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Council approves nearly $959,000 federal urban-forestry grant, fast-tracks three tree ordinances
Summary
The Port Clinton City Council on July 14 adopted three emergency ordinances to spend Urban and Community Forestry grant funds — including $500,000 for downtown canopy work — and retained emergency clauses so work can begin quickly.
Port Clinton’s City Council voted unanimously on July 14 to adopt three emergency ordinances that will put a federal urban-forestry grant to work in the downtown and on city streets.
The ordinances — 21-26 (downtown streetscape canopy), 23-26 (tree maintenance) and 24-26 (street planting) — were read by the clerk and passed with emergency clauses so the city can meet grant milestones. The council adopted all three measures by 6-0 roll calls.
Council members and staff said the package is fully funded by an Urban and Community Forestry award from the U.S. Forest Service and will not require a local match. "The grant was almost $959,000 — zero cost share for the city," the auditor (Mr. Belo) told the council. Several members praised staff for securing the funds and urged quick implementation.
Ordinance 21 authorizes up to $500,000 for downtown tree canopy work; Ordinance 23 covers tree maintenance at roughly $54,000; and Ordinance 24 directs about $90,000 for street planting, according to the ordinance summaries read at the meeting. Council members repeatedly described the grants as "no cost to the city" and supported retaining emergency clauses to ensure the city meets grant milestones.
Supporters said the work will be scheduled to maximize survival (planting is planned for fall) and that some downtown plantings may be better replaced than transplanted. Council discussion included operational details and a request that public-works and safety-service staff coordinate to identify cost savings and timing.
The council’s adoption of the ordinances allows the city to advertise for proposals and enter contracts required by the grant subaward and to begin work immediately under the emergency provisions.
Next steps: staff will issue requests for proposals and report back to council on contracting timelines and planting plans as required by the grant schedule.
