PURPOSE

Staff is requesting City Council approval to appropriate $15,000 from the sustainability holding account to fund a continuation of the free parkway plant a tree program.

BACKGROUND

The Park, Recreation and Community Services Department�s budget allows for no cost tree replacement if the Forestry Section removes existing street trees for reasons beyond the property owner�s control.  The trees are only replaced when the property owner requests a replacement tree, and sufficient room exists in the parkway.  The property owner can request the replacement tree, at no charge, anytime within a five year time span from its removal date.

If the property owner does not fall within the above mentioned guidelines, then the property owner is assessed a minimal fee of $30 to plant a 15 gallon street tree.  This cost does not include any necessary planting materials, equipment or labor.  The reduced fee is the City�s effort to subsidize the community�s tree planting efforts with the primary goal of encouraging urban reforestation throughout our community.   There are approximately 5,000 vacant parkways in residential areas that have adequate room for tree planting. 

City Council funded a free street tree planting pilot program in FY 2006-07, funding 100 trees at no cost to residents, on a first-come, first-serve basis.  The work associated with planting the trees would be shared between the Forestry Section and a contractor.  The program was funded at $9,250.  During 2006-07, a total of 102 street trees were planted at no charge. This was possible due to the fact that City staff planted all the trees.

ANALYSIS

The additional $15,000 will allow for at least 150 parkway trees to be purchased and planted at the request of Burbank residents.  The trees will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Additionally, staff will inform residents of their choice selection based upon the Street Tree Master Plan. If there is a possibility that staff will be recommending a change or addition of species for a specific street, staff will notify the inquiring resident and, if desired, will place them on a list that will reserve a tree to be selected at a future date.

FISCAL IMPACT

During the FY 2007-08 Budget process City Council set aside $300,000 in a sustainability holding account for future appropriations.  Staff is requesting an appropriation of $15,000 from the sustainability holding account 001.ND000.62970 to the Park Services private contractual services account 001.PR21A.62170 to continue the free parkway tree program.

RECOMMENDATION

It is staff�s recommendation that City Council appropriate $15,000 for the free parkway tree program for Burbank residents on a first-come first-serve basis.

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