Agenda - Council - 09/12/2023 - Laserfiche WebLink

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that they are interested in having a replacement tree planted. All of these activities are eligible expenses. This grant program could also provide funding for the purchase and installation of new trees. The City could utilize grant funds to complete the boulevard tree installation along Sunwood Drive (from Center Street east towards Ramsey Boulevard), helping to reduce the cost of future development projects on the adjacent vacant parcels. Furthermore, these funds could also assist in establishing some of the landscape within The Waterfront and possibly the Trott Brook Crossing community park, resulting in some considerable cost savings in the development of these parks. Applicants can seek up to a maximum of $500,000 through the ReLeaf Community Forestry grant program (through a single application or cumulatively via multiple applications). The deadline to submit an application(s) and supporting information is September 18, 2023. Successful applicants will be notified in mid -October and it is anticipated that contracts will be executed by the end of 2023 so that grant projects could begin as soon as January 1, 2024. This grant runs through June 30, 2027. Alternatives Alternative 1: Authorize Staff to apply for ReLeaf Community Forestry grant funds. The City will continue to identify and remove EAB infested public trees. Additionally, the City will be installing new trees over the next several years in The Waterfront, the Trott Brook Crossing community park, and/or within boulevards. Both of these activities are eligible expenses for reimbursement through this program. Seeking cost savings and additional funding sources is imbedded in one of the strategies within the 2023 Strategic Plan. Staff supports this alternative. Alternative 2: Do not authorize Staff to apply for ReLeaf Community Forestry grant funds. The management of EAB infested public trees is an ongoing responsibility of the City, and is outlined in the City Council approved EAB Management Plan. Similarly, regardless of whether there are grant funds or not, new and/or replacement trees will continue to be planted. If there is funding that can offset these costs, it would seem prudent to pursue it. Staff does not support this alternative. Funding Source: This case is being handled as part of Staffs regular duties. Recommendation: The Environmental Policy Board recommended that the City apply for grant funding to offset costs related to managing EAB and increasing canopy cover through the installation of new trees. Action: Motion to adopt Resolution #23-208 authorizing Staff to apply for ReLeaf Community Forestry grant funding. Attachments DNR's Request for Applications Adopted EAB Management Plan Draft EPB Meeting Minutes Dated August 21, 2023 Resolution #23-208: Authorization to Apply for ReLeaf Community Forestry Grant Funds Form Review Inbox Reviewed By Date Mark Riverblood Mark Riverblood 09/06/2023 01:03 PM Brian Hagen Brian Hagen 09/07/2023 02:05 PM Form Started By: Chris Anderson Started On: 09/05/2023 12:36 PM Final Approval Date: 09/07/2023