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Council approves one-year tree-inventory subscription and appoints new committee member
Summary
The council approved a one‑year subscription to a tree-inventory software (not to exceed $3,000) to meet Tree City USA inventory requirements and appointed Sam, a grounds-crew member, to the tree committee. The software vendor demo and funding details were discussed.
The Arlington City Council voted to fund a one‑year subscription for a tree-inventory software and approved a new appointment to the tree committee during its Oct. 22 meeting.
Cal, speaking for the tree committee, demonstrated the software's mapping and data features and said "we as far as I know are required to have a inventory of all trees within city limits," stressing the program would help the city track species, treatments and maintenance needs. He described the vendor pricing as "$2,000 for a year of service," with an additional "$500 to upload our parcel map" and an optional "$1,000 to add an interactive parcel map." He told the council the inventory would help the city qualify for future grant opportunities through the Tree City USA program.
A motion to procure the software was made and seconded with an explicit spending cap "not to exceed $3,000" to allow for necessary add-ons; the council voted in favor and the motion carried. Council members said staff would work with Amy and the city clerk/treasurer to complete procurement and grant administrative access to designated committee contacts.
During the same item, Sam introduced himself, said he is part of the city grounds crew and expressed interest in joining the tree committee. "I'm also part of the grounds crew one of the newest members of the team that takes care of our city Lawns and maintenance," he said. The council moved, seconded and voted to appoint Sam to the tree committee.
The council and committee members discussed outreach for residents who are not computer-literate; Cal and others said committee members would assist with uploads and the city could use a newsletter and forms to collect data. The committee emphasized that most plantings discussed for the inventory would be perennials appropriate for the city's Zone 4B.
The software purchase and the appointment are procedural steps intended to get the city’s Tree City USA work underway. Staff will return with procurement details and next steps for community participation.
