Resolution 2023-32458RESOLUTION NO.. 2023-32458
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH,
FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE USE OF FUNDS FROM
THE MIAMI BEACH TREE PRESERVATION TRUST FUND
TO PURCHASE AND PLANT FOUR (4) JAPANESE
BLUEBERRY TREES (ELAEOCARPUS DEC/P/ENS) FOR
A NORTH BEACH REFORESTATION PILOT PROGRAM.
WHEREAS, Miami Beach's trees are a defining and valued feature of the City of
Miami Beach (the "City"), recognized for the important contribution they provide in
mitigating the effects of climate change, beautifying the City's landscaping, and
providing shelter to local fauna; and
WHEREAS, trees provide countless benefits which promote environmental
health, improve quality of life, and beautify spaces; and
WHEREAS, a lack of tree canopy can increase the heat island effect, a
phenomenon where there are pockets of higher temperatures and mostly occurs in
cities, where the built environment absorbs sunlight and radiates heat back into the
environment; and
WHEREAS, the City has a goal to increase the City's canopy cover to 22% by
the year 2040; and
WHEREAS, according to the City's Urban Forestry Masterplan, adopted in 2020,
certain areas in North Beach are suffering the greatest urban heat island impacts, and
focusing City efforts and outreach on tree planting and maintenance in North Beach and
other areas most impacted by the effects of the urban heat island can help reduce the
negative impacts caused by these elevated temperatures; and
WHEREAS, however, there is very limited space available in North Beach for
trees to be planted; and
WHEREAS, new approaches must be tested to find a solution to the high need
for new trees within an area with limited space for tree plantings; and
WHEREAS, per Section 46-65(4)(d) of the City Code, the Miami Beach Tree
Preservation Trust Fund may be used to obtain trees, landscaping, irrigation systems,
and any other items or materials necessary and proper for the preservation,
maintenance, relocation or restoration of trees and the urban forest on any publicly
owned land or publicly accessible parcels in Miami Beach or for similar programs
approved by the City Commission; and
WHEREAS, a pilot project has been developed where four small sections of the
sidewalk on 78th street would be cleared to plant four (4) Japanese Blueberry Trees
(Elaeocarpus decipiens); and
WHEREAS, the pilot project will be monitored and data will be collected from the
four trees to apply to future North Beach reforestation projects.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF -MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, that the Mayor and City
Commission hereby authorize the use of funds from the Miami Beach Tree Preservation
Trust Fund to purchase and plant four (4) Japanese Blueberry trees (Elaeocarpus
decipiens) for a North Beach reforestation pilot program.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 1 day of February 2023.
ATTEST:
FEB 0 8 2023
Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk
Dan Gelber, Mayor
APPROVED AS TO
FORM & LANGUAGE
& FOR EXECUTION
City Attorney
Date
Resolutions - C7 H
MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Alina T. Hudak, City Manager
DATE: February 1, 2023
SUBJECT.A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE USE OF FUNDS
FROM THE MIAMI BEACH TREE PRESERVATION TRUST FUND TO
PURCHASE AND PLANT FOUR (4) JAPANESE BLUEBERRY TREES
(ELAEOCARPUS DECIPIENS) FOR A NORTH BEACH REFORESTATION
PILOT PROGRAM.
RECOMMENDATION
The Administration recommends the adoption of the Resolution.
BACKGROUNDIHISTORY
On November 1, 2022, Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez, Environment and
Sustainability, and Public Works Departments met to discuss the possibility of a North Beach
tree installation pilot project. The intent of the project is to assess the viability of installing trees
within the sidewalks of North Beach neighborhoods with limited options for green spaces.
The North Beach neighborhood has some of the lowest percentages of canopy cover within the
City of Miami Beach. Tree canopy provides countless benefits which promote environmental
health, improve quality of life, and beautify spaces. Lack of shade can lead to many issues,
namely the urban heat island effect, which can greatly increase ambient temperatures, especially
at night. A lack of urban canopy can also cause stormwater and flooding issues, lower property
values, lower quality of life, lower leaming capacity, and increase air pollution.
North Beach is a dense, urban community with minimal readily available planting locations due to
the minimal green space. There are few suitable planting locations in North Beach not
encumbered with trees; not including availability on private property. To remedy the lack of
available greenspace, the pilot project would plant trees along sidewalks utilizing tree friendly
technologies to take advantage of the space available. Benefits of the pilot project include
providing shade to pedestrians and eventually, the street and private property.
To carry out this program, a phased approach will be used with the purchase four trees with the
best chance of survival, with concrete work and installation along 78t' Street. If the initial four
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trees are successful, 78tt' Street can accommodate an additional 20 trees with continued
monitoring to evaluate success. Should the entire pilot project be deemed effective, the data
gathered can be utilized in planning future North Beach reforestation projects, including the
General Obligation Bond tree reforestation program, to support a higher likelihood of successful
tree plantings.
SUPPORTING SURVEY DATA
The 2022 Community Survey results indicate that 71 % of residents would like to see more trees
in their neighborhood. This project will also provide valuable data for future North Beach
reforestation projects.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
N/A
Amounts)/Account(s):
127-6505-000312-00-406-555-00-00-00
The North Beach Tree Installation Pilot Project is an important next step in increasing the urban
canopy for the neighborhood, and as such increasing the quality of life for all who reside in the
area.
Applicable Area
Citywide
Is this a "Residents Right
to Know" item. pursuant to
Cily Code Section 2-14?
Yes
Legislative Tracking
Environment and Sustainability
Does this item utilize G.O.
Bond Funds?
No
Sponsor
Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
o Resolution
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