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Commission explores digital tree inventory; county hosting and small ArcGIS costs considered
Summary
Bart updated the commission on a proposed digital street-tree inventory using ArcGIS Online. He said the county GIS manager can host the dataset; if a paid ArcGIS account is required the cost would be modest ("just under $1,000" per year), and data collection would use a smartphone app during leaf-on season.
Bart, the presenter on the agenda, briefed the New Castle Tree Advisory Commission on options for creating a digital street‑tree inventory that would capture tree location and attributes for planning and maintenance.
He reported he had contacted the county GIS manager and that ArcGIS Online could host the dataset; hosting through the county could avoid costs but would require the county to accept the dataset. If the commission instead needed to secure its own ArcGIS Online privileges, Bart estimated a modest annual cost "just under $1,000," though he said that one-time data collection during leaf‑on months might be sufficient for the commission's near‑term needs.
Why it matters: A searchable, location‑based inventory would let the commission and public works track species, tree‑pit condition, and recent treatments (for example, the 11 ash trees that recently received treatment). Bart described collecting data on a smartphone app that records geospatial points, uploads to ArcGIS Online and produces a hosted dataset for the city or county website.
City responsiveness and next steps: Bart said the city has been slow to respond to requests to host or grant permissions; commissioners asked him to resend his monthly report and to copy Suzanne Sowder and the city administrator on follow-up. Commissioners said they preferred the inventory to appear on a city site but accepted that county hosting or a short paid ArcGIS subscription are practical alternatives if the city cannot provide timely support.
Next steps: Bart will resend the report, copy the suggested city contacts, and pursue either city, county, or a limited-time paid ArcGIS account to permit data collection this summer or early fall.
