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Other <br />Tree trimming for long term health, is a challenge for our staff. Many of the trees require <br />a bucket truck to safely and properly prune the trees. The city does not own this type of <br />equipment and our staff is not trained in the use of this type of equipment. The most cost <br />effective way to trim would be to consider using a private tree company for this service. <br />Long term trimming of trees will become a larger issue as many of our young trees <br />develop and need trimming. The current rate we have from our existing contractor is <br />$180 per hour for a crew and related equipment for tree trimming. An example of what <br />types of long term costs this may have is: The City of Falcon Heights has broken their <br />city up into five zones and completes tree trimming in one zone each year on a rotating <br />schedule. Their budget for tree trimming alone in 2009 is $16,000. <br />Financial Issues <br />The approved 2009 budget for tree removal and weed control services in the city is <br />$37,590. This is the same funding proposed in the 2010 budget. The past several years <br />this has been adequate funding to deal with DED and OW issues, as well as other <br />hazardous tree related issues. In order for us to expand our forestry program we will <br />need to find funding sources to support it. There may be grants or other Federal funding <br />that becomes available for EAR Staff is also always looking for any grant programs to <br />help defray costs for all of our projects and programs. <br />Trees are a sound public investment and add value to the city in a relatively inexpensive <br />way. Proactively addressing forestry issues will help to protect this investment. <br />Council Direction Requested <br />Direction regarding priority activities to be included in the City's forestry program. <br />