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City Moves to Create Tree Replacement Reserve Fund Using Penalty Revenues
Summary
The Department of Infrastructure requested permission to dedicate revenues from tree-removal penalties and settlements to a tree replacement reserve fund, meeting a New Jersey DEP requirement to support urban forestry.
The Department of Infrastructure asked the council to authorize dedication of revenues from tree-removal penalties and settlements to establish a city tree replacement reserve fund, a step department staff said is required by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to support urban canopy restoration work.
Department staff described the reserve as intended to cover site preparation, pit expansion, tree purchase and planting costs but said it would likely not fund extended two-year vendor maintenance warranties now billed under premium vendor contracts. Staff said the fees should cover the main costs of planting and immediate site work but not certain vendor warranty services.
Council members asked whether the fines collected would cover planting and two-year maintenance; staff said the reserve is not expected to cover extended vendor warranties paid today, and that the city may need additional funding sources for long-term maintenance.
The resolution would formalize the reserve so that future tree-removal fines and settlement revenues would be dedicated year to year for canopy restoration work.
No formal vote occurred at caucus; the item will appear on the council agenda.
