HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2021-194 N.C.S. 12/06/2021
Resolution No. 2021-193 N.C.S.
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Resolution No. 2021-194 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 APPLY FOR AND URBAN FORESTRY GRANT AND PARTNER WITH
THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO CARRY OUT AN URBAN FORESTRY PROJECT
WHEREAS, CAL FIRE Urban and Community Forestry Program has established a competitive
Grant Program (2021/2022 Urban and Community Forestry Grants) with grant funding from the
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) which received support from the
State for California Climate Investments Program to support projects that combat climate change;
and
WHEREAS, CAL FIRE released Guidelines and Application Materials for the 2021/2022 fiscal
year funding in June 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, the City of Petaluma will apply for a 2021/2022 California Department of Forestry
and Fire Protection Urban and Community Forestry Program; and
WHEREAS, a consultant will be brought on board to complete an inventory of our urban canopy
within city properties; and
WHEREAS, ReLeaf Petaluma and Petaluma Parks Department staff will plant 75 trees in City
parks by working with volunteers; 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
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Resolution No. 2021-193 N.C.S.
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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 the grant application for the
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection 2021/2022 Urban and Community Forestry
Program.
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.
2. Find that an inventory of our urban canopy is critical in creating an urban forestry plan.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Approves the application and partnership with both the State of California and ReLeaf
Petaluma.
6. Authorizes the City Manager to sign and execute any necessary documents to apply for an
Urban Forestry Grant.
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Resolution No. 2021-193 N.C.S.
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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 6th day of December
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
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