Agenda - Council - 03/13/1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CASE DECLARE ARBOR DAY AND AUTHORIZATION FOR RELATED EVENTS By: Environmental Specialist Bruce Bacon and Zoning Administrator Sylvia Frolik Background: Arbor Events Proclamation: Arbor Day 1991 is approaching. In past years, the Mayor and Council have issued a local proclamation declaring the day. This year it is Friday, April 26th and Arbor Month is May. The Mayor and interested Councilmembers are invited to participate in a ceremonial tree planting, either on Friday, April 26th at Ramsey Municipal Center or on Saturday, April 27th at Ramsey Elementary School. The City of Ramsey met the criteria to again be designated "Tree City, USA" (1990) for our second year. There will be an awards banquet around the end of April if the Mayor or Councilmembers would like to attend. Annual Tree Sale: For the last decade, the City has been host to a commercial tree sale for residents at Ramsey Municipal Center. Last year, over 3,000 bare root trees, seedlings and shrubs were sold by the vendor two hours into the sale. Two local nurseries sold additional nursery stock until 1:00 p.m. at the local "Green Business Expo". This year the "Green Businesses" have been invited by the K.A.B. Committee to set up at the Elementary School as part of the Environmental Expo fi'om 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. In order to increase the variety of species offered at the annual tree sale, as well as provide stock at the most competitive prices to the residents, staff recommends authorization to seek price quotes from area nurseries and to invite up to three vendors to sponsor the sale. The process proposed is like that used for the annual pet clinic. Gift Trees for .Residents: For the last two years, the City has purchased single seedlings packaged in plastic sacks through the Minnesota Forestry Association. Last year, the City provided 2400 trees that were distributed to Ramsey residents at the Pet Vaccination Clinic, Clean Up Day, Green Business Expo and annual tree sale. An additional 600 trees were distributed at the Elementary School. City Staff recommends that 2600 trees at 55¢ each be purchased for distribution to Ramsey residents who participate in the spring events in 1991. The 1991 budget provides $3,000 for trees. The seedlings would cost about $1,450. Arbor Plantings on City Land: The City has requested free trees from the Minnesota DNR for planting on City property again this year. These are bare root seedlings and 1000 were planted with volunteers last year at 4 sites; Municipal Center Campus, Elementary School and two parks. This year staff~ is recommending that the remaining $1,550 in the 199I budget be used to purchase more mature trees for planting on public property in 1991.