HomeMy WebLinkAbout#06 - Tree City USA STAFF REPORT
DATE: 10/3/2017
CONSENT
ITEM:
TO: City Council
FROM: Rob Weldon, Public Works Director
AGENDA ITEM: Tree City USA Application
REVIEWED BY: Kristina Handt, City Administrator
BACKGROUND: Tree City USA is a national recognition program sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation. By meeting four standards, an incorporated municipality of any size becomes eligible to qualify. Until 2013 the City of Lake Elmo participated in the program and is now required to follow the application process to regain its status as a Tree City. ISSUE BEFORE COUNCIL: Does the City Council feel that the city should again gain its status as a Tree City? PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS: In order to become a Tree City there are several steps that must be achieved by the city. Those are; establish a tree board or department, create a tree care ordinance, establish
an annual budget of at least $2 per capita, and adopt an annual Arbor Day Proclamation and Observance. In addition to the above steps, the application for Tree City needs to be reviewed by a state forester.
Conformation has been received from the State Forester that trees supplied and planted by developers will count toward the $2 per capita amount as well as volunteer hours at any city sponsored tree event.
This topic was unanimously recommended at the September 25, 2017 Environmental Committee for City Council consideration. FISCAL IMPACT: None. All new trees that are planted in ROW’s through developer agreements can be used to offset the $2 per capita amount. In 2017 roughly 1,093 trees were planted in city ROW’s through developer agreements. OPTIONS: - Submit application for Tree City USA - Do not submit application for Tree City USA
- Table for further discussion
RECOMMENDATION: If removed from consent….. “Motion to approve submission of Tree City USA application to National
Arbor Day Foundation”