inventory and management. The board also discussed a new website, logo selection, and community events.
- Tree Preservation Ordinance final review, 95% complete, policies/fees/replacement rate pending
- 2022 CRTI Urban and Community Tree Grant submitted, decision expected November 2022
- $16K city appropriation approved for grant compliance if grant received
- New garbage contract with Lake Shore Recycling frees staff for forestry work
- Tree planting event at Centennial Park on October 7, 2022
Forestry Board
The Blue Island Forestry Board discussed updates to the Tree Preservation Ordinance, deciding to add fees before further review. They are also working on the 2022 CRTI Urban and Community Tree Grant, which is due in three weeks and requires an additional $16,000 from the city. The board also reviewed website and logo progress and planned community events.
- Tree Preservation Ordinance updated with fees to be added, then reviewed by Public Works and Forestry Board
- 2022 CRTI Urban and Community Tree Grant due in 3 weeks; needs $16K additional from City of Blue Island (currently appropriated $10K)
- Working ordinance document to be submitted as part of grant application
- Tree planting event at Centennial Park on October 7, 2022 with CRTI
- Website launched at www.blueislandforestryboard.org; logos designed by Julie, to be enhanced by CFI Art students
Forestry Board
The Blue Island Forestry Board is reviewing progress on the 2022 Urban and Community Tree Grant, including a tree preservation ordinance under attorney review and plans to solicit bids for a complete tree inventory. The board also discussed website development, community outreach, and resident damage to parkway trees.
- Tree Preservation Ordinance submitted to City Attorney for review, pending City Council approval
- Competitive bids for Complete Tree Inventory to be sought; outreach to Great Lakes Urban Forest Management, Davey Resource Group, and Bartlett Tree Company
- RFP for tree inventory to be made public for additional bids
- BIPD may apply for the grant separately; grant monies divided if multiple accepted
- Residents killing parkway trees discussed; possible informational session and code violations after ordinance passes
Forestry Board
The Blue Island Forestry Board is preparing for the 2022 Chi-Cal Rivers NFWF Fund proposal, which could bring 100 trees to the city, and is seeking quotes for a complete tree inventory. The board is also welcoming new community members and coordinating with other local forestry boards.
- Letter of support for 2022 Chi-Cal Rivers NFWF Fund proposal for 100 trees
- Request for quotes from Great Lakes Urban Forest Management, Davey Resource Group, and Bartlet Tree Company for tree inventory
- New community members interested in joining the board: Tim He, David Johnson, Erik Polcaster, Julie Skolm
- Resident requests: Kevin Gibson needs stump removal and tree planting; Analisa Gonzalez Diaz reported a declining silver maple at 2242 Orchard
- Collaboration with Homewood and Park Ridge forestry boards
Forestry Board
The Blue Island Forestry Board is preparing for the 2022 Chi-Cal Rivers NFWF Fund proposal, which could bring 100 trees to the city. They are also seeking quotes for a complete tree inventory and have received interest from new community members to join the board. The agenda includes routine updates on meeting dates, a website project, and resident tree concerns.
- Letter of support for 2022 Chi-Cal Rivers NFWF Fund proposal for 100 trees
- Request for quotes from three tree inventory companies: Great Lakes Urban Forest Management, Davey Resource Group, Bartlet Tree Company
- New community members interested in joining the board: Tim He, David Johnson, Erik Polcaster, Julie Skolm
- Resident requests: Kevin Gibson (stump removal and tree planting), Analisa Gonzalez Diaz (silver maple in decline at 2242 Orchard)
- Collaboration interest from Homewood and Park Ridge forestry boards
Forestry Board
The Blue Island Forestry Board discussed outreach efforts, a revised Tree Preservation Ordinance, volunteer recruitment, a new website, and a potential tree inventory grant. The ordinance revision, which adds an Arborist definition, has been sent to city administration for review. The board also discussed using a volunteer interest form from Glenview and creating a website with tree resources.
- Received 50 trees from Chicago Regional Tree Initiative for Arbor Day planting on April 29, 2022
- Revised Tree Preservation Ordinance with Arborist definition sent to city administration
- Discussed volunteer interest form from City of Glenview for board recruitment
- Proposed Forestry Board website with tree ordinance, species list, and care info
- Chicago Region Tree Initiative Community Tree Grant expected this summer; estimates needed for tree inventories
Forestry Board
The Blue Island Forestry Board discussed and approved minutes, received approval for a $10,000 appropriation to conduct a Complete Tree Inventory, and planned upcoming events including a maple tree tapping, a tree walk for Eisenhower High School, and an Arbor Day planting. They also discussed a logo contest and proposed ordinance changes to board membership.
- Approved $10,000 appropriation for Complete Tree Inventory; requires 3 bids
- Maple Tree Tapping event at Centennial Park on April 3, 2022
- Tree Walk for Eisenhower High School on April 21, 2022
- Arbor Day planting of 50 trees from CRTI on April 29, 2022
- Proposed ordinance to change board to 5 members plus alternate
Forestry Board
The Blue Island Forestry Board is holding a working meeting to develop a tree ordinance and management plan. They discussed the forestry budget, including a $6K allocation from Public Works and a proposed $10K appropriation, and the need for a professional tree inventory. The board also reviewed tree diversity goals, invasive species concerns, and potential community projects.
- Public Works agreed to $6K for Forestry Board; $10K appropriation needs supporting documentation
- Complete tree inventory required, must be done by professionals
- City Council approval for ordinance will take at least 2 months
- Discussed cost-share program for tree removal (Oak Lawn model)
- Tree diversity rule: no more than 10% species, 20% genus, 30% family
Forestry Board
The Blue Island Forestry Board discussed major revisions to the city's tree ordinance, citing issues such as lack of jurisdiction over parkways, no urban forester or certified arborist on staff, and outdated ANSI guidelines. The board voted to build the new ordinance from the Chicago Regional Tree Initiative (CRTI) template, with review by Public Works Superintendent Jim Poelsterl, Thomas Wogan, and Mark Patoska before sending to the lawyer. They also approved a $10,000 budget request to support a matching CRTI grant (up to $12,000) for a complete tree inventory, and discussed developing a management plan, possible spring/fall plantings, and community events.
- Voted to construct new tree ordinance from CRTI template
- Approved $10,000 budget request for CRTI matching grant (up to $12,000)
- Identified need for urban forester and certified arborist
- Discussed developing a tree management plan
- Possible tree plantings with Student Conservation Association and CRTI