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Resolution authorizing the purchase of additional trees from various vendors for a sum not to exceed $15,000, and authorizing a budget adjustment of $15,000 to fund the purchase with monies received from the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Mitigation Grants ($10,000 and $5,000).
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WHEREAS, this project will allow us to utilize monies from the Emerald Ash Borer Mitigation Grants from the WI Regional Planning Commissions and WI DNR to plant an additional 190 trees and shorten the total time it takes to replace the Ash trees removed due to EAB; and
WHEREAS, the Emerald Ash Borer Mitigation Grants from the WI Regional Planning Commissions and WI DNR were not identified in the 2019 Forestry Department Budget; however, the Forestry Department will be receiving $15,000 from the Emerald Ash Borer Mitigation Grants from the WI Regional Planning Commissions and WI DNR in 2019 which will be used to fund the additional trees; and
WHEREAS, the replacement trees are planted according to our City's Master Tree Species Conversion Plan, and twenty-one (21) different genera are being planted in this proposal. This program will provide an opportunity to begin to restore the canopy lost due to EAB. The increased species diversity will create a healthier Urban Forest; and
WHEREAS, the impact to the community is that as the trees mature, they will again provide financial benefits of reduced storm water runoff, air pollutants, air conditioning costs, and water usage to maintain landscape plants and turf, along with improved aesthetics, additional shade provided, and increase property values. These trees will increase the Urban Forest canopy, and trees are the only infrastructure asset that appreciates over time.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Common Council of the City of West Allis that the purchase of trees from various vendors for a sum not to exceed $15,000 be and is hereby authorized.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a budget adjustment is hereby authorized to allow the grant funds from the Emerald Ash Borer Mitigation Grants from the WI Regional Planning Commissions and WI DNR be used to purchase the trees; the purchase will be charged to Account No. 100-4301-533.53-16, General Fund, Operational Supplies/Landscaping Materials.
ADM/ORDRES/2019/AFR2019.11