Fostoria creates DNR urban-forestry grant fund, approves tree initiatives and committee appointments

Fostoria’s City Council adopted ordinances establishing an Ohio DNR urban forestry grant fund (Fund 269) and advancing and appropriating funds to allow the city to receive and use an urban forestry grant. Council suspended the three-reading rule and passed the measures unanimously; the ordinances were filed as Nos. 2026-24 and 2026-25.

At the start of the evening the director of finance described a $100,000 grant for tree planting and said the council needed to establish the fund and appropriate money so work could proceed this spring: "You see $100,000 is the grant," the director said during the finance report. The council’s votes enabled the city to set up a new fund and a budget line so grant revenues and expenditures can be tracked separately.

Separately, the public affairs committee announced an Arbor Day coloring contest for ages 3–17, with pages available at the water office, the Fostoria Learning Center, Kaubisch Memorial Library and Jack and Do's; winners will be posted on the city Facebook page and displayed in the municipal building. Council also confirmed appointments to the tree and beautification committee, appointing Sue Gearing, Carol Ken, Anthony Thompson and Carla Yocum to three-year terms.

Councilmembers characterized the measures as pro-tree and broadly supported funding the urban forestry program; no opposition was recorded on the floor. The ordinances adopt the fund and appropriations so the city can receive DNR grant funds and begin tree-planting activities in coordination with staff.

Next steps: staff will coordinate with DNR grant administrators on project eligibility, begin outreach tied to the Arbor Day program, and schedule tree-planting work once funds are in place.