2. Urban Forestry DistrictREPORT TO:
IQNOV9,
Honorable Mayor & Kalispell City Council
FROM: Michael Baker, Director of Parks & Recreation
SUBJECT: Intent to establish Urban Forestry District No.
MEETING DATE: April 17, 2000
BACK GROUND: In 1990-91 the City inventoried 5,149 trees along our community
streets and neighborhoods. These street trees are comprised of an
amazing 48 different species and speciecultivars. The estimated
value of our tree asset was above 15 million dollars at the time of
the inventory.
Early this year I brought before City Council the unique concept of
establishing a "Tree Maintenance District" for Kalispell; enabling
the City to plant, protect, maintain, preserve and care for public
trees located on City owned right-of-ways, parks, green belts and
public open space land. The following resolution is an intent to
create such an Urban Forestry District No. 1.
The proposed district shall be comprised of all land located within
the City limits of Kalispell inclusive of all newly annexed
properties.
The preservation and maintenance components will include, but
not be limited to:
A comprehensive city wide planting program identifying
vacant tree locations, and scheduling for their planting.
Keying on streets, avenues, neighborhoods and additions that
are presently void of street tree plantings (establishment of 60-
100 new trees per year).
Continuation of a proactive pruning/maintenance program
addressing each individual tree on a 7 to 10 year pruning
schedule, for trees greater than 5" diameter, all trees less than a
Post Office Box 1997 • Kalispell, Montana 59903-1997
Telephone (406) 758-7700 • FAX (406) 758-7758
REPORT TO: Honorable Mayor & Kalispell City Council
SUBJECT: Intent to establish Urban Forestry District No. 1
MEETING DATE: April 17, 2000 PAGE 2
5 inch diameter will be trained annually. (As recommended by
the standards set forth by the National Arborist Society).
(Budget consideration for addressing every street tree in the
designated Urban Forest over a three year schedule, utilizing
contract pruning.)
• Commitment to a strict hazard reduction program for dead,
damaged and deceased trees.
• Establishment of a consistent replacement program for
previously removed trees.
• Continue the development and education of a forestry
division, maintenance unit specifically for the management of
public trees.
• Completing early developmental training for all trees less than
5 inches in diameter.
• Continue an extensive information education campaign to
advise property owners with selection and location of trees and
assist them with compliance to the street tree and boulevard
maintenance ordinances.
• Include related maintenance tasks such as; leaf pickup,
recycling events, composting, and pesticide control within the
forestry division.
The majority of parcels in Kalispell are residential lots averaging
approximately 10,000 sq.ft. These households will be assessed
$7.25 per tax notice or $13.50 per year. Each parcel would have a
maximum assessment that would be triggered automatically at
$300.00 or 222,222 sq.ft. Based on the 1998 special street
maintenance data base, this would identify a total of 33 properties
REPORT TO: Honorable Mayor & Kalispell City Council
SUBJECT: Intent to establish Urban Forestry District No. 1
MEETING DATE: April 17, 2000 PAGE 3
that exceed the 222,222 sq.ft cap.
The total assessment will raise approximately $120,000 per year
to fund the entire urban forestry maintenance district as described
in detail above.
RECOMMENDATION: I would strongly recommend the establishment of the
Urban Forestry District for Kalispell. The facts that
support this recommendation are outlined as "Benefits"
that are experienced by all residents and properties of
Kalispell. In establishing a District the City will ensure a
proactive maintenance and planting program that allows us
to preserve and sustain our remaining trees and begin
planting our new forest for the next generation.
FISCAL EFFECTS: Property assessments for all city properties up to 222,222
sq.ft are based on .00135 per square foot. Above 222,222
sq.ft each parcel will be assessed a maximum of $300.00 a
year. For a total assessment value of approximately
$120,000.00.
ALTERNATIVES:
Respectfully submitted,
As suggested by Council.
Michael Baker, Director of Parks
Attachments - None
Chris Kukulski, City Manager
Report Compiled March 30, 2000