Explanation
Background: The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an exotic boring insect from Southeast Asia, first identified in Michigan in 2002, that infest and eventually kills trees of the Fraxinus genus, more commonly known as ash trees. Once an ash tree is dead, its structural integrity diminishes quickly and it is not uncommon for large limbs to fail on both high wind and calm days without warning. First identified locally in 2003, Columbus is in its 16th year of the EAB infestation. It is estimated that approximately 30,000 ash trees of various sizes exist on City of Columbus property; this includes trees along streets, in parks, golf courses and on several municipal campuses.
In 2011, City leaders, in coordination with the City Forestry Division of the Recreation and Parks Department committed to an organized project approach to address the EAB crisis. To date, approximately 28,000 ash trees have been removed city wide. That is approximately 93% of the estimated public ash tree population. This ordinance will allow immediate funding for administration, services, supplies, tree replacements, and to remove Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infested and damaged trees. The supplies, services, and equipment needs that will be paid for as part of this funding request will include, but are not limited to, tree removal contracts, stump removal contracts, tree replacement contracts, cellular service contracts and supplies, office supplies, uniforms, computer supplies, EAB related forestry supplies, and safety equipment. All supply, service, and equipment needs related to the Emerald Ash Borer response have been established as one overall capital improvement approved project. Each direct purchase order, purchase order, or universal term contract will be written separately based on all City of Columbus Codes that apply.
This ordinance is requesting the authorization of $450,000.00 in voted bond funds and the authorization for the Director of Recreation and Parks to enter into var...
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