Explanation
Background:
Since 2003, millions of ash trees have been killed by the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), a devastating invasive insect, which claims the life of otherwise healthy, mature ash trees in as little as one year. These funds will aid in response and recovery of the urban forests from the EAB infestation. Removing hazardous and soon-to-be hazardous trees from public streets and restoring lost tree canopy cover are the primary objectives of this grant program. Ordinance 1692-2010 authorized the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry grant to assist communities in Franklin County with the removal and replacement of infected and hazardous trees.
Emergency action is requested to enter into contract with ODNR and accept grant funds as soon as possible to address the Emerald Ash Borer infestation.
Fiscal Impact:
Contingent on July 10 Bond Sale.
The Department of Recreation and Parks, has determined that the funding necessary for this project will come from the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund and the Recreation and Parks Grant Fund.
Title
To authorize and direct the Director of Recreation and Parks to accept a grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry for $12,500.00 to address the Emerald Ash Borer infestation; to authorize the city grant match of $12,500.00 to be transferred and appropriated to the Recreation and Parks Grant Fund; to enter into contract with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry; to appropriate $12,500.00 from the Department of the Recreation and Parks Grant Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($25,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry has awarded the City of Columbus grant funding to address the Emerald Ash Borer infestation in Franklin County; and
WHEREAS, It is necessary for the Director of Recreation and Parks to enter into cont...
Click here for full text