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Commission approves first reading of ordinance limiting TreeBank funds to planting and maintenance
Summary
On first reading the commission amended City Code Section 5.9 (ordinance 2025-16) to restrict TreeBank funds to planting and maintaining desirable trees on public lands (consistent with Tree City USA standards) and to prohibit equipment purchases with those funds; the measure passed on first reading.
The Commission read and discussed Ordinance 2025-16, which amends City Code Section 5.9 to restrict the expenditure of TreeBank funds to planting and maintaining desirable trees on public lands and expressly prohibits using TreeBank funds to purchase equipment.
City staff explained the change aligns the city's TreeBank policy with Tree City USA standards published by the Arbor Day Foundation; Director of Administrative Services Brian Dunnigan summarized the standards (establish a tree board or staff, adopt public-tree care ordinances and demonstrate annual per-capita expenditures for tree-related functions including planting, maintenance and public outreach).
A member of the public asked whether the phrase "public land" would unintentionally exclude planting on private property as part of Arbor Day programs; staff said planting and public outreach programs that include private-land plantings can be accommodated through the city's Arbor Day program mechanism. After brief public input the Commission approved the ordinance on first reading by recorded voice vote (Commissioners Bruce, Baker and Deputy Mayor Resnick voted yes; Commissioners Caruso and Diaz voted no).
