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Port Clinton prepares grant-funded tree-planting work after residents remove stakes marking planned trees
Summary
Council members described plans to issue RFPs for tree maintenance and planting fully funded by an American Forests grant, while reporting that some residents pulled stakes marking planned trees on E. Third Street. The city aims to move Ordinances 21, 23 and 24 forward and begin procurement July 15.
Port Clinton council members said the city will proceed with federally funded tree canopy work, even as some residents objected to planned plantings on E. Third Street.
The administration seeks to resume work under an Urban and Community Forestry grant administered through American Forests. Ordinance 23-26 (tree maintenance, not to exceed $54,000) and Ordinance 24-26 (tree planting, not to exceed $90,000) are funded entirely by the grant and will be moved to second reading July 14, with the city planning to issue RFPs July 15. Ordinance 21-26, a $500,000 downtown tree canopy ordinance, was also discussed and scheduled for third reading July 14.
Interim Safety Service Director Jim Sass reported that stakes placed where trees are to be planted on the north side of E. Third Street were pulled by residents who do not want trees. "This is something that will need to be discussed," Sass said. Councilman Jerry Tarolli said he told Tree Commission Chair Larry Holman the stakes would be replaced and that "the trees have to be planted." Sass noted that property owners will need to water new trees and the city planned to place water bags on each tree to help them thrive.
Why it matters: The work is fully grant-funded so it would not cost the city directly, but local objections and right-of-way questions could delay planting or require policy clarification about owner consent.
Next steps: Ordinances 21, 23 and 24 will be on the July 14 agenda for third readings or second readings as noted; the Safety Service & Public Works Committee will meet June 29 to continue related discussions.
