TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution related to the City's receipt and use of Urban Forestry Inventory Grant funds of approximately $162,500 under the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood, Parks, and Coastal Protection Act of 2002, and the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2006. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
One of the stated goals of the City's Urban Forest Master Plan is to "protect and maintain the City's existing urban forest." To accomplish this goal, several actions have been recommended including the following:
· Conduct an assessment of the structure, environmental effects and value of the
City's urban forest, using the USDA Forest Service Urban Forest Effects (UFORE)
model.
· Update the Citywide tree inventory.
· Develop a cost-benefit analysis of the City's street and median trees using the
updated inventory and computer modeling tools.
The existing street tree inventory was professionally conducted over eight years ago. Since that time, the International Society of Arborists has published a Best Management Practices Manual for inventories, which was not available at that time. In addition the City has lost many trees to age, disease, and weather, and has also planted many new trees, which are not reflected in the inventory. By updating the street tree inventory, the City will have a thorough understanding of the distribution of the urban forest, its population and overall health. The benefit-assessment analysis will be used to support the solicitation for additional funding revenues, guide the City and its non-profit partners to increase the size and assess the air quality benefits generated by our urban forest.
The estimated cost for the updated inventory is $325,000. The City submitted a grant application and has been notified that the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) selected the City's application for funding under the Urban Forest Inventory Grant program, which will fund 50% ($162,500) of the estimated cost. The funding source to pay for the City's $162,500 share of the cost has not yet been secured.
When the recommended actions have been achieved, staff intends to present the information to the community through a multi-phased presentation program. The program will include presentations to the City Council, the Redevelopment Agency, the Port of Long Beach, non-profit partners including the Long Beach Organics, City appointed Tree Advisory Committee and Recreation and Parks Commission and the South Coast Air Quality Management District. By sharing this information, it is hoped that the City will be able to secure and leverage more funds to increase and manage the urban forest.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy R. Burton on April 2, 2008 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on April 8, 2008.
SUSTAINABILlTY
The tree inventory to be funded by this grant and subsequent cost-benefit analysis are essential to understanding, managing and preserving this important resource. As stated in the Appendix of the City of Long Beach Strategic Plan - 2010, it is the intent of the citizens to encourage the City to "Create an urban forest management program to increase the number of neighborhoods that can enjoy the beauty and shade provided by street tree canopies." The Urban Forrest Master Plan is the road map to guide the City toward achieving the. rewards of cleaner air, aesthetic value and community involvement.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this matter is requested for April 15, 2008, so that the required grant filing deadlines can be met.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Citywide tree inventory is estimated to cost $325,000. The CAL-FIRE grant is for an amount of $162,500 requiring a matching amount from other resources. The City's partners, the Redevelopment Agency and Port of Long Beach have been requested to contribute toward the $162,500 required match in order to avoid an impact to the General Fund. The project will not begin until the full match requirement has been secured.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR A GRANT UNDER THE CALIFORNIA CLEAN WATER, CLEAN AIR, SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD, PARKS, AND COASTAL PROTECTION ACT OF 2002 AND THE SAFE DRINKING WATER, WATER QUALITY AND SUPPLY, FLOOD CONTROL, RIVER AND COASTAL PROTECTION BOND ACT OF 2006
Respectfully Submitted,
Michael P. Conway
Director of Public Works
NAME |
APPROVED: |
TITLE |
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PATRICK H. WEST |
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CITY MANAGER |