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Approval of submittal of an application for an Urban & Community Forestry Program Grant
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SUMMARY: The Crossville Tree Board is requesting approval to apply for the 2017 Urban & Community Forestry Grant to fund the part-time Urban Forester position (less than 30 hours per week) for the second year. The 2016 grant was awarded for $32,000 with the City’s actual cash match of $11,000 plus salary and in kind matches.
As discussed last year, the second year of funding would be reduced to 80% of $32,000; therefore, offering $25,600 in grant funds. The City will be responsible for the remaining 20% ($6,400) plus $11,000 (routine tree board operating expenses and horticulture supplies) for a total actual cash match of $17,400.
Some accomplishments of the City of Crossville’s Urban Forester, Seth Harrison:
• Tree pruning workshop for Public Works and Cumberland County School System
• Complete inventory for the City managed trees at municipal buildings, parks, and streets
• Visual assessment of condition of City owned trees
• Planned the removal of dead trees in park areas
• Planned and in process of tree planting project along Miller Avenue
• Increased tree canopy over City with each new planting project
• Increased economic value of City’s urban forest
• Managing sale of timber project on Maryetta Avenue and at Crossville Memorial Airport
• Inventoried Tree Board event supplies
• Created connection between Crossville and Knoxville’s Urban Forester for ideas and practices
• Tree plantings at City Hall and Centennial Park
• Collaborated with UT for management plan at Meadow Park Lake
• Reviewed trees for ADA compliance along sidewalks
• Organized City’s Arbor Day Event and collaborated with the State of Tennessee’s Forestry Department to hold State Arbor Day Event in Crossville
• In progress of submitting approval to City Council to complete application for Tennessee Agriculture Enhancement Grant to purchase trees for the City
• Developing a working relationship with Habitat for Humanity on new neighborhoods to promote tree plantings
• Diversified current urban forest with a wide variety of species being planted
• Technical advisor during acquisition of right-of-ways and determining tree valuation
Work still to be accomplished based upon requests from Crossville Tree Board
• Continue training of personnel on proper tree maintenance
• Continue to assess tree canopy in the City
• Monitor trees for health, damage, and pruning needs
• Continue to promote the need for a healthy urban forest
• Educate the public on benefits of trees (i.e. stormwater reduction and utility cost reduction)
• Continue to serve on Tree Board and coordinate with the city’s maintenance department
• Represent City of Crossville with state urban forestry
• Seek grant money
• Community outreach and general tree consultant to the residents of Crossville
• Aid in past invasive species removal in the City. Crossville has a high population of privet, bush honeysuckle, and Bradford Pear throughout.
• Work with Meadow Park Lake Commission on forest management plan and ensure that its coordinated with the City of Crossville’s plan
• Continue to implement the tree planting program in order to increase the City’s future canopy
BUDGET ACCOUNT:
Recommended Action
NECESSARY COUNCIL ACTION: Approve application for Urban & Community Forestry Grant