M E M O R A N D U M
To: Honorable Mayor and Town Council
From: Rafael G. Casals, Town Manager
Date: October 19, 2016
Re: Resolution to Accept FY2016 Urban and Community Forestry Grant
via Memorandum of Agreement with Florida Department of
Agriculture and Consumer Services
REQUESTTitle
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF CUTLER BAY, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING Urban and Community Forestry MATCHING Grant AWARD IN THE AMOUNT OF $13,500; AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENT WITH THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES, AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
Funding Source: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Grant Title: 2016 National Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program (FDACS Contract #023855)
Amount Awarded: $13,500 Required Match: $13,500 (cash/ in-kind)
On March 29, 2016, the Town of Cutler Bay submitted a grant proposal to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to support the implementation of the “Town of Cutler Bay Tree Growth Project”. This proposal was submitted with the approval of the Mayor and Town Council pursuant to Resolution16-19. On June 23, 2016, the Town received notification that the grant was approved in the amount of $13,500(Attachment “A”). The Town is required to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in order to receive the funding.
The purpose of the U&CF Grant Program is to cooperate with local governments to promote the planting and protection of trees to improve the livability of urban environments within the State of Florida. The Town has worked diligently to follow the goals and objectives of its adopted Master Tree Plan and has succeeded in being designated a “Tree City” each year since 2009. The Town has also earned the Tree Growth Award each year since 2012. This has been accomplished by aggressively securing and planting trees throughout the Town owned swales and right-of-way.
Funding from the 2016 Urban and Community Forestry Grant will be used to plant additional trees in the Town Center District. The purpose of this project is to educate property owners about proper tree selection and planting in accordance with the Town’s Tree Ordinance and the principles of Florida Friendly Landscaping.
The Town is asked to match $1:$1 (minimum $13,500). This can be cash or in-kind (supplies, salaries, etc.).
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Mayor and Town Council grants the Town Manager permission to enter into this Memorandum of Agreement with Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for the purpose of drawing down $13,500 in grant funding to enhance services provided by the Public Works Department.