City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: NOVEMBER 6, 2013
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: RASHAD M. YOUNG, CITY MANAGER/s/
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration and Approval of the Request to Release Urban Forestry Contingent Reserve Funding.
BODY
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ISSUE: Release of $80,000 from Contingent Reserve to Urban Forestry Program.
RECOMMENDATION: Request the approval of release of $80,000 from Contingent Reserve for a pro-active tree maintenance program. This allocation request will fund a pro-active tree pruning and maintenance effort along several major roadways and in Parks throughout the City.
BACKGROUND: City Council approved the Urban Forestry Master Plan in September 2009. Records estimated that there were 17,000 street trees, and an additional 50,000 trees in parks, schools, public open space, and on other public properties. The Urban Forestry Section of the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities manages the City's urban forest, including tree planting, maintenance (pruning), removals, and related tasks. In addition to responding to Service Requests by residents, the Urban Forestry Section is also one of the City's primary emergency response groups. Major storm events often cause significant tree damage. Following the June 2012 derecho, for example, our regular work plan was set back by approximately 30 days due to the diversion of resources to immediate and long-term storm debris cleanup. Additionally, Urban Forestry staff regularly responds to after-hours emergency calls of downed trees or fallen limbs blocking roads.
Residents generate much of tree work through requests for service. Means of contact include Call-Click-Connect, e-mail, or phone calls. In Fiscal Year 2013, the Urban Forestry Section handled 1,427 Service Requests, and initiated 2,693 Work Orders, which represented increases o...
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