Item Coversheet

Resolution

NO. 188

A Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an Agreement between the City of Battle Creek and the Leila Arboretum Society for the provision of educational programming, park stewardship and urban forestry consultation to the City and its citizens.

BATTLE CREEK, MICHIGAN - 8/4/2015

Resolved by the Commission of the City of Battle Creek:

 

The Leila Arboretum Society has established goals for promoting and developing a more beautiful Battle Creek through preservation of the local urban forest including trees and plants at Leila Arboretum and through education/enrichment of residents leading to a better understanding of the importance of trees and plants in enhancing the health of our local community.

 

The City Commission desires to partner with the Leila Arboretum Society in the implementation of programs and activities for its citizens that represent a shared vision and shared goal for a healthy urban forest and sustainable environment.

 
In furtherance of this partnership, the City Manager is authorized to execute an agreement with the Leila Arboretum Society whereby the City pays to the Leila Arboretum Society the amount of $75,000 for fiscal year 2015-2016 for the provision of educational programming, park stewardship and urban forestry consultation to the City and its citizens.









I, Victoria Houser, City Clerk of the City of Battle Creek, hereby certify the above and foregoing is a true and correct copy of a Resolution adopted by the Battle Creek City Commission at a Regular meeting held on August 4, 2015.


Victoria Houser


Battle Creek City Commission
8/4/2015
Action Summary

Staff Member: Kevin Smith 
Department:Parks & Rec 
SUMMARY 
A Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an Agreement between the City of Battle Creek and the Leila Arboretum Society for the provision of educational programming, park stewardship and urban forestry consultation to the City and its citizens.
BUDGETARY CONSIDERATIONS
The Leila Arboretum Society (LAS) will receive $75,000 for services provided as per the agreement. Funds were approved for this purpose as part of the 2015-16 fiscal year budget.  Account number 101.16.7010.6100.957.010 has been established for the expenditure.

HISTORY, BACKGROUND and  DISCUSSION

LAS has a 30 year lease agreement with the City for the use/management of Leila Arboretum, a 75 acre parcel of parkland owned by the City of Battle Creek. The Society’s mission is "to preserve and enhance Leila Arboretum for all to appreciate horticulture and the arts in a natural environment."  Maintaining and improving the urban forest of Battle Creek and educating and empowering citizens has been and continues to be a major focus for LAS.  LAS sustains stewardship of all the plantings at the Leila Arboretum, provides life-long learning programs for citizens and educational programming for students about plants and their importance, and provides expertise to city staff on tree selection and maintenance during projects. LAS also assists the City with inventorying park trees and plants and in maintaining the community’s status as a "Tree City USA". 

 
The responsibilities outlined in the agreement are performed by the LAS, rather than by city staff. The Agreement specifies that LAS provide an annual report detailing progress in achieving the Outcomes and Purposes of the Agreement.

 


DISCUSSION OF THE ISSUE

POSITIONS

ATTACHMENTS:
File NameDescription
Urban_Forestry_and_Beautification_Agreement.pdfUrban Forestry and Beautification Agreement
LAS_Annual_Report.pdfLAS Annual Report