AGENDA MEMORANDUM

Meeting Date:           December 11, 2006

From:                          Bruce Ericson, Director

Subject:                      Resolution authorizing submission of a Tree City USA Recertification Application.

Staff Recommendation:

Staff recommends approval for the City Manager to submit a Tree City USA Application for Recertification to the National Arbor Day Foundation to have Leesburg maintain its designation as a Tree City USA.

Analysis:

In April, 2001, the National Arbor Day Foundation designated the City of Leesburg  as a Tree City USA..  The foundation recognizes U.S. towns and cities that develop urban forestry programs.  The purpose of the Tree City USA program is to focus on the promotion of tree care and urban forestry.  Over 2,200 communities are a part of the program.

To qualify for this designation, Leesburg developed a Tree Board, revised our Tree Ordinance, passed an Arbor Day Proclamation and held an Arbor Day observance.  The City received a plaque, a Tree City USA flag, and community entrance signs which demonstrate to the community the City’s participation in this program.  The Tree City USA award helps make the public more aware of the community tree planting and care activities.

The Tree City USA designation must be renewed annually.  Therefore, an application for recertification must be filed with the National Arbor Day Foundation.

Options:

1.  Approve submission of Tree City USA Application for Recertification or;

2.  Such alternative action as the Commission may deem appropriate.

Fiscal Impact: 

There is no fee for recertification as a Tree City USA.  However, as a part of the application process, the City is required to report community forestry expenditures.  These expenditures were obtained from projects already included in regular annual budgets from the Electric Department (Tree Trimming Division), the Recreation and Parks Department (Parks Division), and Florida Division of Forestry Grants.  There are no additional costs associated with this program.

Submission Date and Time:    12/6/2006 4:46 PM____

Department: _Parks & Recreation   ____ Prepared by:  _Bruce Ericson ____                      Attachments:         Yes__X__   No ______ Advertised:   ____Not Required ______ Dates:   __________________________                      Attorney Review :       Yes___  No ____ _________________________________            Revised 6/10/04

Reviewed by: Dept. Head ________ Finance  Dept. ____wp______________                                    Deputy C.M. ___________________                                          Submitted by: City Manager ______RS_____________

Account No. _________________ Project No. ___________________ WF No. ______________________ Budget  ______________________ Available _____________________

RESOLUTION NO._______________

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LEESBURG, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE  CITY MANAGER  TO SUBMIT A TREE CITY USA APPLICATION FOR RECERTIFICATION TO THE NATIONAL ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF RENEWING THE CITY OF LEESBURG'S DESIGNATION AS A TREE CITY USA; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LEESBURG, FLORIDA:

            THAT the City Manager is  hereby authorized and directed to submit a Tree City USA application for Recertification to the National Arbor Day Foundation for the purpose of renewing the City of Leesburg’s designation as a Tree City USA.

THAT this resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage and adoption according to law.

 PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Commission of the City of Leesburg, Florida, at a regular meeting held the _11____ day of _December_____ 2006

                                                                            __________________________

                                                                             Mayor

ATTEST:

__________________________

City Clerk