Council advances grant-funded tree contracts as residents pull planting stakes on Third Street

PORT CLINTON — The Port Clinton City Council on June 23 moved three forestry-related ordinances forward so the city can issue RFPs and meet grant deadlines, and heard staff reports that several planting flags tied to the Third Street project were removed by residents.

Clerk read Ordinance 21-26, authorizing the director of safety and service to advertise for downtown street-scheme tree-canopy proposals fully funded by the city’s Urban and Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act grant; the item was scheduled for third reading on July 14. Ordinances 23-26 (tree maintenance, not to exceed $54,000) and 24-26 (tree planting, not to exceed $90,000), both described as fully grant-funded with no city cost, were moved to second readings on July 14 so RFPs can be issued on July 15 to meet grant milestones.

Staff reported that markers placed on Third Street to indicate where boulevard trees would be planted had been tampered with: “three of them were pulled, two were laid on the ground, one disappeared,” a staff member said. The mayor and council noted that property owners do not own the tree lawn and that planting decisions can be contentious; the mayor said, “if the residents don't want them, I don't know how we can force them.” Council asked staff to contact property owners, replace markers where appropriate and continue outreach.

Why it matters: The ordinances tie to federal and state grant milestones that require the city to advertise contracts and demonstrate progress; failing to meet deadlines could jeopardize grant funds. The removal of planting markers signals potential local opposition that could complicate implementation if not addressed through outreach.

What’s next: Staff will follow up with property owners and the tree commission to resolve disputes and proceed with RFP issuance on the July schedule. The ordinances remain subject to further council readings and formal votes.