HomeMy WebLinkAbout6A Proclaim Arbor Day
Phone 952.447.9800 / Fax 952.447.4245 / www.cityofpriorlake.com
4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: APRIL 25, 2016
AGENDA #: 6A
PREPARED BY: GREG SKLUZACEK, PARKS MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR
PRESENTED BY: KATY GEHLER, PUBLIC WORKS AND NATURAL RESOURCES
DIRECTOR
AGENDA ITEM: PROCLAIM APRIL 29, 2016 AS ARBOR DAY IN THE CITY OF PRIOR
LAKE
DISCUSSION: Introduction
The purpose of this agenda item is to proclaim April 29, 2016 as Arbor Day
in the City of Prior Lake.
History
The City of Prior Lake became a Tree City in 2013 as a requirement of the
Forest Bonding Grants received in 2010 and 2012. The City was able to
plant over 600 trees along our boulevards and in our parks as a result of
receiving this funding.
Currently there are more than 3400 communities that belong to Tree City
USA. One of the requirements for Tree City status is to demonstrate a
commitment to caring for and managing public trees by celebrating Arbor
Day.
Arbor Day is celebrated nationally as well as throughout the world. This
designation originated in 1872 when Sterling Morton proposed to the
Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the
planting and caring for trees.
Current Circumstances
The renewal for Tree City is due by December 31, 2016. To meet the
requirements, the City must proclaim April 29, 2016 as Arbor Day.
Attached is a proclamation from the National Tree Board that will meet the
this requirement.
Other standards include spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry,
having a tree ordinance, and supporting a tree department or board. The
City currently spends $3.22 per capita on forestry. On staff, there are four
employees that are certified tree inspectors and two are also Emerald Ash
Borer (EAB) First Detectors who attend specialized training to maintain
these certifications. On August 13, 2013, City Council updated the tree
ordinance to include diseased and hazardous trees which fulfills the
requirement of having a tree ordinance in place.
Conclusion
It is recommended that the Mayor read the attached proclamation
namingApril 29, 2016 as Arbor Day to renew our commitment to Tree City
USA and meet the requirements of the Forest Bonding grants received.
ISSUES: The City of Prior Lake’s urban forest is a large asset of which the City can
be proud. The trees throughout the city are beneficial in numerous ways
including reducing erosion, cutting cooling costs, and providing wildlife
habitat as well as increasing property values of homes. Recognizing and
protecting this asset can assure the residents of the continued exisitence of
the urban forest.
FINANCIAL
IMPACT:
No financial impact
ALTERNATIVES: 1. The Mayor proclaim April 29, 2016 as Arbor Day in the City of Prior
Lake.
2. Table this agenda item for a specific reason.
1. Deny this agenda item for a specific reason and provide staff with
direction.
RECOMMENDED
MOTION:
Alternative 1.
ARBOR DAY PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS: The health of the people is tied to the health of their forests; and
WHEREAS: Trees and forests improve our physical health by cleaning the air, reducing
exposure to the sun’s UV rays, and decreasing temperatures during the
summertime; and
WHEREAS: Childhood asthma rates are lower in urban communities that have a higher
density of trees; and
WHEREAS: Trees and forests improve our mental health by reducing stress and increasing
concentration; and
WHEREAS: In 50 years, one tree provides $62,000 worth of air pollution control; and
WHEREAS: Forests create high-quality drinking water by acting as a natural filter; and
WHEREAS: Getting a daily dose of trees is healthy for all Minnesotans; and
WHEREAS: Each year, on the last Friday in April, and throughout the month of May,
Minnesotans pay special tribute to rural and community trees and all the natural
resources, and dedicate themselves to the continued vitality of our state’s
forests.
NOW, THEREFORE,
I, Kenneth Hedberg, Mayor of Prior Lake, MN do hereby proclaim
Friday, April 29, 2016, as:
ARBOR DAY
____________________________________________ ________________
Kenneth Hedberg, Mayor Date