Euclid council backs dedicated urban-forest assessment, approves tree-maintenance contract and related grants

Council took a series of actions aimed at accelerating the city—s urban-forest work.

Administration described a two-step process under Ohio law to create a dedicated urban forestry special assessment of 0.25 mills that would fund planting, maintenance, trimming and removal of public right-of-way trees. "This proposed legislation is the first piece, that seeks to set a 0.25 mills property special assessment in the city," administration said, adding that the measure would shift 0.25 mills from the streetlight assessment so the overall special-assessment rate remains at 1.5 mills. Staff estimated the assessment would generate about $227,000 and equate to roughly $3.12 per single-family home.

Council and staff discussed scope and procurement. Administration said initial work will include contractor-led removals where large cranes and specialized equipment are required, with a transition over time to more in-house work as the city—s certified arborist and fleet capacity expand. Administration recognized an internal staff advancement, noting that "Mike Brickman is now a certified arborist," which will support increased in-house capacity.

Related to the assessment, council approved an emergency ordinance to contract with Knowles Municipal Forestry for up to $76,180 to perform tree maintenance work that complements a $65,000 grant award from the Cuyahoga Soil and Water District. Administration said the full low bid for the grant scope was $141,180; the $76,180 covered by the city reflects the local match/difference.

Council passed both the resolution to start the assessment process and the emergency contract authorization by roll call. Administration said the assessment ordinance would return later as the levying ordinance after requisite notices and newspaper resolutions are published under Ohio Revised Code requirements.