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Ordinance Making a Supplemental Appropriation in the Amount of $100,000 from Tree Mitigation Funds to the Alliance for Cape Fear Trees for Volunteer Tree Planting and Maintenance
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Department: |
Parks & Recreation |
Meeting Date: |
7/15/2025 |
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Contact Name: |
Amy Beatty |
Public Hearing: |
No |
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Contact Phone: |
910-341-5838 |
Advertising Date/Advertised By: |
N/A |
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Attachments: |
Attachment #1: Ordinance |
PURPOSE:
This ordinance authorizes an appropriation in the amount of $100,000 from the Tree Mitigation Fund to The Alliance for Cape Fear Trees (the Alliance) in the amount of $50,000 in Fiscal Year 2026 and $50,000 in Fiscal Year 2027, subject to budget adoption. A companion resolution authorizes the City Manager to enter into an agreement governing the scope of work to be completed with the funding. The purpose of providing these funds is to supplement the volunteer program for planting and maintaining trees on City property, as well as enhancing and preserving the urban tree canopy and all the benefits it provides for the community.
BACKGROUND:
The mission of the City’s Parks and Recreation Department includes preservation of the City’s tree canopy and the planting and maintenance of city trees. The Alliance for Cape Fear Trees (“Alliance”) is an independent nonprofit organization with federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, dedicated to planting, maintaining, protecting, and preserving trees in Wilmington, N.C., and surrounding areas.
Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute §160A-20.1, the City has the authority to provide financial assistance to organizations in order to carry out any public purpose that the City is authorized by law to engage in. Accordingly, staff proposes to make public funds available to the Alliance so that they can render public services to residents in the City of Wilmington. The City and the Alliance have established general policies and guidelines that will apply through both a two-year contract and a Memorandum of Understanding.
The current programs and projects on which the Alliance and the City collaborate are tree distribution, tree planting, and tree maintenance on City-owned or controlled property. According to the memorandum, additional programs, projects, grants, and areas of cooperation may be added in writing by mutual consent. Additionally, the Alliance and the City have agreed to share their strategic plans and endeavor to keep each other informed about any changes in their respective goals, objectives, and needs. The Alliance and the City will work to build healthy, positive, long-lasting relationships with volunteers and employees.
The Alliance will provide the City with a spending plan annually, including the allocation of funds for personnel, materials, supplies, equipment, and marketing materials. The Alliance will also provide biannual reports detailing accomplishments to the City.
This action aligns with the Urban Forestry Master Plan, adopted by City Council in 2023, which includes a goal of strengthening relationships/partnerships to support the plan's implementation, and to focus on tree planting and care in locations that advance City equity and sustainability goals.
budget
BUDGET IMPACT:
$100,000 from the Tree Mitigation Fund will be appropriated to The Alliance for Cape Fear Trees in the amount of $50,000 in FY26 and $50,000 in FY27, subject to that budget’s adoption.
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Passage of the ordinance is recommended.