SUBJECT: Staff Report
Title
Town of Erie Tree Planting Initiative Program Funding for 2017
Body
DEPARTMENT: Parks & Recreation
PRESENTER: Farrell Buller, Parks & Recreation Director
FISCAL INFORMATION:
Cost as Recommended: $ 85,000
Balance Available: $ 85,000
Budget Line Item Number: 330-50-110-531040 - $30,000
330-50-110-570200 - $55,000
330-50-110-570160 - $30,000
New Appropriation Required: No
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends allocation of the Tree Impact Fund monies to continue the support of Town tree planting initiatives.
End
SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER:
The Tree Planting Initiative Program was established in 2005, based on a recommendation presented by the Town Tree Board, and has resulted in planting more than 6,400 new trees in Erie. The tree initiative program consists of five components: Residential, Homeowners Association Cost Share Program, local schools and non-profit organizations, Town Tree Program and the New Home Certificate Program. In 2016 a total of $83,206.31 was spent supporting these programs and the statistics (shown below) indicate how popular this program continues to be with our residents:
> Residential Program - 57% redemption rate with 283 of 500 certificates redeemed ($28,289.64)
> HOA Cost Share Program - Seven HOA participated with a total of 44 trees planted ($10,472.50)
> School/Non-Profit Program - No participation
> Town Tree Program - 120 trees planted ($18,624.50)
> New Home Certificate Program - 197 certificates were issued with 127 redeemed ($25,819.67)
The approved 2017 Operating Budget includes funds for the program to continue in 2017 as outlined below.
2017 Residential Tree Incentive Program - for 2017 staff is recommending that 400 certificates be issued, with a maximum program cost for all certificates not to exceed $40,000. Each certificate is valued at up to $100 toward the cost of a tree and must be planted on private residential property. Thi...
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