Label
DPS Tree Planting Program $500,000
Urban Beautification
Megan Robson (x2306)/Dennis Kennedy (x1234)/Paul M. Rasmusson (x7868)
Revised
Title
Authorizing the appropriation and expenditure of $500,000 from the Local Fiscal Recovery Fund for the city’s Tree Planting Program; authorizing the Mayor to accept bids and award contracts; and declaring an emergency.
Body
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
The city received $180.9 million through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which can be used for the investment of creating and maintaining safe and livable neighborhoods. The Toledo Recovery Plan framework under Ordinance 530-21 included $500,000 for the city tree canopy in eligible neighborhoods.
Investing in neighborhood green spaces and tree cover promotes healthier living environments and improved mental health outcomes. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, an ideal percentage of urban tree cover for Toledo is 35-40 percent of each neighborhood. Tree coverage is beneficial for many reasons including, reducing energy usage, removing harmful air pollutants, reducing city temperatures, slowing traffic and promoting physical activity.
Summary
NOW, THEREFORE, Be it ordained by the Council of the City of Toledo:
SECTION 1. That the appropriation of $500,000 is authorized from the Local Fiscal Recovery Fund to Account Code 2021-27100-22TREECNPYNEI and expenditure of the same is authorized for the purchase and planting of trees as part of the City’s tree planting program.
SECTION 2. That the Mayor is authorized to accept bids and award contracts, for the purposes specified in Section 1, upon terms and conditions acceptable to the Director of Public Service and the Director Law.
SECTION 3. That the Finance Director is authorized to draw warrant or warrants against the above Account Code in an amount not exceed $500,000 in payment of all obligations created by this Ordinance upon presentation of proper voucher or vouchers.
SECTION 4. That this Ordinance is declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage. The reason for the emergency lies in the fact that the same is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety and property, and for further reason that the Ordinance must be immediately effective in order to allow the timely planting of trees.
Vote on emergency clause: yeas 12, nays 0.
Passed: February 21, 2023, as an emergency measure:
yeas 12, nays 0.
Attest:
Gerald E. Dendinger Matt Cherry
Clerk of Council President of Council
Approved: February 22, 2023
Wade Kapszukiewicz
Mayor