Council approves budget amendment to place Department of Agriculture tree grant into capital projects

The Long Beach City Council on July 1 approved a resolution to amend the capital projects fund to accept $22,426.07 of a $100,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for tree plantings already completed and to fund the next round of plantings.

City staff explained the $22,426.07 is the portion received so far and will be used as working capital for additional plantings. Patty Bourne, who was present for the item, and Ken Soswell answered council questions about the work. Council members pressed staff on the size and species of trees planted, who performed the work, and why overtime was charged.

Ken Soswell told the council the installed trees were “6 and 8 feet tall. I think the caliber is 2 inches.” Council members noted the grant paperwork listed smaller sizes and asked whether staff had planted the trees in‑house. Bourne and Soswell confirmed city crews completed installation; council discussion referenced 36 trees and approximately 216 hours of labor recorded on the receipts, including overtime.

Council President Finn praised recent management of labor and overtime and thanked staff; council then moved and unanimously adopted the amendment. Voting on the resolution recorded “yes” votes from Council members Benbow, Lester, Reinhart, Vice President Yamara and President Finn.

Why it matters: Accepting the grant funds lets the city account for federal grant money and continue its urban‑canopy plantings. Council members asked for clarity about species selection and potential maintenance or nuisance issues before future plantings.

What’s next: Staff said they will consult with the city’s environmental committee arborist about appropriate species and locations before further plantings.

Ending: The resolution passed unanimously; the council closed public comment on the item and moved to the next agenda item.