Title
Land Acquisition for Tree Canopy Preservation Program
Action
Action:
A. Approve the purchase of an approximately 0.12-acre parcel (parcel identification number 078-192-12) located at 118 Martin Street for a purchase price of $130,000,
B. Approve the expenditure of up to $600,000 over 12 months for land acquisitions, and
C. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute any documents necessary to complete these transactions.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Mike Davis, Engineering and Property Management
Tony Korolos, Engineering and Property Management
Tim Porter, Engineering and Property Management
Explanation
* In 2011, City Council adopted a goal of 50 percent tree canopy coverage by the year 2050. The Tree Canopy Preservation Program (TCPP) supports the goal through acquisition and protection of properties that are already forested or provide planting opportunities.
* The City's Tree Ordinance allows developers to pay into the Tree Ordinance Mitigation Fund (Fund), administered by the City, in lieu of saving trees on site. The City uses these funds for property acquisition and expenditures associated with ongoing tree preservation and maintenance.
* The program has gained national recognition and received local awards. It has been adopted as an innovative model in other cities, including Atlanta, Georgia.
* TCPP has acquired 224 acres to date and protected four times greater tree canopy than developers would have been required to under the on-site tree save option.
* TCPP supports focus areas and initiatives outlined in City Council's Urban Forest Master Plan, adopted September 25, 2017.
* Future plans for TCPP include increased preservation in more urban areas and development of an arboretum trail with educational signage and programming.
* All acquisitions through the program are voluntary.
Action A
* Staff identified the 0.12-acre parcel (parcel identification number 078-192-12) located in Council District 2 as a good candidate fo...
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