Minutes - 08/31/2005 - Library CommissionMINUTES OF THE AUGUST 31, 2005 SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE LIBRARY COMMISSION OF THE VILLAGE OF
OAK BROOK APPROVED AS WRITTEN ON
SEPTEMBER 20, 2005.
1. CALL TO ORDER: CALL TO ORDER
The special meeting of the Library Commission was called to order by Chairperson
Melissa Salazar in the Library Meeting Room at 6:30 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL: ROLL CALL
Commissioner Salazar called the roll with the following persons
PRESENT: Commission Chairperson Melissa Salazar, Commissioners Randa
Bishlawi, William Duff, Veena Mendiratta, Janice Skowron and
Lucia Sutton
ABSENT: Commissioner Madeline Bell
IN ATTENDANCE: Meg Klinkow, Library Director and Michelle Coduto, Office
Coordinator, Marcy Stewart- Pyziak, The Gardener's Tutor
representative
Chairperson Salazar began the meeting with a moment of silence for those in the
path of hurricane Katrina.
3. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: UNFINISHED
BUSINESS
LIBRARY LANDSCAPING: LIBRARY
LANDSCAPING
Chairperson Salazar introduced Marcy Stewart - Pyziak and thanked her for
attending the meeting.
The first point the Commission discussed with Stewart- Pyziak was the irrigation
needs for the front garden. Stewart- Pyziak explained that hand watering would be
sufficient as long as it was done on a regular basis. She suggested that the
Commission choose to use drought tolerant plants that don't require much
watering. She also explained to the Commission that irrigation systems can be
tricky because different plants require different amounts or water and some plants
can be killed through over - watering just as they can be killed without enough
water. She suggested that the Commission look at drought tolerant habitats, such
as the prairie, which includes the following plants: little blue stem, Russian sage,
hawthorn and prairie drop seed.
The subject of planting grass was discussed and Stewart- Pyziak advised the
Commission that a lawn would need to be watered more than drought tolerant
plants. A lawn should be watered deeply once every ten days. She also cautioned
the Commission to be aware of how close the grass is to the plants because the
grass will require mowing.
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Minutes Page 1 of 3 August 31, 2005
The next topic discussed was shade trees. Commissioner Bishlawi asked if there
were any smaller sized shade trees that are drought tolerant. Stewart- Pyziak
responded that most shade trees are an average of 40 -60 feet tall. She
recommended a "vase shaped" tree, such as honey locust, service berry, ironwood
or Kentucky coffee trees. She noted that a tree planted at the Library would have
to be able to tolerate high alkaline soil. Stewart- Pyziak suggested finding a small
ornamental shade tree of about 15 to 20 feet in height, such as the service berry or
ironwood, for the front garden. She also recommended junipers, which grow to
about six feet wide but only two feet tall to use as a shield so the front glass is not
constantly splashed with mud. The junipers do not need a lot of water and can take
the sun.
The next topic the Commission inquired about was soil amendment. Stewart-
Pyziak replied that there are two options where the front garden is concerned. The
first option is to excavate eight to ten inches and replace it with a better soil. The
second option is to bring in a soil - compost mix and add three to four inches on top
of the current soil.
Color was discussed next. Stewart- Pyziak suggested that winter color not be
concentrated on because patrons are not looking at the landscaping when it is so
cold outside. She did state that to get a nice winter effect, junipers, ornamental
grasses, blue indigo, Siberian iris and hardscapes work well. She also suggested
using plants that hold their foliage through the whole growing season, such as
sedums. Stewart- Pyziak also mentioned the importance of knowing the problems
with plantings before they are chosen, such as diseases and/ or sustainability.
Experts are available for consultation at the Morton Arboretum and the Chicago
Botanical Gardens.
The Commission discussed the feasibility of having a water feature in the garden.
Stewart- Pyziak pointed out that a fountain would pull the focal point away from
the doors. However, a small, informal fountain would pull people into the garden
without drawing the focal point away from the doors because patrons would not
see the fountain at a distance.
In an attempt to soften the view to the parking lot, Stewart- Pyziak suggested
smaller trees (2 to 2 -1/2 caliper) because they will establish faster. She did warn
the Commission not to expect the trees in the parking lot islands to last 100 years.
Since there is only a limited amount of space for the roots to grow in, the trees will
eventually die.
Stewart- Pyziak suggested a layering effect in the front garden to avoid a feeling of
claustrophobia when sitting inside the garden. She suggested that this be done
through the use of differently shaped plants and perennials. She also suggested that
the seating be blocked from the parking lot so that those sitting in the garden would
feel more comfortable.
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Minutes Page 2 of 3 August 31, 2005
Salazar reminded the Commission that the next meeting is scheduled for
September 20, 2005 at 7 pm. At that meeting, the Commission will discuss and
prepare a proposal packet, including an itemized wish list for the whole area of the
Library grounds.
4. ADJOURNMENT:
Chairperson Salazar moved to adjourn the meeting at
8:20 p.m. Commissioner Duff seconded the motion.
ATTEST:
s /Michelle Coduto
Office Coordinator
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Minutes Page 3 of 3 August 31, 2005
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