The City Council Project Committee reviewed the Department of Public Works parks and cemeteries budgets on June 3, focusing on a larger contracted landscaping scope, more dedicated cemetery staffing and new tree crew resources.

Public Works Director Steven Navarro said the current landscaping contract covers new islands and street plantings and that the city now budgets roughly $3.25 million for contracted landscaping work within a $5.75 million parks budget (figures discussed during the hearing). He said that last year's unexpectedly large return to free cash resulted from vacancies and a lower landscaping cost when contracts were rebid.

Councilors asked about Glenwood Cemetery, where the department is investing in curbing, mulching, tree trimming and other improvements. Navarro said the department has a dedicated crew and a superintendent assigned to keep the cemetery well maintained; he said work will continue and that those funds are expected to be used.

The committee also discussed the tree crew expansion. Navarro said the city now has a foreman and two laborers forming bigger tree crews, overseen by the city's arborist and coordinated with parks staff. Councilors pressed for clarity on supervision and the crewhain of command; Navarro said the arborist and parks supervisors work together on assignments.

Councilors asked for closer monitoring of the landscaping contract and for recommendations on any line items that could be reduced without affecting service quality. Navarro said he would provide updated estimates; councilors said they want accuracy to avoid large year-end returns to free cash.

What comes next: The committee approved the parks and cemeteries budget and asked the department to provide updated contract figures and a spending plan for cemetery upgrades.