Resolved Updated

urban forestry

Managing street and park trees, funding their planting, care, and removal.

What to Watch
Watch for follow-up details on how trees are chosen for removal and whether replanting or longer-term maintenance is funded alongside removals.
Coming Up

Typically discussed at Advisory Recreation Board. Check back when the next agenda is published.

The Story

The clearest action on urban forestry was City Council’s 6-3 vote to shift more 2025 budget money into tree removals. The same night, council unanimously approved applying for a 2026 state urban forestry grant. After that, the topic mostly shows up as part of parks-and-project updates rather than a stand-alone tree plan.

Key Decisions
  1. passed Advisory Recreation Board · Feb 11, 2026

    BUSINESS

    Motion made in support of City Council adopting the ordinance allowing P&R to sell fermented malt beverages within city facilities and parks.

  2. passed Advisory Recreation Board · Feb 11, 2026

    BUSINESS

    Motion made in support of the Mariners Trail fence replacement project and securing grant funding without taxpayer contribution.

  3. passed 9-0 City Council · Sep 15, 2025

    25-184 Resolution Authorizing the Submission of an Application for a 2026 Wisconsin DNR Urban Forestry Grant

    Motion to waive reading and adopt the resolution

    Mark Bittner Yes
    Doug Brandt Yes
    Shannon Derby Yes
    Bill LeClair Yes
    Darla LeClair Yes
    Tim Petri Yes
    Bonnie Shimulunas Yes
    Scott Stechmesser Yes
    Adam Wachowski Yes
  4. passed 6-3 City Council · Sep 15, 2025

    25-185 Resolution Amending 2025 Budgets for Urban Forestry and Community Development to Provide Additional Funding for Tree Removals

    Motion to waive reading and adopt the resolution

    Mark Bittner Yes
    Doug Brandt Yes
    Shannon Derby Yes
    Bill LeClair Yes
    Darla LeClair Yes
    Tim Petri No
    Bonnie Shimulunas No
    Scott Stechmesser Yes
    Adam Wachowski No
Record

  1. City Council authorized staff to apply for a 2026 Wisconsin DNR urban forestry grant; resolution passed 9-0.

    City Council

  2. City Council amended 2025 budgets for urban forestry and community development to provide additional funding for tree removals; resolution passed 6-3.

    City Council

  3. In the director’s report, staff noted a $5,000 donation to improve the Senior Center Library area and a submitted $15,000 AARP grant request to upgrade Wi‑Fi/technology at the Community House aimed at seniors.

    Advisory Recreation Board

  4. In the director’s report, staff reported signed grant paperwork for Paddlers Park improvements described as a 50/50 split between city capital funds and a Wisconsin Coastal Management grant.

    Advisory Recreation Board

  5. In the director’s report, staff reported progress toward bidding and construction planning at Riverside Park, including upcoming youth engagement for the skatepark.

    Advisory Recreation Board

  6. In the director’s report, staff said Neshotah Beach improvements were headed to City Council for a borrowing vote on 2/26/26, with bids and a go/no-go decision expected after cost estimates and survey feedback are reviewed in early April.

    Advisory Recreation Board
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