Committee of Peers: Part 2

If you've ever taken a look at the Lake Saint Louis city calendar or the list of boards and committees online, you might have wondered what all the initials mean or what purpose each group serves.

In both new projects and projects for additions or replacements.

In Part 2, we'll be looking at the Green Committee, the Park Board and the Tree Board.

The Park Board

What is commonly called the Park Board is established in the city code as the "Park and Recreation Board."

The board consists of seven members who serve two-year terms. Members are appointed by the mayor, with approval of the board of aldermen. The park board meets on the third Tuesday of each month.

The Park and Recreation Board's duties include:

• Advising on fee changes for all programs/special events, facility and sport field reservations
• Assisting in volunteer recruitment and coordinating with staff on special events assignments
• Making recommendations on all major proposals and propositions for the construction and improvement of public parks and recreation facilities, including the acquisition of land for park purposes
• Developing and recommending methods of discouraging vandalism
• Recommending to the Parks and Recreation Director new rules and regulations for parks and recreations facilities, properties and programs
• Promoting and stimulating public interest in the city's parks, programs and special events
• Taking on extra duties as requested be the board of aldermen
• Making recommendations for Friend of the Park recognition

Currently serving on the board are Harold Gaines, Anne Hansen, Tom Mispagel, Tom Pontius and Marsha Sverdrup.

Tree Board

The Tree Board consists of five residents who are appointed by the mayor with the approval of the board of aldermen, and includes the Community Forest Manager as an ex officio member. Members serve three-year terms.

The Tree Board's responsibilities include:

• Investigating, counseling and developing, as well as updating,  and administering written plans for the care, replacement, maintenance and removal of trees and shrubs in parks, along streets and in other public areas of the city
• Considering all existing and future utility, public works and environmental factors when recommending improvements
• Reporting and making recommendations on special matters that come up related to trees

Currently serving on the Tree Board are Jim Bowers, Chris Griffith, Susie McDonald and alternates Ann Finklang and Andrew Mulitsch.

The Tree Board currently has a vacancy.

Green Environmental Advisory Committee

The city's website describes the purpose of The Green Environmental Advisory Committee as advising elected officials and staff on energy and environmental issues, and assisting in efforts to inform and educate residents on "the wise use of natural resources, sustainable energy use, new recycling opportunities and other pertinent green environmental matters."

The committee has seven members and meets on the last Friday of the month at 9:00 a.m. Currently serving on the board are Chairman Edward C. Young, Vice Chairman L. Scott Ellis, Dana Delibovi, Ann Finklang, Keith Stone, Alderman John Pellerito and Director of Community Development Steve Schertel.