Title
Resolution to Approve the Spring 2008 Tree Team Planting Contract with Global ReLeaf of Michigan, Inc. ($30,000.00)
Memorandum
Attached for your approval is a resolution to approve the Spring 2008 Tree Team Planting Contract in the amount of $30,000.00 with Global ReLeaf of Michigan, Inc. Funding for this contract is available in the approved Public Services Area, Field Operations Unit FY08 General Fund operating budget.
Global ReLeaf of Michigan is a non-profit, Ann Arbor based organization whose mission is urban re-forestation through volunteer plantings. Beginning in the spring of 2006, the City partnered with Global ReLeaf for a series of tree team plantings and this contract will be the fifth in the series. The Tree Team concept was developed by the Public Services Area with input from community stakeholder groups as part of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) restoration effort. Under this contract, Global ReLeaf of Michigan will collaborate with the City of Ann Arbor to facilitate the planting of up to 150 street trees with neighborhood volunteers. Prior tree plantings have been very successful and have shown that a coordinated effort between citizens and the City can continue to keep Ann Arbor a Tree City USA.
Global ReLeaf of Michigan is unique, as it manages, educates and coordinates volunteers for the purpose of planting urban trees. No other entity provides this specialized management of volunteer tree team planting efforts. Therefore, Global ReLeaf of Michigan is a sole source provider.
Global ReLeaf of Michigan received Human Rights approval on March 28, 2008.
Staff
Prepared by: Mike Bergren, Assistant Manager, Field Operations Unit
Karla Henderson, Manager, Field Operations Unit
Reviewed by: Sue F. McCormick, Public Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Roger W. Fraser, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The emerald ash borer (EAB) has devastated the tree population by as many as 10,000 tree losses within the City, including street trees in City rights-of-way;
Whereas, As part the EAB restoration strategy, the citizen volunteer Tree Team program was developed to involve citizens in the re-planting of street trees on their streets;
Whereas, The City will partner with Global ReLeaf of Michigan to coordinate, educate and manage these volunteer Tree Teams;
Whereas, Funds for this program are budgeted in the FY08 Public Services Area General Fund operating budget; and
Whereas, Human Rights Approval for Global ReLeaf of Michigan was received April 30, 2007;
RESOLVED, That City Council approves a contract for the Spring 2008 Tree Team Planting with Global ReLeaf for $30,000.00;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized to sign the contract, subject to approval as to substance by the City Administrator and approval as to form by the City Attorney; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator is authorized to take the necessary actions to implement this resolution.