HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997 06 09 Informational Item D
COMMISSION AGENDA
IT EM
D
REGULAR
CONSENT
INFORMATIONAL X
June 9. 1997
Meeting
MGR t~/DEPT ~
Authorization
REQUEST: Advise the City Commission of the Tree Give Away Program for the 1997 Arbor
Day Celebration in conjunction with the Tree City USA requirements.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this Board item is to advise the City Commission of our intent to
continue to hold a Tree Give Away in observance ofthe Arbor Day Celebration
based on the success rate of the 1996 Tree Give Away.
CONSIDERATIONS:
The Public Works Department in conjunction with the Beautification Board
implemented a Tree Give Away Program in June 1996 to celebrate Arbor Day as part of the
Tree City USA requirements. The continuation of this program as an annual event was to be
based on the success ofthe program as measured by the survivability of the trees. The BOWS
board compiled a list of the recipients ofthe give away so that the Public Works Dept. could
conduct a survey of the survival rate six (6) months after the event. In April of this year an
inspection of the list was conducted and the following results were determined, based on the
total count of the trees given.
There were 550 trees given to 275 residents listed by address. Upon inspection ofthe
550 trees, 394 were verified to be alive and well. These numbers represent a 71.6%
survivability rate, and indicated that the proper planting procedures were followed. The
average cost of the trees was $7.10 each. The total cost of the lost trees (156) is $1107.00
with the surviving trees (394) cost $2797.00.
June 9, 1997
Information Agenda Item D
Page.2...
The Public Works Dept. has located the suggested Florida native species of trees,
which are as follows: Dahoon Holly, Tulip Poplar, Cherry Laurel. and Redbud. These trees
are grown in Central Florida and readily available. The cost of the 600 trees will average
$3.63 each including delivery to the city for a total cost of $2, 178.00. This cost represents a
savings of $3.47 per tree from the previous year, and an addition of 50 trees. It is intended
that one tree be given to each household versus the two given last year. The Board feels that
this would allow an opportunity for an even greater number of residents to receive the
trees. The actual future value of these trees towards the ecosystem and the beautification of
the city is worth continuing on an annual basis.
FUNDING:
The total cost of the event will be $2175.00 and funds for the this event are available
from the Public Works Arbor Improvements line code (4410-54685).
RECOMMENDA TIONS:
None Required
IMPLEMENTATION:
The notification of this event will be through the utility bill notes, Homeowner
Associations Newsletters, and the local newspapers. There will be a continuation of the
registering of the trees given, to follow up on the survival of the trees. It is the belief of the
board and the Public Works Dept. that holding the event during the rainy season will benefit
the survivability of the trees. The tentative date for this event is July 12, 1997 at 9:00 AM.
Public Works has inspected the nursery and found the trees to be of Florida Grade #1.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
COMMISSION ACTION: