Village of South Barrington Conservancy Commission met April 15.
Here are the minutes provided by the commission:
CALL TO ORDER by Commissioner Bodkin at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
• Commissioners present:
Diane Bodkin, Aga Razvi, Navraaz Basati, Corinne Chrystall
Guest: Nancy Munao, Trustee Bernie Kerman
APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY MINUTES 2021: Motion made by Commissioner Razvi, seconded by Commissioner Basati. Minutes approved.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Chair Bodkin introduced Trustee Kerman and thanked him for his interest in the Conservancy and for attending the commission meeting.
Bodkin announced that she and Commissioner Basati had met with Mayor McCombie early in the week to discuss a restructuring proposal for the new Conservancy Commission. Chairman Bodkin had submitted her resignation effective April 30, the end of her third term, citing health reasons and need to have more time for home and family. Basati floated the idea of contracting with ecological services for the landscape maintenance work and with Certified Master Naturalists and Master Gardeners for professional assistance in landscaping and ecological needs.
Basati urged commissioners to visit James Pace Phillips Park off Stearns Road in Bartlett to observe a managed small park of wetland, prairie, and pond.
Current Reports
Controlled Burn
Bodkin reported the controlled burn was completed April 7, 2021, by Applied Ecological Services, now called Resource Environmental Solutions RES, a company that had also done the past two burns. It was a one- day burn, for $4000, from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM just before it rained. Bodkin stated she was pleased they had done a very thorough job with care around the oak trees and the bird boxes. She did state that she alerted Dustin Wire to the exposed teasel florets in the Scarecrow Field now easy to see and spray.
Eagle Scout Project
Bodkin reported that Eagle Scout candidate Phillip Silbert notified her that he is ordering the supplies and plans to build the island two weeks from now, the May 1 weekend.
Invasive Species Treatment
Bodkin stated Dustin Wire will continue to be the designated Invasive Species Eradication expert. He is budgeted for $1000 worth of invasive control in the 2021-2022 budget.
Showcase Clean up
Bodkin reported the dense leaves and twigs have been cleared in the Showcase Garden. There is need for mulch after the new shoots are high enough to fend for themselves. She added that more wildflower plants and sedges would be helpful in pushing out the weeds.
Serenity Garden
The status of the order for new benches was not known at the time of this report. It is hoped they will be ordered before the end of the month in order to take advantage of the more than $300 discount given. Commissioner Basati and Bodkin will need time to
identify and prepare the five sites for the benches. Twigs and branches are being removed, and the buckthorn seedlings need to be herbicided again before more activity in the area.
Arbor Day Celebration
Arbor Day will be celebrated Saturday, May 1, at 10 AM. Commissioner Basati will guide the attendees on a short walk around the perimeter of the picnic grounds to introduce the new tree stake signs.
Attendees will shovel token loads of dirt on the new Black Tupelo to give it a good start. Following that, there will be refreshments in the parking lot Bistro by the hut.
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Current Commissioners’ Unanimous Recommendations:
1. That the New Conservancy Commission be enlarged to seven volunteer members with technical backgrounds with a minimum of three credentialed Master Naturalist, Master Gardener, and/or Master Educator in Ecological/Environmental Studies. That these members be tasked with planning and decision-making but not physical labor unless by their own choice. Individual contracts with Master Gardeners could help bridge the interim between the end of the current Conservancy commission and the creation of a new commission. Special projects could be done by thes ecologically dedicated Masters as part of their annual recertification requirements.
2. That Routine Landscape Maintenance be done by a hired professional ecological service to enhance the gardens and make them inviting to visitors.
That the current individual contributors continue to be responsible for mowing the picnic areas, maintaining trail width and freedom from weeds; a tree arborist to monitor and confer about tree health and to recommend care; and an invasive eradication specialist to ward off potential take- over by strong weeds in the garden areas.
3. That a vigorous and regular promotion of the benefits of using the Conservancy be the subject of the Mayor’s “Weekly Village Update” emails and other social media such as Facebook and Instagram pages. That this promotion of the Conservancy’s attractive features be spread to residents and to immediate neighboring communities through surveys in newsletters and in person- to -person interviews, asking residents and visitors about activities and benefits they would like to see in their Conservancy.
4. That the Village strongly consider a Disabilities, ADA compliant, 8’ wide asphalt trail from the parking lot, meandering behind the mound, squaring around the east periphery of the picnic grounds, running parallel past the Showcase Garden and the Serenity Garden, and connecting with the ramp to the Observation Platform. This path would be used by persons in wheelchairs, persons with walkers, strollers, and persons who are walking on rainy days and not wanting to get their feet wet.
5. That priority landscape attention be given to the front incline on the Entrance mound, the most visible area, to insure an attractive, inviting, continuous infusion of plants and sedges to greet visitors driving by.
6. That the Showcase Garden be monitored for seasonal removal of weeds and fallen twigs and be given a dose of good quality mulch every two years. That approved native wildflowers and sedges be allowed to be donated by residents to infuse the open areas.
7. That the Village hire professional assistance for the hardscape plan in the Serenity Garden. That credentialed experienced ecological personnel are needed to lead volunteers with the landscape plantings.
8. That existing trees in the small arboretum be monitored by a professional arborist walking the grounds quarterly to catch early any signs of tree distress. That the Village hire professional service to cut down the current dead Linden tree by the most southeast picnic table. That more understory trees be considered for plantings in the gardens and open areas.
9. That an attractive resin sign be added at the front of the parking lot to include a “You are Here” map and easy- to -read trails on the south side. That other trail signs be considered for distances to various locations to encourage walkers and runners.
10. That the Eagle Scout Projects, the Observation Platform and Ramp, be given a coat of stain to protect the three- year- old surface. That the crushed limestone landing 5’x5’ be completed to connect with the eventual ADA path and to ensure a safe step down from the current ramp.
That the Floating Island be monitored for refurbishing of plants and mulch.
11.That a potable water source and safe access to electrical power be made available for residents’ use for social events on the picnic grounds.
12. That the new commission be made aware of potential new areas for added interest, such as the Pollinator Garden on the south side off the main grass trail, and the Butterfly Garden to the right off the same trail. Attempts were made years ago in these areas but left undone due to lack of volunteers and the need for heavy equipment to do the needed clearing.
13. That the policy of no Dogs being allowed on the picnic grounds or trails, with or without a bag be reinstated and enforced. Too much evidence of misuse of this privilege renders the picnic grounds and the trails unhealthy for those using them. Enforcing this policy will be difficult, but a fine is recommended for non -compliant visitors.
14. That existing Bird Nesting Boxes will continue to be monitored by the Regency resident who is quite experienced with the bird species. He has agreed to keep the boxes in good shape on Park District property, as well as the ones in the Conservancy. He would like an understudy to train with this hobby.
15. That Trash pickup from the two large trashcans by the parking lot continue to be faithfully done by the Park District with genuine appreciate from the Conservancy commission. It is recommended that a resident or a paid person walk the grounds weekly on Mondays after a weekend to pick up residual dropped or blown trash.
16.That the new commission highly consider developing more defined partnerships with educational entities such as District 220, providing lab work in fields for elementary and high school students, and with individual businesses in the Arboretum, such as past supporters, L. L. Bean and Pinstripes.
17. That the new Conservancy Commission consider several suggestions for new activity and events to bring attention and use to the Conservancy: a 5K run, Geocaching event, Tai chi or yoga outdoor class, photography classes for children and adults, and a walking club.
ADJOURNMENT: Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Commissioner Razvi, seconded by Commissioner Basati. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
https://southbarrington.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/2021.04-15-min-cc.pdf
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