AGENDA #4m
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to: |
Roger L. Stancil, Town Manager |
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from: |
J.B. Culpepper, Planning Director Gene Poveromo, Development Coordinator Curtis Brooks, Urban Forester |
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subject: |
Update on Tree Ordinance Consultant |
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date: |
November 7, 2007 |
The purpose of this report is to provide updated information on the selection of a consultant with expertise in specialized tree ordinances to develop substantive changes to the Tree Protection Ordinance.
Adoption of the attached Resolution would authorize the use of up to $25,000 in available funds for revisions to the Tree Protection Ordinance and authorize the Town Manager to sign a contract for consultant services related to the Ordinance revisions
In response to a Planning Board petition submitted to the Council on January 8, 2007, the Council endorsed a two-phased approach to develop new tree protection regulations. A public hearing was held in May 2007 on interim changes that went into effect on June 11. At the same time, staff members began the second component of modifications to the Tree Ordinance by soliciting proposals from qualified consultants for crafting the more extensive revisions.
Staff from the Planning Department and Public Works Department reviewed the proposals submitted and conducted interviews with two prospective consultants. Staff has recommended to the Town Manager that the Davey Resource Group, a Division of the Davey Tree Expert Company, based in Kentucky and Ohio be hired to prepare changes to the Tree Ordinance. We recommend that the contract amount not exceed $25,000 to be allocated from the $112,000 in funds established to hire consultants for a number of projects, leaving $87,000 for the remaining consulting services.
We recommend adoption of the attached Resolution to authorize the use of up to $25,000 in available funds for revisions to the Tree Protection Ordinance and authorize the Town Manager to sign a contract for consultant services related to the Ordinance revisions.