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06.l Green Futures Program Staff Report Staff Report Public Works – Consent Item Date of Meeting: 9/21/2021 To: Mayor, City Council From: Charles Fischer, Director of Public Works Re: Tree Trust Green Futures Program Background: The Parks and Recreation Committee proposes to utilize the Tree Trust Green Futures Program at Hay Lake Park. The Parks and Recreation Committee seeks approval of the program at minimal cost to the City. The Green Futures Program will review our application, manage the donations, develop an appropriate landscape plan, provide necessary planting material and equipment, prepare the site and staff the event, and advertise the planting partnerships. The cost to the City will involve the need for adequate watering devises and staff hours to maintain adequate moisture content of the plantings. Issue: Should the City fund the minimal cost to maintain the plantings if the Green Futures Program selects the project for Hay Lake Park. Proposal Details: The Public Works Department will apply for this project through the Green Futures Program and continue watering the plantings until established and provide future tree maintenance. The Public Works Department and Parks and Recreation Committee have chosen Hay Lake Park as the site for the project. Hay Lake Park currently has no buffer to the park from County Highway 3/Olinda Trail N and we will work in coordination with the Tree Trust planners to develop a proper buffer of trees from the highway. Initial discussion included trees along Olinda Trail and new plantings around the pavilion to create a more private experi ence in the park while continuing to maintain the open prairie area. In total, the proposed number of trees planted starts at a minimum of 50 six to ten foot trees. Photo Curtosy of Grainger Online Fiscal Impact: The tree plantings will be fully funded and staffed by the efforts of the Green Futures Program. Costs to the City will include staff hours to water the trees and the purchase of watering bags such as the style of the water bag pictured. The cost of the bags will be between $500 - $750 but will ensure better moisture content, efficient watering and spread-out watering intervals by Public Works staff. These watering bags can also be saved and used for future tree plantings as well spreading the cost over multiple uses. Options: 1. Approve the application process, the cost of purchasing tree bags of $500-$750, and use Public Works Staff time to water the trees. 2. Approve the application process, amend the cost of purchasing tree bags, and use Public Works Staff time to water. 3. Not approve to apply for the project and save Public Works Staff time associated with water the trees. Recommendation: Option 1