Subject:
Title
8:20 p.m. - 8:40 p.m. Request $50,000 of funding from the Maud Robinson Trust to be used for the planting of new trees.
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DATE(S) OF PRIOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF THIS ISSUE:
EXPLANATION AND SUMMARY:
In 2019, the Town of Vienna received $8+ million from Maud Robinson (referred to as Maud Robinson Trust), a long time Vienna resident and former councilmember, primarily for new sidewalks in Town. The Trust identified $50,000 to be used for municipal beautification, specifically the planting of new trees within the Town of Vienna.
In the past two years, the Town has learned valuable information regarding its urban forest. The Tree Inventory and Assessment (PlanIT Geo, 2023) identified more than 10,000 trees along streets, in parks and in green spaces. Approximately 4,200 of these trees need maintenance, removal, stump grinding, pest or disease control, etc. The Town also learned there are over 1,200 potential planting locations along streets. A study of the Town’s tree canopy coverage (Davey Resource Group, 2022) identified that the 2021 Town tree cover was 38.7%, down from 44.5% in 2011, a trajectory that the Town would like to reverse. There are proposed Code updates to affect how the Town regulates trees and their coverage on private property.
Utilizing the Tree Inventory and Assessment report, staff proposed planting 70 trees along six streets and 75 trees along East Creek Trail. A detailed list of addresses, tree species, quantity of trees and cost for purchase/delivery/installation was reviewed by Laurie Cole, executor of the Maud Robinson Trust, to confirm this tree planting project’s eligibility for Robinson Trust funding.
A summary of the tree installation proposal is provided:
Tree planting is expected to begin in spring 2024 with completion in November 2024, weather dependent. The residents impacted by tree plantings in front of their homes will be notified.
The Town looks forward to holding its Arbor Day Celebration at East Creek Trail on Friday, April 26, 2024, at 5 p.m., which will kick-off a volunteer riparian planting effort along East Creek Trail on April 27, 2024.
Strategic Plan Initiative: Vienna as an environmentally sustainable community
Board or Commission of Interest: Conservation and Sustainability Commission
Departmental Recommendation: The Director of Parks and Recreation recommends approval.
Finance Recommendation: Recommend approval
Purchasing Recommendation: Recommend approval.
Town Attorney Recommendation: The Maud Robinson Trust has a specific bequest provision for “the planting of new trees within the Town of Vienna or other similar projects” in the sole discretion of the Trustee. The Town Council may approve the proposal to seek Trust funds for tree planting in its discretion.
Town Manager's Recommendation: I recommend the Town Council request Maud Robinson Trust funds for tree planting, as presented.
Cost and Financing: $50,000
Account Number: TBD
Prior Funding Approval: Annual General Budget (Year), Amendments, CIP Budget (Year), or ARPA. N/A, funding provided by Maud Robinson Trust
Decision Needed by This date: March 4, 2024
PROPOSED/SUGGESTED MOTION
Recommended Action
"I move to request Maud Robinson Trust funds for tree planting and to authorize $50,000 of funding received from the Maud Robinson Trust to be used for municipal beautification, specifically the planting of new trees within the Town of Vienna.”
Or
Other action deemed necessary by Council.