Metro East Sun

City of Collinsville Cool Cities Committee met June 20.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Brennan called the meeting to order at 7:00pm. The following members were present and answered roll call: Brennan, Marconi, Lutz, and Young. Glotfelty were absent.

Also Present: Deputy City Manager Derek Jackson, Willoughby Farm Superintendent Carol Frerker, Sustainability/GIS Intern Logan Pelo

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Lutz made a motion to approve the April 18, 2022, meeting minutes. Seconded by Marconi. Voice vote: All Ayes. Motion approved (4-0)

SPEAKERS FROM THE FLOOR - NONE

DISCUSSION

E 1. Guest Speaker – Logan Pelo, Sustainability/GIS Intern

Jackson introduced Logan Pelo to the Committee. Pelo shared his background as a geographic information systems (GIS) graduate student, research assistant, and wildlife & conservation biology club president at SIUE. Pelo shared the projects he has been assigned as part of his internship with the city. The primary project is to create a Climate Action Plan. Pelo explained that he will be working with Dr. Sharon Locke and an undergraduate student, Thomas Steinwagner, to create a plan. Other projects include a sustainably plan audit, creating green educational resources as part of the city’s community outreach efforts, updating the city’s urban tree inventory, facility utility data, bike infrastructure, and solar panel potential site inventory.

E 2. Tree Ordinance Update

Jackson presented a draft tree ordinance to the Committee. Jackson explained that the city’s existing tree ordinance has not been updated since 2005. Jackson stated an updated was warranted because when the ordinance was originally created the city did not have a Parks & Recreation Department since Collinsville Area Recreation District (CARD) maintained all park facilities. Jackson explained that the existing ordinance used the term street trees because the Public Works department maintained all trees within the rights-of-way along Main Street and other areas of town. Jackson added that the purpose of the update would be to better situate the city’s application for Tree City USA status in the Fall of 2022. Jackson stated that he used the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ (IDNR) sample community tree ordinance as a guide. Jackson stated that the update includes the creation of a purpose section, addition of certain definitions, renaming all street trees to public trees, identifying the Parks & Recreation Department as the authority on public trees within the city, identifying the Community Appearance Board as the official Tree Advisory Board, creation of a prohibition against harming public trees section, and an overall update to numbering and cross referencing. Young provided staff with a comprehensive list of preferred and prohibited trees based on size and location. Jackson stated that he intends on removing tree species from definitions and will have a standalone section dedicated to tree species. The Committee provided feedback on a couple typos. Jackson stated that he anticipates this being back before the Committee in August. Jackson plans on bringing the draft ordinance before the Community Appearance Board and Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission in July for review. Jackson anticipates the final ordinance going before the City Council for final authorization late August or early September.

NEW BUSINESS - NONE

OLD BUSINESS - NONE

STAFF REPORT

Jackson informed the Committee that the next City Scoop will include articles related to Calls for Nominations for the Green Recognition Program, a voluntary tree inventory for residents and businesses, and an invasives species awareness consultation. Jackson stated that he will be working with the communications staff members to update the city’s website related to sustainability information. Jackson inquired with the Committee regarding the next street cleanup on Collinsville Road. The Committee tentatively agreed on July 16th. Carol Frerker updated the Committee on Willoughby’s progress on stormwater projects, rain scaping, and urban forestry.

COMMENTS FROM COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Marconi inquired about recycling political signs. Lutz stated that in the past OneSTL would drop a recycling dumpster at SIUE. However, because we have not heard anything recently which may be because the election being a primary and not a general.

ITEMS FOR JULY MEETING AGENDA

Jackson stated he does not have any guest speakers on the next agenda. Brennan stated that Shara Toennies may be back to discuss No Mow May with the Committee.

Motion to adjourn made by Lutz, seconded by Marconi.

Voice Vote: All Ayes. Motion Approved (4-0)

ADJOURNMENT at 8:39pm

https://collinsville.granicus.com/DocumentViewer.php?file=collinsville_af94faf848e013cc7bd9d8fbbbacefa0.pdf&view=1