Title
A Resolution authorizing the implementation of the Neighborhood Tree Succession and Initiation Program; and authorizing an amendment to the Fiscal year 2013-2014 Annual Budget to recognize as revenue a $3,601,081 transfer from the General Capital Improvement Fund Reserve and to appropriate such funds to cover the cost of the Program.
Body
On May 8, 2012, the City Commission passed Resolution No. 2012-95 authorizing staff to proceed with a tree succession and initiation plan design for residential neighborhoods throughout the City. Curtis and Rodgers Design Studio was selected to develop the program that would replace thousands of stressed and dying trees and to add new ones to our City’s beautiful tree canopy, which is one of our City’s greatest assets.
After performing an extensive survey of every tree in residential neighborhoods, the consultants have recommended planting over 3,000 trees and palms to enhance our urban forest. The program is designed to replace missing, sick or hazardous trees, as well as to promote species diversity. Curtiss and Rodgers evaluated neighborhoods to assess the appropriateness of the species of the trees in that area. They looked at the past performance of trees, identified new species for inclusion, and were mindful of preserving the historically established tree themes.
As part of the process, the community was extensively involved. The City was divided into 5 zones for public neighborhood meeting discussions, which were held in 2013 on September 25, October 2, October 9, October 15, and October 16.
After public input Curtiss and Rodgers finalized a plan that proposes removal of trees in hazardous condition and replacement with healthy trees. The residents on the coconut palm themed streets that had greater than 30% of the palms missing or unhealthy were surveyed and allowed to vote to decide whether to change the theme of their street from coconut palms to canopy trees. Coconut palms in poor condition needin...
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