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Montebello approves $777,000 urban forest planning grant and expedited spending plan
Summary
Council unanimously accepted a state Department of Forestry Urban Forest Management Plan agreement and authorized staff to pursue expedited procurement to spend the grant while funds are available; the grant includes planting targets and will fund the city's first urban forest management plan.
The Montebello City Council voted unanimously to accept a State Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Urban Forest Management Plan agreement and authorized staff to move on an expedited procurement timeline to spend the grant while funds are available.
Why it matters: the grant funds the city’s first urban forest management plan and includes planting requirements. Council members and residents framed the award as a step toward improving tree canopy and local air quality along heavily trafficked corridors.
Public comment and council discussion focused on tree removals along Montebello Boulevard tied to a separate road project. A resident urged replacement planting for trees removed during nearby road work. Director of Public Works Cesar Roldan told the council removed trees will be replaced and said the city is purchasing larger, 48-inch-box trees to speed canopy recovery.
Council member Peralta and public commenter Greg Gonzales both urged urgency and long-term environmental priorities; Gonzales noted a $777,000 figure during public comment as the grant amount and called for continued emphasis on environmental justice measures.
Staff noted the original grant award earlier in the year was delayed when federal funds were temporarily unavailable and that the city is using an expedited timeline to ensure funds are spent while they remain available. The council approved authority for staff to begin expedited procurement for the tree-management plan and the purchase of trees so the city can meet grant deadlines.
Vote: the motion to adopt Resolution No. 25/11 accepting the Urban Forest Management Plan agreement passed 5–0 (motion by Council member Alonso; second by Council member Peralta). The minutes show staff expects the grant to support planting and community outreach and that the grant includes a target to plant at least 500 trees in the city.
Ending: Staff asked residents and advocates to participate in forthcoming community workshops to inform species selection and planting locations.
