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AGENDA ITEM REVIEW FORM |
2.C.
Work Session
- Meeting Date:
- 11/04/2020
- Department Head:
- Kay Macuil
- Submitted By:
- Kay Macuil, City Attorney, Attorney's Office
Action Requested:
Discussion Item - No Action to be Taken
Ordinance
Ordinance
ITEM:
Discussion and possible directions to staff on any and all matters regarding Ordinance No. 401. An ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Luis, Arizona, for the management of trees in the City of San Luis and practices for the care of the trees and removal when in the health, safety, and welfare interests of the residents; amending the San Luis City Code; repealing any conflicting provision; providing for severability, and providing for penalties. ITEM CONTINUED FROM THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING HELD SEPTEMBER 23, 2020. (Lizandro Galaviz, Director of Parks and Recreation)
SUMMARY:
Tree City U.S.A. Program and Ordinance No. 401
City staff is requesting consideration to become a Tree City U.S.A. community. The program creates an opportunity to celebrate the importance of an urban tree canopy and improve city trees' vitality. Tree City U.S.A.’s program has been greening up cities and towns across America since 1976. The program provides a framework for the city to manage and expand our public trees' inventory.
To become a recognized Tree City U.S.A. community, the city must meet certain core standards of sound urban forestry management by maintaining a city department that part of their job maintains a focus on, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and celebrating Arbor Day.
Although becoming a Tree City U.S.A. community is a collective city departmental effort, staff is recommending that the Director of Parks and Recreation and associated staff be assigned to lead this effort. The Parks and Recreation Department budget meets the required per capita to grow and maintain the city’s urban canopy. The department routinely facilitates the city’s large events, and celebrating Arbor Day annually would be easily incorporated into the department’s events list.
City staff is requesting consideration to become a Tree City U.S.A. community. The program creates an opportunity to celebrate the importance of an urban tree canopy and improve city trees' vitality. Tree City U.S.A.’s program has been greening up cities and towns across America since 1976. The program provides a framework for the city to manage and expand our public trees' inventory.
To become a recognized Tree City U.S.A. community, the city must meet certain core standards of sound urban forestry management by maintaining a city department that part of their job maintains a focus on, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and celebrating Arbor Day.
Although becoming a Tree City U.S.A. community is a collective city departmental effort, staff is recommending that the Director of Parks and Recreation and associated staff be assigned to lead this effort. The Parks and Recreation Department budget meets the required per capita to grow and maintain the city’s urban canopy. The department routinely facilitates the city’s large events, and celebrating Arbor Day annually would be easily incorporated into the department’s events list.
To create a local tree program will include the development of a strategic plan of counting/recording, designating planting areas, and implementing a tree nursery program in partnership with local agencies. This information will create a foundation to work towards becoming a certified tree city and building environmental awareness in our community.
Approving the Ordinance meets the requirements of the Tree City U.S.A. program, and it will be the first step in implementing the program and seeking funds to help support the program.
RECOMMENDATION / SUGGESTED MOTION:
Discussion and possible directions to staff only, no action.
Fiscal Impact
- IS THERE FISCAL IMPACT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ITEM:
- No
- CITY/STATE/FEDERAL FUNDS:
- N/A
- TOTAL:
- N/A
- BUDGETED AMOUNT:
- N/A
- AVAILABLE AMOUNT TO TRANSFER:
- N/A
- ACCT NAME & GL#/REMAINING BALANCE BEFORE PURCHASE:
- N/A
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT (IF THIS IS A BUDGET TRANSFER, YOU MUST ATTACH THE BUDGET ADJUSTMENT FORM):
The Department of Parks and Recreation is currently the department charged with the maintenance of city trees. This ordinance codifies those responsibilities and there is no additional cost to the department. However, having this ordinance that spells out the management of the trees may lead to grant revenue for the city.