Consent 1.J.
Regular City Council Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 01/14/2013
- TITLE
- 2013 Urban and Community Forestry Development Project Grant
- PRESENTED BY:
- Mike Whitaker
- Department:
- Parks/Rec/Public Lands
Presentation:
Information
PROBLEM/ISSUE STATEMENT
The Parks, Recreation and Public Lands Department applied for and recieved a 2013 Urban and Community Forestry Program Development Grant from the State of Montana, Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). The grant objectives are to improve the management of Billings urban forest, execute a tree planting initative that will improve the urban environment and educate the public on trees and their benefts to the community.
The grant's objectives will be met by purchasing tree inventory computer software that will provide for more efficient management and care of over 9,000 park trees and other public trees, establishing a tree planting initiative called "Replant the South Side" with the goal of planting 100 trees in and around South Park with volunteer assistance from South Side residents and organizations and by developing a public education program utilizing educational displays in city parks about the value and benefits of trees.
The grant's objectives will be met by purchasing tree inventory computer software that will provide for more efficient management and care of over 9,000 park trees and other public trees, establishing a tree planting initiative called "Replant the South Side" with the goal of planting 100 trees in and around South Park with volunteer assistance from South Side residents and organizations and by developing a public education program utilizing educational displays in city parks about the value and benefits of trees.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYZED
1. Accept the 2013 Urban and Community Forestry Program Development Grant from DNRC and approve the Grant Agreement;
2. Decline the 2013 Urban and Community Forestry Program Development Grant from DNRC.
2. Decline the 2013 Urban and Community Forestry Program Development Grant from DNRC.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The 2013 Urban and Community Forestry Program Development Grant amount from DNRC is $12,780.00. The grant requires a 50/50 match from the City of Billings. The grant application proposed matching the DNRC grant amount with $4,000.00 from the FY 13 Trash for Trees fund for tree purchases and $2,821.00 from the FY 13 Urban Forestry fund to purchase supplies and materials for the project. No additional funding or budget amendments are being requested because both funds have sufficient funds available in the FY 13 budget to provide the match. Additionally, the grant application proposed matching the DNRC grant amount with $11,180.00 of donated and in-kind services for project administration, seasonal labor, volunteer labor and donated supplies and materials.
Grant Amount - $12,780.00
City Funds - 6,821.00
In-Kind Services- 11,180.00
Total Project Amount - $30,781.00
Grant Amount - $12,780.00
City Funds - 6,821.00
In-Kind Services- 11,180.00
Total Project Amount - $30,781.00
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council accept the 2013 Urban and Community Forestry Program Development Grant from DNRC and approve the Grant Agreement.