Committee adds canopy-inventory software and temporary watering funding to tree-trust budget

The Environmental Stewardship Committee voted to add two items to the tree-trust budget: (1) authorization to spend from the fund for a private inventory and canopy-tracking software (amount to be determined) and (2) a time-limited (one-year) watering/establishment contract to ensure newly planted trees survive.

Amy Palmer moved to add money from the tree trust fund for a private inventory and software; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. "To add money from the tree trust fund for a private inventory and, software, that will track and analyze our tree canopy," Palmer said during the motion. The committee then moved and approved a separate one-year watering/establishment item to be procured via three bids; members asked staff to return with estimated dollar ranges for both items before the Commission hearing so the resolution in the packet includes line-item justifications.

Committee members debated tradeoffs between preserving a fund reserve and accelerating planting. Several members urged that the fund's original intent — putting trees back in the ground — remain central even as some funds are directed toward data products and establishment contracts.