2004-01-12 Regular Meeting, Public Hearing, and Workshop Meeting

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.~ _ 3. We already approach a per capita expenditure of $2 when our current work with trees is - aon5idered: - - . o Annual tree pruning in parks and on Fairmont Parkway . - o Tree farm costs, irrigation, re-potting, planting, ebc. o Special landscaping (i.e. City Hall, Little Cedar Bayou, etc.). Tree removal costs _ _ . o .Public Works tree work (on street rights of way, etc.) o Golf Course tree work (removal,. pruning, and planting) We will identify an approximate value of expenditures for the current fiscal year and adjust next year's budget, if needed, to meet the required budget number of approkimately $66,000. 4. The celebration of Arbor Day (last Friday in April which is April 20, 2004) can be accomplished with ease through the Parks & Recreation~Department. We can schedule for a seedling give- away again in conjunction with the La Porte Garden Club, and other activities to promote trees. A Proclamation can be issued by the Mayor to. meet this part of the requirements If City Council wishes ~ proceed with implementation of this program, we would join .fifty-i~ree other Texas cities that are already in the program:- Membership in the Tree City, U.S.A. program will invdve changing some of the things we do, particularly in. the area of Parks & Recreation. Administratively, if Coundl directs, there will be an additional Board and/or a new P&RD division to manage and monitor. The program participation requires re-approval annually to assure that each requirement is ~ntinually met. In the long run, the benefits of such a program such as beautification, establishment of greenways, future development control, and others, far outweigh the costs and effort involved in its implementation. Staff recommends that the City pursue participation in-the Tree saty, U.S.A..program.