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Madison Heights wins $119,350 MDNR tree-planting and inventory grant; council approves $52,000 services contract
Summary
Council accepted a $119,350 Michigan Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act grant and authorized a professional services agreement with Davy Resource Group not to exceed $52,000 for a citywide tree inventory and planting program.
Madison Heights — The City Council on June 23 authorized the city manager to sign a grant agreement with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) for $119,350 and approved a professional services agreement with Davy Resource Group not to exceed $52,000 for a tree inventory and planting program funded by the MDNR grant.
City staff told the council an earlier application this year won full funding for the MDNR Urban and Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act grant. The city will fund a comprehensive inventory of public trees and plant up to 150 right-of-way trees to eliminate the existing wait list for the right-of-way planting program.
Sean Valentine, the city's director (DTS director), described the inventory work the consultant will perform: "The tree inventory portion of the grant is to basically do just that — a full city tree inventory on all public right-of-way grounds and city grounds, including an assessment portion. This is the company actually going out tree by tree, telling us where our trees are, getting us GIS plots on them, then letting them know if they're in fair condition, poor condition, do they need to come down." Valentine said the work will provide GIS mapping, condition assessments and recommendations that will reduce liability and help the city manage its canopy.
Valentine said the grant will also fund educational materials and require residents who receive a planted right-of-way tree to watch informational videos about tree care and maintenance. The planting component will allow the city to remove the existing wait list for trees in the public right-of-way with approximately 150 trees funded by the grant.
Council voted to authorize two separate motions as recommended by staff: (1) authorize the city manager to sign the MDNR grant agreement for $119,350, and (2) authorize the city manager to enter into a professional services agreement with Davy Resource Group for an amount not to exceed $52,000. Both motions were approved by voice vote.
Why it matters: The inventory and planting program aims to improve the city's tree canopy, reduce hazard liability from failing trees, and provide outreach and education to residents on tree care. The inventory will give staff a detailed GIS-based baseline to prioritize maintenance and removals.
Next steps: Staff will execute the MDNR grant agreement and finalize the professional services contract with Davy Resource Group. The consultant will begin a citywide tree inventory and schedule right-of-way plantings for eligible residents on the wait list.
