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Tree Advisory Committee approves minutes; staff reports grant funding and parks hire
Summary
The committee approved prior minutes, heard staff announce a Tree City USA application and that Jen Santos accepted the superintendent of parks and open spaces role; staff and a council aide said the USDA Petaluma Canopy grant includes funding to contract for an urban forester for 2–3 years.
The Petaluma Tree Advisory Committee on Jan. 21 approved its previous meeting minutes, received staff updates and heard several public announcements tied to the draft Urban Forest Management Plan.
City staff reported the City’s Tree City USA application is in regional review. Kat Reisinger, deputy director of parks and recreation (filling in for the department), also announced that Jen Santos has accepted the superintendent of parks and open spaces position and will start in the coming weeks.
During public comment, Patrick Carter, assistant to the city manager, said the USDA Petaluma Canopy grant includes funding for an urban‑forester position as a contract for two to three years: "We have some funding for that position," he said, describing the grant as a way to get implementation started without immediately adding a full city staff position.
Relief Petaluma representatives said the nonprofit has repeatedly achieved high planting volumes—up to 1,000 trees in previous years—and will continue to partner on priority plantings. The committee discussed advocacy steps to ensure the UFMP and associated resources are considered during the city’s upcoming priority‑setting and budget processes.
Committee business concluded with the chair confirming minutes were "deemed as approved" and adjourning the meeting at 5:02 p.m.
