Title
Urban Forestry and Funding Options
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive the information on urban forestry funding options. Briefing only; No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on funding needs for three areas within the Urban Forestry Program.
Staff Contact:
Shelly Bentley, Urban Forest Program Manager, Community Planning and Development, 360.753.8301
Presenter(s):
Shelly Bentley, Urban Forest Program Manager, Community Planning and Development
Leonard Bauer, Deputy Director, Community Planning and Development
Jonathon Turlove, Associate Director, Parks, Arts and Recreation
Andy Haub, Director Water Resources, Public Works.
Kate Hartman, Water Resources Habitat Biologist, Public Works
Background and Analysis:
Urban Forest Program Funding Gaps
1. Street Tree Maintenance
The 2017 Street Tree Maintenance Manual (STMM) addressed the required maintenance of our 2500 street trees downtown and along ten major arterial streets (See attached Map of Street Trees). These are the only street trees the City takes responsibility for maintaining; all others are the responsibility of the adjacent property owner.
Current funding levels only allow maintaining street trees on average once every 15-17 years, well below the industry standard of once every 5-7 years.
The STMM identified a $120,000 funding gap to raise our current level of maintenance to the industry standard.
Staff have identified an incremental approach to increasing funding to this level.
An industry standard level of service would provide a dedicated, permanent crew and:
* Improve crew safety and efficiency.
* Prune more frequently to keep trees clear of signs, signals, and buildings.
* Improve citizen safety and reducing complaints.
2. City of Olympia Hazard Tree Emergency Fund
The City of Olympia current Hazard Tree abatement efforts are reactive and respond to citizen req...
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