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Council approves $220,000 contract for citywide tree inventory and urban-forestry plan
Summary
Allentown City Council voted to award a $220,000 contract to Davie Resource Group to complete a citywide tree inventory, species master plan and urban forestry management plan; funding is part of a larger U.S. Forest Service grant whose future payouts remain uncertain.
Allentown City Council on April 2 approved a $220,000 contract with Davie Resource Group to develop a comprehensive tree inventory, a species master plan and an urban forestry master plan focused on environmental justice and equity.
City procurement staff told council the work was advertised as RFP 202440, two proposals were received and an evaluation committee recommended the highest-scoring proposer, Davie Resource Group. The contract is written for 12 months with one optional six-month renewal.
Councilmember discussion centered on funding and scope. Councilwoman Gerlach asked whether the city already had an inventory; staff replied a complete inventory did not exist and that the arborist maintains some records but cannot realistically inventory “tens of thousands” of trees without outside support. Staff said the contract will inventory street trees within the right of way and park trees that are not in naturalized, wooded areas.
City staff and council also discussed how this $220,000 award fits into a larger U.S. Forest Service grant package. A city staff member said the $220,000 is a portion of approximately $980,000 the city was awarded from the Forest Service and that the grant is reimbursable: the city pays and is later reimbursed. Staff said the city currently has a valid pass-through contract with the federal government but that recent federal actions have created uncertainty about later disbursements; the contract contains provisions intended to protect the city if future federal funding is not provided.
Members of the Environmental Advisory Council urged approval in public comment, describing the inventory and plans as essential first steps to protect urban trees, improve equity in tree canopy, and guide future plantings. A separate public commenter criticized the idea of spending on inventory rather than direct planting or community gardens but council said the plans are intended to guide any future planting programs.
The motion to authorize the contract passed on a roll-call vote with seven "yes" votes and no nays.
The contract will inventory species, note tree quality, and help prioritize locations for planting and maintenance; implementation will involve the municipal arborist and the city sustainability coordinator.
Action items and funding details captured at the meeting will be used to guide next steps if additional federal funds are released.
