Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District, a non-profit corporation, to support the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department’s Tree Assistance Program in the amount of $62,200.00. The Columbus Tree Assistance Program (TAP) is an intergovernmental collaborative project between Columbus Recreation and Parks Department and Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District. TAP allows private landowners to apply for funds to plant trees on their private property.
Principal Parties:
Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District
Governmental Organization, subdivision of the State of Ohio
1404 Goodale Boulevard, Suite 100
Columbus, OH 43212
Jennifer Fish, Director 614-486-9613
Contract Compliance Number: 004386
Contract Compliance Expiration Date: March 5, 2027
Benefits to the Public: This project will increase the Urban Tree Canopy which reduces storm water runoff, reduces utility costs to nearby homes and businesses, and reduces air pollution. The plantings will add to the total overall canopy levels and help to reduce storm water runoff, heat-island effects and replace trees lost due varying causes of tree mortality.
Community Input/Issues: Columbus has an ambitious Urban Forestry Master Plan, with an overarching goal of reaching 40% tree canopy coverage across the city by 2050. A recent assessment found that only 22% of Columbus has tree canopy coverage. Though the City and our partners plant trees on public land, most land (and therefore the majority of the opportunity for increasing the tree canopy) in Columbus is privately owned. Through TAP, the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department can provide needed funds to Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District to cover the cost of trees, planting supplies, labor, and administrative costs to plant trees on private property. The program has demonstrated success since its pilot year in 2024, mobilizing neighbors, HOAs, civic associations, schools, and nonprofits to complete planting projects.
Area(s) Affected: Citywide (99)
Master Plan Relation: This project will support the Recreation and Parks Master Plan by planting trees intended to both replace and add to the City of Columbus’ Urban Tree Canopy.
Fiscal Impact: This ordinance authorizes the expenditure of $62,200.00 from the Recreation and Parks Special Purpose Fund, Subfund 222362.
Title
To authorize the Director of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District to support the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department’s Tree Assistance Program; and to authorize the expenditure of $62,200.00 from the Recreation and Parks Special Purpose Fund. ($62,200.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District to support the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department’s Tree Assistance Program; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $62,200.00 from the Recreation and Parks Special Purpose Fund 2223, Subfund 222362; and NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. Director of Recreation and Parks be and is hereby authorized to enter into contract with Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District to support the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department’s Tree Assistance Program.
SECTION 2. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That for the purpose stated in Section 1, the expenditure of $62,200.00 or so much thereof as may be necessary to pay the cost thereof, be and is hereby authorized from the Recreation and Parks Special Purpose Fund 2223, Subfund 222362 per the accounting codes in the attachments to this ordinance.
SECTION 4. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.