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HomeMy WebLinkAboutStudy Session Agenda Packet 07-12-21 - SPECIALSPECIAL STUDY SESSION AGENDA CITY COUNCIL CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO 7500 W. 29th Ave. Wheat Ridge CO July 12, 2021 To commence at the conclusion of the Regular City Council Meeting This meeting will be conducted as a virtual meeting and in person at 7500 West 29th Avenue, Municipal Building, if allowed to meet on that date per COVID-19 restrictions. Some members of City Council or City staff will be physically present at the Municipal building for this meeting. The public may participate in these ways: 1. Provide comment in advance at www.wheatridgespeaks.org (comment by noon on July 12, 2021) 2. Virtually attend and participate in the meeting through a device or phone: • Click here to join and provide public comment • Or call +1-669-900-6833 with Access Code: 893 9501 9280 Passcode: 878440 3. View the meeting live or later at www.wheatridgespeaks.org, Channel 8, or YouTube Live at https://www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/view Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to participate in all public meetings sponsored by the City of Wheat Ridge. Contact the Public Information Officer at 303-235-2877 or wrpio@ci.wheatridge.co.us with as much notice as possible if you are interested in participating in a meeting and need inclusion assistance. Public Comment on Agenda Item 1. City Tree Program 2. Staff Report(s) 3. Elected Officials’ Report(s) ADJOURNMENT Memorandum TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Patrick Goff, City Manager DATE: June 8, 2021 (for June 12 study session) SUBJECT: City Tree Program ISSUE: On March 22, 2021, Councilmembers Weaver, Stites and Hultin requested that an agenda item be included on a future study session agenda to consider a program to help mitigate dead trees on private property and to provide trees for sale to Wheat Ridge residents. BACKGROUND: Councilmember Weaver provided the following suggestions for a City Tree Program to start in the spring of 2022: 1. Create a grant program to help mitigate the cost of removing dead trees on privateproperty. Limit the grant to 25 percent of the cost to remove the tree up to a maximum of$1,000. First year funding capped at $25,000 which would benefit up to 25 private properties annually. 2. Implement a tree sale program for Wheat Ridge residents at low or no cost to participantsto encourage tree planting. Create a list of trees appropriate for Wheat Ridge and allowparticipants to choose from that list.3.Work with a tree specialist to teach courses for Wheat Ridge residents in proper tree planting and care. The Parks, Forestry and Open Space Division is working on a resident tree sale program for 2022. Residents will have the opportunity to place an order for trees with the City, which will result in a significant cost savings to the resident, as they will pay the amount that the City pays per tree during the annual bulk tree purchase. Essentially, a tree that would typically cost $350- $400 will likely cost around $150-$200. The program will have certain parameters, and will be offered on a first come, first served basis, as the City has finite storage for trees at this time. Orders will be placed in the fall and fulfilled in the spring. Other details are currently being ironed out, and staff will likely create and publish a resident survey on What’s Up Wheat Ridge for feedback to fine tune the program. RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff requests further direction from City Council on the proposed City Tree Program. Item No.1