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City arborist outlines tree ordinance update and multi-part urban forestry funding package
Summary
City arborist presented an amendment to the Green Infrastructure Center contract to update the tree ordinance and related forestry manuals, and staff described separate bond-authorized projects for tree pits, tree planting and urban forestry restoration.
Steve Harris, the city arborist, briefed councilors on Item 28: an amendment to the Green Infrastructure Center contract to expand the scope of services for an update of Syracuse’s tree ordinance and the forestry standards manual. He said the updated scope includes proposed revisions to zoning code chapter 4.5 and steps to move ordinance changes toward approval.
Councilors then discussed a cluster of related bond ordinances and project authorizations: renewals and additions for the Natural Areas Improvement Program, urban forestry restoration projects, tree-pit enhancement programs (construction work to create grow spaces for street trees), and a separate tree-planting bond package. Harris explained a distinction repeatedly raised by councilors: tree pits involve construction to create rootable spaces in hardscape (for example removing and rebuilding sidewalks with soil trenches and appropriate materials), while the tree-planting bond funds are for the purchase and installation of trees themselves.
Councilor discussion focused on whether to combine several smaller bonds into a single larger bond so projects can be coordinated and funded comprehensively. Councilor Caldwell suggested bundling related items to avoid returning repeatedly for additional bonding. Harris and other staff agreed that many projects are capital in nature and that combining some lines might allow more efficient procurement and project delivery, but did not give a final directive during the study session.
Other forestry-related items in the packet included a renewal for Onondaga Earth Corps with increased not-to-exceed amounts tied to additional grants, and appropriations for tree-planting crews and materials. Staff emphasized that downtown design projects (for example those connected to South Avenue DRI and West Genesee improvements) often lack dedicated tree root space in base project budgets, and the tree pits funds help fill that gap.
No final ordinance votes were taken in the study session; the briefing clarified technical distinctions and asked staff to return with consolidated funding options for council consideration.
