City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: April 16, 2024
From: Daniel S. Wall, P.E., Director of Public Works
Department: Public Works
Submitted by: Manuel Garcia, Deputy Director of Public Works Subject
Arbor Day Proclamation and Application for Tree City USA 2024 Recommendation
A. Proclaim April 26, 2024 as Arbor Day in the City of Vernon; B. Authorize the Public Works Department to apply to the Arbor Day Foundation for Tree City USA 2024 certification; and
C. Authorize the Mayor to sign the 2024 Tree City USA Application for Certification when it becomes available.
Background
Arbor Day originated in Nebraska City, Nebraska in 1872. The Nebraska State Board of Agriculture accepted a resolution by J. Sterling Morton "to set aside one day to plant trees, both forest and fruit." Since then, all 50 states have passed legislation adopting Arbor Day, which is celebrated on a date appropriate for tree planting in each state's respective region. California's official Arbor Day is recognized annually on March 7, however, the benefits of trees may be celebrated at any time of year. The City’s proclamation coincides with National Arbor Day which falls on April 26, 2024.
It is recommended that City Council proclaim April 26, 2024, as Arbor Day in the City of Vernon.
Additionally, staff seeks Council's authorization to apply for Tree City USA designation as provided by the Arbor Day Foundation.
On November 19, 2019, the City adopted Ordinance No. 1263, the "Tree Ordinance," which establishes that the Director of Public Works shall be responsible for the enforcement of the Tree Ordinance and the maintenance of City-owned trees. Furthermore, the Public Works Department (Department) maintains a budget of $100,000 (close to $500 per capita) for tree planting and maintenance. The Department continues to maintain and expand the City’s urban forest, recognizing the importance of trees as a source of beauty and comfort that creates a healthy living environment, promotes energy conservation, and improves air quality.
The Arbor Day Foundation is a national non-profit organization dedicated to planting trees and improving the environment. The Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Services and National Association of State Foresters, recognizes cities throughout the nation under its Tree City USA program. The Department seeks City Council authorization to submit an application to the Arbor Day Foundation for the City of Vernon to be designated a Tree City USA for the fifth year. There are four (4) requirements that must be met prior to submittal of a Tree City USA application to ensure that every qualifying community has a viable tree management program. The City has already met the first three requirements and by proclaiming April 26, 2024, as Arbor Day in Vernon, the City will have fulfilled all four of the requirements noted below:
1) Designate a responsible Tree Board/Department;
2) Possess an adopted Tree Ordinance;
3) Implement a Community Forestry Program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita; and
4) Proclaim and Observe Arbor Day.
The City of Vernon was honored with the Tree City USA designation in past years. The proposed application would be submitted for the City to be considered for certification as a Tree City USA for the year 2024.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
Attachments
1. 2024 Arbor Day Proclamation