HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2021-072 N.C.S. 5/17/2021 Resolution No. 2021-072 N.C.S. Page 1
Resolution No. 2021-072 N.C.S.
of the City of Petaluma, California
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PETALUMA AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO SIGN AND EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO PARTNER
WITH RELEAF PETALUMA AND ACT AS THE FISCAL SPONSOR OF A GRANT TO PLANT
TREES IN CITY PARKS
WHEREAS, California ReLeaf has established a competitive Matching Grant Program (2021 Treecovery
Grant Program) with grant funding from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)
which received money in the 2018-2019 State Budget from the California Climate Investments Program to
support projects that combat climate change; and
WHEREAS, California ReLeaf released Guidelines and Application Materials for the 2021 funding in March
2021; and
WHEREAS, the City of Petaluma has identified preserving our environmental legacy in our 2019-2021 goals;
and
WHEREAS, the Emergency Climate Framework goals identified enhancing our urban forest and promoting
climate literacy throughout our community; and
WHEREAS, ReLeaf Petaluma will apply for a 2021 Tree Recovery Grant from California Releaf; and
WHEREAS, ReLeaf Petaluma will plant 130 trees in city parks by working with volunteers and by hiring and
training underserved youth and homeless adults; and
WHEREAS, planting trees in City parks was previously analyzed for environmental compliance with the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in the General Plan 2025 Environmental Impact Report,
specifically, in Proposed General Plan Policy 4-P-6 which states, “Improve air quality through required planting
of trees along streets and within park and urban separators, and retaining tree and plant resources along the river
and creek corridors; and
WHEREAS, even if not previously analyzed under CEQA, this action is categorically exempt from CEQA
pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15304 as the planting of native trees is a minor alteration to land and
vegetation including the planting of new trees, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15307 and 15308 as the
planting of trees is an action to protect natural resources and the environment by reducing greenhouse gasses,
there are no cumulative impacts, unusual circumstances or other factors that would make the exemption
inapplicable pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15300.2; and
WHEREAS, based on the foregoing, staff recommends supporting ReLeaf Petaluma as fiscal sponsor of the
grant.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Petaluma hereby:
1. Declares the above recitals to be true and correct and are incorporated into this resolution as findings of the
City Council.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 08182695-FC5D-4996-AC08-BCA80B838D84
Resolution No. 2021-072 N.C.S. Page 2
2. Finds that the planting of native trees in City parks was previously analyzed for environmental compliance
with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in the General Plan 2025 Environmental Impact
Report. Specifically, Proposed General Plan Policy 4-P-6 which states, “Improve air quality through required
planting of trees along streets and within park and urban separators, and retaining tree and plant resources
along the river and creek corridors.
3. Finds that the planting of native trees within City parks is categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA
Guidelines Section 15304 as the planting of native trees is a minor alteration to land and vegetation including
the planting of new trees. This project is also categorially exempt from environmental review pursuant to
CEQA Guidelines Sections 15307 and 15308 as the planting of trees is an action to protect natural resources
and the environment by reducing greenhouse gasses, and there are no cumulative impacts, unusual
circumstances or other factors that would make the exemption inapplicable pursuant to CEQA Guidelines
section 15300.2.
4. Approves the collaboration and establishes the city as fiscal sponsor of the 2021 Tree Recovery Grant for
ReLeaf Petaluma.
5. Authorizes the City Manager to sign and execute any necessary documents to establish the City as fiscal
sponsor and give permission for ReLeaf Petaluma to complete the planting of trees and three years of
maintenance on City properties.
Under the power and authority conferred upon this Council by the Charter of said City.
REFERENCE: I hereby certify the foregoing Resolution was introduced and adopted by the
Council of the City of Petaluma at a Regular meeting on the 17th day of May
2021, by the following vote:
Approved as to
form:
__________________________
City Attorney
AYES: Mayor Barrett; Vice Mayor Barnacle; Fischer; Healy; King; McDonnell; Pocekay
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST: ______________________________________________
City Clerk
______________________________________________
Mayor
DocuSign Envelope ID: 08182695-FC5D-4996-AC08-BCA80B838D84