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Clermont council approves ROW plantings, Arbor Day trees and auction to fund tree program
Summary
The council unanimously approved up to $1,800 for right-of-way and town-sign plantings, authorized a Tree Allies Arbor Day purchase up to $500, and approved selling old street signs by auction with proceeds to support tree work.
The Clermont Town Council on March 12 unanimously approved funding for several downtown and streetscape beautification projects, including materials for right-of-way plantings and a small grant for Arbor Day tree replacements.
Heidi Boyle, a Wooddale Drive resident and Tree Board member, told the council the volunteer group and the Clermont Watering Team have completed perennial beds started last fall and requested town support for additional plants and materials. The group estimated $800–$1,200 in materials; Councilor Kim Sauro moved to approve up to $1,800 for plants, soil and mulch for ROW areas, the town sign and flower pots. Councilor Tim Lambard seconded the motion and a roll-call vote was unanimous.
The council also heard from Bernie Denning of Tree Allies, who outlined plans for an Arbor Day planting on April 26 focused on replacing lost or damaged cemetery and park trees with native crab apples and a replacement Bur Oak. Councilor Mike Beam moved to authorize up to $500 for trees, guards and mulch for the Arbor Day event; Councilor Lambard seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Separately, Councilor Lambard proposed selling replaced street signs at auction and using proceeds to support the Tree Allies and other general-fund activities. The council authorized an auction of the old signs with proceeds to the General Fund; Lambard will propose a minimum bid amount after further evaluation.
Councilors discussed watering plans for the spring and summer and whether planted ROW areas would need additional flower pots; they confirmed the designed planting beds would not require pots. The council did not change town policy on resident participation in plantings, but members asked staff to coordinate watering and protection plans and to involve volunteers where appropriate.
The council’s actions leave the Tree Allies with approved materials budgets and a financing path for future volunteer-led plantings. The Arbor Day event is scheduled for April 26 at 2:00 PM; the Tree Allies plan to use the funds for native trees, tree guards and mulch and will coordinate with town staff on protection measures and volunteer assignments.
