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Home My WebLink About2012 01 23 Informational 102 Tree City USA COMMISSION AGENDA Informational X Consent ITEM102 Public Hearings Regular January 23, 2012KSRS Regular MeetingCity ManagerDepartment REQUEST: The Community Development Department, Arbor Division, is informing the City Commission regarding Winter Springs being named a 2011 Tree City USA and a recipient of the Growth Award by the National Arbor Day Foundation. SYNOPSIS: Each year local governments around the country have an opportunity to participate in the National Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA Program. For more than 22 years, the City of Winter Springs has continued to exceed the qualifications for Tree City USA and has received the coveted ‘Growth Award’ for 14 years in a row. In addition, the City continues to be named one of only 16 Sterling Communities in the State of Florida since 2007. Staff is proud to announce that our City has once again been approved by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry, for award in all these categories under the Tree City USA Program. CONSIDERATIONS: Tree City USA Participation in benefits cities and local governments in six (6) ways, as summarized below: direction Provides initial for an urban forestry program.  Education of Citizens is facilitated and promoted.  image pride Improved public and increased in the community.  assistance Financial advantages are secured through increased opportunity.  opportunities Publicity are created in surrounding municipalities.  Informational 102 PAGE 1 OF 2 - January 23, 2012 To participate in the Tree City USA Program, four standards must be met to qualify for award: (1) the applicant shall have a Tree Board or Department, (2) the applicant shall have a Tree Care or Arbor Ordinance, (3) the applicant shall have a Community Forestry Program, and (4) the applicant shall hold an Arbor Day Celebration and Proclamation Ceremony. Winter Springs is now celebrating over 22 years as a Tree City USA. Growth Award’ ‘ is given to communities that go beyond the four standards of Tree City USA to accumulate points from specific projects that demonstrate improvement and growth of local tree care. A community that receives the growth award for 10 years or more, and has met stringent qualification criteria each consecutive year, is qualified to become a Tree City USA Sterling Community. Winter Springs has received the Growth Award for 14 years in a row and continues to receive the coveted ‘Sterling Communities Award’ in 2011. FISCAL IMPACT: There is no additional cost to the City for participation in the National Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA Program, however, continued participation affords the City a higher ranking when applying for many grants involving forestry and beautification, in addition to many other benefits of the program. COMMUNICATION EFFORTS: This Agenda Item has been electronically forwarded to the Mayor and City Commission, City Manager, City Attorney/Staff, and is available on the City’s Website, LaserFiche, and the City’s Server. Additionally, portions of this Agenda Item are typed verbatim on the respective Meeting Agenda which has also been electronically forwarded to the individuals noted above, and which is also available on the City’s Website, LaserFiche, and the City’s Server; has been sent to applicable City Staff, eAlert/eCitizen Recipients, Media/Press Representatives who have requested Agendas/Agenda Item information, Homeowner’s Associations/Representatives on file with the City, and all individuals who have requested such information. This information has also been posted outside City Hall, posted inside City Hall with additional copies available for the General Public, and posted at five (5) different locations around the City. Furthermore, this information is also available to any individual requestors. City Staff is always willing to discuss this Agenda Item or any Agenda Item with any interested individuals. RECOMMENDATION: Staff requests the City Commission receive and review the information provided in this Agenda Item. ATTACHMENTS: A) Tree City USA and Growth Award Confirmation Letters - Dated November 3, 2011 Informational 102 PAGE 2 OF 2 - January 23, 2012 FLORIDA FOREST SERVICE �4'" , . THE C NNE BUILDING . (850) — illi . ' 3125 CON ER BOULEVARD �';w{•� E�, ` ' ` ',c ; TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA 32399 1650 4-4f/.',.. ° FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES COMMISSIONER ADAM H. PUTNAM FM CFA Tree City November 3, 2011 Mr. John Rosenow Executive Director National Arbor Day Foundation 211 North 12 Street Lincoln, Nebraska 68508 Dear Mr. r. r oxen oar The city of Winter Springs, Florida has submitted the attached application for the Tree City USA Growth Award 2011. The application and supporting documentation has been examined by my staff. We have determined that this community hes met all requirements for the award. Accordingly, 1 recommend the award for the city of Winter Springs, Florida. Sincerely, Adam H. Putnam Commissioner of Agric • ture ,.., d ames R. Krell, Director Florida Forest Service JRK/saf Enclosure cc: Stephanie Wolfe, City Forestry, Winter Springs, FL Sean Gallagher, District Manager, Orlando District Dana Sussmann, Senior County Forester, Orlando District ..* Frees 1 .800-HELPFLA Fl6ilda w.is ro ldda.cr FLORIDA FOREST SERVICE i CONNER BUILDING ( 488 -4274 .. ; „ trA 3125 CONNER BOULEVARD TALLAHASSEE, FLOIUDA 32399-1650 FLORIDA D OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES COMMISSIONER ADAM H. PUTNAM FM CFA Tree City November 3, 2011 Mr. John Rosenow Executive Director National Arbor Day Foundation 211 North 12 Street Lincoln, Nebraska 68508 Dear Mr. Rosenow: The city of Winter Springs, Florida has filed the attached application for recertification as a Tree City USA. The application and supporting documentation has been examined by my staff and we feel that all standards for recertification have been met. , Accordingly, 1 recommend that the city of Winter Springs, FL be recertified as a Tree City USA 2011. Sincerely, Adam H. Putnam Commissioner of A. ri ulture James R. K rei , Director Florida Forest Service JRK/saf Enclosure cc: Stephanie Wolfe, City Forestry, Winter Springs, FL Sean Gallagher, District Manager, Orlando District Dana Sussmann, Senior County Forester, Orlando District Fresh 1- o -H LP Floilda, www.FreshFromFlorida.com