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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Abby Schuler, Downtown Services Manager
DATE: 5/26/23
SUBJECT:
A Resolution authorizing the City to accept a grant award of $24,658 from the Morton Arboretum for the 2023 Chicago Region Earmark Urban and Community Forestry Support in the Chicago Region Grant Program with the City to contribute matching funds of $8,261 to improve the forest health of the downtown.
PURPOSE:
To obtain City Council approval of a grant to be used to improve the tree canopy and forest landscape and health of the downtown.
BACKGROUND:
The City continually strives to expand and improve the tree canopy downtown. The landscape of this area presents several challenges including limited open space, steep riverbanks, invasive tree species and mature trees in need of particular care.
DISCUSSION:
The grant will provide $24,658 (75%) of funding and the City will fund $8,261(25%) for a total improvement of $32,919 to the forest health of downtown. The funds will be used for the following: planting and care of 34 new trees, pruning 10 existing trees, removal of invasive species between the bike path and the river, and professional development training for all Downtown Services staff, including IAA Advanced Tree Site and Selection Certifications for the two Horticulturists. The labor costs for staff to attend training will cover and complete the required matching funds from the City.
Grant work is expected to start in July 2023 and be completed in fall 2024. The grant period runs through August 2025.
Funding for the grant will require a budget amendment of $24,658 for expenses from accounts:
101-4030-418-38-05 Contracted Services $14,369
101-4030-418-42-01 Education Training $1,500
101-4030-418-65-40 Trees $7,829
101-4030-418-61-22 Landscaping Supplies $750
101-4030-418-65-21 Mulch $210
No additional funds are needed for City matching funds. The staff will attend training during regular work hours.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
This resolution must be approve...
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