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Residents, NRD and council discuss reactivating Tree Board as NRD offers to draft and fund tree grant
Summary
Council heard park/cemetery and community input about tree grants and reactivating a Tree Board; the Natural Resources District (NRD) will draft and intends to fully fund a proposed tree project, but the council took no action and may pursue an ad hoc committee.
During reports and new business on Oct. 14, the Crawford City Council discussed tree-related funding and whether to reactivate a Tree Board. Park/Cemetery representative Jenny Nixon asked about a pending tree grant with the Natural Resources District; Mayor April Grant said the NRD will draft the grant for the city, take the lead on the project and provide full funding, and that a stakeholder meeting is anticipated in December.
Later, Jay Province presented to the council about the need for a Tree Board and suggested the city consider modifications to the existing ordinance—such as reducing the required number of members or broadening scope to include landscaping beyond trees. Attorney Edmund said he would review the ordinance and advise on the board’s legal powers because Crawford has not previously had an active tree board.
Council Member Patti Page said cleanup and maintenance benefits from such a board could be useful; a member of the audience suggested adding a tree-specific position to the Park Board. After discussion the council decided to take no formal action at this meeting and asked staff and interested citizens to review options, including starting an ad hoc committee or ordinance amendments.
The topic will return for further consideration once the city assesses community interest and the legal scope of a board.
