Rockport council approves up to $5,000 from tree mitigation fund for Arbor Day plantings

The Rockport City Council unanimously approved a request at its Sept. 30 special call meeting to use up to $5,000 from the tree mitigation fund to purchase trees, mulch, fertilizer spikes and tree-watering bags for the city's Arbor Day program.

Ms. Petrie presented the request, saying the purchase would cover trees to be planted on Arbor Day and supplies to support both new plantings and trees planted last year. She noted the original watering-bag quantity listed as 24 would actually be 36 because "they're on sale," and that the tree quote for the 30-gallon size was roughly 3,186 (an estimate). Ms. Petrie told council the vendor listed was North Texas Nursery (NTN) and that freight estimates were carried forward from last year; she emphasized the total would not exceed $5,000.

Council members asked where the trees would come from and asked staff to check local pricing before finalizing the purchase; Ms. Petrie acknowledged she would follow up. Members also asked about delivery timing; Ms. Petrie said the trees would likely arrive the week of Oct. 21, but she needed approval to place the order.

Speaker S3 moved to approve agenda item 2 and a second was recorded. The council then voted verbally with 'aye' from the participating wards and the mayor; the presiding official declared the vote unanimous. The motion authorizes staff to proceed with the purchase up to the approved limit and to finalize logistics consistent with the council's direction to seek local pricing when feasible.

No further conditions or follow-up reporting requirements were specified in the meeting record.