ITEM: 12.1 ADMINISTRATION- Michael Ulrich, Public Works Director
Title
APPROVE DNR GRANT OF $35,000 FOR EMERALD ASH BORER PROGRAM
Background
The City of Blaine has applied for and was approved for a $35,000.00 DNR grant to continue our efforts with the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) program. This would require a $10,000 match from the City, which is proposed to come from the Reforestation Fund.
As noted in a Star Tribune article in past weeks, Blaine residents have volunteered to have their ash tree removed and in most cases replaced with a different variety in an effort to maintain the community's forest. The City was originally awarded a grant in 2010 by the Department of Agriculture. Staff has also removed and replaced trees in City Parks. In-kind Staffing to perform this program was allowed as part of the 25% match for the grant. Tree removals are done during traditionally slower service activity times (i.e. seasonal transition periods and winter) and have little impact on providing routine/typical city services.
The following figures represent the final cost of the emerald ash borer (EAB) program over two years (2010 and 2011). We removed 190 ash trees and replanted 275 trees. These expenditures are similar to what we can expect as we continue the program.
Personnel Services (City Staff, In-Kind Contribution) $48,355.54 (1,684 total labor hours)
-Identifying and marking ash trees for removal
-Removal of ash trees
-Replanting Trees
Supplies (Ground Materials, Trees) $32,064.87
Contractual Services $14,502.84
-Stump Grinding only
Total for Project $94,923.25
State Grant Amount $71,200
City Match $23,723.25 (25%)
-The only contractual service was the $14,502 for contracting the stump grinding. The remaining balance of $9,220.41 was matched through an in-kind contribution (i.e. personnel services).
The $35,000.00, 2012 - 2014 grant through the DNR is only for the purchase of new trees. The City's match will be funded by the City Reforestation Fund, of which approximately $11,000.00 is available. It is anticipated that we will utilize $5,000.00 each year. Approximately 230 trees will be purchased from the grant, with larger diameter (2 -2 ½ inch) trees being planted for the residents and smaller ones for the parkland.
Recommendation
By motion, authorize the Mayor and City Manager to accept and execute the grant from the DNR for $35,000.00 with a $10,000.00 City match for continuing the City's EAB removal program.